Hiking Spots
1. Torres del Paine National Park – Chile
Highlights: Located in Patagonia, this park offers some of the most iconic and challenging hikes in South America.
Notable Features: Glacial lakes, towering granite peaks, the W Trek, and diverse wildlife like guanacos and condors.
2. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Peru
Highlights: A legendary trek through ancient Inca sites and stunning Andean scenery, ending at the iconic Machu Picchu.
Notable Features: Ancient ruins, lush cloud forests, high-altitude mountain passes, and the Sun Gate entrance to Machu Picchu.
3. The Appalachian Trail – Eastern USA
Highlights: One of the longest hiking-only trails in the world, stretching over 2,190 miles across 14 U.S. states.
Notable Features: Varied landscapes, shelter huts along the route, iconic views like McAfee Knob, and scenic sections like the Great Smoky Mountains.
4. Tongariro Alpine Crossing – New Zealand
Highlights: Often regarded as New Zealand’s best day hike, this trail crosses a volcanic landscape with surreal scenery.
Notable Features: Emerald Lakes, active craters, rugged terrain, and views of Mount Doom from The Lord of the Rings.
5. Mount Kilimanjaro – Tanzania
Highlights: The highest peak in Africa and one of the Seven Summits, this climb offers diverse ecosystems as you ascend.
Notable Features: Rainforest trails, alpine desert zones, glacier-covered summit, and incredible views from the "Roof of Africa."
6. The Haute Route – France and Switzerland
Highlights: A challenging, multi-day trek from Mont Blanc in France to the Matterhorn in Switzerland.
Notable Features: Stunning Alpine scenery, glacier crossings, charming mountain villages, and sweeping views of iconic peaks.
7. The Narrows, Zion National Park – Utah, USA
Highlights: A unique slot canyon hike through the Virgin River, offering an otherworldly landscape of towering canyon walls.
Notable Features: Narrow canyon passages, wading through river waters, and red rock formations unique to Zion.
8. Toubkal Summit – Morocco
Highlights: North Africa’s highest peak, located in the Atlas Mountains, offering a rewarding ascent with panoramic views.
Notable Features: Rocky landscapes, traditional Berber villages, snow-covered summit, and breathtaking views over Morocco.
9. The Laugavegur Trail – Iceland
Highlights: Known for its surreal landscapes, this multi-day trek passes through some of Iceland's most stunning terrain.
Notable Features: Rainbow-colored rhyolite mountains, hot springs, glaciers, and volcanic valleys in Landmannalaugar.
10. The Dolomites Alta Via 1 – Italy
Highlights: A high-altitude trek through Italy’s Dolomites, showcasing rugged peaks, lush meadows, and alpine lakes.
Notable Features: Dramatic cliffs, cozy mountain refuges, stunning limestone peaks, and breathtaking vistas of Italian scenery.