There are many amazing towns around the world, each with their own unique offerings. Some are known for their fine foods, others for their amazing history, and some for their cultural heritage. If you ask me however, the best towns in the world offer unprecedented access to unique adventures. So, without further ado, I present my top ten adventure towns from around the globe.

10. Moab, Utah – USA

Located in eastern Utah, Moab has become one of the top adventure destinations over the past few years. Outdoor enthusiasts looking to beat the crowds in other locations, such as Boulder, Colorado, have migrated to the area looking for new and unique experiences. Moab is close to Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, and offers world class mountain biking and rock climbing. There are also plenty of places to go canyoneering, backpacking, and hiking.

9. Cusco, Peru

Nestled amongst the Andes in southeastern Peru, Cusco is an interesting mix of outdoor adventure and ancient history. The city lies at the heart of what was once the Inca Empire, with the Urubamba, or Sacred, Valley close by with dozens of archaeological sites in the region, including the famed Machu Picchu, which can be reached by train or by hiking the Inca Trail. Cussco is also the starting point for a number of great treks in the Andes.

8. Zermatt, Switzerland

The Swiss city of Zermatt lies just ten miles from the Italian border and is well known for some of the best skiing on the entire European continent. The city also serves as the base for some of the most amazing trekking in the Swiss Alps, including the Haute Route, which runs from Zermatt to Chamonix in France. Most importantly however is the fact that the city has long been the base of operations for anyone attempting a climb of the famed Matterhorn from the Swiss side of the mountain.

7. Boulder, Colorado – USA

Boulder, Colorado has long been considered the center of the outdoor world, at least in the United States. In Boulder, outdoor culture is a deeply ingrained part of the fabric of the city, which is nestled in the middle of 31,000 acres of nature preserves and outdoor recreational space. Boulder is well known as a Mecca for rock climbers, with literally hundreds of world class routes within a short distance of the city. The area also offers great opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, skiing and more. The city is also the host of a number of great events such as adventure races, triathlons, and other outdoor games.

6. Punta Arenas, Chile

Punta Arenas is located at the southernmost tip of South America. In fact, it’s the southernmost city in the world. It sits on a narrow part of land between the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean, with the Beagle Channel not far away. This interesting location makes for unusually volatile weather, but the city makes up for due to it’s location within the Patagonia region of Chile, one of the most beautiful and desolate regions anywhere on Earth. Renowned for it’s spectacular trekking and backpacking, Patagonia is an adventure travelers dream come true. If that doesn’t earn Punta Arenas a spot on the list, then how about the fact that it also serves as the launching pad for many Antarctic explorers. This city of 130,000 is often the last remnant of civilization that they see before departing for the South Pole.

5. Chamonix, France

Sitting at the foot of Mount Blanc, Chamonix is one of the top destinations for mountain sports anywhere in the world. The town lies in eastern France just below the famed Mer de Glace, a massive glacier that stretches up into to the Alps. The close proximity to Mount Blanc, not to mention numerous other peaks, has been bringing mountaineers to Chamonix for nearly 200 years, but more recently it has become home to Europe’s best mountain biking, with hundreds of miles of singletrack within easy reach. In the winter, Chamonix turns into a wonderland for skiers and snowboarders looking to challenge themselves on one of the six near by ski resorts.

4. Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown has built an industry around being an adventure destination, in a country that practically defines the word. Located on New Zealand’s South Island, in the southwest portion of the country, near Lake Wakatipu and in the shadow of the Southern Alps. Adventurers journey here for outstanding trekking and climbing, excellent mountain biking, and some of the best skiing in the southern hemisphere. Jet boating is an extremely popular pastime, as is bungee jumping. In fact, the bungee jumping was invented here. Mix all that in with the fact that Queenstown is one of the best spots for wine and fine cuisine in the entire country, and you have the makings of an amazing adventure destination unlike any other.

3. Vancouver, British Columbia – Canada

Vancouver sits at the confluence of the Strait of Georgia, the Frasier River, and the Coastal Mountains in British Columbia Canada. It’s close proximity to those natural resources make it a paradise for outdoor nuts. Few other cities in the world can boast such close proximity to an ocean, rivers, lakes, and mountains, affording residents and visitors great hiking, backpacking, kayaking, climbing, and just about any other outdoor activity you can think of. Great skiing is a short drive away to the North Shore, and the same region offers unrivaled mountain biking in the warmer months. Speaking of which, the relatively mild temperatures make for warmer winters and cooler summers meaning that the outdoor paradise accessible year round.

2. Arusha, Tanzania

Arusha sits on the edge of the Great Rift Valley in northeast Tanzania. It’s location puts it close to a number of World Heritage Sites including the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. This makes it a prime spot for anyone looking to go on safari, Africa’s most iconic adventure. The city sits below Mount Meru and not far from Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain on the continent. Thousands flock to the region every year to climb Kili, witness the Great Migration, or take in any number of other adventures.

1. Kathmandu, Nepal

When it comes to top adventures cities, there is only one that could possibly top the list. Kathmandu is the gateway to the Himalaya, and possibly the greatest trekking on the planet. Whether you’re heading to the Khumbu Valley or the Annapurna Circuit, the journey begins and ends in Nepali capital. In addition, 8 of the 14 8000 meter peaks fall within Nepal, which makes it the spot for the top high altitude mountaineering. And if that wasn’t enough, most travelers going to Tibet or Bhutan also must go through the city. Kathmandu has it all. History, culture, mysticism, and more adventure than you can experience in a string of lifetimes. That’s why it’s number one on my list.

There you have it. My top ten adventure cities. How do yours compare? What did I miss? Which ones have you been to, and which ones remain on your list of must see places?