Luxury expedition company Explora is expanding deeper into the fast-growing adventure travel sector with a new collection of small-group expeditions for 2027, including the company’s first-ever winter program in Iceland.
The new season introduces four major expedition experiences across Iceland, Peru and Patagonia, reinforcing growing demand for remote, experience-driven travel that prioritizes smaller groups and harder-to-reach destinations.
Each departure operates with groups limited to eight travelers, reflecting increasing interest in more personalized expedition experiences.
New Winter Iceland Program Targets Off-Season Adventure Travel
The largest addition for 2027 is Explora’s new seven-day winter Iceland expedition, becoming the company’s first cold-season itinerary in the country.
The route covers four regions and includes glacier hiking on Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, snowmobiling beneath Eyjafjallajökull volcano, geothermal experiences and opportunities to see the Northern Lights.
Unlike traditional Iceland itineraries concentrated around heavily visited attractions, the winter program focuses on lower-traffic locations and smaller-scale experiences.
Initial departures are scheduled for December 5-11, 2026, February 22-28, 2027 and March 3-9, 2027.
Patagonia And Peru Expeditions Continue Growing
Beyond Iceland, Explora is expanding expedition departures across South America.
The nine-day Sacred Mountains expedition in Peru takes travelers along lesser-used routes toward Machu Picchu with altitudes reaching 4,671 meters while incorporating private camps and lodge stays.
Meanwhile, the Tierra del Fuego expedition explores some of Patagonia’s least accessible landscapes, including private conservation areas, fjords and remote wildlife habitats.
The Patagonia itinerary includes visits to king penguin colonies, guided exploration of protected areas and charter flights connecting remote regions.
Adventure Travel Continues Shifting Toward Smaller Groups
The new programs highlight broader changes occurring across luxury travel where travelers increasingly prioritize access, exclusivity and immersion over traditional sightseeing.
Explora’s approach focuses heavily on point-to-point journeys, remote accommodations and smaller-scale logistics rather than larger group tourism.
The company’s established Iceland summer program also returns in 2027 with seven departures between June and September covering highland regions and volcanic landscapes largely inaccessible during winter months.
As adventure tourism continues growing faster than many traditional travel segments, operators increasingly view remote, small-group experiences as one of the strongest areas for long-term expansion.