Category: South America

Nicaragua tends to be overlooked as a travel destination by the international community, but make no mistake, adventure travel in Nicaragua is one of a kind. Whether you’re hiking the slope of an active volcano, camping in some of the country’s incredible rainforest parks, or on an exciting fishing expedition, the excitement of exploring Nicaragua will make you never want to leave.

Any Nicaragua adventure travel expedition has to include hiking. From ancient volcanoes to hiking through incredibly lush mountainside jungles, hiking and camping in Nicaragua can be an incredible way to see the wide range of biodiversity that exists within this country’s borders. For the independent traveler, you can strike out on your own in the Miraflor nature preserve to experience the diverse wildlife that live in the rainforest jungles, from birds high up in the canopy to lizards and bugs creeping across the forest floors. However there are also plenty of guided hiking adventures available, which can take you deep in the rural country to visit the vibrant indigenous villages that exist.

Mountain biking is also a popular pastime for Nicaragua adventure travel enthusiasts, as there are plenty of chances for great cross country trips and downhill rides. Whether you’re taking advantage of the technical challenge of the lava fields and steep mountain slopes or following trails through the jungle, there are lots of great ways to enjoy mountain biking in Nicaragua’s many terrains.

Nicaragua adventure travel also encompasses a great deal of ocean and water sports, as every year people come here to enjoy fishing the serene Caribbean waters for bonefish and other exotic species. With crystal clear water and shores lined with palm trees, fishing in Nicaragua is like spending a day in heaven. There are also lots of opportunities for great diving in the Caribbean sea as well. Since the water is so clear, visibility at any depth is crystal clear, and with a wide series of reefs and coral banks to explore, you’ll never run out of new locations to dive.

On the Pacific side, surfing is a huge part of Nicaragua adventure sport culture, as you’ll find great strips of beach with incredible breaks just begging to be carved. Both experienced surfing fans and beginners will find beaches that suit their style, as there is no shortage of both challenging and gentle waves.

And when you’re not exploring the deep jungles or the cool oceans, sightseeing can bring you to some fantastic locations where you can view beautiful sunsets or take in the remnants of Spanish colonialism that exist in the architecture of the beautiful cities and villages through out Nicaragua.

While it may seem off the map, adventure travel in Nicaragua is on par with any other location in the world, both in terms of available activities and glorious and challenging settings. Anyone can appreciate the beauty of Nicaragua as its most valuable resource, as there are few places in the world that showcase such a diversity of cultures, terrain and environment. If you’re looking for an exciting, tropical destination to plan your next trip, don’t make the mistake of overlooking your options for adventure travel in Nicaragua.

Belize is home to some of the most crystal clear ocean waters and some spectacular chances for adventure sports both on land and in water, which is why adventure travel in Belize is becoming so popular. While this tiny country it is often thought of as simply, a beach resort community, adventure travel in Belize has much more to offer than just a lazy day in the sun.

Adventure travel in Belize and adventure travel in Costa Rica are also becoming increasingly popular because of their vibrant beach and ocean cultures, where diving and snorkeling is bar none some of the best in the world. The incredible clear water as well as the shallow depths and abundance of coral reefs make these locations a main attraction for adventure travel in South America. Surfing is also a very popular sport in Belize and Costa Rica, and enthusiasts come from all over the world to brave some of South America’s most difficult waves.

When it comes to snorkeling and diving, Belize is second to none. The waters off the coast of this tropical paradise boast some of the best visibility of any in the world, and with hundreds of coral reefs and underwater structures only a short boat ride or swim from shore, diving or snorkeling in Belize is like nothing you’ll ever experience again. Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts alike are amazed at the incredible diversity of creatures that inhabit the reefs and ocean floors, and it seems like everywhere you look there’s something new to see. Whether you’re swimming through a school of brilliantly colored angel fish in the world-famous Blue Hole site, or exploring the wreck of a century old ship, this incredible Belize adventure travel experience will stay with you forever.

Kayaking is also another important feature of adventure travel in Belize, as it allows you to explore the rock coastline in a way you never could on foot. Since the Belize coast is in places made up of rock that has been eroded by thousands of years of wear and tear by the ocean, there are lots of caves and crannies that you can deftly maneuver your way through while kayaking. You’ll be amazed at the feeling of freedom as you paddle over some of the bluest water you’ll ever see as you make your way towards a tiny island thick with palms. Kayaking is also popular on the freshwater rivers of the Belize rainforest as well, and you’ll find plenty of guided trips and tours to show you the way.

Another ocean attraction for fans of adventure travel in Belize is fishing, as the miles of shallows and flats surrounding the mainland are perfect locations for sight-casting, a true challenge for any serious saltwater fishing fan. Tarpon, Permit, Barracuda and the elusive Bonefish are among some of the most sought-after fish here, and you’ll find plenty of captains and outfitters ready to take you to some of their favorite locations for a world-class guided fishing experience.

But whether you’re exploring the oceans, hiking through a rainforest trail or just sightseeing along the beautiful cliffs of the coasts at sunset, adventure travel in Belize can be a very special experience that can put an incredible distance between you and your normal life. Belize adventure travel is not to be missed.

Those who take part in adventure travel in Chile are never disappointed. This country has it all. From the Atacama Desert in the northern part of the country to the unmatched majesty of the Patagonia mountain region in the south and the many rivers and valleys in between, Chile is full of surprises, as well as lots of great options for adventure sports activities.

When fans of adventure travel in Chile first come to Patagonia, they are speechless. This beautiful region is comprised of cragged mountains capped with snow, beautiful grassy fields and clear rivers running through fertile valleys, and ancient expansive glaciers. One of the best ways to see Patagonia is through hiking. Hiking and camping in this incredible environment is breathtaking, and you’ll be astounded by the crisp clean air and the ability to see for miles on clear days. One of the most impressive hiking locations is the Torres del Paine National Park. Here, you can choose from difficult or lighter hiking expeditions that will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery Patagonia has to offer.

Patagonia is also a very popular Chile adventure travel destination for fans of skiing and snowboarding. During summer in the northern hemisphere, the skiing and snowboarding in Chile is phenomenal, and enthusiasts travel from all over the world to carve the slopes in the beauty of this natural setting. The rocky cliffs, ridges and mountainsides of Patagonia are also optimum spots for rock climbing. Rock climbing is a huge part of Chile adventure travel in general, but Patagonia truly offers some of the best and most interesting climbs.

Adventure travel in Chile has more to offer than just land sports however, as the Patagonia Fjords offer great opportunities for sea kayaking. From the island of Chiloe to the astounding beauty of Pumalin Park, where the Patagonia Fjords will lead you into beautiful rivers that flow lazily under the watchful gaze of snow topped mountains. The temperate climate of Pumalin Park however makes this Chile adventure travel experience very comfortable, as you can combine your kayaking expedition with overnight camping and really experience the full breadth of the beauty of this country. The lush vegetation and countless waterfalls along the fjords are like nothing you’ve ever seen!

These same beautiful rivers also offer the chance to take part in another incredible Chile adventure travel activity, which is whitewater rafting. What a marvelous location for rafting, as you’re shot down a raging river and through roaring cataracts of water, all the while surrounded by miles of wilderness at the bottom of a valley.

Adventure travel in Chile is truly a wild experience. Chile and Patagonia are huge and breathtaking, and almost completely empty of civilization. Travelers are almost overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of it all. While you may never be sure of what you’re going to see next, the one thing you can predict about adventure travel in Chile is a powerful experience that will reshape how you think about the natural world.

Peru is a mystical place, full of history and folk lore. It is also home to some of the best locations for exciting outdoor sports and activities in the world, and the combination of the two is making Peru adventure travel one of the world’s most desirable locations among thrill-seeking adventurers. If you’re looking for more out of a trip than simple touring or vacation planning can provide, then Peru adventure travel is for you.

Perhaps Peru’s greatest and most impressive natural asset is the Andes Mountains. Once home to the Incan Empire, their legacy still remains all over the region in locations like Cuzco, once the ancient Incan capital, and Machu Picchu the incredible lost city situated 7,500 feet up over the Urubamba Valley. When it comes to hiking in Peru, there is no greater destination. Hiking up through the Andes with the eventual goal of reaching this incredibly well-preserved ancient city is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience, as you’ll traverse difficult terrain to be rewarded with incredible misty mountain views that will redefine your understanding of the word sightseeing.

In addition to the opportunities for hiking and camping, adventure travel in Peru centers around an international rock climbing culture that regards the Andes as one of the most difficult but also beautiful locations for rock climbing anywhere on the planet. Rock climbing in the Andes is a centuries old tradition, as the indigenous peoples who lived here relied on it every day to traverse the very terrain that they called home. While modern technology allows much more difficult and technical climbs than were possible then, while rock climbing in Peru one cannot escape the history, and it makes the experience all the more rewarding and personally moving.

The mountainous terrain also lends itself well to paragliding, a unique adventure sport which enables participants to take advantage of the many updrafts of wind and thermal air patterns that the ridges and cliffs of the Andes create. Floating through the fog over this incredible landscape and actually being able to control your flight is simply amazing, and as you take off from one ridge to float gently through a deep valley towards another, the experience can be nothing short of spiritual.

Adventure travel in Peru also encompasses mountain biking, as there are many areas and trails that provide some incredible opportunities for downhill riders. The terrain is also interesting for mountain biking because while there are no true courses built, there are plenty of natural cliffs and knolls that provide great opportunities for jumps and technical riding.

The truth is that whether you’re mountain biking, rock climbing or sightseeing from an ancient mountain ledge, adventure travel in Peru has the potential to change you forever. Few settings exist in the world that display such beauty and timelessness, and challenging yourself through unique adventure sports that take advantage of the natural wonders found here is an incredible way to deepen the experience. Nothing can prepare you for the majesty of adventure travel in Peru.

The Galapagos Islands are one of the most famous natural settings in the world. Here is a piece of nature that has evolved and developed completely on its own over the eons, and in addition to being incredibly beautiful, the lack of outside influence has led to the development of some of the most unique and intriguing wildlife found anywhere on the planet. Adventure travel in Galapagos puts you directly in the middle of it all. Few other locations on Earth carry such a sense of history, wonderment and timelessness, as they will puzzle and inspire you in the same way they did Charles Darwin during his studies there.

It has to be said that adventure travel in Galapagos centers around sightseeing. Visiting the Galapagos is all about exploring the fascinating landscape and taking in the subtleties of the unique ecosystem. Galapagos adventure travel inspires a curious sensation that you’ve somehow been transported back in time, as you’ll marvel at the size of the Galapagos tortoise, which with no natural predators living in its inhabitants for so many centuries, grew to be one of the largest reptiles on the planet.

There really is something pre-historic about this nation that has remained untouched by man in an effort to preserve the security of its one-of-a-kind life system. One of the greatest ways to experience adventure travel in Galapagos is to go on a kayaking expedition of the islands. Kayaking allows you to get a sense of the relationship between ocean and land on these islands, as you’ll see creatures like the Marine Iguana, which had to develop the ability to swim in order to travel to other islands in search of food and survive. Kayaking also allows you to enjoy the incredible array of marine life in the Galapagos, including sea lions, dolphins and even whales.

Of course, and Galapagos adventure travel experience wouldn’t be complete without the chance to go hiking. No matter which of the many islands in the archipelago you visit, hiking through them will allow you to experience the wildlife and flora up close and personal. There are lots of hiking opportunities of different levels of difficulty too, so you can devise a trek is as physically challenging as you like. One of the most popular hiking locations is the island of Bartolome, where you can actually hike up an extinct volcano and survey the islands below.

Adventure travel in Galapagos is a trip like no other, and it is certainly recommended for anyone with an interest in naturalism and history, or who just wants to experience the incredibly diversity of wildlife on Earth. The opportunity for adventure activities in such a unique location should not be missed, as Galapagos adventure travel will be something you will never forget.

With some of the world’s most beautiful coastline and deep, mountainous jungles with still-active volcanoes, adventure travel in Costa Rica can be one of the most varied and exciting experiences you can find in world travel. There is a diverse ecosystem displayed in this small country, with lots of gorgeous wildlife, which also makes Costa Rica adventure travel fascinating for fans of nature and the outdoors. And there are all kinds of things to do while you’re here, as you’ll find some incredible spots for lots of great adventure sports and activities.

Adventure travel in Costa Rica is extremely popular for fans of water sports, because in addition to be surrounded by two seas, the Pacific and the Caribbean, Costa Rica has all sorts of fresh water rivers coming down out of its mountains that are perfect for whitewater rafting. Rafting is a huge draw for those looking at adventure travel in Costa Rica, since there are all kinds of great rivers that offer rapids with varying degrees of difficulty. Perhaps the most famous and exciting rafting opportunity is on the roaring Rio Savegre, which offers miles of tumbling water for a thrilling ride.

Kayaking is also popular on these rivers, as fans of the sport can start out on a river deep in the jungle and follow it all the way out to the coast! Kayaking the shallows around the coastline is also very popular, and allows you to see lots of diverse marine life, including leatherback sea turtles, many different kinds of exotic fish and even sharks! Of course, to really observe marine life, there’s no better option than diving or snorkeling in Costa Rica. Diving and snorkeling along the miles of pristine coasts is extremely easy, because many reefs and interesting underwater environment are accessible simply by walking into the water from the shore. The abundance of reefs and snorkeling opportunities attracts thousands of divers every year to Costa Rica adventure travel.

Surfing is another huge draw for adventure travelers, as Costa Rica offers stretched of gorgeous beaches alongside huge cliffs with some of the best waves in South America. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn surfing in an incredible natural setting or an expert looking for a new, challenging beach to conquer, surfing Rica is bar-none one of the most exciting options for adventure travel in Costa Rica.

Many travelers also come to Costa Rica simply to experience the glory and beauty of its forests and wildlife, which is why touring the country by hiking or mountain biking are such attractive options for Costa Rica adventure travel. The entire island has great places to explore, including Santa Rosa National Park, home to lava fields and both dormant and active volcanoes. The southern Pacific side of the island also is home to some incredible trails and remote wilderness, where you can disappear for days into nature and view brilliant macaws, morpho butterflies, and all sorts of other incredible wildlife that thrives in the lush rainforest environment. Both challenging and fascinating, mountain biking or hiking through the varied terrain of Costa Rica can be an incredible experience.

Discover all kinds of other Costa Rica adventure travel thrills by simply getting in touch with their tourism department or learning more about the hundreds of outfitters and guided tours you can take. Guide books can also be very helpful in independently planning your Costa Rica adventure travel as well. Whether you’re a thrill-seeking surfer or just looking to take in the splendor and natural beauty of this exotic country, adventure travel in Costa Rica has something special for you.

Adventure travel in Brazil can take you into the heart of the Amazon rainforest or to the edge of a sandy tropical beach, but no matter what you do while you’re here, you’ll find friendly people, a warm atmosphere, and lots of opportunities for the adventure experiences of a lifetime. While plenty of people come to this beautiful country to take advantage of its laid-back atmosphere by relaxing on the many miles of sandy beaches or partying in the clubs of its cities, the many opportunities for adventure travel in Brazil are so enticing that many who come here leave with stories far more interesting than simple tales of lounging in the sun.

Brazil is home to one of the largest and most famous forests in the world, the Amazon rainforest, and as a result hiking and camping are extremely popular modes of adventure travel in Brazil. These lush forests are incredible. Walking through the jungle you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world, as the sun is nearly blotted out by the canopy of trees overhead, but the forest still glows with an amazing light.

The wildlife here is incredible, as you’ll see birds, animals and lizards while you’re hiking that other can only read about in books. Brazil also is home to a large population of indigenous peoples who still live predominantly off the land in these rainforests, and hiking and camping can become a cultural experience if you plan to visit with any of the tribes there. Mountain biking is also very popular in Brazil, as the Amazon offers incredible riding in many areas. Mountain biking is a great way to cover a little more ground, as both cross country and downhill riders will find exciting challenges of their ability.

Rock climbing is also an incredibly popular activity, and a huge draw for those interested in adventure travel in Brazil. Rio De Janeiro is the place to be for rock climbing, as there lots of world class climbs within a short drive of the city’s center. Many of the sport’s most famous climbers travel to Brazil to scale these technical cliffs or boulder on the many rock structures outlying the city, as rock climbing becomes increasingly popular here every year.

And while you’re staying in the city, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of some opportunities for sightseeing. Brazil is a country rich with history, both that of its indigenous inhabitants and of Portugese colonialists, and there are plenty of locations to travel to for incredible sightseeing opportunities that can illustrate the culture and people of this unique country. Of course, sightseeing is a great idea no matter where you adventure travel in Brazil brings you, whether you’re exploring the mysterious beauty of the Amazon or the sandy beaches of the coast.

As for adventure travel in Brazil along the ocean, surfing has always been a popular pastime. Surfers from around the world come to this tropical paradise to take advantage of the opportunity for big-wave surfing in lots of different areas along the coast, some very popular among locals and tourists, and others remote, secluded and capable of providing a more peaceful getaway.

Adventure travel in Brazil can provide a lifetime of memories, and will keep you coming back once you’ve experienced some of the possibilities. This incredible South American country is like no other on earth, both for the incredible natural beauty of its landscape and the charm of its culture and people. Adrenaline junkies, thrill seekers and nature lovers will all find something special with Brazil adventure travel, and with so much to offer, anyone else can easily fall in love with this country as well.