Top 10 Travel Documentaries to Inspire Your Next Adventure

Description: A classic in the travel documentary genre, this film follows two surfers, Mike Hynson and Robert August, as they search for the perfect wave around the world. It's not just about surfing but about the spirit of adventure and the beauty of the world's coastlines.

Fact: The film is credited with popularizing the sport of surfing worldwide. It was also the first film to be entirely financed through product placement.

Description: While dramatized, this film is based on the real-life journey of a young Che Guevara across South America. It's a coming-of-age story that explores the landscapes and the social issues of the continent.

Fact: The film was shot in the locations where Che Guevara travelled, providing an authentic backdrop to his transformative journey.

Description: This gripping documentary recounts the harrowing tale of two climbers in the Peruvian Andes, where one falls into a crevasse, and the other must make a life-or-death decision. It's a testament to human endurance and the will to survive.

Fact: The film was adapted from Joe Simpson's book of the same name, which details his own survival story. It won the BAFTA Award for Outstanding British Film.

Description: While not strictly a documentary, this film, based on Jon Krakauer's book, captures the true story of Christopher McCandless, who abandoned his possessions to live in the Alaskan wilderness. It's a profound exploration of freedom, nature, and self-discovery.

Fact: The film was shot in the actual locations where McCandless lived, including the famous "Magic Bus" in Alaska.

Description: This documentary delves into the controversial dolphin hunting practices in Taiji, Japan. It's a journey of activism and undercover filming, highlighting the beauty of marine life and the need for conservation.

Fact: "The Cove" won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in

Description: This documentary follows the life and work of photographer Sebastião Salgado, showcasing his travels to some of the most remote and conflict-ridden parts of the world. It's a visual feast that reflects on humanity's impact on Earth.

Fact: The film was co-directed by Wim Wenders and Sebastião Salgado's son, Juliano Ribeiro Salgado. It won the Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

Description: A non-narrative documentary, "Baraka" uses stunning cinematography to capture the essence of humanity and nature across different cultures and environments. It's a visual journey that speaks volumes without words.

Fact: The film was shot in 24 countries over a period of 14 months, using 70mm film for its breathtaking visuals.

Description: Follow Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman as they embark on an epic motorcycle journey from London to New York, traversing three continents. This documentary captures the essence of adventure, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of long-distance travel.

Fact: The journey took 115 days and covered over 19,000 miles. The series was so popular that it spawned a sequel, "The Long Way Down."

Description: This heartwarming documentary follows a musician who befriends a flock of wild parrots in San Francisco. It's a story of connection, nature, and the unexpected places where we find community.

Fact: The film was made over a period of seven years, capturing the life of the parrots and their human friend, Mark Bittner.

Description: Werner Herzog takes us to Antarctica, exploring the lives of scientists, the landscape, and the wildlife. It's a meditative look at the end of the Earth and the human spirit's quest for knowledge.

Fact: Herzog filmed in Antarctica for three months, capturing the unique environment and the people who live there.