#1
Inca Trail (Peru)
May-Sep (dry)
Classic 4-day trek to Machu Picchu. Limited 500 permits/day.
Key fact: Book 6+ months ahead with licensed operator. ~$700-900 per person.
Best for hiking & trekking
Big mountain treks where altitude, weather windows, and permits matter — plus accessible day-hike destinations where you can simply turn up and walk.
Before you book
- Altitude sickness is the #1 risk above 2,500 m — acclimatize for at least 1 day per 1000 m of elevation gain.
- Permits required for many famous treks (Inca Trail, Annapurna, Mount Whitney). Book 3-6 months ahead.
- Mountain weather windows are narrow — Patagonia summer ≠ Alps summer.
- Travel insurance must explicitly cover trekking + altitude evacuation (most standard policies don't).
12 best destinations
#2
Annapurna Circuit (Nepal)
Oct-Nov, Mar-Apr
World's classic teahouse trek. 15-20 days circumnavigating the massif.
Key fact: Annapurna Conservation permit + TIMS card required. $250 for both.
#3
Everest Base Camp (Nepal)
Oct-Nov, Mar-Apr
11-12 day round-trip from Lukla to 5,364m base camp.
Key fact: Doesn't require summiting skills but altitude is real — 20% turn back from sickness.
#4
Torres del Paine (Chile)
Dec-Mar (austral summer)
Patagonia's W-trek or O-circuit. 4-9 days through granite spires.
Key fact: Wind can exceed 100km/h. Book refugios + campsites months ahead.
#5
Tour du Mont Blanc
Jun-Sep
10-11 day circuit through France/Italy/Switzerland. Mountain huts at night.
Key fact: Self-guided possible with maps. Book refuges 3+ months ahead.
#6
GR20 Corsica
Jun-Sep
Europe's toughest long-distance trail. 15-day spine of Corsica.
Key fact: Refuges basic — bring sleeping bag liner. Average 7h/day on rocks.
#7
Kungsleden Sweden
Jul-Aug, late Aug-Sep
Sweden's Arctic Trail. STF mountain huts + boreal forest.
Key fact: 440 km full route; most do 110 km segment Abisko-Kebnekaise.
#8
Salkantay (Peru)
May-Sep
Alternative to Inca Trail. 5 days, no permit cap.
Key fact: Crosses 4,600m pass. ~$300-600 per person for guided trips.
#9
John Muir Trail (USA)
Jul-Sep
340km Sierra Nevada. Mt Whitney finish.
Key fact: Permits ultra-competitive — apply 6 months ahead via Recreation.gov.
#10
Mt Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
Jan-Mar, Jun-Oct
Africa's highest at 5,895m. Multiple routes from 5-9 days.
Key fact: Marangu (huts) vs Machame (camping). $1500-3500 with operator.
#11
Tongariro Crossing (NZ)
Nov-Apr
One-day 'best day hike in the world'. Volcanic crater lakes.
Key fact: Mordor scenery. Shuttle required (no parking at end).
#12
Camino de Santiago (Spain)
Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct
Pilgrimage walks 100-800km. Albergues + cheap dinners along the way.
Key fact: French Way (Camino Francés) most popular. Pilgrim Credential required.