In the past years, new travel trends have been gaining attention – both thanks to the growing availability of traveling and the creativity of seasoned travelers. From eco-friendly travel through yoga retreats all the way to active holidays, everyone can find what they are looking for. And if it is the last type that you are interested in, you are in luck, because we are about to give you the skinny on some of the best hiking destinations from all over the world that should find their place onto your travel bucket list. From easy to strenuous grades, each trek is different and provides a different kind of experience, so read on to find the one that fits your preferences the best.
Inca Trail, Peru
If you are a truly adventurous individual, chances are seeing the legendary Machu Picchu is on your bucket list. The ancient town located 2,430 meters above sea level is one of the Wonders of the World, and the best way to experience it is through hiking the famous Inca trail that stretches over 30 kilometers and takes 4 days to complete. It’s a difficult trek, there is no doubt about that, so it’s only recommended to the truly enthusiastic ones. However, those who take the train miss a lot of things along the way that you will only see if you go on foot; not to mention the beautiful mountain vistas all around you as you climb the steep hills. Finally, note that you need a special permit to hike the Machu Picchu, and since a limited number of people are allowed there in a day, it’s worth booking your trek well in advance (we’re talking months here)!
Three Capes Walk, Tasmania
An unspoiled little corner of the world, the island of Tasmania is a perfect hiking destination you should not miss out on. With 19 national parks that cover over 40 percent of the territory, you can expect a varied landscape and a wide array of guided tours in Tasmania. One that should definitely be highlighted is the Three Capes Walk in the Tasman National Park. Just a stone’s throw from the state’s capital, Hobart, you can dive into this three-day adventure that will walk you through the towering cliffs of Cape Raoul, Cape Hauy and Cape Pillar, with a breathtaking 200-meter high waterfall, rich vegetation, little streams and even animals such as possums and quolls. While you will need a good level of fitness for this walk, the fact that there are pack-free options is a big plus in terms of comfort.
Angels Landing Hike, Utah
The enormous country of the United States offers countless adventure opportunities, but one that hikers should definitely consider is Angels Landing in Zion National Park in Utah. The plunging depths, the spectacular, red stones that date back 270 million years into the past and the sheer vastness of the place as you overlook the scenery all make it worth walking this short but steep track that will take you 4-5 hours to complete but requires a considerable amount of energy. Make sure you take enough water with you for the hike as you won’t find any along the way, but rest assured, the sights you will see will make it all worth it!
Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
If you’re looking for a chilly destination, Iceland is a perfect choice. While you should definitely mind the weather, as winters can make it difficult (or impossible) to complete certain hikes, Iceland is a magical country that has one of the world’s most spectacular phenomena. Most of the large territory of this country remains untouched nature, and if you’re brave enough to stray off the paths, you won’t have to worry about many tourists either. There are plenty of tracks to choose from, many of which are multi-day adventures, including the spectacular Laugavegur Trail that takes 4-5 days to complete but is only moderate difficulty level. You will be stunned on the way by the amazing colorful rhyolite mountain views and the unique black lava fields. Moreover, if you’re a fan of Norse mythology, you will be especially thrilled to learn about the legends surrounding the places you will be walking through – such as Thorsmork, that is believed to have been created by Thor, the God of Thunder.
Trolltunga, Norway
Another notable European destination for hikers, Norway is everything an experienced trekker might be looking for. A truly demanding hike that can take you as long as 11 hours over the 22 kilometers it stretches across, Trolltunga is a unique, breathtaking spot nestled by one of the countless fjords of this beautiful country. It is a cliff hanging above the Ringedalsvatnet Lake at the dizzying height of 700 meters. If just looking at pictures of this rock formation does not scare you away, then look up buses from Bergen or Oslo as you may need to take more than one to get where you need to be. Moreover, you have to research accommodation well, as this is not exactly a large city with a lot of touristy spots.
Pigeon Valley, Cappadocia, Turkey
Finally, a destination that has been gaining attention lately thanks to its picturesqueness is Cappadocia in Turkey. If you’ve seen those magical pictures of hot air balloons filling the sky above some interesting rock formations, chances are the photo was taken here. This place truly feels like one from the fantasy books, and it’s a shame that there is not that much information about hiking trails that tourists can take upon in Cappadocia. Nevertheless, if your favorite hobby is exploring the unbeaten path, you can consider taking your next vacation to this corner of Turkey. There are a couple of routes to choose from, out of which the most interesting one is perhaps the Pigeon Valley that features intriguing man-made caves. It is a sight to behold!
Hopefully, the aforementioned destinations gave you enough inspiration to kick-start your new hiking adventure as soon as possible. Get your hiking shoes and your passport ready, and you will feel like a new person when you come back with all those incredible memories!