The 21 Best Hiking Trails in the World That Every Traveler Needs to Know
Rarely does one begin by hiking the world’s best trails. The beginning may seem simple, especially since we start in urban parks or small towns, but it quickly transforms into something much bigger.
Each step reveals breathtaking landscapes, going from point A to point B.
Beyond physical exercise, hiking provides a unique time to slow down and reconnect with nature. This experience goes beyond the physical: it creates a special state of mind, awakening sensations that only direct contact with the natural environment can generate.
Exploring trails allows one to contemplate our planet in a profound way, absorbing every detail of the landscape, breathing the pure air, and feeling the freedom of being immersed in nature.
For those who have already ventured out, the trails become more than just a stroll: they are memories, stories, and dreams that accumulate. Each journey inspires the next, and these experiences transform who we are, bringing us closer to the world in an intense way.
Start planning, turn dreams into goals, and discover trails that will mark your life forever.
1. Tour du Mont Blanc – Europe in Three Countries
Location: France, Italy, and Switzerland
Distance: 170 km
Duration: 7 to 11 days
Difficulty: Challenging
The Tour du Mont Blanc (4,810 meters) is considered one of the best trails in the world and the most popular in Europe. With each step, you traverse France, Italy, and Switzerland, experiencing the culture, gastronomy, and alpine hospitality. Charming little villages, glacial valleys, and alpine meadows provide breathtaking landscapes.
The route offers complete immersion in nature and local culture. You stay in mountain refuges, enjoying the unique sensation of hiking with a light backpack and contemplating the surroundings at your own pace. Among physical challenges, the TMB rewards adventurers with panoramic views and unforgettable experiences, making it a classic for those seeking the most beautiful trails in the world. It’s a perfect combination of adventure, contact with nature, and cultural connection.
2. Serra Fina – Brazil's Challenging Crossing
Location: Minas Gerais / São Paulo, Brazil
Distance: 35 km
Duration: 3 to 4 days
Difficulty: Challenging
The Serra Fina is considered the most difficult mountain traverse in Brazil and a true challenge for those seeking adventure. The 35-kilometer trail demands physical preparation, mental stamina, and constant attention, as many sections are technical and exposed. The name “Fina” comes from the narrow and sharp ridges that characterize the route.
During the traverse, you will face steep climbs, technical descents, and the need to carry all your equipment, including food and water. Pico da Pedra da Mina, the fourth highest point in Brazil, offers incredible panoramic views of the Mantiqueira Mountains, rewarding all the effort.
Without infrastructure or shelters, the trail requires precise navigation and an intense connection with nature. Overcoming the Serra Fina is experiencing freedom, self-discovery, and pure adventure, a true milestone for those seeking to experience some of the best trails in the world.
3. Alta Via 1 – Essence of the Dolomites
Location: Italy
Distance: 120 km
Duration: 7 to 10 days
Difficulty: Moderate
The Alta Via 1 (AV1) is one of the most famous trails in the world, crossing the Italian Dolomites from north to south, between Lake Braies and Belluno. It covers approximately 120 kilometers of breathtaking scenery, with vertical peaks, impressive rock walls, and idyllic alpine valleys.
The route follows a refuge-to-refuge system, allowing you to carry a light backpack and focus on hiking and contemplation. Each stop at the shelters offers comfort, good food, and connection with other travelers.
Despite its moderate difficulty, the AV1 requires physical preparation and stamina to tackle long ascents and descents. It’s a perfect trail that blends history and nature, passing through locations linked to the First World War, combining cinematic landscapes with unique cultural and gastronomic experiences. A true example of why this is considered one of the best trails in the world.
4. Petrô-Terê Crossing – The Brazilian Classic
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Distance: 30 km
Duration: 2 to 3 days
Difficulty: Moderate
The Petrô-Terê Crossing is one of the most emblematic trails in Brazil, connecting Petrópolis to Teresópolis in the Serra dos Órgãos mountain range. The route impresses with its stone slabs, steep sections, and seemingly endless viewpoints. The Dedo de Deus (God’s Finger) and Agulha do Diabo (Devil’s Needle) peaks appear and disappear along the hike, creating scenery that will leave a lasting impression on any adventurer.
It’s a trek that demands physical preparation and experience in long trails. The crossing passes through shelters maintained by the National Park, but many prefer to bring tents for more freedom.
Beyond the physical challenge, the experience provides intense contact with nature, changes in temperature and altitude, and a unique sense of immersion. Hiking this trail is to understand the grandeur of Brazil and feel, firsthand, why it is one of the best trails in the world.
5. Circuit O – Torres del Paine, Chile
Location: Patagonia, Chile
Distance: 130 km
Duration: 5 to 9 days
Difficulty: Challenging
The O Circuit, known as “The Loop,” is the most complete trail in Torres del Paine National Park. It encircles the Paine massif and offers a total immersion experience in Chilean Patagonia, with approximately 130 kilometers of challenging trekking. The first half is the wildest, including the John Gardner Pass, which reveals spectacular views of the Grey Glacier.
The route combines campsites and refuges, requiring advance reservations. The northern part is more rustic and remote, increasing the feeling of adventure and accomplishment.
Patagonia is known for its intense wind and unpredictable weather, but every effort is rewarded by soul-transforming landscapes. The O Circuit is perfect for those seeking to experience some of the best trails in the world, connecting deeply with nature, overcoming limits, and absorbing the grandeur of one of the most beautiful regions on the planet.
6. Inca Trail and Salkantay – Two Routes, One Sacred Destination
Location: Peru
Distance: 42-75 km
Duration: 5 to 7 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Reaching Machu Picchu is the dream of any adventurer, and both the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trail offer unique experiences to conquer this sacred destination.
The Inca Trail is the classic route, with approximately 42 km of Inca stone paths and several archaeological sites, such as Wiñay Wayna, before accessing Machu Picchu through Inti Punku, the famous Sun Gate. Each step reveals history, culture, and landscapes that seem frozen in time, making it one of the best trails in the world.
The Salkantay Trail is longer, about 72 km, and less well-known. It crosses tropical valleys, snow-capped mountains, such as the imposing Salkantay (6,271 meters), and Humantay Lagoon, with colors that seem unreal.
It requires physical preparation and acclimatization in Cusco, but rewards with a profound contact with nature and the feeling of being on a remote and challenging path. Both trails offer self-improvement, spiritual connection, and an unforgettable adventure.
7. Santa Cruz Trail – The Jewel of the Cordillera Blanca
Location: Peru
Distance: 50-60 km
Duration: 3 to 4 days
Difficulty: Challenging
The Santa Cruz Trail is a classic among the best trails in the world and one of the most authentic in the Cordillera Blanca, in the Peruvian Andes. The trek begins in Huaraz, crosses glacial valleys, glacial rivers, and intensely blue lagoons, offering breathtaking landscapes. At 50 to 60 km, the trail is demanding, requiring acclimatization and physical preparation.
The highlight is the Punta Unión Pass, at 4,750 meters altitude, with panoramic views of majestic peaks, such as Alpamayo, frequently cited among the most beautiful on the planet. Camping along the trail is the ideal experience for those who wish to connect deeply with nature. Nestled among valleys, mountains, and crystal-clear lagoons, the Santa Cruz Trail reveals the transformative power of hiking in extreme environments, demonstrating why it is one of the most sought-after routes for adventurers and trekking enthusiasts.
8. Mount Kilimanjaro – The Giant of Africa
Location: Tanzania
Distance: 62 km
Duration: 6 to 7 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro means facing the highest mountain in Africa, at 5,895 meters altitude. It’s an adventure that doesn’t require technical skills, but demands physical preparation, patience, and good acclimatization. Each stage of the trail reveals dramatically changing scenery: tropical forests, alpine deserts, and rocky terrain.
The Machame Route, known as the “whiskey route,” is the most popular, with steep climbs and spectacular views. Along the way, you observe how nature transforms, offering impressive contrasts and moments of contemplation.
Kilimanjaro is a trek that challenges the body and rewards the mind, connecting you to the grandeur of the African continent. It’s an intense and transformative experience, solidifying its place among the best trails in the world.
9. Everest Base Camp Trail – Himalayas
Location: Nepal
Distance: 130 km
Duration: 12 to 14 days
Difficulty: Challenging
The trek to Everest Base Camp is one of the most iconic in the world. The trail passes through Sherpa villages, suspension bridges, forests, and glacial valleys, revealing four of the six highest peaks on the planet, including Everest. Each day demands attention to altitude and physical preparation, but offers unique rewards: breathtaking views, cultural encounters, and the feeling of being among Himalayan giants.
The journey begins in Lukla, with landscapes that transform with every kilometer. With proper acclimatization, the steady pace allows you to absorb the beauty of the surroundings, feeling every detail of local life and untouched nature.
Reaching Base Camp, at 5,545 meters, is more than a physical achievement: it’s an experience of introspection, freedom, and deep connection with some of the best trails in the world.
10. Milford Track – New Zealand
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Distance: 54 km
Duration: 5 days
Difficulty: Challenging
The Milford Track traverses Fiordland National Park, offering temperate forests, glacial valleys, and spectacular waterfalls. At 54 km, the trek is a total immersion in the wilderness of New Zealand, known for its cinematic landscapes. Among forests of silver beech, giant ferns, and endemic species, each step reveals unique and untouched scenery.
The route demands endurance and physical preparation, but rewards with breathtaking views and a unique expedition experience. The isolation, combined with the beauty of the surroundings, makes the Milford Track one of the most impressive and sought-after trails in the world, solidifying its status among the best trails in the world.
11. Fitz Roy Trek – El Chaltén, Argentina
Location: Patagonia, Argentina
Distance: 22 km
Duration: 1 day
Difficulty: Moderate
The Fitz Roy Trek is one of the most iconic treks in Patagonia, with views that look like they’re straight out of a movie. The highlight is Mount Fitz Roy, an impressive granite tower that dominates the horizon. The trail leads to Laguna de los Tres, a classic spot to contemplate Fitz Roy, crossing forests, viewpoints, and breathtaking landscapes.
The last stretch is steep, requiring physical effort, but the reward is complete. The turquoise-blue water of the lagoon and the majesty of the granite towers make this trek an unforgettable experience.
Without a doubt, the Fitz Roy Trek deserves its place among the best trails in the world, enchanting travelers seeking epic landscapes and direct contact with Patagonian nature.
12. GR 20 – The Most Challenging Trail in Corsica
Location: Corsica Island, Southern France
Distance: 180 km
Duration: 12 to 16 days
Difficulty: Challenging
The GR 20 is considered one of the most difficult and beautiful trails in Europe. Cutting across the island of Corsica from north to south, it blends wild mountains, charming villages, and the turquoise blue sea of the Mediterranean. Every step demands attention: you need to climb small walls, cross narrow ridges, and balance on uneven rocks.
The unpredictable weather adds to the challenge: sunny mornings can turn into quick storms.
Therefore, endurance, physical preparation, and heightened attention are essential. The trail is long, taking up to 16 days to complete the entire route, but mountain refuges help on the journey, offering shelter, water, and simple meals.
It’s an experience of pure overcoming and connection with nature, solidifying the GR 20 among the best trails in the world.
13. Cerro Chirripó – The Most Famous Trail in Costa Rica
Location: Chirripó National Park, Costa Rica
Distance: 24 km
Duration: 2 to 3 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Cerro Chirripó is the highest mountain in Costa Rica, at 3,820 meters above sea level, and its trail is considered one of the most spectacular treks in Central America.
Beyond the altitude, the hike offers a unique experience, passing through different ecosystems, from tropical forests to alpine páramos, with incredible climatic changes and views at every step.
The hike is long and requires advance booking. Despite this, it offers landscapes ranging from glacial valleys to crystal-clear lakes. Furthermore, on clear days, you have the chance to see the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea simultaneously. It’s a pure and wild experience.
14. The Way of St. James – A Journey That Transforms
Location: Spain, Portugal, and France
Distance: 50 to 800 km (varies by route)
Duration: 10 to 35 days
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
The Camino de Santiago is much more than a famous trail. It’s an experience that combines spirituality, culture, and rural landscapes at a pace that invites you to contemplate each step. Along the routes, you cross medieval villages, vineyards, and mountains, encountering travelers from all over the world and discovering unique stories.
The routine is simple: wake up, pack your backpack, and go. Over time, the body adapts, and the walk becomes almost meditative. Yellow arrows indicate the way, and hostels offer rest, meals, and the chance to exchange experiences. The best times to walk the Camino are spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant.
It’s a trail that transforms you, teaching you about overcoming challenges, patience, and connection with the world.
15. Haute Route des Caminhantes – France and Switzerland
Location: France and Switzerland
Distance: 200 km
Duration: 14 days
Difficulty: Challenging
The summer Haute Route is one of the most iconic treks in the Alps. Starting in Chamonix and ending in Zermatt, you traverse breathtaking landscapes, rocky peaks, and postcard-worthy alpine meadows. Each stage demands physical conditioning, as there are long stretches of ascent and challenging crossings.
The infrastructure along the route facilitates the journey, with hotels and mountain refuges. Even so, walking more than 14,000 meters of total elevation gain is a test of endurance. The direct contact with the grandeur of the Alps makes this trail a complete immersion experience and consolidates the Haute Route among the best trails in the world.
16. The Great Ocean Walk – Australia's Most Dramatic Coastline
Location: Victoria, Australia
Distance: 110 km
Duration: 8 days
Difficulty: Challenging
The Great Ocean Walk follows the southern coast of Victoria, passing impressive cliffs, deserted beaches, and dense forests. It’s the walking version of the famous Great Ocean Road, but even quieter and more immersive. The route connects Great Otway National Park to the Twelve Apostles, revealing unique and diverse landscapes.
Each day brings surprises: breathtaking viewpoints, sandy trails, stretches of temperate forest, and the feeling of walking alone in a cinematic setting. The Great Ocean Walk demands physical preparation, but rewards with a deep connection to nature and unforgettable adventure, guaranteeing its place among the best trails in the world.
17. Tongariro Alpine Crossing – An Incredible Volcanic Trek
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Distance: 20 km
Duration: 1 day
Difficulty: Moderate
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a one-day trek that traverses surreal and beautiful volcanic landscapes. In Tongariro National Park, you’ll pass through mountains like Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu, sacred regions for the Maori and symbols of adventure in New Zealand.
Although short, the route is intense. Steep climbs, strong winds, and rapid weather changes challenge body and mind. Each step offers views of craters, vibrant lakes, and unique rock formations.
The experience is intense, transformative, and leaves a lasting memory, solidifying the Tongariro Alpine Crossing among the best trails in the world.
18. Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim – Arizona's Most Remarkable Crossing
Location: Arizona, United States
Distance: 40 km
Duration: 3 days
Difficulty: Moderate
The Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim is a trail that blends physical exertion and pure emotion. It traverses the Grand Canyon from rim to rim, from the North Rim to the South Rim, revealing impressive changes in color, texture, and temperature.
The route begins with expansive and silent views at the North Rim. It continues down through narrow canyons and cinematic scenery until reaching the banks of the Colorado River near Phantom Ranch.
The final ascent via the Bright Angel Trail requires patience, but is rewarded with unforgettable panoramas. Hiking the entire route is a remarkable achievement and places this trek among the best trails in the world.
19. Half Dome – Yosemite's Most Iconic Trail
Location: California, United States
Distance: 26 km
Duration: 1 day
Difficulty: Challenging
Half Dome is a one-day trek that challenges both body and mind. Located in Yosemite Valley, the trail combines forests, waterfalls, and the final ascent via the famous cables leading to the top of the nearly 700-meter granite dome.
The route includes steps, wet rocks, and wind-exposed sections. The Mist Trail takes you past waterfalls, while quiet woods and expansive landscapes prepare you for the final climb.
Reaching the summit offers 360-degree views of the valley and the Sierra Nevada, making the experience memorable. Half Dome is undoubtedly one of the best trails in the world for those seeking challenges and breathtaking scenery.
20. West Coast Trail – The Wildest Trek in British Columbia
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Distance: 75 km
Duration: 6 to 8 days
Difficulty: Challenging
The West Coast Trail is intense, wet, and absolutely unforgettable. The trail follows the west coast of Vancouver Island, crossing temperate forests, deserted beaches, suspension bridges, and rivers.
The route requires preparation, as enormous stairs, technical crossings, and heavy backpacks are just part of the challenge. Despite this, the trail is well-marked and managed by Parks Canada, ensuring safety.
The contact with wildlife—seals, whales, eagles, and even bears—makes the experience even more incredible. The West Coast Trail combines physical difficulty and visual reward, establishing itself among the best trails in the world.
21. Skyline Trail – The Alpine Classic of Jasper National Park
Location: Alberta, Canada
Distance: 44 km
Duration: 3 to 4 days
Difficulty: Challenging
The Skyline Trail traverses Jasper National Park and offers long stretches above the tree line, with panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, glacial valleys, and endless peaks.
The trail begins in dense forests but soon opens up to wide horizons. The section called The Notch is demanding but rewards with breathtaking scenery. Hiking through the rounded peaks and final valleys provides silence, wind, and a sense of accomplishment.
It’s a trail that blends challenge, beauty, and a deep connection with nature. This guarantees its place among the best trails in the world.
Conclusion – Why These Trails Are Unforgettable
All these trails require physical preparation and determination, but they offer unique experiences of adventure, beauty, and total immersion in nature. They challenge limits, allow for personal reflection, and provide an unparalleled sense of freedom.
By hiking for several days in a row, many discover new perspectives on themselves, their choices, and priorities. Each journey brings learning, overcoming challenges, and memories that last a lifetime.
Planning your next adventure on any of these trails means investing in transformative experiences, connecting with the natural world, and creating moments that truly mark your life.
