This region of the world is home to the highest mountains in the planet. So, as you can imagine, you don’t have to look far to find excellent hiking. Snowcapped peaks, glacial lakes and unique wildlife are what inspires people to travel thousands of miles across the globe to hit the trails here.

Aside from taking in the views of the biggest and baddest mountains in the world, one of the best ways to experience the culture of Asian countries is by foot. Many treks on this list take you to villages far from the reach of modern society and give you a unique look at life of the people who live there.

We’ve already told you the best hikes in Europe, South America and Central America. So now let’s talk about Asia.
 

ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT – NEPAL

The Annapurna Circuit is considered the oldest trek in the Himalayas and one of the best hiking routes in the world. It’s a long trek of 17-21 days depending on which route you take. The highlight of the hike is crossing the Thorung La Pass which is the highest point on the trail at 17,769 ft (5,416m). This circuit isn’t only about stunning landscapes but is also a journey through Nepalese culture, you’ll trek through Buddhist villages and Hindu holy sites. Despite its popularity, the Annapurna Circuit remains at the top of the list of the best treks in Asia.

MOUNT RINJANI – INDONESIA

This trek takes you to the top of Indonesia’s second largest volcano, Mount Rinjani. This adventurous hike that offers a view of the impressive volcanic peak is one of the most popular treks in Indonesia. You’ll climb to the volcano’s crater rim then down into the crater to arrive at a lake. You can also get a look at the mountain’s newest cone, Gunung Baru which only emerged a few hundred years ago.

DINGRI TO MT EVEREST – TIBET

This trek will take you to the base of the highest mountain in the world. Being in the presence of this 29,016 foot (8,844 meters) giant, a mountain that is the holy grail of mountaineers and sacred among the Tibetans and Nepalese is clearly the highlight of this trek from Dingri to Everest.

MANASLU CIRCUIT – NEPAL

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This 14 day trek circumnavigates the eighth highest peak in the world. The Manaslu Circuit offers stunning mountain landscapes and an interesting cultural experience like the Annapurna Circuit but without the crowds. This region of Nepal is in a restricted zone which requires a special permit and a guide to travel through. While this is a bit of a hassle, it’s part of the reason why the Manaslu Circuit remains off the beaten path.

MARKHA VALLEY TREK – INDIA

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This popular trek follow the Markha Valley and is one of the most diverse treks in the Western Himalayas. The route will take you past Buddhist monasteries and remote mountain villages. The highlight of this trek is seeing the peak of Kangyatse. There are homestays along route which make it possible to do this route without carrying stoves, tents and sleeping bags.

THE SNOWMAN TREK – BHUTAN

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This 24 day trek takes you through the most remote regions of Bhutan and into the heart of the Himalaya. It’s an extension of the Laya Gasa Trek and as the length can tell you, it’s only for the most hardcore trekkers. The Snowman Trek has been named as “the most difficult trek in the world” so if you’re looking for a challenge, this hike is for you.

SEORAKSAN NATIONAL PARK – SOUTH KOREA

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Seoraksan National Park is home to the third highest mountain in South Korea, Seoraksan. There are a series of well maintained, clearly marked (in Korean & English) hiking trails that run through the park. These trails lead you through the thick forest passed odd shaped rock formations, hot springs and ancient temples.

KAMCHATKA – RUSSIA

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The Kamchatka is a peninsula in the Far East of Russia that’s larger than the state of California. This is a very geologically active region of the world where fire meets ice, with a great variety of volcanoes, geysers and hot springs to see along the trails. There’s no roads connecting the peninsula with the rest of Russia so helicopter, snowmobile and 4x4s are the only means of transportation to reach the trekking routes. Aside from its volcanic landscape, people come here to see Kamchatka brown bears.

GONDOGORO LA – PAKISTAN

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The Gondogoro La Trek connects the Gondogoro glacier and Baltoro glacier to the Shigar Valley. This trail crosses the Karakorum region of Pakistan and gives you views of K-2, Broad Peak and Masherbrum to name a few. You will have to conquer one of the highest mountain passes in the world, the Gondogoro Pass. It’s best to tackle this trek early in the season (late June), when it is easiest to pass.

TAVAN BOGD – MONGOLIA

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Tavan Bogd is a mountain massif located in Mongolia that straddles the borders of China and Russia. The Altai National Park is home to some of the most remarkable landscapes in the country with it’s towering white mountains, 34 glaciers, deep lush valleys, large lakes and waterfalls. You might even cross paths with nomadic herders who are known for their eagle hunting skills and warm hospitality.

TIAN SHAN – KYRGYZSTAN

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This large chain of mountain ranges in Central Asia spreads from China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakstan and Uzbekistan. Trekking in the Tian Shan is about as tough as it gets. Plus, there are no guest houses along the way so you’ll need to carry all of your camping gear. Unlike the Himalaya, the Tian Shan is relatively unexplored due to its inaccessibility.

PAMIR MOUNTAINS – TAJIKISTAN

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In the Pamir range of Tajikistan, you’ll find some of the worlds highest mountains, giving this region of world the name, “the roof of the world”. This is a remote and rugged territory filled with snow capped peaks and alpine lakes. Without a doubt, the Pamirs are the least visited mountain range on this list so those who journey here will be in for a real adventure!

MT KINABALU – MALAYSIA

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If you want to enjoy the thrill of summiting a peak but have little experience, this climb to the top of Mt Kinabalu is for you. That’s because it’s one of the easiest peaks in the world to conquer and it only takes two days. Seeing the sunrise from the summit of this mountain makes the journey worthwhile.

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North America offers some of the very best hiking in the world. Perhaps this is due to the many national parks and protected areas that are spread across Mexico, the USA and Canada. This region offers something for every skill level, from short day hikes to thru-hikes lasting over 20 days. 

The landscapes in North America are the real drawl for hikers. There are expansive canyons, pristine lakes, snow capped peaks, active glaciers, strange rock formations and volcanoes. 

We’ve already told you the best hikes in Europe, South America and Central America. So now let’s talk about the best hikes North America.
 

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL – USA

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The Pacific Crest Trail (aka the PCT) is a long-distance route that spans 2,650 miles (4,265 kilometers) from Mexico to Canada. The trail cuts through the states of California, Oregon and Washington and closely follows the highest parts of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges. Being such a long trail, it’s extremely diverse. You’ll walk through arid deserts, glaciated valleys and thick forests as you take in the most stunning landscapes The West has to offer.

GRAND CANYON NORTH RIM – ARIZONA, USA

Photo by Bryan Ungard, licensed under CC BY

The Grand Canyon is one impressive sight to see. It’s 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and over a mile deep. The Canyon has two rims, the North and the South. The North Rim is more remote, secluded and harder to get to than the South. Uncle Jim Point and the Widforss Trail are just a few of the day hikes you can take to get the best views of the canyon. A visit to the North Rim is also a great way to combine a trip to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks.  

SUNSHINE TO MT ASSINIBOINE – CANADA

Photo by Jeff Wallace, licensed under CC BY

The hike from Sunshine to Mt Assiniboine is one of the best trails the Canadian Rockies have to offer. Walk the Continental Divide through huge alpine meadows dotted with colorful wild flowers. There’s a lot of wildlife to see in the area like mountain goats, elk, and bighorn sheep. The highlight of this hike is catching a view of Canada’s Matterhorn which shoots up 11,870 ft (3618m).  

PAINT MINES – COLORADO, USA

Photo by Nate Zoch, licensed under CC BY

The Paint Mines Trail is a 3.6 miles loop that take you past a display of hoodoos, caprock canyons and brightly colored clay. Not only is this area of Colorado full of stunning scenery, there’s a lot of human history to be discovered. The mines found here are evidence of human life as far back as 9,000 years ago.

CIRQUE OF THE TOWERS – WYOMING, USA

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The Cirque of the Towers is a series of jagged granite spires and peaks that are found deep in the Rockies of Wyoming’s Wind River Range. This is an alpine climber’s paradise but also hikers enjoy this place. A popular 2-4 day loop starts a the Big Sandy Trailhead. This route takes you past glacial lakes and high peaks. The Hiking Wyoming’s Wind River Range book is a great place to start planning your trip.

ANGELS LANDING – UTAH, USA

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Angels Landing is a 1,488 ft (454 m) rock formation in Zion National Park. This 2.5 mile trail that was cut into solid rock in 1926, will take you all the way to the top of Angels Landing to give you a stunning view of Zion Canyon. The hike isn’t too difficult physically. However, the last section can push you mentally because it’s very steep and the sheer drop-offs can put your nerves on edge. This hike isn’t for people who are afraid of heights! 

COPPERS CANYON TRAIL – MEXICO

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Copper Canyon is a group of six distinct canyons in the heart of Mexico’s Tarahumara Mountains. The brightly colored copper and green canyon walls span for 37,000 miles. A hiking adventure here not only means beautiful desert landscapes but getting to understand the culture of the region. This area of Mexico is home to communities of the Raramuris or Tarahumars, the indigenous people that have lived here for centuries and intertwined their lives with the mountains.

JOHN MUIR TRAIL – CALIFORNIA, USA

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The John Muir Trail is a 210 mile (338 km) trail that cuts through the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. It starts in Yosemite on leads to Sequoia National Park and King Canyon National Park. It’s an action packed trail of thousands of lakes, canyons and granite cliffs. The grand finale is arriving to the sight of Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the continental US.

MT HEALY OVERLOOK TREK – ALASKA, USA

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Mount Healy is one of Alaska’s best walk-up mountains. It’s easy to hike and you don’t need much equipment or technical skill. The Overlook Trail starts out in a thick forest, then you ascend to alpine tundra, full of moss, lichen and wildflowers. The trail comes to a look out that gives you views over the valley and the ridges that surround it. Hardcore hikers can walk another 2 miles to get to the top of the mountain. 

INK POTS TRAIL – CANADA

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The Ink Pots Trail starts in Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park. The highlights of this trail are the waterfalls and ink pots. The ink pots are a group of 7 crystal-clear, deep green pools of water. It’s an extremely popular trail with tourists and locals, so weekdays are your best bet for having less crowds.

MANY GLACIER AREA – MONTANA, USA

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Many Glacier is the heart of Montana’s Glacier National Park. It’s huge mountains, active glaciers, colorful lakes, variety of hiking trails and abundant wildlife make this place a hiker’s dream come true. There are two popular hikes in the national park, the Grinnell Glacier trail and the Iceberg Lake trail.

SMOKYS MOUNTAINS – TENNESSE/NORTH CAROLINA, USA

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The Great Smoky mountain range (aka the Smokies) straddles the Tennessee-North Carolina border. The name comes from the natural fog that looms over the range and looks like large smoke plumes from far away. Some of the most popular hikes are Charlies Bunion, Alum Cave Bluffs and Andrew Bald. 

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Taking in the dramatic ocean landscapes, going for a refreshing afternoon swim and having lunch in a secluded cove are what drawls hikers to the coast. From New Zealand to South Africa, there’s a walk on this list anyone can enjoy. 

We’ve already told you the best hikes in Europe, South America and Central America. So now let’s talk about the best coastal hikes out there.

GR34 – FRANCE

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The GR34 (aka The Brittany Coastal Path) takes you from Vitré (Ille-et-Vilaine) to Tour-du-Parc (Morbihan). Catching views of the archipelago of Les Sept-Iles (the Seven Islands) and walking the remarkable naturally formed twisting granite labyrinth are some of the highlights. The trail follows the coast the whole time so it’s a very easy walk. 

LYCIAN WAY COASTAL WALK – TURKEY

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The Lycian Way is a 540 km long footpath that takes you around the coast of ancient Lycia. The mountains rise steeply from the rocky coast, giving beautiful views and varied walking. On this walk you’ll take in the stunning views over the coast from above Kas and Kalkan. You’ll feel as though you’re walk through history as you hike on the Roman roads, old footpaths and mule trails that cuts through this part of southern Turkey. 

KALALAU TRAIL – HAWAII, USA

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The Kalalau Trail is an 11 mile hike that leads from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach along the Na Pali Coast on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. It’s the only land access to this rugged coast, so if you want to explore it by foot, this is the way to go. While you’re tackling the challenging trails, just remember that you’re headed to one of the most beautiful and remote beaches on the island.

WILD COAST HIKING TRAIL – SOUTH AFRICA

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The Wild Coast Trail (aka Transkei) is one of South Africa’s most remote and inaccessible stretches of seashore. On this hike you’ll stroll along empty white-sand beaches and walk up rolling green hills alongside dramatic cliffs. While the name Wild Coast might lead you to think it’s a remote place, there are actually Xhosa villages that can be found all along the coast. It earned its name rather from the many ships and lives that have been claimed along this dangerous coastline.

ANGLESEY COASTAL PATH – UNITED KINGDOM

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The Anglesey Coastal Path is a 124 mile (200 km) footpath that takes you around the island of Anglesey and gives you some of the best coastal scenery in all of Wales. You’ll walk on wide sandy beaches, through small coves and see dramatic cliffs, sand dunes and forests. Holyhead Mountain, South Stack lighthouse and the sea arches at Bwa Gwyn are some of the highlights of this impressive coastal trail. 

HANA WAIANAPANAPA COASTAL TRAIL – HAWAII, USA

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The Hana Waianapanapa Coastal Trail begins in Kainalimu Bay and follows the rugged lava coastline along the Hawaiian “King’s Highway.” The trail follows the jagged, coastal cliffs, crossing lava flows above caves and underground tunnels. Here, where black rock meets the deep blue ocean, you’ll see blowholes, sea arches, tide pools and an ancient Hawaiian temple site.

BARBUDA WEST COAST BEACH – ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

You will need a minimum of 2 days to explore the whole Barbuda West Coast Beach. Flanked by a inner lagoon the only access to this coast is by walking all the way from the south end. You will enjoy the solitude of a deserted and beautiful endless caribbean beach. During the summer months, keep an eye for leatherback turtles at night. 

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK – WASHINGTON, USA

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The Olympic National Forest offers excellent year around backpacking. There are a lot 250 miles of trails to choose from in the area so take your pick of seven unique beaches, meandering creeks and ancient forests to explore. Hurricane Hill, Lake Quinault and Lake Crescent are popular trails.

ABEL TASMAN TRACK – NEW ZEALAND

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The Abel Tasman Track takes you along the beautiful golden sand beaches of very top New Zealand’s South Island. It’s one of the country’s Great Walks, which means the condition of the trail and huts along the way are top notch. The track stretches 31 miles (51km) and can be completed in anywhere from 3 to 5 days, depending on your motivation and level of fitness.

PEMBROKESHIRE COASTAL PATH – WALES, UK

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Pembrokeshire Coastal Path passes through some of Britain’s most spectacular and varied scenery. You’ll walk by rugged and steep limestone cliffs, volcanic headlands to sheltered coves, going through glacial valleys, winding estuaries and wide-open beaches. This path is considered one of the best coastal trails in the world. 

TULUM TO PUNTA ALLEN – MEXICO

You won’t find the walk from Tulum to Punta Allen in many of the guides books. But, if you want to really get off the beaten path and enjoy the seculed beaches this region of Mexico has to offer, load up your pack and hit the beach. This walk takes you along the pristine coastline of Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Don’t forget to pack your machete to enjoy some fresh coconuts along the way. 

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TOUR DU MONT BLANC – FRANCE, ITALY & SWITZERLAND

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Usually referred as the TMB, the Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the best hiking trails in Europe. It traverses 170km (110 mi) passing through the countries of France, Italy and Switzerland to circumnavigate the entire Mount Blanc Massif in the Western Alps. The classic route is normally walked anti-clockwise over 11 days. An extraordinary journey for anyone wanting to explore one of the best hiking areas in Europe. If you want to get started thru-hiking, check out these tips.  

ALTA VIA 1 – ITALY

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Connecting the towns of Dobbiaco in the North and Belluno in the South, the Alta Via Uno is an incredible hiking journey through the Eastern Dolomites of Italy. It covers 120 km (75 mi) and it reaches its highest point at 2,752 mt (9,029ft). Hikers normally take around 10 days to complete the entire route where they can contemplate the beauty of many famous peaks such as the Tofana, Lagazuoi, Pelmo and of course the mighty Civetta.

THE KINGS TRAIL – SWEDEN

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Kungsleden (aka The Kings Trail) is a 440 km (270 mi) route that passes through the Vindelfjällens Nature Reserve in Sweden, one of the biggest protected areas in Europe. Most of the walkers only do a section of it. The journey is a hiking trail in summer and a ski trail in winter, and there are many mountain huts along the way to break your journey at. 

GR20 – CORSICA

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The GR20 crosses Corsica diagonally from north to south in 180 km (111 mi). It’s considered the most difficult of all the GR routes and, by many, as one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Europe. It can be walked in 15 days and although no climbing equipment is needed, a good level of fitness is a must. 

HOT SPRING ROUTE – ICELAND

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The variety of landscapes you can enjoy in just 55 km (34mi) is what makes the Laugavegur (aka Hot Springs Route) one of the most popular hikes in Iceland. The trail is normally completed in 2-4 days and links the hot springs area of Landmannalaugar with the glacier valley of Pórsmörk. If you’re looking for a longer route, it’s possible to combine this trek with the Fimmvörðuháls trail for an additional 2 days of walking. 

SLOVENIAN MOUNTAIN TRAIL – SLOVENIA

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The Slovenian Mountain Trail (SPP) covers all the Alpine ranges in Slovenia (Kamnik Alps, Karavanke and Julian Alps), starting with a hike across Pohorje, over the Dinaric ridges and crossing the magnificent Karst Edge to end up right on the coast at Ankaran. It covers 500 km (310 mi) and it takes around 30 days to complete. If that isn’t enough, the highest point on the way is none other than Slovenia’s highest peak, Triglav. 

HAUTE ROUTE – SWITZERLAND

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Located in a world of glaciers, towering snow-capped peaks, green alpine valleys and picturesque villages, the Houte Route is a trek of contrasts. It’s also a demanding summer hike that takes around 10 to 12 days to complete the 180 km (111.8 mi) between the towns of Chamonix (France) and Zermatt (Switzerland). It’s easy to understand why many hikers consider the Haute Route as one of the best treks in Europe. 

CINQUE TERRE COASTAL TRAIL – ITALY

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The five picturesque Italian towns of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso (all considered part of the UNESCO world heritage list) are linked by a 11 km (6.8 mi) long coastal route. The whole trail can easily be walked in 6 hours but most of the walkers do it in 2 days, so you can enjoy longer times at the towns enjoying the beautiful architecture, the views over the Mediterranean Sea and sampling some delicious Italian food. 

EAGLES WALK – AUSTRIA

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Whether you plan to do a day trip or a multi-day hiking route, the Eagles Trail offers endless opportunities for all levels of hikers. Covering a total of 412 km (256 mi) crossing the entire Austria from East to West, the trail is broken into 33 stages allowing you to choose a specific section according to your preferences. Best of all, the route can easily be accessed from several regions across Tirol. 

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO – SPAIN

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A spiritual path for some and a hiking adventure for others, El Camino is any pilgrimage route to the shrine of the apostle St James in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain. There are many different routes, starting points and distances to choose from, being the most popular the French Way starting in Roncesvalles (Spain) or in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (France). 

WESTWEG TRAIL – GERMANY

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As part of the European Long Distance Trail E1, the Westweg crosses the Black Forest in South-West Germany linking the towns of Basel and Pforzheim. The trail is around 285 km (177 mi) and passes many small villages on its way, making it easy to find accommodation and food while on route. There are also services available that will transport your luggage to the next accommodation available, leaving you with just a day pack to hike with. 

WEST HIGHLAND WAY – SCOTLAND

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The 154km (96 mi) that connect the towns of Milngavie and Fort William is what is called the West Highland Way, the most popular hiking route in Scotland. This long distance hike can be completed in 6-8 days and offers a tremendous variety of sceneries ranging from pastoral landscapes to the more rugged Highlands. 

CENTRAL PICOS CIRCUIT – SPAIN

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The Picos de Europa mountain range offers all kinds of walks ranging from day hikes to multi-days routes from hut to hut. The Central Picos Circuit combines the Central Picos Transverse with the Cares George and the Jermoso Transverse to make a 5-6 trek through the most impressive areas of Northern Spain. 

RETEZAT MOUNTAINS – ROMANIA

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A very little known mountain range in Europe is the Retezat Mountains in Romania. They are part of the Southern Carpathians and the possibilities for hiking adventures are endless. From day trips to multi-day hiking routes, there are two main areas to explore. The Limestone Retezat with lower altitudes and plenty of caves and gorges, and the Central Retezat, with higher peaks, valleys and glacier lakes. A fantastic option if you’re looking to experience some of the best hiking in Europe without the crowds.

HARDANGERVIDDA TRANSVERSE – NORWAY

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Crossing the Hardangervidda Plateau is a tough and challenging adventure only suited for the fit and experienced hiker. It takes between 7 and 12 days to do the whole transverse depending on your route choice. While you might see other people near the main huts, you will spend the majority of your time enjoying the untouched corners of this region of Norway in solitude. If you’re not up for the full-on adventure, there are shorter and easier options for less experienced hikers. 

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Hiking isn’t the main attraction for travelers coming to Africa but, it’s still one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the landscapes, animals and people of this continent. While Mount Kilimanjaro steals the fame for trekking in Africa, there are so many more adventure junkie worthy trails to be explored.

One of our goals here at The Adventure Junkies is to inspire you to go on more adventures. That’s why we’ve created this list, to get you dreaming about hitting the trails. We’ve already talked about the best hikes in Asia, South America and Europe, so now lets see what are the best hikes in Africa that are worth your time and energy.

1. MT KENYA SUMMIT, KENYA

Photo by Thoralf Gutierrez, licensed under CC BY

Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest in all of Africa. Getting to the summit will require technical climbing through a variety of rock or ice route. If you’re not an experienced climber you can enjoy the hike to Point Lenana, a side peak of Mt. Kenya. From this point you get impressive views of the rock towers of Batian and Nelion, as well as glacial lakes and the expansive landscape of Mt. Kenya National Park.

2. BLYDE RIVER CANYON, SOUTH AFRICA

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There are dozens of hiking trails winding along the river, each offering a unique view of the Blyde region. One the best day hikes is the Leopard Trail which takes you to the Three Rondavels. These are massive, round rocks, thought to be reminiscent of the huts of the indigenous people.

3. DANAKIL DEPRESSION, ETHIOPIA

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The Danakil Depression is one of the most inhospitable regions in the world. It’s in a remote corner of Ethiopia and will require a guide to get there. While most of this trip is in a 4×4, there are hiking sections, like the walk to Erta Ale Volcano. The summit caldera of this volcano is famous for its active lava lakes, some of the few permanent ones in the world. A night trek is the best way to see the lava boil and glow.

4. FISH RIVER CANYON, NAMIBIA

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This 52 mile (85 km), 4 day trail will take you into the second largest canyon in the world, the Fish River Canyon. It’s considered one of Africa’s toughest hikes, so be ready for a challenge. More than will, you’ll need fitness and strength because once you start, there’s no way out! If you’re up for it, you’ll have the chance to hike through 5 billion years of geological history.

5. MOUNT MULANJE – MALAWI

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If you ever find yourself in Malawi, find a way to get to Mount Mulanje. This massif of twisted granite that rises from the surrounding plains is considered one of the country’s most beautiful mountain areas. There’s a system on 8 mountain huts and large network of trails that link them together. Mulanje also has some of the largest granite inselbergs and the best granite climbing around.

6. ATLAS MOUNTAINS – MOROCCO

Photo by Juan Fco. Marrero, licensed under CC BY

The High Atlas is North Africa’s greatest mountain range and is one of the most spectacular areas of Morocco. One of the best places for hiking is in the Toubkal National Park. Aside from the impressive views, a visit to this region of Morrocco is a step back in time, where you can visit villages and meet the Berber people who survive in these high mountains the same way they have for centuries.

7. MT KILIMANJARO SUMMIT – TANZANIA

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If you want to feel on top of the world (or at least Africa), this trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro is for you. But, be prepared, you’re in for a real challenge. This dormant volcano in Tanzania rises 19,308 ft (5,885 m) from the ground, while it’s not technically challenging be prepared to feel the altitude.

8. RWENZORI MOUNTAINS – D.R.CONGO/UGANDA

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The Rwenzori Mountains (aka Mountains of the Moon) straddle the border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. This World Heritage Site offers a chance to see nature at its best. You’ll trek passed high glaciers, a sweeping valley with nine lakes, with rocky cliffs and snow capped peaks lining the background.

9. MURCHISON FALLS – UGANDA

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The raging Murchison Falls and possible wild animal encounters make Murchison Falls National Park one of Uganda’s very best national parks. While Murchison is no competitor to the Serengenti, there are still possibilities to spot the 76 species of mammals that live within the forest reserve. Nile crocodiles, buffalos, lions and elephants are all animals you might cross paths with here.

10. SIMIEN MOUNTAINS – ETHIOPIA

Photo by Beth, licensed under CC BY

The Simien trek is one of the best cliff walks around that will get you up close to baboons and ibex. There’s also a chance to see the rare Ethiopian wolf. The Simien National Park is sometimes called the Grand Canyon of Africa for its deep valleys. There’s one to twelve day treks available through this special corner of Ethiopia.

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So don’t expect this list to be just another “copy and paste” list from the internet. You won’t find any of the famous hiking trails here unless we truly believe they’re unique and worth your time. Most of the time those famous routes are packed with people and the scenery is just OK if you compare them to some of the lesser known trails. So, having that in mind it can be controversial leaving some of the “lonely planet hikes” out but these are in our opinion the best treks in South America. Enjoy! 
 

HUAYHUASH CIRCUIT – PERU

A 8 to 12 days hike, depending of your route choice, the Huayhuash Circuit is probably the best hike in South America. It’s a one tough route with 7 passes over 4,500 meters (2-3 or them over 5k!). You will be camping by the huge and mighty peaks of Siula Grande, Jirishanca and Yerupaja in a high altitude environment located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes. And, the best thing is you won’t see many other hikers around.

KAIETEUR FALLS TREK – GUYANA

Photo by Tim Snell, licensed under CC BY

A combination of 4×4, canoe, and trekking adventure will bring you to the Kaieteur Falls, the highest single-drop waterfall in the world. The route is located deep in the Amazon rainforest and encounters with diverse wildlife are not rare. Aside from the impressive beauty of the falls, this hiking route is worth the effort just on its own. 

CERRO CASTILLO – CHILE

© Copyright by Philippe Noth, licensed under CC BY

During the 34 miles (and 7,200 feet of vertical ascent) that covers the whole Cerro Castillo circuit you will find a bit of everything: a nice and smooth singletrack, thick forest with Patagonian fauna and two mountain passes. A very little known hike in Chile where you can enjoy nature and solitude without the crowds of the other popular hiking trails in Patagonia. 

AUSANGATE TREK – PERU

The colorful mountain is, without any doubt, one of the most unique places on the planet. Located in Southern Peru, the Ausangate Trek is a 5-day hiking adventure that takes you around the sacred Apu Ausangate to end up at this colorful mountain. Here red meets green and yellow to create a spectacular photo opportunity.

EL ALTAR TREK – ECUADOR

Although it’s very weather dependent, the Altar Trek is a fantastic option to hike off the beaten path in the Ecuadorian Andes. Located in the Sangay National Park, this 3-day hike (longer options are possible) will take you all the way up to the “altar”, where a yellow lagoon is surrounded by snow-capped peaks facing an imposing valley.  

RORAIMA TREK – VENEZUELA

Photo by Luis Castro, licensed under CC BY

Located in the Pakaraima chain of tepui platues, Mount Roraima is the highest of them all. It takes around 6 days to complete this very diverse hike that crosses savannah, thick cloud forest and rivers on its way to the mighty mountain. Bizarre stone formations and unique plants are seen almost every day and shape the landscape of this region.  

ACONCAGUA BASE CAMP – ARGENTINA

Photo by twiga269, licensed under CC BY

You don’t need to be a mountaineer and climb the highest peak of the continent to enjoy the surroundings of Aconcagua. There are different options available for multi-days hiking excursions. The most popular spots are Plaza Francia and Plaza de Mulas, from where you can enjoy different walls of this South American giant.

CONDORIRI TREK – BOLIVIA

Photo by twiga269, licensed under CC BY

The Condoriri Trek is just one of the many incredible hiking opportunities in the Cordillera Real, in Northern Bolivia. This 3-day hike offers spectacular views overlooking the immense Condoriri Massif, 13 snow packed peaks ranging from 5,100 – 5,648m, many glaciated peaks and distant views of Lake Titicaca. It’s also a great place for spotting condors.

LOST CITY TREK – COLOMBIA

Located deep in the jungle in the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta, the Lost City of the Tayrona had been forgotten for centuries. It wasn’t until 1972 that it was rediscovered by a group of guaqueros (tomb robbers) and, after decades of guerrilla and paramilitary groups activity in the area, the Ciudad Perdida trek is finally safe for travelers. The hike to the Ciudad Perdida takes 4-6 days to complete and it’s not possible to do it independently. 

FITZ ROY – ARGENTINA

The Mount Fitz Roy is one of the most technically challenging summits for mountaineers on Earth. That difficulty can be paired to its beauty of almost vertical walls that makes it one of the iconic peaks in Patagonia. If you aren’t into conquering mountains, there are plenty of hiking opportunities here. It’s possible to easily explore the area by doing day-hikes from El Chaltén or by different combinations of overnight routes ranging from 2 to 5 days.  

SIERRA NEVADA DEL COCUY – COLOMBIA

Photo by Santiago Duarte, licensed under CC BY

The Sierra Nevada del Cocuy is a little known mountain range of high snow capped peaks located in Northern Colombia. National Geographic calls El Cocuy “a heaven for mountaineers and rock climbers, with glaciated peaks over 17,000 feet and tons of rarely explored alpine terrain”. It’s a true hiker’s dream. Here it is possible to spot animals such as the spectacled bear, tapirs, eagles, Andean condors and deers.

CHAPADA DIAMANTINA – BRAZIL

Photo by Andrea Moroni, licensed under CC BY

The 5-days Chapada Diamantina Circuit will take you to a Hidden World in the remote Chapada Diamantina National Park of Brazil. You will hike past towering waterfalls (including Cachoeira da Fumaça, the highest in Brazil), underground rivers and camp by crystal clear water pools in hidden caves. You’ll walk up and over dramatic table-top mountain plateaus and down to lush plains. A real adventure junkies’ paradise! 

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Hikers will love Central America for its diversity and uncrowded trails. While its neighbour South America steals the fame for epic treks, Central America offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature and soak in landscapes. There’s tropical rainforest filled with hundreds of species of wildlife. There’s lakes and volcanoes. You can even climb a volcano that’s in the middle of a lake!

Here’s 10 of the best hiking in Central America that will give you a unique perspective of this region of the world.

VOLCANO RINCÓN DE LA VIEJA SUMMIT, COSTA RICA

Photo by Patrick Nouhailler, licensed under CC BY

Rincon de la Vieja is a huge active volcano with 9 craters. It’s located in a national park in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. As you walk through lust tropical forests you’ll come across hot springs, mud pots, waterfalls and steam vents. There’s also a huge variety of plant and wildlife to be seen along this trail. Capuchin, howler, and spider monkeys along with armadillo and peccary are often seen. The 10 miles (16 km) return crater trail takes you to the summit of the volcano where you can soak in the panoramic view. On a very clear day there are chances of seeing both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. For the best views, go between December and April.

COCKSCOMB BASIN, BELIZE

In Belize, you have the opportunity to hike in the world’s only jaguar reserve, The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. There are several trails around the reserve where you have chances of spotting wildlife. If the idea of coming face to face with a feline predator in the wild makes you sweat, don’t worry, jaguars are a bunch scaredy cats! So what can you see? There are other possible cat sightings such as Puma, Ocelot, Jaguarundi and Margay. Other jungle animals living in the basin are Peccary, Paca, Brocket Deer, Tayra and Otter. Birdwatchers will be in paradise with over 300 species to try to spot.

TELICA VOLCANO, NICARAGUA

If you want to look into the core of the Earth, this trek is for you. This trail takes you the edge of the Telica Volcano – literally. There’s no guard rail here, so get as close as you dare to the crater of one of Nicaragua’s most active volcanoes. You can even camp out at the base. This option lets you see the crater at night, which is the most impressive time to see the red hot lava glow as it spews out of the earth. You’ll also snap one cool picture in the morning of your tent with a giant steaming volcano in the background!

CERRO CHIRRIPÓ, COSTA RICA

Photo by Bolívar Rojas-Vargas, licensed under CC BY

This is a challenging 2 day hike that reaches the summit of Cerro Chirripó, Costa Rica’s highest point at 12,532 ft (3,820 m). Hiking this trail is one of the best ways to take in the beauty of this country. Colorful flowers dot the landscape, monkeys roam the jungle and the terrain is varied. It’s a strenuous and steep hike to the top. The best way to get the most out of your efforts is to wake up early to enjoy the sunrise. On a very clear day, you’ll feel on top of Costa Rica with wide stretched views of both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. An added bonus is there’s hot springs to nearby to relax in after this tough hike.

VOLCANO CONCEPCIÓN – NICARAGUA

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Nicaragua is known as the land of lakes and volcanos. Here, on the island of Ometepe you can even hike to the top of an active volcano that’s in the middle of a lake! To reach the summit of Volcano Concepción and scramble back down to the base you’ll be in for a 10 hour grueling hike. The reward is once you reach the top you’ll be able to look into the volcano’s crater and see hot air burst out. This is one of the most difficult hikes on Ometepe but the view makes it worth it.

ACATENANGO VOLCANO HIKE – GUATEMALA

Acatenango is Guatemala’s third highest volcano. It last erupted in 1972 and has been dormant ever since. The climb to the top offers one of the most impressive views in the whole country.  Unlike some of the other volcano summits on this list, you’ll go through many diverse ecosystems. The trail starts with a climb alongside corn fields that cling to the steep slopes, then on through a cloud forest until you arrive to the volcanic zone, where the ground is black silt and there are no trees in sight. From the top you’ll get views of Lake Atitlan, and Acatenango’s neighbor Fuego, the worlds most consitantly erupting volcano. 

DARIEN NATIONAL PARK- PANAMA

Photo by orientalizing, licensed under CC BY

The Darien Jungle which connects Colombia to Panama is infamous for being a drug smuggling corridor. As you can image, it’s the least visited destination of this list. While attempting to cross the gap isn’t recommended, there are many hiking opportunities on the Panamanian side of this jungle in the Darien National Park. Due to it’s remoteness and the fact it is relatively untouched from the outside world, the Darien region of Panama remains one of the most bio diverse places in the country. It’s home to indigenous Kuna people, hundreds of species of wildlife and plenty of poisonous insects and frogs. If you want a real off the beaten path adventure, the Darien is the place for you.  

MONTE VERDE CLOUD FOREST RESERVE – COSTA RICA

Photo by Bernard DUPONT, licensed under CC BY

Monte Verde is one of the most visited places in Costa Rica but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth a visit. The cloud forest is home to the world’s largest orchid collection, thousands of species of plants, insects, birds and mammals. It’s easy to feel close to nature as you’ll be surrounded by a world of green on this hike. The circuit trail is 14 miles (23 km) long and takes 1-2 days to complete. 

SAN PEDRO VOLCANO – GUATEMALA

Lake Atitlan, located in the highlands of Guatemala is an enormous lake surrounded by volcanos. There are a few hikes to choose from but the San Pedro Volcano hike is one of the most popular. After 3-4 hours of hiking you reach the top where you can get an impressive view of Lake Atitlan and the surrounding volcanoes. 

CORCOVADO – COSTA RICA

Photo by Peter Nijenhuis, licensed under CC BY

If you want to spot wildlife, Corcovado National Park is the hiking destination for you. The trails will take you along deserted beaches and into the lush tropical rainforest. Here monkeys jump from branch to branch, anteaters roam the jungle floor, sloths lazily cling to the trees and scarlet macaws fly over head. This national park truly is a nature lovers paradise.

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I also got the chance to explore other parts of the world like hiking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, walked to the top of the Mauna Kea Volcano in Hawaii and reached the Everest Base Camp in Tibet. They were all memorable routes. However, I am ever hungrier than before in my personal quest of finding the best trekking routes around the planet.

Everyone has a bucket list and this is mine. The best hiking routes from around the world I wish I could complete some day. Enjoy!

TORRES DEL PAINE CIRCUIT TREK – CHILE

Photo by Claudio Sepulveda Geoffroy, licensed under CC BY

The Circuit Trek in the Torres del Paine National Park located in southern Chilean Patagonia is considered one of the best treks in the world. Aside from the impressive views of the pink granite spires of the Torres del Paine, the trail takes you past beautiful lakes, lush forests, roaring rivers and glaciers. There are also good chances of spotting wildlife such as condors, guanacos, foxes and nandus. The trek is 100km (62mi) and takes about 9 days, 8 nights to complete.

CORDILLERA BLANCA – PERU

The Cordillera Blanca is a snowcapped mountain range in the Ancash region of Peru. This mountain range is part of the Huascarán National Park which is named after the highest mountain in Peru, Huáscarán (6,768m). The Cordillera Blanca is also home to Alpamayo, considered to be the most beautiful mountain in the world. There are an estimated 260 glaciers within the Cordillera Blanca. These glaciers feed the clear glacial lakes and create thermal hot springs. This region offers some excellent opportunities for hiking such as the Santa Cruz, Alpamayo circuit, and Rurec Shaqsha treks.

OVERLAND TRACK – AUSTRALIA

Photo by Ben Ashmole, licensed under CC BY

The Overland Track located in Cradle Mountain National Park is Australia’s premier alpine walk. It’s a 65km trail that runs from Cradle Mountain to Lake St. Clair. The track takes you through a variety of terrain, ranging from sheer mountains, rushing rivers, temperate forest and alpine planes. The spectacular scenery is created by glaciers which form the waterfalls and lakes that you will see along the trail. The track takes 5 to 6 days to complete.

DUSKY SOUND TRACK – NEW ZEALAND

Photo by Russell Parkinson, licensed under CC BY

I have done many hikes around Fiordland National Park but this is one I am still missing. The Dusky Sound track is one of the country’s longest and most isolated tracks. This 84km track traverses three major valleys and crosses two mountain ranges, connecting Lake Manapouri and Lake Hauroko. Along the way you will hear and see a wide variety of forest birds, including yellowheads (mohua), yellow-crowned parakeets (kakariki), weka and kea. It is a challenging trek, where you must cross 21, 3 wire bridges and can expect to encounter tree falls, knee deep mud, tree roots and river crossings.

GR20 ROUTE – CORSICA

Photo by Jean-Baptiste Bellet, licensed under CC BY

This 180km trail traverses Corsica diagonally from north to south. Out of all the long distance paths in Europe, the GR20 is considered the toughest. It’s beautiful scenery, colors and free roaming wildlife make it one of the regions finest treks. You will walk through towering pinnacles, deep forests, windswept craters, glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks. At some points it is even possible to catch a glimpse of the dramatic coastline.  It takes most walkers about 15 days to complete.

INCA TRAIL – PERU

Photo by tom_allan, licensed under CC BY

The Inca Trail located in the Andes mountain range consists of three overlapping trails, Mollepata, Classic and One Day. Mollepata is the longest and the Classic is the most popular. On these trails you pass through a variety of Andean environments such as cloud forest and alpine tundra. Once you reach the eastern slope of the mountain named Machu Picchu you take steep stairs leading to Inti Punku (the sun gate). Making it to the crest of this ridge reveals the grandeur of the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, which lie below.

RORAIMA TREK – VENEZUELA

Photo by Paulo Fassina, licensed under CC BY

Mount Roraima is the highest mountain in the Pakaraima chain of tepui platues in South America. On this trek you will go through savannah, thick cloud forest, and rivers. Bizarre stone formations and unique plants shape the landscape of this region. The trail takes 6 days to complete.

KAIETEUR FALLS TREK – GUAYANE

Photo by Tim Snell, licensed under CC BY

An overland adventure of the combination of 4×4, canoe, and trekking brings you to Kaieteur Falls, the highest single-drop waterfall in the world. Aside from the impressive beauty of the falls, the highlight of this trail is being deep in the Amazon rainforest and encountering it’s diverse wildlife.

JOHN MUIR TRAIL – CALIFORNIA (USA)

Photo by Peretz Partensky, licensed under CC BY

This long distance trail located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California passes through Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. Here you are surrounded by alpine and high mountain scenery, lakes, canyons and granite cliffs. The majority of this 338km (210mi) trail is in the High Sierra backcountry and wilderness. At the end of the trail you come to Mount Witney, at 4,418m (14,496 ft) it is the highest peak in the continental US.

MOUNT KENYA – KENYA

Photo by chris.murphy, licensed under CC BY

At 5199m (17058 ft), Mount Kenya is the highest peak in Kenya and the second highest in Africa after Kilimanjaro. In 1997 UNESCO declared Mount Kenya a World Heritage Site describing it as “one of the most impressive landscapes in Eastern Africa with its rugged glacier-clad summits, Afro-alpine moorlands and diverse forests that illustrate outstanding ecological processes.” There are three principle routes, Naro Moru,  Sirimoni, and  Chogoria. Sirimoni is the most popular as the altitude gain is nice and steady and it offers one of the most beautiful approaches to the peaks.

ZION NATIONAL PARK – UTAH (USA)

Photo by Jeff Krause, licensed under CC BY

Utah’s oldest and most popular park is known for it’s incredible canyons and views. Some of the most popular hikes are The Narrows, Subway, and Angels Landing. The park is located at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert regions which attributes to the regions unique geography and variety of life zones which allows for unusual biodiversity.

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