North Atlantic

Iceland

A country the size of Kentucky with the landscape of three continents. Waterfalls, glaciers, black sand and geothermal weirdness, all within a long weekend's drive of Reykjavík. You don't come here to relax. You come here to feel small.

What to do there

Central America

Costa Rica

Two coasts, twelve climate zones, and a national philosophy that amounts to 'purified water and good waves.' Costa Rica is the rare place where the adventure-tourism infrastructure is genuinely well-run and the wildlife isn't confined to a zoo.

What to do there

Chile & Argentina

Patagonia

The bottom of the world, and the place that puts the word 'wind' in context. Trekking here is less about difficulty and more about stubbornness — the granite spires are worth it, and so is the fact that you'll talk about them forever.

What to do there

South America

Peru

More than Machu Picchu — though Machu Picchu is enough. Peru stacks Inca history, Andean trekking, Amazon access and a food culture people cross continents for. Come for the ruins, stay because the altitude makes the ceviche taste better.

What to do there