If adventure sports are your thing, you should definitely know the best destinations to practice them. The best thing about practicing an adventure sport, beyond the adrenaline that it offers, is the experience of practicing it in one of the best natural places on the planet. That is why we will show you those natural sites and the adventure sports you can practice there.
What are adventure sports?
Adventure sports are sometimes confused with extreme sports, but there is a clear difference between these two terms. In the case of extreme sports, a previous preparation is required, while in the case of adventure sports, this is not always the case. It is an experience in which individuals integrate with their natural environment, living closely with the landscape while performing a certain physical exercise, which allows for an exciting experience. In short, it can also be defined as an intense physical or recreational activity in nature for leisure purposes.
Among the most well-known or practiced adventure sports are rappelling, climbing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding… Adventure sports can vary depending on the natural environment in which they are practiced.
Destinations to practice adventure sports
Whether you want to live extreme experiences or perhaps an adventure not so dangerous, here we will show you different alternatives, where you can enjoy exceptional experiences and various activities according to the natural conditions of the place. But undoubtedly the best experience is to get to know new places that in turn will offer you the most impressive views, so… Don’t forget to take pictures, as they are memorable moments that you will want to keep.
Wanaka
Located in New Zealand, it is an ideal place to enjoy at any time of the year and is known for being the place where New Zealanders seek adventure. It is an ideal option for adrenaline junkies, who do not hesitate to go to Queenstown in case they want to live an authentic extreme experience.
But particularly Wanaka can also become an exciting yet smaller and more relaxed option, ideal for anyone and definitely the best part is its exceptional natural lakeside view.
In winter, you can enjoy excellent skiing, while in summer you have the lake for water sports and the mountain available for hiking, biking or better yet, skydiving! Definitely, this is a destination worth visiting at any time of the year.
El Chaltén
Located in Argentina in a remote border point of Patagonia, specifically in Los Glaciares National Park where you can enjoy the most exciting mountain trails. Here, you will appreciate impressive peaks such as Fitz Roy and Torre.
From the village you can clearly see the skyline of the rocky pillar, as well as many trails with many first class climbing routes. Among which you can do day hikes and visit the Laguna de los Tres, which is located at the base of Fitzroy Peak. This is an ideal option to visit between the months of February to December.
León
Located in Nicaragua, you will appreciate a beautiful icy colonial city, which offers volcanic adventures. It is known for being the least developed city in the country, its exact location coincides in the heights of a region surrounded by volcanoes, some inactive and others active. So, it is not surprising that just visiting the area is an authentic experience full of emotions.
This is an ideal option to visit between the months of November to April. It is near the crater of Masaya and the route of Sandboarding is down the Cerro Negro. On the other hand, a few hours by car you can go to the unique climbing where you will climb thanks to the roots of trees and at the end, you can appreciate a crater in the Maderas volcano, located on the island of Ometepe. If you want a little more adrenaline, it is worth considering those local drivers who drive buses at impressive speeds.
Pokhara
It is located in Nepal, where you will have the opportunity to visit its capital and go to the shores of the Himalayas. In Phewa Lake, you can enjoy water sports, you will also have the option to access paragliding areas, which are considered the most important in the world. This is an option to visit in the months of May, September, October and November.
But this is not all, as there are also places where you can enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing, ultralight flying, canyoning and kayaking on the Trisuli River. As it is known to be a bit turbulent, it would certainly be an unforgettable experience!
Chamonix
Located in France, it is known mainly for skiing. You can appreciate the cradle of mountaineering in the shadow of Mont Blanc in the middle of the mountains. It has also become an ideal place for trail runner (trail race) thanks to the well-known UTMB (Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc), which is held every year in August or September.
On the other hand, you must know the cable cars of the ski slopes, which in turn give access to impressive glaciers and peaks. All this landscape intertwined by trails where you can practice mountain biking, as well as hiking. Now, if you plan to enjoy the Mer de Glace, you cannot forget the crampons, which will be a necessary accessory to be able to walk in the snow.
But in case you want to have a quieter experience, you will always have the option of going through the routes prepared for all visitors. This is a good option for both beginners and experts. If Chamonix is your best option, then do not hesitate to visit it in the months of May and October to avoid overcrowding.