If you are the kind of person who does not enjoy sitting by the pool drinking endless cocktails and reading a vintage Jilly Cooper book when you’re on vacation, but rather you’re someone who likes to be out there testing your limits, seeing amazing sights, and taking part in adventurous feats when you’re on a trip, here are six adventurous trips you are definitely going to want to make at least once before you die.
1. 6 Extreme Adventurous Trips to Make Before You Die: Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro: Touch the Clouds
For those who think “a light jog” equates to “sprinting up a mountain,” Kilimanjaro is calling your travel bucket list’s name. Rising nearly 20,000 feet above Tanzania, this iconic peak is no walk in the park—but it’s still the most accessible of the world’s Seven Summits. Sure, you might find yourself panting and questioning every life choice that led you here, but the sunrise at the summit? Pure magic.
Plus, you’ll get bragging rights for ages. Who doesn’t want to drop, “Oh, that reminds me of the time I was conquering Africa’s tallest mountain…” in casual conversation?
2. Patagonia’s W Trek: Hike, Sip, Repeat
If you like your adventures rugged, scenic, and laced with the occasional gust of wind trying to whisk you away, Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park is your love language. The W Trek is famous for wild landscapes, icy glaciers, and turquoise lakes that look like someone poured food coloring into them. Keep your eyes peeled for guanacos (basically llamas with a passport) and condors circling overhead. Pack layers, chocolate, and an excellent camera—you’ll need all three when the vistas are this epic.
3. 6 Extreme Adventurous Trips to Make Before You Die: Santa Ana Volcano Hike: The Fiery Heart of El Salvador
If your idea of a fun day involves flirting with molten lava (from a safe distance, obviously), the Santa Ana Volcano Hike in El Salvador might just be your jam. The trek isn’t so grueling that you’ll need an oxygen tank, but it’s challenging enough to make the bragging rights legit.
Picture this: you’re peering down into a smoldering volcanic crater while sipping water (or Gatorade, if you’re fancy), soaking up the most Instagrammable backdrop ever. Throw in El Salvador’s friendly locals and mouthwatering pupusas, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t book a longer trip.
4. 6 Extreme Adventurous Trips to Make Before You Die: Raft the Grand Canyon: Whitewater Wonderland
Yes, the Grand Canyon is a cliché, but rafting through it is anything but. The only drama bigger than the rapids is the jaw-dropping canyon views that look like they’ve been Photoshopped. Days are filled with rollercoaster waves, evenings with starry skies that’ll make your city-dwelling heart skip a beat.
Just remember: what happens in the canyon doesn’t necessarily stay in the canyon (especially if you forget to secure that GoPro).
5. Dive the Great Barrier Reef: Undersea Wonderland
If the thought of Nemo’s extended family makes you squeal with excitement, head to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Whether you’re scuba certified or just love to snorkel, this undersea wonderland teems with colorful fish, coral, and the occasional sea turtle giving you judgy side-eye. You’ll not only get up close with marine life, but also help preserve it—tourism dollars can support conservation efforts. Win-win, right?
6. Bonus Round: Anything That Scares You (Just a Little)
Maybe it’s bungee jumping in New Zealand, paragliding in Switzerland, or ziplining through Costa Rican rainforests. If it gives you butterflies (the good kind), it probably belongs on your bucket list. After all, the best adventures are the ones that make you question your sanity right before they make you fall in love with life all over again.
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