Where to Hike Around the World: 8 Countries You Can’t Miss

2. New Zealand

New Zealand is a paradise for hikers, with landscapes ranging from rainforests and alpine peaks to volcanic craters and golden coastlines. The country’s famous Great Walks showcase the very best of this diversity. The Milford Track is world-renowned for its waterfalls, fjords, and glacier-carved valleys, while the Routeburn Track delivers sweeping alpine panoramas across the Southern Alps. For coastal beauty, the Abel Tasman Coast Track winds along turquoise bays and sandy beaches.

On the North Island, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing takes you through an active volcanic zone with emerald lakes and craters. Whether you’re looking for multi-day adventures or short day hikes, New Zealand’s well-maintained trails and stunning scenery make it one of the best hiking destinations in the world.

3. Peru

Peru is best known for the iconic Inca Trail, which ends at the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, but the country has so much more to offer hikers. The Salkantay Trail is a stunning alternative, leading you past glaciers, cloud forests, and remote mountain passes with far fewer crowds. The dramatic Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, offers breathtaking views and the chance to spot condors soaring overhead.

For seasoned trekkers, the Cordillera Huayhuash is a true gem. It is a remote and challenging multi-day circuit through pristine Andean peaks, turquoise lakes, and untouched valleys. Combined with its rich culture and history, Peru delivers hiking experiences that are as rewarding as they are unforgettable.

4. Nepal

Nepal is the ultimate destination for trekking, home to the legendary Himalayas and some of the world’s most spectacular trails. The Everest Base Camp Trek is a classic, bringing you face-to-face with the planet’s highest peak while passing through Sherpa villages and Buddhist monasteries. The Annapurna Circuit is another favorite, offering a diverse journey through snow-covered mountains, valleys, and traditional settlements.

For those seeking a quieter experience, the Langtang Valley trek provides breathtaking alpine scenery within easy reach of Kathmandu, while the Manaslu Circuit offers remote trails with fewer crowds. With its mix of dramatic landscapes, rich culture, and welcoming mountain communities, Nepal delivers trekking experiences that are both challenging and deeply rewarding.

5. Norway

6. Iceland

Hiking in Iceland feels like exploring another world. The famous Laugavegur Trail takes several days and leads you through colorful mountains, lava fields, hot springs, and black sand deserts, all in one hike. If you prefer shorter trips, there are plenty of day hikes that bring you to glaciers, waterfalls, and even volcanoes.

The weather in Iceland can change quickly, which makes every hike feel like an adventure. But with its unique and dramatic landscapes, hiking here is an unforgettable experience that’s worth every step.

7. Patagonia

Patagonia is one of the most wild and beautiful places in the world. On the Chilean side, Torres del Paine National Park is famous for its huge granite towers, bright blue lakes, and glaciers. Across the border in Argentina, Los Glaciares National Park lets you hike close to massive glaciers and see the impressive Fitz Roy mountain.

Whether you want short day hikes or longer multi-day treks, Patagonia offers some of the most dramatic and unforgettable landscapes you can find anywhere on earth.

8. Italy

Italy is a country where culture and nature go hand in hand, making it an amazing place to hike. In the north, the Dolomites are a true highlight, with dramatic limestone peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. Trails range from easy walks to challenging via ferrata routes for the more adventurous.

On the coast, the famous Cinque Terre trails link five colorful villages, with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea along the way. For a gentler experience, Tuscany offers rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves, where you can combine hiking with tasting the region’s world-class food and wine.

Italy also has many beautiful national parks, like Gran Paradiso in the Alps and Abruzzo National Park in central Italy, where you might even spot wildlife. From mountains to coastlines and countryside, hiking in Italy gives you the best of both nature and culture.