Unsurprisingly, some of the most followed traveler accounts on social media showcase the raw, natural beauty of the world. We’re talking about the adventure traveler that’s chasing the next adrenaline rush, ice climbing one moment and then exploring sea caves and mountain biking the next. What’s stopping you from your next adventurous vacation?

If you need some inspiration, this article is your sign to book the ticket! Personally, I’m all for adventurous vacations that push you out of your comfort zone and reach new heights (both literally and figuratively), and this article will cover some of the best adventure vacations around the world, perfect for the thrill seeker looking for their next great adventure.

From cliff jumping in Curacao to dog sledding high above the Arctic Circle, I consider myself a bit of an adrenaline junkie, and I’d sign up for any one of these amazing experiences.

The question is… would you?

Best Adventure Vacations Around The World

1. Sunset at Devils Peak via 4×4 Jeep at Yosemite National Park

Clocking in at 1,200 square miles, you could spend a lifetime exploring this pristine wilderness, and it’s no surprise that camping and hiking are extremely popular here. Known for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees that dwarf everything in sight, Yosemite National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. 

Located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, it’s easily a nature lover’s paradise, and since it’s only a three-hour drive from San Francisco, it’s a popular spot for locals in the city to visit when they need a breath of fresh air. 

If you want to get a bird’s eye view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, then hop in a 4×4 jeep and take an off-road adventure to Devil’s Peak, one of the last remaining active fire towers in the area. Devil’s Peak has an elevation of about 7,000 feet and from here you’ll have a stunning panoramic view of Yosemite and the Sierras. The Tour is timed so that you have a front-row seat to view the sunset over the mountain range, and it’s great for all ages and abilities.

Even though this isn’t a physically demanding tour, make no mistake, you’ll get your thrills in when you buckle into the 4×4 and hold on while your tour guide traverses backroads, rocky terrain, and a final nail-biting ascent up a steep cliff. Keep an eye out along the way for wildlife! You never know when a coyote or a bear will make an appearance, which just makes this tour even more special. 

See Related: Best Time Of Year To Visit Yosemite National Park

2. Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Tuscany 

When most people think of central Italy, they think of Florence, and images of famous Renaissance art and architecture like Michelangelo’s “David” probably come to mind–and you’re not wrong!

Florence is one of the most iconic cities for learning more about this historic era. This region of Italy was the birthplace of the Renaissance, it boasts beautiful architecture, mouthwateringly delicious cuisine, and some of the best wine in Italy comes from Tuscany. It’s a place where nature lovers, history buffs, and foodies can all appreciate.

In between wine tasting and museum hopping, why not take to the skies and enjoy a hot air balloon ride above the region? During the tour, which leaves at sunrise, you’ll enjoy the gentle breeze and an awe-inspiring view of the Chianti’s rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and the forests below. 

The three-hour tour includes a one-hour flight in the Chianti region, breakfast, and a celebratory toast with a glass of Chianti, the famous local wine. Most travelers can participate in this unforgettable experience, but if you have a fear of heights, then this might not be the magical moment you’re expecting. This is a family-friendly tour, and kids are welcome to join in on the experience, so bring the whole family along to view Tuscany from an entirely different perspective. 

See Related: Where to Stay in Tuscany: Best Places & Areas

3. Sail through Frenchman Bay with views of Acadia National Park

Shaped by rock beaches and granite peaks, Acadia National Park’s 47,000 acres are one of the most incredible places in Maine. Those traveling to this coastal national park can enjoy the sights and sounds of this beautiful, pristine wilderness year-round.

During the winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities, while the fall brings in leaf peepers from all over the country, hoping to catch a glimpse at New England’s famed fall foliage. Acadia National Park is also home to Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain on the east coast of the United States (1,530 feet). 

For a truly adventurous vacation, spend the day on a sailing trip through Frenchman Bay. As you cruise through the Bay, you’ll have a wonderful view of Acadia National Park and the Porcupine Islands, including plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing. Eagles, seals, and porpoises are the most common sightings, so keep your eyes peeled! 

Bar Harbor is one of the most popular gateways to this natural area, and this charming coastal town in Maine is where you’ll board the boat. Refreshments are available for purchase, and there’s live music during sunset excursions (highly recommend). This excursion is kid-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and typically lasts about two hours.

See Related: Best National Parks in the USA

4. Explore the Venado Caves in Costa Rica

Formed about 15-20 million years ago, the Venado Caves weren’t discovered until 1945, and it’s since become a bit of a hidden gem for those visiting Costa Rica. Located about 45 minutes from La Fortuna, these caves feature a complex system of 12 chambers of various sizes, ranging from absolutely massive to very narrow spaces. 

A tour into the Venado Caves will take you on an unforgettable journey through the underground cave network, giving you a front-row seat to view the cave’s limestone, stalactites, stalagmites, and corals. Bats, small snakes, amphibians, and insects all call the cave home, which can turn many people away. I

f you’re not one to let a little critter keep you away, grab a helmet and go cave exploring! You can explore the cave on your own, but we’d recommend going with a tour guide so you can learn all about the history and the discovery of the cave. 

The four-hour spelunking tour will supply you with helmets and lanterns as you navigate the labyrinth of ancient underground passageways and iconic formations like “the papaya,” and then enjoy local fresh fruit as a sweet reward when you return to the top side of the earth.

This is one adventure you’ll want to be in moderately-decent physical fitness level for, as you’ll be hiking through unsteady terrain, including streams and slick areas. The minimum age for this tour is 8 years, perfect for families with older kids looking for exciting outdoor adventures in Costa Rica that are a change of scenery from the more popular, touristy things to do in Costa Rica. Speaking of that, be sure to check out our top-ranking beaches in Costa Rica!

See Related: Best Day Trips from San Jose, Costa Rica

5. Kayak Across an Old Volcano at Yellowstone National Park

Adventure vacations don’t get much better than Yellowstone National Park. As the first national park in the United States, Yellowstone is known worldwide for its abundant wildlife encounters and geothermal features, including Old Faithful, one of the most famous geysers in the world. 

As one of the best adventure vacations in the country, the possibilities within this 3,500-square-mile park are endless. Viewing the geysers and hot springs peppered around the park are some of the most popular things to do at Yellowstone National Park, as well as viewing wildlife watching. Depending on the time of year you visit, you could see wolves, bison, bears, elk, antelope, and more. 

One of the best ways to see Yellowstone is on the water, and this kayaking tour in Yellowstone is our favorite. The meetup is at the Grant Village Marina in Wyoming, where you’ll go through a brief safety training before getting in your kayak and paddling across Lake Yellowstone, one of the highest-elevation alpine lakes in the world.  

The four-hour paddle trip will have you cruising past geothermal wonders, hot springs, and beautiful scenery, and you might even catch a glimpse of some local wildlife coming to the water for a dip or a sip. It’s a great way to experience the beauty of Yellowstone while escaping the crowds, and it’s one of the most unique ways to see the park.

If you are planning a trip to Yellowstone, this 5-day itinerary covers everything you need to know, including some of our favorite places to eat and top accommodations.

See Related: Yellowstone Packing List: What to Bring on Your Trip.

6. Paraglide through the Swiss Alps

Running from Lake Geneva in the west to the Austrian border in the east, the Swiss Alps cover about two-thirds (60%) of Switzerland, but surprisingly the Switzerland section only covers 14% of the Alps total. This impressive and dramatic landscape is the epitome of an adventure vacation, no matter what time of year you visit Switzerland. 

Of course, many visit Switzerland in the winter to experience some of the best skiing in the world. Others visit to experience the rich culture, yummy cuisine, and learn about Swiss history through epic day trips to some of Switzerland’s hidden gems, including museums and national landmarks. 

No matter what brings you to Switzerland, everyone back home is going to ask you if you saw the Alps. If you’re up for a thrill-seeking adventure, how about paragliding through the Swiss Alps so you have a top-notch travel story to take home?

The tandem paragliding experience takes off from Interlaken, where you’ll be given safety instructions before heading to the top of Beatenberg and gliding all the way down. Thrill seekers on this tour will experience true weightlessness as you glide through their air with magnificent views of both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz along the way. The whole tour takes less than two hours, but you’ll walk away with memories that will last a lifetime. 

See Related: Things to do In Zurich, Switzerland 

7. Hike to the Summit of Rainbow Mountain in Peru

Peru is a bucket list destination for many, and it’s easy to see why! Visiting the mysterious Inca ruins of Machu Picchu is a life-changing experience. After all, how often do you get to say that you’ve visited one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World?

If you are planning on visiting Peru, one must-see attraction is Rainbow Mountain. Also known as Vinicunca, this vibrant mountain within the Andes mountain range is one of those sights you just have to see for yourself, pictures just do not do it justice!

This full-day tour begins from Cusco where you’ll hop on a bus and travel through the countryside over to Rainbow Mountain. Once you’re at the base, you can trek to the summit with a guide or you can rent a horse to let your gentle giant take you straight to the top. It’s important to note that you need an official tour guide to enter Rainbow Mountain Park, so flying solo isn’t an option! 

The mountain is made up of 14 different, colorful minerals which is how it gets its color. Shockingly, the entire mountain was completely covered in snow until 2013 when these vibrant colors were revealed. Llamas, alpacas, and horses are found all over the range, and they are not camera shy so feel free to snag a selfie or two.

Since this is a relatively new tourist attraction in Peru, it’s something of a hidden gem and much less crowded than the popular Machu Picchu. Also, unlike Machu Picchu, there is no daily limit on how many visitors can enter the park; just as long as everyone is with one of the tour operators, you’re good to go!

See Related: Incredible Bucket List Ideas

8. Glacier Hike and Helicopter Tour in New Zealand

New Zealand might just be the ultimate adventure vacation. Between the North and South Islands, you can experience just about every conceivable kind of adventure.

The Southern Alps stretch across the South Island and is home to awe-inspiring fjords, dreamy ice-blue waterways, and Mount Cook, the highest point in New Zealand (12,218 ft). It’s also ideal for snow sports and offers world-class skiing and snowboarding, and a true playground for adventurers. In fact, Queenstown is nicknamed the Adventure Capital of the World! 

The North Island experiences a warmer climate, and is perfect for taking in the geothermal activity from geysers, sinking your toes in the sand along one of the beaches, and exploring bigger cities like Auckland and Wellington. It’s also where you’ll find the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, one of the most popular attractions in New Zealand. 

If you do venture down to the South Island, strap on a pair of crampons and take a glacier hike on the Franz Josef Glacier. This one-of-a-kind tour starts with a helicopter ride from Waiau to the glacier where you can soak in incredible areal views of this remote landscape before landing high up on the glacier. 

You’ll be given safety gear and equipment, including ice crampons, and then make your way in and around the ice caves on the glacier while your guide explains the history of the glacier and the surrounding area. I’ve done a glacier cave hike in Iceland before, and if it’s anything like that, holy smokes, sign me up! Seeing the bold blue color of the ice in person was a game changer. 

You’d do well to be in decent physical (and mental) shape to enjoy this adventure. The hike on the glacier is about two hours, and, well, it’s a glacier, so it’s slippery, and the caves can get pretty narrow. But how often do you get the opportunity to scramble across a glacier and explore an ice cave? 

See Related: Best Stargazing Spots in the World.

9. Whitewater Rafting in Norway

Norway and New Zealand have more in common than you would think, especially when it comes to adventure destinations (and good manners – IYKYK). Mountain biking, rock climbing, and sea kayaking are just a few of the adrenaline-pumping adventures you can have in Norway, but there’s one special town that’s an absolute must-visit, and that’s Voss, Norway.

Voss calls itself the Extreme Sports Capital of the World and the Adventure Capital of Norway, and it takes these titles pretty seriously. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, deep fjords, and cascading waterfalls, Voss is full of thrilling outdoor adventures. Voss even hosts the annual Ekstremsportveko, also known as Veko, which is known to be the best extreme sports festival in the world.

It’s easy to get to from Oslo, and it’s also part of the popular Norway in a Nutshell package that takes you from Oslo to Bergen via train, boat, and bus. I’ve actually done that tour before and stayed a night in Voss and immediately wished I had spent more time in Voss. Next time!

Whitewater rafting is one of the best things to do while you’re in Voss. You might be surprised to learn that both experienced rafters and beginners can enjoy this thrill-seeking adventure, so don’t let a lack of experience stop you from joining in on the fun! You’ll get all the basic training you need before you step into the raft and head down the Raundal River. Don’t worry, you’ll have the opportunity to relax in calmer waters, too, and even jump in the sparkling pools if you want! 

See Related: How Much is a Trip to Norway?

10. Snorkel above the North American and European Tectonic Plates in Iceland

Iceland easily falls within the top spots for the best adventure vacations. From amazing hiking trails over lava beds to black sand beaches framed by towering basalt columns, Iceland is one of the most incredible places on Earth. Depending on the time of year you visit, you could enjoy endless activities under the Midnight Sun or bundle up and chase the Northern Lights in the winter. 

Many travelers choose to take the epic road trip along Ring Road, which takes you all around this diverse country. If you can, I’d recommend giving yourself at least 10 days, so you can take your time and not feel rushed. I drove Ring Road in eight days and felt like I was in an episode of Supermarket Sweep.

The south coast is one of the most popular areas to explore, especially the Golden Circle, which loops you around some of the most popular attractions in Iceland. The Golden Circle tour can be taken as a day trip from Reykjavik, and you’ll get to see Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Field, and Thingvellir National Park. 

When you arrive at Thingvellir National Park, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel in the pristine waters of the Silfra Fissure, a rift between the European and North American tectonic plates. This unique tour is offered year-round, and yes, the water is cold.

You’ll be given a dry suit, though, so very little of your body will be exposed to the water. Plus. When you get in the water and take a look around, you’ll forget you were ever cold. 

See Related: Best Things to do in Northern Iceland

11. Whale Watching and Glacier Hike in Alaska

Alaska tends to fly under the radar, and this underrated oasis is just the perfect place for anyone who loves the outdoors and grand adventure trips. Northern Alaska is great for Northing Lights viewing, and then of course there’s Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, located in Denali National Park.

Arguably the best way to witness this mighty mountain is a heart-pumping Denali flightseeing tour that lands on Denali, like this one! I’d also highly recommend exploring Denali National Park by Jeep for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Further south, Anchorage is the gateway to adventure trips along the Kenai Peninsula and even further south heading down to charming coastal towns like Homer, known for its epic fishing opportunities and beautiful scenery. 

On the eastern side of Alaska, Juneau is a treasure trove of outdoor activities just waiting for you. Wildlife viewing is one of the most popular things to do in Alaska, and if you happen to miss the bears feasting on salmon, there’s still a chance to go whale watching in Alaska. 

June to October is the best time to go whale watching in Alaska, and this whale-watching tour in Juneau also includes a stop at the Mendenhall Glacier, one of Juneau’s most stunning natural wonders. You’ll be able to get your land legs exploring the hiking trails, which also lead to a bear-viewing platform above the salmon spawning streams.

Then, take a two-hour boat ride in search of humpback whales and other marine life. You might even get to see some harbor seals living their best lives or a bald eagle soaring overhead. Or both at the same time. If there’s one thing to know about Alaska, it’s to expect the unexpected.  

See Related: Anchorage or Juneau? Which is Better?

12. Chase the Northern Lights on Snowmobile in Finland

Many adventure vacations include seeing the Northern Lights, and let me tell you, it’s worth it. Since the lights are only seen around the Arctic Circle region, just the journey to these remote areas can be enough of an adventure. Though Tromso, Norway may be considered the Northern Lights Capital of the World, Northern Finland certainly sees its fair share of the Green Lady.

Finland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, and heading far north into Lapland only increases your odds of seeing these beautiful natural phenomena. While most Northern Lights tours take you on a bus, this unique tour gives you the keys to a snowmobile for a few hours and lets you chase the aurora through the trees. 

While the aurora borealis is never guaranteed, the peak season for viewing them is from the end of August to April. And if you really want to embrace adventure travel, book a stay at one of these igloos in Finland. These half-dome huts have a glass ceiling, so you can watch the lights dance across the sky from the warmth of your bed.  

See Related: Best Finland Igloo Hotels You Just Can’t Miss

13. Walk with penguins in Argentina

Ushuaia is a resort town located on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, and its nickname is the “End of the World,” since it’s the southernmost tip of South America. If that doesn’t sound like an invitation for endless adventure activities, I don’t know what is. 

It’s also the gateway to Antartica, and it’s where Antarctic cruises depart from, but we won’t be going that far. This tour does involve boarding a boat, but instead of heading to Antarctica, it sets off to Martello Island (also known as Penguin Island), where you can wander along the hiking trails and walk alongside Gentoo and Magellanic penguins. The best times to see them are between September and April, where you’ll find over 1,000 nests within the rookery.

The tour also includes time to explore the Marine Mammals and SeaBirds Museum and roundtrip transportation from Ushuaia to the Island. It’s a full-day tour and easily one adventure vacation you won’t forget. The opportunity to hang out with penguins for a day sounds pretty awesome, right?

See Related: Best Digital Nomad Destinations in the World

14. Sunsets and Wildlife Tour Through Grand Teton National Park

Wyoming is home to two of the most popular national parks in the United States: Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. We’ve already covered the adventures you can have at Yellowstone, and if you’re staying in Jackson Hole, then you’ll want to take the time to explore Grand Teton. It’s only 10 miles from Yellowstone and is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, mountaineering, and epic backcountry camping opportunities. 

Grand Teton National Park sprawls out for 310,000 acres and is just overflowing with natural beauty from every direction. Alpine lakes, lush meadows, and snow-capped mountains provide a habitat for a nearly pristine ecosystem to thrive in. In fact, the same species of flora and fauna have thrived here since prehistoric times!

Wildlife watching is one of the biggest attractions of the park, and wildlife tours are one of the best ways to see the park. This five-hour tour will lead you through some of the park’s most popular spots like Jackson Lake, Jenny Lake, and the Gros Ventre Wilderness while keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way.

Grizzly bears, foxes, beavers, bison, and antelope are just a few of the animals you might see during the tour. While animal sightings are never guaranteed, the odds are in your favor. 

See Related: Best State & National Parks in Wyoming

15. Summit Mt. Norquay in Canada and soak in the panoramic mountain views of Banff

Mt. Norquay is a mountain and ski resort in Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest National Park. It’s hard to beat the beauty you’ll find at this scenic park, and one of the most incredible adventures is taking an alpine climbing tour that’ll take you to the Ridgewalker Summit, 7,545 feet above sea level. From here, you’ll have some of the most incredible panoramic views you’ve ever seen, but make no mistake, this climb will push your limits!

You can choose a 2.5-hour option which will take you about 7,332 feet above sea level and is perfect for folks who are either short on time or just learning the ropes of via ferrata climbing. Via ferrata translates to “iron path” in English, and it refers to climbing using metal rungs, ladders, and cables that have been secured into the mountain. You’ll be wearing a harness and clipped in using ropes as you make your ascent. 

This tour is great for all skill levels, even beginners. You’ll be given all the safety equipment you need, plus a safety briefing and instructions before you begin, and you’ll have trained staff every step of the way. 

See Related: Most Beautiful Places in the World

16. Cave tubing and Zip Lining in Belize

Belize is a top adventure vacation for many reasons. From viewing ancient Mayan ruins to seeing the mesmerizing Belize Blue Hole in person, there’s an endless range of outdoor adventures to be had in this beautiful country.

Zip lining through the rainforest is a popular activity for thrill seekers, but how about we throw in a cave tubing experience just to make it even more special? This full-day tour from Belize City will have you soaring through the trees and floating through underground rivers with ice-blue waters for a truly memorable day. It’s the perfect day for an adventure junkie!

The tour starts from Belize City, where you’ll be taken to the caves. There is a short hike to the caves, which is about 25 minutes before you get to the cave entrance where you’ll hop in a tube and take the underground river through the cave, admiring all of the unique stalagmite and stalactite formations as you float through. From there, change into dry clothes, swap your tube out for a harness, and then take to the skies on a seven-part zip line that’ll have you soaring through the jungle. 

This is a great family-friendly tour that’s perfect for all skill levels, especially the youngest of travelers that have a need for speed. Be sure to have your camera ready because this is one of those adventure vacations that’s picture-perfect from start to finish. 

See Related: Everything You Need to Know About Travel Insurance

17. Hang Glide above Rio de Janeiro

Known for its Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Christ the Redeemer statue, and Carnaval festival, Rio de Janeiro is easily one of the best adventure vacations in the world. This Brazilian city is one of the most popular destinations in South America, and if you’re an adrenaline junkie, there are plenty of opportunities to get your adrenaline pumping, like a hang gliding tour high above the city. 

This four-hour adventure launches from Tijuca Forest National Park, where you’ll lift off and glide all around Rio de Janeiro, giving you a bird’s eye view of Rio’s most famous landmarks including Sugar Load Mountain, the Rocinha Favela, and the Christ the Redeemer Statue. Of course, you’ll have some spectacular views of the beautiful blue water and beaches beneath you, and after a solid two hours in the air, you’ll touch down gracefully on Sao Conrado Beach. 

This unique tour also includes a DVD of your entire hang-gliding experience so you don’t have to worry about snapping photos. Just sit back, relax, and live in the moment! Take it all in, and at the end of the tour, you’ll have a DVD you can use to impress your friends on social media with.  

See Related: Best Honeymoon Destinations in the World

18. Sunset Safari Through The Grand Canyon

Seeing the Grand Canyon in person is one of those moments that stays with you for the rest of your life. Clocking in at 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide, the Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and draws an estimated 5.9 million people every year, making Grand Canyon National Park the most visited National park in the western United States. Whether you’re planning on staying in the Grand Canyon or driving over from nearby cities like Las Vegas or Sedona, be sure you give yourself plenty of time to explore this insanely beautiful destination.

There are so many ways to explore it, and since it’s so massive, many folks opt to take a Grand Canyon road trip to make the most of their journey. The Grand Canyon is divided up into three areas: North Rim, West Rim, and South Rim. The South Rim is open year-round, so naturally, it’s the most popular area to visit.

It’s also where you can take a walk on the famous Skywalk, which extends 70 feet out and 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. Horseback riding, hiking trails, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting are just a few of the adrenaline-pumping adventures you can embark on within the Grand Canyon, so it’s no surprise it ranks high on the list of adventure vacations.