10 Best Trips for Adventure Junkies

2/11

Run the Great Wall Marathon.

Next:Bike through Tuscany.

3/11

Bike through Tuscany.

Next:Hike the Pacific Crest Trail.

4/11

Credit

(Courtesy of Pacific Crest Trail Association)

Hike the Pacific Crest Trail.

Next:Trek to Ciudad Perdida.

5/11

Trek to Ciudad Perdida.

Often dubbed one of the world’s most challenging hikes, the hike to the lost city of Colombia (known as Ciudad Perdida) is the ultimate bucket list trail for true adventure-seekers. The small-group adventure travel outfitter G Adventures offers a seven-day round-trip trek from Santa Marta that reaches a staggering altitude of 3,937 feet at the ruins of Teyuna. You’ll weave through lush jungles in 110 percent humidity, up and over rocky, uneven pathways, over deep river basins and up narrow, windy mountain passages. Unlike Machu Picchu, this city is still relatively undiscovered, so you can enjoy breathtaking, unspoiled ruins.

Next:Climb to Mount Everest’s base camp.

6/11

Credit

(Courtesy of Intrepid Travel)

Climb to Mount Everest’s base camp.

As any avid hiker can attest, crossing Mount Everest’s base camp off your list is no easy feat. On this trek by Intrepid Travel, you’ll hike into the jaw-dropping Himalayas, past the fantastical Gokyo Lakes and up an incredible 17,600 feet to the south base of the world’s highest mountain. This intensive 15-day itinerary allows for more local immersion than a regular trek – with stays in Nepalese teahouses and in-depth conversations with the area’s famed Sherpas. This hike is considered one the toughest in the world, but those who have done it describe the 360-degree views of the snowy Mount Everest as the most euphoric moment of their lives.

Next:Plan an epic New Zealand adventure.

7/11

Plan an epic New Zealand adventure.

Next:Hike, bike and kayak in Vietnam.

8/11

Hike, bike and kayak in Vietnam.

One of the world’s most beautiful destinations, Vietnam is a country best explored off the beaten path. G Adventures’ Hike, Bike and Kayak tour through this diverse country offers an unspoiled view of the verdant jungles, picturesque bays, limestone karsts, lush islands and small, welcoming villages it’s best known for. This 10-day exploration begins in Ho Chi Minh City and blends cultural immersion (think: homestays in villages and food market visits) with blood-pumping activity such as kayaking through Halong Bay, hiking up to Mai Chau and taking a bike ride to the tomb of Tu Duc.

Next:Dive with great white sharks in Australia.

9/11

Credit

(Courtesy of Rodney Fox Expeditions/Dive Worldwide)

Dive with great white sharks in Australia.

With the largest reef in the world, Australia has hooked water-loving adventurers for decades. However, for those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, snorkeling among colorful reefs just won’t cut it. That’s why adventure tour company Dive Worldwide offers the chance to swim alongside the country’s most aggressive marine mammal, the great white shark. This expedition takes you deep into the dark blue waters of South Australia’s Neptune Islands, where you’ll come face to face with the massive sharks. Plus, you can swim side by side with stingrays and other sea creatures. The tour also takes you above water with hikes to famous islands, where you’ll likely spot sea lions and seals.

Next:Hike Patagonia’s epic Torres del Paine.

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Hike Patagonia’s epic Torres del Paine.

Next:Take a safari through Jordan.

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Take a safari through Jordan.

One of the oldest civilizations in the world, Jordan has long lured those seeking enlightenment. In addition to UNESCO World Heritage sites and the incredible world of Petra, Jordan also boasts never-ending desert horizons, hot springs, bustling cities and deep oceans for those craving more active pursuits. Outfitter Absolute Travel offers a Wild Jordan Adventure that hits Jordan’s famous highlights, like the city of Petra, as well as some lesser-known spots, such as Wadi Mukheris and the gushing waterfalls of the Ma’In Hot Springs. Plus, this tour offers a mix of steep hikes, city walking tours and four-wheel drive desert expeditions.