World’s Best Countries For Adventure Tourism, 2024

It’s a widely known fact that traveling is enjoyed by almost everyone. The thought of discovering new and unexplored territories, with all their rawness and mystery, appeals to every adventurer’s soul. This is where adventure tourism comes in. However, not all of us are fortunate enough to live in a country that offers numerous adventure options. But there are some countries that perfectly fit the bill when it comes to adventure tourism.

CEOWORLD magazine’s 2024 rankings have declared Brazil as the best country in the world for adventure tourism, followed by Costa Rica and Greece in second and third positions, respectively. Argentina has secured the fourth position, while Portugal ranks fifth. Italy and New Zealand are placed sixth and seventh, respectively. Spain, Indonesia, and Norway hold the eighth, ninth, and tenth positions among the top 10 best countries for adventure tourism.

Brazil offers a wide range of adventurous activities such as extreme sports, hiking, and sea kayaking. It is considered to be a playground for adventure seekers. CEOWORLD magazine analyzed and compared 44 countries across seven key categories, including adventure resources, safety, natural resources, infrastructure, cultural resources, adventure image/brand, and government policies supporting sustainable development. Their analysis resulted in the Global Adventure Tourism Development Index, which ranks countries’ potential for adventure tourism based on principles of sustainable tourism. The countries that best embody the spirit of adventure travel are ranked highest in the index.

According to the Global Adventure Tourism Development Index, hiking has become the most popular activity for adventure travelers. The adventure tourism industry is growing rapidly and is currently valued at around $321 billion per year. To gather data for the index, a random selection of 120,000 readers, mainly based in the U.S, was taken from magazine subscribers. The participants reported that the most important aspects of an adventure experience included being in a natural environment, learning new things, having meaningful human experiences, and experiencing a new culture.

We have selected 15 of the most popular adventurous activities, such as rafting, kayaking, trekking, mountaineering, paragliding, water sports, motorcycle touring, camel and yak safaris, mountain biking, hot air ballooning, zip-lining, backpacking, skiing, scuba diving, canoeing, and wildlife adventures, for 44 different countries. The 2024 best countries ranking highlights some of the nations that have an advantage in the adrenaline department. Brazil takes the top spot, but there are other places that have also earned equal attention in this regard.

The World’s Best Countries For Adventure Tourism, 2024

Brazil (Ranked 1st): This South American country secures the top spot for the fifth consecutive year. One of the largest nations in the continent, Brazil hosts the “Rio Carnival,” which is an adventure activity in its own right. Home to one of the largest waterfalls, namely Iguazu, and wetlands like Pantanal, Brazil also houses the Amazon basin, which is renowned as the mighty rainforest worldwide. Other top adventures to try for adventure junkies are boating in Iguazu Falls, enjoying a dune buggy ride in Natal, and snorkeling in Fernando De Noronha.

Costa Rica (Ranked 2nd): Although small, Costa Rice has its fair share of claim to fame due to the bounty of adventure attractions present. While the total area of the country sums up to 19,730 sq miles, people from all over the world come here to enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities. Starting from zip lining, hot air balloon ride, rushing through the rapids, paddleboarding in Lake Arenal, or climbing, through the jungle area, the country promises many activities to satisfy the souls of wanderlusts.

Greece (Ranked 3rd):  Greece is the epitome of beauty! With over 6000 islands inside its perimeter, the country boasts a coastline that measures approximately more than 8,000 miles. Apart from the pearl-white beaches, sleepy hamlets, and gorgeous buildings taking center stage, the nation also has adventure activities lined up for travelers. Try sliding down the waterfalls at Samothraki, climbing on Kalymnos, or gear up for mountain biking in Thassos; adventure travel is incomplete without visiting Greece.

Argentina (Ranked 4th): If you are an avid lover of adventure, then Argentina is a country that you should never miss. The endless landscapes change from wild tundra, snow-capped mountains, and emerald lakes to ice fields at every step. Argentina also bags fame for many adventure activities which range from fly-fishing in Patagonia and skiing on a private island like Francis Mallmann that takes the top spot

Portugal (Ranked 5th): From being the launch-pad for explorers like Colombus, Portugal has come a long way. The country has plenty of opportunities for adventure enthusiasts due to its geographical positioning. Billed as a favorite for travelers all over the world, every adventure lover can try out various activities like whale watching in the Azores, horseback riding in Alentejo to surfing at Guincho Beach.

Italy (Ranked 6th): There are very few spots in the world that possess such an intense range of beauty as Italy. From mountain peaks to winding roads of Tuscany, Italy is surrounded by nature from all around. While many people love to go rock climbing in San Pellegrino other hotspots of adventure are scuba diving in San Fruttosso.

New Zealand (Ranked 7th): New Zealand is another name that takes the top spot regarding adventure. The island country has amazing landscapes that are filled with all sorts of adventure activities. From watching the Kiwis, slicing the rapids through rafting on the North Island, exploring the Waitomo Caves, and bungee jumping adventure in Queensland, name any adrenaline-pumping sport and you are sure to get it in the country.  The first man to climb Mt Everest, the man who “invented” bungee jumping, the invention of Zorbing – don’t ask me why these crazy ideas all come from Kiwis, but if you’re into this kind of thing, New Zealand is the place to go.

Spain (Ranked 8th): This beautiful European country is specially carved out for an adventure. With tranquil beaches and more than ten national parks, Spain is one of the hidden treasures of the continent. Whether exploring the volcanoes or wandering on the Canary Islands, the country springs adventure-packed surprises for all wanderlusts. With varied options in their bounty, these countries have scored high in the adventure ranking for wanderlust worldwide.

Have you read?
Measuring Green: Environmental Performance Metrics and Strategies for Sustainable Business Practices.
Why Excelling at Your Job Isn’t Enough Today.
Real-World Solutions Making Capitalism More Equitable.
Leadership Excellence: Practical Approaches to Managing Perfectionism.
Jeff Smith, BlackRock Former HR Executive, Reveals How Psychology Can Shape Leadership Success.