These Are the Top Countries for Thrill-Seekers Right Now, Based on New Data

A new study ranked the top destinations for thrill-seekers using data on hiking trails, climbing spots, roller coasters, and more.

A lot of summer travel stories lean beachy. This one goes in the other direction.

A new study from Duel ranked 61 countries for thrill-seekers using a mix of data points, including hiking trails, mountain bike routes, climbing spots, off-road trails, roller coasters, casinos, and each country’s highest peak. It’s an unusual mix, but the countries that rise to the top all have one thing in common—they offer the kind of trips where you’re actually doing something, not just sightseeing.

Here’s how the top 10 shook out.

10. Germany

Germany rounds out the top 10, and it gets there with a combination that feels very Germany: a big roller coaster count, a respectable number of hiking and biking routes, and plenty of infrastructure to make the whole trip feel manageable. It may not have the same built-in adventure reputation as Argentina or France, but for travelers who like active days without roughing it too hard, I can see the appeal.

This is the kind of destination that works well for people who want an outdoorsy trip but still like things to run on time and be clearly marked.

9. Turkey

Turkey came in ninth, and this one feels more interesting the longer you look at it. It has mountains, coastline, varied terrain, and the sort of geography that naturally lends itself to hiking, paragliding, and other outdoor trips that don’t all look the same.

Cappadocia alone could justify its spot here. The hot air balloon rides at sunrise are one of those experiences that actually live up to the photos, and there’s more to do once you’re on the ground – hiking through the valleys, exploring cave dwellings, and getting a feel for just how unusual the landscape is. It’s an easy place to build a trip that feels active without being exhausting.

8. Colombia

Colombia took the No. 8 spot. That feels believable. It has the kind of landscape variety that gives adventure travelers options, and it still feels a little less obvious than some of the usual heavy hitters.

That alone makes it stand out. For someone who wants mountains, outdoor activities, and a destination that does not feel overly played out, Colombia has a strong case.

7. Brazil

Brazil landed at No. 7, helped by strong numbers for hiking, mountain biking, and off-road trails. Given the size of the country, that tracks. You are dealing with a huge range of landscapes, and that opens the door to very different kinds of trips depending on where you go.

One of the nice things about Brazil in a ranking like this is that it does not box you into one style of adventure. You could build a trip around rainforest scenery, coastal terrain, or something farther inland and still end up with a completely different experience.

6. Italy

Italy, in sixth place, may catch some people off guard, but it really should not. Yes, plenty of travelers go for the food, the cities, and the slower pace. But once you move into the mountains, especially around the Dolomites, Italy starts looking like a very different destination.

That is part of what makes it such a strong all-around pick. You can have a trip that feels active during the day and still unmistakably Italian by night, which is not a bad combination at all.

5. United States

The United States came in fifth with an adrenaline score of 8.16 out of 10. According to the study, it had 2,937 casinos, 908 roller coasters, more than 143,000 hiking trails, and thousands of off-road routes, which helped push it into the top five.

The stronger case for the U.S., though, is just range. The study specifically calls out rafting in the Grand Canyon, mountain biking in Utah, and climbing in Yosemite, and that gets at why the country works so well for this kind of ranking. You are not limited to one type of thrill here. You can build an entirely different trip depending on whether you want mountains, desert, parks, canyons, or something with a lot more creature comforts.

4. Argentina

Argentina ranked fourth, and this feels deserved. The study points to Aconcagua, which stands at 6,960 meters and is one of the tallest peaks included in the ranking. That alone gives the country some serious adventure credibility.

I used to live in Argentina, and it’s one of the easiest places I’ve found to build a full itinerary around outdoor experiences. Patagonia gets most of the attention for hiking, but Mendoza adds a completely different side of the country—one where you can go horseback riding in the Andes, mix in hiking or biking, and build a trip that feels active without it all looking the same. It’s a good reminder of how much variety Argentina offers once you get beyond the usual highlights.

3. Spain

Spain came in third, and its trail numbers are honestly huge. The study says it had 10,600 rock climbing trails, 6.43 million mountain bike trails, and 10.3 million hiking trails, which is enough to make almost any outdoor destination look lazy by comparison.

What I like about Spain placing this high is that it makes sense beyond the numbers. It is a country where active travel does not have to feel punishing. You can hike, climb, or bike during the day and still end up eating very well afterward, which counts for a lot in my book.

2. Mexico

Mexico took second place with an adrenaline score of 8.56 out of 10. The study highlights things like climbing Pico de Orizaba, sport climbing at El Potrero Chico, urban downhill biking in Taxco, and bungee jumping in Los Cabos. That is a pretty convincing list on its own.

I recently spent time in Cabo, and it’s a good example of how much more there is here beyond the resort scene. You can pack a trip with things like ATV rides, snorkeling, boat excursions, and other high-energy activities without trying very hard. It’s a much more active destination than people tend to give it credit for.

1. France

France took the top spot with an adrenaline score of 8.86 out of 10. The study credits it with 227 roller coasters, 477 rock climbing trails, 190,000 mountain bike trails, 720,000 hiking trails, and a highest peak of 4,810 meters. It also points to major mountain areas, including the Alps, the Pyrenees, and Chamonix.

If your first reaction is “France?” I get it. A lot of people picture cafés, wine, and museum-heavy itineraries before they picture cliff jumping or glacier cycling. But once you start looking at the country through an outdoor lens, the No. 1 ranking is easier to buy. France has the scenery, the trails, and the mountain infrastructure to back it up.

This lines up with what a lot of travelers are already leaning toward—more active, experience-driven trips instead of just sightseeing. Tripadvisor is seeing the same thing in its latest travel trends report for 2026, which leans heavily toward hands-on, memory-driven experiences.

Read more: These Are the 10 Biggest Travel Experience Trends for 2026, According to Tripadvisor