Top Adventure Activities Around the World

Commonly known as the White Continent, Antarctica is one of most untouched places in the world. It’s a place where you can fully disconnect from the real world, encountering nothing but pristine snow and a surprising amount of wildlife. Its extreme cold, surreal remoteness and enormous ice structures are what make it an epic challenge.

Being one of the most remote destinations on earth, the best way to access it is aboard a cruise, with options to visit the iconic Drake Passage. This frozen part of the planet is also home to some of the most extraordinary animal species. You can expect to see a variety of seabirds, penguins, seals, as well as migrating whales.

Need to know: During your cruise, you’ll be able to disembark the ship and head ashore on a zodiac. Curious seals and whales will often approach these small vessels, which are perfect for wildlife spotting.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the ultimate African climbing adventure, and an eight-day hike up the world’s tallest free-standing mountain is perfectly followed by an exhilarating safari through Tanzania‘s Northern Serengeti. Tanzania is the perfect country for adrenaline junkies who are in search of both mind-blowing surroundings and wild animal sightings. 

Professional guides, quality equipment, custom-made sleeping and dining tents, thorough training and plenty of time for acclimatisation will help make this daunting trek an achievable goal. The breathtaking sights of sweeping Savannah and lush forest as you ascend are more than worth the effort.

Need to know: The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry season, which runs from December to mid-March, and late June to October. Read more on the best time to visit here.

As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it’s no surprise that Machu Picchu is one of Peru’s main tourist draws. This Incan city sits on a mountain ridge north west of Cusco, 2,400 metres above sea level. Tales are told around the world about this ancient Incan wonder, but Machu Picchu is a sight that really needs to be seen in order to be believed. Our expert local guides help to answer your questions around the ancient city, detailing the history, significance and myths surrounding it.

The classic way to see Machu Picchu is via the infamous Inca Trail. During the four-day walk, expert guides bring the landscape to life with their stories, and explain the ancient beliefs of the indigenous Quechuan community. On the trek, walkers will pass archaeological sites, dramatic mountain vistas and dense cloud forests, before arriving at Machu Picchu to watch an ethereal sunrise.

Need to know: Instead of having to trek all the way back, you can board the luxurious Hiram Bingham train, which comprises elegant blue and gold 1920s Pullman carriages, from the town of Aguas Calientes to Cusco.

One of the great natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is a huge draw for travellers in this picturesque corner of Australia. The awe-inspiring reef is the largest coral reef in the world, and as the largest living structure on the planet, it’s even visible from space.

Home to over 3,000 individual reef systems and an incredible wealth of biodiversity, it’s a paradise for animal lovers with 30 species of cetaceans and more than 1500 types of fish.

Truly a bucket list adventure, the Great Barrier Reef is best seen sooner rather than later. The threat to the Great Barrier Reef is so large that climate change is predicted to cause irreversible damage to the reef by 2030. There is hope though, with charities discovering new ways of restoring reefs and working to protect endangered species. Tourism has become far better managed too.

Need to know: For optimal visibility when snorkelling and diving, visit during the dry season of May to November. Tropical showers during the wet season can cause the water to become cloudy and reduce your chances of seeing marine life.

If it’s your first time going on an epic hiking adventure, Nepal is a good option. It is not only home to the mighty mountain range of the Himalayas but it also features a collection of trails fit for all ages and abilities, all of which are guaranteed to thrill.

 The Kathmandu Valley Trek is one worthy of anyone’s bucket list. It offers some spectacular mountain views of the Annapurna Range and Mount Everest from afar. In Kathmandu, you can also immerse yourself in the local culture. The region offers a plethora of heritage sites and if luck is on your side, you can even catch a traditional festival.

Need to know: While Nepal’s mountains are serenely beautiful, they can also be dangerous, with altitude also posing a risk to hikers. Always hike with a guide – they’ll be able to keep you safe, as well as share their fascinating knowledge of the country and its peaks.

Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan, and its snowy summit is both an unmistakable symbol of the country and a sacred spot. People have been climbing it for millennia in search of spiritual enlightenment, but you don’t need to be a pilgrim to ascend this picturesque peak.

If you want to climb Mount Fuji, expect a fairly challenging trek. To see the sunrise from the top – an unforgettable experience – you’ll need to go part of the way up on the previous day and spend the night at a mountain hut.

Need to know: The official season for climbing Mount Fuji is from July to September; aim for either end of this window to avoid larger crowds on the trails.

There are plenty of adventurous things to do in Iceland, from glacier hikes to scenic road trips. But this particular activity is only possible after dark, when the sky comes alive with the ethereal beauty of the northern lights.

Sleeping under the stars is the best way to fully appreciate the aurora borealis, but that doesn’t mean you have to camp out in the cold. Certain spots in Iceland offer glass-walled igloos and even a glass ‘bubble’ to combine unobscured views of the sky with cosy comfort. 

Need to know: The best time to see the northern lights in Iceland is from November to April, though keep in mind that sightings can be unpredictable.

New Zealand is a dream come true for thrill seekers, with a wide selection of adventure travel activities to get your adrenaline pumping. We’re partial to the ones that involve paddling down the country’s rushing rivers in a raft or exploring its coastline in a sea kayak. 

One of our favourite experiences is sea kayaking in Queen Charlotte Sound: a more relaxed adventure that’s accessible for everyone. The full-day trip includes stops for snacks and a picnic lunch, plus the chance to swim and maybe even spot seals.

Need to know: You can also go kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds, Hauraki Gulf or Lake Taupō.

If you’re looking for adventure vacation ideas in Europe, allow us to suggest a mountain biking expedition through Switzerland. Although the Alps might call to mind snowier sports, it’s also possible to enjoy their staggering slopes on two wheels.

The valleys around Vevey (near Montreux) are among the most beautiful places in Switzerland and prime spots for cycling. We can arrange a guided trip on electric mountain bikes to help with the steeper ascents, including a stop to sample local products.

Need to know: Vevey is also known for its wine and chocolate – in fact, it’s where milk chocolate was invented – so you’ll have plenty to look forward to after your adventure.

Costa Rica is legendary for its adventurous activities, and the Pacuare Reserve is the perfect place to jump in. This remote nature area is home to all kinds of rare wildlife, but it’s also known as a world-class destination for paddling and rafting.

Here you’ll encounter rushing rapids, waterfalls and pristine rainforest as you glide down the Pacuare River. If you’re still hungry for more, you can also go ziplining through the canopy or canyoning in the jungle.

Need to know: Stay at Pacuare Lodge, an incredibly remote retreat with no road access – you’ll actually arrive and depart via raft.

Georgia is one of our newer destinations, and Kazbegi National Park is without a doubt its outdoor adventure capital. We can organise excursions involving hiking and canyoning in the park, which is located right on the border with Russia.

Canyons like Martvili, Okatse and Dashbashi offer unspoilt beauty and dramatic views. Descend into deep gorges, discover hidden caves, raft down narrow rivers and gaze up at glittering waterfalls. This is definitely among the best things to do in Georgia if you’re into adventure.

Need to know: Rooms Hotel Kazbegi is the ideal place to rest and recharge after all that excitement, featuring phenomenal cuisine and unbeatable mountain views.

The mountains of Rwanda are nothing short of magical, thanks in large part to the magnificent creatures who inhabit them. Head to Volcanoes National Park for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to encounter mountain gorillas in the wild.

Make Wilderness Bisate Lodge your home base for a gorilla trekking adventure, led by expert guides and fully respectful of this endangered species. You’ll join an experienced tracker to seek out gorilla families and observe them in their natural habitat.

Need to know: Bisate Lodge is at the forefront of positive impact tourism in Rwanda, with a highly successful reforestation programme that you can contribute to during your stay.

You might not find elephants and giraffes in Egypt, but you will find the enormous expanse of the Sahara Desert – every bit of it ripe for adventure. Traverse the rolling dunes on a quad bike, in a jeep or even on horseback to see what surprises await.

You might encounter prehistoric whale skeletons at Wadi El Hitan, surreal oases like Siwa or the glassy surface of Lake Qarun. Whatever treasures you’re hoping to find, a Sahara safari should be high on your list of things to do in Egypt.

Need to know: If you’re headed to the Sahara, the best time to visit Egypt is either October–November or April–March, when the days aren’t too hot and the nights aren’t too cold.

Despite its small size, Sri Lanka abounds with unique attractions and exciting activities. Active travellers who want to go beyond the tourist track should take on the Pekoe Trail: a 300-kilometre (186-mile) route that winds through the central highlands.

You can select any of the trail’s 22 stages for a shorter adventure. Start in the lovely city of Kandy, where stage one begins, to combine your outdoor exploration with cultural immersion. We also recommend stage seven from Kotagala to Norwood, offering views of lush tea plantations.

Need to know: You can either link multiple stages together or complete a small part of the Pekoe Trail on a half-day or full-day trek, then return to a luxurious hotel like Ceylon Tea Trails.

The Great Blue Hole is one of the world’s premier scuba diving destinations and an immensely impressive natural wonder. This underwater sinkhole is about 300 metres (1,000 feet) across, over 120 metres (400 feet) deep and around 70 kilometres (43 miles) off the coast of Belize.

The Great Blue Hole is the kind of place every avid diver dreams of going, but it’s just as dangerous as it is legendary – so make sure you’re prepared and properly certified if you want to dive. It’s also possible to snorkel or even take a scenic helicopter ride to see it from above.

Need to know: The best time to visit Belize for diving is April–June, when the water is relatively clear, calm and uncrowded.