Outdoor Thrilling Adventures To Have At Least Once In Your Life

Discover Machu Picchu

If you’re into long walks and discovering ancient cities, then a trip to Machu Picchu has to be on your list. This Inca citadel is located in the Andes and can be accessed via bus. However, you can take a five-day trek along the entire 26-mile-long Inca Trail if you're a more adventurous traveler.

Don’t feel like going by bus or taking the five-day walk? Don’t worry! There are still more options, such as doing the whole experience in 24 hours. Yes, you can visit this Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in a single day. Isn’t it amazing?

Go Glacier Hunting In Greenland

It might be a bit expensive (and also difficult) to get to Greenland. But it is undoubtedly worth it. Especially when going there means that you get to appreciate one of the most untouched landscapes on the planet.

Think about it: once you get there, you’ll be able to witness the marvel that this ice kingdom is. Who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by glaciers and watch as they float off the mainland? Up next, a very popular destination among adventurers!

Go Hot Air Ballooning In Cappadocia, Turkey

This is not your run-of-the-mill travel. Instead of driving a car, or taking a bus or a plane, you’ll get to travel 16 to 3200-feet in the air. Cappadocia provides an ancient fairy-tale-like view, which is best appreciated from above.

The famous limestone spires and the “fairy chimneys,” combined with the 360-degree view the hot-air-balloon ride provides, make up an unforgettable experience.

Swim In The Great Barrier Reef

With more than 400 different types of coral and 1,500 species of fish, swimming in the Great Barrier Reef has to be on the top of every diver and snorkeler’s bucket list.

The marvelous scenery has been rapidly eroding due to coral bleaching and global warming. So, if you’ve included it on your list, make sure you make this old living organism on Earth your priority and go visit this technicolor world quickly! Beware, not everybody is up for the challenge the next one poses…

Climb Mount Everest

Experienced and not-so-experienced hikers all over the world have attempted to climb Mount Everest. Only a few of them have succeeded, though. And an even smaller number has been able to do it without supplemental oxygen. _“You need to climb at least three 20,000 peaks, one 23,000 peak, and one 26,000 peak before considering Everest,”_ said alpinist Adrian Ballinger, who attempted the climb in 2016.

Do you think you have the experience, time, and funds needed to reach Everest’s summit? Even if you think so, this would probably be the most challenging (and indeed, life-changing) experience of your life!

Dog Sledding in Siberia

This is for you, winter lovers. Husky dogs in Siberia. Do we need to say more? Okay… Siberia. Wintertime, and… Husky dogs taking you on sled rides across frozen Lake Baikal.

If you love dogs, but don’t want to be driven by them, fear not! There is always the Trans-Siberian Railway, ready to take you for a ride. Mind you; it won’t be as adorable as the husky ride.

Walk Along The Great Wall

A tourist favorite, perfect to take both selfies and landscape pictures, which tends to get a little crowded. But don’t worry, the Great Wall is, well…quite big, so if you don’t feel like taking a photo next to all the other tourists, different sections of the wall offer different options.

To visit the Great Wall, you can either choose a 12-day excursion in which you can walk around 50 miles and camp overnight in the structure’s watchtowers, or a single day trip, which offers guided tours specifically of the Wall’s uncrowded stretches and lets you walk from tower to tower with no one else around you. We’re sure you’ve dreamed about setting off to the next adventure…at least once!

Safari In Africa

We all think about going on safari in Africa at some point in our lives. The problem is where to start. Organizing a safari in another country is no easy task. Luckily, Africa has many places to choose from, making the selection a bit easier.

Botswana’s Okavango Delta is one of the top choices of both first-timers and experienced safari-goers. Not only for its wealth of wildlife but also for its topographical diversity. For the best, most intimate look at the roaming elephants and cheetahs (among others), your best choice is to hop on a mokoro canoe and let your wild adventurer spirit soar. Very few (lucky) people get to enjoy the wonders of the next adventure.

A Night Under The Northern Lights

Who wouldn’t enjoy spending the night under the (sometimes) elusive Northern Lights? It might seem difficult to catch them at first, especially when it depends on so many factors such as location, time of the year and weather conditions.

If you want to witness this majestic phenomenon, which is also known as _aurora borealis_, an excursion to Finnish Lapland is the best choice. The antarctic area is one of the planet’s best for lights viewing, and you can even sleep in an igloo hotel! Isn’t it dreamy?

Visit The Iguazú Falls

Located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, you find South America’s, Iguazú Falls. You can view the system of more than 200 cascades (reaching heights of around 270 feet) from surrounding walkways and catwalks.

And if walkways and catwalks aren’t precisely your thing, and you’re a bit more adventurous, we’ve got you covered! At the Iguazú Falls, you can hop on an inflatable raft and go directly under the exhilarating, high-pressure falls. And that’s not all! You can also rappel 180 feet down the face of a cliff in full view of the cascades!

Climb Mount Fiji

Rising 12,388 feet above villages and reflecting on lakes’ surfaces, Mount Fiji is Japan’s most iconic natural wonder. Lake Kawaguchi in Fujikawaguchiko and the Park Hyatt Tokyo are some of the chosen spots to get a view of the Solitary Mount Fiji.

Here’s a tip: to take advantage of the official climbing season, when the designated trails and paved roads are free from snow, you can visit from early July to mid-September. Who knew Mexico had such an amazing adventure awaiting?

Swim Through Mexico’s Cavernous Cenotes

When in Mexico, apart from visiting the marvelous beaches, you can go to the Yucantán Peninsula, which features a wealth of unique natural beauty, especially when it comes to its cavernous cenotes.

Diving through the underground cave systems is definitely one of the most spectacular experiences ever. If you’re eager to view one of the planet’s most beautiful underwater sites, don’t miss _Dos Ojos_ (Two Eyes) in Tulum. You can visit _Gran Cenote_ to watch some amazing rock formations that resemble Gothic architecture, as well.

Sand Surf In The Sahara Desert

The dunes of the Sahara provide for a colossal, untouched scenario for extreme sports. The desert’s rows of barchans (“crescent-shaped dunes” in Turkic) have the optimal shapes for sand surfing and sandboarding.

Didn’t you know these are sports too? Well… They are! Whether you enjoy descending the slopes on a surfboard or a snowboard, the dunes of the Sahara will always be waiting for you. Also, the extraordinary scenery doesn’t hurt, right?

Paraglide In Turkey

With pebble shores and a “blue lagoon” of aquamarine hues, Oludeniz has one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey. But that’s not all, thanks to stable weather and gorgeous panoramic views, the beach is also one of the world’s best places to paraglide.

Feel like jumping-off points reaching 6,000 feet above sea level while being able to witness one of the most fascinating aerial views? If your answer is “Yes,” then you know where to go!

Spot Spirit Bears In Canada

In Canada, the Great Bear Rainforest is the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world where you can spot sea wolves and spirit bears roaming its 21 million acres. Magical, isn’t it?

To be a part of this enchanting experience, you can go on a nine-day excursion aboard a schooner, departing from British Columbia’s aboriginal First Nations community of Bella Bella and stopping for sea kayaking along the way. Up next, a magnificent snorkeling experience hard to forget!

Snorkel Between Continents In Iceland

From glacier hiking to snorkeling and diving, Iceland has it all when it comes to adventure travel. Suppose you're a big snorkeling and diving fan. In that case, you definitely have to head straight to Thingvellir National Park along the country’s Golden Circle route, where two tectonic plates slowly pull apart at the rate of about two centimeters per year. The resulting phenomenon is the Silfra fissure, a stunning rift valley where travelers can snorkel or dive in impossibly clear cold waters.

If you’ve got your mindset on diving and snorkeling, then head over to Iceland. There are awesome tours for divers and snorkelers of every level, and you could get an underwater photo of you touching two continents at the same time as well! Also, don’t take for granted what America has to offer…up next a few ideas many people tend to forget!

Road Trip Through America

Oh, road trip. Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned road trip through America? There are so many national parks to visit, with so much history and amazing landscapes.

We thought it would be nice to narrow it down a bit with so many places to visit. So, what about visiting the Mighty Five? The cluster of Utah’s national parks that include Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands has Mars-like landscapes that have to be seen to be believed.

Heli-Ski In Switzerland

_Heli-skiing_ is one of the top activities any winter sports enthusiast wants to try at least once. Off-trail skiing accessed by helicopter as opposed to a ski lift? Count us in!

If you want to try some of the best off-trail skiing in the world, you should visit Switzerland. Also, Alpine villages like Grimentz or Zermatt offer some of the most epic landscapes you will ever see. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again… Count us in!

Visit The Amazon River

Whether you take a luxury cruise through the Peruvian stretch of the river or simply a kayaking trip along some Amazon tributaries, the Amazon River definitely deserves to be visited.

Once you get there, you can fish for piranhas and camp out in the jungle. You’ll also be able to be face to face with one of the most terrorizing creatures of the Amazon River: the Black Caiman. But don’t worry! Attacks on humans are very rare.

Go “Volcano Boarding” On Cerro Negro

Nicaragua is the perfect place to kayak, surf, zipline through the jungle, and even sled down the side of an active volcano. Yes, you can actually slide down the side of an active volcano! If you’re one of those intrepid travelers who love these types of activities, then you won’t have a problem climbing up the 2,388-foot Cerro Negro and then sit or stand on a piece of plywood and slide your way down the slopes.

You need to know that to go “volcano boarding,” you have to go on a guided group tour. Many companies provide you with transportation to the volcano, boards, safety equipment, snacks, and your speed clocked by a radar gun. Cool, right?

Go Camping In Antarctica

Days of skiing and hiking, and South Pole sleepovers. Antarctica really has it all when it comes to cold temperature adventures. But wait, cold and snow aren’t the only things Antarctica has to offer…

Untouched landscapes, unique wildlife, cruising, caving, and even thermal spring soaking! Isn’t it amazing? When the hot water of the shoreline of Pendulum Cove mixes with the cold ocean water, you get to experience a nice thermal bath… In Antarctica! The next one promises to be a _chilling_ adventure!

Walk A Frozen River In India

If India is one of your top pick destinations, you must walk the Chadar Trek frozen river. During January and February, the Chadar Trek is an approximately 50-mile journey across the Zanskar River when it freezes solid.

To go on this adventure, you have many travel companies that offer several-day treks with trips that include hiking, guided tours, and overnight camping on the ice.

Surf Oahu’s Banzai Pipeline

Commonly referred to as “The Pipeline,” Oahu’s Banzai Pipeline is one of the most sought-after spots for surfers. It is located off the coast of the island’s north shore in Ehukai Beach Park, and there, the surf reef break averages waves measuring nine feet high. Dare to go surfing there?

If you do, then you have to know that this activity is for experienced surfers only. If you’re not one, then you might want to get some experience first. If you’re a beginner and don’t feel like trying this out just yet, don’t worry! You can still get some of the thrill surfing in “The Pipeline” gives, by watching the many surf competitions that take place there.

Zip Line Over Niagara Falls

Back in 2016, The 2,200-foot MistRider opened in Ontario, and it has been attracting daring tourists nonstop.  It goes from the top to nearly the Niagara Gorge's bottom, and people must meet specific requirements to take the ride. They must be at least seven years old and weigh between 65–300 pounds.

With four zip lines reaching speeds more than 40 miles per hour, this ride includes safety harnesses for people to be perfectly safe as they go down and dive into Niagara Falls.

Go Bungee Jumping In New Zealand

What could be better than adventure sports in New Zealand? Nothing beats it. Ever since the Kawarau Bridge Bungy opened in 1988, New Zealand has been known as the country that invented adventure sports.

Looking for some adrenaline? Then join the 38,000 annual visitors and take the 140-foot jump from the South Island’s historic, steel-framed Kawarau Bridge and let your body be filled with a thrill! Many people reported feeling dizzy just from looking at the following photos!

Visit The Great Blue Hole In Belize

The Great Blue Hole is a 1,000-foot-wide sinkhole in the middle of Belize’s Lighthouse Reef that is known for its breathtaking circular shape and bold deep blue color. Anyone who has seen an aerial shot of this place knows what we’re talking about.

However,  scuba divers are the ones who get to experience what lies beneath —massive, 40-foot limestone stalactites and stalagmites that formed during the last glacial period make up one of the most surrealistic landscapes one could ever visit. If this one didn’t scare you, how about splashing and swimming at the top of a fall?

#4. Go Swimming In The Devil’s Pool At Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Each year, it attracts thousands of tourists. This is mostly due to a naturally formed eddy sitting at the very edge of the falls, known as the Devil’s Pool.

Between August and January (depending on water levels) daring swimmers splash around. Did you know that this site is also known as the most extreme infinity pool? This is due to the fact that a slippery rock barrier is the only thing that separates people from going over the edge.

Swim With Dolphins In The Azores

Located some 900 miles off the coast of Lisbon, the Azores are a group of nine islands that adventurers often choose as the perfect getaway.

The incredibly scenic archipelago provides tourists with the perfect scenario to go canyoning on steep cliff walls, paragliding over vineyards, and swim with both migrating and native dolphins.

Relax In Darwin Lake, Galapagos Islands

Located off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are one of the world’s most famous bucket-list destinations, thanks to their varied mixture of unique wildlife and out-of-this-world landscapes.

The chain of 19 islands offers a large number of once-in-a-lifetime activities for those who seek to be both filled with adrenaline and relaxed. You can either go hiking on volcanoes or chill in the saline Darwin Lake, surrounded by tortoises and iguanas. Still, America has unbeatable destinations too!

Go Hiking In Yosemite National Park

Beware: this might be one of the most intense and challenging hikes you’ll ever take. The Half Dome trail through Yosemite stretches for 16 miles and ascends more than 5,500 feet. If you thought this is the worst part, let us tell you this… Think again!

The final 400 feet are the trickiest, as climbers have to climb up the steep slope with only two steel cables as their support. The effort and the risk are definitely worth it, though. On the top, you are welcomed by breathtaking views.