02 Jan 5 Secret Adventure Destinations You Need to Explore Now
When it comes to epic adventure destinations, there are many to explore. From jungle treks to icy glaciers, there’s something for every type of traveler.
Animal lovers can spot exotic wildlife on safaris in Africa, while thrill seekers will love the challenge of climbing volcanoes in Iceland. Or, you could relax on a beach in French Polynesia while soaking up the ocean views.
1. Peru
When it comes to travel, Peru is known for its diverse landscapes and unique cultural experiences. This South American country is home to a section of the Amazon rainforest, the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu, and colonial cities such as Lima.
The capital city of Lima, which is a major tourist destination due to its historic center, is a great place to experience local culture, enjoy delicious food, and see some stunning architecture. Cusco is another popular tourist attraction, as it is home to the Sacred Valley and Inca ruins. It’s also a fantastic destination for hiking and exploring nature.
If you’re craving a little more Genuine Adventures, head to the beautiful Lake Titicaca. Located on the border of Peru and Bolivia, this sapphire blue lake is worth the trip. You can spend time relaxing on the shore or embarking on a more active adventure like kayaking, dune buggy riding, and sandboarding!
In addition to being a beautiful place to visit, this underrated country is also an excellent location for volunteer opportunities. You can help to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate, and you’ll be able to take home some wonderful memories.
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious escape or a rugged adventure, Nicaragua has it all. Known for its beautiful beaches, Nicaragua is also a great place to explore its rich history and culture. From the stunning ruins of Xunantunich to the colorful streets of Granada, Nicaragua has something for everyone.
2. Costa Rica
A country so full of nature that it’s known for its “pura vida” lifestyle, Costa Rica is a place to go to see rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches. You can even find a volunteer opportunity to help preserve its natural beauty and learn about local culture.
The enchanting cloud forests of Monteverde are one of the best places to get a glimpse at the biodiversity of Costa Rica. Walk the trails and watch for two-and three-toed sloths dangling from tree branches, toucans, and capuchin monkeys, and listen for the song of the resplendent quetzal. You can also complement the natural wonders of the rainforest with man-made thrills, like soaring above it on a zipline and traversing the Sky Walk, a series of suspension bridges in the canopy that sway as you cross.
There are beaches everywhere in Costa Rica, but the south pacific coast is less touristy and is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. Located near Ojochal, the Terraba Sierpe Wetlands are a great spot to spot whales and dolphins while kayaking along the lagoons.
You can also see the gnarly snouts of American crocodiles in their natural habitat by visiting Carara National Park, where you can follow the Tarcoles River to look for these beasts sunning on the banks. Or, head to Tortuguero National Park and its canals to watch leatherbacks, hawksbills, and green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on the beach.
Taking advantage of the incredible natural beauty of Costa Rica is easy to do with a little planning. You can choose to rent a car and travel to all the different places in this underrated travel destination on your own or join a group tour, like the ones offered by Worldpackers. This is a great option for travelers who want to save money on their trip, as well as those looking to meet new people from all over the world!
3. Nepal
With a whopping eight of the world’s highest mountain peaks, Nepal is a hiking and climbing paradise. It is also a spiritual home to Buddhism and Hinduism. Tourism is one of the mainstays of the Nepalese economy, bringing in billions of dollars annually.
From steamy jungle to snow-capped peaks, Nepal has a lot to offer adventure seekers. In addition to trekking and rafting, you can take in the views of the Himalayas from above on a paraglide trip. You’ll share the skies with vultures, eagles, and kites as you float over villages, monasteries, temples, lakes, and jungle.
In the past, Nepal was a hot spot for travelers but a decade-long insurgency and economic slowdown put a damper on things. Since 2006, however, the country has seen a renewed wave of visitors.
Its rich ancient cultures and dramatic landscapes make Nepal the perfect destination for explorers who want to discover something new. Its 15 National and Wildlife Parks, two of which are UNESCO heritage sites, are also a draw for nature lovers. You can expect to see a Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros on any elephant safari, along with wild boars, spotted deer, and Samburs.
Kyrgyzstan is a jaw-droppingly beautiful country with endless opportunities for adventure. You can hike in the mountains, ride horses through idyllic valleys, and sleep in traditional yurts. You can even swim with humpback whales, an experience that is both deeply spiritual and awe-inducing. You can also volunteer here or sign up for a work exchange program to immerse yourself in the local culture. A country of epic mountains and crystal-clear lakes, Kyrgyzstan is truly a gem waiting to be discovered. You won’t regret it.
4. Australia
Australia’s awe-inspiring outback landscapes, beaches, and rainforests are the perfect playground for nature lovers. Get up close and personal with native wildlife like kangaroos and koalas, or experience the sunset over Uluru, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. It’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both its cultural and natural significance to the Aboriginal community.
It’s a popular backpacking destination in the summer for scuba diving, hiking, and other outdoor activities, but Queenstown also makes for an epic winter ski destination. It’s also home to the famous AJ Hackett Bungy Jump and Zipline, which are some of the best in the world.
For ocean-lovers, French Polynesia is the ultimate tropical paradise. It’s here that you can snorkel amongst vibrant coral reefs and spot the ocean’s giants – humpback whales. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to adventure travel in this underrated country. Other amazing things to do in Australia include trekking through Papua New Guinea’s rainforests and visiting Victoria Falls. It’s also home to the famous Great Barrier Reef, which is a must-visit!
5. The Philippines
The Philippines are a tropical archipelago with thousands of islands. Its capital city, Manila, has a pulsing energy with world class restaurants, modern shopping malls and exotic spas. It also has a long tradition of folk and popular arts. The country’s Spanish and American influences have created a unique culture that is reflected in the food, music and dance.
The stunning vistas and natural wonders of the country can be experienced through the many national parks. There are a variety of activities to enjoy, including river cruising, wildlife spotting, hiking and kayaking.
There are also many beaches to choose from. The most well known is Boracay, but you can find pristine beaches all over the country. On the island of Bohol, the famous Chocolate Hills look like they are from another planet as they jut out one after the other for as far as you can see.
Other beaches in the country include Alona Beach, which is considered to be the most romantic beach in Asia, and Balicasag Beach, a hidden cove with white sand and a beautiful coral reef. Be sure to wear sunscreen that is labeled “reef safe” as some brands of sunscreen can be toxic to marine life.
The soaring mountains of the Davao region are ideal for mountaineers and nature lovers. The region is also home to more than 200 species of mammals, including monkeys, squirrels and lemurs. The city of Davao has several eco-friendly options, such as Eden Nature Park and the Malagos Garden Resort. You can also visit Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines and a mountaineer’s dream. The soaring limestone cliffs of El Nido are another sight to behold. Its white-sand beaches and coral reefs attract visitors from all over the world.