7 Best Vacation Spots for Adventure Seekers

Whether it’s navigating the ferocious rapids of Interlaken or trekking through Iceland’s ice caves, these 7 Best Vacation Spots for Adventure Seekers offer pulse-quickening thrills. Get inspired to push your limits on an unforgettable trip.

Often overlooked, Morocco is a true adventure paradise. Pump up the adrenaline by tackling rocky summits, hiking in its High Atlas Mountains or portaledge cliff camping.

1. Iceland

The volcanic and glacier-strewn landscape of Iceland is a natural playground. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails with breathtaking views, best vacation spots explore iceberg lagoons, and even climb a volcano. The country is also known for its tumbling waterfalls, explosive geysers, and black, or even multicolored, beaches.

With a land mass larger than Germany and Belgium combined, Yukon offers vast stretches of wilderness that adventure travelers will relish. Experienced hikers can tackle the renowned Whitehorse Trail or go glacial whitewater rafting. The summer solstice is a great time to visit, as it allows for long hours of sunlight.

Embark on a trek to Mount Everest Base Camp, a bucket list experience for adventure seekers. Trekkers are rewarded with jaw-dropping Himalayan panoramas. Another trek worth checking off your adventure travel bucket list is the Arctic Circle Trail in Greenland.

2. New Zealand

New Zealand is a must for anyone seeking an adventure vacation. Ice-capped mountains, petrified forests, and prehistoric coastline are all within easy reach. You can even trek to the end of the world in Antarctica or - if you’re really crazy - hike all the way around the country!

For adrenaline junkies, Queenstown is renowned as the Adventure Capital of the World. Here you can bungee jump, jet-boat, hike, ride horseback, or do just about anything else that might tickle your fancy.

The busy 'high season' in New Zealand is summer, but the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are also popular. In winter, the ski fields are buzzing but inland alpine regions are often quieter. The gastronomic and cultural experiences are not to be missed, either!

3. Argentina

Located in Patagonia, Argentina is a nature lover's paradise with towering glaciers and vast lakes. Thrill-seekers can enjoy activities such as rafting and mountain biking while others take a more relaxing approach to explore the region with walking or lake cruises.

There are also plenty of opportunities for those who want to experience life as a cowboy in the pampas at an estancia. Travelers can ride a horse and watch a traditional gaucho demonstration while savoring a barbecue lunch at the end of the day.

Argentina is also home to one of the world's most famous glaciers - the Perito Moreno Glacier. Visitors can walk right up to the glacier and even witness it calve icebergs from boardwalks nearby. Those looking for an aquatic adventure can also enjoy the Iguazu Falls and its massive waterfalls, including Devil's Throat.

4. Mongolia

Landlocked Mongolia is a destination that’s often overlooked. It’s a vast territory that is home to wild animals, including the endangered snow leopard. The country is also a paradise for nature lovers. Its untamed wilderness is characterized by sweeping steppes and semideserts, while in the north and west forested high mountain ranges and lakes dot the landscape.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can test your mettle by trekking to the world-famous Everest Base Camp. Or you can go mountain climbing in the rugged and unexplored peaks of Nepal. Then, you can soothe those sore muscles in one of the nation’s many thermal hot springs.

5. South Africa

Whether you’re skydiving, quad biking, hot air ballooning, windsurfing or taking a safari, this teardrop-shaped continent is brimming with thrills framed by stunning natural scenery. Plus, South Africa is home to a global icon in Nelson Mandela and a hospitable culture.

As the Rainbow Nation, South Africa’s cultural fabric is woven from a variety of heritages, including indigenous African tribes and European colonists. The result is a richly textured and multicultural society.

Taste the local wine—South Africa is the third largest producer in the world—and sample rooibos tea, an herbal caffeine-free drink popular among locals. In a cultural village, you may also learn about Xhosa traditions that manifest in dance, music and cuisine. Located in the southern hemisphere, South Africa has a mild winter and a warm to hot summer.

6. Morocco

If flop-and-drop vacations don’t get your blood pumping, you need somewhere that’s built for adventure. These top vacation spots are designed to challenge your limits, from hurtling out of a plane to swimming hand-to-fin with sharks.

Panama is about more than just its canal and capital city, with a jungle that’s teeming with wildlife. Backpackers can trek to Volcan Baru, where the views will make your jaw drop. Or they can zipline across a jungle canopy in Bocas del Toro.

7. Djibouti

If flop-and-drop vacations at the beach don’t appeal to you, you need a destination made for adventure. These intrepid destinations have dozens of activities that will have your heart racing and adrenaline pumping.

New Zealand

Home to bungy jumping, you’ll find plenty of pulse-pounding thrills in this outdoor paradise. Skydiving offers breathtaking views and a heart-pounding free fall, while white water rafting lets you navigate untamed rapids with a team.

Antarctica

The remote icy continent draws adventurous travelers who want to explore brash icebergs, swim with penguins, and search for whales, seals, and other marine wildlife. Travelers can also sail to the Drake Passage and explore awe-inspiring mountains, including Mount Vinson. On land, they can visit Corbett Tiger Reserve, a safari among thick forests that are teeming with tigers, wild boars, leopards, and other native species.

Conclusion

Peru is one of the best places for adventure travel, with snow-capped mountains and surreal blue lagoons. The country is also home to the famous Inca trail that leads to Machu Picchu, plus trekking in Huaraz and rappelling down cliffs in the Sacred Valley.