Adventure travel isn’t just about adrenaline rushes; it’s about finding experiences that push your boundaries and create stories you’ll tell for years. Sure, you could stick to the usual tourist routes, but where’s the fun in that? The world is full of extraordinary adventures waiting for travellers willing to step outside their comfort zones. From walking alongside Africa’s Big Five to pedalling through remote mountain villages, these destinations offer the kind of authentic experiences that transform how you see the world. Those are truly unique adventure tours you don’t want to miss.
Co-creative article
Descend into Iceland’s ice caves and lava tubes
Iceland’s underground world is as dramatic as its surface landscapes, offering adventures that feel like exploring another planet. The country’s unique geology creates both ice caves that form and disappear with the seasons and ancient lava tubes that have remained unchanged for thousands of years.
The ice caves in Vatnajökull glacier are like artwork, carved each winter by flowing meltwater and reshaped by the glacier’s constant movement. No two caves are identical, and the formations you explore this year might not exist next season. The translucent blue ice creates an ethereal atmosphere where light filters through in unexpected ways, illuminating formations that seem too perfect to be natural.
Lava tubes offer a completely different underground experience. These tunnels formed when volcanic eruptions created rivers of molten rock that eventually cooled and hardened on the surface while continuing to flow underneath. The result is a network of underground passages that provide fascinating insights into Iceland’s volcanic activity.
The Raufarhólshellir lava tube, formed around 5,200 years ago, stretches for over a kilometre and features colourful mineral deposits and unique rock formations. Walking through these tubes feels like travelling back in time to witness the powerful forces that shaped Iceland’s landscape.
After spending hours exploring underground formations, emerging into Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, whether it’s the Northern Lights dancing overhead or the midnight sun illuminating distant mountains, creates a sense of having experienced multiple worlds in a single day.
Track wildlife on a walking safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara
Forget everything you think you know about safari. Walking through the Masai Mara on foot changes the entire experience from passive observation to active engagement with the wilderness.
The Masai Mara isn’t just famous for the Great Migration (though watching millions of wildebeest thunder across the plains is unforgettable). This ecosystem supports an incredible diversity of wildlife year-round. On a safari holiday in Kenya, you’ll learn to identify different animal tracks, understand predator-prey relationships, and notice the smaller details that vehicle-based safaris often miss.
Your Masai guides bring generations of knowledge to every walk. They can tell you which trees elephants prefer to strip bark from, how to read the territorial markings of different predators, and why certain birds always follow specific animal herds.
Early morning safaris offer the best wildlife viewing as animals are most active before the heat sets in. You might find yourself tracking a pride of lions to their favourite resting spot or following elephant families as they make their way to water sources.
The accommodation options range from traditional tented camps that move with the seasons to community-run conservancies where your visit directly supports local Masai communities. Many of these partnerships ensure that tourism benefits the people who’ve lived alongside wildlife for centuries.
Zip through the rainforest canopy in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s rainforest canopy holds 90% of the country’s biodiversity, but until recently, it was nearly impossible for humans to explore. Zip-lining changed that, turning what was once the domain of scientists and extreme athletes into an accessible adventure that reveals the rainforest’s hidden layers.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest offers some of the most spectacular canopy tours in the world. As you glide between platforms high above the forest floor, you’re moving through different ecological zones, each with its own unique plant and animal communities.
Guides point out three-toed sloths hanging motionless in cecropia trees, explain how different bird species have adapted to life at various canopy levels, and help you spot the camouflaged creatures that would be impossible to see from the ground.
The Manuel Antonio region offers a completely different canopy experience. Here, the platforms are integrated into the forest in ways that minimise environmental impact while maximising wildlife viewing opportunities. You might find yourself eye-level with howler monkeys or watching toucans feed on fruit just meters away.
Another fantastic way to see the beauty of this diverse country is on a cruise. Costa Rica cruises offer a unique way to explore the country’s diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests and volcanic coastlines to secluded beaches accessible only by sea. Small-ship expeditions often include guided wildlife tours, snorkelling in marine reserves, and visits to remote national parks like Corcovado and Tortuguero.
Trek the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, Peru
The Inca Trail follows the same route that Inca messengers used 500 years ago. This four-day trek through the Andes combines physical challenge with cultural discovery, ending at one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites.
Starting in the Sacred Valley, the trail gradually ascends through multiple ecosystems, from cloud forest to alpine tundra. The route passes through several Inca ruins, each offering glimpses into the sophisticated engineering and spiritual beliefs of this ancient civilisation. Wiñaywayna, the last major ruin before Machu Picchu, is particularly stunning with its agricultural terraces cascading down the mountainside.
Your porters and guides are often descended from the same communities that built and maintained these trails centuries ago. They carry an intimate knowledge of the landscape, the weather patterns, and the cultural significance of the sites you’ll visit. Many speak Quechua, the ancient language of the Inca, and can offer insights into traditional practices that continue today.
The weather can change rapidly in the Andes, adding another layer of adventure. You might start the day in warm sunshine and end it hiking through cloud forest or even snow. The unpredictability keeps you alert and makes reaching Machu Picchu feel like a genuine achievement.
Cycle Vietnam’s northern highlands for a cultural ride
Vietnam’s northern highlands offer some of the most culturally rich cycling adventures in Asia. This isn’t just about beautiful scenery (though the terraced rice fields and limestone mountains are spectacular), it’s about experiencing daily life in remote communities that have maintained traditional ways of living for generations.
The route from Hanoi to Sapa takes you through a landscape that changes dramatically with elevation. You’ll cycle past water buffalo working in rice paddies, through traditional villages where time seems to move differently, and up mountain passes that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.
The cycling itself ranges from gentle valley rides to challenging mountain climbs. The roads can be rough, and traffic patterns in rural Vietnam take some getting used to. But the slower pace allows for genuine interactions with locals and opportunities to stop and explore that you’d miss in a bus or car.
The food along the route is incredible and varies by region. In Hmong villages, you might try corn wine and locally grown vegetables. Dao communities are known for their herbal medicines and teas. Each meal becomes an opportunity to learn about local ingredients and cooking techniques.
The physical challenge varies depending on your route and fitness level. Some sections involve steep climbs through mountain passes, while others follow gentle river valleys. The altitude isn’t extreme, but the tropical climate and humidity add their own challenges.
Which adventure are you most up for?
These destinations offer adventures that go far beyond typical tourist experiences. Whether you’re drawn to tracking wildlife in Kenya, exploring Costa Rica’s rainforest canopy, walking through Iceland’s underground formations, discovering the Inca Trail, or cycling through Vietnam’s highlands, each adventure offers something that can’t be replicated anywhere else.
The key is choosing an adventure that matches not just your physical abilities but your interests and travel style. Are you seeking cultural connections, wildlife encounters, physical challenges, or natural wonders?
Ask yourself these questions before deciding where to visit next, and you can guarantee an incredible adventure!
