For Adventurers: 14 Epic Countries With Thrilling, Once-In-A-Lifetime Adventures (2024)

For Adventurers: 14 Epic Countries With Thrilling, Once-In-A-Lifetime Adventures (1)

By Joshua Chiedu

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For Adventurers: 14 Epic Countries With Thrilling, Once-In-A-Lifetime Adventures (2)
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  • 4 More Countries Where You'll Find Once-In-A-Lifetime Adventures

Summary

  • Spain offers thrilling adventures like ziplining the world's only cross-border zipline into Portugal.
  • Jordan offers unique adventures like hiking to Petra (a Wonder of the World!) and exploring the Wadi Rum Desert.
  • Australia is another one of the top adventure destinations in the world, with activities like shark diving, rainforest trekking, and exploring the Great Barrier Reef.

Every country has its own drawcard for tourism and outdoor pursuits. For thrill-seekers, though, being outdoors isn't just enough; they seek more thrilling, adrenaline-filled adventures that stretch them to their limits. From climbing steep mountains and surfing mighty waves to bungee jumping and ziplining, an adventurer loves the extraordinary.

Not every country in the world offers these kinds of experiences, at least in the way that an adventurer would prefer. However, some do, and the following adventurous countries with thrilling experiences are at the top of the list. Go get ready for the adventure of a lifetime, from ziplining in Spain to exploring the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and many, many more bucket list activities for thrill-seekers!

UPDATE: 2023/12/20 20:59 EST BY LAURALYN BROWN

4 More Countries Where You'll Find Once-In-A-Lifetime Adventures

The world is filled with adventurous, adrenaline-pumping activities that are sure to give travelers a challenge and memories that will last a lifetime. This list has been updated with 4 more exciting countries and wild activities that will keep adrenaline-loving visitors hungry for more adventures!

Related: 10 Must-Have Travel Gear Items For Your Next Adventure

14 Spain

Take an adventure to new heights and zipline from Spain to Portugal

For Adventurers: 14 Epic Countries With Thrilling, Once-In-A-Lifetime Adventures (3)

Zipline between Spain and Portugal crossing the Guadiana river, Sanlúcar de Guadiana, Spain

For thrill-seekers who aren't afraid of heights, Spain is the perfect destination for wild adventures. Being surrounded by sea, filled with volcanoes, and two stunning mountain ranges in the North, travelers will find all sorts of adventures both high and low!

The Pyrenees and Picos de Europas offer challenging hikes, mountain biking, canyoning, and even snowshoeing! However, one of the best adventures in Spain is the Límite Zero zipline - "the only cross-border zip line in the world." Guests will zipline roughly 720 meters across the Spain-Portugal border and actually gain 1 hour when they land!

  • Must-Do Adventures in Spain: Ziplining across the Spain-Portugal border, white water rafting on the Miño River, 4X4 Tours
  • When to Visit For Adventures: April-May, September-October
  • Costs: Ziplining from Spain to Portugal is free!

13 Jordan

Experience the adventure of a lifetime at one of the 7 Wonders of the World

For Adventurers: 14 Epic Countries With Thrilling, Once-In-A-Lifetime Adventures (4)

Treasury or Al-khazneh, a famous travel destination in Petra, Jordan

Jordan is a completely underrated country in the Middle East that's brimming with unexpected adventures! The famous Wadi Rum Desert offers 4 different adventures for travelers, including a camel trip, jeep tours, trekking, and climbing the Jebel Rum summit which all give an up-close and personal viewpoint of the rugged beauty of Jordan.

History buffs who are looking for a strenuous challenge will find it while hiking to Petra - a Wonder of the World! There are several different hiking trails to choose from that range in difficulty level. Adventurers will be amazed at every turn.

12 Vietnam

Discover the drastic limestone formations of Halong Bay or climb Mount Fansipan!

For Adventurers: 14 Epic Countries With Thrilling, Once-In-A-Lifetime Adventures (5)

Halong Bay (Ha Long Bay) in Vietnam

From the epic sand dunes to the towering mountain tops, Vietnam is surprisingly a big hub for thrill-seekers! For a multi-day adventure, consider climbing to the top of Mount Fansipan - the tallest peak in Vietnam.

Alternatively, travelers can embark on an epic 3-day cruise through the stunning and dramatic seascapes of Halong Bay. These cruises allow passengers to see Halong Bay up close and disembark on kayaking or trekking adventures!

11 Peru

Scale a mountain and camp out on a transparent ledge in the Sacred Valley of Peru

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Views of the Sacred Valley seen from the Vertical Sky capsules at Skylodge Adventure Suites near Ollantaytambo, Cusco, Peru

While Peru is home to the famous Machu Picchu and stunning tropical beauty, Peru is also one of the most adventurous countries to visit. Peru has plenty of amazing experiences and is well known for its rigorous hiking trails like the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek.

For travelers looking to conquer their fear of heights and not afraid to get their hands dirty, the Skylodge Adventure Suites is a great challenge! After rock climbing 400 meters of Via Ferrata, adventurers can spend the night in a small capsule that looks out over the Sacred Valley. It's an adventure that visitors will never forget!

10 Italy

Experience hiking in the majestic Dolomites or skiing in the Alps!

For Adventurers: 14 Epic Countries With Thrilling, Once-In-A-Lifetime Adventures (7)

Passo Giau road to the mountain, Mountain road in Italy Alps, Passo Giau area in the Italian Dolomites popular travel destination, Dolomites, Italy

Italy might be known for fashion, romance, cuisine, and historical architecture, but it also does well in outdoor adventures. Whether adventurers seek to go hiking, rock climbing, skiing, scuba diving, or exploring caves, Italy has the ideal landscape. Kayaking in Naples, skiing in Italy's Alps, and even exploring the ancient Roman city of Pompeii and its historic sites are all high on thrill seekers' Italian itineraries.

The country is also home to many off-road trails, dramatic peaks, and numerous cultural sites to explore, making it arguably one of the most adventurous countries in the world. Most of these sites are UNESCO-recognized, offering a seamless blend of history and adrenaline.

  • Must-do Adventures in Italy: Hiking in the Dolomites, skiing in the Italian Alps, kayaking in Naples, walking through Pompeii
  • When to Visit For Adventures: April-May, September-October
  • Costs: Average €600-700 for multi-day hiking in the Dolomites

9 Canada

Banff National Park offers a wide variety of adventures all year round

For Adventurers: 14 Epic Countries With Thrilling, Once-In-A-Lifetime Adventures (8)

Sulphur Mountain Gondola (aka the Banff Gondola Ride) in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, Alberta, Canada

Canada is the world's second-largest country, offering a massive playground and diverse landscapes for all kinds of adventures. Here, travelers will be met with the longest coastline, which spoils adventurers with enough waterfronts to enjoy watersports.

Canada is also home to an abundance of mountains, forests, trails, waterfalls, and rich wildlife, which all combine to give visitors endless options (Banff National Park is a particular favorite for summertime adventures as well as winter activities like skiing, winter hiking, and much more! In fact, the Sulphur Mountain gondola ride in Banff is a must for thrill seekers).

Besides the natural wonders in Canada, the country is also home to many man-made attractions that are perfect for adventures, like the CN Tower and Rideau Canal. Needless to say, adventurers will be spoiled for options in this country.

Related: 10 Best Places To Visit In Canada If You Love Nature And Outdoor Adventures

8 Nepal

Get a taste of Mount Everest by hiking Everest Base Camp

For Adventurers: 14 Epic Countries With Thrilling, Once-In-A-Lifetime Adventures (9)

Avid hikers walking on the way to Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Nepal is without a doubt one of the best destinations for adventures in the world, particularly mountain climbing. No other country has so many towering mountains like Nepal, which is also home to the famous Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain. This makes Nepal the ultimate destination for mountain climbing.

There are also plenty of other thrilling things to do in Nepal other than mountain climbing; adrenaline fans will love the country's myriad of activities like bungee jumping, skydiving, jungle safaris, hot air ballooning, and paragliding experiences. Nepal is also home to some of the world's most dangerous mountain biking and hiking trails that will make even the most experienced outdoor enthusiast think twice.

7 Mexico

Explore Ancient Mayan ruins and swim or dive in epic cenotes

For Adventurers: 14 Epic Countries With Thrilling, Once-In-A-Lifetime Adventures (10)

A person swimming in Cenote Dos Ojos in Quintana Roo, Mexico

When it comes to outdoor adventures, Mexico refuses to be overshadowed as it has so many things to satisfy adventurers. Mexico is home to beaches, forests, mountains, sinkholes, waterfalls, cenotes (perfect for swimming and scuba diving), and almost everything needed for amazing exploits.

Besides the natural ones, Mexico also has ancient ruins and beautiful towns that adventurers will love to explore.

  • Must-Do Adventures in Mexico: Cruising through Sumidero Canyon, swimming in Cenote Azul, exploring Mexico's best ancient ruins
  • When to Visit For Adventures: November-April
  • Costs: $5-30 per person to explore ancient ruins

6 Iceland

From Northern Lights and whale watching to volcano hiking and ice climbing

For Adventurers: 14 Epic Countries With Thrilling, Once-In-A-Lifetime Adventures (11)

Aurora borealis northern lights and icebergs in Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, Iceland

Far away in its remote location between the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean, Iceland still comes as one of the most adventurous countries in the world. This country has unique and diverse landscapes that offer so many opportunities for adventures, not just regular adventures, but unique ones like volcano hiking, ice climbing, whale watching, and many more.

Iceland offers amazing road trips, cave tours, and opportunities to see the Northern Lights and the midnight sun. These are not even close to the full list of things that Iceland has to offer, but adventurers get the idea!

Related: Thrill-Seeking In Iceland: 10 Epic Adventures To Have

5 The United States

Grand canyons, beaches, fjords, deserts, mountains, 63 national parks, and much more

For Adventurers: 14 Epic Countries With Thrilling, Once-In-A-Lifetime Adventures (12)

Hiker admiring views in Grand Canyon National Park

The United States is one of the world's largest countries, implying it has enough land mass for virtually anything, including outdoor adventures. With up to 63 national parks, the country has set the stage for all adventurers to be satisfied.

From the Grand Canyons and Yellowstone to Zion and Yosemite national parks, adventures beckon at every turn in this country. Whether one's idea of an ideal adventure is swimming with marine creatures, climbing towering peaks, driving on scenic highways for hours, or camping on beaches, the US has opportunities for all of them.

  • Must-Do Adventures in the United States: Hike through the Grand Canyon, cruise through fjords in Alaska, enjoy a hot air balloon ride in Napa Valley
  • When to Visit For Adventures: May-August
  • Costs: Prices vary between $30-$1500 for hiking through the Grand Canyon

4 Costa Rica

The wild, rugged landscape promises adventures, from hiking and surfing to whitewater rafting and more!

For Adventurers: 14 Epic Countries With Thrilling, Once-In-A-Lifetime Adventures (13)

Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica

Costa Rica might be a small country in land mass, but more than half of it is filled with rugged mountains, rainforests, and rivers. Its unique and impressive geography makes it the crowned adventure capital of Central America.

The country is also bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, which means, there's plenty of water for thrilling water sports activities. Visitors will have opportunities to go zip-lining across the jungle, hike around the massive Arenal Volcano National Park, and enjoy some of the most thrilling whitewater rafting adventures in the world (there are plenty of epic places for whitewater rafting in Costa Rica!).

Plus, Costa Rica is arguably one of the best places in the world for surfing, and there are lots of schools where newbies can learn how to surf. Hiking, wildlife watching, and kayaking, are more on the list of adventures that await in Costa Rica - and there's even more!

3 New Zealand

Home to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world

For Adventurers: 14 Epic Countries With Thrilling, Once-In-A-Lifetime Adventures (14)

Adventure Sports In Queenstown, New Zealand

New Zealand is a paradise for all things adventure and one of the most outdoorsy countries in the world! In particular, Queenstown is renowned as the adventure capital of the world, as it boasts tons of adrenaline-pumping adventures like bungee jumping, paragliding, and skydiving.

Besides Queenstown, there are plenty of other destinations and attractions in what is perhaps the most adventurous country in the world. The list is endless but there's Fiordland National Park (New Zealand's largest national park), Auckland, Abel Tasman National Park, and Tongariro National Park, which all pack so many adventures.

Remember that New Zealand's summer is December-March, which means that it will most likely be more crowded during this time.

2 Brazil

From Rio Carnival to the Amazon and Iguacu Falls, land and water adventures abound!

For Adventurers: 14 Epic Countries With Thrilling, Once-In-A-Lifetime Adventures (15)

A panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, featuring the cityscape and Sugarloaf Mountain, one of the most stunning natural wonders of Brazil

Brazil is South America's largest country and naturally an outdoor destination that comes with amazing weather. First, it is worth knowing that the country loves to party, which is why it hosts the world-famous Rio Carnival, where people from all over the world come to party hard. Partying in Rio de Janeiro, especially during its massive Carnival celebration, is easily one of the once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences for thrill seekers; however, Brazil is far more than just fiestas!

Partying aside, Brazil is home to incredible things like the Amazon, Pantanal, and Iguacu Falls, which all offer opportunities for lots of adventures. Beaches are also everywhere in Brazil, as well as mountains, rivers, and other natural and man-made wonders that set the stage for adventures.

1 Australia

Shark diving, the Great Barrier Reef, mountain treks, and outback exploration!

For Adventurers: 14 Epic Countries With Thrilling, Once-In-A-Lifetime Adventures (16)

Turtle among coral reef on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia

Australia is easily one of the best countries for outdoor activities; it's a globally renowned adventure destination owing to its vast landscape and abundance of natural and man-made attractions. The country is home to tons of stunning beaches, lakes, islands, rivers, rugged mountains, outbacks, and lush forests all beckoning the truly adventurous folks for indulgence.

Whether one decides to explore Australia's ancient rainforest in Daintree National Park, shark dive at Port Lincoln, bungee jump at Cairns or Brisbane, scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef, or trek mountains, climb cliffs, or roam the famous outbacks, Down Under has something to satisfy every adrenaline fanatic.

  • Must-Do Adventures in Australia: Cruising the Kimberley, driving the Great Ocean Road, watching the sunset at Uluru, snorkeling or diving the Great Barrier Reef, shark diving at Port Lincoln, bungee jumping in Brisbane or Cains, exploring the ancient Daintree Rainforest
  • When to Visit For Adventures: March-May, September-November
  • Costs: Kimberley Cruise prices vary between $6,000-$15,000
  • Destinations

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