Adventure travel has changed considerably since this article first appeared in 2018. Some of the original tours have been discontinued, destinations once described as “undiscovered” now receive considerably more attention, and access rules have evolved.
What has not changed is the desire to experience remote landscapes, challenging trails and places with a strong sense of culture. From a former military island in Albania to the glaciers of East Greenland, these nine destinations continue to offer rewarding adventures.
The tours below were confirmed as current in August 2026. Departure dates and itineraries can change, so travelers should verify availability directly with the operator before booking flights.
1. Explore Sazan Island, Albania
Sazan Island sits at the meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian seas, a short boat ride from Vlorë. During Albania’s communist era, the island operated as a heavily fortified military base, with bunkers, tunnels, barracks and other defensive structures built across its rugged landscape.
Tourism began opening the island to visitors in 2018. Today, seasonal boat excursions travel from Vlorë to Sazan and the surrounding Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park. Trips commonly combine time on the island with swimming, snorkeling and a stop at Haxhi Ali Cave.
The abandoned military structures are deteriorating, and access to parts of the island may be restricted. Visitors should not enter tunnels or buildings unless specifically permitted and accompanied by an authorized guide.
Sazan has also become the subject of a proposed luxury-resort development, making the island’s environmental and historical future uncertain. Visiting with a licensed local operator is the most responsible way to experience it while supporting existing tourism businesses.
Current tour: Sazan Island Boat Trip with Vlora Boat Trips
2. Look for Black-Necked Cranes in Bhutan
Bhutan continues to manage tourism differently from most destinations. Its regulated tourism model is designed to limit environmental and cultural disruption while supporting higher-value, lower-volume travel.
The Phobjikha Valley is one of the country’s most compelling regions. Every winter, endangered black-necked cranes migrate from the Tibetan Plateau to the valley’s wetlands. The birds hold cultural importance in Bhutan and are celebrated during the annual Black-Necked Crane Festival.
The Royal Orchid route takes travelers deeper into central and eastern Bhutan, combining a moderate trek with village stays and major cultural landmarks. It is well suited to travelers who want a Himalayan walking experience without committing to the altitude or physical demands of Bhutan’s most challenging treks.
The itinerary also includes monasteries in Bumthang, the impressive Punakha Dzong and a hike to Taktsang, better known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Current tour: Black-Necked Cranes and Royal Orchid Trek
3. Climb Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes
Ecuador’s central highlands contain one of the world’s great collections of volcanic peaks. The landscape is dominated by Cotopaxi, Cayambe and Chimborazo, all of which rise above 5,700 meters.
Chimborazo’s summit is especially notable. Because of the planet’s equatorial bulge, it is the point on Earth’s surface farthest from the center of the planet—even farther than the summit of Mount Everest.
A serious climbing itinerary requires time for acclimatization, glacier skills and several preparatory ascents. Travelers should arrive with previous mountaineering experience and the fitness needed for long summit days at high altitude.
Cotopaxi remains an active volcano, and climbing access can change in response to volcanic activity, weather and government restrictions. Reputable operators will modify an itinerary when conditions are unsuitable.
Current tour: Ecuador’s Triple Crown
4. Discover the Valley of Wonders in France
High in Mercantour National Park, the Vallée des Merveilles contains one of Europe’s most important collections of prehistoric rock engravings. Approximately 40,000 carvings have been documented around Mont Bégo, many depicting horned animals, weapons, human figures and geometric symbols.
The archaeological landscape is carefully protected. Independent hikers can follow designated trails, but access to engravings away from those routes requires an accredited guide. Guided walks provide a much better understanding of the carvings and the people who created them thousands of years ago.
Most guided visits operate from mid-June through September, depending on snow and trail conditions. Multiday hikers can stay at mountain refuges and combine the archaeological area with alpine lakes, high passes and wildlife viewing.
Trail access continues to evolve following damaging storms in the region, so hikers should check current conditions with Mercantour National Park before departure.
Current tour: Guided Valley of Wonders Visits
5. Trek From Choquequirao to Machu Picchu
The traditional Inca Trail remains Peru’s best-known trek, but it is not the only way to reach Machu Picchu on foot.
Choquequirao is a sprawling Inca complex reached by a demanding trail through the Apurímac Canyon. Its remote position means it receives far fewer visitors than Machu Picchu, allowing travelers to explore terraces, ceremonial spaces and stone structures without the same crowds.
The longer route from Choquequirao toward Machu Picchu crosses high passes, deep valleys and small Andean communities. The physical challenge is substantial, but the trek provides a more expansive view of the region’s landscapes and Inca history.
Access to Machu Picchu is controlled through timed tickets and designated circuits. Peak-season entry can sell out months ahead, so travelers should reserve well in advance rather than waiting for a last-minute departure.
Current tour: Choquequirao to Machu Picchu
6. Try a Family Adventure in Portugal
An active vacation can work especially well for families when the itinerary balances organized activities with time to relax.
Portugal’s Algarve is an accessible destination for a first family adventure. Its combination of beaches, warm weather, coastal scenery and outdoor activities allows children to try several experiences without the constant packing and transportation of a multi-hotel itinerary.
This center-based trip stays at a farmhouse near Sagres and includes activities such as kayaking, surfing, rock climbing and cycling. A freshwater swimming lake, open grounds and time at the beach provide less structured periods between excursions.
The experience is designed for families with children aged eight and older. Individual activities may depend on weather and sea conditions, so the schedule remains flexible.
Current tour: Family Adventures in the Algarve
7. Walk Among the Ice Fjords of East Greenland
Greenland has become easier to reach, but its scale and remoteness should not be underestimated. Communities remain widely separated, roads do not connect towns, and many journeys depend on boats, small aircraft and changing weather.
East Greenland offers an especially dramatic combination of ice-filled fjords, steep mountains and small settlements. Trekking routes around Kulusuk and Tasiilaq pass glaciers, rocky peaks and coastlines where icebergs drift through the water.
Village visits add an important cultural dimension. Travelers can learn about modern life in remote Greenlandic communities rather than treating the region solely as an empty wilderness.
Boat transfers and flights can be affected by fog, wind and sea ice. A flexible schedule and comprehensive travel insurance are particularly important.
Current tour: Icefjords and Remote Villages of East Greenland
8. Walk Through Sri Lanka’s Tea Country
Sri Lanka combines cultural sites, wildlife, mountain walking and tropical coastline within a relatively compact area. A well-designed itinerary can include ancient cities and national parks while still leaving time for meaningful exploration on foot.
The central highlands provide some of the country’s best walking. Trails pass tea plantations, forested hills and small communities, while Horton Plains National Park leads to the escarpment viewpoint known as World’s End.
A climb of Adam’s Peak is one of the journey’s most memorable challenges. Pilgrims traditionally ascend thousands of steps during the night to reach the summit around sunrise.
The current itinerary also incorporates Sigiriya, the sacred city of Kandy, cave temples at Dambulla, wildlife drives and the historic streets of Galle. It is a broad introduction for travelers who want more than a conventional sightseeing circuit.
Current tour: Temples and Tea Trails of Sri Lanka
9. Combine Walking and Wildlife in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s popularity is no longer a developing travel trend. The country is now an established adventure destination known for protected forests, volcanic landscapes, beaches and remarkable biodiversity.
The challenge is choosing an itinerary that goes beyond the most heavily visited stops. Combining Arenal Volcano with the Osa Peninsula introduces travelers to two very different ecosystems.
Trails around Arenal cross old lava fields and tropical forest, while the Osa Peninsula provides access to Corcovado National Park. Wildlife sightings may include monkeys, sloths, coatis, tapirs and an extraordinary variety of birds.
Costa Rica is appropriate for travelers who enjoy active days but do not necessarily want a high-altitude trek. Heat, humidity and muddy forest trails can still make the walking more demanding than the distances suggest.
Current tour: Costa Rica Walks and Wildlife
Choosing the Right Adventure
These trips vary significantly in difficulty. A family activity vacation in Portugal requires very different preparation from climbing Ecuador’s highest volcanoes or completing the Choquequirao trek.
Before booking, consider:
- Required fitness and previous experience
- Maximum elevation and acclimatization
- Seasonal weather and trail conditions
- The operator’s group size and guide qualifications
- Travel insurance requirements
- Emergency evacuation arrangements
- The environmental and cultural impact of the itinerary
Travelers should also check official entry requirements and government travel advisories. A tour listed as available does not guarantee that every departure will operate, particularly in remote regions where weather, permits or minimum group sizes can affect scheduling.
The most rewarding adventure is not necessarily the most difficult or distant. It is the one that matches a traveler’s experience while creating a genuine connection with the landscape and communities along the way.
