The world is a big place, so narrowing down the globe’s best and most impressive treks is no small feat. From towering peaks in South America to breathtaking landscapes in Asia, avid hikers could spend their entire lives searching for the next best experience to tick off their bucket list.
But every adventurer needs to start somewhere, so we’ve compiled this list of the 20 best hikes in the world that will push you to your limits, change your perspective, and offer you the journey of a lifetime.
1. Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – Peru
This scenic hike in Peru’s Cusco region has something for everyone. From striking glaciers and alpine lakes to lush jungles and ancient ruins, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu takes between four to five days to complete. With an elevation of 4,650 metres (15,255 feet) at its highest point, this trek is challenging but rewarding.
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2. Everest Base Camp Trek – Nepal
One of the world’s most popular hikes, the Everest Base Camp trek abounds with natural beauty. The trek is 80 miles round-trip and takes between 12 to 15 days. The extremely high altitude makes this trek a challenge, but the snow-capped glaciers, soaring peaks, rugged valleys, and awe-inspiring suspension bridges make for an iconic adventure.
3. Annapurna Sanctuary Trek – Nepal
With cultural villages, waterfalls, forests, and colossal mountain peaks, the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek offers a spectacular experience for hard-core hikers. You’ll have the chance to stay at Himalayan teahouses throughout your journey, and you can expect an elevation gain of around 3,060 meters (10,040 feet) over the course of the trek.
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4. Appalachian Trail – United States
Located in the eastern United States, the Appalachian Trail is one of North America’s most famous hikes. The trail spans 2,200 miles north and south across state parks from Georgia to Maine, making it one of the longest distance hiking paths in the country. The hiking route features beautiful views of the surrounding mountains with river crossings, flowering meadows, and rugged landscapes.
5. Matterhorn Circuit – Switzerland
Among the world’s most challenging hikes, the Matterhorn Circuit boasts spectacular views of the Swiss Alps and high alpine terrain. You’ll pass traditional Swiss villages, glacial lakes and valleys, and enjoy 360-degree views of the snow-capped Matterhorn.
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6. Laugavegur Trail – Iceland
Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail is one of the most uniquely beautiful hikes on the planet. With colorful mountains and rock formations, natural hot springs, and volcanic landscapes, this four-to-six day trek offers mountain huts and camping options along the trail.
7. Acatenango Volcano Hike – Guatemala
Offering great views of the active Fuego volcano, there’s no question the Acatenango Volcano trek is one of the best hikes in the world. Lucky travellers will get to watch the erupting volcano at close range and enjoy panoramic views of Guatemala’s highlands and distant Lake Atitlán.
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8. Quilotoa Loop – Ecuador
This scenic trek will literally take your breath away. With an impressive altitude ranging from 3,200 to 3,900 metres (10,500 to 12,800 feet) above sea level, this challenging hike offers magnificent views of the turquoise crater lake at Quilotoa’s center.
9. The Milford Track – New Zealand
Located on New Zealand’s South Island, the Milford Track spans 33 miles and takes around four days to complete. Hikers can immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness filled with alpine meadows, glacial rivers, and one of the world’s tallest waterfalls.
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10. W Trek Torres del Paine – Chile
Situated in rugged Patagonia, the demanding W Trek is a can’t-miss for those exploring the region. Hikers can expect world-class scenery including views of the towering granite peaks of Torres del Paine during the four-to-five day trek.
11. Path of the Gods, Amalfi Coast – Italy
Few places in the world rival the Amalfi Coast’s idyllic beauty, and hiking the Path of the Gods will give you a front row seat. The hike takes just a few hours to complete, and the sweeping vistas over the Mediterranean Sea and colorful villages are unmatched.
12. Trolltunga – Norway
Among the best hikes in the world, trekking Trolltunga is a full-day experience you won’t soon forget. The trail is strenuous with an elevation gain of 1,200 metres (3,940 feet), but the jaw-dropping views over Norwegian fjords make it all worth it.
13. Machame Route, Mount Kilimanjaro – Tanzania
One of the world’s most challenging hikes, the trek takes six to seven days and features a dramatic high-altitude ascent. Views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit are remarkable, and hikers can expect to see exotic birds and wildlife along the way.
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14. Camino de Santiago – Spain
An epic journey drawing visitors from all over the globe, the Camino de Santiago is as much a spiritual experience as a physical one. Located in northern Spain, the trek can take up to 35 days and ends at the shrine of St. James the Apostle in Santiago de Compostela.
15. The West Coast Trail – Canada
Located on Canada’s Vancouver Island in British Columbia, this breathtaking hike takes between five to seven days to complete. Featuring dramatic coastal scenery and uniquely challenging terrain, this trail offers a strenuous and physically demanding experience for those looking for a true adventure.
16. Fish River Canyon Trek – Namibia
This multi-day canyon trek in Namibia boasts views of dramatic cliffs and vast desert scenery. The Fish River Canyon trek brings travellers on the road less traveled as you’re unlikely to encounter many other hikers, providing a truly isolated wilderness experience.
17. Yosemite Half Dome Trail – United States
One of the country’s most highly acclaimed national parks, Yosemite features some of the best hiking in California. For those looking for a challenge, the iconic Half Dome Trail is a short hike, but a memorable one. Ascend the massive granite dome via cables to the summit for an unforgettable experience.
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18. Mount Batur, Bali – Indonesia
You might recognise images of the sunrise from the illustrious Mount Batur in Bali, Indonesia. Lasting only four to five hours, this hike is one of the most scenic on the globe and is only moderately difficult.
19. Great Ocean Walk – Australia
This coastal trek takes between eight to ten days and offers sweeping views of the Southern Ocean and Australia’s famed Twelve Apostles rock formations. Hikers will pass Indigenous heritage sites, historic shipwrecks, pristine beaches, and more along their way.
20. Tour du Mont Blanc – France, Switzerland & Italy
The Tour du Mont Blanc features phenomenal views of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps, making it unquestionably one of the best hikes in the world. Filled with charming mountain villages, picturesque valleys, and alpine meadows, this is one of Europe’s most impressive hiking routes.
