Adventuring has never been more important. As John Muir put it, over a century ago, “thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity." In 2022 we sought solace in trips that took us back to basics. We savoured wild camping in some of the world's remotest spots and looking up at a sky full of stars, instead of a computer screen. We enjoyed the adrenaline rush of white water rafting, and the challenge of climbing rugged, cloud-wrapped peaks.

2023 will be no different. We're planning some epic adventure challenges and we'd love for you to come along for the ride. Make this year the one you book the adventure you've always dreamed of, be it an ascent to Everest Base Camp or an expedition into the heart of the Amazonian jungle. We've got 23 different  trip ideas for you, to some of the world's wildest corners. If you're up for the challenge, that is...

1. The Mexico Three Peaks Challenge

Climbers on top of Iztaccihuatl (5230m), Mexico

An epic mountaineering challenge in a country more commonly known for relaxed beach breaks. You'll scale the three highest mountains in Mexico, La Malinche (4421m), Iztaccihuatl (5230m) and the towering glacier-clad stratovolcano of Pico de Orizaba (5636m). Spend your rest days snacking on street food, and scoping out ancient ruins like Teotihuacan.

Duration: 10 days Difficulty: Challenging

The Mexico 3 Peaks Challenge | Much Better Adventures
Join expert mountain guides to tackle three spectacular summits, topping out on North America’s highest volcano peak.

2. Adventure Hiking in Jordan

A man stands on a rock in the Wadi Rum Desert, Jordan

Explore this fascinating country of vast otherworldly deserts, rugged peaks and ancient cities on foot in this epic hiking adventure. You'll summit Jordan's highest peak, Um Ad Dami (1800m) and hike a rarely-used route to the sandstone city of Petra, which offers up panoramic views. You'll even have a chance to sleep in a Bedouin camp in the desert, where you'll try traditional food and experience a beautiful sunset.

Duration: 5 days Difficulty: Moderate

Hiking Adventure in Jordan | Much Better Adventures
Join a small group adventure to trek the dunes of Wadi Rum, enter Petra via the backdoor, swim in the Dead Sea and sleep in a Bedouin camp under the stars.

3. The 3 Peaks Challenge in Morocco

A hiker on the trail in the High Atlas Mountains, Morocco.

Tackle three 4000m+ summits back-to-back on this tough but rewarding traverse of the High Atlas Mountains. Scramble with Berber guides to the top of Mount Toubkal (4167m) and the double summits of Mount Ouanoukrim: Timzguida (4089m) and Ras (4083m) and stay in scenic mountain refuges along the way. You'll be treated to amazing sunrise and sunset views of the craggy Atlas Mountains, a part of the world untouched by mass tourism.

Duration: 5 days Difficulty: Challenging

The 3 Peaks Challenge in Morocco
Tackle 3 summits over 4000m back-to-back on this tough traverse of the High Atlas, including the highest point in North Africa

4. Climb Mount Maglic in Bosnia

Mount Maglic, Bosnia

If it's not possible to take two weeks off work or away from family, then this is the adventure for you. Over an action-packed weekend you'll hike to the summit of Mount Maglić (2,386m), the highest peak in the little-explored Bosnia and Herzegovinia. You'll also have a chance to explore the dramatic wilderness of Sutjeska National Park that surrounding the mountain. Come and see why it's one of our most popular adventure weekends for yourself!

Duration: 3 days Difficulty: Moderate

Climb Bosnia’s Mount Maglić (2386m) | Much Better Adventures
Join a locally-guided adventure to summit Mt Maglić, the highest peak in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and explore one of the last primaeval rainforests in Europe.

5. Canoe Expedition in the Yukon Wilderness

Duration: 10 days Difficulty: Moderate

A canoe expedition that takes you into the heart of Canada's Yukon Territory, as you spend your days paddling the pine-fringed Teslin and Yukon Rivers. You'll share this remote landscape with bear, moose, caribou and eagles, and camp out under the stars every night. A true taste of the wilderness.

Canoe Expedition in the Yukon Wilderness | Much Better Adventures
Join a small group adventure in Canada to paddle the Teslin and Yukon Rivers. Led by expert guides, cross the wilderness in a traditional Canadian canoe.

6. 100km Canoe Expedition Across Scotland

Four canoes on the rocky shore of a Scottish loch, viewed through a tent flap.

If you're keen on a UK adventure challenge, then we recommend this 100km kayaking expedition, which takes you across Scotland from Fort William in the west, to Inverness in the east along the Caledonian Canal. You'll paddle the Great Glen Trail, crossing the legendary Loch Ness, and wild camp on the water's edge surrounded by some of the UK’s highest mountains. While you need to be physically fit to take part, kayak training will be provided.

Duration: 5 days Difficulty: Moderate

100km Canoe Expedition Across Scotland
Cross Scotland from Fort William in the west, to Inverness in the east along the Caledonian Canal

7. Climb Mount Toubkal: The Winter Edition

Climbers ascending Mount Toubkal, Morocco, during the snow

If you're an experienced hiker wanting to push yourself to your limits over a long weekend, then this is the adventure challenge for you. You'll climb Mount Toubkal (4,167m), Morocco's highest mountain, in the height of winter. To reach the top you'll battle high winds, sub-zero temperatures and trails covered in snow. But the feeling when you reach the top is unsurpassed.

Duration: 4 days Difficulty: Tough

Climb Mount Toubkal: The Winter Edition | Much Better Adventures
Don your crampons for a serious adventure and trek your way up the mighty Mount Toubkal in the height of winter. Expert mountain guides will lead the way.

8. The Balkan 3 Peaks Challenge

Hiker with arms wide open on Mount Gjeravica in the Accursed Mountains, Albania

This one's a toughie: you'll tackle three summits across four countries in the wild heart of the Western Balkans. Trek remote trails and over mountain borders as you scramble to the summits of Mount Gjeravica (2656m), Mount Zla Kolata (2534m) and the shared summit of Mt Korab (2764m) - the highest points in Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and North Macedonia. Sail across Lake Koman, bed down in a shepherd hut and fuel up on ‘slow’ food in the heart of the Accursed Mountains as you go.

Duration: 7 days Difficulty: Tough

The Balkan 3 Peaks Challenge | Much Better Adventures
Join a small group of like-minded adventurers to tackle 3 of the highest peaks in four countries on this tough trek through wild heart of the Western Balkans.

9. Alaskan Wilderness Kayak Expedition

Kayakers paddle across the glacial waters of Prince William Sound in Alaska, with icebergs and mountains in front of them.

Power yourself along Alaska’s wild coast on a stunning journey where you'll encounter more animals than people. Paddle into Bears' Kitchen and the iceberg alleys of the Shoup Glacier Marine State Park. Watch out for orcas, humpbacks, bald eagles, bears and rafts of sea otters in the Prince William Sound. Wild camp in remote spots, feasting around the campfire under the stars. The trip concludes in Colombia Bay, where you'll be treated to the thunderous spectacle of glaciers calving into the bay around you.

Duration: 8 days Difficulty: Challenging

Alaskan Wilderness Kayak Expedition
Power yourself along Alaska’s wild coast on a stunning journey teeming with wildlife, camping in remote spots along the way

10. The Snowdon Challenge, UK

A cyclist on a mountain road in Snowdonia National Park. Photo: Getty.

Tackle the highest peak in Wales, and more, over an action-packed day. Not only will you climb Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), you'll also bike 17km of country lanes, nail and kayak 4km on the stunning Llyn Padarn. A challenging but rewarding day, with a gorgeous mountain backdrop.

Duration: 2 days Difficulty: Moderate

The Snowdon Challenge | Much Better Adventures
Book your spot on a small group, locally-guided adventure in Eryri (Snowdonia) to tackle one of the UK’s most rewarding mountain challenges in a single weekend.

11. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro and Go on Safari, Tanzania

The summit of majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, shrouded in cloud.

Climb to the summit that's on every adventurer’s hit-list – the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro, all 5895m of her. Trek through forest, over moorland and under a glaciated precipice via the Machame Route, considered to be the most scenic way to the top of Africa's highest peak. And there's no need to go home as soon as you've descended - stick around for a few days and head out on safari. The Ngorongoro Crater is home to some 25,000 mammals, including the endangered black rhino.

Duration: 11 days Difficulty: Challenging

Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro (5895m) and Go on Safari | Much Better Adventures
Join a locally guided small group to summit Africa’s highest mountain via the Machame route, then spot elephants, rhinos and lions on a 3-day game safari.

12. Arctic Circle Fat Bike Expedition, Norway

A group of tourists fat biking in the Arctic, with dogs pulling sleds behind them.

Spend five days on an Arctic cycling tour across the Finnmarksvidda mountain plateau in the Arctic Circle, accompanied by a team of huskies. You'll pedal up remote snow trails and across frozen lakes. You'll pass by migrating herds of reindeer and indigenous Sami herders, and if you're lucky you'll catch sight of the northern lights. Treat yourself to a sauna after a hard day of pedalling, before bedding down in a remote hut or cosy canvas igloo.

Duration: 5 days Difficulty: Challenging

Arctic Circle Fat Bike Expedition
Cycle across an Arctic plateau alongside a team of huskies, sleep in remote huts and relax in saunas

13. 250km Self-Powered Coast to Coast Expedition Through Costa Rica

A rafting group drifts down the Pacuare River in Costa Rica.

Hike, bike and paddle 250km across one of the world's most biodiverse countries, travelling from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea. Journey through cloud forest and virgin rainforest teeming with wildlife before heading up and over the Continental Divide. Rest up in eco-lodges on the banks of the Pacuare River and cool down in secret swimming spots along the way.

Duration: 12 days Difficulty: Challenging

250km Self-Powered Coast to Coast Expedition through Costa Rica
Hike, bike and paddle yourself from the Pacific Ocean all the way to the Caribbean Sea

14. Isle of Rum Expedition, Scotland

Two hikers on the Isle of Rum, on Scotland's Inner Hebrides.

A UK adventure challenge that will take you to Rùm in the Scottish Inner Hebrides, an island of no roads, forgotten castles and a mere 29 residents. Traverse the six rocky peaks of the Rùm Cuillin ridge, wild camp in deserted spots alongside rocky shorelines, and keep watch eagles, otters, seals, dolphins and the ubiquitous red deer.

Duration: 5 days Difficulty: Challenging

Isle of Rùm Expedition
A truly wild adventure on a remote island in the Scottish Inner Hebrides

15. Climb Mont Blanc, France

A hiking group climbing the snowy summit of Mont Blanc.

Tackle the mountaineer's mountain. Sitting at 4,180m, Mont Blanc is the highest point in western Europe, regarded by many as the birthplace of modern mountaineering. Climb in a group of just four people and summit Mont Blanc on a Monday, the quietest day to attempt this legendary peak. You'll push yourself to the limits - completing the challenge will provide you with a sense of achievement you'll carry with you for years.

Duration: 8 days Difficulty: Tough

Climb Mont Blanc (4810m) | Much Better Adventures
Join expert local guides to summit the Mighty Mont Blanc, the mountaineer’s mountain and highest peak in the Alps. One to tick off your bucket list this year.

16. The Ultimate Volcano Adventure in Nicaragua

Volcano boarding in Nicaragua

Stand atop geological giants spanning the spine of Nicaragua's Pacific highlands. Summit seven volcanoes, trek the boiling mud fields of San Jacinto, kayak the wildlife-packed Istián River and hike through tropical forest to the twin peaks of Concepción and Maderas. Camping beside a crater rim, anyone?

Duration: 11 days Difficulty: Challenging

The Ultimate Volcano Adventure in Nicaragua | Much Better Adventures
Join local expert guides for an epic volcano trekking odyssey. Stand atop summits, peer into fiery craters, try volcano boarding and explore Ometepe Island.

17. The 'Ring of Picos' Challenge in Spain

Hikers in the Picos de Europa

Tackle one of Spain's toughest hiking challenge, circumnavigating the western massif of the Picos de Europa. You'll scramble to the summits of Cotalba (2026m), Jario (1913m), Jultayu (1940m), across rocky gorges, steep valleys and past glacial lakes. After days on tough scree terrain, get some downtime at remote mountain lodges, watching the sunset with a cold beer.

Duration: 5 days Difficulty: Tough

The ‘Ring of Picos’ Challenge in Spain | Much Better Adventures
Join an expert local guide to tackle the wild trails of the high Picos de Europa in Spain. Bunk down in mountain huts on this challenging small group hike.

18. 100km Jungle Expedition into the Heart of Colombia

A plunging waterfall in the heart of the Columbian rainforest.

Trek through tropical rainforest and raft one of the world’s last truly wild rivers. Blaze a trail through the wilderness as you descend into the mysterious Magdalena Basin and pass through one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Be one of the first to set foot in this remote and untouched corner of Colombia.

Duration: 8 days Difficulty: Challenging

100km Jungle Expedition into the Heart of Colombia
Trek through an untouched tropical rainforest and raft one of the world’s last truly wild rivers

19. Summit Yala Peak, Nepal

Illuminated tents surrounded by snow and ice, a wild campsite on Yala Peak in Nepal.

Climb Yala Peak (5,550m), one of the few non-technical peaks in Nepal and experience the mighty Himalaya away from the crowds. Trek through the Langtang Valley, past towering peaks and tumbling glaciers then grab your crampons, ropes and ice axes as you set off by torchlight and navigate the tight ridge to the top.

Duration: 12 days Difficulty: Challenging

Trek the Langtang Valley to Summit Yala Peak in the Himalayas | Much Better Adventures
Join this spectacular trek, guided by experts, to climb one of the few non-technical peaks in Nepal and experience the Himalaya away from the crowds.

20. Cycle Guatemala's Highlands

Cyclists pedalling with a volcano backdrop in Guatemala

Immerse yourself in the nature and culture of Guatemala as you cycle across its highlands. You'll take a back country route of dirt roads and gravel tracks, passing through Mayan villages and lush forest, with an ever-present backdrop of volcanoes. The route begins in the colonial city of Antigua and ends at the beautiful Lake Atitlan, where you can enjoy some downtime (or hike a volcanic summit, depending on your energy levels).

Cycle Guatemala’s Highlands | Much Better Adventures
Ride remote trails through volcanic landscapes from Antigua to Lake Atitlán on a small group adventure. We handle the logistics, so all you have to do is pedal.

Duration: 9 days Difficulty: Moderate

21. Trek the Haute Route, France & Switzerland

A view of the Matterhorn in the Alps, one of Europe's highest mountains.

Take on one of Europe’s toughest and most prestigious long-distance hut to hut trails. Experience the remote wonders of the Alps as you trek to epic viewpoints and through traditional mountain villages all the way to the Matterhorn, one of the most iconic mountains on the continent.

Duration: 10 days Difficulty: Tough

Trek the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt
Follow a spectacular trail, hut-to-hut through the heart of the Alps

22. The Mexico Three Peaks Challenge

Hikers on the summit of Summiting Iztaccihuatl, Mexico's third highest peak.
Summiting Iztaccihuatl in time for sunrise. Photo: Much Better Adventures. 

An adventurous way to experience Mexico - by climbing its three highest peaks. You'll push yourself as you aim to reach the summits of La Malinche (4421m), Iztaccihuatl (5230m) and Pico de Orizaba (5636m), Mexico's highest mountain. On the way you'll visit the ruins of Teotihuacan and sample delicious street food.

Duration: 9 days Difficulty: challenging

The Mexico 3 Peaks Challenge | Much Better Adventures
Join expert mountain guides to tackle three spectacular summits, topping out on North America’s highest volcano peak.

23. Adventure Cycling in Namibia

A cyclist in Namibia, with Spitzkoppe Mountain in the background.

Ride through Namibia's dune desert beneath enormous open skies, cycle along the Skeleton Coast - the world's largest shipping graveyard - and stand on top of Spitzkoppe Mountain, the highest point in the country. End it all off with a safari, on the look out for lions, elephants and rhino.

Duration: 9 days Difficulty: Challenging

Adventure Cycling in Namibia
Ride through Namibia’s vast dune desert, along the Skeleton Coast, jump on a safari and sleep under the stars

Feeling inspired? Check out our collection of wild adventures, from one-nighters and weekenders to full weeks and longer.