Papua New Guinea Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,532 reviews)- Choose from 24 Papua New Guinea tours
- 19 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
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Table of contents
- The best Papua New Guinea tour packages
- What people love about Papua New Guinea Tours
- Travel Papua New Guinea your way
- Top operators in Papua New Guinea
- Discover Papua New Guinea tours for every budget
- Papua New Guinea tours for every group
- Top Papua New Guinea travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Papua New Guinea
The best Papua New Guinea tour packages
Compiled by
NinaPapua New Guinea travel expert at TourRadar
The vibrant Firedance Festival in Vunakaur village showcases traditional fire dancing ceremonies and masked performances. Rabaul's Japanese military sites, Duke of York Islands' pristine waters, and local homestays await. Village life in Vunagum offers traditional cooking lessons and visits to the historic Bitapaka War Cemetery.
Duration 9 days Destinations Rabaul, Duke of York Island, Kokopo Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Intrepid Travel From $4,490
15% Off- US$3,816You save $674
Australian Led Kokoda
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accomodation was a great mixture of quirky local and fabulous jaw dropping luxury. The food was amazing and varied.”
AlexandraMeyers, traveled in August 2018
The iconic trek from Port Moresby to Kokoda Village takes you across the Kumusi River, through war memorials, and pristine rainforests. Eight nights of camping and village stays include freshly prepared meals by master chefs, while expert Australian guides ensure safety across challenging terrain.
Duration 11 days Destinations Port Moresby, Popondetta, Kokoda, Efogi Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator No Roads Expeditions From
15% Off- US$2,861
The 1200km Sepik River stretch from Pagwi to Kamindimbit reveals authentic crocodile men initiation rituals and sacred Spirit Houses (Haus Tambaran). Guests stay at In Wewak Boutique Hotel and visit Prince Alexander Ranges, with stops at traditional villages like Palmibei and Kanganaman.
Duration 7 days Destinations Port Moresby, Wewak, Pagwi Age Range up to 80 year olds Operated in English Operator Indigo Safaris From
15% Off- US$3,018+$1,932 upfront costs
Goroka Festival and Asaro Mudmen Day trip 5-night Tour - Bird of Paradise Hotel
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Wonderful experience.”
Gerrit, traveled in September 2023
PNG's largest cultural gathering at the Goroka Festival brings together 140 groups performing for 30,000+ attendees. VIP access at the central showgrounds complements stays at the Bird of Paradise Hotel, while an exclusive Asaro Mudmen day unfolds in the Asaro Valley.
Duration 6 days Destinations Port Moresby, Asaro, Goroka Age Range 6 to 99 year olds Operated in English, French, Spanish Operator Indigo Safaris From
15% Off- US$2,317
Rabaul Mask Festival
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“I had a very good time in the mask festival and in Papua New Guinea with the fantastic people I met over there.”
Rodrigo, traveled in July 2023
The Mask Festival in Kokopo celebrates Tolai traditions with dawn's Kinavai ceremony. Mt. Tavurvur's steam vents, Matupit Island survivors' settlement, and the spectacular Bainings Fire Dance at Kainagunan Village create unforgettable memories. Four nights at oceanfront Rapopo Plantation Resort costs approx. $920 per day.
Duration 5 days Destinations Rabaul, Kokopo, Matupit Island, Port Moresby Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Crooked Compass From
15% Off- US$4,512
What people love about Papua New Guinea Tours
- Australian Led Kokoda
Norm, our guide, was amazing. His knowledge of Military history was superb & has a great personality for leading a trek group. The porters did a fabulous job & were always there when we needed them. We had a fantastic group of Trekkers so all in all it was an amazing and life changing experience!!! Thanks No Roads!!
- Australian Led Kokoda
What an awesome trek.. Our Guide was sensational and his knowledge beyond belief. History is raw..... Porters are angels from heaven. Fellow trekkers, a team I will never forget and always be bonded to..... and an experience that is life changing.
- Australian Led Kokoda
From Marian and Zvi Civins Marian and I cannot speak highly enough about our recent experience on the Kokoda Track, which we walked in May 2013, and about No Roads. From the information night in September to our departure from Port Moresby the following May, No Roads was always on top of every detail and aspect of the experience. Fiona was incredibly helpful with answering many of our pre-trip questions. The emails we received in the lead up to departure were informative and most helpful. There is nothing you need to know about the trip that isn't somewhere on their website and in particular the Kokoda pages. (However, take twice the number of pairs of socks recommended!) Our No Roads guide, George, was fantastic. We met him on two training walks before the trip itself. He immediately showed that he was a friendly, knowledgable and experienced leader. He shared information about the history of the track and its many battles. He was attentive to everybody's needs, had a good sense of humour but was also serious and professional when needed. We are very glad we had George as our guide, and if he is indicative of the quality of guides No Roads employs then any of their guides will be fantastic. The PNG team were wonderful. We had personal porters, and at our age (55+) they were needed indeed. Although quiet and unassuming, and they do appear to be quite shy, we both developed a nice bond with our porters, and by the last few days often had nice conversations with them. The lead guide and his 2ic were also wonderful. Quiet, strong, and we felt that in their hands and with their local knowledge of the terrain that we were always safe and secure, no matter how steep, muddy or rocky the track. George also ensured that we understood that our personal porters and the local men assigned to our group were to be treated with respect and in a friendly manner. As for the actual experience of walking the track: it was the most gruelling, difficult, physically challenging experience of our lives, yet it was also the greatest, most exhilarating, beautiful and awe inspiring experiences as well. I have run marathons and have been running all my life, and for the past year have been training in a very intensive gym (CrossFit), and without this fitness base from running, and the added gym work the trek would have been so difficult that I could not have enjoyed the effort. So if you are considering this, make sure you are prepared. A walk now and then, some jogging and exercises are not enough. If you have never worked out, start a year in advance and tell the gym or trainer that you will be climbing up and down for hours on end. However, having said that, nothing can really prepare you for the track. The mud, tree roots, rocks, steep inclines and declines cannot be described in words or photos. Read either KOKODA book, by Paul Ham or Peter Fitzsimmons for the history, marvel at the Diggers' courage, as well as the Japanese' strength, but even their excellent prose will not prepare you for the actual terrain. Nor will the training walks in Victoria. By all means do them, but be ready for something that is almost too unbelievable for words. What is also unbelievable is the sheer beauty of the track. Even in a downpour, it is just ...beautiful, even though so much blood was spilled there. Also beautiful were the villagers we met on the way, especially in Kagi. The concert in Kagi was a highlight, especially finishing with a vigorous version of the Hokey Pokey. Be warned! The food was vegetarian for the most part, tasty and filling. The tents were perfect as were the huts we needed when it was very rainy. You will be wet or damp most of the time, so be ready for that. Mozzies were not a problem, thanks to Woodsman insect repellent- forget Aeroguard! Pack your toilet paper in plastic bags, and don't expect a seat every time you need one... We could go on and on, but just go! You will not regret it if you respect the track and follow the advice from No Roads. If you think you know better, you will quickly discover you don't and you'll regret it. No Roads knows! Zvi and Marian
Travel Papua New Guinea your way
Choose from over 17 cultural tours and explore historical sites, local traditions and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Papua New Guinea.
See all In-depth Cultural tours
Top operators in Papua New Guinea
Based on what travelers tell us, No Roads comes out clearly ahead when you're looking at PNG tour operators, especially for Kokoda Track treks. They've built up a solid reputation with guides like Norm, George, Andrew Johnson, Justin and also Robyn who really know their stuff and make the experience work well. Crooked Compass has had some issues - one traveler specifically mentioned problems with outsourced services in PNG that didn't match what was promised. Meanwhile, No Roads maintains direct control of their operations and puts real effort into supporting the local communities along the track. What makes No Roads stand out is how they handle the logistics and planning. Their guides get consistently positive feedback for both their historical knowledge and practical skills on the track. The way they work with local communities also shows they're invested in doing things right, not just running tours through the area. The difference between the two operators seems pretty clear in how they manage their operations. No Roads keeps things in-house with their own tested team, while Crooked Compass's outsourcing has led to some disappointing experiences for their customers.
- 4.5 (11,925 Papua New Guinea reviews)
"Base Camp was an epic, challenging adventure - made all the better for our excellent guides: leader Hem, and assistant guides Mekh & Indra. Our safety and welfare was their #1 priority, and made sure we were looked after all the way! Spending time acclimatising, and enjoying the hospitality of the owners of the teahouses was a great experience. The scenery was just 'wow moment' every day, and we all made it to Base Camp with the exception of one (very important to train beforehand, as it is more likely you will make it the whole way) I would highly recommend Intrepid Travel for your Everest Base Camp trip!
- Tours
- 1 Papua New Guinea tours
- Age range
- 5 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- Festival & Events
- Response time
- 8h
- Response rate
- 88%
- Average price
- $748
- 5.0 (58 Papua New Guinea reviews)
"I cannot recommend No Roads Expeditions highly enough. I have recently completed the Kokoda trek in PNG - and the entire team at No Roads were beyond excellent in every aspect of the trip. The trip itself was so well planned and we were incredibly well taken care of. Initially we had some hiccups with lost baggage from the airlines and the team at No Roads helped us out immensely. Have to give a really big special shout out to Fiona from the No Roads team who worked tirelessly to get us all back into Australia before the border closures happened - it was an incredible feat on short notice to chopper us out and get us home just before the cut off time. We cannot express our gratitude to Fiona and her team enough for getting us all home safely amongst the most challenging circumstances. Outstanding team and outstanding care for all travellers - you cannot be better looked after than on a No Roads Expedition!!! As a side note we were very well fed, and Clement, Paul and the rest of our guides were fantastic!
- Tours
- 2 Papua New Guinea tours
- Age range
- 12 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- Active
- Response time
- 5h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $371
- 4.5 (2 Papua New Guinea reviews)
"The tour was OK. The organization well managed
- Tours
- 6 Papua New Guinea tours
- Age range
- 12 to 80 years old
- Adventure type
- Festival & Events
- Response time
- 12h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $463
Discover Papua New Guinea tours for every budget
Budget-conscious travelers will find good value in our Papua New Guinea cultural tours. Take the Sepik Explorer - you'll travel along the massive 1,200km Sepik River and spend nights in villages where old traditions still carry on, largely untouched by Christianity. Another solid option gets you to the Goroka Festival with VIP spots to see more than 150 tribal groups perform their traditional dances. These tours keep costs down with simple but nice places to stay like the In Wewak Boutique Hotel and local guesthouses, and most meals are covered so you can plan your spending better.
Our luxury PNG tours blend comfort with real cultural immersion. At the Rabaul Mask Festival, you'll stay at the Rapopo Plantation Resort - perfect for a cooling swim after watching the early morning Kinavai ceremony. You get special access to watch the Tumbuan masks arrive by canoe and also prime viewing spots in the VIP areas. Another top-end choice puts you at the Highlander Hotel during the Mount Hagen Show, where you'll have proper meals between festival visits and private transport to see village performances off the beaten path.
- Papua New Guinea luxury tours
Papua New Guinea tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
22 tours in Papua New GuineaExplore Papua New Guinea on a pre-planned itinerary and meet like-minded travelers
Small Group
11 tours in Papua New GuineaVisit Papua New Guinea with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities.
Top Papua New Guinea travel itineraries to fit your plans
Our week-long tribal tours along the Sepik River have really caught on with travelers. You'll spend five days on motorized canoes, heading deep into villages that have only recently opened up to outside visitors. The nights bring excellent crocodile spotting while days are filled with visits to sacred spirit houses where you can learn about the fascinating "Crocodilmen" customs. There's also a great route through Bougainville combining snorkeling over untouched reefs, walks to WWII crash sites and the lively Siwai Cultural Show - our guests always mention how the local dancing and chanting creates an incredible atmosphere. On the Papua New Guinea Sepik Explorer, you'll stay right in the communities, watching skilled carvers work and learning about age-old traditions that have stayed strong despite modern influences.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Port Moresby, Asaro, Goroka
Demographics
Our highland cultural tours really click with solo travelers - you'll join festival experiences and stay in villages along the way. The Sepik Explorer lets you take it easy as you travel along PNG's mighty river, meeting the Crocodile Men and visiting spirit houses in villages that keep their old ways alive. We've got another option that puts you right there at the Goroka Festival with VIP access where you can grab excellent photos of more than 150 tribal groups in their traditional dress. Our travelers often tell us they love how the local guides help them navigate cultural differences while giving them space to explore independently within their small group.
The Mount Hagen Show makes for a special experience that couples really connect with. You'll start in the city before heading to Paiya village where you can watch performers get ready and learn about traditional marriage customs at an intimate mini-show. You'll share moments like enjoying a mumu feast that's been slowly cooking in underground ovens. Our couples appreciate how we mix deep cultural experiences with proper comfort - you get nice stays at places like the Highlander between festival days and time to relax together after watching all the performances.
The Firedance Festival expedition fits perfectly for young travelers looking for real cultural immersion. You'll sleep in local villages, learn to make traditional dishes like agir coconut stew and take boat trips out to the Duke of York Islands for some excellent snorkeling in clear waters. You'll get properly involved - joining welcome ceremonies and watching fire dancers perform until late. It involves walking on rough paths and basic village accommodation, so it works best if you're happy trading some comfort for genuine cultural connections.
Our Highlands Tribes tours give seniors a chance to experience PNG's rich culture at their own pace. You get VIP festival access with proper shaded seating and comfortable stays between cultural visits. Days include relaxed activities like visiting coffee plantations and early morning bird of paradise spotting. Our customers particularly value having guides who can adjust the pace and arrange private sing-sings without long walks. You'll stay in proper hotels in Port Moresby, Mount Hagen and can opt for early check-ins if you need extra rest after flights.
- Solo Travelers21 tours
- Couples13 tours
- Seniors (50+)13 tours
- Family7 tours
Best time to visit Papua New Guinea
- Summer 2025
Summer in Papua New Guinea brings cultural experiences you won't find anywhere else. At the Rabaul Mask Festival tours, you'll wake up early to catch the Kinavai ceremony, where dancers in traditional masks emerge from canoes through the morning mist. The active Mt Tavurvur volcano is right there to climb, plus there are war tunnels to explore. In the evenings, you'll see something truly special - the Baining Fire Dance, where local performers actually step into the flames without harm. If you're interested in river culture, the Sepik Explorer takes you to villages that keep their spirit houses alive and practice traditional "crocodile men" initiation ceremonies. Our guides really excel here - they'll show you local carving techniques and explain the meanings behind customs that these communities still maintain.