Discover the famous hikes around the world that are unmissable for those who like to explore on foot. Incredible views, uplifting atmospheres and extraordinary heritage await, as well as the chance for a digital detox that will reinvigorate your body and soul.
- The Inca Trail, Peru
Following in the footsteps of the Incas to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, tops the bucket list for many adventurers. This four-day trek through the Peruvian Andes takes you along ancient paths carved out by the Incas, a civilisation that once dominated much of South America.
Traverse diverse landscapes ranging from cloud forests and alpine tundra to subtropical jungle, making the final hike to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu at dawn. The trail is rich in archaeological sites which provide insight into Incan culture, so make sure you have a good guide with you to get the most out of this experience.
Best time: May to September when skies are clear and temperatures are pleasant.
- Everest Base Camp, Nepal
One of the most iconic treks in the world, the Everest Base Camp Trekking Experience, offers adventurers a chance to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas. Keen to test yourself on more challenging terrain? Try one of the two-week Everest Base Camp treks which travel in a circle from Kathmandu to the bottom of the highest Himalayan peak.
Expect stirring views and striking surroundings ranging from forests to glaciers, interspersed with cultural encounters with the Sherpa people and visits to Buddhist monasteries. Reaching an altitude of 5,364 meters at the base camp, this difficult climb is a significant personal achievement for any hiker.
Best time: Pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn)
- The Milford Track, New Zealand
Dubbed “the finest walk in the world”, the Milford Track is a four-day on-foot adventure through the heart of Fiordland National Park in New Zealand’s South Island.
Wend your way through astonishing diverse landscapes including lush rainforests and alpine passes with pristine rivers. A major highlight is the awe-inspiring Sutherland Falls, the country’s tallest waterfall. The track is also home to unique wildlife, so look out for native bird species.
Best time: October to April for better weather conditions and accommodation availability
- The Camino de Santiago, Spain
The Camino de Santiago is a network of pilgrimage routes leading to the shrine of the apostle St. James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. The most popular part of the trail, the Camino Francés, spans approximately 800 kilometres from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to the finishing point, Santiago, passing through rolling countryside with pretty villages and awe-inspiring historic cities.
Walking this ancient trail is a spiritual experience to this day thanks to its total tranquillity and staggering beauty. It’s also a unique way to immerse yourself in the region’s cultural heritage, experiencing centuries-old transitions and conversing with fellow pilgrims from around the world.
Best time: April to June and autumn when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds