I hope you agree with me when I say:

We’d all love to travel the world and hike the most beautiful scenery but it’s just not feasible… Or is it?

We created this list to get you motivated about travelling the world and seeing some of the most beautiful locations on earth, all while staying active and healthy!

We’ll show you :

• 101 Best Hikes in the World
• The sites we use for finding our airfare
• The sites we use for booking our lodging

All of the locations on this list are accessible for most people who are in reasonable enough shape. And best of all we’ve listed out hikes all over the world with varying degrees of distance and trail time for those who want to turn it up just a notch or take it nice and easy! So get in on the adventure by booking your next trip now and share with us all of the fun and interesting details when you get back!

Best Hikes in Africa

Best Hiking in Egypt

Mt Sinai

Location: Sinai Peninsula

Distance:  2 – 3 miles

Trail Time: 1 day

Mt Sinai isn’t much of a hike but one that still draws in a lot of people. If you decide to ascend it on foot it can take you up to two and half hours to summit but well worth the trek as you get 360 degree views of the surrounding areas. One reason it draws in lots of foot traffic, and camel traffic, is because it is said to be the location that Moses was given the Ten Commandments by God. A solid day-pack like the Osprey FlapJack is all you should need for this short hike.

alljengi / creative commons

Best Hiking in Ethiopia

Simien Mountains

Location: Simien Mountains National Park

Distance: Varies

Trail Time:  2 – 14 days

The Simien Mountains is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that provides impressive rugged peaks for you to climb along with amazing wildlife like the Gelada Baboons, Ethiopian Wolves, Wallia Ibex and the Bearded Vultures. Here you can trek for as little or as much as you want and total trekking miles can easily surpass 65 miles. Simien Mountains Trail Map

Thomas Maluck / creative commons

Best Hiking in Kenya

Mt Kenya

Location: Mt Kenya National Park

Distance: 32 miles

Trail Time: 4 – 6 days

Mt Kenya is not just a single peak but a mountain range that was built from a volcano long ago that is now extinct. The highest elevation of Mt Kenya reaches 17,057 ft, more than 3 miles hile! Unsurprisingly it is the second highest mountain in Africa behind Kilimanjaro. Mt Kenya has a number of summits with Point Lenana being the trekking summit at 16,355 ft; however, if you are also able to climb to reach Batian, the actual summit at 17,057 ft. Mt Kenya Trail Map

Franco Pecchio / creative commons

Best Hiking in Madagascar

Andringitra National Park

Location: Haute Matsiatra

Distance: 18 – 30 miles

Trail Time: 2 – 3 days

When you think Madagascar I doubt the first thing that comes to mind is hiking but Andringitra Massif or “desert of rocks” is a mountain range in Andringitra National Park and a maximum elevation of 8,720 ft. The most popular trek and hike there is Pic Boby, the highest peak. Andringitra National Park Trail Map

Chris / creative commons

Isalo National Park

Location: Ihorombe

Distance: Varies

Trail Time: Varies

Isalo National Park is an hikers dream as you get a variety of different terrain to traverse. You can hike through deep canyons, sandstone formations, grass land, oases and waterfalls. Aside from the excellent terrain, you’ll also get to witness some incredible wildlife like the lemur. There are no set trails you’d need to take so your options are endless. Since you can turn this hike into as short or long a hike as you want, we’d recommend the mid sized Kelty Redwing 50 to cover most if not all your needs!

Bernard Gagnon / creative commons

Best Hiking in Malawi

Mt Mulanje

Location: Chiradzulu

Distance: 15 miles

Trail Time: 3 days

Mt Mulanje is a group of peaks, over 20, that form the Mulanje Massif or mountain range. Mulanje offers incredible views and a very doable summit of its highest point at 9,849 ft, Sapitwa Peak. Often times mist will surround the slopes up to the summit leaving the peak exposed above which gives it the nickname of “Island in the Sky”. Mt Mulanje is a nice warm-up for beginners and professionals alike and most should do fine getting by for 3 days with the Teton Sports Explorer 4000.

David Davies / creative commons

Best Hiking in Morocco

Mt Toubkal

Location: Toubkal National Park

Distance: 9 – 12 miles

Trail Time: 2 – 6 days

Mt Toubkal is the highest mountain in Morocco with a peak elevation of 13,671 ft. Accessible at any time in the year it’s quite a site to see both with and without the snowy slopes. One of the routes up to the summit and more for experienced hikers and climbers, allows you to see the remains of a plane crash from 1872. Mt Toubkal Trail Map

Julia Maudlin / creative commons

Best Hiking in Namibia

Fish River Canyon

Location: South Namibia

Distance: 56 miles

Trail Time: 5 days

Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa covering an area of 2,300 square miles. It is roughly about 100 miles long, up to 16.5 miles wide and as deep as 1,800 ft is some spots. The hiking trail itself is not difficult at all as you’ll have an elevation loss of 2,034 ft but be mindful of the wildlife which include: baboons, snakes and scorpions. Fish River Canyon Trail Map

Roelf / creative commons

Best Hiking in South Africa

Blyde River Canyon

Location: Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga

Distance: 37.28 miles

Trail Time: 2 – 5 days

The Blyde River Canyon is only 15.5 miles long and on average 2,460 ft deep. It is a spectacular site to behold and every turn of the canyon’s winding path will leave you jaw dropped. You’ll experience sheer cliffs dropping more that 2,500 ft down, a thousand different species of flora and even rare wildlife like the bald ibis, as well as a number of different primates. With an average hike of around 4 to 5 days you’ll want to consider the Arc’teryx Altra 65 liter backpack for this trip!

Bjørn Tørrissen / creative commons

Drakensberg Mountains

Location: Eastern Great Escarpment

Distance: Varies

Trail Time: Varies

Drakensberg refers to the eastern portion of the Great Escarpment that encloses the central South African plateau. Drakensberg or Dragon’s mountain was given the name years ago and thought to derive from the pointy tops of the plateau resembling the back of a dragon, old myths as well as dinosaur bones that may have been found. While most of it is in South Africa, the peak is actually Thabana Ntlenyana in Lesotho at an elevation of 11,424 ft. The area is vast and you can make your own trek as short or long as you prefer. If you decide to make the most out of this trek then consider the giant Kelty Red Cloud 90 liter backpack to keep you going without fear of running out of supplies!

Lynn Greyling / creative commons

Otter Trail

Location: Garden Route

Distance: 26.7 miles

Trail Time: 5 days

The Otter Trail, which gets its name from the clawless otter in the region, is one of South Africa’s most famous for at least one reason, the scenery is astonishing and ever changing as you proceed down the trail. You’ll come across impressive rock formations, rushing rivers that form beautiful pools, waterfalls, diverse flora and a number of wildlife species. For an easy, at max 5 day hike like the Otter Trail, we recommend the Osprey Porter 46 liter backpack.

Best Hiking in Tanzania

Mt Kilimanjaro

Location: Kilimanjaro Region

Distance: 23 – 56 miles

Trail Time: 5 – 9 days

Mt Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, stands at an elevation of 19,341 ft. It is a dormant volcano with three cones, “Shira”, “Mawenzi” and “Kibo”. Mt Kilimanjaro last erupted roughly 150,000 to 200,000 years ago. Kilimanjaro is the largest mountain that doesn’t require any technical skills or special equipment to reach the summit, Uhuru Peak. Mt Kilimanjaro Trail Map

Matt Kieffer / creative commons

Best Hiking in Uganda

Mountains of the Moon

Location: Kasese District

Distance: Varies

Trail Time: Varies

Rwenzori Mountains or the Mountains of the Moon, is Africa’s third highest mountain with it’s peak elevation occurring at Margherita Peak, at 16,762 ft, which is actually located in the DRC. You can choose to do a trekking/climbing route up to the summit which lasts roughly 11 days or opt for the easier trekking down below in the foothills in Uganda. If you’re looking to do mostly hiking in the foothills you’ll want to take a look at the Wasing 55 liter hiking backpack to provide you with your storage needs.

Jørn Eriksson / creative commons

Best Hikes in Asia

Best Hiking in Bhutan

Snowman Trek

Location: Paro / Lunana

Distance: 220 miles

Trail Time: 25 days

The Snowman Trek is Bhutan’s most famous trail and is a rewarding one. You will meet some incredible Bhutanese people, hike across high mountain tops, pass monasteries and temples and get the view above the clouds! One of the best things about this hike and hiking in Bhutan in general is that the Bhutan government limits how many people are allowed to visit Bhutan each year, so it is never crowded! Snowman Trek Trail Map

Güldem Üstün / creative commons

Tiger’s Nest Monastery Trail

Location: Paro

Distance: 4 miles

Trail Time: 1 day

Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a small monastery built into a huge granite cliff in the 17th century. It was built where the saint Padmasambhava had mediated for 3 years, 3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days and 3 hours and is believed to have brought Buddhism to the Bhutanese people. In 1998 a fire devastated the monastery but the government quickly oversaw the renovation of the monastery back to its original form. This short day hike doesn’t really require for you to take much as there’s a small cafe on the way up the trail but if you want to carry water, snacks or a change of clothes then consider the smaller High Sierra Loop backpack!

Douglas McLaughlin / creative commons

Best Hiking in China

Mt Kailash Kora Trek

Location: Tibet

Distance: 32 miles

Trail Time: 2 – 3 days

Mt Kailash Kora is a large mountain the the Tibetan region of China with a peak elevation of 21,778 ft. Many people from around the world and even Tibetan people make a pilgrimage each year to walk around the 32 mile circumference and the Hindus who walk it use the term Parikrama. It is believed that walking around the mountain on foot is a holy ritual that will bring good fortune! Mt Kailash Trail Map

Ondřej Žváček / creative commons

Best Hiking in India

Chadar Trek

Location: Ladakh

Distance: 46.6 miles

Trail Time: 8 days

The Chadar Trek, also known as Zanskar Gorge, is a winter trail in India that almost makes you feel like you’re hiking a completely different planet. The word Chadar means frozen and refers to the hike along the Zanskar River that takes place in a gorge with cliffs rising high into the sky and lets not forget about the frozen waterfalls. Chadar Trek Trail Map

Sumita Dutta / creative commons

Best Hiking in Indonesia

Carstensz Pyramid Base Camp Trek

Location: Sudirman Range, Papua

Distance: 81 miles

Trail Time: 5 – 9 days

Carstensz Pyramid which also goes by Puncak Jaya is a part of the Sudirman mountain range of the western central part of Papua Province. It has a max elevation of 16,024 ft and the first snowfield reached was in 1909 by a Dutch explorer but it took till 1962 for there to be a summit. This trek is one that will take you through open fields, jungle and remote villages. Carstensz Pyramid Base Camp Trek Trail Map

Mário Simoes / creative commons

Mt Rinjani Summit Trail

Location: Gunung Rinjani National Park, Lombok

Distance: 21.1 miles

Trail Time: 2 – 4 days

Mt Rinjani is definitely one you want to put on your bucket list and should immediately check off if you’re ever in Indonesia. The peak of this mountain, which is an active volcano by the way, is at 12,224 ft but it looks much much higher when above the cloud tops. Plus it doesn’t hurt that it looks like you have your own swimming pool in the sky with the lake filled crater on top! Mt Rinjani Summit Trail Map

Trekking Rinjani / creative commons

Mt Agung Summit Trail

Location: Bali

Distance: 10 miles

Trail Time: 1 – 2 days

Mt Agung is another volcano that completely dominates the surrounding area with its imposing dome. The peak elevation of this volcano is 9,944 ft so as far as volcano hikes go, it’s a bit on the smaller side but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. Mt Agung is home to the ‘Mother Temple’ of Besakih and is of huge religious significance to the people on the island. For this short hike you shouldn’t need more than a small 22 liter Osprey Talon to get you up and back down the mountain.

Jesse Wagstaff / creative commons

Salak Trail

Location: Java

Distance: 6 – 8 miles

Trail Time: 1 – 2 days

The Salak Trail is a much easier hike to do and easily accomplished in one day if you prefer. You’ll reach a max elevation of 4,641 ft and get great pictures of yourself crossing the volcanic crater. Mt Salak itself however has an elevation of 7,254 ft and is an eroded volcano. Yes, another one. What’s interesting is that the site has been evaluated for geothermal power development. Another interesting thing about this trail is that you might just find you come across airplane wrecks as well.

Edward Murdani / creative commons

Best Hiking in Japan

Mt Fuji

Location: Honshu Island

Distance: 2.5 – 4 miles

Trail Time: 2 days

One of the most well known mountains on this list is Mt Fuji, an active volcano that last erupted on December 16th 1707. The peak of the mountain reaches 12,388 ft and provides incredible views for a sunrise if you’re up early enough. Located only 62 miles from Tokyo is presence is well known and a very popular hiking destination for both locals and tourists. We recommend getting a hiking stick and having it branded at the stations on your way up the hill as a memento. Mt Fuji Trail Map

Jakub Hałun / creative commons

Best Hiking in Jordan

Trek to Petra

Location: Petra

Distance: 40 miles

Trail Time: 3 – 9 days

If you’ve never heard of Petra, I can almost guarantee that you’ve at least seen it. Petra is a famous archaeological site that has been featured in a number of movies including: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Transformers; Revenge of the Fallen, The Mummy Returns and many more. This location is amazing as it contains tombs and temples as well as a Greek-style facade all built out of sandstone, which is how it got its nickname of “Rose City”. Trek to Petra Trail Map

Best Hiking in Kyrgyzstan

Tian Shan Mountains

Location: Eastern Kyrgyzstan

Distance: Varies

Trail Time: Varies

The Tian Shan Mountains are a mountain range that is mostly located in Central Asia, creating a natural border between quite a few countries. The highest peak in the mountains is Jengish Chokusu at 24,406 ft. Tian Shan actually means Heavenly Mountain or the Mountain of Heaven; quite fitting considering how high it actually reaches!

МаратД / creative commons

Best Hiking in Laos

100 Waterfalls Trek

Location: Nong Khiaw

Distance: 6.21 miles

Trail Time: 1 day

The 100 Waterfalls Trek is one that can be extremely rewarding if you happen to plan the right time to go. Coming across many different sizes and shapes of waterfalls is pretty magical and being able to see them all in a day is quite an accomplishment. Just be sure to time your trek so that you go in high season so that you are not falling down all over the place in the mud, unless you like that!

Best Hiking in Nepal

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Location: Gandaki Zone

Distance: 39 miles

Trail Time: 7 – 12 days

When most people thing of Nepal hiking or climbing they usually tend to think of Annapurna’s big brother Mt Everest, but don’t sleep on Annapurna. Annapurna has an elevation of 26,545 ft and is the most dangerous mountain in the world to ascent with roughly 1 in 3 dying. Luckily for us the base camp trek is not that dangerous and is an extremely enjoyable hike to take part in. Annapurna Base Camp Trek Trail Map

Marija Grujovska / creative commons

Everest Base Camp Trek

Location: Mahalangur Range

Distance: 38 miles

Trail Time: 11 – 14 days

The mountain that needs no introduction is Mt Everest. This beast of a mountain, the highest in the world, has an elevation of 29,035 ft. Although an extremely dangerous mountain to ascent, there are still hundres of people who manage to do it every year. Fun fact, Everest actually grows about a quarter of an inch each year. Although the base camp trek is not quite as dangerous it is still impressive. The trek is no pushover and there are still plenty of risks hiking to the base camp. Everest Base Camp Trek Trail Map

Rick McCharles / creative commons

Kanchenjunga Circuit

Location: Kathmandu

Distance: 124 miles

Trail Time: 27 days

Kanchenjunga is a mountain in Nepal that gets almost no media attention and it is actually the third highest mountain in the world at 28,169 ft. This is by no means an easier mountain than Everest, quite the opposite actually as there is a continual risk for avalanches and other weather related concerns for this mountain. The Kanchenjunga circuit however is a much more pleasant experience but still takes quite some time to accomplish. What better way to see Nepal than to hike all around it?! Kanchenjunga Circuit Trail Map

Yoghya / creative commons

Best Hiking in Thailand

Chiang Mai Hill Tribe Trek

Location: Chiang Mai

Distance: 20 – 40 miles

Trail Time: 3 – 6 days

One of the main attractions of Northern Thailand is the ability to go hiking through the hills and meet local tribes of the area. You can take guided tours that last 2 to 6 days or create your own authentic tour and take as long as you want. You’ll get to take in a many different hill tribe cultures, witness the village life and even dine and cook with the locals! Chiang Mai Hill Tribe Trek Trail Map

Katy Rawlings / creative commons

Best Hiking in Vietnam

Sapa Region Trek

Location: Sapa

Distance: 34 miles

Trail Time: 4 days

Sapa is the home of the highest peak in Vietnam, Fansipan, which has an elevation of 10,312 ft. Similar to the tribe hill trek in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the Sapa Region Trek will take you across some of the most beautiful country Vietnam has to offer, all the while spending the night in local villages and getting to meet and eat with the locals. One thing to be sure and pack for this trip is mosquito repellent! Sapa Region Trek Trail Map

Fansipan Mountain Summit Trail

Location: Lai Châu Province

Distance: 12 – 15 miles

Trail Time: 1 – 3 days

Fansipan is quite the mountain to summit if you are looking for a “starter mountain”. The mountain has a peak elevation of 10,312 ft and can be easily be a round-trip summit in a day. A favorite of everyone who ascents the mountain is to take a picture with the monument at the top of the mountain that looks like a pyramid.

Viwikipediaorg / creative commons

Best Hikes in Australia

Best Hiking in Northern Territory

Larapinta Trail

Location: Alice Springs / Mt Sonder

Distance: 138.5 miles

Trail Time: 10 – 15 days

Another long walking trail on the list, the Larapinta Trail is just as fascinating as any other trail we’ve mentioned. This one will have you hiking around the hills and mountains of Northern Australia, walking between narrow cliffs in a small gorge, traversing the open fields and following along rivers and lakes. It’s got just a little bit of everything for anyone interested in hiking a longer trail. Larapinta Trail Map

Best Hiking in Queensland

Fraser Island Great Walk

Location: Fraser Island

Distance: 56 miles

Trail Time: 1 – 6 days

The Fraser Island Great Walk is located roughly 186 miles north of Brisbane and features the world’s largest sand island. Discover the landscape, the heritage and scenery all while traversing along a 56 mile path. This Great Walk allows for easy day strolls, day hikes as well as overnight trekking as you make your way across the island. Fraser Island Great Walk Trail Map

Scenic Rim Trail

Location: Clumber

Distance:  17 – 24 miles

Trail Time: 2 – 4 days

The Scenic Rim Trail is just that, a scenic trail. You’ll find yourself on top of small mountains looking miles off into the distance and down at the Gondwana Rainforest down below. Of course you’ll get to see a number of different plant and animal species as well as an ever-changing eco-system. Take a 4 day guided tour to live like royalty while you traverse the exotic outdoors.

Tatiana Gerus / creative commons

Thorsborne Trail

Location: Hinchinbrook Island National Park

Distance: 20 miles

Trail Time: 4 – 6 days

Want to setup at a campsite with a bay for you to enjoy and relax in, yeah us too; luckily Thorsborne Trail offers us this option and aside from the campsite on the bay, the entire trail is just nothing but gorgeous views all around. You’ll get views of the bay, amazing towering hills off in the distance down the coast, as well as inland, and overall just a very peaceful relaxing time without having to worry about getting to the next campsite in time. Thorsborne Trail Map

Tatiana Gerus / creative commons

Best Hiking in South Australia

Arkaba Walk

Location: Arkaba Conservancy

Distance: Varies

Trail Time: Varies

The Arkaba Walk is one of Australia’s epic trails as it is a quintessential bush walk. You can decide to take on the trek yourself, deciding how long and how far you want to walk or you can take one of the tours that now add a luxury element to these walks. Basically do you want dinner around a table with seats and a bed to sleep in or do you want to rough it with a tent and a makeshift table for dinner?

L. J. LaBarthe / creative commons

Best Hiking in Tasmania

Bay of Fires

Location: Binalong Bay / Eddystone Point

Distance: 15 – 20 miles

Trail Time: 3 – 4 days

Bay of Fires rocks! This area on the Tasmanian coast appears as if mankind has never set foot here. Just beautiful beaches dotted with boulders and rocks are incredible, then throw in the mix that many of the boulders are red to give the appearance as if they are on fire makes for a truly magical walk along the beaches. If you’re lucky you might just get to see some marine life playing in the waves as well, I’m looking at you dolphins!

Diego Delso / creative commons

Cradle Mountain Huts Walk

Location: Hagley

Distance: 36.5 miles

Trail Time: 6 days

This is an overland trek that is definitely worth spending a week doing. You’ll cover the open plains of Tasmania as you bush walk from one hut to another. You’ll come across beautiful rivers to stop and have lunch at as well as climb through rain forest and even an optional summit of Mt Ossa which stands at 5,305 ft, Tasmania’s highest peak.

Thennicke / creative commons

Freycinet Experience Walk

Location: Coles Bay

Distance: 23 – 24 miles

Trail Time: 4 days

Named after the Freycinet Peninsula, the Freycinet Experience Walk is quite a trek. Spending four days walking through forests and white sand beaches with the Hazard Mountains in the background makes for long lasting memories. You’ll have the option of either going for relaxing beach walks or climbing through the mountains, whatever you prefer, the Freycinet Experience Walk provides. Freycinet Experience Walk Trail Map

JJ Harrison / creative commons

Maria Island Walk

Location: Maria Island

Distance: 21 – 26 miles

Trail Time: 4 days

Maria Island is a gorgeous Island off the coast of Tasmania that has a multi award winning hike in the Maria Island Walk. A great combination of excellent accommodations, wildlife and natural beauty of the shores makes this a top destination for walkers and non walkers alike. The Maria Island Walk is a gentle one that allows you to take your time and take in the surroundings.

JJ Harrison / creative commons

Overland Track

Location: Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park

Distance: 40.4 miles

Trail Time: 6 days

One of Australia’s most famous hiking tracks is the Overland Track on Tasmania. Over 8,000 people each year complete the 40 plus mile track which consists of open terrain for miles and miles, river crossings and alpine plateaus reaching as high as 4,100 ft. You might imagine that many people tackling the track each year might make it somewhat congested but fortunately it’s walk-able year round which averages out to 22 people a day. Overland Track Trail Map

Bjørn Tørrissen / creative commons

Western Arthur Range Traverse

Location: Scotts Peak Dam

Distance: 44.7 miles

Trail Time: 6 – 14days

The Western Arthur Range Traverse is unlike most other hikes in Australia. This hike is highly dependent on the weather which can change at anytime. It’s also one of the few hikes where you are traversing away from the short but the destination is just as magical. At the end you come upon a lake in a ridge bowl that looks like a crater. It’s just one of those places that is hard to explain without pictures. Be sure to take a gps or some other instrument with you to provide sufficient navigation as well because if you lose your way you will be in a bad situation. Police routinely perform over 100 search and rescue operations each year for this exact reason. Western Arthur Range Traverse Trail Map

Felix Dance / creative commons

Best Hiking in Victoria

Australian Alps Track

Location: Walhalla

Distance: 407 miles

Trail Time:  30 – 60 days

The last long distance trek in Australia for this list is the Australian Alps Track. This track traverses rugged alpine country that is extremely remote. There are portions of the track that are not marked and may even be marked incorrectly on maps. Stretching across 2 states, Victoria and New South Wales and one territory, Australian Capital Territory, you’ll get to see and experience different parts of Southeast Australia. Australian Alps Track Trail Map

Peter Campbell / creative commons

Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk

Location: Johanna

Distance: 24.5 miles

Trail Time: 4 days

The Twelve Apostles Walk is a unique and one of a kind trek that you likely won’t find anywhere else. The walk is named after the breathtaking rock stacks that rise up out of the Ocean off the coast of Victoria. These are limestone pillars that were once part of the cliffs but the wind and waves have carved them up into the pillars you see today. A gorgeous site and well worth the 4.5 hour drive from Melbourne.

Richard Mikalsen / creative commons

Wilderness Coast Hike

Location: Croajingalong National Park

Distance: 62 miles

Trail Time: 8 – 10 days

The Wilderness Coast Hike embraces the natural beauty of all facets of the coast. As you make your way along the 62 mile route you’ll find yourself on hidden secluded beaches, in beautifully tall forests and walking past lighthouses. You may not want to believe it but if you have no plans of getting up early after each night camping, you may want to wear earplugs to bed, the birds can be awfully chirpy early in the morning. For a slightly longer trek like this one consider the Osprey Aether AG 70 to take care of all your hiking needs!

Stevage / creative commons

Best Hiking in Western Australia

Bibbulmun Track

Location: Kalamunda / Albany

Distance: 623 miles

Trail Time:  18 – 60 days

The Bibbulmun Track is a long distance walking trail and the name comes from the Indigenous Australians of the Perth area, the Noongar people. One of the neat things about this walk that you’ll notice with many others in Australia is that you get a variety of scenery. You will be walking along coasts, up trails leading to cliffs overlooking the ocean, through swamps, over board walks and so on. You’re also likely to encounter some extraordinary wildlife along the way as well such as snakes, kangaroos, wallabies, wallaroos and more. Bibbulmun Track Trail Map

Dilettantiquity / creative commons

Cape to Cape Track

Location: Cape Naturaliste / Cape Leeuwin

Distance: 84 miles

Trail Time:  9 days

The Cape to Cape Track is an interesting one as you’ll likely be hugging the coast for almost the entire trip as you actually do walk from one cape to another on Australia’s west coast. Nine days of walking along the coast and getting to take a dip whenever you want is maybe one of the more pleasant walks one could decide to do. One of the neat features about this walk is that it starts at a lighthouse in Cape Naturaliste and ends at a lighthouse in Cape Leeuwin. Cape to Cape Track Trail Map

Lasthib / creative commons

The post

Best Hikes in Europe

Best Hiking in Austria

Eagles Walk

Location: Tirol

Distance: 256.6 miles

Trail Time: 25 – 35 days

Eagles Walk is in my opinion the best walk in Austria. If you’re not up for the challenge of 256 miles you can certainly take day walks to enjoy different parts of the trail but Eagles Walk provides you with the beautiful scenery of the entire country from mountain ranges to lakes and rivers that run off into the distance. This walk has a total change in altitude of around 101,700 ft broken out over 33 total sections. Eagles Walk Trail Map

Best Hiking in Corsica

 GR20

Location: Mediterranean island of Corsica

Distance: 112 miles

Trail Time: 15 days

Considered by many to be one of the top trails in the world, the GR20 is also considered to be the most difficult hiking trail of all the GR routes. GR, by the way, stands for Grande Randonnée, a network of long-distance footpaths in Europe. The GR20 traverses from the northwest part of the island down to the southeast and has elevation change of 32,808 ft. For this one you do not need to have hiking experience but you want to be in fit physical condition. GR20 Trail Map

Rick McCharles / creative commons

Best Hiking in Germany

Westweg Trail

Location: Pforzheim/Basel

Distance: 177 miles

Trail Time: 12 – 13 days

The Westweg trail is the oldest and most famous hiking trail in Germany. Starting in Pforzheim and ending in Basel, this one will take some time to finish. You’ll make your way through the Black Forest and find yourself surrounded with endless opportunities to take pictures so you can relive this hike over and over again. The highest altitude you’ll have to deal with on this trek is 4,881 ft. Westweg Trail Map

Stefan Karl / creative commons

Best Hiking in Iceland

Laugavegurinn/Fimmvörðuháls Pass

Location: Skógafoss / Thórsmörk

Distance: 45 miles

Trail Time: 5 days

One of the more dramatic hikes on this list the Laugavegurinn/Fimmvörðuháls Pass has a little something for everyone. Interested in snow capped mountains, check. How about endless fields of lush greenery with rivers, check. Amazing sunsets painting the surrounding hills and mountains red, you got it. But the jewel of this hike is actually the incredibly beautiful, and huge, waterfall. Laugavegurinn/Fimmvörðuháls Pass Trail Map

Borvan53 / creative commons

Best Hiking in Italy

Alta Via 1

Location: Eastern Dolomites

Distance: 74.5 – 93.2 miles

Trail Time: 8 – 12 days

Alta Via 1 is a long distance public walking trail and one of the best ways to see the Dolomites. Camping is not allowed along the route so you’ll need to find accommodation in one of the many mountain refuges or in the valley hotels. This trek will have you traverse over a number of mountains that are obscenely beautiful with the highest being Mt Lagazuoi at 9,022 ft. Alta Via 1 Trail Map

Cinque Terre Trails

Location: Cinque Terre

Distance: Varies

Trail Time: Varies

There are over 100 trails available along Cinque Terre, which is actually a string of centuries-old seaside villages along the Riviera coastline. The most popular ones range from 1 to 5 miles however and trail number 2 is the most famous. With one of the most beautiful picturesque villages in the world, your friends will be jealous they didn’t tag along. Cinque Terre Trail Map

Lee Coursey / creative commons

Best Hiking in Norway

Hardangervidda Transverse

Location: Hardangervidda National Park

Distance: Varies

Trail Time: Varies

One of the neat things about hiking in the Hardangervidda National Park is that there are no designated areas or trails you have to strictly follow, no campsites or nearby villages, there are not a ton of hikers gathered in one particular area. In this park you literally can get up and go wherever you want and make camp anywhere you please. Hiking around Hardangervidda National Park is no cake walk, consider taking the very best backpacks with you like the Gregory Baltoro 75 liter for example.

Andreas Johannsen / creative commons

Trolltunga

Location: Hordaland, Odda

Distance: 13.5 miles

Trail Time: 1 – 2 days

If you’ve ever seen a picture of Trolltunga then you know how incredible and breathtaking it is. Luckily this location is easily accessible so you don’t need to be a super hiker to reach this destination. If you have the endurance, you can easily make this round-trip in a single day but why not take a little longer and explore what the rest of the area has to offer?! Trolltunga Trail Map

TerjeN / creative commons

Best Hiking in Slovenia

Slovenian Mountain Trail

Location: Slovenia

Distance: 372 miles

Trail Time: 35 – 45 days

One of the longer hikes on this list, the Slovenian Mountain Trail was one of the first milestones in European mountaineering as it stretches the length of the country. The magnificent views of Mt Triglav, the highest summit in Slovenia at 9,396 ft along with a handful of other mountains, makes this the ultimate trail in Slovenia and one of the top ones in Europe.

29cm / creative commons

Best Hiking in Spain

Caminito del Rey

Location: Malaga

Distance: 4.75 miles

Trail Time: 1 day

Caminito del Rey is definitely just a day hike but one of the most memorable ones you will ever take. It used to be one of the most dangerous hikes in the world as sections of the pathway would be missing or in disrepair but today it has undergone extensive renovations and is safe yet still very exhilarating hike! Caminito del Rey Trail Map

MichiNerja / creative commons

Best Hiking in Sweden

Kungsleden

Location: Lapland

Distance: 273 miles

Trail Time: 20 – 30 days

Kungsleden or The King’s Trail, is unlike most of the trails on this list. There aren’t crazy exotic mountains miles in the sky but a relatively flat hike with maximum elevation reaching 3,770 ft. One of the neat features of this trail however is that in the winter it becomes a ski trail with almost the exact same route.

Alexandre Buisse / creative commons

Best Hiking in Switzerland

Bernese Oberland Trails

Location: Bern

Distance: Varies

Trail Time: Varies

The Bernese Oberland Trails provide countless scenic sites for you to visit. There are over 50 different trails and they range from a couple hours to days, especially if you want to make a circuit out of them. You’ll be treated to some incredible mountain views, exciting wildlife and beautiful cliffs surrounding gorges.

Best Hiking in UK

Scottish National Trail

Location: Kirk Yetholm / Cape Wrath

Distance: 536 miles

Trail Time: 40 – 55 days

Another long trek on this list is the Scottish National Trail that takes your from the very south end of Scotland town of Kirk Yetholm to one of the northernmost parts of Cape Wrath. The trail starts out quite easy and becomes much more difficult the further north you head as you enter into the Scottish highlands and much of it is not marked or crossings not easily distinguishable. Scottish National Trail Map

Chiswick Chap / creative commons

Best Hikes in New Zealand

Best Hiking in North Island

Waitomo Caves

Location: Waitomo

Distance: Varies

Trail Time: 1 day

Walking through Waitomo offers a ton of scenic beauty with sculptured rocks, beautiful gorges and arches as well as tunnels and caves. The caves are probably the most exciting part as you get to experience the soft glow of the cave from the glow worms inside; it’s almost like looking up at the night sky!

Donnie Jones / creative commons

Mt Victoria Trail

Location: Wellington

Distance: 4.3 miles

Trail Time: 1 day

The Mt Victoria Trail is more of a hike up to a lookout to get an incredible view of the surrounding lands, bay and city. This is definitely a day hike and you will not need to worry about bringing much aside from water and maybe a light snack. There are a number of different routes that you can take to get to the top so you could trek up this small mountain a number of times taking a different path each time.

Jeff Hitchcock / creative commons

Best Hiking in South Island

Abel Tasman Coast Track

Location: Abel Tasman National Park

Distance: 37 miles

Trail Time: 4 – 6 days

Abel Tasman Coast Track is a neat little track that you’ll enjoy taking your time with. You’ll get to venture along the coast as well as through the forest and over suspended bridges which makes for excellent pictures. Don’t worry about anything too taxing as your highest point will only be 660ft near Wainui Bay. Abel Tasman Coast Track Trail Map

Andrea Schaffer / creative commons

Hump Ridge Track

Location: Fiordland National Park

Distance: 35.1 miles

Trail Time: 3 days

The Hump Ridge Track brings to mind thoughts of having to slog it out for miles on end, doing you best to find a suitable location to camp when quite the opposite is true. This loop is quite the scenic route through the south coast of New Zealand, the wildlife rich forest and the sub-alpine zone of the Hump Ridge.

What’s even better is that there are two great locations for you to bunker down each day where you can take a hot shower and fall asleep in a king-sized bed! There is even a helipad with wheelchair access to the disabled facilities of the lodge so everyone is welcome to come and experience this beautiful place! Hump Ridge Track Trail Map

Thorney / creative commons

Kepler Track

Location: Fiordland National Park

Distance: 37 miles

Trail Time: 3 – 4 days

An interesting detail about the Kepler Track is that it didn’t evolve from expeditions or tracks long ago, this track was intentionally made and built for the hikers in mind. The trail you’re on is built to handle whatever the surrounding area throws at it, which includes steps for steep inclines, bridges for rivers and streams and boardwalks for the really nasty stuff. Just be aware though that in the winter season there are still some dangers such as the risk of avalanche so don’t think this trek is simply child’s play. Kepler Track Trail Map

Evan Forester / creative commons

Milford Track

Location: Fiordland National Park

Distance: 33 miles

Trail Time: 3 – 5 days

The Milford Track is one of New Zealand’s most popular track and is located in Fiordland National Park like a number of other hikes on this list. This track see approximately 14,000 people each year traverse it’s 33 mile path. The Milford Track is a rare track in that you don’t mind and sometimes even want it to rain as the rain cascading down the surrounding mountains can be a truly magical experience. Milford Track Trail Map

Wuhte / creative commons

Queen Charlotte Track

Location: Marlborough Sounds

Distance: 43.5 miles

Trail Time: 4 days

The Queen Charlotte Track making it’s way through the Marlborough Sounds will provide you with excellent picture taking oppotunities with lots of water. One of New Zealand’s leading tracks it takes roughly 4 days to complete by foot and much 1 to 2 days on bike if you decide that’s too much walking for you. Be sure you grab a pass as one is needed in order to walk or ride the track. Queen Charlotte Track Trail Map

Weldon Kennedy / creative commons

Routeburn Track

Location: Fiordland & Mt Aspiring National Parks

Distance: 20 miles

Trail Time: 2 – 3 days

Yet another track that passes through the Fiordland National Park but that just gives you an indication of just how great this location really is. A world-renowned track, the Routeburn Track is on the shorter side compare to many others on this list but provides you enough time to take in the mountain peaks, valleys, waterfalls and more! Routeburn Track Trail Map

Pam / creative commons

Te Araroa Trail

Location: New Zealand

Distance: 1,850 miles

Trail Time: 4 – 6 months

The longest trail at least on this list is the Te Araroa Trail. This trail is humongous with a staggering distance of 1,850 miles. With this trail you are going to need to plan for roughly 4 to 6 months although some people have been able to finish it in roughly 50 days. The Te Araroa Trail stretches the whole length of New Zealands South and North Islands, giving you a bit of everything on the way! Te Araroa Trail Map

Daniel Walker / creative commons

Best Hikes in North America

Best Hiking in Canada

Berg Lake Trail

Location: Mt Robson Provincial Park, British Columbia

Distance:  2.8 – 65.25 miles

Trail Time: 2.5 hours – 7 days

Berg Lake Trail is a renowned back-country hiking trail in the Mount Robson Provincial Park. Mount Robson stands at 12,972 ft with almost 10,000 ft of pure ascent. The trail offers a number of additional hiking routes along and from Berg Lake Trail (both day and overnight hikes) so you can return for multiple trips and have a different path to take each time. Berg Lake Trail Map

Long Range Traverse

Location: Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland

Distance: 23 miles

Trail Time: 4 – 5 days

Long Range Traverse may be one of the most incredible hikes you can do. When walking through a gorge looking up at cliffs surrounding you thousands of feet on either side, it can be pretty awe-inspiring. Couple this incredible view with perfect mid-60s temperature in September and you have yourself one perfect hike. For your final day, summit the 2,600 foot dome for perfect pictures of the trail you just conquered. Long Range Traverse Trail Map

Tango7174 / creative commons

Skyline Trail

Location: Jasper National Park, Alberta

Distance: 27.34 – 29.2 miles

Trail Time: 2 – 4 days

With 15.5 miles of trail above the treeline, the Skyline Trail provides hikers with perhaps the most scenic trail they could take. With elevation reaching roughly 8,200 feet, you’ll have unprecedented views of the meadows and valleys below as well as a chance to spot wildlife from afar and inspect some of the incredible plant life along the Skyline Trail. For those who prefer not to backpack and camp overnight you can make it to the Shovel Pass Lodge in one day about halfway through the trail and finish the Skyline Trail the following day. Skyline Trail Map

Andrea Schaffer / creative commons

Sunshine to Mt Assiniboine

Location: Mt Assiniboine Provincial Park, British Columbia

Distance: 34.8 miles

Trail Time: 5 – 6 days

Another favorite of the Canadian Rockies is the Sunshine to Mt Assiniboine hike. Mt Assiniboine has been dubbed the “Matterhorn of the Rockies” and for good reason, it looks like the Matterhorn’s long lost twin. This hike itself is not a difficult one at all even with an elevation of 7,750 ft because you are only ascending 1,312 ft and not to mention, the scenery is some of the best in the world to keep a smile on your face.

Kurt Stegmüller / creative commons

Tonquin Valley

Location: Jasper National Park, Alberta

Distance: 27.15 miles

Trail Time: 3 – 7 days

Tonquin Valley is one of the most beautiful places one could hope to hike. The trail brings you into the Canadian Rockies premier regions with a view of barren peaks, incredible wildlife and a breathtaking view of Amethyst Lake at the base of the equally breathtaking Ramparts Mountain Range. The hike itself will bring you to a peak elevation of 7,250 ft but more importantly be mindful of the wildlife as grizzlies and black bears are plentiful. Tonquin Valley Trail Map

ThartmannWiki / creative commons

West Coast Trail

Location: Pacific Rim National Park, British Columbia

Distance: 46.6 miles

Trail Time: 5 – 7 days

The West Coast Trail started taking shape many years ago when the Ditidaht First Nation people created many of the trails today for the purposes of travel and trading. The coast became known as the Graveyard of the Pacific during these times as shipwrecks were commonplace which resulted in the creation of a life saving trail that was established for the survivors of these wrecks. These trails along with the cultural places along the coast formed the Pacific Rim National Park and that life saving trail is the trail many people flock to today, the West Coast Trail. West Coast Trail Map

Wallace Howe / creative commons

Best Hiking in Mexico

Copper Canyon Rim-to-Rim

Location: Chihuahua

Distance: 38 miles

Trail Time: 5 days

With over 10,000 square miles of canyons and over a mile deep, Copper Canyon is big, bigger than the Grand Canyon. On top of that, you’ll get the true hiking experience as there are no well defined trails; this is Copper Canyon Rim-to-Rim. Don’t expect it to be a piece of cake either, that average of slightly more than 7 miles a day will include a total elevation change of 20,000 feet.

Best Hiking in US

Cirque of the Towers Loop

Location: Wyoming

Distance: 23 – 24 miles

Trail Time:  3 – 4 days

The Cirque of the Towers is a truly spectacular place and and a hikers dream come true. With over 110 miles of expanse it truly is an incredible area to hike. You’ll come across beautiful crystal clear lakes, fields full of flowers and of course the glacial carved granite towers. The mountain has brilliantly tall peaks with the highest being Lizard Head Peak at 12,847 ft. Cirque of the Towers Loop Trail Map

Kylir Horton / creative commons

Dosewallips to Lake Quinault

Location: Olympic National Park, Washington

Distance: 30 – 34 miles

Trail Time: 4 days

This trek takes you through some of the most gorgeous rainforests and alluring sites in Washington. The incredible site of giant tree trunks now laying flat that have become home to many animals and plants is an incredible site as are the streams and waterfalls that look absolutely enchanted and old wooden bridges that cross rushing rivers.

Ken Lund / creative commons

Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim

Location: Arizona

Distance: 24 miles

Trail Time: 3 – 4 days

One of the bucket list adventures for most American hiking enthusiast, the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike is an extremely memorable experience. You start on the north rim on North Kaibab Trail and will end up at Bright Angel Trail on the south rim, all-the-while traversing over 10,000 feet of elevation change and taking in incredible Grand Canyon views. Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Trail Map

Grand Canyon National Park / creative commons

John Muir Trail

Location: California

Distance: 210.4 miles

Trail Time: 20 days

This by no means a beginners hike but that’s not to say it can’t be done. You will definitely need to have some conditioning as you will traverse over 210 miles and more than 75,000 ft of elevation change but if you can manage to do it, it’s an incredible journey and one you won’t ever forget. John Muir Trail Map

Fabio Achilli / creative commons

Kalalau Trail

Location: Kauai, Hawaii

Distance: 11 miles

Trail Time: 1 – 2 days

The Kalalau Trail is one of the more mesmerizing hikes you can do as you get to hike along the beautiful shores of Hawaii from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach along the Na Pali Coast. Unfortunately this trail is a bit of a tease as it only provides land access to this coast. However, you will get to experience serene swift flowing streams and waterfalls on this beautiful lush island. Kalalau Trail Map

Noodles and Beef / creative commons

Paint Mines

Location: Colorado

Distance: 3.6 miles

Trail Time: 1 day

Although the Paint Mines are just a day hike, they are incredibly beautiful and worth a visit if you are passing through the area. Fortunately, even though it is a short loop, it’s lightly trafficked. Be sure to bring a camera to take some amazing pictures of the different colored stones. Paint Mines Trail Map

Bryce Bradford / creative commons

Teton Crest Trail

Location: Wyoming

Distance: 40 – 45 miles

Trail Time: 2 – 5 days

The Teton Crest Trail is a beautiful stretch of land with the highest altitude at 10,645 ft. Depending on your fitness level and desire to explore, this trail although quite long can be done in as little as 2 days or you can stretch it out to 5 if you really want to take it all in. Just be sure to bring bear spray for those nosey grizzlies. Teton Crest Trail Map

Trans-Catalina Trail

Location: Santa Catalina Island, California

Distance: 16.7 – 53.3 miles

Trail Time: 2 – 5 days

The Trans-Catalina Trail is on the Santa Catalina Island in the Pacific Ocean, about a 90 minute boat ride from California. The island has many different sceneries with dry dirt roads overlooking the coast, lush lagoon beaches and spectacular cliffs and hills reaching elevations as high as 1,746 ft. Trans-Catalina Trail Map

Yosemite Grand Traverse

Location: Yosemite National Park, California

Distance: 60 miles

Trail Time: 8 days

Yosemite might be one of the most well known parks in the world and for good reason, the hiking and climbing here are out of the world. One of the most famous rock formations that all hikers and rock climbers have heard of is Half Dome, which you can get to experience as part of the Yosemite Grand Traverse. Be sure you’re in fit condition as Half Dome is at an elevation of 8,839 ft. Yosemite Grand Traverse Trail Map

Best Hikes in South America

Best Hiking in Argentina

Fitz Roy Trek

Location: Santa Cruz, Los Glaciares National Park, El Chalten

Distance: 14.9 – 23.6 miles

Trail Time: 1 – 2 days

The Fitz Roy Trek is perhaps the most beautiful trail you could hike in the Argentine side of Patagonia. You start your trek from a small village called El Chalten where you should stay the night before as well as it’s more relaxed and not as touristy. Hikes can last much longer than 2 days but that would take you away from Fitz Roy which by the way was named after Captain FitzRoy who piloted the HMS Beagle and charted large sections of the Patagonian coast. Fitz Roy Trail Map

Alexandre Ackermans / creative commons

Viedma Glacier

Location: Santa Cruz, Los Glaciares National Park, El Chalten

Distance: 2 – 5 miles

Trail Time: 1 day

Viedma Glacier Trek is more an an exploration than actual trek. Your adventure can take anywhere form 2.5 hours up to 8 hours depending on how much you explore. Viedma Glacier is actually the glacier that Mt Fitz Roy is a part of so you will get to take in that beautiful scenery as well. Hiking the Viedma Glacier involves walking on the glacier itself and climbing up some faces of the glacier.

Su–May / creative commons

Best Hiking in Bolivia

Condoriri Trek

Location: Bolivian Andes

Distance: 3 – 28 miles

Trail Time: 1 – 3 days

The Condoriri Trek can consists of simple day hikes or longer 3 day hikes around the mountain range. For those looking for something more adventurous, there are 5 day climbing routes. The views are extremely rewarding as you get to see the 13 peaks making up the Condoriri Massif that reach heights of 18,530 ft. El Condoriri which makes up the Condoriri range forms what looks like a condor with tucked wings, so you’ll get to see the condor mountain in the event you don’t get to see any actual condors which is highly unlikely.

Albert Backer / creative commons

Best Hiking in Brazil

Chapada Diamantina

Location: Chapada Diamantina National Park, Bahia

Distance: Varies

Trail Time: 1 – 8 days

The Chapada Diamantina National Park is a plateau bounded by cliffs that cover over 16,000 square miles. Altitudes can vary anywhere from 1,600 to 3,300 ft in the plateau region and up to 6,680 ft in the mountainous parts. Hikes can vary anywhere from 1 to 8 days depending on what you want to explore.

Kennedy Silva / creative commons

Fernando de Naronha

Location: Fernando de Naronha

Distance: 1.2 – 3.1 miles

Trail Time: 1 – 3 hours

Fernando de Naronha is a volcanic archipelago that is off the coast of Brazil’s northeast coast about 217 miles.  Not only is this island a great place to trek the beaches and hills but to also go scuba diving and snorkeling. There are 5 main trails that vary from 1.2 to 3.1 miles and all in all the total hiking is about 12 hours.

CCINTRA / creative commons

Best Hiking in Chile

Cerro Castillo

Location: Aysén del General Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Region

Distance: 31 – 36 miles

Trail Time: 4 days

Cerro Castillo is a mountain range located in the Cerro Castillo National Reserve. In Spanish, Castillo means castle and with the jagged rocky peaks located here and steep walls, it sure looks like a castle. The 4 day trek along the circuit can take your breath away as you’ll get to take in Cerro Castillo with its peaks reaching 8,776 ft and the beautiful lakes that are formed from the glaciers on either side. Cerro Castillo Trail Map

Ahti Heinla / creative commons

Torres del Paine “W” Trek

Location: Torres del Paine National Park

Distance: 62 miles

Trail Time: 5 – 7 days

Without a doubt the most impressive view in the Patagonias is the Torres del Paine. Torres del Pain is located in a park named after itself and includes many other impressive sites. The Torres del Paine are the breathtaking three granite peaks of the Paine mountain range. These peaks reach heights over 8,200 ft. The “W” trek is exactly that, you take multiple routes that make a “W” around the mountain range and cover roughly 62 miles.

Torres del Pain Trail Map

Liam Quinn / creative commons

Valle de la Luna

Location: Los Flamencos National Reserve, Atacama Desert

Distance: Varies

Trail Time: Varies

Valle de la Luna is known for its striking rock formations, landscape of dunes and rough mountains. It’s located in the northern part of Chile’s Atacama Desert and the views of this place make you think you are on another planet. There are no trail maps or predefined areas you have to follow; in the Valle de la Luna, you make your own path. Welcome to Mars!

Anne Sophie / creative commons

Best Hiking in Colombia

La Ciudad Perdida

Location: Santa Marta

Distance: 29 miles

Trail Time: 4 – 5 days

Unfortunately this trek is not accessible on your own as you have to go with an authorized company but it is still an incredible experience. The treks will take anywhere from 4 to 5 days as you do a round-trip hike covering a total of 29 miles. But the rewards are incredible as you get to experience the Lost City which was built between the 8th and 14th centuries by the Tayrona Indians. La Ciudad Perdida Trail Map

Gavin Rough / creative commons

Sierra Nevada del Cocuy

Location: Boyaca

Distance: 59 miles

Trail Time: 5 days

The Cocuy Circuit is a hiking trip that passes a number of different mountain peaks as you traverse through Sierra Nevada del Cocuy. An incredible area, Cocuy contains a collection of impressive peaks reaching up to 17,487 ft. The area is home to indigenous natives, the U’wa, and thus part of the park is dedicated to their agricultural activities. Sierra Nevada del Cocuy Trail Map

YoTuT / creative commons

Best Hiking in Ecuador

Quilotoa Loop

Location: Pujilí Canton, Cotopaxi Province

Distance: Varies

Trail Time: 3 – 7 days

The Quilotoa Loop is a magnificent hike that takes place over a number of days as you traverse from village to village in the mountains of Ecuador. The loop totals 124 miles but most routes you take are much shorter that this. The number one drawing factor of hiking the Quilotoa Loop is the ability to visit and enjoy Quilotoa Lake, a water-filled caldera and most western volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes. It was formed after an extremely powerful eruption in the 1200’s and left a number of peaks with the top elevation being 12,841 ft.

Cecilia Heinen / creative commons

El Altar Trek

Location: Sangay National Park

Distance: 8 – 35 miles

Trail Time: 2 – 5 days

El Atlar with an elevation of 17,451 ft is an extinct volcano on the western side of Sangay National Park and is surrounded by a number of water features from lakes and colored lagoons formed by glaciers to incredible waterfalls. El Altar was named so because Spaniards thought it resembled four friars and two nuns listening to a bishop around a church altar. El Altar can be reached on either two or three day round-trip hikes depending on what you want to see. We recommend you at least visit the yellow lagoon, as it’s one of the first you will come upon and who’s ever seen a yellow lagoon before?!

David Torres Costales / @DavoTC / creative commons

Best Hiking in Peru

Ausangate Trek

Location: Cusco Region

Distance: 37 – 48 miles

Trail Time: 4 – 6 days

There are a number of different routes that you can take around Ausangate from 4 day hikes to 7 day hikes that include Machu Picchu. Ausangate in an incredible mountain and to really see all that it has to offer, including the painted mountains, you need to do a hike longer than 4 days. Ausangate is an extremely tall mountain, towering at 20,945 ft. Ausangate Trek Trail Map

Huayhuash Circuit

Location: Áncash, Huánuco, Lima

Distance: 74 – 81 miles

Trail Time: 10 – 12 days

The classic route of the region is the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit. Considered by many to be one of the top trekking circuits in the world, the views are incredibly beautiful just as they are dangerous. Two major dangers in this area are altitude sickness and hypothermia, which have taken trekkers lives before. Huayhuash Circuit Trail Map

Inca Trail

Location: Cusco Region, Urubamba Province

Distance: 51 – 55 miles

Trail Time: 4 – 5 days

The Inca Trail is a hiking trail in Peru that ends at Machu Picchu. There are three paths that overlap on their way to Machu Picchu and the only way to enter Machu Picchu on foot is through the Sungate at the end of the Inca Trail. The trails altitude varies significantly reaching as high as 13,780 ft and when all is said and done you finish at an altitude of 7,972 ft. Inca Trail Map

Best Hiking in Venezuela

Roraima Trek

Location: Canaima National Park, Bolívar

Distance: 43.5 miles

Trail Time: 6 – 8 days

One of the top attractions of Venezuela is Mt Roraima. It has unusual rock formations and incredible landscapes and scenery that is thought to have played a role in the inspiration of the animated Pixar film ‘Up’. Known as the “Floating Island” this plateau settles at 1,200 feet above the forest floor with a maximum elevation of 9,186 ft and is a natural border between Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana.

Paulo Fassina / creative commons

Best Sites for Booking Airfare and Lodging

Lodging

There are two sites I always look at when trying to book a hotel, these are:

• Trip Advisor – Trip Advisor is useful for finding places and reading customer reviews of the hotels so you know exactly what you’re booking!
• Booking.com – With millions of places to book, you can literally find a hotel in almost any city you need to fly into!

Airfare

There are a few sites I use and I’m always able to find cheap flights, we’re talking international round-trip flights under $400 all the time!

• Google Flights – For domestic flights, Google is probably the easiest, fastest and best place to look for tickets quickly.
• Skycanner – For International flights there is no better option than Skyscanner. You can search a range of dates easily and they will show you the cheapest flights first. I regularly see flights from JFK to Dublin, Milan or Barcelona for under $400 rountrip!

We are hoping to do Mt Fuji and the caves in New Zealand next summer! Tell us about your latest or next trip and if you have a recommendation that’s not on our list let us know; we’d love to hear from you!

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