If you’re reluctant to visit the US in these uncertain times, you’re not alone. International visits fell 12 per cent year on year in March, according to Oxford Economics. But the good news is many of the adventures you might seek in the US can be found elsewhere. From epic road trips and national parks to world-class cities, here are a few stand-ins that offer a similar experience.
1. Copper Canyon, Mexico
A railway station in the Copper Canyon, Chihuahua, Mexico. Photo: Shutterstock
More than 5 million people visit the Grand Canyon each year, to hike, camp and take in those panoramic views. Rock layers reveal nearly 2 billion years of Earth’s history and at sunrise and sunset, its walls glow in rich shades of crimson. However, for an equally impressive yawning chasm, look south, to Mexico’s Copper Canyon.
El Barrancas del Cobre spans more than a quarter of Chihuahua, the country’s largest state, and is roughly four times the size of its US counterpart. Where the Grand Canyon owes its magnificence to the Colorado River, Mexico’s version was sculpted by six mighty waterways. Both natural wonders offer great hiking – the Havasupai people use remote paths hidden within the Arizona gorge and in the Copper Canyon, trails are still followed by the indigenous Rarámuri. Both also have rail access but whereas the US line stops at the rim, El Chepe, the Copper Canyon’s railway, dives deep into the gorge, bringing passengers face to face with sheer cliffs, plunging valleys and isolated villages.
2. Patagonia
Adventure tourism on the Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park in Patagonia in southern Argentina. Photo: Shutterstock
Alaska is home to some of the most dramatic scenery in North America, with towering peaks, lumbering glaciers and wildlife ranging from bears to whales. Popular with cruise passengers and hikers alike, its rugged landscapes and remote charm draw lovers of the great outdoors. But at the other end of the American land mass is Patagonia, the sparsely populated region straddling Chile and Argentina.
With craggy mountains, ancient ice fields and trails that feel as though they lead to the edge of the world, Patagonia’s crown jewels include Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, Argentina’s Mount Fitz Roy and boat trips to stunningly blue glaciers. Look out for guanacos instead of moose, condors not eagles, but expect the same sense of awe.
3. Rotorua, New Zealand
The geothermal Pohutu geyser in Rotorua, on New Zealand’s North Island. Photo: Getty Images
With gushing geysers, rainbow-coloured hot springs and roaming bison, Yellowstone National Park has earned its place on many a bucket list. Spanning three US states and perched on a simmering supervolcano, Yellowstone is a land of steaming rivers and gurgling mudpots. Old Faithful is the star of the show, erupting on cue, sending plumes of scalding water skywards. But if you’re waiting for the dust to settle regarding the future of US tourism, the city of Rotorua, on New Zealand’s North Island, offers a sulphurous substitute.
