New Paths Expeditions announces Papua New Guinea Expedition 2027 | News
As interest continues to grow in smaller, experience-driven expeditions focused on authenticity, cultural depth and meaningful access beyond conventional tourism, New Paths Expeditions has announced the 2027 Papua New Guinea Expedition, a special founder-led departure celebrating 30 years of continuous exploration and operations in one of expedition travel’s most remote and culturally complex destinations.
The announcement follows the early sell-out of the company’s departure from Papua New Guinea in 2026 and comes at a time when sophisticated travelers are increasingly seeking destinations that remain culturally intact, logistically challenging and relatively untouched by mass tourism.
The 14-day expedition is personally led by Jorge Salas-Guevara, founder of New Paths Expeditions, as part of the company’s Founder’s Collection, and is limited to a maximum of 16 participants. Operating in Papua New Guinea for thirty years, Salas-Guevara has developed long-standing relationships throughout the country and has been recognized as an honorary member of two clans, reflecting years of field experience and cultural exchange in remote areas rarely visited by conventional tourism.
Papua New Guinea remains one of the most culturally diverse countries on earth, with more than 800 languages and traditions that remained isolated from the outside world in some Highlands until the 1930s. The country is also considered one of the planet’s most important biodiversity strongholds and is home to 38 of the world’s 43 species of birds of paradise.
The expedition includes an exploration of the remote headwaters of the Sepik River aboard the Sepik Spirit, the only expedition vessel capable of navigating some of the region’s upper waterways. Guests visit communities known for their ceremonial traditions and spirit houses that remain central to cultural and ancestral life in the Sepik Basin.
Additional highlights include time in the Tari Highlands with the Huli Wigmen, birding excursions in search of rare bird-of-paradise species near the Tari Gap and Kumul Lodge, and attending the Mount Hagen Sing Sing, widely regarded as the world’s largest tribal gathering. Guests will also participate in a smaller pre-show gathering, designed to allow for closer interaction and observation away from larger crowds.
“Papua New Guinea remains one of the most rewarding and operationally complex destinations in expedition travel,” said Salas-Guevara. “What continues to distinguish the country is not only its biodiversity and cultural diversity, but also the fact that many traditions, relationships with the land and ceremonial practices remain part of daily life.”
Past participants often describe Papua New Guinea as the defining experience of their travels.
“After traveling to more than 100 countries, Papua New Guinea with New Paths Expeditions remains the most special trip we have ever experienced,” said a returning traveler.
The expedition combines charter flights through remote areas, river navigation, wildlife observation, bird watching, cultural encounters and small-group exploration, designed for travelers seeking immersive and intellectually engaging experiences that go beyond traditional tourism.
New Paths Expeditions is a US-based global travel company specializing in highly curated small-group and private tours across more than 70 countries and all seven continents, with a particular reputation for operating in remote, culturally rich and biologically important regions of the world. The company is known for combining deep expertise, authentic access, conservation awareness and immersive travel experiences.
For more information about the Papua New Guinea 2027 expedition, visit:
https://npexpeditions.com/expeditions/papua-new-guinea-expedition/
A 15-minute expedition briefing is available here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12IBwJQvyDY
