Going for a hike isn’t just about getting from one place to another or exercising. It’s about going on an adventure in the world’s scenic routes and fulfilling the wanderlust. It’s awesome to experience all that our planet has to offer, so why not check this guide of hiking trails all over the globe. You’ll be living life to its fullest! Don’t just dream – get out there and start planning! Motivate yourself and get others on board too. Lace up your boots, feel the earth beneath your feet, and join us as we step into a realm of awe-inspiring landscapes, where the call of the wild beckons and the bond with nature is strengthened with every footfall.
Enchanting Landscapes: Discovering Patagonia’s Torres del Paine Circuit
Torres del Paine National Park in Chile is insanely gorgeous! You’ll find crystal clear lakes, icy glaciers, and these huge granite rocks called the Paine Massif. This area located in the southernmost part of South America, is perfect for anyone who loves exploring and being in nature.
Patagonia, the south border of Chile and Argentina, is well-known for its wild terrain and untouched nature. The Torres del Paine Circuit, situated in the center of Patagonia, is a 71-km trek that really shows off the region’s amazing landscape. It takes 8 to 10 days to finish the circuit. You’ll be wowed by the snow-topped mountains, the emerald woods, and much more – every step of this circuit is a discovery, letting you experience unbelievable beauty.
The hike starts with an ascent to the base of the Torres for an amazing view of the sun-kissed granite towers mirrored in the lake. As you continue, feast your eyes on the Cuernos del Paine, a group of majestic peaks that look like the horns of a giant beast. Afterwards, you will arrive at French Valley which offers stunning mountains, hanging glaciers, and lush vegetation – it’s enough to leave you speechless! Finally, take a boat ride across Lake Grey to see the Grey Glacier’s colossal ice formations. The Torres del Paine Circuit is a mesmerizing journey through a picture-perfect landscape!
Lost in Time: Unraveling the Mysteries of Peru’s Inca Trail
Tourists from all over the world are drawn to the Inca Trail in Peru for its allure of mystery. Hikers have the chance to explore the incredible attractions, like natural sights and historical spots, along the trail to Machu Picchu. If you’re looking for a way to travel to an area full of amazing stories and stunning landscapes, then the Inca Trail is the perfect choice. The Inca Trail is 82 kilometers long and would take four days to finish.
Day One – You’ll kick off your adventure from Km 82 on the Cusco-Machu Picchu railway line, close to Ollantaytambo. Today’s like a practice run and at the end, you’ll have to tackle a tough climb to your camping spot for the night.
Day Two – On your first full day of the trek, you’ll be climbing up to some pretty high peaks through some pretty dense cloud forests. The views are absolutely spectacular, especially from Dead Woman’s Pass. After you’ve reached the top of the passes, you’ll be heading back down to a campsite.
Day Three – This path is the most enjoyable as you will witness a wide variety of scenery. Don’t miss out on the lush forests, ancient Inca sites that are rarely seen, and the gorgeous waterfalls.
Day Four – Rise and shine and get ready for the last day! Once you make it to the end, take a stroll for two hours to the Sun Gate and you’ll be at Machu Picchu. You’ll have four hours to explore before heading back to Cusco.
Through the Roof of Africa: Ascending Mount Kilimanjaro’s Marangu Route
Are you an adrenaline junky who’s always on the lookout for scenic routes? Look no further than Mt. Kilimanjaro! Located in Tanzania, this peak is one of the highest in Africa, standing tall at 5,895 meters. It is the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a difficult challenge, but the incredible view at the summit makes it all worth it.
It can take anywhere from five to nine days to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, depending on the path you decide to take. The Machame Route, Lemosho Route, Marangu Route, and the Rongai Route are the most popular ones. No matter what path you take, end up at Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro.
On your way up the mountain, you’ll have experienced guides and porters who’ll help you out with your bags, set up camp and cook for you. Not only are they familiar with Mt. Kilimanjaro and the area around it, they’ll also give you useful insight and support during your trek. Climbing Kilimanjaro isn’t only physically exhausting, it’s also a mental hurdle. The air gets thinner and the temperature drops significantly as you get higher, making it harder to breathe and stay warm. But, with the right attitude and determination, you can get through it and make it to the peak.
Into the Wild: Trekking the Grand Canyon’s Rim-to-Rim Trail
The Grand Canyon is massive and jaw-dropping. If you’re up for the challenge, you have to do the Rim-to-Rim trail – it takes you from one side of the Canyon to the other. It’s an amazing journey, and definitely worth it.
There are plenty of ways to experience Rim-to-Rim, but it’s probably best to start at the South and go North, using the South Kaibab Trail that leads to the North Kaibab Trail after you cross the Colorado River. People might say Bright Angel’s a better choice since it has water spots and campgrounds, but there’s no contest when it comes to the view.
The Rim-to-Rim trail is considered one of the most amazing day hikes out there, but it’s also pretty intense. It’s 21 miles and you have to climb 6,000 feet. You start off by going down into the Grand Canyon and then you have to fight your way up the other side – not for the faint of heart! You also get to cross the Silver Bridge with the Colorado River below.
Amongst Giants: Navigating Canada’s Stunning West Coast Trail
If you have the hiking wanderlust, the West Coast Trail in Canada should definitely be on your bucket list! You can explore British Columbia’s gorgeous landscapes in all its glory, and there’s loads of activities to keep you entertained. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a truly breathtaking outdoor experience.
This trail is no joke – there are heaps of cliffs and crazy steep hills. The only way to get up is by climbing ladders – like, over 30 of them! It’s a wet and wild hike and it’ll really slow you down. Luckily, half the trail is beach-walking, which is much easier. But don’t get too excited, as it’s really sandy and each step you take will make you sink.
When the tide is low, you can explore the tidal pools which is really cool – but watch out for the slippery rocks! If you make it to Point Owen to Thrasher Cove on the last day, you’ll have to do some boulder hopping which is pretty dangerous. The trail through the forest is awesome though – lots of smooth dirt paths and boardwalks that go on for miles, plus some gorgeous old-growth forest. It’s a real paradise! This trail usually takes six days and five nights to hike, but you don’t have to rush it. It’s a really unique and gorgeous path, so why not take your time and enjoy it?
Along the Iconic Appalachian Trail: Hiking the Best of the Eastern U.S.
If you want to do the Appalachian Trail, it’s best to start at the southern end in Georgia and finish at the northern end in Maine. You’ll be walking through the Appalachian Mountains and the weather can be tricky, so it’s best to start the trek in late winter or early spring to avoid the hottest Georgia summer and the coldest Maine snowstorm. It’s a long journey – 2,198 miles – and you’ll be climbing the equivalent of Mt. Everest 16 times!
Hiking the Appalachian Trail allows you to take in some seriously incredible sights. Two of the absolute best are Clingman’s Dome in Tennessee and McAfee Knob in Virginia. Clingman’s Dome is the highest spot on the trail and is 6,643 feet up, giving you an unforgettable panorama of the Great Smokey Mountains in every direction. McAfee Knob is 1,740 feet up and you can sit right on the edge of the cliffs and enjoy some amazing vistas of the Shenandoah Valley.
Be ready to be amazed at all the sights you’ll see while hiking the Appalachian Trail – you might catch a glimpse of black bears, salamanders, snakes, porcupines, woodpeckers, coyotes, deer, and moose. If you’re looking for some colorful wildflowers, you’ll find Turk’s cap lilies, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and Mountain laurels. There are way too many tree species to list, but you’ll recognize the red spruce, balsam fir, poplar, walnut, sugar maple, and various types of oak.
Through Glaciers: Embracing Norway’s Famous Trolltunga Hike
Norway is full of rugged mountains and stunning landscapes that draw hikers from all over the world. One of the most popular hikes is the 22km hike to Trolltunga in Hordaland. Around 500 people take on the challenge each day during the summer months.
The journey won’t be a breeze – the first kilometer is a steep, 450m climb, so you’ll want to take it slow. It’s the most challenging part of the hike, so don’t burn yourself out right at the start. Once you reach the first peak, Mågelitopp, you can give your legs a bit of a break since the ground is pretty flat for about a kilometer before it gets steep again. The next 6 kilometers are mostly hills, but it’s easier. On the way, you’ll come across lots of rivers and waterfalls that are great for refilling your water bottle.
Once you’ve trekked for about 11km, you’ll get to the highlight of the hike – Trolltunga. Take a breather and soak up the stunning views. If you’re feeling brave, you can even venture out onto the edge of the cliff – it has a 700m drop! It will definitely be an unforgettable experience.
Global Trekking: Preparing for an Epic Long Hike Abroad
When you’re planning a hike in a foreign country, it can be a bit challenging. You might have to deal with language issues, lack of resources, and even unfamiliar terrain. But don’t worry, it’ll be worth it in the end if you prepare for it.
Get travel insurance – It’s super important to get a good travel insurance policy before you hit the road, especially if you’re a hiker. Getting rescued from a tough spot can be ridiculously expensive.
Stay hydrated – Even if you don’t think you need food, you always need water – make sure to carry more than you think you need. And double check that any water sources you plan to use are actually still available – streams dry up and wells can be blocked or contaminated.
Make sure to pack your gear – It’s important to consider the weather and your destination before packing. How cold is it going to be? Is it windy, rainy, snowing, or hot? Will you need to camp out or are there huts on the trail? You may not be able to find the gear you need when you’re abroad, so it’s a good idea to buy everything you need before you leave.
Hiking abroad presents exquisite experiences that enriches our journey like no other. As we traverse foreign lands, our steps lead us to breathtaking landscapes, hidden gems, and the wonders of diverse cultures. Each adventure is an opportunity to push our limits, foster a deep connection with nature, and embrace the joy of exploration. The memories we create on these trails become timeless souvenirs, imprinted in our hearts and minds. Hiking abroad not only opens our eyes to the beauty of the world but also broadens our perspectives, igniting a sense of wonder and gratitude for the planet we call home. So, let us heed the call of the wild and embark on these transformative journeys, for they remind us that life’s greatest treasures are often found where the path is less trodden.