No list of adventurous countries would be complete without mentioning New Zealand. After all, this is the country that invented bungee jumping and perfected the use of jet boats for high-speed river excursions. But you don't have to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy the land of kiwis. The country is home to some of the best long-distance hiking trails in the world, offers great kayaking and mountain biking, and has some of the most stunning scenery anywhere on Earth.
Not to be left behind with its Kiwi counterparts, Australia also has a lot to offer the adventurous traveler. From diving and snorkeling on the Gold Coast to biking along the Great Ocean Road or landing inland, the options are numerous and varied. It doesn't hurt that Australia has a wide variety of landscapes to explore, not to mention a lot of open spaces. This is a destination that you can visit several times and still find a lot to attract you back.
We could spend hours extolling the virtues of Iceland as an adventure destination and probably just scratching the surface of what it has to offer. Here you can explore ice caves, go sea kayaking along an impressive coastline, cross a glacier and dive into a hot spring after a day of white water rafting. The country's epic views are some of the most spectacular on Earth, with incredible geothermal features, such as geysers and fumaroles, that add texture and color. And did we mention the opportunities to see the Northern Lights? Iceland is also one of the main destinations for observing the Northern Lights.
One of the things that makes Peru a great destination for adventure travel is the variety of landscapes that are available to explore. Visitors can hike in the Andes, of course, and visiting Machu Picchu is a must. But they can also explore the depths of the Amazon jungle, go surfing along the Pacific coast, or reflect on the meaning of the mysterious Nazca Lines. However, no matter where you go, you'll be enthralled by the country's rich and long history, with Inca ruins to explore and cultural monuments to admire.
Tanzania has two great adventures to offer anyone planning to visit the East African nation. First of all, it's a classic safari destination with a trip to the Serengeti, a must-see for any traveler. But those who want to try a little harder will want to add a hike to Kilimanjaro to their wish list, since the ancient volcano is the tallest independent mountain in the world, at 19,341 feet. After climbing and safari, travel to the island of Zanzibar, located just off the coast, where you can combine relaxation in the Indian Ocean with a deep dive into the fascinating history of that historic place.
Costa Rica, the adventure capital of Central America, is another destination with a lot to offer adrenaline junkies. From ziplining through the rainforest to descending volcanoes and whitewater rafting, this is a place that is sure to get your heart pumping. Add some great hiking in the Arenal Volcano National Park and mountain biking in the jungle, not to mention good diving and snorkeling on the coast, and you'll begin to understand why this is such a popular playground for outdoor enthusiasts. When it comes to stunning landscapes and lots of adventure activities, Norway tops the list of must-see places.
In summer, hiking, mountain biking and rowing are fantastic, while winter offers Nordic skiing, dog sledding and skiing. It doesn't hurt that the country is also one of the best places to enjoy the Northern Lights, nor that its people are some of the most accommodating and friendly people you can expect to meet. The more adventurous will want to head to the north of the island of Svalbard, where polar bears outnumber people, nature is vast and unexplored, and whale watching is spectacular. Whether you're heading to Sydney and Melbourne or to the beautiful state of Queensland in the north, adventure awaits you “in the groundwater”.
Go out of town to embrace nature discovering Australia's incredible biodiversity. Go scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef or go deep into the Australian interior, known locally as Mount. A country known for its nostalgic charm, Portugal is also home to magnificent natural beauty. Bordering the Atlantic Ocean, it has some of the best surfing spots in the world and hosts Rip Curl Pro Portugal, an annual international surfing competition on “Supertubes” beach.
Don't miss a trip to the Azores, an impressive Portuguese archipelago made up of nine volcanic islands, or to the island of Madeira, where unspoiled nature and slow lifestyle will enchant you. Peru, once home to the ancient Incas, is a rich and diverse country today. Explore the ruins of impressive temples and relics, such as Machu Picchu, the world-famous citadel that sits atop a 7,972 foot peak. Whether you're hiking through the jungle, crossing the Huacachina desert, or climbing to the top of some of the highest and most colorful mountain ranges in the world, Peru is a trip of a lifetime.
The opulent and enigmatic United Arab Emirates are located in the Middle East, next to the Arabian Gulf and hidden among the sand dunes of the Arabian desert. From Abu Dhabi, the vibrant capital, to the luxury and wonder of Dubai. Drive on one of the most advanced Formula 1 circuits in the world in Abu Dhabi, visit Ferrari World or take an adventurous camel ride through the mysterious desert in which these impressive cities were built. Surrounded by the Sahara, Morocco has a culture as rich and complex as the desert in which it is found.
Its history spans several millennia and is completed with influences from Muslims, Romans, Byzantines and Phoenicians, to name a few. Get lost in the bustling streets of Marrakech, the iconic Casablanca or the beauty of Essaouira, and be sure to explore the Atlas Mountains and the 330-foot tall Ouzoud Falls. Switzerland, a little piece of paradise, has some of the most beautiful lakes, rivers and mountains in Europe. There are incredible opportunities for canyoning, rafting, alpine hiking and fantastic skiing.
From Interlaken, you can travel to Jungfraujochm, the highest train station in Europe, with a height of 11,332 feet. Are you an adrenaline junkie looking for your next exciting adventure? Do you also prefer not to break the bank when doing such activities? If your answer is yes, then you must visit Colombia. A country with a terrible past, Colombia has become one of the main tourist destinations in South America. With diverse landscapes ranging from the beautiful Caribbean waters of Capurgana to the mysterious Amazon jungle, it's not hard to understand why it's so popular.
Whether it's hiking the glaciers of Argentina, ziplining in Costa Rica, riding a camel through the Wadi Rum desert, or biking through the Alps, outdoor adventures around the world are becoming increasingly accessible. The United Nations World Tourism Organization found that nature-based tourism accounts for approximately 20% of all international travel, and outdoor adventures are becoming one of the industry's fastest-growing sectors. While Chiang Mai is fantastic, the epicenter of outdoor adventure in my mind is Khao Yai National Park. Thanks to its enormous size and incredible outdoor environments, Canada is easily one of the world's top adventure destinations.
Whether it was walking up Mount Kilimanjaro and visiting the coffee farms managed by the Chagga people or learning about the cultural traditions of the Maasai, Tanzania's outdoor adventures kept us excited for two weeks and eager to return for more. Wales, the country of the United Kingdom, is a great place to travel for adventure lovers and for people who enjoy outdoor activities. The Negev and Judean deserts are very popular for hiking, but are also perfect for outdoor adventures such as canyoning, abseiling and rock climbing. .
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