The Top 11 Hottest Adventure Tours of 2025 (So Far)

Numbers don’t lie: The adventure tourism sector is booming. Gen X is hitting retirement age healthier and more active than the boomers did, and these travelers are increasingly looking for guided land tours with an active component—whether that’s a physically demanding trek up a mountain or going off the beaten path to explore somewhere new and exotic.

Suppliers that specialize in adventure tours are reaping the rewards of their growing niche. Both Intrepid Travel and G Adventures, which specialize in active small group travel, are breaking sales records. Clearly, there is a lot of opportunity for travel advisors to sell land tours with an adventure component.

TMR reached out to the various tour operators who offer adventure tours and asked for their best-selling products in 2025. The following list is a curated selection based on their responses.

For more insight on the land tour segment, and ways you can grow your travel business, see TMR’s Outlook On Land Tours 2024.

Climb Kilimanjaro: Summiting the Machame Route – Abercrombie & Kent

A&K’s nine-day trip takes travelers to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route. The small group package has a max of 12 guests, although private tours are possible. Promising an elite team of expert guides and porters, A&K’s tour includes all required equipment (top of the line, of course), chefs to prepare meals during the journey, and comfortable tents with private showers and toilets.

“Over our 30 years of experience on the mountain, A&K has earned the highest summit success rate of any operator on Mount Kilimanjaro” – Beth Sherer, A&K vice president, global product strategy.

Deserts and Dunes of Namibia – African Travel, Inc.

Award-winning luxury safari outfiter African Travel, Inc. takes guests on a remarkable journey of discovery on this 10-day exploration of Namibia’s deserts and dunes. Guests will learn about groundbreaking giraffe research, scale the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei, and spend time with the Himba people, one of the last true nomadic tribes of Africa.

“With our 45 years of experience, African Travel Inc. is offering the ultimate luxury safari adventures for active clients in spectacular destinations across the continent where we have handcrafted the most authentic adventures and off-the-beaten path activities while supporting wildlife conservation and local communities” – Sherwin Banda, President of African Travel, Inc.

Highlights of Indonesia – Avanti Destinations

Avanti Destinations, a B2B-exclusive tour operator that specializes in FIT services, introduced its 10-day Highlights of Indonesia tour in 2024 as part of its new portfolio of fixed-price land packages. The itinerary includes activities such as sightseeing, trekking, and white-water rafting. Starting at under $3,000 per person for ten days/nine nights, guests will enjoy a comfortable stay in 4-star hotels, with private tours and transfers included. 

“For travelers seeking adventure, white-water rafting is included on one day, and on another, a trek on Ubud Ridge, where you can see spectacular views of rice terraces and lush forests.  This package also includes cultural tours of temples, traditional villages, markets and iconic cities. On the first day you see a Kecak dance performance where 100 performers chant and sway in a retelling of the Ramayana epic, and also visit the thousand-year-old Uluwatu Temple perched 2300 feet above the Indian Ocean” – Gina Bang, chief sales & marketing officer at Avanti Destinations.   

Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana – Collette

Collette’s 15-day Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls, & Botswana adventure tour takes travelers on a nature-filled journey with stops at Chobe National Park, Pilanesberg National Park, and Victoria Falls. Staying at six hand-picked accommodations, guests will get to see the “Big 5” on eight safaris. The trip includes a ride to the top of Table Mountain via an aerial cable car, an educational visit to an elephant sanctuary, and a vineyard wine tasting.

Cycling Vietnam – Exodus Adventure Travels

Vietnam is one of Exodus Adventure Travels’ most booked destinations. The 14-day Cycling Vietnam package invites travelers to experience the country through an immersive bike ride from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. In groups ranging from five to 18, guests will cycle the famed Hai Van Pass, crawl through the Cu Chi war tunnels, and enjoy two nights at a tropical beachside resort on Whale Island.

“Adventure travel continues to surge in popularity with more travelers seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences. In 2025, we’re seeing a strong interest in trips that blend physical activity, cultural immersion, and responsible tourism—whether that’s cycling through Vietnam, trekking remote landscapes, or engaging with local communities in meaningful ways. Travelers want to challenge themselves while gaining a deeper appreciation for the destinations they visit” – Sasha Andrews, director of industry sales for Exodus Adventure Travels.

Wild Fjords & Northern Lights Expedition, Norway – Exoticca

Hopping on the coolcation travel trend, Exoticca’s Wild Fjords & Northern Lights Expedition journey offers adventure seekers a mix of active fun and breathtaking views—including the Northern Lights. The itinerary includes glacier hikes, fjord kayaking, and a scenic train ride.

“As adventure travel continues to evolve, travelers are seeking extraordinary immersive experiences that take them far from their everyday life and blend cultural exploration with unique activities. Whether it’s kayaking through Norway’s fjords, trekking through the Mayan jungles, or embarking on a South African safari, Exoticca is committed to crafting journeys that inspire and transform” – Juanjo Dunran, chief product officer, Exoticca.

Hiking in the Dolomites – Explore Worldwide

Small group active tour supplier Explore Worldwide told TMR that sales of its Dolomites packages have grown 420% year-over-year. The eight-day Hiking in the Dolomites journey takes guests to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site with treks through alpine meadows and pine forests. In addition to exploring Italy’s famous mountains, guests will have the opportunity to cycle to Lienz and explore relics left behind from World War One.

“The Dolomites is a popular choice for those seeking a completely different perspective on what Italy has to offer. We’ve seen a number of our travelers from our top-selling Amalfi Coast Walking trip gain confidence through this active experience and want to continue their exploration of the country” – Katy Rockett, regional director of North America for Explore Worldwide.

Ecuador Quest – G Adventures

Ecuador is a significant destination for small group tour specialist G Adventures: Founder Bruce Poon Tip was inspired to start his small group adventure tour company because of his friendship with a local man who lived in the Amazon. The eight-day Ecuador Quest is an eight-day classic tour that explores the natural wonders of the Amazon and the Ecuadorian highlands, as well as the rich culture of the country’s capital, Quito. The tour has a maximum group size of 16 and offers activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

“National Geographic Journeys and Nat Geo Family Journeys continue to be a focus for [G Adventures], appealing to advisors looking to sell small group adventures to affluent travelers and families alike. These itineraries continue to outperform targets for the regions leading to the high increase in pax growth” – Steve Lima, vice president of growth for G Adventures in U.S. and Latin America.

Morocco Uncovered – Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel is known for its sustainable small group tours that take travelers off the beaten path. It should be of no surprise that Morocco, an emerging destination in this niche, is one of the tour operator’s most popular destinations. Morocco Uncovered is a 13-day adventure that takes travelers through ancient cities, medieval bazaars and high mountain villages, starting in Casablanca and ending in Marrakech.

“Morocco Uncovered isn’t just a best-seller—it’s our top trip year-round. Travelers can’t get enough of the mix of vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and rich culture. From the buzzing souks of Marrakech to the quiet beauty of the Sahara, this trip truly has it all” – Leigh Barnes, president of the Americas at Intrepid Travel.

Iguazu Falls Tour Package – Project Expedition

Project Expedition’s three-day Iguazu Falls Tour Package takes travelers to explore the breathtaking waterfalls from both Argentina and Brazil. Highlights include scenic explorations on both the Argentine and Brazillian sides of Iguazu Falls, a waterfall bath, and an ecological train ride to Devil’s Throat. Optional add-ons include driving open 4×4 trucks through the rainforest, motorboat rides, and birdwatching.

Swiss Mountain Adventure – Railbookers

Railbookers offers a slightly different take on a group adventure tour. Part of the “Railbookers Signature” line, the Swiss Mountain Adventure package combines the excitement of Switzerland’s most exhilarating mountain tops with the convenience of rail travel. Starting in Zurich, travelers will journey through the mountains to Zermatt, head to Interlaken for a short cruise on Lake Thun, and then hike up Mount Pilatus.