Top Adventure Destinations Around the World: From Kilimanjaro to Machu Picchu

Not every trip needs spa robes and cocktails. Sometimes, you just want to climb something tall, hike until your legs are noodles, or wake up in a tent miles from the nearest coffee shop. That’s where real adventure comes in.  

Whether it’s standing on the roof of Africa, walking ancient trails in Peru, or getting a little lost in the Himalayas, these adventure destinations aren’t just places to see—they’re places to feel. To push your limits. To find that rare, wide-open kind of quiet that only exists when you’re really out there.  

These aren’t polished tourist spots. They’re wild, raw, and unforgettable. And the best part? You don’t need to figure it all out alone. With expert local guides and small group trips through Follow Alice, you can go deep into the experience without worrying about the logistics. Just show up, lace up your boots, and lean into the unknown.  

So, if you’re ready to step outside your comfort zone and into something real, this list is a good place to start.  

Let’s go. 

From the wildlife of Meru to the snowy peaks of Nepal, these epic adventure destinations aren’t just stunning—they’re packed with the kinds of moments that define a lifetime. So if you’re wondering where to go for your next big thrill, here’s your answer: the top adventure locations handpicked by our team of travel pros (and tested by some seriously tough boots). 

We’re talking: 

Each destination offers a wide range of options, whether you're into high-energy expeditions or laid-back immersion. It’s not about being the fittest or fastest—it’s about showing up with curiosity, an open mind, and a sense of adventure. 

These aren’t package tours. They’re stories waiting to happen. 

So, if your dream trip includes watching sunrise over Everest Base Camp, spotting wildlife in Rwanda's remote jungles, or testing your endurance at Kilimanjaro, we’ve got you covered. 

Let’s break it down continent by continent—so you can lock in your favourite and get that countdown started. Whether you’re after snow, sand, jungle, or high-altitude air, you’ll find a trip that’ll stick with you long after the dust settles. 

Mount Kilimanjaro is more than just Africa’s highest peak—it’s a rite of passage for many adventurers. Choose from four expert-designed routes (Lemosho, Rongai, Northern Circuit, and Machame), all of which allow for proper acclimatisation and offer jaw-dropping views.   

Expect a mix of rainforest, alpine desert, and glacial summit zones. You’ll stay in local lodges before and after the climb, making this once-in-a-lifetime challenge as comfortable as possible.  

Check out the tour: Climb Kilimanjaro, Tanzania 

Tanzania’s safari game is world-class. You’ll explore legendary spots like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire on expertly guided game drives. Depending on your itinerary, you can witness the Great Migration or add an overnight volcano hike. Whether you want a quick 2-day Big Five fix or a deep-dive into off-the-grid wilderness, we’ve got the perfect itinerary.  

Check out the tour: Tanzania Safari    

Uganda’s lush mountains and misty forests are home to some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking to find them is humbling, emotional, and bucket-list-worthy. All itineraries include at least one full day spent with a gorilla troop, with options to also track chimpanzees and explore Uganda’s cultural gems. 

Check out the tour: Gorilla Trekking, Uganda     

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park makes gorilla encounters more accessible than ever.   

Shorter treks are perfect for travellers on tight schedules, while longer itineraries explore local culture, golden monkey sightings, and even banana beer workshops. This trip blends raw nature with a surprisingly stylish travel experience.   

 Check out the tour: Gorilla Trekking, Rwanda   

Think: sweeping plains, endless game drives, and herds of wildebeest thundering across the Maasai Mara. Kenya’s safaris are the stuff of legend. From the Great Migration (July–October) to laid-back beach combos on Diani’s white shores, these trips offer nature, culture, and luxury wrapped into one unforgettable adventure.   

Check out the tour: Kenya Safari  

Looking for a quieter climb with killer views of Kilimanjaro? Mt Meru delivers. This dormant volcano trek winds through wildlife-rich forests (yes—zebras and giraffes included) and finishes at Socialist Peak, with panoramic views of Kili. It’s less crowded, more wild, and ideal if you want a pre-Kilimanjaro warmup or a standalone climb.

Check out the tour: Climb Mt Meru, Tanzania

Need some beach time after all that trekking or safari-ing? Zanzibar is your tropical paradise. Start in Stone Town for some spice-scented culture, then retreat to turquoise waters and soft-sand beaches.   

Snorkel, scuba, or just soak it all in from a luxury beachfront lodge. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. 

Check out the tour: Zanzibar Beach Holiday

Iceland’s Ring Road wraps around an island bursting with geothermal magic—volcanoes, glaciers, black-sand beaches, and waterfalls are just the beginning.   

Hike behind curtains of water, explore lava fields, soak in natural hot springs, and chase the Northern Lights. Every stop feels like a scene from a fantasy novel. 

Check out the tour: Wonders of Iceland

The Stockholm Archipelago is a kayaker’s dream—think hundreds of islands, calm waters, and endless freedom. Paddle by day, camp on secluded islets by night, and unwind with campfire dinners under starry skies.   This trip is a masterclass in slow, meaningful adventure. 

Check out the tour: Kayaking Sweden

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is the kind of challenge that rewires your soul. You’ll hike through the iconic Khumbu Valley, passing yak trains, Sherpa villages, and Buddhist stupas on your way to the foot of the world’s tallest mountain.  

Follow Alice offers four variations of the EBC trek, including routes with helicopter returns and extended trails through Gokyo Lakes and the Three Passes. Whether you’re flying in by chopper or tackling mountain passes like a pro, this trek is raw Himalayan magic.  

Check out the tour: Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal 

If you’ve ever dreamed of standing on a Himalayan summit without committing to Everest, this is it. These semi-technical climbs include full training during your expedition and are tailored to beginner and amateur mountaineers.   

Whether you go for the high-altitude Mera Peak, scenic Island Peak (with a side trip to EBC), or the more technical Lobuche East, you’ll be climbing with expert guides in one of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. 

Check out the tour: Nepal Peak Climbing

The Annapurna Circuit is a trekker’s paradise. You’ll journey from subtropical forests to alpine peaks, crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416 m / 17,769 ft) and soaking in epic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre.   

Choose the classic road-based circuit or extend into the remote Nar–Phu valleys for a deeper cultural and wilderness experience. It’s physically demanding but endlessly rewarding. 

Check out the tour: Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

Looking for a remote alternative to the busier Annapurna and Everest trails? The Manaslu Circuit is a hidden gem that many seasoned trekkers call the best trek in the Himalayas.   

You’ll wind through narrow gorges and up into glacier-lined valleys before crossing the dramatic Larkya La Pass. Expect big-mountain views, authentic village life, and a real sense of solitude.  

Check out the tour: Manaslu Circuit, Nepal 

Bhutan is the last Himalayan kingdom—and stepping into it feels like entering another world. You’ll explore monasteries, hike to cliffside temples like Tiger’s Nest, and trek through remote mountain passes.   

Choose from cultural immersion tours with day hikes or commit to high-altitude expeditions like the Jomolhari trek. Plus, Bhutan’s unique visa system means your accommodation, guide, meals, and transport are all bundled into one seamless (and stress-free) package.  

Check out the tour: Discover Bhutan

This island gem delivers a wide range of adventure in a compact space. Think wildlife safaris, ancient ruins, misty tea plantations, and sun-drenched beaches.  

Hike forested mountains in the morning, spot elephants in the afternoon, and finish your day with a curry feast by the coast. It’s the perfect destination for those craving variety and vibrant culture without covering huge distances.  

Check out the tour: Explore Sri Lanka

Follow Alice offers multiple routes to Machu Picchu, but the classic Inca Trail is the crown jewel. You’ll hike through cloud forests, Inca ruins, and alpine passes before arriving at the Sun Gate for your first glimpse of the Lost City.   

With a couple of days in Cusco to acclimatise, this adventure balances cultural immersion with high-altitude trekking. Want a twist? Try the Lares Trek combo or tag on a Rainbow Mountain day hike.  

Check out the tour: Machu Picchu Trekking, Peru

While Machu Picchu takes center stage, Peru has plenty more to offer. Foodies will love the culinary magic of Lima, while nature lovers can head to the Amazon for jungle treks, wildlife safaris, and riverboat adventures. Whether you’re looking to extend your trip or create a standalone adventure, these add-ons are a must for anyone wanting the full Peru experience. 

Check out the tour: Explore Peru

Adventure travel isn’t your average holiday—so don’t pack like it is. Packing smart makes or breaks the journey. You’ll face a wide range of conditions across some of the top adventure destinations around the world, from alpine snowfields to equatorial heat, and everything in between. 

This is your Follow Alice-approved packing guide—crafted from real experience leading trips to epic adventure locations on four continents. It’s got the must-haves, smart extras, and specific gear recs for each region we travel to. 

The goal? Travel light, stay flexible, and be ready for whatever the trail throws at you. Let’s get into it.  

Pro tip: Don’t overpack. Stick to quick-dry, lightweight layers that can be mixed, matched, and layered. Always check your destination’s seasonal weather before finalizing your gear list.  

Between summit days, jungle treks, and days spent navigating dusty switchbacks, these are the items our travelers always say they’re glad they packed: 

One constant across all adventure destinations? Unpredictability. Weather changes fast—especially at altitude—so pack layers and know what to expect. 

Africa’s climate varies wildly by region and elevation. Climbing Kilimanjaro? Expect warm days at the base and freezing temps up high.  Uganda’s rainforests stay humid and wet—think waterproof everything. On the plains of Tanzania, safari days are hot and dry, but mornings and evenings cool off quickly. Zanzibar brings tropical heat and the occasional downpour. 

Summer is prime time for Iceland and the Alps, with long daylight hours and moderate temperatures—perfect for mountain biking, hiking, and kayaking.  But rain and wind can roll in fast, especially at altitude, so always pack waterproof outer layers and warm base layers. Spring and fall are quieter (and cooler), but still great for outdoor adventure. 

In Nepal and Bhutan, trekking season hits during the dry windows—March to May and September to November. Mornings and nights get cold, especially above 3,000 meters. In Sri Lanka, it’s warm year-round, but different coasts get monsoons at different times.  Expect high humidity and spontaneous showers—bring breathable layers and a light rain jacket. 

In Peru, the dry season (May–September) is perfect for hiking the Andes and visiting Machu Picchu. Even in summer, early mornings in the Sacred Valley can dip close to freezing, while afternoons are dry and sunny.  

A flexible layering system is essential—along with a hat for that high-altitude sun. 

We’ve guided travellers across a wide range of adventure destinations—here’s what to pack for some of our most iconic trips: 

Adventure travel isn’t about packing your entire closet—it’s about packing with intention. You’ll find that versatility is the name of the game: clothes you can layer, gear that works in multiple climates, and shoes that are down for rocky trails and long days on your feet. 

We suggest finding your ideal gear at Amazon, REI or Going In Style. 

From the glacier-carved paths of the Himalayas to Uganda's foggy jungles and Iceland's lava-swept vistas, there are plenty of adventure places that still feel wild.  These are the sites that cause you to pause, take a deeper breath, and reflect on why you travel.  Some trips push you. Others shift your perspective. But all of them leave a mark—especially when the crowds disappear, the terrain gets tough, and the views take your breath away. 

At Follow Alice, every trip is about more than just the destination. With small groups, local guides, and carefully designed itineraries, you're stepping into experiences that feel personal. 

If you're looking to break out of routine and into something real, you’ll find it here. 

All that’s left? Pick a continent. Pack your bag. And go.