Adventure tourism: amazing destinations around the world

Adventure tourism is a type of travel that is gaining more and more adepts around the world. Unlike traditional tourism, which usually has comfort and relaxation as its main goals, adventure tourism is for those who like to leave their comfort zone.

Many people travel to rest, but there are also adventure seekers like me, who seek excitement through intense activities. In this article, I will explain what adventure tourism is, what its main activities are and where to practice them in different parts of the world. 

Furthermore, I will give you a great tip to save on accommodation while you go off exploring these amazing places.

What is adventure tourism?

Adventure tourism is a form of tourism that involves engaging in exciting and challenging activities, such as adventure sports in nature. Its main goals are to stimulate adrenaline and explore wild and remote places.

Depending on the activity, you might need to have some physical skills and a certain level of preparation. For example, if you intend to go on a multi-day trek, your body needs to be strong enough to walk for several hours while carrying a heavy backpack.

In other activities, such as bungee jumping and parachuting, you just need to be psychologically prepared to face the adrenaline. In some cases, basic training, special equipment, and specialized guides may also be required to ensure safety during activities.

Besides providing physical and mental challenges, adventure tourism seekers usually aim to connect with nature and discover local cultures. Therefore, in addition to adventure, this form of tourism can also be an enriching and transformative life experience.

Top adventure tourism activities

Adventure tourism activities involve three elements of nature: land, water, and air. Some activities may combine more than one of these elements at the same time, occurring in different environments, such as natural or built spaces. 

The most common activities in this type of tourism include:

Climbing (indoor and outdoor)

Climbing is a versatile sport that can be practiced individually or in a group. This activity incorporates mountaineering techniques and movements aiming to reach the top of places, which can be natural (like mountains) or artificial (indoor climbing).

Rappel

Rappelling is a rope descent technique practiced on rocky walls, bridges, and waterfalls. Your objective is to reach a place below the starting point, using movements that release and lock the ropes.

Ziplining

Zip lining is an activity that doesn’t require much physical effort, making it accessible to almost everyone. It consists of sliding on cables suspended above the vegetation, crossing from one point to another. It can be practiced both in mountain regions, among trees, above lakes, at beaches etc.

Bungee jumping

Bungee jumping does not require strength or physical conditioning. It is a free fall jump, carried out in different locations, such as bridges, parks and even waterfalls. It allows untrained people to safely experience the thrill of free-fall jumping.

When you go bungee jumping, you will be attached by the feet and/or waist and chest. Elastic ropes are used to absorb the impact, avoiding any sensation of impact for the practitioner.

Tree climbing

Tree climbing is a less common (but super fun) type of adventure tourism activity. It consists of crossing a route suspended between platforms mounted on trees. Steel cables and ropes are used to facilitate or intensify the challenge.

Trekking

Trekking is a walk, which can vary in difficulty, depending on the location and distance chosen. The predominant motivation is leisure and connection with nature. It is generally practiced in natural settings that are difficult to access, such as mountains, forests, and deserts. It usually lasts more than one day.

Hiking

Hiking has the same principle as trekking and can be considered a round trip on the trail. In this case, there is no need to carry camping equipment or large backpacks. It is an ideal activity for those who want to enjoy a day away from the city or explore trails in parks in metropolitan areas.

Mountaineering

Mountaineering is an adventure tourism activity that can be done individually or in a group. The goal is to reach the top of one or more mountains for contemplation or personal achievement, whether through hiking, climbing, or another appropriate method.

You might also like this article: 7 amazing mountain vacations in the US

Diving

Diving is an activity practiced underwater and can be carried out in several ways: with the help of a cylinder, using a snorkel mask or just by controlling your breathing.

Rafting

Rafting is based on descending rapids as a team, using inflatable boats and safety equipment. Depending on the location, it can be practiced by people of any age and, in most cases, by people with no previous experience, making it an accessible sport.

Canoeing

Canoeing is a water sport practiced with the help of an oar and a canoe or kayak. Navigation takes place on rivers, dams, lakes, or the ocean. The sport can be practiced professionally or recreationally.

Surfing

Surfing is a sport practiced on the surface of the water (its name comes from the word “surface”). It basically consists of gliding along the sea waves using a board. The more adventurous seek places with big waves, such as Nazaré, in Portugal, and Pipeline, in Hawaii.

Safari

Safaris are expeditions to observe nature and wildlife in their natural habitat. It is important to respect the fauna and flora, not interacting with animals or feeding them.

Skydiving

Skydiving is an exhilarating activity that involves jumping from a plane or elevated platform and literally free-falling through the air before opening the parachute to slow down and glide gently to the ground.

In addition to the activities mentioned above, adventure tourism includes several other intense and challenging experiences. They often lead us to overcome our own physical and mental limits. But where can you practice them? Below, I present some destinations that are perfect for adventure tourism.

Best places to practice adventure tourism

There are many destinations with natural settings suitable for adventure tourism in all corners of the world. Often, you don't have to go far to venture out; In your own city or nearby, you can find parks, mountains, rivers, or waterfalls where you can practice some of these activities.

Below, I will give examples of some of the best destinations in the United States and abroad for those who want to practice adventure tourism. And the best part is that in many of them you can get free accommodation through Worldpackers.

If you haven’t heard of this platform, let me briefly explain how it works: there are hosts spread across more than 140 countries, and they are all looking for travelers who want to exchange their time and skills for a free stay and other perks like meals and tours.

You just need to access the website, choose the destinations you want to explore and filter vacancies by type of host, which can include social projects, NGOs, ecovillages, hostels and local communities.

After choosing a position you like, apply and wait to be accepted. You will then help the host with a few hours of work a week and enjoy your free time as you prefer. Each position has its own perks, which you can check out on the website.

You might also like to read:

• 6 types of volunteer work abroad that gives you free accommodation
• Traveling with Worldpackers: your top questions answered

Adventure tourism destinations in the USA

The USA is a country rich in natural beauty and offers several options for those looking to practice adventure tourism. Among the best national destinations, there are:

Yellowstone National Park

Established in 1872, Yellowstone is not only the first national park in the United States but also the first national park in the world. It covers an area of over 2.2 million acres and is known for its diverse ecosystems, geothermal features, and abundant wildlife. There you can go hiking to iconic sites like Grand Prismatic Spring, Fairy Falls, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, as well as boating, rafting, camping and more.

Nearby you’ll also find Jackon Hole, a beautiful valley surrounded by the Teton Range to the west and the Gros Ventre Range to the east. With the vibrant town of Jackson at its center, you’ll find lots of activities to do there, such as skiing, snowboarding, and wildlife viewing. It’s also the gateway to Grand Teton National Park, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Feel like volunteering in Jackson? Take a look at the opportunities available there.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, located in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, towering granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems. The park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also offers a wide range of adventure tourism activities, like rock climbing, river rafting and hiking. The Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail are among the popular hiking routes.

Check out the work exchange positions in Mariposa County, just outside Yosemite Park.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a stunning freshwater lake located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, known for its crystal-clear blue waters, breathtaking mountain scenery, and a wide range of outdoor activities. 

During the winter you can go skiing and snowboarding there, and in warmer months it’s a great destination for hiking and biking. You can also practice water-based activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding.

Volunteer in Nevada and go explore this amazing destination.

Keep reading:

• Alaska activities: TOP 17 things to do and see
• 20 favorite places in the US that will inspire you to travel
• Your ultimate guide to Colorado backpacking adventures

Adventure tourism destinations abroad

Want to go beyond national borders? In addition to many other amazing destinations in the USA, there is no shortage of places around the world for enjoying the best of adventure tourism. 

There are plenty of deserts, mountains, forests, beaches, and other environments perfect for outdoor activities. Check out some of the best adventure tourism destinations abroad:

Peru

Home to the famous Inca trail that leads to Machu Picchu, Peru offers a plethora of exhilarating experiences. The Huaraz region is the trekking capital of Peru, where you can climb snow-capped mountains and enjoy surreal blue lagoons.

Rafting on the Urubamba River is also a popular adventure tourism activity in the country. The river stretches from the Andes mountain range to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing Machu Picchu and entering the jungle. Another exciting activity is sandboarding on the desert dunes in Huacachina.

There are more than 150 vacancies spread across Peru, check them all out here.

Brazil

Brazil is the country with the biggest biodiversity in the world, so there’s no shortage of beautiful places where you can enjoy nature and practice adventure tourism activities.

Among the best adventure destinations over there you will find Chapada Diamantina, where I highly recommend doing the Vale do Pati trek; the Amazon Rainforest, where you can go on a boat ride on the rivers or night hikes in the middle of the jungle; Bonito, the best equipped ecotourism destination in the country; Serra do Cipó, which is great for mountain biking and parachuting; and Serra da Mantiqueira, a big region full of adventure activities

Check out all the work exchange positions available in Brazil.

You might like this article: Backpacking Brazil: tips from a local for traveling on a budget

Nepal

Nepal is the perfect destination for trekking and mountaineering lovers. It is home to some of the highest mountains in the world, such as Mount Everest, and several challenging trails, such as the Annapurna Circuit. The country is a paradise for adventurers!

Rafting is also a very common activity in Nepal. Some routes can last several days, such as rafting along the Narayan River, which runs from Kathmandu to the Terai, a region close to the Indian border.

See all volunteering opportunities in Nepal.

Keep reading: Discover India's top 3 best ecotourism destinations

Costa Rica

With a rich biodiversity, Costa Rica is a great destination for ecotourism and adventure tourism. You can choose to sail through the canals of Tortuguero observing the fauna and flora, dive in the coral reefs of Puerto Viejo or experience the activity of the Arenal Volcano.

Other popular adventure tourism activities in Costa Rica are wildlife watching in Manuel Antonio, rafting on the Pacuare River, or canopying in Monteverde. Canopying is a mix of tree climbing and zip lines, an activity widely practiced in Costa Rica.

You can volunteer in Costa Rica, with more than 100 hosts spread across the country.

Australia

The big country down under offers a variety of adventure activities, especially in the coastal regions. Highlights include diving in the Great Barrier Reef, climbing Ayers Rock (Uluru), surfing at famous beaches and hiking in national parks.

On the island of Tasmania, off the southeast coast of Australia, you can enjoy an exciting 7-day rafting trip down the Franklin River. If you prefer something less extreme, you can choose to practice tree climbing in the Daintree Forest, in Queensland.

See where you can stay for free in Australia.

South Africa

South Africa is at the end of this list but is actually one of the best adventure destinations in the world. Between skydiving, quad biking, hot air ballooning, windsurfing, safaris, tree ziplines, surfing and sailing along the coast, there is no shortage of exciting activities and incredible experiences surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in the world.

Find out about the volunteering opportunities in South Africa.

Did you like to know a little more about adventure tourism and the best destinations to practice it? Create your profile at the Worldpackers platform for free and start saving your favorite volunteering opportunities!