5 Adventure Travel Destinations for 2019

Brandon Morris is a longtime friend of Topo Designs and founder of FlashpackerConnect. An all-around adventure travel enthusiast, he shared his top five destinations of 2019 for hikers, beach-goers, and everyone in between. (We’re already packing our bags.)

Looking for your next adventure? If you're the type of traveler who seeks thrilling and exciting experiences, then check out these 5 countries that will fulfill all of your adventure needs.

Peru

From mountains, desserts, surf beaches, and rainforests, Peru is a vast and geographically diverse country that offers plenty for intrepid explorers. The Rainbow Mountain & Ausangate, Huaraz, and Colca Canyon are among Peru's most magnificent hiking regions. Colorful, snow-topped, green, and ranging all levels of difficulty; there’s plenty of variety and choice for hiking and camping lovers

Follow the Inca trail to one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu, where you can trek whilst exploring Peru’s deep, wondrous ancient history.

Travel further up, and the Amazon jungle is every adventurer's dream. From Manu, Tambopata, or Iquitos, Peru's rainforests are one of the world’s most beautifully diverse, where you’ll see all types of rare and fascinating wildlife.

Chile

San Pedro de Atacama is in the north of Chile and offers a variety of fun and fascinating ways to explore its diverse landscapes. From the valleys of towering rocks, shimmering salt deserts, volcanoes, lagoons, natural springs, waterfalls, geysers and beautiful wildlife like flamingos and vicunas; this one place offers so much of nature’s beauty.

Further south is the Lake District, where you’ll see volcanoes, lakes and rivers, temperate rainforests, and wild forests flourishing with wildlife; it's also the perfect hub to get you to Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia. With numerous mountains, glaciers, pristine lakes, rivers and sprawling pampas, it’s a rare, pure wilderness of unspoiled nature.

If you want a wilderness experience with a touch of luxury, check out the EcoDomes nestled in Torres del Paine National Park, offering unmatched access to this amazing park in the Patagonia region.

Iceland

Iceland is a unique island of sharp contrasts, with winters of endless nights, summers of endless daylight, lava erupting from ice and rivers streaming through desserts. There’s no other place on earth like it.

Hike the striking southern highlands of Landmannalaugar where you’ll see a full spectrum of dazzling colors. Harmonize with nature by bathing in the warm revitalizing Blue Lagoon. And explore the Golden Circle, made up of three beautiful locations: Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss waterfall.

Travel to the "Center of the earth" at Snaefellsnes, known for its mighty glacier.  Here, you can also see incredible lava fields, lava tubes, and a vast range of flora and fauna.

And, of course, witness the dazzling northern lights, which are best seen between September and April, when they become more visible.

If you prefer to head off on your own to explore Iceland, there are many companies offering self-drive options.

Greece

Although famous for the beaches and historical landmarks, Greece is greatly mountainous with over 80 percent of its land being mountains, which means more thrilling activities like rock climbing, hiking or skiing in winters.

Climb the rocks of Kalymnos, which - with more than 2,000 routes, and vast tracts of rock still uncovered – is the mecca for rock climbers. You can also take your adventures to the mainland mountainous ranges, including Pelion, Mount Olympus or Meteora.

For hiking, Crete is a great place to start, where you can follow the ancient Minoan paths. The volcanic island of Santorini is also a mesmerizing place with stunning treks around the volcano itself, where you can witness real lava formations and learn about the fascination eruption that wiped out the earliest Aegean civilizations.

You can also take your hiking boots further out to islands such as Amorgos, Lemnos, Ikaria or Corfu, for more incredible treks.

Norway

Norwegians and their passion for nature is a great part of their national identity - and it’s easy to see why. Inland, high plateaus and mighty mountain peaks, an abundance of lakes, and awe-inspiring ice glaciers make an idyllic haven for so many adventures.

Ice-climb in Rjukan Valley, where there are over 150 striking waterfalls that freeze during the winter. This means there are amazing routes for all levels.

Known for some of the most dramatic scenery in the world, the archipelago of Lofoten is the ultimate adventure basecamp. Lofoten is known for its spectacular hiking, kayak between islands, northern lights and the midnight sun, and small fishing villages off the beaten track; making it a must-see destination to take in the serene natural beauty of Norway.

About the author: Brandon Morris is a longtime friend of Topo Designs and founder of FlashpackerConnect Adventure Travel. Find him pioneering great adventures and changing perspectives through adventure.