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Top adventure destinations and outdoor activities

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Cape Town
Mountains, Beaches and a Vibrant Culture
7.6
Cape Town's False Bay has long drawn shark cage divers hoping to see great whites. Boats anchor near seal colonies where sharks are more likely to appear. On land, hikers can climb Table Mountain or ride a rotating cable car instead. Paragliders launch from Lion's Head with views stretching across the whole peninsula.
Highlights:
  • 🍽️ Explore the V&A Waterfront and dine by the sea
  • 🚡 Ride the cable car for breathtaking city views
  • 🥾 Hike to the top of Table Mountain
Yosemite National Park
Nature's Grand Cathedral
8.5
Camp 4 in Yosemite Valley became the base for climbers pioneering big wall techniques. Climbers through the 1960s and 70s tested new gear on the valley's granite walls. Visitors can still camp there today, steps from trailheads up to the cliffs. Rangers now run free clinics teaching basic climbing skills to first time visitors.
Highlights:
  • 💦 Marvel at Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest in North America
  • 🏞️ Hike to Glacier Point for one of Yosemite’s best views
  • 🧗‍♂️ Stand before the towering granite face of El Capitan
Kruger National Park
Where Africa's Big Five Roam Free
7.6
Kruger National Park offers guided walking safaris led by armed rangers. Small groups track animals on foot instead of viewing them from a vehicle. Visitors might come across elephants, lions or rhinos at close range with a guide's direction. Night drives afterwards reveal nocturnal species rarely seen during the day.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Experience a sunset safari and watch wildlife at dusk
  • 🌿 Take a guided bush walk and learn about the ecosystem
  • 🦁 Spot Africa’s Big Five on classic game drives
Grand Canyon National Park
Epic Vistas, Timeless Adventure
8.1
A rafting trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon can run over 300 kilometres. The route includes more than 150 rapids over one to three weeks. Hikers can instead attempt a strenuous rim to rim crossing in a single day. Mule rides offer a slower way down to the canyon floor instead.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Explore the historic Grand Canyon Village and lodges
  • 🌅 Enjoy sunrise views at Mather Point overlook
  • 🥾 Hike the iconic Bright Angel Trail into the canyon
Banff National Park
Majestic Peaks and Turquoise Lakes
9.2
Ice climbers scale frozen waterfalls in Johnston Canyon during the winter months. Guides fit crampons and ice axes for beginners tackling their first frozen pillar. In summer, visitors can try a via ferrata route bolted into Mount Norquay's cliffs. Paddlers also canoe the turquoise waters of nearby Moraine Lake at dawn.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Explore the scenic Johnston Canyon waterfalls trail
  • 🏞️ Hike to Lake Louise and admire turquoise waters
  • 🚡 Ride the Banff Gondola for spectacular mountain views
Queenstown
Adventure capital with alpine beauty
8.5
Queenstown's Kawarau Bridge became the site of the earliest commercial bungee jump in 1988. Jumpers now leap 43 metres above the river below the original platform. Visitors can also ride jet boats that spin through narrow canyon walls nearby. Skydivers land back in town after free falling above the surrounding lakes and peaks.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw
  • ⚡ Zipline through the pine trees at Bob's Peak
  • 🚡 Ride the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views
Hawaii
Tropical Vibes and Volcanic Wonders
8.8
Mauna Kea rises roughly 10200 metres from the seafloor to its summit. Measured base to peak, that makes it taller than Mount Everest, though most sits underwater. Visitors can drive to the summit for stargazing at one of the world's premier observatories. Below sea level, divers explore lava tubes formed by the same volcano.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike the Na Pali Coast trail on Kauai
  • 🐠 Snorkel among colorful coral reefs in Hanauma Bay
  • 🌋 Watch sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā Volcano
Kauai
Lush Landscapes and Secluded Beaches
8.9
The Kalalau Trail runs about 17 kilometres along Kauai's Na Pali sea cliffs. Cliffs here rise as high as 1200 metres straight from the ocean. Hikers need a permit to continue past the halfway point to Kalalau Beach. Waimea Canyon, nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, cuts through the island's west side.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Snorkel at Poipu Beach with vibrant marine life
  • 🚤 Take a boat tour along the Na Pali Coast
  • 🌄 Hike the breathtaking trails of Waimea Canyon
Galapagos Islands
The Wildlife Paradise of Ecuador
8.5
Snorkellers in the Galapagos can swim alongside marine iguanas, a sea going lizard found nowhere else. The same waters also draw divers hoping to spot schooling hammerhead sharks. Boats hop between islands so visitors can see different species on each stop. Giant tortoises on land can live well past 100 years old.
Highlights:
  • 🦩 Walk among blue-footed boobies on North Seymour Island
  • 🐢 Spot giant tortoises roaming freely in the highlands
  • 🐢 Snorkel with sea lions and turtles at Isla Lobos
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Alpine thrills beneath Mont Blanc
8.9
Chamonix hosts the UTMB, a roughly 170 kilometre ultramarathon circling Mont Blanc. The route crosses France, Italy and Switzerland in a single continuous loop. Runners tackle around 10000 metres of elevation gain over one or two days. Off season, the same trails draw skiers to the famous Vallee Blanche descent.
Highlights:
  • ❄️ Explore the Mer de Glace glacier and its ice cave
  • 🏔️ Hike or ski around the majestic Mont Blanc massif
  • 🚠 Take the cable car to Aiguille du Midi for breathtaking alpine views
Cairns
Gateway to Reef and Rainforest Wonders
8.1
Cairns serves as the main gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Boats depart daily for dive and snorkel sites over an hour offshore. Rafters can also run rapids on the nearby Tully River. The ancient Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest on Earth, sits just north of town.
Highlights:
  • 💦 Explore the tropical waterfalls and swimming holes of Atherton Tablelands
  • 🚡 Ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway above the treetops
  • 🐠 Snorkel or dive in the Great Barrier Reef
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Witness the Great Migration
7.0
The Maasai Mara hosts part of the Great Migration, when over a million wildebeest pass through. Herds cross the crocodile filled Mara River at several traditional points each year. Visitors can watch the crossings from vehicles parked along the riverbank. Hot air balloon safaris offer a quieter view of the plains at dawn.
Highlights:
  • 🎈 Take a sunrise hot air balloon safari over the savannah
  • 🐃 Witness the Great Migration crossing at Mara River
  • 🦁 Embark on twice-daily game drives to spot the Big Five
Grand Teton National Park
Stunning Peaks and Wildlife Wonders
8.6
Rafters can float the calm upper Snake River or run rapids further downstream. Both stretches pass directly beneath the jagged Teton skyline. Climbers meanwhile attempt the Grand Teton itself, a technical route first climbed in 1898. Backcountry skiers ski the same slopes each winter once snow stabilises.
Highlights:
  • 🏞️ Trek through Cascade Canyon for breathtaking views
  • 💧 Explore Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point nearby
  • 🚶‍♂️ Hike the scenic Jenny Lake Loop Trail
El Chalten
Hiking Capital of Argentina
7.7
Guided groups trek directly on Viedma Glacier's ice just outside El Chalten. Crampons and ropes let hikers cross crevasse fields most visitors would otherwise avoid. Climbers also come for some of the hardest granite big wall routes in Patagonia. Weather can shut down plans fast, so guides always keep backup routes ready.
Highlights:
  • ⛰️ Climb steep trail sections for breathtaking mountain panoramas
  • 🌊 Explore Laguna Capri’s peaceful turquoise waters
  • 🏞️ Hike to Laguna de Los Tres for Mount Fitz Roy views
Interlaken
Adventure, Lakes and Alpine Magic
9.1
Paragliders regularly land in a grassy field right in the middle of Interlaken. Most launch from Beatenberg or Niederhorn, a short drive from town. Visitors can also try canyoning through nearby gorges or skydive above the Alps. Tandem flights run throughout the day whenever weather conditions allow.
Highlights:
  • 🏞️ Hike around Lake Thun and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery
  • 🌸 Explore the botanical gardens and alpine trails at Schynige Platte
  • 🚡 Take a scenic cable car ride to Harder Kulm for panoramic views
Kristiansand
Coastal charm meets vibrant cultural scene
7.7
Kristiansand's Baneheia forest holds several lakes used for wild swimming right in the city. Locals cliff jump from rocks above some of the deeper pools in summer. Sea kayakers can also paddle out through the skerries along the nearby coast. Scuba divers explore shipwrecks scattered across the surrounding fjord waters.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Walk historic streets of Gamlebyen old town
  • 🎠 Ride roller coasters at Kristiansand Zoo & Amusement Park
  • 🛥️ Stroll through Kristiansand's lively Fiskebrygga harbor
Grindelwald
A Majestic Swiss Mountain Village
8.6
Grindelwald's First Flyer zipline sends riders down the mountainside at over 80 kilometres per hour. Riders lie flat, facing the ground, for the fastest of several line segments. Hikers can also walk a via ferrata bolted into cliffs above the valley. A separate trail leads into a glacier carved gorge below town.
Highlights:
  • 🪂 Ride the First Flyer zip line over the valley
  • 🏞️ Hike to Bachalpsee Lake for stunning alpine reflections
  • 🌄 Experience the thrill of the First Cliff Walk by Tissot
Rotorua
Geothermal Wonders and Māori Culture
8.2
Whakarewarewa Forest in Rotorua holds over 130 kilometres of mountain bike trails. The redwood grove surrounding the trails was originally planted back in 1901. Riders can also try a gravity luge track that drops through nearby hills. Geothermal mud pools and geysers steam just a short drive from the forest.
Highlights:
  • 🛷 Experience thrilling rides at Skyline Luge tracks
  • 🚡 Ride the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views
  • 🌋 Explore the colorful thermal pools at Wai-O-Tapu
Serengeti National Park
The Ultimate Safari Adventure
7.9
The Serengeti hosts the largest overland migration of mammals anywhere on Earth. More than a million wildebeest keep moving in a rough circuit across the plains year round. Visitors can watch predators like lions stalk the herds from an open vehicle. Hot air balloon safaris drift silently over the migration route at dawn.
Highlights:
  • 🎈 Enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon safari over plains
  • 🚙 Take a thrilling game drive to spot the Big Five
  • 🦓 Witness the incredible Great Wildebeest Migration spectacle
California
Golden State of Endless Experiences
8.7
California holds both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous United States. Mount Whitney and Death Valley sit only about 140 kilometres apart. Hikers can summit Whitney in a long single day with a permit. Surfers along the coast find some of the state's biggest waves each winter.
Highlights:
  • 🚗 Drive the stunning Pacific Coast Highway from LA to Big Sur
  • 🏞️ Explore Yosemite National Park’s waterfalls and granite cliffs
  • 🌉 Stroll across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
Pokhara
Lakeside Calm, Himalayan Adventure Gateway
7.8
Pokhara draws paragliders from around the world for its reliable mountain thermals. Pilots launch from Sarangkot and can stay aloft for over an hour some afternoons. Visitors can also try one of Asia's highest bungee jumps at a nearby gorge. Zip line operators send riders across the same valley at high speed.
Highlights:
  • 🕳️ Explore the mysterious Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave nearby
  • 🌄 Hike to Sarangkot for stunning Annapurna sunrise views
  • 🚣‍♂️ Boat across serene Phewa Lake to Tal Barahi Temple
La Fortuna
Volcano Views, Hot Springs, Adventure
7.5
La Fortuna sits at the base of Arenal Volcano, active continuously from 1968 to around 2010. Natural hot springs nearby are heated by the same volcanic system. Visitors can zip line through the rainforest canopy or cross swaying hanging bridges. Rafters run whitewater on the nearby Balsa River most of the year.
Highlights:
  • 🌉 Walk the hanging bridges at Mistico Park
  • ♨️ Relax in natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano
  • 🌊 Hike to the breathtaking La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal Volcano National Park
Lava Trails, Rainforest and Epic Views
8.4
Arenal Volcano National Park includes trails across a lava field from the 1968 eruption. Black volcanic rock from that eruption still covers much of the ground today. Hikers can also climb nearby Cerro Chato, an extinct volcano holding a crater lake. Wildlife guides often spot sloths and toucans along the forested lower trails.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Enjoy spectacular volcano views from multiple lookout points
  • 🌿 Explore rainforest biodiversity on the El Ceibo circuit
  • 🌋 Hike the Las Coladas trail over old lava flows
Victoria Falls
The Smoke That Thunders
7.5
The Victoria Falls Bridge spans the gorge linking Zambia and Zimbabwe. A bungee platform on the bridge sends jumpers 111 metres towards the river below. Visitors on the Zimbabwe side get the widest unobstructed view of the falls' curtain of spray. Local guides call the falls Mosi oa Tunya, the smoke that thunders.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River
  • 🪂 Bungee jump from the historic Victoria Falls Bridge
  • 🌊 Admire the thundering Victoria Falls from lookout points
Taupō
Volcanic Lake, Adventure and Hot Springs
8.2
Skydivers over Taupo can freefall for roughly 60 seconds from about 4600 metres. Views open up across Lake Taupo and volcanoes in the distance during the descent. Jet boats also spin close to the roaring water below Huka Falls. Rafters run milder rapids further downstream on the same Waikato River.
Highlights:
  • 🌋 Explore the geothermal wonders of Craters of the Moon
  • 🛶 Kayak to the famous Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay
  • 🌊 Witness the thunderous power of Huka Falls
Whistler
Alpine Adventure, Epic Views, Year-Round Fun
8.8
Whistler Mountain Bike Park opened in 1999 as one of the earliest purpose built downhill parks. Riders take chairlifts up and descend trails built specifically for mountain bikes. Skiers can still find summer snow on Blackcomb's glacier well into July some years. Cross country trails around the valley stay open through the warmer months too.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike to Garibaldi Lake’s turquoise waters
  • 🚠 Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for alpine views
  • 🎿 Ski or snowboard the legendary Whistler Blackcomb slopes
Torres del Paine National Park
Epic Landscapes and Untamed Wilderness
8.1
Kayakers can paddle Lago Grey among icebergs calved from Grey Glacier. Chunks of blue ice drift across the lake before slowly melting away. Trekkers meanwhile tackle the multi day O Circuit, a full loop around the towers. Patagonian winds here can pin hikers down inside their tents for a full day.
Highlights:
  • ⛰️ Trek the scenic French Valley with mountain views
  • 🛶 Take a boat tour to see stunning Grey Glacier
  • 🥾 Hike to the iconic Mirador Las Torres viewpoint
Jasper National Park
Untamed Wilderness and Starry Skies
8.8
Jasper is designated one of the world's largest Dark Sky Preserves. An annual Dark Sky Festival each autumn draws astronomers and casual stargazers alike. By day, rafters run whitewater on the Sunwapta and Athabasca rivers. Guided groups can also walk out onto the Athabasca Glacier itself.
Highlights:
  • 🧊 Walk on the Athabasca Glacier with a guided tour
  • 🐻 Spot elk, moose, and bears along Icefields Parkway
  • 🛶 Cruise Maligne Lake and marvel at Spirit Island
Denali National Park
Wild Alaska’s peaks and wildlife
8.8
Denali National Park keeps almost no maintained trails across its six million acres. Backcountry hikers instead navigate cross country using topographic maps and river crossings. Rafters outside the park run whitewater on the nearby Nenana River each summer. Only one road cuts through the park and private vehicles are mostly restricted.
Highlights:
  • 🛩️ Take a flightseeing tour above Denali’s snowy peak
  • 🥾 Hike the Savage River Trail for rugged alpine views
  • 🐻 Spot grizzly bears and moose in their wild habitat
Kilimanjaro National Park
Africa's Rooftop Adventure
7.4
Visitors without summit plans can still day hike into Kilimanjaro's lower rainforest zone. Blue monkeys and black and white colobus move through the canopy along these trails. Longer treks continue up through moorland before reaching the alpine desert near the top. Porters supporting summit attempts often outnumber climbers by a wide margin on busy routes.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Watch the sunrise above the clouds from Stella Point
  • 🌿 Hike through rainforest trails filled with colobus monkeys
  • 🏔️ Climb to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro
Faroe Islands
Dramatic cliffs meet misty landscapes
8.9
Sea kayakers paddle beneath towering cliffs near Vestmanna each summer. Thousands of nesting seabirds, including puffins, crowd the ledges overhead. Boat tours also pass through narrow sea caves carved into the same cliffs. Hikers on Mykines island can walk right up to puffin burrows along the grass.
Highlights:
  • 🏡 Walk through the colorful turf-roofed village of Saksun
  • ⛵ Sail between the towering sea cliffs of Vestmanna
  • 💦 Hike to the breathtaking Múlafossur Waterfall in Gásadalur
Livingstone
Gateway to Victoria Falls Adventure
7.7
Devil's Pool sits right at the lip of Victoria Falls during the low water season. Swimmers can peer over the edge from inside a natural rock barrier. Nearby, visitors can bungee jump off the bridge spanning the Zambezi gorge. Rafters run some of the river's biggest commercial rapids just downstream.
Highlights:
  • 🦁 Go on a game drive at Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
  • 🚣‍♂️ Take a thrilling white-water rafting trip on the Zambezi
  • 🌊 Witness the thundering Victoria Falls, a natural wonder
Réunion
An Island of Adventure and Beauty
8.3
Reunion hosts the Grand Raid, a roughly 165 kilometre trail race across the island. Runners climb and descend volcanic peaks in one push, day and night. Hikers elsewhere can walk right up to the rim of Piton de la Fournaise, an active volcano. Canyoners rappel down waterfalls in gorges cut into the island's volcanic rock.
Highlights:
  • 🚁 Explore the Cirque de Mafate by air or on foot
  • 🏖️ Swim in turquoise waters at L’Ermitage Beach lagoon
  • 🌋 Hike the active Piton de la Fournaise volcano crater
Tasmania
Wilderness, Wildlife and Wild Coasts
8.7
Tasmania's Overland Track runs about 65 kilometres through ancient alpine wilderness. Most hikers take six days, staying in huts or tents along the way. Rafters elsewhere run multi day trips down the remote Franklin River. Cavers can also explore limestone systems tucked beneath the island's forests.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Tour the convict ruins at Port Arthur Historic Site
  • ⛰️ Explore Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park trails
  • 🏖️ Hike to Wineglass Bay and marvel at its white sand
Franz Josef
Gateway to the Majestic Glaciers
8.2
Guides now fly visitors by helicopter onto Franz Josef Glacier's upper ice. The lower valley grew too unstable to reach on foot as the glacier retreated. Once on the ice, hikers strap on crampons to explore crevasses and blue ice caves. Ice climbers can also book routes up short frozen walls nearby.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Soak in the relaxing Glacier Hot Pools
  • 🚁 Take a scenic helicopter flight over the glacier
  • 🥾 Hike the Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk
Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserves
Mist, Wildlife and Cloudy Magic
8.4
Monteverde is often credited as the birthplace of the modern zip line canopy tour. Cables here string riders between platforms built high in the cloud forest canopy. Walkers can also cross suspension bridges swaying above the same treetops. Birders come hoping to spot the resplendent quetzal in the misty forest below.
Highlights:
  • 🦜 Spot rare resplendent quetzals among misty trees
  • 🌉 Walk the hanging bridges for canopy views
  • 🥾 Hike through Monteverde Cloud Forest's biodiversity-rich trails
Glacier National Park
Crown of the Continent
8.9
The Highline Trail follows a narrow ledge cut into a cliff face for miles. A cable bolted into the rock helps hikers steady themselves along the exposed section. Backpackers can continue past the ledge into grizzly country requiring a backcountry permit. The full trail runs about 12 kilometres above Going to the Sun Road.
Highlights:
  • 🌲 Explore Avalanche Lake’s serene hiking trails
  • 🚗 Drive the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road for views
  • 🥾 Hike to Grinnell Glacier and stunning turquoise lakes
Dolomites National Park
Towering peaks and pristine wilderness
8.4
The Dolomites are often credited as the birthplace of the via ferrata format. Soldiers installed iron cables and rungs here to move troops during World War One. Climbers today clip into the same style of routes to reach exposed ridgelines safely. Ski tourers use similar terrain in winter, skinning up before skiing down.
Highlights:
  • ⛰️ Climb Seceda mountain for panoramic Dolomites views
  • 🌊 Visit the stunning turquoise Lago di Braies lake
  • 🥾 Hike the breathtaking Tre Cime di Lavaredo trail
Mount Cook National Park
New Zealand’s alpine wonderland
8.8
Edmund Hillary trained on these glaciers before his historic 1953 Everest climb. Skiers and climbers today access the same Tasman Glacier by ski plane. Guides lead multi day mountaineering courses on peaks throughout the surrounding range. The glacier's terminal lake has grown rapidly as the ice retreats each year.
Highlights:
  • 🛶 Kayak on Tasman Lake near the majestic Tasman Glacier
  • 🚁 Take a scenic helicopter ride above Mount Cook
  • 🥾 Hike the stunning Hooker Valley Track for glacier views
Wanaka
Alpine Adventure, Lakeside Serenity
8.6
The Roys Peak trail near Wanaka climbs roughly 1200 metres over about 8 kilometres. Hikers reach a ridge with a wide view down over Lake Wanaka. Mountain bikers can ride many of the same hills on nearby trail networks. Skiers head to Cardrona and Treble Cone, both a short drive from town.
Highlights:
  • 🧗‍♂️ Climb the world's highest waterfall via ferrata at Wildwire
  • 🌳 Snap photos of the iconic Wanaka Tree by the lake
  • 🥾 Hike Roys Peak for breathtaking lake and mountain views
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Nature's Untamed Sanctuary
7.1
Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera left inactive by its collapse. Its walls trap one of Africa's densest concentrations of wildlife within a single bowl. Visitors descend by vehicle to spot lions, rhinos and flamingos all in one game drive. Maasai communities still graze cattle along the crater's outer rim.
Highlights:
  • 🛖 Visit a Maasai village and learn their traditions
  • 🐘 Spot the Big Five in one morning safari
  • 🦁 Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive
Komodo National Park
Dragons, Pristine Reefs and Wild Beauty
7.3
Komodo dragons, the largest living lizard species, live wild only on these islands. Adults can grow past three metres long and take down prey much larger than themselves. Rangers guide visitors on walking trails to spot dragons at a safe distance. Divers nearby can also snorkel alongside manta rays at several island cleaning stations.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Snorkel with graceful manta rays at Manta Point
  • ⛰️ Hike to Padar Island’s summit for breathtaking views
  • 🦎 See Komodo dragons in their natural habitat on Komodo Island
Corcovado National Park
Costa Rica’s Wildest Rainforest Frontier
8.2
National Geographic has called Corcovado National Park the most biologically intense place on Earth. The park protects one of the last stretches of lowland rainforest on Central America's Pacific coast. Hikers can spot tapirs, scarlet macaws and even jaguar tracks along remote trails. Reaching some ranger stations still requires a boat or small plane.
Highlights:
  • 🐢 Watch endangered sea turtles nesting on remote beaches
  • 🌌 Camp under the stars at La Sirena Ranger Station
  • 🥾 Hike Corcovado’s diverse trails through rainforest and coastline
Nazaré
Giant Waves and Coastal Charm
8.1
Nazare's Praia do Norte has produced some of the largest waves ever surfed. An underwater canyon nearly 5000 metres deep off the coast helps amplify incoming swells. Spectators watch from a clifftop lighthouse as tow surfers drop into building sized walls of water. The biggest swells typically arrive between October and March each year.
Highlights:
  • 🐟 Sample fresh grilled sardines at a seaside restaurant
  • 🚠 Ride the funicular to Sítio for panoramic coastal views
  • 🏄‍♂️ Surf on the world's biggest surfable waves
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla Encounters in Ancient Forest
8.3
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park shelters roughly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Trackers lead small groups through dense forest to reach a habituated gorilla family. Visitors get one hour with the gorillas once trackers locate them. Permits are limited each day to reduce stress on the animals.
Highlights:
  • 🐦 Birdwatch over 350 species including rare Albertine endemics
  • 🥾 Join guided nature walks on scenic forest hiking trails
  • 🦍 Trek with endangered mountain gorillas in their habitat
Zhangjiajie
Avatar's Floating Mountains Come Alive
7.3
The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge spans a deep gorge between two cliffs. When it opened in 2016 it briefly ranked as the longest glass bottomed bridge anywhere. Visitors can walk across the clear panels or try the bungee platform built in. A zip line nearby lets riders cross the same canyon at high speed.
Highlights:
  • 🚡 Ride the Bailong Elevator to cliff-top views
  • 🌉 Walk the thrilling Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
  • 🏞️ Explore the Avatar-inspired Hallelujah Mountain
Fiordland National Park
New Zealand’s Wildest Water World
8.7
A layer of freshwater sits atop Doubtful Sound, dimming the light below. That shade lets black coral grow at depths divers can reach without deep equipment. Kayakers can paddle silently past waterfalls and pods of dolphins in the fiord. The Milford Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks, crosses the mountains nearby over four days.
Highlights:
  • 🪶 Scenic fly over dramatic fjords and hidden alpine lakes
  • 🥾 Hike the world-famous Milford Track through lush rainforest
  • 🛥️ Cruise through majestic Milford Sound and spot playful dolphins
Pucon
Volcano Views and Adventure Bliss
7.6
Villarrica, one of the most consistently active volcanoes on Earth, looms over Pucon. Guided groups can summit it in a single day using crampons and ice axes. On clear nights, a faint glow from its crater lake is sometimes visible from below. Rafters run whitewater on the nearby Trancura River after the climb.
Highlights:
  • 🚣‍♂️ Kayak on Lake Villarrica to private, serene beaches
  • ♨️ Soak in the soothing waters of Termas Geometricas hot springs
  • 🌋 Climb the active Villarrica Volcano and enjoy crater views
Moab
Red rock canyons echo adventure seekers' dreams
9.1
Moab's Slickrock Trail winds across bare sandstone that grips tyres unusually well. Motorcyclists used the same route for practice before mountain bikers adopted it. Off road drivers can tackle similar terrain nearby in modified 4x4 vehicles. Climbers and BASE jumpers head to the sandstone towers scattered around town.
Highlights:
  • 🚴‍♂️ Bike the Slickrock Trail through rugged desert terrain
  • 🗿 Explore Arches National Park's iconic rock formations
  • 🏜️ Climb Delicate Arch at sunrise for breathtaking views
Bovec
Slovenia’s Adventure Capital
7.8
The Soca River near Bovec runs a bright emerald green through its limestone gorge. Rafters and kayakers paddle its rapids throughout the warmer months. Canyoners can rappel beside waterfalls in narrow side gorges nearby. Paragliders launch from ridges in the surrounding Julian Alps on clear days.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Explore Virje Waterfall, perfect for a refreshing dip
  • 💦 Visit the breathtaking Boka Waterfall, Slovenia’s tallest
  • 🚣 Raft the emerald green Soca River’s thrilling rapids
Namib-Naukluft National Park
Endless Dunes and Desert Drama
8.2
Dunes at Sossusvlei rise over 300 metres, among the tallest anywhere on Earth. Sandboarders ride down their steep slip faces on modified boards or sleds. Hikers can climb Dune 45 before sunrise for views across the surrounding desert. Dead camel thorn trees at nearby Deadvlei have stood blackened for centuries.
Highlights:
  • 🧗 Hike Sesriem Canyon’s narrow rock walls and riverbed
  • 🌵 Explore the eerie Dead Vlei clay pan and ancient trees
  • 🌅 Climb Big Daddy dune for sunrise and desert views
Madagascar
Unique biodiversity meets diverse landscapes
6.5
Tsingy de Bemaraha's limestone pinnacles rise in razor sharp ridges across the park. Trekkers clip into cables and harnesses to cross narrow sections safely. Lemurs found nowhere else on Earth move through the forest below the rock formations. Suspension bridges link some of the taller pinnacles high above the ground.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Dive the coral reefs of Nosy Be Island
  • 🦎 Spot lemurs and chameleons in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
  • 🌳 Walk the Avenue of the Baobabs at sunset
South Luangwa National Park
Walking Safaris and Wild Encounters
8.0
South Luangwa National Park is often credited as the birthplace of the walking safari. Conservationist Norman Carr pioneered the format here back in the 1950s. Visitors now follow armed guides on foot to track leopards and other wildlife. The park holds one of Africa's highest concentrations of leopards per square kilometre.
Highlights:
  • 🦜 Spot over 400 bird species in diverse habitats
  • 🚶‍♂️ Experience walking safaris guided by expert rangers
  • 🦁 Go on thrilling game drives to see the Big Five
Patagonia
Untamed Beauty at the End of the World
8.3
Expeditions occasionally ski across the Southern Patagonian Ice Field over several weeks. The ice field ranks among the largest masses of ice found outside the polar regions. Less extreme visitors can instead ride horseback with local gauchos on nearby ranches. Trekkers commonly base themselves in El Chalten or El Calafate for shorter day trips.
Highlights:
  • 🐧 Explore the diverse wildlife on Peninsula Valdés
  • ❄️ Witness the massive Perito Moreno Glacier up close
  • 🥾 Hike the legendary trails of Torres del Paine National Park
Canaima National Park
Tepui Peaks and Angel Falls Wonder
7.7
Reaching Angel Falls requires a multi day trip by dugout canoe up jungle rivers. Paddlers navigate rapids on the Carrao and Churun rivers towards the base. Trekkers then hike the final stretch through rainforest to a viewpoint below the falls. Pilots also offer scenic flights over the tepui for those short on time.
Highlights:
  • 🗻 Explore the unique tabletop mountains called tepuis
  • ⛰️ Hike the summit of Auyantepuy tepui for breathtaking views
  • 🌊 See Angel Falls, the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall
Jinja
Vibrant riverfront town beside Nile’s source
7.9
Jinja sits where the Nile River begins its run out of Lake Victoria. Rafters here tackle Grade 5 whitewater rapids just downstream from the source. Visitors can also bungee jump from a platform suspended above the river. Kayakers use the same rapids to train for international competition.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike to Murchison Falls viewpoint
  • 🐘 Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park wildlife safari
  • 🛶 Kayak across Victoria Falls' misty spray
Okavango Delta
Africa’s Uncharted Water Wilderness
8.0
The Okavango Delta floods each year without ever reaching the sea. Water spreads across the Kalahari sands, creating a maze of channels and islands. Visitors explore by mokoro, a traditional canoe poled quietly through the reeds. Elephants and hippos often wade through the same channels guides use for transport.
Highlights:
  • 🦜 Spot diverse bird species during dedicated birding tours
  • 🛶 Glide silently through waterways in a traditional mokoro
  • 🦁 Explore the wildlife on guided 4x4 safari drives
Swiss National Park
Majestic alpine wilderness, untouched and serene
8.4
Bearded vultures, once extinct across the Alps, were reintroduced here starting in the 1990s. A breeding pair now nests within Swiss National Park most years. Hikers can walk multi day hut to hut routes through the surrounding valleys. Binoculars come in handy for spotting the vultures riding thermals above the cliffs.
Highlights:
  • 🦌 Photograph chamois at sunrise over mountains
  • 🐐 Spot ibex roaming near Gletsch Valley
  • 🥾 Hike Panorama Trail, view alpine vistas
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
Amazon wilderness teeming with life
8.1
Cuyabeno's forest floods each year, letting canoes paddle right among the treetops. Guides lead night walks through the jungle to spot caimans and tarantulas. Visitors can also try piranha fishing from a dugout canoe on the lagoon. Pink river dolphins sometimes surface nearby as boats drift along quiet channels.
Highlights:
  • 🐬 Spot pink dolphins swimming in the lagoons
  • 🛶 Take a canoe ride on serene waterways
  • 🌳 Explore dense jungle trails with expert guides
Katmai National Park
Bears, salmon and volcanic wonders
7.2
Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park draws crowds each July to watch bears fish. Brown bears station themselves at the falls to catch salmon leaping upstream. Visitors watch from elevated platforms built specifically to keep a safe distance. The park's Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes still steams from a 1912 eruption.
Highlights:
  • 🌋 Explore volcanic landscapes shaped by past eruptions
  • 🚁 Fly over the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes
  • 🐻 Watch brown bears catch salmon at Brooks Falls
Los Glaciares National Park
Where glaciers meet towering peaks
8.4
Guided groups strap on crampons for trekking tours directly on Perito Moreno's ice. Guides carve steps into the glacier's surface as routes shift year to year. Walkers can pause at pools of meltwater collected in shallow depressions on the ice. Some tours end with a whisky served over glacier ice at the finish.
Highlights:
  • 🛥️ Take a boat tour on Lago Argentino to glaciers
  • 🥾 Trek Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre trails
  • 🚶‍♀️ Walk along the Perito Moreno Glacier boardwalks
Manú National Park
Pristine Amazon biodiversity wonderland
7.3
Manu National Park has recorded more than 1000 bird species within its boundaries. Multicoloured macaws gather each morning at clay licks along the riverbanks. Visitors travel deep into the park by dugout canoe, since roads mostly stop at the edge. Jaguars and giant otters are occasionally spotted from the same rivers.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Cruise down the Madre de Dios River at sunrise
  • 🦜 Spot macaws and toucans at a clay lick hide
  • 🌿 Take a guided jungle trek through the Amazon rainforest
Pantanal Matogrossense National Park
World's largest tropical wetland paradise
7.6
The Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland, gives visitors strong daytime odds of spotting wild jaguars. Boats drift slowly along riverbanks where jaguars often rest in daylight. Visitors can also try piranha fishing from a small boat on the same rivers. Flooded grasslands here support more concentrated wildlife than the deeper Amazon rainforest nearby.
Highlights:
  • 🐎 Experience horseback riding across flooded plains and trails
  • 🛶 Take a boat tour through the Pantanal’s winding waterways
  • 🐆 Join a guided wildlife safari to spot elusive jaguars
Simien National Park
Jagged peaks of ancient wilderness
7.4
Trekking routes through Simien Mountains National Park camp right along a dramatic escarpment edge. Some campsites sit within steps of drops over 1000 metres straight down. Hikers can extend the trek to summit Ras Dashen, Ethiopia's highest peak. Armed scouts often accompany groups, a holdover requirement from years past.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Witness breathtaking sunrise views over the escarpments
  • 🐒 Spot Gelada monkeys grazing on the mountain plateaus
  • 🥾 Hike to the dramatic cliffs and peaks of Ras Dashen
Tanjung Puting National Park
Orangutan paradise in Borneo jungle
7.3
Camp Leakey inside Tanjung Puting National Park runs one of the longest running orangutan rehabilitation programmes anywhere. Researchers there have studied wild and rescued orangutans continuously since the 1970s. Visitors travel the park's rivers aboard traditional klotok boats, sleeping on deck overnight. Rangers hold feeding sessions where habituated orangutans regularly approach viewing platforms.
Highlights:
  • 🌳 Explore the lush rainforest on guided jungle treks
  • 🛶 Take a traditional klotok boat tour along Sekonyer River
  • 🦧 Observe wild orangutans at Camp Leakey feeding stations
Phong Nha cave
Majestic Underground Wonder
Son Doong, the world's largest cave passage, lies within this same park system. A local farmer stumbled onto its entrance in 1991 while sheltering from rain. Visitors can float through Phong Nha's own river cave by boat and kayak. Some chambers here are tall enough to fit a 40 story building inside.
Highlights:
  • 🧗‍♂️ Try adventurous ziplining and mud bathing nearby
  • 🪨 Explore stunning stalactites and underground lakes
  • 🛶 Cruise the Son River to enter Phong Nha Cave
Alquezar
A Medieval Gem in the Mountains
7.0
Alquezar sits above the Vero River canyon, often called the birthplace of Spanish canyoning. Guides lead groups abseiling past waterfalls and swimming through narrow limestone slots. Climbers can also try a via ferrata bolted into the canyon walls nearby. The medieval village above still keeps its stone streets and hilltop collegiate church.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Explore prehistoric cave paintings in Rio Vero Canyon
  • ⛪ Visit the historic Colegiata Santa Maria la Mayor
  • 🌉 Walk the Pasarelas del Vero cliffside walkways
Riksgränsen
Arctic skiing under midnight sun
7.7
Riksgransen sits above the Arctic Circle, letting skiers ride under the midnight sun. The resort stays open into June, later than almost any other in Europe. Guides also offer heli-skiing trips onto untouched slopes in the surrounding mountains. Northern lights instead light up the same runs during the darker winter months.
Highlights:
  • ⛷️ Explore off-piste slopes like Uffe’s Wall and Rimfors
  • 🚁 Take a heli-skiing adventure on untouched powder
  • 🎿 Ski or snowboard under the midnight sun in spring
El Capitan
Yosemite's Iconic Vertical Giant
Speed climbers set a record of under two hours on El Capitan's Nose route in 2018. The wall rises nearly 900 metres of sheer granite above the valley floor. Climbers can spend four or five days living on portaledges bolted to the rock. Spectators below watch through binoculars from the meadow at its base.
Highlights:
  • 🎤 Attend a ranger-led talk to learn climbing history
  • 🌄 Explore the El Capitan Meadow for mountain views
  • 🧗‍♂️ Watch expert climbers ascend the iconic granite face
Cabarete
Wind-swept paradise for adventure seekers
6.4
Steady trade winds have drawn windsurfers to Cabarete's bay since the 1980s. Kitesurfers later joined once the sport took off in the 2000s. Beginners can rent gear and book lessons right along the main beach. Afternoon winds typically pick up strongest, so many schools teach in the morning.
Highlights:
  • 🏄‍♂️ Surf the consistent waves at Playa Encuentro
  • 🛖 Explore the underground caves of El Choco National Park
  • 🪁 Kite surf at world-renowned Cabarete Beach
Squamish
Mountain‑coast escape with breathtaking vistas
8.8
The Stawamus Chief, a granite monolith above Squamish, ranks among North America's largest granite faces. Climbers have bolted hundreds of routes up its multiple summits since the 1960s. Mountain bikers descend a dense network of trails built into the surrounding forest. Strong winds on Howe Sound below also draw windsurfers and kitesurfers most afternoons.
Highlights:
  • 🚣‍♂️ Kayak along the crystal-clear Shannon River
  • 🎨 Explore Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre's art exhibits
  • 🏞️ Hike rugged trails in Garibaldi Provincial Park
Borneo
Wild rainforests meet unique wildlife
7.9
Borneo's rainforest is estimated at around 130 million years old, among Earth's oldest. Wild orangutans still swing through the canopy of parks like Tanjung Puting. Visitors can travel upriver by traditional klotok boat to reach ranger stations. Divers off the coast explore reefs rated among the richest in marine life anywhere.
Highlights:
  • 🦇 Explore unique limestone caves in Gunung Mulu National Park
  • 🦧 See orangutans up close at Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary
  • 🏔️ Climb Mount Kinabalu for unforgettable summit views
Mentawai Islands
Surfer's paradise with tribal culture
8.1
Surfers travel to the Mentawai Islands for reef breaks that rarely go flat. Boat charters anchor near the swell so riders can paddle out within minutes. Visitors can also trek inland to meet Mentawai communities who still practice traditional tattooing. Waves here can hold consistent size for days at a time during the season.
Highlights:
  • ⛵ Join a boat expedition to remote outer islands
  • 🌊 Stay in an overwater bungalow surrounded by turquoise lagoons
  • 🏄‍♂️ Surf world-class waves at Lance’s Right and Hollow Trees
Sipadan
Crystal reefs and untouched tropical paradise
9.3
Sipadan's reef wall drops nearly 600 metres straight down just off the beach. Divers here sometimes encounter barracuda schooling into a spinning tornado shape. Green and hawksbill turtles are common enough to spot on almost every dive. Only a limited number of dive permits are issued each day to protect the reef.
Highlights:
  • 🌱 Explore Tuan Rimba mangrove trails on foot
  • 🐢 Snorkel with turtles near Banggi Island
  • 🤿 Dive the crystal reefs at Sipadan's Blue Hole
Mount Kilimanjaro
Africa's Roof, World's Highest Freestanding Volcano
Kilimanjaro bans solo climbing, so every climber needs a licensed guide. Most groups begin their final summit push around midnight to reach the top by sunrise. Porters carry gear and supplies on a route that can take five to nine days. Altitude sickness turns back many climbers before they reach Uhuru Peak.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Watch sunrise over the Serengeti plains from above the clouds
  • 🥾 Hike through rainforest and alpine desert zones on the ascent
  • 🏔️ Climb to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Africa’s highest mountain
Pamir Mountains
The Remote Roof of the World
6.6
Overlanders consider the Pamir Highway one of the world's great long distance cycling routes. Riders cross remote mountain passes with almost no services for days at a stretch. Trekkers elsewhere can attempt Peak Lenin, a popular training peak above 7000 metres. Cyclists sometimes cover the full route over three or four weeks.
Highlights:
  • 🏡 Stay with a local family in a remote Pamiri village
  • 🥾 Trek through the Wakhan Valley with views of Afghanistan’s peaks
  • 🚙 Drive the rugged Pamir Highway, one of the world's highest roads
Azores
Volcanic Isles of Atlantic Wonders
8.5
Pico Mountain rises to 2351 metres as Portugal's tallest peak. Climbers can reach the volcanic summit and back in a single long day. Boat trips from nearby islands often spot sperm whales resident in these waters year round. Divers explore volcanic reefs and underwater lava formations just offshore.
Highlights:
  • 🍵 Visit Europe’s oldest tea plantation at Gorreana
  • ♨️ Relax in the thermal waters of Caldeira Velha
  • 🥾 Hike through the volcanic landscapes of Sete Cidades
Raja Ampat
Vibrant coral reefs and lush tropical islands
8.9
Raja Ampat sits at the heart of the Coral Triangle, the ocean's most biodiverse reef region. Marine biologists have recorded over 1700 fish species within these waters alone. Divers can drift over walls thick with soft coral just minutes from most resorts. Liveaboard boats let visitors reach more remote reef systems scattered across the islands.
Highlights:
  • 🌋 Explore Tofua volcano crater for panoramic sea views
  • 🚤 Kayak through crystal lagoons surrounding the hidden islands
  • 🐠 Snorkel at Manta Point, witness majestic manta rays
Annapurna
Legendary Trekking in Himalayan Diversity
8.0
Annapurna I became the earliest peak above 8000 metres ever climbed, in 1950. A French expedition led by Maurice Herzog reached the summit without modern gear. Trekkers today follow trails towards Annapurna Base Camp through rhododendron forest. Paragliders also launch from ridges above nearby Pokhara for views of the range.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Relax in natural hot springs at Tatopani
  • 🌅 Watch sunrise from Poon Hill’s panoramic viewpoint
  • 🥾 Trek the iconic Annapurna Circuit with varied landscapes
Baja California Sur
Desert meets ocean adventure land
8.2
Grey whales migrate to the lagoons of Baja California Sur each winter to give birth. Some mother whales approach small boats closely enough for visitors to touch them. Divers elsewhere along the coast can swim alongside whale sharks between autumn and spring. Surfers head to the Pacific side for consistent breaks nearly year round.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine beaches of Playa Balandra
  • 🐋 Watch grey whales breach near the lagoons of Magdalena Bay
  • 🦈 Swim alongside whale sharks in the Bay of La Paz
Cayo District
Jungle adventures and ancient Maya ruins
7.0
The Actun Tunichil Muknal cave in Cayo District holds ancient Maya ceremonial remains. A calcified skeleton inside, nicknamed the Crystal Maiden, still lies where it was found. Visitors swim and wade through several river crossings just to reach the entrance. Cameras are banned inside after a visitor once dropped one onto a skull.
Highlights:
  • 🌳 Visit the lush Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
  • 🛶 Tube through the caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal
  • 🏛️ Explore the ancient Maya ruins of Xunantunich
Graubünden
Alpine wonderland with pristine lakes and trails
9.5
The Engadin Ski Marathon draws thousands of cross country skiers each March. Racers cover 42 kilometres between St Moritz and S-chanf across frozen lakes and valleys. Visitors who miss the race can still ski marked trails through the same landscape. Summer turns the same valleys into a hub for road cycling and hiking.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Visit Sils Maria's vibrant art scene
  • 🚶‍♂️ Hike the scenic Rhine Gorge to witness dramatic cliffs
  • 🏔️ Explore St. Moritz's alpine scenery and luxury boutiques
Ladakh
Himalayan Cold Desert of Contrasts
8.5
Long distance cyclists ride the Leh to Manali highway across several high passes. Some of those passes climb above 5000 metres, testing riders' lungs as much as their legs. Rafters instead paddle the Zanskar and Indus rivers through steep gorges. Most visitors need a few days in Leh first to adjust to the altitude.
Highlights:
  • ⛺ Camp overnight beside the Tso Moriri Lake under stars
  • 🌊 Admire the surreal blue waters of Pangong Lake
  • 🏍️ Ride through the world’s highest motorable pass at Khardung La
Danakil Depression
Earth's Hottest, Most Alien Landscape
6.1
The Danakil Depression sits below sea level, among the hottest inhabited places on Earth. Visitors can trek at night to see the glowing lava lake inside Erta Ale volcano. Nearby, mineral pools at Dallol stain the ground shocking shades of yellow and green. Camel caravans still cross these flats to mine and haul salt blocks.
Highlights:
  • 🧂 Explore vast white salt flats at Karum Salt Lake
  • 🌋 Trek to the glowing lava lake of Erta Ale volcano
  • 🌈 Witness surreal colors at the Dallol sulfur springs
Belize
Tropical paradise with diverse ecosystems
7.0
The Great Blue Hole, a giant marine sinkhole, sits within Belize's barrier reef. Divers descend nearly 125 metres past ancient stalactites formed when the cave was dry land. Snorkellers on the surface can spot reef sharks circling the hole's rim. Belize's barrier reef stretches for over 300 kilometres, the largest in the Western Hemisphere.
Highlights:
  • ⛵ Sail between tropical cayes across the Belize Barrier Reef
  • 🏛️ Explore ancient Mayan ruins at Xunantunich and Caracol
  • 🤿 Dive or snorkel the breathtaking Great Blue Hole
Colorado
Rocky mountains and red rocks
9.2
The Arkansas River through Colorado ranks as the most rafted river in the country. Rapids near Browns Canyon range from playful splashes to serious whitewater. Mountain bikers can also ride high alpine trails above 3000 metres most summers. Rock climbers head to areas like Eldorado Canyon for classic granite routes.
Highlights:
  • 🚗 Drive along the scenic Trail Ridge Road
  • 🎿 Ski the world-class slopes of Aspen or Vail
  • 🏞️ Hike through Rocky Mountain National Park’s alpine trails
Dominica
Nature island with pristine rainforests
8.1
Dominica's Boiling Lake ranks among the largest hot lakes anywhere on Earth. Reaching it requires a demanding day hike through the steaming Valley of Desolation. Hikers scramble over ridges and through sulphur vents on the way there. The island's Waitukubuli Trail offers a longer route stringing together similar landscapes.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Snorkel at Champagne Reef, bubbling volcanic waters
  • 🌋 Hike to Boiling Lake, one of the world's largest boiling lakes
  • 🌊 Visit Trafalgar Falls, the iconic twin waterfalls
Greenland
Arctic wilderness with ice landscapes
8.8
Kayakers paddle among massive icebergs near the Ilulissat Icefjord. The glacier feeding it moves faster than almost any other on Earth. In winter, visitors can travel by dog sled across the frozen tundra instead. Summer's midnight sun lets hikers set out on trails well after 10pm.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Experience the magic of the midnight sun on a boat cruise
  • 🥾 Hike the rugged terrain of Kangerlussuaq and visit the Arctic Tundra
  • ❄️ Marvel at the floating icebergs in Ilulissat Icefjord, UNESCO World Heritage site
Guyana
South America's pristine rainforest gem
6.9
Kaieteur Falls drops in a single sheer plunge nearly five times the height of Niagara Falls. Few roads reach it, so most visitors arrive by small charter plane. Trekkers in the nearby Rupununi savannah can track jaguars with local guides. Giant river otters and caimans are commonly spotted along the region's rivers.
Highlights:
  • 🌿 Explore the lush Iwokrama Rainforest, home to diverse wildlife
  • ⛰️ Hike Mount Roraima, the ancient tabletop mountain
  • 🌊 Visit Kaieteur Falls, one of the world's most powerful waterfalls
Iceland
Land of fire and ice
9.7
Iceland lets visitors walk between two tectonic plates at Thingvellir. The North American and Eurasian plates are slowly pulling apart at this exact spot. Divers can also snorkel the Silfra fissure, where glacial water runs extremely clear. Glacier hikers elsewhere strap on crampons to explore blue ice caves each winter.
Highlights:
  • 🚗 Drive the full Ring Road and explore Iceland’s natural wonders
  • 💦 Soak in the milky-blue waters of the Blue Lagoon
  • 🌌 Marvel at the dancing Northern Lights in winter
Kyrgyzstan
Untouched mountain wilderness awaits explorers
7.5
Kyrgyz herders still move livestock to high mountain pastures on horseback each summer. Visitors can join multi day horse treks that follow similar routes. Riders sleep in traditional yurts and eat meals with local herding families. Some tours include a stop to watch eagle hunters demonstrate an old tradition.
Highlights:
  • 🌌 Sleep in a traditional yurt under the starry sky
  • ⛰️ Hike to the waterfall in the red canyons of Jeti-Ögüz
  • 🏞️ Ride horseback through the alpine meadows around Lake Issyk-Kul
Mongolia
Land of endless steppes
7.7
Mongolia's Golden Eagle Festival gathers hunters and their trained eagles each autumn. Riders compete on horseback while their eagles chase down targets for speed and accuracy. Visitors elsewhere can trek across the Gobi Desert on camelback for several days. Overnight stays in traditional ger camps are common along most travel routes.
Highlights:
  • 🛕 Visit the Gandan Monastery and observe morning prayers
  • 🌌 Stay overnight in a traditional ger under starry skies
  • 🐎 Ride a horse across the vast Mongolian steppe
Oman
Ancient heritage meets natural wonders
7.5
Wadi Shab requires a short swim through a narrow canyon to reach a hidden waterfall. Visitors climb over boulders and squeeze through tight rock passages along the way. A final swim through a cave opening leads to a small hidden cavern beyond. Nearby dunes in the Wahiba Sands draw visitors for overnight desert camping.
Highlights:
  • 🏜️ Camp under the stars in Wahiba Sands desert
  • 🏞️ Marvel at the turquoise waters of Wadi Shab
  • 🏰 Explore the ancient Nizwa Fort and its bustling souq
Papua New Guinea
Last paradise of South Pacific
5.7
The Kokoda Track follows the route of a brutal World War Two campaign. Trekkers cross steep jungle ridges over roughly four to eight days on foot. Divers elsewhere explore WWII wrecks resting on the seafloor just offshore. Remote villages along both routes still hold to distinct local traditions.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Trek the historic Kokoda Track through dense rainforest
  • 🎭 Meet the colorful tribes at the Mount Hagen Festival
  • 🤿 Dive among WWII wrecks in Rabaul’s volcanic waters
Republic of the Congo
Pristine wilderness with rich biodiversity
5.6
Nouabale-Ndoki National Park protects one of Central Africa's largest untouched rainforest tracts. Western lowland gorillas, more elusive than their mountain cousins, live within its borders. Trackers lead small groups on foot through dense forest to find habituated families. Forest elephants and bongo antelope also pass through the same clearings.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Marvel at the beauty of the Congo River from Pointe-Noire
  • 🛍️ Explore the vibrant markets and crafts in Brazzaville
  • 🦍 Visit the amazing Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park for wildlife safaris
Rwanda
Land of a thousand hills
7.7
Volcanoes National Park protects part of the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda. Roughly a third of the world's remaining mountain gorillas live within its slopes. Trackers guide small groups through bamboo forest to spend an hour with a gorilla family. A separate trek nearby tracks golden monkeys through the same volcanic range.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the beaches of scenic Lake Kivu
  • 🌳 Explore Nyungwe Forest and walk the canopy trail
  • 🦍 Trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Remote polar wilderness with wildlife
8.4
South Georgia holds some of the largest king penguin colonies on Earth. Some beaches host hundreds of thousands of birds packed shoulder to shoulder. Visitors can hike the final stretch of Ernest Shackleton's 1916 rescue trek. Expedition ships anchor offshore since the island has no runway or ferry service.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike scenic trails to Mount Paget summit
  • 🏚️ Visit historic Grytviken whaling station and church
  • 🐧 Observe king penguins at stunning St. Andrews Bay
Svalbard
Arctic wilderness at Earth's edge
8.3
Polar bears outnumber people across the Svalbard archipelago. Anyone leaving town on foot must carry a rifle or travel with an armed guide. Visitors can join dog sled trips or snowmobile tours across the frozen tundra in winter. Summer's midnight sun keeps the archipelago lit around the clock for months.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike across the dramatic tundra and rugged landscapes
  • 🛥️ Explore glaciers and fjords on guided boat tours
  • 🐻‍❄️ Observe Arctic wildlife including elusive polar bears safely
Tajikistan
Dramatic mountains meet ancient cultures
6.2
Tajikistan's Pamirs hold several peaks among the tallest outside the Himalaya and Karakoram. Mountaineering expeditions target summits like Ismoil Somoni Peak each summer climbing season. Trekkers with less technical experience can instead hike to Iskanderkul, a turquoise alpine lake. Rock climbers have also begun exploring granite walls in the more remote valleys.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Explore the ancient ruins of Hissar Fortress
  • 🏞️ Hike around turquoise Iskanderkul Lake and waterfalls
  • 🛣️ Drive the legendary Pamir Highway through mountains
Uganda
Pearl of Africa's diverse landscapes
7.1
Researchers have nicknamed Kibale Forest the primate capital of Africa. The park holds 13 primate species, including a large population of wild chimpanzees. Trackers lead visitors on foot to find and observe a habituated chimp troop. Permits also allow longer research style visits that follow the chimps for a full day.
Highlights:
  • 🦓 Take a safari across the vast savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • 🐘 Watch hippos and elephants along the Kazinga Channel
  • 🦍 Trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to meet mountain gorillas
Utah
Nature's dramatic red rock playground
8.2
Utah holds five national parks within a few hours' drive of one another. Locals and tourism boards alike nicknamed the group the Mighty 5. Canyoneers can wade and swim through the Narrows, a slot canyon inside Zion. Mountain bikers and climbers fill in the gaps between parks along the way.
Highlights:
  • 🚗 Drive the scenic Capitol Reef National Park Scenic Drive
  • 🧡 Explore the colorful hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park
  • 🧗‍♂️ Hike the iconic Angels Landing trail in Zion National Park
Venezuela
Land of diverse tropical landscapes
5.6
Extreme athletes have BASE jumped from the cliff top above Angel Falls since the 1990s. Jumpers free fall past nearly the same 979 metre drop as the waterfall. Most visitors instead reach the base by canoe and a jungle hike. Pilots also offer scenic flights over the tepui for a quicker look.
Highlights:
  • 🏝️ Relax on the white sands of Los Roques archipelago
  • 🦜 Explore the wildlife and plains of Los Llanos
  • 🌊 Marvel at Angel Falls, the world’s highest waterfall
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