Travel Spotlight

Best Of: Iconic Adventures

Some destinations offer adventures so exceptional as to be considered truly iconic. From Patagonia, with its dazzling landscapes, to the vast plains of the Serengeti, they should be at the top of any thrill seeker’s bucket list. Here, Indagare rounds up six destinations that all adventure-loving travelers should visit at least once in their lives.

Contact Indagare for assistance planning an adventure-focused trip to an iconic destination.

Africa

Going on an African safari is a life-changing experience. Nothing is quite as exhilarating as an early-morning game drive, taking in the bush’s sights and sounds, perhaps coming face-to-face with a pride of lions or witnessing a kill. All senses on high alert, travelers feel intensely aware of their surroundings, more alive.

New Zealand

For exploring natural wonders, no place beats New Zealand. Peter Jackson hardly needed CGI when filming The Lord of the Rings trilogy here—as the locals readily admit, the terrain of their homeland looks like the stuff of legends. In addition to a wealth of outdoor activities—from bathing in hot springs and heli-skiing to whale watching and sailing—the country offers some of the most memorable super lodges.

Related: A Day of Daring in New Zealand

Iceland

, with its strikingly diverse terrain and geographical wonders, is a dream destination for adventure travelers, who can hike to a dormant volcano and explore its cavernous base one day, then strap on a pair of crampons to test themselves on the ever-changing face of a glacier the next.

American West

From big-sky Montana to the red-rock landscapes of Arizona, this region contains some of the world’s most spectacular terrain, which can be enjoyed from the rustic luxury of sumptuous lodges. The charming resort towns Aspen and Jackson Hole offer fantastic hiking and other outdoor activities, like white-water rafting, horseback riding, fly-fishing and nightly campfires.

Peru

Running through the Andes mountain range from the old Incan capital of Cuzco to Machu Picchu, Peru's Sacred Valley is rich in history and natural beauty, home to lush plains, cloud forests, raftable rivers and trails on which hikers pass Incan ruins.

Related: Just Back From...Peru

Patagonia

boasts landscapes that are as varied as they are staggeringly beautiful, as well as multiple climate zones, enabling travelers to experience high deserts, glaciers, fertile wine country and lakes surrounded by snow-capped peaks all within one trip.

More Inspiration

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Transformative Tanzania

Indagare's Annie Fitzsimmons shares highlights from her transformative trip to Tanzania—including the cuisine, lodges and why returning home from a safari can be difficult.

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Tented Dreams: The African Safari Tented Camp Experience

Discover the differences between African safari tented camps with Indagare's resident Safari expert Rose Taylor.

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My Mallorca: Artist Natasha Zupan’s Insider Guide

Artist Natasha Zupan—who first came to the island as a toddler in 1967— shares the best spots to shop, where to get in touch with nature and more.

Island Design: An Insider’s Guide to Mallorca with Oro del Negro

Oro del Negro, a founding partner and the design director at Moredesign, shares his Mallorca favorites.

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