Planeterra is a global non-profit dedicated to sustainable community development through travel. Founded in 2003 by Gap Adventures, Planeterra evolved out of a long history of travelers committed to finding ways to give back to the people and places they visit. Planeterra selects the projects and works with them to arrange “voluntour” travel programs worldwide. Planeterra includes a network of international field offices and guides, local non-profits and charitable organizations and boasts a unique insiders understanding of the challenges facing the world. Their goal is to empower local people and communities to strengthen their well being while promoting long-term, environmentally responsible growth Planeterra offers year-round “voluntour” programs.  Three spotlighted projects include the following:

Project China: From Shanghai to the imposing capital of Beijing and its Great Wall, this is an unforgettable and ultimately rewarding journey that takes you through the heartland of China. Travelling via the fighting monks of Shaolin and the ancient silk route capital of Xi'an with its famous Terracotta Warriors, you arrive in Sichuan province, home to the last remaining pandas. Sichuan offers an amazing opportunity to volunteer at the largest Panda Reserve in the world, with a chance to observe these shy solitary creatures up close and know that your volunteer work is helping preserve these animals for future generations to appreciate.

 
Project South Africa & Overlands Adventure.  This adventure marries the wildlife and beauty of South Africa while you give back to its people. Volunteer with community projects near Cape Town at the Red Hill Pre-School that was re-opened in 2008 through a partnership with the Happy Africa Foundation. Travel back to Cape Town and spend time exploring the city and all that it offers, then head to Namibia and journey to the Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world.  Visit the Namib Desert then it’s off to Swakopmund where you spend two nights in the area and enjoy a dolphin cruise. After visiting Damaraland, your next stop is Etosha National Park with its excellent opportunities to spot lion, giraffe, elephant, rhino, and herds of antelope, then cross into Botswana and travel to Ghanzi in the Kalahari Desert region. The next stop is the Okavango Delta Excursion within the world's largest inland delta where you will enjoy game walks and traditional mokoro (dug-out canoe) excursions. Continue on to the village of Gweta, located near the salt pans of Makgadikgadi and camp on the banks of the Chobe River where you will search for wildlife in Chobe National Park by boat or on a game drive. Last but not least you cross the mighty Zambezi River by ferry into Zambia where you explore the breathtaking Victoria Falls. Go white-water rafting or canoeing on Zambezi, take an elephant-back safari, bungee jump over the Zambezi River, or fly over the falls for some fantastic views in a "micro-light", a motorized glider.

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Project Peru is a specially designed, hands-on tour that focuses on giving back to the communities. Experience what life is really like in the Peruvian Andes while volunteering in a rural community home to Inca Trail porters and a women's weaving project. Participate in their daily life, help your host family build a Peruvian cooking stove and see the difference that only a few days can make. Return to Cuzco with time to explore the city or shop for souvenirs in the colorful markets followed by a walk through the Sacred Valley where you visit the majestic Pisac archaeological site. You then begin a once in a lifetime journey along the ancient trail of the Incas where local porters and guides ensure that the trip is worry-free and where fascinating ruins and spectacular mountain scenery fill every day of the hike. On the final day, climb the steps to Intipunku, the 'Sun Gate' where you will watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu.   Happy Traveling!