Must-Do Adventures: Iconic Thrills from Lonely Planet's Atlas of Adventure
From hiking and climbing to cycling, surfing, and canoeing, adventure travel offers endless ways to immerse yourself in a destination. But which heart-pounding experiences are truly unmissable? Discover them here.
In this excerpt from Lonely Planet’s Atlas of Adventure, we highlight defining adventures worldwide, such as kayaking sea caves in Vietnam and paragliding over Turkish beaches.
1. Don’t leave the USA without hiking Zion National Park’s Angels Landing Trail
This 8km trail culminates in a thrilling via ferrata section along a narrow ledge, leading to a pedestal 460m above the Virgin River canyon floor. Not for those with a fear of heights.
2. Don’t leave Australia without riding Mt Buller’s Australian Alpine Epic Trail
The only Australian trail with official ‘epic’ status from the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), this 40km route winds through Victoria’s highlands.
3. Don’t leave Vietnam without kayaking Halong Bay’s sea caves and arches
Many tours provide kayaks, or rent from Cat Ba Island operators and hotels for an intimate exploration.
4. Don’t leave Guatemala without trekking to El Mirador in the Petén jungle
This 60km hike leads to unexcavated Mayan ruins amid the biodiverse Maya Biosphere Reserve, teeming with jaguars, scarlet macaws, and unique flora.
5. Don’t leave Indonesia without climbing Borobudur
The world’s largest Buddhist temple rises from the Kedu Plain amid volcanic peaks like Mt Merapi.
6. Don’t leave Brazil without tandem hang-gliding from Pedra Bonita in Rio
Soar over the city to a beach landing. Choose operators certified by the Brazilian Hang-Gliding Association.
7. Don’t leave Myanmar without mastering one-legged paddling on Inle Lake
Local fishermen balance skiffs with one leg while casting nets—a skill tougher than it appears.
8. Don’t leave Cambodia without cycling Angkor Wat
Pedal through this UNESCO-listed 12th-century complex near Siem Reap, from towers to tranquil ponds.
9. Don’t leave Iceland without exploring Thrihnukagigur volcano
Descend 120m into this dormant crater via elevator—the world’s only explorable magma chamber.
10. Don’t leave Georgia without paragliding over the Caucasus Mountains
Launch from sites up to 2500m for a serene glide with lasting memories.
11. Don’t leave Madagascar without caving in Ankarana National Park
Navigate 140km of rivers and caves—beware resident crocodiles.
12. Don’t leave Japan without skiing Mt Fuji
Descend Japan’s sacred, iconic peak, revered in Shinto and Buddhism.
13. Don’t leave Bolivia without cycling Salar de Uyuni salt flats
Traverse the world’s largest expanse, spotting surreal rocks, hot springs, chinchillas, and flamingos.
14. Don’t leave Laos without the 100 Waterfalls Trek
This 10km scramble near Nong Khiaw uses ropes and ladders beside cascading falls.
15. Don’t leave Turkey without paragliding from Mt Babadağ
One of the world’s highest sites at 1960m, offering a 30-40 minute flight to Ölüdeniz Beach.
16. Don’t leave Nicaragua without diving the Corn Islands
Snorkel reefs and wrecks right from Caribbean beaches.
17. Don’t leave Botswana without hiking Tsodilo Hills
Discover 4000 prehistoric San rock paintings in this sacred outdoor gallery.
18. Don’t leave Samoa without exploring its caves
Visit Pa’ape’a on Upolu or Dwarf’s Cave on Savai’i—lava tubes into the underworld.
19. Don’t leave Oman without the Balcony Walk at Jabal Shams and Wadi Ghul
Tackle ‘Arabia’s Grand Canyon’ rim trail.
20. Don’t leave Tahiti and French Polynesia without outrigger paddling
Embrace tradition with dugouts or modern kayaks to find secluded paradise.
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