America travel destinations off the beaten path that will blow your mind

McCarthy, Alaska, USA

Contribution by Heather of This Nostalgic Life

Tucked away at the end of a 60-mile dirt road, McCarthy offers an untouched sanctuary for adventurers. My relationship with this town extends beyond the usual; I’ve visited often because we own a cabin there.

McCarthy epitomizes slow travel, offering genuine immersion in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Life here moves at a relaxed pace, and nature reigns. If you’re curious about how to get to McCarthy, Alaska, the journey itself is an unforgettable experience!

One of my fondest memories was on a late September night during my first visit to McCarthy, shortly after moving to Alaska. Out by the bonfire with friends, we noticed the sky began to glow with the Northern Lights—magenta and green—just dancing around. It was super active, like a light show on steroids! 

Honestly, my jaw hit the forest floor. It’s a great place to view the aurora borealis because there is no light pollution—the town is not on the grid.

But the allure of McCarthy extends beyond its night skies. Don’t miss Root Glacier or the old mining town of Kennicott, both accessible by a scenic trek. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a photographer, or a history buff, McCarthy offers plenty for everyone as a unique community on the edge of the wilderness.

Responsible travel is essential. Camp in designated spots, adhere to ‘leave no trace’ principles, and respect the community’s reliance on specific water sources. Your actions have ripple effects in this fragile ecosystem.

McCarthy, Alaska awaits you if you’re seeking an authentic, soul-enriching experience away from the humdrum of everyday life.

Colorado, USA

Contribution by Meg of Fox in the Forest

If you’re looking for off the beaten path destinations in the USA then head to Colorado. This state is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who love rock climbing, rafting, and hiking.

In fact, that’s why I moved here from Lake Tahoe 13 years ago. I live here with my family and love hitting the trails.

Before you leave Denver, enjoy some of the most unique things to do in Colorado. Catch a show at the Red Rocks Amphitheater, a theatre made of natural rocks. Also, stop by the International Church of Cannabis and check out the vibrant murals that adorn the interior.

Sure, everyone in the town of Estes Park goes to Rocky Mountain National Park but be different and do the Via Ferrata. It’s a fun activity for anyone who likes climbing. 

You could also visit the Stanley Hotel and do a ghost tour through the hotel featured in The Shining before checking out the hedge maze. Afterwards, head to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

We love it since there are no crowds and you can quietly enjoy this amazing canyon. It’s also nice that you don’t have to get up at 3:00 am to hike like in RMNP. However, we found so much peace one time that we forgot to lock up our food and got visited by a black bear in the middle of the night.

Before you visit, be a sustainable traveller and always leave no trace. This means using already established campsites, packing out any toilet paper/hygienic waste you produce, not feeding wildlife, and leaving the area better than when you found it.

Belize

By Mansoureh From Travel with Mansoureh

Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the rainforests of Central America, Belize is a great destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers and those who are looking for authentic experiences. This small yet captivating country is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours, Mexico and Guatemala. 

There is no shortage of natural wonders in Belize, from dense jungle, and sandy beaches to exotic wildlife and crystal-clear water. However, what truly sets Belize apart is the Great Blue Hole, an iconic marine sinkhole that captivates divers and explorers from around the world. Additionally, the country is proudly home to the world’s second-largest Barrier Reef, making Belize one of the ideal destinations for scuba diving and snorkelling. 

We didn’t know much about Belize until we set foot in the country. Little did we know that this journey would unfold as an incredible adventure underwater. In one of our dives after swimming with sharks, and turtles we were ready to surface when a pair of dolphins, a nurturing mother and her playful calf,  swam around us, not once but twice. How amazing is that? 

While tourism is a major contributor to the country’s economy, tourism has been carefully managed to limit its impact on the environment. Belize sets a remarkable example of sustainability in tourism. Basically, here, you can the country’s jungles, reefs, and rainforests while actively contributing to vital conservation efforts. 

One distinctive aspect of Belize is the absence of prominent international brands and chains. This means that tourists stay in local small hotels, eat in authentic restaurants and learn about the Belizian culture, making of this country one of the best South America travel destinations off the beaten path.

Viñales Valley, Cuba

Contribution by Hege of The World by Hege

If you are a traveller thriving outside the beaten track who really wants to visit Cuba, your perfect destination might be Vinales Valley.

This stunning valley a few hours west of Havana is the home of Cuban cigars, Cuban rum, and a natural phenomenon called mogotes. Mogotes are sugartop like little mountains that “grow” right off the valley floor!

Because of its mogotes, Vinales has made it to the UNESCO list of places in the world that deserve special protection.

If this sounds amazing, I recommend you fly to Havana, find a taxi colectivo (a Cuban taxi that you share with other travellers), and enjoy the lush scenery on your journey west.

In Vinales, stay in a casa particular, a homestay with a Cuban family in charming traditional houses. There are a variety of casas for rent; book them online before you get there or find one when you arrive!

You will have time to explore a variety of things to do in Vinales instead of just rushing through. Go horseback riding; hike into the hills to see the sunrise (with Cuban coffee), and the must-do; learn how to make Cuban cigars.

You can also go rock climbing outside or inside the mogotes, swim in a cave, and explore the countryside by bike.

One hour to the north, you find virgin beaches outside Puerto Esperanza, where very few tourists travel, and you can go snorkelling and scuba diving off Cayo Jutia in the part of Cuba Hemingway loved!

Dominica

Contribution by Melinda of Mel on the Go

While there are more celebrated and visited islands in the Caribbean, none surpass the natural beauty of Dominica. Most travellers have never heard of Dominica, missing out on the gorgeous vistas and unparalleled adventures.

Dominica is a fabulous destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Want to spend your vacation floating in hot springs, swimming in waterfalls, and snorkelling among volcanic bubbles? You can do all of that, and more, on the “Nature Island.”

The first time we sailed to Dominica, we loved the boat ride up the Indian River into the jungle. As you’re paddled away from civilization, you’ll see both wild animals and film locations from Pirates of the Caribbean 2, with a stop at a hidden jungle bar serving bush rum. Bring your camera and binoculars if you want to spot Dominica’s national bird, the colourful Sisserou parrot.

In between jumping into gorges and hiking to viewpoints, we also loved the tasty treats at Pointe Baptiste Chocolate farm. Sample chocolates featuring the country’s many tropical fruits and buy some to bring home.

Another must do in Dominica is swimming in Champagne Reef. A short bus or taxi ride from Roseau brings you to this beautiful beach to swim amongst bubbles in the ocean! This geographic oddity is caused by volcanic thermal springs on the ocean floor, and is a top attraction for snorkelers and divers, another great adventure in the beautiful underrated island of Dominica.

Southwest of the Dominican Republic

Contribution by Chris from Punta Cana Travel Blog

The Southwest of the Dominican Republic is the most off-the-beaten-track destination you can find in the Dominican Republic and an extreme contrast to the all-inclusive resorts and the billion-dollar industry in Punta Cana and Puerto Plata. It is the most gorgeous area of the country with many natural hidden gems, but it doesn’t have any resorts, international airports or consistent touristic infrastructure (but sufficient family-run accommodation and local restaurants for your trip). It is the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventurers if you’d like to get to know the Dominican Republic off the beaten track.

 Highlights in this area of the Dominican Republic are several unique natural attractions such as Laguna Oviedo, Bahía de las Águilas, the panorama road from Barahona to Oviedo, Los Patos, Balneario La Plaza, Cueva de la Virgen and the so-called Balnearios.

 This list of highlights doesn’t include my most unique memory of the Southwest yet, Trudillé. Trudillé is a remote fishing village (even though it is more a bunch of shanties than a village) which is only accessible through a 7-mile hike (one-way). You need to take all your water, food and camping equipment as there are no supplies along the way or at Trudillé. But there is a compensation for this, the most pristine and most beautiful beaches you can find in the entire Caribbean: Playa Trudillé and the neighbouring Playa Blanca. This is what one can call off-the-beaten-track.

 Traveling to this region is a very sustainable way as you’re exclusively supporting local businesses and local families. There are no international hotel chains or global excursion companies in this area yet. You also get to know one of the most rural and authentic areas in the Dominican Republic.

 How to get to the Southwest within your Dominican Republic Itinerary: the easiest way is to do a road trip. It is a 3.5-hour drive from Santo Domingo to Barahona and 6 hours to Bahía de las Águilas. Barahona, Los Patos or La Cienaga are good bases to explore the region. Alternatively, the glamping camps at Cabo Rojo offer a super stunning location.

San Blas Islands, Panama

Contribution by Eleanor of Elevate Your Escapes

Get off the beaten path on the San Blas Islands in Panama! The San Blas Islands, also known as Guna Yala. are the perfect escape for beach lovers. Nestled off northern Panama in the Caribbean Sea, these islands boast a mesmerizing beauty characterized by emerald-green palm trees, crystal-clear waters, and soft sandy beaches. They are the most impressive islands I’ve ever seen.

There are no hotels, shops, or restaurants here – just huts for shelter. Don’t expect electricity!

The locals sustain themselves by catching fresh fish daily, grilling them, and serving visitors. There isn’t much food to choose from, so I was glad that I brought many snacks with me.

Getting to the San Blas Islands is best done through a guided tour. I took a long day trip from Panama City. Alternatively, you can choose to stay overnight on the islands.

At around 5:30 a.m., I was picked up in a large jeep and then driven through the remote landscapes of Panama for about four hours. The jeep navigates winding roads and uneven terrain. Upon reaching the port, I boarded a long speedboat to reach the islands. The ride was about 40 minutes on choppy water. The best memory of my trip was laughing hysterically with my friend Susan as we bounced aggressively along the rough waves.

We spent the entire day visiting three distinct islands, including a sandbar in the middle of the sea and then headed back to Panama City.

Panama itself is not on the radar of many travellers. In my opinion, it’s a much underrated country! Panama is easy for North American or South American travellers to access, as Panama City is the economic hub of Central America and has an active airport. Outside of visiting the San Blas Islands, visitors can also appreciate Panama City, Boquete, and Bocas del Toro regions.

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Contribution by Ryan of WaylessTravelers

Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful and unique lakes we’ve ever visited. Located in the Southern part of Guatemala, this lake actually lies within a volcanic crater, created by a volcanic eruption 85,000 years ago. On top of that, it is surrounded by 3 more volcanoes! This creates one of the most beautiful combinations of lush vegetation, a large freshwater lake, and a backdrop of majestic volcanoes. Once in Lake Atitlan, you have the option of staying in multiple towns located around the lake. Each has its unique feature. Panajachel is the busy hub and the port at which you will arrive. San Pedro is a backpacker’s city with trendy restaurants, bars, and affordable accommodations. San Juan is an artistic town, focused on art galleries. San Marco is known as the hippie community, attracting those who want to do yoga and meditation. In the end, there are more than 12 towns to choose from!

The best memory of our trip was actually our entire stay experience at Hotel Casa Del Mundo. This is a very unique hotel located on the edge of a cliff by the lake, and can only be accessed through a local boat. Once there, you have one of the most beautiful botanical gardens, interspersed with small lodging rooms, each with its own private balcony. There, you can fully unwind, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

There are several balconies on the property that you can visit and relax at. The best memory of our stay there was soaking in their natural wood-heated outdoor hot tub on the cliff, providing unobstructed views of the lake. We stayed there for several hours, connecting with other local travellers, and simply enjoying the tranquillity. This was the perfect way to recover our bodies after visiting Flores and the surrounding ruins of Tikal.

Lake Atitlan is suitable for everyone! As previously explained, there is a town to fit all needs. Whether you are there to do yoga, relax, party, hike, or discover nature, there is a town that is right for you!

The area is highly focused on responsible travel, protecting the environment, and supporting the development of their community. Many of the local towns are quite impoverished, so community initiatives were created to help bring tourism jobs to them. For example, the hotel Casa Del Mundo recruits locals and provides them with accommodation. We participated in a local weaving workshop which connected us with a local in their own home.  

Guyana

Contribution by Catherine of Nomadicated

As one of the least visited countries in the world, international tourism is just beginning to establish itself in Guyana. You won’t find any big resorts, but what you will find in this South American country is a unique blend of Caribbean, English, Chinese, and Indian cultures and a dense pristine rainforest.

With almost 90% rainforest cover, Guyana is known as one of the most heavily forested countries in the world with diverse wildlife habitats. As such, the allure of Guyana is discovering its interior.

A highlight for most is boarding an 8-seater plane to Kaieteur Falls, the largest free-standing waterfall in the world, standing five times higher than Niagara Falls. Other activities include walking on bridges over the canopies of Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve or heading into the deep bush to visit indigenous tribes.

During our trip, I took boat rides down crocodile-infested rivers to get to a sloth island, swam in blood-red waterfalls, and took jeeps to blue pools in old quarries. While wandering into one such quaint village, we had the pleasure of meeting the mayor, who graciously invited us into their home for lunch!

In Guyana, slow travel is the only option. With limited roadways and vast undeveloped areas, reaching your destination can take a day. Adventurous nature lovers will love spending time in the bush. Culture enthusiasts will appreciate a walking tour of Georgetown, the capital, to admire its colonial architecture and diverse heritage.

The country is dedicated to preserving its ecosystems and promoting community-based tourism. Most accommodations in the rainforest are all eco-lodges run by local villagers. 

Huaraz, Peru

Contribution by Sharon from iTravel Peru

Peru is a country that is worldwide famous for Machu Picchu, the stunning Inca ruins in the Cusco region. But there’s so much more to see in Peru than Cusco and Machu Picchu. I’m Peruvian and have travelled a lot around Peru, and one of my favourite off-the-beaten-path destinations is Huaraz.
Huaraz is a small city located in the mountains surrounded by the Huascaran National Park, which is home to lots of turquoise lakes, snow-capped mountains and stunning landscapes. It’s the perfect destination if you are an adventurous traveller who loves hiking or trekking. There are several options for day hikes or multi-day trekking in Huaraz for all different levels of difficulty. My favourite ones are Lake Paron and Lake Churup, which you shouldn’t miss if you visit Huaraz. I have been to Huaraz several times, but my fondest memory is looking at a vibrant turquoise lake for the first time ever. If you have never seen one, it’s more beautiful than you can imagine. If you decide to go on a multi-day trek, there are several tour agencies that can arrange the trip for you. However, it’s also possible to do this on your own if you are experienced in trekking and have the right equipment. Just make sure to take all your trash with you as you keep walking, to maintain the clean and pure beauty of this region.