While some wanderers go on vacation to relax, others crave the thrill and exhilaration of adrenaline pumping through their veins. For that reason, it’s no surprise that heart-pounding experiential vacations are trending. We’ve scoured the globe for some adventures that are not for the faint of heart. Here are five extreme experiences that are sure to provide unforgettable vacations complete with adrenaline surges.
Base Jumping - Angel Falls, Venezuela
Rising 3,212 feet, Angel Falls is considered the tallest uninterrupted waterfall in the world and one of the most extreme places to base jump. Located in Canaima National Park, the waterfall can only be accessed by guided tour that begins by boat and ends with a hike that could last a day or more. The jump is not for the faint of heart, or beginners, as factors like wind and water spray from the falls make this a challenging endeavor. Base jumping is said to be the most dangerous freefall activity in the world, so Angel Falls is sure to attract those looking for extreme exhilaration while being surrounded by a lush, beautiful jungle landscape.
Cave Diving – Orda Cave, Russia
Experienced divers across the world flock to the Russian town of Yetkaterinburg to experience the beauty and crystal-clear visibility of cave diving in Orda Cave. The cave, comprised of gypsum rock which is responsible for the filtering and clarity of the water, is located near the shore of the Kunger River. Looking at the area earthside, you would never know what lies beneath the unassuming grassy hill covering this incredible spot. Currently, Orda Cave is measured to be over 3 miles long, making it the longest underwater cave system in the world, with new passageways discovered every year. Although the visibility isn’t as much of a challenge as other extreme cave dives, other factors like the possibility of disorientation and the utterly frigid 40˚F water temperature attract thrill-seekers in search of a challenge.
HALO Skydiving
If traditional skydiving at 10,000–14,000 feet is not enough of an adventure…try HALO skydiving. HALO, “or high-altitude, low opening” skydiving, is an extreme form of skydiving. Originally used by the military to get troops on the ground in challenging or hostile environments, HALO skydiving now has morphed into an extreme sport. Jumpers not only jump from a higher altitude but also spend an increased amount of time in “free fall” before opening their parachutes. HALO jumps are typically performed between 17,000 and 30,000 feet. It requires certification and lengthy training plus extra equipment (mask, oxygen, goggles, specialized suit to retain warmth, and gloves) due the extreme conditions of the higher altitude. To compare, a jump at 14,000 feet would give the skydiver about 60 seconds of freefall, a 30,000-foot jump would last about 170 heart-pounding seconds!
Heli-Skiing – Chugach Mountains, Alaska
Breathtaking views, crisp air, and perfect snow are the reasons that heli-skiing in Alaska should be on an extreme adventurer’s bucket list. Hop aboard a chopper and go where no ski lift has gone before. The Chugach Mountains have been cited as one of the top heli-ski destinations, and that accolade is partly because of the snow quality. The mountains average 700 inches of snow a year, and due to their location close to the coast, the snow maintains a moisture that is perfect for skiing. To get the full experience and ski multiple peaks, it is recommended to plan for an 8 or 9-day trip with 5-6 of those days spent skiing. It goes without saying (but we will anyway), this is a trip for highly experienced skiers or snowboarders – there are no bunny slopes there!
Whitewater Kayaking – Futaleufú River, Chile
Traditional whitewater rafting is dangerous, but imagine a smaller, less flexible craft –a kayak– with only yourself to guide it through the foamy, rough, unpredictability of a raging river. Whitewater kayaking epitomizes extreme vacationing! Several elements go into planning a whitewater kayaking adventure. The overall weather at the time of launch, the weather preceding the launch (such as rainfall that may impact the river levels), the temperature of the water, and the upcoming forecast all play important parts in both the experience and the level of danger. Turning the adventure level up a notch, whitewater kayaking on the Futaleufú River in Chile has been deemed the most dangerous and extreme whitewater kayaking experience due to the “Terminator” section the river, which is 3 miles long and takes about 5 hours to navigate. While the river itself is 45 miles long and has sections suitable for multiple levels of experience, the “Terminator” section is the focus for adventure-seekers. The name Futaleufú translates to “big water,” and those who have made it through the heart-pounding “Terminator” section can vouch for the big water thrills of these famous rapids.
We hope this inspires the thrill-seekers to plan their next adventure! Have you been on one of these adrenaline-fueled expeditions? If so, please tell us about it at WinniWanderer@winni.com. Hearing from you will make our day!
By Staff Contributor
Be one of the first to see our insider offers, travel tips, first-hand reviews, recipes from around the globe, exciting vacation giveaways & more…straight to your inbox!