Ready for an epic adventure in 2025? If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, then this guide is for you. I’ve explored 70 countries around the world and I’m excited to share 13 up-and-coming places for adventure lovers!
Think of the Amazon’s untamed wilderness, the Andes’ soaring heights, or Australia’s Gold Coast with its perfect waves. Whether you’re into mountain climbing, deep-sea diving, or heart-pounding treks, these spots will blow you away. Stick around…you’ll be surprised by some hidden gems you never expected.
The Top Adventure Destinations at a Glance
Here are some of my favorite places in the world for outdoor adventures, which I will cover in more detail below.
- Best Year-Round Adventure Destination: Swiss Alps
- Best for Epic Mountain Treks: Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
- Most Breathtaking Cliffs and Waterfalls: Milford Sound, New Zealand
- Top Historical Hiking Experience: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru
- Best for Glaciers and Ice Caves: Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
- Ultimate Jungle Adventure: Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
- Best for Off-Road Thrills: White Rim Trail, Utah, USA
- Most Iconic High-Altitude Trek: Everest Base Camp, Nepal
- Top Safari Destination: Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
- Best Tropical Island Hopping: Whitsunday Islands, Australia
- Most Scenic Arctic Adventure: Lofoten Islands, Norway
- Best Spiritual Trek: Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan
- Top Cloud Forest Experience: Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
1. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Best for: Multi-day trekking, epic landscapes, and serious off-the-grid adventure
After exploring both the Chilean and Argentine sides of Patagonia, I can confidently say: Torres del Paine is the crown jewel. I’ve been to Patagonia a couple of times now, and while El Chaltén and the Fitz Roy range are incredible, there’s just something raw and cinematic about this side of the Andes.
First off, the scenery is absolutely otherworldly. Picture jagged granite spires, glacier-fed lakes in impossible shades of blue, golden pampas, thundering waterfalls, and roaming herds of guanacos…and it’s all packed into one national park. It feels like a mash-up between the Alps, the Rockies, and something out of a fantasy film.
But what really sets Torres del Paine apart is the remoteness. It’s not easy to get here, and that’s part of the appeal. Once you’re in the park, you’re completely surrounded by wilderness. No cell service. No Starbucks. Just wind, stone, sky, and the occasional puma footprint in the trail dust. Read my ultimate guide here on my trip to Chilean Patagonia, including how to get there.
Top Adventures in Torres del Paine
- The W Trek: This iconic 4–5 day hike takes you through the heart of the park, hitting all the major landmarks—Base of the Towers, French Valley, and Grey Glacier. I loved waking up in the refugios with the sound of wind ripping through the valley outside.
- The O Circuit: For seasoned hikers who want to go even deeper, the O adds a loop around the backside of the Paine Massif. Fewer people, more solitude, and views that’ll make you forget Instagram even exists.
- Kayaking near Glacier Grey: Paddle right up to icebergs and the glacier face. It’s cold. It’s surreal. It’s 100% worth it.
- Horseback riding with gauchos: Explore the pampas like the locals have for generations. It’s a great way to cover ground and experience the terrain from a new perspective.
- Wildlife spotting: You’ve got good chances of seeing guanacos, condors, foxes, and if you’re lucky (or quiet), pumas. This is one of the top things to do in Patagonia.
Why Adventure Travelers Love It
This is not a casual destination. It’s the kind of place in Patagonia where you earn the experience…physically and mentally. You’re exposed to the elements. Weather changes in minutes. Trails can be tough. But the payoff? Unreal. Torres del Paine is a rite of passage for anyone who loves wild, rugged landscapes and type-2 fun.
2. Milford Sound, Queenstown, New Zealand
Best for: Dramatic fjords, waterfall-chasing, and remote adventure vibes
I’ve explored a lot of New Zealand, but nothing hits quite like Milford Sound. Tucked into Fiordland National Park on the South Island’s wild west coast, this place feels prehistoric. You’re surrounded by towering granite cliffs, lush rainforest, and misty air so clean it almost feels fake. An absolute must-see in Queenstown.
What makes Milford Sound unforgettable is its intensity. It rains here over 200 days a year…and that’s a good thing. The rain triggers thousands of waterfalls, some plunging from cliffs over 1,000 meters high. You’ll be standing there, eyes wide, as temporary falls pour down every face around you. It’s unreal.
Getting here is part of the journey. Whether you drive the winding alpine roads, take a flight over the Southern Alps, or hike in via the world-famous Milford Track, you’re signing up for a full-on adventure.
Top Adventures in Milford Sound
- Cruise the fjord: Drift past Mitre Peak, waterfalls, and seal colonies. Best way to see the full scale.
- Kayaking: Paddle quietly beneath waterfalls and cliffs – it’s peaceful, wild, and humbling.
- Milford Track: One of the most iconic hikes in the world. Four days through valleys, alpine passes, and lush forest.
- Scenic flight: Fly in from Queenstown or Te Anau for jaw-dropping aerial views of glaciers and peaks.
- Diving or snorkeling: Yep, the black coral reefs here are world-famous – even Jacques Cousteau called it one of the best cold-water dive sites.
Why Adventure Travelers Love It
Milford Sound is pure drama. It’s remote, moody, and totally disconnected from the rest of the world. Whether you’re sailing through fjords, hiking rain-soaked trails, or just watching clouds swirl around Mitre Peak, it grabs you in a way that’s hard to explain. For any adventurer heading to New Zealand, this place is non-negotiable.
3. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru
Best for: Bucket-list trekking, ancient ruins, and high-altitude adventure
Of all the treks I’ve done around the world, hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is easily one of the most legendary. This is a four-day journey back in time, following stone paths laid by the Inca Empire through cloud forests, alpine passes, and hidden ruins that most people will never see.
Sure, you could take the train, but walking in the footsteps of the Incas? That’s where the magic is. What makes the Inca Trail special is everything along the way. Ancient terraces, mossy temples, mist-shrouded mountains… and then on the last morning, you pass through the Sun Gate and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu as the sun rises over the Andes. It’s one of those beautiful destinations in Peru you’ll never forget.
Top Adventures on the Inca Trail
- Dead Woman’s Pass: The highest point on the trail at 13,800 ft…grueling but epic.
- Wiñay Wayna: Ancient ruins perched on the mountainside. Even cooler than Machu Picchu (honestly).
- Sun Gate arrival: That first sunrise view over Machu Picchu will stop you in your tracks.
- Camping under the stars: Zero light pollution. Pure Milky Way vibes every night.
- Immersive history: Local guides bring the ancient world to life with stories, legends, and traditions.
Why Adventure Travelers Love It
This trail isn’t just about the destination…it’s about the journey. The altitude tests you. The terrain pushes you. But by the end, you’ve earned every single step. It’s physically challenging, emotionally moving, and spiritually rich. If you love meaningful adventure, the Inca Trail is one of the greatest treks on Earth. It’s easily one of the coolest experiences in Peru everyone should do at least once.
4. Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
Best for: Glacier hiking, ice caves, volcanoes, and surreal landscapes
Iceland has no shortage of jaw-dropping scenery, but if you’re chasing pure adventure, Vatnajökull National Park is the place to go. It’s home to Europe’s largest glacier, active volcanoes, black sand deserts, and landscapes so bizarre they feel like another planet. I’ve seen a lot of wild terrain over the years, but this place still messed with my sense of scale. It’s for sure a must on an Iceland road trip!
Vatnajökull is massive—over 5,300 square miles—and it feels untamed. You’ve got towering icefalls, lava fields, moss-covered canyons, glacial rivers, and geothermal pockets all in one place. It’s like Patagonia, the Moon, and Mordor had a baby.
Top Adventures in Vatnajökull
- Ice cave tours (Nov–March): Step inside electric-blue caves beneath the glacier. Photos don’t do it justice.
- Glacier hiking: Strap on crampons and explore crevasses and ice ridges with a guide—no experience needed.
- Svartifoss hike: A short trek to one of Iceland’s most unique waterfalls, framed by basalt columns.
- Skaftafell nature reserve: Killer day hikes with glacier views, waterfalls, and dramatic ridgelines.
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Watch massive icebergs float past or kayak among them at sunrise. Unreal.
- Volcano exploration: You’re standing on top of the still-active Bárðarbunga system—how’s that for bragging rights?
Why Adventure Travelers Love It
Vatnajökull isn’t about ticking off tourist boxes…it’s about full-body immersion in a landscape that constantly shifts beneath your feet. It’s cold, wild, and unpredictable- something you have to expect on an Iceland itinerary. The kind of place where you hike on a glacier in the morning and walk through a lava field by afternoon. For adventure travelers, this park is the heartbeat of Iceland’s wilderness…and an absolute must for photography in Iceland in 2025.
5. Manaus, Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
Best for: Jungle treks, river adventures, and raw biodiversity
If you’re looking to unplug from modern life and drop straight into the lungs of the Earth, the Amazon Rainforest via Manaus is the move. I visited the Brazilian Amazon during the wet season, and it felt like stepping into a different universe…dense jungle, mirror-like rivers, surreal wildlife sounds all day and night. It’s humid. It’s wild. And it’s an unforgettable thing to do in Brazil.
Manaus is the gateway. It’s a gritty jungle city where speedboats replace taxis and monkeys sometimes outnumber people. From there, you launch into multi-day river safaris, jungle lodges, or even survival treks with indigenous guides. Everything here is alive. Giant lily pads, sloths, pink river dolphins, piranhas, macaws…you see it all, often within a single day.
Top Adventures in the Amazon via Manaus
- Jungle lodge stays: Sleep in a hammock or eco-lodge surrounded by wildlife. Wake up to howler monkeys, not alarms.
- Night safaris: Spot caimans by flashlight and listen to the jungle come alive after dark.
- Piranha fishing: Yes, it’s real. Yes, they bite.
- Meeting the “Meeting of the Waters”: Watch the black Rio Negro and brown Solimões Rivers flow side by side without mixing.
- Canoe expeditions: Paddle through flooded forests and narrow creeks—especially magical during rainy season (Dec–May).
- Indigenous village visits: Learn local traditions, survival skills, and the deeper rhythms of life in the forest.
Why Adventure Travelers Love It
The Amazon isn’t polished or predictable. It’s humid, raw, and sometimes overwhelming. But that’s the point. This is Earth in its wildest form…and being here strips away the noise of modern life fast. For anyone chasing off-grid, sensory-overload experiences, the Amazon via Manaus is the adventure of a lifetime. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the prettiest destinations in Brazil.
6. Moab, Utah, USA
Best for: Red rock landscapes, off-roading, canyoneering, and desert stoke
If Mars had national parks, they’d look like Moab. I’ve road-tripped through Utah a few times, and Moab is always the spot that stops me in my tracks. The landscapes here are just ridiculous—massive sandstone arches, crimson cliffs, slickrock trails, and canyons that feel like they were sculpted for epic adventure. One of my favorite hikes of all is the White Rim Trail!
It’s the kind of place where you wake up with red dirt on your boots and a sunrise lighting up the rocks in gold and fire. Whether you’re into hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, or 4×4’ing, Moab is the ultimate desert playground. It’s a must-visit on any Utah national park road trip itinerary.
Top Adventures in Moab
- Arches National Park: Delicate Arch gets all the fame, but the real magic is hitting the back trails at sunrise or sunset.
- Canyonlands National Park: Wild, vast, and underrated—especially the Needles District and Island in the Sky viewpoints.
- Mountain biking the Slickrock Trail: Possibly the most iconic ride in the U.S.—technical, exposed, and addictive.
- 4×4 off-roading: Rent a Jeep or join a guided Hell’s Revenge tour. It’s steep, gnarly, and a total blast.
- Canyoneering in Negro Bill or Bow & Arrow Canyon: Rappelling, scrambling, and slot canyon magic. This is one of Utah’s best hidden gems.
- Rafting the Colorado River: Chill half-day floats or multi-day whitewater trips through red rock walls. A must-do in Utah for young adults.
Why Adventure Travelers Love It
Moab is high-octane and wide open. It’s got that Wild West freedom mixed with a strong outdoor community vibe. You can camp under the stars, grab tacos in town, then climb a sandstone tower the next morning. It’s raw, rugged, and 100% unfiltered. For 2025, if you want pure adventure with a side of jaw-dropping scenery, Moab should be at the top of your list as one of the most scenic places in Utah.
7. Everest Base Camp, Nepal
Best for: High-altitude trekking, Himalayan scenery, and once-in-a-lifetime bragging rights
There are epic hikes… and then there’s Everest Base Camp. Trekking here isn’t just about standing at the foot of the world’s tallest mountain…it’s about the journey through remote Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, swinging suspension bridges, and valleys flanked by ice-covered giants.
You start in Lukla, home to one of the world’s most insane airport landings, and spend nearly two weeks ascending through the Khumbu region, with snow-capped peaks surrounding you at every turn. Along the way, you’ll pass prayer wheels, mani stones, yaks hauling supplies, and trekkers from every corner of the world. By the time you reach Base Camp at 17,598 ft (5,364 m), you’ve pushed your body, reset your mind, and earned one hell of a story.
Top Adventures on the EBC Trek
- Namche Bazaar: The main Sherpa hub—stock up on supplies, soak in the mountain views, and acclimate.
- Tengboche Monastery: Sacred spot with panoramic views of Ama Dablam and Everest.
- Kala Patthar summit: Best views of Everest—sunrise here is next level.
- Crossing suspension bridges over glacier-fed rivers: Feels like a movie scene every time.
- Glacial terrain to Base Camp: The final stretch is rugged, rocky, and 100% worth it.
Why Adventure Travelers Love It
Everest Base Camp is a mental and physical pilgrimage. You’re hiking for hours each day at altitude, battling unpredictable weather, and embracing the simplicity of mountain life. But the rewards? Insane. It’s the kind of destination in Nepal that shifts your perspective—and reminds you how small (and capable) you really are. If you’re chasing meaningful, challenging adventure in 2025, this trek is a rite of passage.
8. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, Africa
Best for: Safari adventure, epic wildlife encounters, and surreal landscapes
Out of all the wild places I’ve explored in Africa, Ngorongoro Crater felt the most otherworldly. Picture a massive, ancient volcanic caldera teeming with life—lions, elephants, rhinos, flamingos—all framed by misty crater walls that rise 2,000 feet above the floor. It’s like stepping into a wildlife-filled amphitheater carved out by time.
Located in northern Tanzania near the Serengeti, the crater is actually the world’s largest intact caldera. It’s only 12 miles wide, but it packs in an insane concentration of animals. You could literally see the Big Five here before lunch.
What makes it extra special? Ngorongoro blends raw nature with deep culture. The surrounding highlands are home to the Maasai people, who still herd cattle across the rim like they’ve done for generations. It’s wild meets ancient.
Top Adventures in Ngorongoro Crater
- Crater floor safari: See lions lounging in the grass, herds of zebra and wildebeest, and endangered black rhinos—all in one drive.
- Photograph sunrise from the rim: Unreal golden light pouring into the basin with mist swirling off the grasslands.
- Visit a Maasai village: Learn traditional customs, music, and rituals from one of Africa’s most iconic cultures.
- Empakaai Crater hike: Lesser-known sibling to Ngorongoro—lush, remote, and great for flamingo sightings.
- Combine with Serengeti: Many safaris loop both in, giving you crater drama and wide-open savannah in one epic trip. Serengeti National Park should be on everyone’s Africa bucket list.
Why Adventure Travelers Love It
Ngorongoro Crater is not your average safari. It’s compact, intense, and visually jaw-dropping. You’re driving through an ancient volcano surrounded by lions and elephants…how many places can top that? For travelers chasing off-the-grid adventure with front-row access to Africa’s wildest moments, Ngorongoro is a must.
9. Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Best for: Sailing, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, and tropical adventure
Tucked between Queensland’s coast and the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands are Australia’s answer to paradise…with an adventurous twist. I’ve seen a lot of tropical places over the years, but this one stands out for its mix of blinding white beaches, turquoise water, and bucket-list access to one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
There are 74 islands here—most of them uninhabited and hidden gems—and the best way to explore is by sailing. Picture this: anchoring near empty beaches, diving into reef-filled lagoons, spotting sea turtles as the sun sets over the Coral Sea. It’s laid-back, wild, and insanely photogenic. This makes it a top destination in Australia.
Top Adventures in the Whitsundays
- Sail around the islands: Join a liveaboard catamaran or charter your own for the ultimate explore-at-your-own-pace vibe.
- Visit Whitehaven Beach: That swirling, silica-white sand and neon water is just as insane in person as it looks in photos.
- Snorkel or dive the Outer Reef: Get up close with reef sharks, giant clams, rays, and vibrant coral gardens.
- Scenic flight over Heart Reef: A quick flight, but unforgettable views of the reef’s iconic natural heart shape.
- Kayak or paddleboard in secluded coves: Easy way to get off-grid on your own terms.
Why Adventure Travelers Love It
The Whitsundays are not just for honeymooners. Yes, it’s stunning, but it also offers real adventure…multi-day sailing, reef diving, island-hopping, and underwater exploration. For 2025, this is the ultimate tropical escape with teeth. It’s wild, remote, and ridiculously beautiful – and you’ll leave salt-crusted, sun-kissed, and fully recharged. Fly to Australia and this will for sure be a top place you want to see.
10. Lofoten Islands, Norway
Best for: Arctic hiking, dramatic fjords, and wild coastal adventure
There are “pretty” places…and then there’s Lofoten. I’ve seen a lot of rugged landscapes, but the Lofoten Islands look like something straight out of a Viking myth. Jagged peaks shoot straight up from turquoise fjords, red fisherman cabins cling to the coast, and the whole place feels untouched and surreal.
Located above the Arctic Circle, Lofoten is wild in all the best ways. Long daylight hours in summer mean you can hike, kayak, and explore until midnight. In winter, you get moody skies, snow-dusted villages, and some of the best chances to see the Northern Lights anywhere in Europe.
Top Adventures in the Lofoten Islands
- Hike Reinebringen: A steep, leg-burner of a climb…rewarded with one of the most iconic views in all of Norway.
- Kayak through fjords: Paddle past towering cliffs and sea eagles in glassy Arctic water. This is one of the top things to do in Norway for adventure travelers.
- Surf in Unstad: Yep, Arctic surfing is a thing…wetsuits on, adrenaline up.
- Scenic drives on the E10: Every curve reveals something more beautiful.
- Chase the Northern Lights: Visit September–March for a front-row seat to the aurora show.
- Stay in a rorbuer (fisherman’s cabin): Cozy, historic, and usually with insane views out your window.
Why Adventure Travelers Love It
Lofoten is remote, rugged, and absolutely epic. You’ll face wild weather, raw terrain, and unpredictable light…but that’s part of the magic of Norway. It’s perfect for adventurers who want solitude, challenge, and cinematic scenery around every corner. Lofoten should be top of the list for anyone chasing wild Nordic energy.
11. Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Paro, Bhutan
Best for: Spiritual hiking, high-altitude views, and off-the-grid cultural adventure
This isn’t just a hike—it’s a pilgrimage. Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) clings to the side of a sheer cliff at 10,200 feet in Bhutan’s Paro Valley, and reaching it feels like something out of an epic quest. I’ve done my share of high-altitude trails, but few compare to the mystical energy and jaw-dropping beauty of this one.
The trail winds through pine forest draped in prayer flags, past chortens and waterfalls, all while the golden rooftops of the monastery slowly come into view, floating above the valley like a dream. It’s not an easy trek…it’s steep, and the altitude hits, but the payoff is next-level.
Top Adventures at Tiger’s Nest
- Hike to the monastery: 2–3 hours up, with an optional stop for tea at the halfway café overlooking the cliffs.
- Meditate inside sacred caves: Where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated in the 8th century.
- Explore Paro Valley: Temples, dzongs, and farmhouses surrounded by lush, terraced hillsides.
- Cultural immersion: Bhutan limits tourism, so you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a living, breathing Himalayan culture untouched by mass tourism.
Why Adventure Travelers Love It
Tiger’s Nest is a spiritual experience wrapped in a physical challenge. Between the altitude, the cultural weight, and the insane cliffside setting, it’s one of the most rewarding day hikes on Earth. If you’re chasing meaningful adventure, this one leaves a mark in the best way.
12. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica
Best for: Jungle hikes, ziplining, and misty, biodiverse adventures
Monteverde isn’t your typical tropical escape…it’s something far wilder. Perched high in Costa Rica’s central highlands, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a mist-covered world where the trees drip with moss, hummingbirds hover like helicopters, and you never know what’s hiding in the canopy above.
The air here is cool and damp, filled with the scent of orchids and ancient trees. It’s one of the most biologically rich ecosystems on Earth, with over 400 bird species, 100+ mammals, and more than 2,500 types of plants. I spent days here getting lost on rainforest trails, spotting rare wildlife, and just letting the stillness of the jungle slow me down. What a way to spend a week in Costa Rica!
Top Adventures in Monteverde
- Hike the cloud forest trails: Walk among giant ferns and hanging vines, with howler monkeys calling in the distance.
- Cross hanging bridges: Suspension bridges give you a bird’s-eye view of the forest canopy.
- Ziplining through the jungle: One of the longest and highest zipline systems in the world. Total rush!
- Night jungle tours: See glowing insects, sleeping birds, and maybe a sloth or two after dark.
- Birdwatching: Home to the elusive resplendent quetzal, considered a holy grail for bird lovers.
Why Adventure Travelers Love It
Monteverde is for those who crave depth over beach chairs. It’s raw, wet, and buzzing with life…perfect for travelers who want to hike through clouds, hear nothing but jungle, and reconnect with the wild. If Costa Rica’s hidden gems are on your radar, Monteverde is where you go to feel alive.
13. The Swiss Alps
Best for: Mountain hikes, alpine lakes, high-altitude adventure, and next-level scenery
Looking to go on a Switzerland road trip? If you’re chasing picture-perfect peaks, glacier-fed lakes, and some of the cleanest air on Earth, the Swiss Alps need to be on your 2025 radar. I’ve explored Switzerland multiple times, and no matter how high your expectations are…this place exceeds them.
Whether you’re hiking above Lauterbrunnen, biking in Zermatt, or paragliding over Interlaken, the entire region feels like a real-life postcard. You can go from snow-capped ridgelines to lakeside fondue within the same day, all while hopping between villages by scenic train.
And the best part? It’s all insanely well connected. You don’t need a car. Just grab a Swiss Travel Pass and let the trains, gondolas, and cogwheel railways carry you deep into the heart of the Alps.
Top Adventures in the Swiss Alps
- Hike in Mürren or Grindelwald: Epic trails with Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau views.
- Swim or paddle in alpine lakes: Check out my guide to the best lakes in Switzerland for the dreamiest blue water.
- Ride the Glacier Express: One of the most scenic train rides in the world.
- Explore car-free villages: Zermatt and Wengen feel frozen in time—in the best way.
- Take a sunrise cable car: Many peaks offer early access for first tracks or golden-hour views.
Why Adventure Travelers Love It
The Swiss Alps are the ultimate blend of raw nature and smooth logistics. You can go deep into the backcountry, sleep in a mountaintop hut, and still wake up to a hot espresso. It’s a playground for hikers, bikers, climbers, and dreamers. For more inspiration, check out my guide to the best things to do in the Swiss Alps and explore the most beautiful places in Switzerland.
Oh…and if you’re flying in, don’t miss my breakdown of the best airlines to fly to Switzerland to start your trip off right.
Looking to go on the adventure of a lifetime in 2025? Read these next:
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