I’ve hiked trails on five continents, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the best hikes don’t just take you to incredible views…they change the way you see the world. From glaciers in Patagonia to ancient pathways in Peru, these hikes are more than just walks in nature. They’re journeys that test your limits, spark awe, and stick with you long after you’ve left the trail.
Whether you’re chasing mountain summits, coastal cliffs, or jungle treks, the world is packed with bucket list hikes that every adventurer should experience at least once. I’ve personally tackled many of these trails, and each one left me with stories I’ll never forget…sore muscles, epic views, and moments of pure wonder. Here are 13 of the most epic hiking locations on Earth. Some are tough, some are surprisingly accessible, but all of them deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.
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The Best Hiking Trips in the World
No time to read? Here are the most epic hiking locations around the globe that I recommend checking out…
- Most Surreal Views: Torres del Paine “W” Circuit, Chile
- Best Multi-Country Trek: Tour du Mont Blanc, France, Italy, Switzerland
- Best Historical Trek: The Inca Trail, Peru
- Most Unique Terrain: Laugavegur-Fimmvörðuháls, Iceland
- Best High-Altitude Trek: Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Nepal
- Best Coastal Trek: Fisherman’s Trail, Portugal
- Best Wilderness Experience: John Muir Trail, USA
- Best Cultural Experience: The Great Wall of China, China
- Best for Wildlife Spotting: Rakiura Track, Stewart Island, New Zealand
1. Torres del Paine “W” Circuit, Chile
Torres del Paine in Chilean Patagonia is honestly pretty wild – I’ve never seen anything quite like those granite towers jutting straight up from the landscape. The W Circuit covers about 70 kilometers over 4-5 days, and you’ll gain around 2,200 meters of elevation, but don’t let that scare you off.
Here’s the deal: permits for 2025 cost around $48 USD for multi-day visits, and you absolutely have to book campsites in advance through either Vertice Patagonia or Las Torres companies. I learned this the hard way when I tried to wing it. The cheapest camping spots get snatched up super fast – we’re talking fully booked within hours of opening for peak season.
Getting there is actually easier than you’d think. Fly into Puerto Natales, then catch one of four daily buses to the park for about $21 USD return. The weather changes crazy fast here, so pack layers and waterproofs. You’ll start at either Laguna Amarga or take the catamaran from Pudeto to Paine Grande – both work fine.
What makes this hike special isn’t just the iconic towers, but those electric blue icebergs floating in Grey Lake and spotting guanacos practically everywhere. Pro tip: book at least 4-6 months ahead for summer season, and seriously consider the W Express option if you’re short on time.
2. Tour du Mont Blanc, France, Italy, Switzerland
The Tour du Mont Blanc is basically the ultimate alpine sampler pack – 170 kilometers through France, Italy, and Switzerland in 7-11 days. I can’t think of another hike where you get this much variety in cultures, food, and scenery all in one go.
You don’t need permits, but booking accommodation is absolutely crucial. Mountain huts fill up by February for July/August dates, which is honestly ridiculous but that’s how popular this trail is. Expect to pay around €50 per night for half-board at refuges, and the total cost runs about €826 for a self-guided 10-day trip.
The highest points hit 2,665 meters at Col des Fours and Fenêtre d’Arpette, but it’s the constant ups and downs that’ll get you. Starting in Chamonix is most common, though you can begin from Les Contamines, Courmayeur, or Champex too.
What’s actually amazing about this hike is how each country feels completely different. French sections have that alpine elegance, Italian parts serve up incredible pasta, and Swiss portions are just stupidly pristine. The Espace Mont-Blanc Casermetta will be closed all of 2025 for renovations, so plan around that.
Weather changes fast up here – I’ve seen snow in July and shorts weather in September. Book through the official autourdumontblanc.com website or use specialized booking services that handle the logistics for you.
3. The Inca Trail, Peru
Let’s be real – the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is touristy as hell, but it’s also completely worth it. This 42-kilometer, 4-day trek books up 4-6 months in advance because only 500 permits are issued daily (including guides and porters), leaving about 200 spots for actual trekkers.
Permits cost around $600-900 USD depending on your operator, and you literally cannot do this independently – you must book through a licensed agency. Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 meters is the killer, but the real magic happens on day 4 when you reach the Sun Gate at sunrise and see Machu Picchu spread out below you.
The trail closes completely in February for maintenance, so plan for March through January. I’d personally avoid the busy months of June through August if you can swing it – May and September have better weather and fewer crowds.
What makes this special isn’t just Machu Picchu itself, but hiking through actual Inca ruins like Wiñay Wayna along the way. You’re literally walking the same stone paths that Inca messengers used 500 years ago. The altitude hits some people hard, so get to Cusco a few days early to acclimatize.
Book as early as possible – seriously, permits for 2025 are already selling out for peak months. Alternative treks like Salkantay or Choquequirao are actually more scenic if the classic trail is full.
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4. Laugavegur-Fimmvörðuháls, Iceland
Iceland‘s Laugavegur-Fimmvörðuháls combo is hands down the most alien-looking hike I’ve ever done. This 80-kilometer, 6-day trek from Landmannalaugar to Skógar takes you through landscapes that honestly look like different planets every single day.
No permits needed, but you absolutely must book huts in advance through fi.is. Mountain huts cost around 8,000-12,000 ISK per night, and camping is about half that. The weather here is completely unpredictable – I’ve experienced all four seasons in one afternoon.
Getting to Landmannalaugar requires a 4WD bus from Reykjavik (about 5,000 ISK), and the roads are only accessible from June through September. The hike starts with the colorful rhyolite mountains around Landmannalaugar – seriously, these peaks look like someone spilled paint on them.
Day two through Hrafntinnusker is usually the toughest with potential snow even in summer. But then you drop into Álftavatn and the landscape completely changes to green valleys and black sand. The Fimmvörðuháls section at the end takes you past Eyjafjallajökull volcano and ends at the massive Skógafoss waterfall.
Pack for every possible weather condition and bring a really good rain jacket. The highland buses connect perfectly with the trail, so transportation is actually pretty easy once you figure out the system.
5. Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Nepal
Annapurna Base Camp is honestly the best bang for your buck in Nepal – way less crowded than Everest but just as spectacular. This 70-110 kilometer trek (depending on your route) takes 7-12 days and gets you up to 4,130 meters surrounded by 8,000-meter peaks.
As of 2025, you need two permits: ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) for $22 USD and previously a TIMS card, but they dropped the TIMS requirement for Annapurna in 2023 to simplify things. You also must have a licensed guide now – no more solo trekking allowed for foreigners.
Trek packages run $600-1,200 USD depending on group size and services. Starting from Pokhara, most people drive to Nayapul or Ghandruk to begin. The route through Ghorepani and Poon Hill adds a spectacular sunrise viewpoint that’s absolutely worth the detour.
What’s incredible about this trek is the diversity – you start in subtropical forests, pass through traditional Gurung villages like Chhomrong, then climb up the Modi Khola valley to base camp. The amphitheater of peaks surrounding ABC is just mind-blowing.
Best seasons are March-May and September-November. I actually prefer March when the rhododendrons are blooming – the entire forest turns bright red and pink. Teahouses have good food and decent rooms, though bring a sleeping bag for higher elevations.
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6. Fisherman’s Trail, Portugal
Portugal’s Fisherman’s Trail is completely different from mountain hiking – 230 kilometers of rugged coastline from Porto Covo to Lagos over 11-13 days. This isn’t about altitude; it’s about those dramatic Atlantic cliffs and hidden beaches that you’ll have mostly to yourself.
No permits needed, just show up and start walking. The trail is well-marked with wooden posts, and about 60-70% is on sand, which is tougher on your legs than you’d expect. Daily stages run 15-20 kilometers with 250-500 meters of elevation gain as you constantly go up and down coastal cliffs.
Best time is September through June – summer gets brutally hot and crowded. I hiked it in October and had perfect weather and empty beaches. Accommodation ranges from camping to guesthouses, and you can book as you go in shoulder seasons.
What makes this special is the raw, windswept beauty of Costa Vicentina. You’re walking along some of Europe’s last undeveloped coastline, passing through fishing villages where locals still work the traditional way. The trail ends at Cabo de São Vicente – literally the “End of the World” where Europeans thought the earth ended.
Pack good sun protection and layers for wind. The coastal weather changes fast, and there’s limited shade. Water sources are scarce between villages, so plan accordingly.
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7. John Muir Trail, USA
The John Muir Trail through California’s Sierra Nevada is 211 miles of pure high-country perfection from Yosemite to Mount Whitney. Most people take 14-24 days, and honestly, this might be the most beautiful long-distance trail in the US.
Permits are the biggest hurdle – they’re incredibly hard to get and released via lottery on specific dates. For 2025, start checking recreation.gov in late 2024. Plan for $200+ in permit fees plus substantial food costs since there are no resupply points except Muir Trail Ranch and Red’s Meadow.
The trail gains 47,000 feet total elevation, crossing 8 major passes over 10,000 feet. Glen Pass, Pinchot Pass, and Mather Pass are the toughest, but the views from each one are absolutely incredible. You’re walking through granite cathedral country with lakes everywhere.
What’s amazing is how the landscape constantly changes – from Yosemite’s waterfalls to the stark beauty around Forester Pass (the highest point on any major US trail at 13,200 feet). Wildlife is incredible too; I saw black bears almost daily and had marmots trying to get into my food.
Best hiking window is July through September, though some passes may have snow even then. This is serious wilderness hiking – you need excellent navigation skills and wilderness experience. But if you can score permits and handle the logistics, it’s absolutely life-changing.
8. The Great Wall of China, China
Hiking the Great Wall isn’t just about checking off a bucket list item – it’s actually an incredible multi-day adventure if you do it right. The best trekking sections are Jiankou to Mutianyu and the longer Simatai to Jinshanling routes, covering 25-35 kilometers over 3-5 days.
No permits needed for most sections, but stick to organized tours for the wild, unrestored parts. These multi-day treks cost around $200-400 USD and include camping right on the wall in some sections, which is honestly pretty surreal.
Jiankou is the most dramatic – completely unrestored and crumbling in places, with some sections requiring scrambling. Mutianyu is well-maintained but crowded. My favorite compromise is the Gubeikou to Jinshanling section, which has both wild and restored parts.
What’s incredible is how the wall snakes across ridgelines and through mountains for as far as you can see. Some sections like the “Heavenly Ladder” involve climbing 1,000+ stone steps, and the engineering is just mind-blowing when you think about it being built 500+ years ago.
Best times are April-May and September-October for good weather and fewer crowds. Summer is brutal, and winter can be icy and dangerous. Bring lots of water and sturdy hiking boots – those ancient stones are slippery and uneven.
9. Rakiura Track, Stewart Island, New Zealand
Stewart Island’s Rakiura Track is New Zealand’s best-kept secret – a gentle 38-kilometer loop through ancient forests and along pristine coastline. This 3-day hike is perfect if you want amazing nature without the extreme difficulty of other New Zealand treks.
No permits needed, just book the two huts (Port William and North Arm) through the DOC website for about $35 NZD per night. The track is well-maintained and suitable for moderate fitness levels, with daily sections of 11-13 kilometers.
Getting there requires a flight or ferry to Stewart Island from Invercargill, then it’s a short walk from Oban to start the loop. December through February is best for weather, but the track is doable year-round – just expect mud and rain in winter.
What makes this special is the wildlife. Stewart Island has no introduced predators, so you’ve got the best chance in New Zealand to see kiwis in the wild, plus tons of native birds. The beaches along Paterson Inlet are pristine, and the native forest is just stunning.
I actually saw a kiwi on the beach at dawn near Port William Hut – apparently they forage in the kelp here. The bird life is incredible, and you might spot New Zealand fur seals lounging on the beaches. It’s like stepping back into New Zealand before humans arrived.
10. Mt Toubkal, Morocco
Mount Toubkal at 4,167 meters is North Africa’s highest peak and honestly one of the most accessible big mountains you can climb. The standard route from Imlil takes 2-3 days and doesn’t require technical climbing skills, just good fitness and determination.
No permits needed, but you’ll want a guide from Imlil village (about $25-40 USD per day). The first day is a 5-7 hour hike to Toubkal Refuge at 3,207 meters, then summit day starts at 4 AM for sunrise on top.
Getting to Imlil from Marrakech takes about 90 minutes by taxi or bus. The village has guides, mules, and gear rental if you need it. Local Berber culture is fascinating – you’ll pass through traditional villages with terraced fields carved into the mountainsides.
The summit push is steep and rocky but non-technical. What’s amazing is the view from the top – you can see across the entire High Atlas range and on clear days, all the way to the Sahara Desert. I’ve never experienced such a dramatic transition from snow-capped peaks to desert landscapes.
Best months are April-October, though winter climbing is possible with proper gear. Summer can be scorching hot at lower elevations but perfect up high. The Atlas Mountains have this incredible red rock that glows at sunrise and sunset – it’s completely different from any other mountain range.
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11. Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii
The Kalalau Trail along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast is absolutely stunning but also pretty challenging – 22 kilometers round-trip or 35 kilometers if you go all the way to Kalalau Beach. This isn’t your typical tropical beach walk; it’s a serious mountain trail with steep drops and narrow cliff sections.
You need permits for anything beyond Hanakapi’ai Beach (first 2 miles), and camping permits for Kalalau Beach are super hard to get. Book way in advance through the Hawaii state parks website. Day hiking to Hanakapi’ai costs $10 per person, camping permits are $35 per night.
The trail starts at Ke’e Beach where the road ends on Kauai’s north shore. First section to Hanakapi’ai Beach is manageable for most people, but continuing to Kalalau involves serious elevation changes – about 5,000 feet of cumulative gain each way on narrow, sometimes slippery trails.
What makes this incredible is hiking along those impossibly green fluted cliffs that Kauai is famous for. The Na Pali Coast is one of the most dramatic coastlines I’ve ever seen, and accessing it on foot feels like discovering a lost world. Kalalau Beach at the end is this pristine, secluded paradise that you really earned.
Weather can change fast – bring rain gear and sun protection. Stream crossings can be dangerous when it’s raining inland. This is definitely not a beginner hike despite being in Hawaii.
12. Overland Track, Tasmania, Australia
Tasmania’s Overland Track is Australia’s premier long-distance hike – 65 kilometers through Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park over 6 days. This is proper wilderness hiking through ancient rainforests, alpine meadows, and past pristine lakes.
Permits are required October through May and cost around $200 AUD. You must book through Parks Tasmania well in advance – this trail is popular and spaces fill up fast. During peak season, you can only hike south to north from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair.
The track is well-maintained with huts every day, though you need to carry your own food and sleeping gear. Side trips to Mount Ossa (Tasmania’s highest peak) and Mount Pelion East are totally worth the extra effort.
What’s amazing about this hike is Tasmania’s unique ecosystem. The ancient rainforests look prehistoric, and you’ll see wildlife you won’t find anywhere else – wombats, wallabies, and if you’re incredibly lucky, a Tasmanian devil. The button grass plains and alpine areas feel like stepping into another world.
Weather is notoriously unpredictable – I experienced snow, rain, and sunshine all in one day. Pack for everything and bring quality waterproofs. The huts provide basic shelter but can get crowded, so bringing a tent gives you more flexibility.
13. Fitz Roy Trek, Patagonia, Argentina
The Fitz Roy Trek near El Chaltén is Patagonia at its most dramatic – that iconic spiky granite tower has become the symbol of Patagonian adventure. The classic day hike to Laguna de los Tres is 22 kilometers round-trip with about 750 meters of elevation gain.
No permits needed, just show up in El Chaltén and start hiking. The town is small but has everything you need – accommodation, gear shops, and restaurants. October through April is hiking season, but weather is famously unpredictable even in summer.
The last kilometer to Laguna de los Tres is a real grunt – steep, rocky scrambling that’ll have you huffing. But when you finally see Fitz Roy reflected in the glacial lake, it’s absolutely worth every step. That view is probably the most photographed spot in Argentina for good reason.
What makes this area special is how wild and remote it feels despite being relatively accessible. Los Glaciares National Park protects this incredible landscape of glacial lakes, granite spires, and ice fields. You might spot Andean condors soaring around the peaks or guanacos grazing in the valleys.
El Chaltén calls itself the trekking capital of Argentina, and there are tons of other day hikes if you have time. Cerro Torre base camp is equally spectacular but more challenging. The Patagonian wind here is legendary – I’ve literally been knocked over by sudden gusts.
FAQs About the Best Hiking Trails in the World
Find answers to all your questions about the world’s best hiking trails in our helpful FAQ section.
How do I choose the right epic hike for me?
I usually start by asking myself how much time I want to spend on the trail and what kind of challenge I’m looking for. Some hikes, like the Inca Trail in Peru, require multiple days and a good level of fitness, while others, like Trolltunga in Norway, can be done as a (long) day hike. I’ve learned the hard way that picking a hike above my skill level makes it more stressful than enjoyable.
What should I pack for a long international hike?
My packing list depends on the terrain and climate, but I always bring a good pair of boots, a lightweight rain jacket, and a water filtration system. When I hiked in Patagonia, the weather shifted from sun to snow in the same day, and having proper gear saved me. I also keep snacks like nuts and energy bars — nothing slows me down like running out of fuel mid-trail.
How do I prepare physically for big hikes?
I try to start with local day hikes to build stamina, then mix in cardio and leg workouts. Before trekking to Everest Base Camp, I spent weeks training with weighted packs. Even with prep, the altitude was tough, but being physically ready made the experience far more rewarding.
