Feeling adventurous? We’ve got you covered with our pick of the top 10 adventure destinations around the world.
1. Queenstown, New Zealand
The extreme sports capital of the world seems like an obvious place to start the list of adventure destinations. This incredible city is an adventure destination all year round. Take a helicopter ride over Milford Sound and Mitre Peak or jump out of the helicopter with skis strapped on for a more extreme experience. During summer the mountains open themselves up to mountaineers. Grab a map from a local tourist information centre and strap on those hiking boots to explore the stunningly beautiful landscapes of the surrounding national parks.
No matter what time of year you visit the adventure never stops. Year round you can go bungy jumping, whitewater rafting, skydiving or jet boating. For an adventure at a slower pace, you can head up over the mountains in a hot air balloon or check out one of the award-winning wineries.
2. Cape Town, South Africa
Adventures on land, in the sea and in the air await you in Cape Town, South Africa. With impressive sand dunes along the coast, Cape Town is an excellent place to go sandboarding. This easy to learn activity is similar to snowboarding only without the wet, cold snow. For those of you who don’t mind getting their feet wet, why not get under the waves and up close and personal with one of the most feared predators on the planet. The Great White Shark. Within the safety of a metal cage, watch these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. You can even ditch the cage, grab a board and surf the big wave beaches where below the waves the Great Whites wait. Well above the water you can also go abseiling at Table Mountain or take a gyrocopter flight along the coast.
3. Vancouver, Canada
The birthplace of freeride mountain biking, Vancouver is a great place to experience nature at high speeds. Pedal through the national parks across winding wooden bridges and down huge drops, or see it all from above on a zip line. If you’re visiting in winter you’ll never be far from a world-class ski resort. Whether you are an experienced skier or snowboarder or just starting out the British Columbian ski fields have something for everyone.
4. Kathmandu, Nepal
Nestled between the Himalayas, Kathmandu is the ideal adventure destination for anyone after a challenge. The obvious draw to Kathmandu is Mt. Everest- the highest point in the world and the ultimate challenge for any avid mountain climber. It is however only one of many summits that can be reached in the mountainous region. For those wanting to see the mountain tops without the climb, Mountain Flights and hot air balloon rides are another way to experience the beauty of the ranges. There are also plenty of less vertical treks for those who enjoy plenty of oxygen while hiking. By foot is not the only means of travel in these parts, there are some great spots to go white water rafting or grab a mountain bike and hit the trails.
5. Las Vegas, The USA
Adventure might not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of Las Vegas, but it should be. There are few places you can barrel-roll in a warplane or hammer around a racetrack in an exotic supercar – you can in Vegas! Wild rides don’t stop there, atop the tallest structure in Las Vegas there is a mini theme park and a slot machine themed zip line across the strip! Heading away from the strip, jump in a buggy and hammer across the sandy desert dunes or go ziplining in Bootleg Canyon.
6. Interlaken, Switzerland
Located in between two pristine lakes and close to a number of other alpine villages, Interlaken is the outdoorsman’s dream. Spend the summer hiking up the nearby mountains and the winter skiing down them. Take advantage of the gorgeous Lake Thun and Lake Brienz on a sailboat or canoe. Try something new like zorbing, rolling down a hill inside a large plastic ball, or go ice climbing for a real adventure!
7. Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Famous for its heavy barrels Puerto Escondido is the adventure surfers paradise. It’s also a paradise for non-surfers and has more to offer than just big breaks. Those looking for adventures can go snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking or take an eco-tours out into the jungles and mountains surrounding Puerto Escondido.
8. Voss, Norway
Another one for the adrenalin junkie, Voss is known as the extreme sports capital of Norway and for good reason. Skydiving, whitewater rafting and kayaking, paragliding and wind tunnel flying are just a few of the popular pastimes for locals and visitors alike in this beautiful part of the world. Each activity can be tailored to adventurers at every level so give it all a go in Voss.
9. Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu should be at the top of every adventurer’s list. This lost city of the Incas is a sight not to be forgotten by all those who make the journey out there. And as anyone who has been to Machu Picchu knows that the real adventure is getting there. There are many ways to reach the ruins and the route you take is up to you. The most popular trek is along the Inca trail, following in the footsteps of the Incas themselves. If you don’t get a permit in time to take the Inca trail, jungle adventures are the next best (arguably better) thing. A combination of mountain biking, rafting on class III & IV rapids, trekking into the backwoods of the Andes and zip lining through the jungle canopy on your way to Machu Picchu
10. Leon, Nicaragua
This historic City in Nicaragua makes the list as one of the best destinations for a volcanic adventure. Volano boarding has become a popular adventure activity in Leon. You climb the volcano, Cerro Negro, get on a board and slide right the way back down again. It’s like an extreme version of sandboarding that comes with some pretty incredible views and definite bragging rights.