If you’re someone who loves the outdoors and enjoys vacations that let you soak in the beauty of nature, this guide is for you. Here are some top destinations for outdoor enthusiasts that you should add to your travel bucket list.
New Zealand
New Zealand is a paradise for nature lovers, boasting stunning coastlines, majestic mountains, and sparkling lakes. You can experience ancient forests, beautiful coastlines, and mountain vistas all in one day. National parks abound, with plenty of volcanic and geothermal areas to explore. Queenstown is a must-visit for a mix of water sports, hiking, and climbing. It’s also the birthplace of bungee jumping, perfect for adrenaline junkies.
South Africa
South Africa offers incredibly diverse landscapes, from forests and mountains to deserts and savannahs. It’s a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, featuring over 700 publicly owned reserves, 200 private reserves, and 19 National Parks. Your trip won’t be complete without visiting Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in Africa, where you can spot the “Big Five”: lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros.
Argentina
Argentina’s vast size translates to a wide variety of natural beauty. Each region offers a different ecosystem, from the tropics to the Andes. Iconic sights like the UNESCO-listed Iguassu Falls showcase Argentina’s rich biodiversity. Patagonia in southern Argentina offers spectacular hikes, such as the W Trek in Torres del Paine. You can also explore clear lakes, dense forests, and mountain passes by horseback or bicycle.
Iceland
Iceland’s stunning natural scenery is a major draw for travelers. With glittering glacier lagoons, bubbling hot springs, and powerful waterfalls, the island offers an otherworldly charm. Whether illuminated by the Midnight Sun or the Northern Lights, the scenery is always magical. Adventurers can explore volcanic landscapes and hot springs. For a unique experience, dive in the Silfra fissure located between the North American and Eurasian plates.
United States
The United States is a fantastic destination for nature enthusiasts, offering 423 national park sites across the country. Spanning 84 million acres, the parks are spread across all states and even US territories like Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. One iconic park to visit is Yosemite in California, known for its over 750 hiking trails and river rafting trips, set against a stunning landscape.
Switzerland
Switzerland’s landscape is one of the most varied on earth, with crystalline lakes framed by snow-capped mountains. Whether hiking in the Jungfrau region, skiing in the Alps, or rafting down the Lütschine River, Switzerland offers something for every outdoor lover, with its natural beauty shining all year round.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, known for its commitment to ecotourism. Over half of the country is covered in forests, including primary and virgin rainforests. With 800 miles of coastline and 28 national parks, Costa Rica is a natural haven. Thrilling activities like river rafting, canyoning, and zip lining are popular, along with abundant wildlife watching.
Ecuador
Though small, Ecuador packs a punch with its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. This tropical country offers a variety of ecosystems, including the Andes mountain range, mangroves, cloud forests, coastal regions, and the Amazon rainforest. It’s a paradise for birdwatchers, with 1,500 species to spot. The Mindo Cloud Forest near Quito is a top destination, offering birdwatching, cable car rides, and hiking to beautiful waterfalls.
Indonesia
Indonesia’s tropical climate and diverse geography support vast biodiversity. With over 17,000 islands, the country is home to volcanoes, jungles, lakes, mangroves, grasslands, mountains, and coral gardens. Adventure enthusiasts will love Mount Rinjani National Park on Lombok Island, offering the excitement of exploring an active volcano.
From Iceland to Indonesia, these destinations are sure to captivate any nature lover. Let us know in the comments which of these places you dream of exploring!