5 Adventure Expeditions That You've Probably Never Heard Of

Towards the end of 2016, the Adventure Tourism Development Index was released, identifying the top twenty countries within the developed and developing world that have the best adventure travel experiences for tourists. Using this report, we’ve compiled these five exhilarating adventure expeditions, switching from the High Atlas of Poland to the remote peat bogs of Tierra del Fuego, Chile, and exploring parts of countries that you’ve probably never heard of – but definitely should include on your travel bucket list.

The ultimate adventure expeditions from around the globe

Explore the Tatras Mountains, Poland

171-miles (275km) of marked trails crisscross Tatra National Park in Poland and the region is regarded by many as having some of the stunning scenery in all of Europe. Most of the hikes here are day-trips, making a visit to the region’s main town, Zakopane, ideal for a short European getaway.

However, if you want to get your teeth into this beautiful region of forests and meadows, then the Tatranska Magistrala is a multi-day trek through the sharp mountains and steep, lake-filled valleys of the Tatras Mountains, with six mountain refuges available for hikers to stay in overnight.

Trek the Dientes de Navarino, Chile

While Torres del Paine National Park and its Circuit loop is perhaps the better known of Chile’s adventure expeditions, the Dientes de Navarino Trek is only for the most hard-core hikers.

This 33-mile (53km) trail crosses through peat bog and Magellanic deciduous forest in the rugged and dramatic landscapes of Isla Navarino at the southernmost end of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Far from a well-marked path, it’s a real adventure and should only be attempted by hikers accompanied by a guide or those with extensive trekking experience.

Climb into the crater of Thrihnukagigur Volcano, Iceland

Summiting a volcano is one way of having an adventure; but how about climbing into one? Luckily, Thrihnukagigur Volcano near the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik hasn’t erupted in over 4,000 years, meaning the adventure deep inside the volcano is more than safe.

It’s a short 45-minute hike to the top of the volcano from where you’re lowered 700-ft. (213m) down into the huge, empty magma chamber below the crater using an open elevator system. At the bottom, stand in awe, take photographs and just get used to the fact that you’re actually inside a volcano.

Hike the Te Araroa in New Zealand

New Zealand’s answer to the USA’s Appalachian Trail and Spain’s Camino de Santiago, Te Araroa is a four-month expedition hike that starts at Cape Reinga at the far tip of the North Island and finishes 1,864-miles (3,000km) south at Bluff, the final point of the South Island.

Passing through practically every ecosystem found in the country, this hike only opened in 2011 and has quickly become one of the ultimate adventure expeditions in New Zealand.

Trek in Triglav National Park, Slovenia

Slovenia has been establishing a reputation as an important European adventure travel destination over the past few decades and Triglav National Park on the Italian border of this tiny nation is at the heart of this excitement.

Trails here explore the Julian Alps and Mount Triglav, a 9,396-ft (2,864m) peak that can be ascended as part of two-day guided adventure expeditions in the region.