Orchids in the Wild™ Ecotours
The Orchid Conservation Alliance’s Orchids in the Wild™ Ecotours offer small-group, expert-led travel to some of the world’s richest orchid habitats. For more than 15 years, OCA has taken orchid enthusiasts to destinations across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific to experience orchids growing in their natural environments. Our tours are designed for both experienced orchid lovers and interested beginners, and often include exceptional scenery, wildlife, native plants, culture, gardens, nurseries, and conservation reserves. Most importantly, traveling with OCA directly supports orchid conservation: profits from our ecotours help fund habitat protection and the work of our conservation partners around the world.
Remaining 2026 Orchids in the Wild™ Tours
Orchids of Nepal – A Fall Tour of the Orchid Trail: November 9-17, 2026
Nepal · Himalayan orchids · Orchids, culture, and mountain scenery
Explore Nepal’s remarkable orchid diversity across a range of habitats, from forests rich in epiphytic species to sites supporting terrestrial and lithophytic orchids. Designed for orchid enthusiasts and nature lovers, the tour also includes traditional villages, sacred sites, protected areas, and sweeping Himalayan scenery. The trip immediately precedes the V International Orchid Symposium in Kathmandu, making it an especially attractive option for participants attending the symposium.
Chitwan National Park: November 22-25, 2026
Nepal · Wildlife extension · Orchids, rhinos, birds, and subtropical forest
Experience the wildlife and subtropical forests of Chitwan National Park, one of Nepal’s premier natural areas. The park is renowned for greater one-horned rhinoceroses, crocodiles, elephants, abundant birdlife, and the possibility of other iconic wildlife. Its large forest trees also support epiphytic orchids, adding a botanical dimension to this wildlife-focused extension. This short trip is designed as a post-symposium option following the V International Orchid Symposium in Kathmandu.
2027 Orchids in the Wild™ Tours
Ecuador – Orchids and the Galápagos: March 6-20, 2027
Ecuador · Andean orchids and Galápagos wildlife · Conservation-focused journey
Discover two very different sides of Ecuador’s exceptional biodiversity on a journey combining orchid-rich Andean habitats with the extraordinary wildlife of the Galápagos Islands. In the highlands, we will visit areas connected with OCA’s long-standing conservation partnership with Fundación EcoMinga and explore habitats supporting a remarkable diversity of orchids and other plants. The Galápagos portion adds one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife experiences to this distinctive conservation-focused tour.
Orchids of Sikkim: April 1-16, 2027
India · Himalayan orchids · Forests, rhododendrons, culture, and wildlife
Journey through Sikkim, where spectacular Himalayan scenery, lush forests, colorful rhododendrons, and an extraordinary diversity of wild orchids create one of Asia’s great botanical destinations. Experienced orchid specialists will guide us through a variety of habitats while introducing the region’s plants, landscapes, and culture. Optional extensions offer the chance to visit Agra and the Taj Mahal before the tour and Ranthambore National Park afterward to search for Bengal tigers and other Indian wildlife.
Orchids of Sardinia: April 20-27, 2027
Italy · Mediterranean terrestrial orchids · Wildflowers, landscapes, and culture
Visit Sardinia in spring, when its meadows, hillsides, woodlands, and coastal habitats are alive with Mediterranean wildflowers and terrestrial orchids. This beautiful island combines orchid-rich habitats with turquoise seas, rugged cliffs, granite mountains, ancient forests, and a distinctive local culture. Our late-April timing is chosen to coincide with peak spring flowering, offering excellent opportunities to see and photograph orchids while enjoying one of the Mediterranean’s most striking landscapes.
Orchids of the Rio Negro: May 21-June 1
Brazilian Amazon · Epiphytic orchids · Small-group riverboat expedition
Travel deep into the flooded forests of the Brazilian Amazon aboard the Otter, a specially designed riverboat that provides access to orchid habitats that are difficult or impossible to reach by road. One of OCA’s most popular adventures, the Rio Negro tour combines daily exploration of extraordinary Amazonian landscapes with opportunities to see orchids, bromeliads, birds, and other rainforest wildlife. Two departures are planned for 2027, each offering an immersive experience in this remarkable ecosystem.
Orchids of the Rio Negro: June 4-15, 2027
Brazilian Amazon · Epiphytic orchids · Small-group riverboat expedition
Travel deep into the flooded forests of the Brazilian Amazon aboard the Otter, a specially designed riverboat that provides access to orchid habitats that are difficult or impossible to reach by road. One of OCA’s most popular adventures, the Rio Negro tour combines daily exploration of extraordinary Amazonian landscapes with opportunities to see orchids, bromeliads, birds, and other rainforest wildlife. Two departures are planned for 2027, each offering an immersive experience in this remarkable ecosystem.
New Zealand’s South Island: Native Orchid & Botanical Nature Tour
Discover the native orchids and spectacular landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island on our 16-day small-group tour, November 20–December 5, 2027. Travel from Christchurch through lush forests, along the rugged West Coast, and into alpine country, with visits to Milford Sound and opportunities to enjoy the island’s distinctive wildlife.
Bespoke Orchid Tours
This is a new concept for the OCA, targeted to our members and their friends who would like a small, private, personalized tour. The ideal size of these small tours would typically be less than 6 participants. Upon inquiry we will follow up with further questions to determine feasibility and pricing. The purpose of the bespoke trips is to create a highly personalized adventure. Note that these bespoke tours will be more expensive than our group tours, but offer the flexibility of selecting the dates, sites visited, participants, class of accommodation and transportation (depending on what is available) and personalized oversight of the itinerary. The spectrum of places to visit and orchids to see is essentially unlimited, so let us know what you are interested in! Email: mary@orchidconservationalliance.org
Past trips:
- Brazil-Bahia
- Brazil-Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo
- Brazil-Rio Negro
- China-Guang Xi and Fujian
- China-Northern Yunnan
- China-Sichuan
- China-Southern Yunnan
- Colombia
- Ecuador-World Orchid Conference tour
- Greece
- Madagascar
- Mexico-Chiapas
- Papua New Guinea
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Sicily
- Orchids of the Cape Floral Kingdom
- Ohio
- Rhodes
