Amp Up the Adventure in These High-Altitude Cities

Situated at exactly 5,280 feet above sea level, Denver is the uncontested Mile-High city, jam-packed with all the outdoor thrills one would expect of a mountain-based destination.

Still, there are plenty of cities around the world that offer high-altitude adventures, some at elevations that far surpass Denver. If you're looking for the natural buzz that comes from hanging out at high altitude locales, the following destinations might just be for you.

While Bolivia technically has two capitals, the nation's administrative capital, Nuestra Señora de La Paz clocks in at a whopping 11,942 feet (or more than twice the altitude of Denver) making it the tallest capital city in the world.

Bolivia, which straddles the Andes Mountains, has long been known as a placing to go for stunning scenery. But its emergent culinary scene alongside a number of new luxury hotel openings are all part of the reason Forbes called Bolivia one of the "coolest places to travel" for 2018.

While Ecuador-the gateway to the Galapagos Islands-is most known for its maritime offerings, there's plenty to do high above the sea. The capital city, Quito can be found at 9,350 above sea level, making it the second-highest capital in the world and also the close capital city to the equator.

When visiting Quito, be sure to explore the colonial districts, considered some of the best-preserved in the world. They earned the city a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list making it the first Latin American City to earn that distinction.

While most of Bhutan is located at breathtaking altitudes, the nation's capital, and also its only city, Thimphu can be found at 8,688 feet above sea level. Bhutan, the first nation in the world to introduce the concept of "Gross National Happiness (GNH)" is sure to appeal with its friendly people and sublime mountainous landscapes. If you prefer exploring on a guided program, Travel Impressions, in partnership with SITA World Tours, offers the seven-day Bhutan: Mountain Kingdom journey where you can visit the markets and monasteries of Thimphu while drinking in the picturesque views of the Himalayas.

Despite its ear-popping elevation of 8,612 feet above sea level, Bogota is actually a low point geographically speaking, as it is located in a valley sandwiched between Guadalupe and Montserrate mountains. When visiting, don't miss the half-day excursion to the nearby Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral,) an entire cathedral built nearly 500 feet below ground inside a working salt mine. Especially compelling are the 14 Stations of the Cross, with each waypoint interpreted and depicted using salt blocks from the salt. Also leave time to sample other Colombian delights including the famed coffee produced here and salsa dancing, Bogota style.

At 7,726 feet above sea level, Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa is Africa's highest capital. It is also the center of the African Union, making it a bustling commercial center. Additionally, it is the headquarters of Ethiopian Airlines which has started an aggressive campaign to establish operational hubs at airports throughout Africa, making the city the perfect jumping off point for itineraries throughout the African continent. A must-see attraction is the National Museum of Ethiopia, which is home to "Lucy," the famous fossilized hominid believed to be more than 3 million years old.

Few travelers realize that Mexico's capital is located at a whopping 7,350 feet above sea level. There's so much to do in Mexico City, you'll need days to explore, but a favorite activity for locals and visitors is spending a lazy day on the waterways of Xochimilco. Here, you can hire a vessel called a trajinera for a few hours, while your captain guides you on a slow cruise of the area. Bring your own picnic to eat onboard or purchase a snack from local vendors cooking tasty treats in their own trajineras. You'll also ride alongside mariachis who play tunes for a small donation.

Nairobi, Kenya, located at 5,889 feet above sea level, is probably best known for Nairobi National Park, where visitors can track and photograph lions, giraffes, zebras and the endangered Black Rhino. But the city is also rapidly becoming known for its foodie scene, and recently popped up as a top destination on American Express' Travel Forecast research. Hoteliers are also taking a new look at Nairobi, where Marriott recently opened a new Four Points by Sheraton.

While Windhoek, Namibia is located 5,646 feet above sea level, the arid destination never sees a speck of snow. Despite the lack of a cold-weather climate, skiing is an incredibly popular activity in Namibia, which is the birthplace of sand skiing. Go for double the thrills and participate in both cross country and downhill sand skiing.

With Kigali, Rwanda clocking in at 5,141 feet above sea level, it falls just 139 feet shy of the mile-high mark. But the destination, which veteran tourism professional Geoffrey Kent, founder of Abercrombie & Kent has called an emerging "luxury travel hotspot" is still well worth a visit. In fact, the tour company recently opened its newest office in Kigali and staffed it with expert locals who take guests on gorilla tracking programs and Rwandan safaris.

Guatemala City, located at 5,016 feet above sea level, is the perfect jumping off point for any of a number of mountainous experiences in Guatemala. The country is home to 37 volcanoes, including the recently erupted Fuego Volcano, making it one of the most volcanic hot spots on earth. Or spend your time seeking out ancient Mayan culture in the area's museums and archaeological sites.