Living in a digitally saturated and constantly moving world, it may feel like there is nowhere left to truly get away from it all for an off-the-grid adventure. However, if you look deeper, you can still find those off-the-beaten-path destinations that have kept their mysterious allure. So, if you feel like getting away from the hustle and bustle we’re your guide to nature’s playground. Read on to find out our top seven destinations that are spectacularly remote, guaranteed to intrigue and leave you feeling refreshed.
Costa Rica
Coined the “Rich Coast” by Christopher Columbus, Costa Rica is known as one of the most productive ecosystems in the world, with secluded habitats that have a microclimate all of their own. Costa Rica’s astonishing ecosystem accounts for five percent of all the world’s flora, fauna and wildlife – so it comes as no surprise that scientists and naturalists often refer to the country as “the living Eden”. If you’re looking to venture out on trails less trodden and reconnect with nature, you may find sections of Costa Rica’s rainforests completely to yourself.
With our guides’ unrivalled local knowledge and expertise, you’ll encounter Costa Rica’s hidden wildlife gems. Whether you’re looking to enjoy exhilarating hikes towards mysterious cloud forests along the Tilaran Mountain Range towards Monteverde, see red-eyed tree frogs peeking out of the lush greenery on a remote boat tour in Tortuguero National Park, or spot noisy Howler monkeys swinging from tree canopies in Manuel Antonio National Park, our Discover Costa Rica trip ticks off every wildlife enthusiast’s bucket list.
Kenya
From the remote trails leading up Mt Kenya to the undulated terrain in the Masai Mara, Kenya is a great place for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With a mix of regions to explore like lush tropical rainforests, palm-fringed coastlines and expansive plains, Kenya’s contrasting landscapes are bound to leave you feeling invigorated. Home to some of the world’s most incredible species, be prepared for wildlife encounters like no other. From the elusive black rhinos and Grévy’s zebra, to the African buffalo, bush elephants and lions, you’ll soon find Kenya is the quintessential stomping ground of Africa’s most iconic animals.
Our Kenyan Holidays let you get a real feel for Kenya’s stunning national parks, brilliant game-viewing locations and traditional bush camping for that perfectly-rounded African experience. Enjoy morning game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park and visits to the Ngorongoro Crater, ending your trip on the bleached white sands of Zanzibar with our Kenya and Tanzania Adventure. Or get up close and personal to hippos, crocodiles and waterbucks on an unforgettable boat cruise near the Murchison Falls and slip across the border into Uganda to visit the remote Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for sightings of the elusive Mountain Gorilla in their natural habitat on our Gorilla Masai Mara Camping trip.
Canada
When it comes to exploring the great outdoors, nothing compares to Canada’s glinting glaciers, remote beaches and lush pine forests that are so silent you could hear a pin drop. The only things that break the stillness are the unforgettable wildlife encounters, from moose wandering across the tundra in Tweedsmuir on our Canadian Wildlife & Vancouver Island adventure, Grizzly bears feasting on flying salmon in the white-frothed Orford River during the Whales & Bears of British Columbia trip or hearing coyotes howling in Banff National Park on our Canadian Rockies Wilderness Walk.
Chile
If you’re looking to discover some of the most pristine and untouched corners of the planet, then the epic Chilean wilderness doesn’t disappoint. From exhilarating hikes past volcanoes and huge glaciers to other-worldly views of parched dunes and fertile valleys, you don’t have to go far to be met with another awe-inspiring vista in Chile.
On our Discover Chile trip, we get the opportunity to visit some of the country’s vast plains. Imagine taking in the rarefied atmosphere on Atacama’s Desert Moon Valley, watching El Tatio’s bubbling geyser’s erupting and visiting the towering granite towers of Torres del Paine National Park – this is an adventure you won’t forget in a hurry.
Should you wish to explore the boarders of Chile in more depth on two wheels, we’d recommend going on our Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina, where we ride through Conguillio National Park to see ancient monkey puzzle trees, climb to the crater of the live Villarica Volcano, while also cycling towards the enchanting blue waters of Puerto Blest in Argentina.
Finland
For a remote adventure closer to home, look no further than the beautiful snow-caked forests of Finnish Lapland. This action-packed trip takes you to some of the most secluded parts in Finland where you may find spots that are delightfully tourist-free (apart from your group of course).
On our Finnish Wilderness Week, head off the beaten trail on an exhilarating cross-country skiing trip near Juuma Lake for a chance to see the Northern Lights; strap on a pair of snowshoes for a remote evening walk through the most secluded parts of Oulanka National Park and if you want to up the ante, you can choose an optional ice-climbing excursion and glacier hike to truly embrace the elements and get off the grid.
With visits to local reindeer farms and afternoons learning essential wilderness skills such as building your own quinzee (snow shelter), this trip offers a unique glimpse into the life of Finnish locals living outside the busier cities – a perfect breath of fresh air.
Peru
There’s nothing quite like following in the footsteps of ancient Incas through mysterious cloud forests where the Peruvian Andes meet the Amazon Basin to feel like you’re exploring somewhere truly historic and remote. Home to inexplicable natural wonders like the world’s largest rainforest, the towering Andes mountains and Lake Titicaca (the alleged birthplace of the sun), Peru is one destination where it’s easy to get away from the city and take in the natural surroundings.
There are many man-made ruins peppered around Peru that are well worth admiring too. On our Inca Trail, Titicaca & Nazca trip we trek through the classic Inca Trail to the lost city of Machu Picchu, visit the traditional Taquile Island and the indigenous tribes on Lake Titicaca and see the mysterious Nazca Lines for yourself in the costal desert. If you’re looking for a lesser known alternative, our Moonstone Trek takes you through the rural valleys between Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
USA – National Parks
When you think of the USA, you think of the Big Apple’s tall skyscrapers and the bustling streets of the Windy City, but America is also home to some of the best and most beautiful National Parks in the world – the perfect escape if you’re wanting to unplug, get away from the crowds and reconnect with nature.
For the best taster of America’s National Parks, our National Park Walks trip, is bound to ignite your spirit of adventure and love for hiking. On our trip, we drive through the remote Mojave Desert before trekking towards the spectacular hanging gardens in Zion National Park. The natural amphitheatre of bright orange, pink and white spires in Bryce Canyon are truly awe-inspiring. Visiting some of the lesser-known locations of these major National Parks, enjoy taking in the regions sheer natural beauty away from the crowds in Arches National Park, Monument Valley and of course the most famous of all – the Grand Canyon.
If these wilderness adventures have inspired you to look into booking a holiday off-the-beaten-track in 2022, take a look at our collection of remote adventures here.
