The 10 Best Hikes in the World (2025 Guide): Top Hiking Trails, Spots & Mountain Adventures

If you’re looking for the best hikes in the world, you’ll find yourself drawn to mountain peaks, cultural pilgrimages, and scenic coastal paths that leave lasting memories. Around the globe, there are countless hiking trails that combine nature and history, each offering a unique way to experience the world on foot. From the snow-capped Himalayas to the turquoise coasts of the Mediterranean, here are the 10 best hikes in the world that every adventurer should explore.

1. Inca Trail, Peru

• Length: ~42 km (26 miles)
• Duration: 4 days
• Best Time: May – September
• Difficulty: Moderate (altitude can be tough)

The Inca Trail is one of the most famous hiking trails in the world, taking you through ancient ruins, cloud forests, and breathtaking Andean landscapes. Over the course of four days, you follow the same paths once used by the Inca, gradually climbing toward the mystical city of Machu Picchu. Each bend reveals stone stairways, terraced mountainsides, and dramatic views that remind you of the trail’s timeless significance.

This journey isn’t just about reaching the destination—it’s about the experiences along the way. Campsites sit beneath starlit skies, and the anticipation builds as you approach the Sun Gate. Arriving at Machu Picchu on foot makes the moment unforgettable, a reward that combines history and nature in one of the best hiking trips in the world.

2. Camino de Santiago, Spain

• Length: 100–800 km depending on the route
• Duration: 1–5 weeks
• Best Time: April – October
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Walking the Camino de Santiago is as much a cultural journey as it is a hike. For centuries, pilgrims have followed these routes across northern Spain, traveling through rolling hills, stone villages, and historic towns on their way to Santiago de Compostela. The diversity of landscapes and the rhythm of daily walking create a meditative flow that draws travelers from all over the world.

Beyond the landscapes, what makes the Camino special is its sense of community. Hikers from every corner of the globe share meals, stories, and encouragement. Whether you walk a shorter section or the full 800 kilometers, the Camino invites you to reflect, connect, and celebrate the journey itself. It’s one of the best hiking spots in the world for both personal discovery and cultural immersion.

3. Lycian Way, Turkey

• Length: ~540 km (335 miles)
• Duration: 25–30 days (or shorter sections)
• Best Time: March–May, September–November
• Difficulty: Moderate

The Lycian Way stretches more than 500 kilometers along Turkey’s southern coast, weaving together mountain paths, ancient ruins, and endless sea views. You may start your day climbing through pine forests, only to descend into a village filled with traditional houses or end at a secluded beach. The trail reflects thousands of years of history, with Lycian tombs and Roman amphitheaters waiting around quiet bends.

This is not only one of the best places to hike in the world, but also one of the most versatile. You can hike short sections or commit to the full trail, each offering a mix of natural and cultural highlights. With us, you can explore the Lycian Way on a guided adventure or at your own pace with a self-guided plan. 👉 Discover the Lycian Way with us and create your own Mediterranean journey. If you’re planning your next adventure, don’t overlook Turkey’s Lycian Way—one of the best places to hike in the world, where ancient history meets Mediterranean landscapes.

For detailed information about what you can see in Lycian Way, you can visit our blog page and read our other content.

4. Torres del Paine “W Trek,” Chile

• Length: ~80 km (50 miles)
• Duration: 4–5 days
• Best Time: November – March
• Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Patagonia’s W Trek is a dramatic adventure through Torres del Paine National Park. Over several days, you’ll witness glaciers, turquoise lakes, and the towering granite peaks that give the park its name. The landscapes are ever-changing, from windswept plains to narrow valleys where waterfalls crash against the rocks.

Hiking here feels raw and untamed, with weather that shifts from sunshine to sudden storms in moments. Each campsite offers a front-row seat to one of the most iconic wilderness areas in the Southern Hemisphere. For many, the W Trek is among the best mountain hikes in the world, delivering a sense of scale and wonder that stays with you long after the trail ends.

5. Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal

• Length: ~130 km round trip
• Duration: 12–14 days
• Best Time: March–May, October–November
• Difficulty: Hard (altitude challenges)

Few adventures compare to the journey toward Everest Base Camp. The trail winds through Sherpa villages, across high suspension bridges, and gradually climbs into the thin air of the Himalayas. Snow-capped peaks surround you from the moment you begin, building anticipation for the day you stand at the foot of the world’s tallest mountain.

This trek is both a physical and cultural experience. Along the way, you share paths with yaks, visit monasteries where prayer flags wave in the wind, and connect with the resilient Sherpa people. It’s not just one of the best hiking trails in the world—it’s a pilgrimage into the heart of the planet’s highest mountains.

6. Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), USA

• Length: 4,265 km (2,650 miles)
• Duration: 4–6 months (thru-hike)
• Best Time: April – October
• Difficulty: Very Hard

The Pacific Crest Trail is an epic, long-distance hike stretching from Mexico to Canada across the western United States. Covering deserts, forests, and alpine passes, it spans 4,265 kilometers and can take months to complete. Even walking a single section offers an incredible window into the diversity of America’s landscapes.

What makes the PCT legendary is its scale and challenge. It’s one of the best multi day hikes in the world, demanding endurance and commitment but rewarding hikers with moments of solitude, wilderness, and achievement. For many, it’s the ultimate dream of living simply on the trail, one step at a time.

7. Milford Track, New Zealand

• Length: ~54 km (33 miles)
• Duration: 4 days
• Best Time: October – April
• Difficulty: Moderate

Often called the “finest walk in the world,” the Milford Track guides you through Fiordland National Park’s lush valleys and waterfalls. The scenery is cinematic: rivers wind through rainforest, alpine passes rise into the clouds, and fjords open dramatically toward the sea.

Every day brings new wonders, from cascading falls to mirror-like lakes. The combination of natural beauty and accessibility makes this trail one of the 10 best hikes in the world. It’s an adventure that captures the essence of New Zealand’s wild landscapes in just four days.

8. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

• Length: 55–90 km depending on route
• Duration: 6–9 days
• Best Time: January–March, June–October
• Difficulty: Hard

Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and one of the most sought-after trekking goals in the world. Unlike technical climbs, Kilimanjaro can be summited by determined hikers, making it a rare chance to stand nearly 6,000 meters above sea level. The journey takes you through several ecosystems, from rainforests to alpine deserts.

Reaching the summit is a test of endurance, especially as the air thins, but sunrise at Uhuru Peak is unforgettable.

9. John Muir Trail, USA

• Length: 338 km (211 miles)
• Duration: 3 weeks
• Best Time: July – September
• Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

California’s John Muir Trail leads through Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks, showcasing the finest scenery of the Sierra Nevada. Granite cliffs, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes define the experience, while towering peaks set the backdrop for every step.

10. West Highland Way, Scotland

• Length: 154 km (96 miles)
• Duration: 6–8 days
• Best Time: May – September
• Difficulty: Moderate

The West Highland Way is Scotland’s classic long-distance trail, stretching nearly 100 miles from the edges of Glasgow into the Highlands. Along the way, you pass Loch Lomond, moors, and dramatic mountain scenery, with paths steeped in Celtic history.

What makes this hike unforgettable is its atmosphere. The rugged landscapes, unpredictable weather, and welcoming villages create a journey that feels both wild and comforting. It’s no wonder it’s counted among the best hiking spots in the world for those seeking a mix of culture and wilderness.

Honorable Mentions (Worth Adding to Your List)

• Great Ocean Walk (Australia): Coastal cliffs and the Twelve Apostles.
• Haute Route (France to Switzerland): Alpine classic linking Mont Blanc and Matterhorn.
• Annapurna Circuit (Nepal): One of the most famous high-altitude treks.
• Overland Track (Tasmania, Australia): Remote wilderness with alpine lakes.
• Drakensberg Grand Traverse (South Africa): A challenging but rewarding African adventure.

The best hikes in the world come in many forms: short cultural walks, epic multi-day hiking trips, and grueling mountain hikes that push you to your limits. Whether you’re drawn to South America’s ruins, Asia’s peaks, or Europe’s coastal paths, these are truly the best hiking trails in the world.

👉 Ready to start your journey? Explore guided and self-guided tours with Go Global Explore today.