10 Best Trekking Itineraries in 2022-2023

Follow in the footsteps of the Inca on this classic 10-day Inca Trail Trek. Acclimatize for three days as you explore Inca ruins and bargain at busy Andean markets in Cusco and the Sacred Valley before embarking on the 4-day 25 mile (40km) trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Spend a full day-and-a-half in the ruins of Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco on the train.

Classic W Trek

Torres del Paine Trek
8 Days from $1,604

Experience the world's ultimate hiking adventure trekking the W Trek in Torres del Paine, Chile. 6 of the 8 days are spent trekking the Paso Los Cuernos trail towards Refugio Los Cuernos and down into the French Valley. Experience panoramic views of Grey Glacier, witness the gigantic spires of El Paine, and enjoy a stay at EcoCamp.

Ultimate Patagonia Trekking

14 Days from $4,930

A complete hiking and trekking adventure that combines the best of both Argentine and Chilean Patagonia travel! This two-week journey pairs our Argentina Glacier Adventure itinerary with the Classic W Trek trip, for those hearty hikers in search of southern South America's breathtaking backcountry scenery.

Mt Kilimanjaro Lemosho Climb

11 Days from $5,939

Considered one of the most scenic trails on Kilimanjaro, the new Lemosho Route offers hikers a panoramic ascent to the summit from the west eventually joining with the highly scenic Machame Route. It is a little-used and more adventurous route for those who are more experienced and want to spend 8 days on the mountain.

Alaska Backcountry Adventure

7 Days from $4,082

This week-long Alaska trip is perfect for the avid hiker who wants a flexible, exclusive and remote hiking experience in the alpine magic-land they've seen in photos. Take a bush plane into the vast wilderness with your private guide and set up camp from which to explore and hike each day as you adventure into the tundra.

Tianmenshan National Park in Hunan Province

Hiking Enchanted China

10 Days from $4,047

Spend 10 days trekking through Guizhou, one of the most diverse provinces in China. Along the way you'll meet locals and learn about their unique culture, customs, and history as your travel through the region. Enjoy rich cultural connections and breathtaking landscapes! View Qinglong Cave Temple & explore Fenghuang Ancient Town's bridges.

Borneo's Peak: Mount Kinabalu Climb

3 Days from $1,037

Conquer Borneo and Malaysia's greatest peak, Mount Kinabalu! Trek with your naturalist guide through Kinabalu National Park, one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During your hike, search for the world's biggest flower, pitcher plant, and moth - all found on Mount Kinabalu!

Grand National Parks: Las Vegas to LA

10 Days from $3,780

Tour the Utah and Arizona deserts as well as the city's bright lights on this 10-day trip from Vegas to LA. Hike in Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley Tribal Park, Horseshoe Bend, and Joshua Tree National Parks.

Hiking the Canadian Rockies

8 Days from $2,225

From Jasper National Park to Banff and Yoho National Parks, this 8-day trekking tour takes you through breathtaking vistas that only the most adventurous traveler could hope to see firsthand. For your safety and comfort, all hikes are led by a certified guide.

Top Trekking Destinations in the World

Every traveler has their own take on the best trek in the world, from winding cross-country trails to challenging peaks that will test your limits. The possibilities are endless, as long as you know where to look—and luckily, we do!

Central and South America
The Americas is an exceptional place to start, with untamed Patagonia stretching from Chile to Argentina. Hiking through the pristine wilderness of this region will take you through gigantic glaciers, snow-capped peaks, granite crags, turquoise lakes, towering waterfalls, and vast open spaces. Another one of the best trekking destinations in the continent is Peru, with the world’s longest mountain range (Andes) running through the country. After hitting the UNESCO World Heritage Site Machu Picchu, the mountains making up the Cordillera Blanca are a marvel to explore.

North America
North America also has its share of gems, with the United States featuring a stunning variety of landscapes and national parks. Alaska is home to the majestic Denali, while the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is a geological marvel that’s the perfect setting for a trekking tour. Meanwhile, backpackers seeking an extended tour of America can set off on renowned long-distance trails like the Appalachian and the Pacific Crest.

Asia
On the other side of the world is Nepal, home to the world’s tallest mountain range on the planet: the Himalayas. A trek to the Everest Base Camp is a staple in any adventurer’s bucket list, with the ancient walking trails passing through Buddhist monasteries and breathtaking glacial vistas. If you prefer the tropical side of Asia, hiking in Borneo will put you in the heart of untouched rainforests teeming with wildlife.

Europe
In Europe, France is a tremendous place for adventure trekking. Despite being known more for Paris, food and wine, and cultural delights, the country boasts some of the best trails in the world. It’s home to endless opportunities for treks, from the snowy peaks of the French Alps to gentle walking trails through the pretty countryside. Those who prefer polar destinations won’t go wrong with Iceland. Known as the “Land of Fire and Ice,” the European country features a phenomenal mix of icy glaciers and rumbling volcanoes—a unique and diverse landscape that makes for a unique trekking excursion.

Overwhelmed? That’s what we’re here for. Below, we’ve outlined a variety of hiking and trekking vacations around the world where you can disconnect from the crowds and reconnect with nature. Let us know when you’re ready and our Adventure Life travel experts will start planning your dream getaway.

Trekking Destinations

Best Treks in Central and South America in 2022-2023

Ultimate Patagonia Trekking

14 Days from $4,930

Trekking Copper Canyon

10 Days from $5,841

This active 10-day itinerary treks through Copper Canyon's upper rims and descends into the tropical canyons below. Stop at local villages along the way to see schools, churches and the local communities. Trekking Copper Canyon is ideal for travelers looking to explore the remote areas of Mexico abounding with wildlife.

Santa Valley (Callejón de Huaylas). Near Huaraz

Cordillera Blanca Trek

10 Days from $2,596

On this tour we trek high into the Andes, the world's second largest mountain range. Spend a few free days in Huaraz before setting out on a 5 day hike into the breathtaking Cordillera Blanca. Our journey will take you through vastly changing landscapes including forests, prairies, and ice cold glacial lakes.

A spectacular view of Chapada Diamantina National Park

Trekking Chapada Diamantina

6 Days from $1,991

This active itinerary takes you up mountain peaks, down through valleys, and into local villages. Spend 4 days trekking through Brazil's former diamond capital, Chapada Diamantina, to experience it all first-hand! Witness breathtaking views around each corner!

Choro Trek

3 Days from $726

Extend your trip in Bolivia with the country's most popular trek. The Choro Trek links the high plateau of the Andes with the subtropical lowlands. Hike through a landscape of glaciers and pristine waterfalls on ancient cobbled stone trails built before the Incas.

Cotopaxi Trekking

7 Days from $1,835

Experience Cotopaxi National Park in a unique way as you trek the ancient roads of the Inca. The full day hikes will take you past Inca sites and offer stunning views of Cotopaxi volcano. During your five days of hiking you'll split your evenings between campsites and classic Haciendas.

Atacama Desert Trek

7 Days from $1,652

Venture into the Atacama Desert! This 7-day tour includes flexible Chile itineraries that explore this unique region, including a visit to the Valley of the Moon and the El Tatio geysers. Evenings are spent at the renowned Terrantai Lodge in San Pedro de Atacama.

Cordillera Real Trekking

9 Days from $1,619

Enjoy a remote 5-day Bolivia trekking adventure on this expedition in the Cordillera Real, in the majestic Andes Mountains. This trek features remarkable views of glacier-clad peaks and high altitude lakes. You'll visit La Paz, Moon Valley, and the Tihuanaco ruins as well. Enjoy camping, horseback riding, and market visits too!

Inca Trail Express

5 Days from $1,532

This 5-day trip spends 4 days hiking the Inca Trail then visits Machu Picchu for a full day exploring the ruins. Hike with expert guides and enjoy deluxe camping to assure the best possible experience. Travelers are required to spend a minimum of two nights at high altitude before the trek, usually in Cusco, Sacred Valley, or Lake Titicaca.

Torres del Paine Short W Trek

Torres del Paine Trek
5 Days from $1,039

Hike & Trek the best of Patagonia in Chile's Torres del Paine National Park on this abbreviated W-Trek adventure tour. Spend five days hiking in the backcountry exploring one of the world's most spectacular parks and spotting enormous glaciers, turquoise lakes, and verdant temperate rainforests. One of the world's premier hiking trips!

4 Best Polar Treks for 2022-2023

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Iceland Trek \| Landmannalaugar to þórsmörk	$2066	7	Jun 2, 2022	Trek the Laugavegar Trail from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork on this 7-day hut-to-hut trekking tour in Iceland. This remarkable landscape has caused … 0
Northern Lights Adventure	$2898	6	Sep 29, 2022	Witness the Northern Lights on this 6-day Arctic tour from Ilulissat to Kangerlussuaq. This excursion takes you to different parts of this … 0
East Fjords Trek	$1687	7	Jun 30, 2022	Spend five full days trekking the remote Víknaslóðir Trail along the East Fjords. This East Iceland hiking tour takes you between stunning … 0
East Vatnajökull Trek	$1440	7	Jun 30, 2022	Hike in one of the most remote areas on this 4-day Iceland trekking adventure in East Vatnajökull National Park. Trek the Snæfell to Lónsöræfi … 0

10 Best Treks in Asia & Africa for 2022-2023

Mt Kilimanjaro Lemosho Climb

11 Days from $5,939

Mt Kilimanjaro Machame Climb

10 Days from $4,711

This ultimate 10-day trek and climb takes you up legendary Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. Starting at Moshi, Tanzania, acclimate and warm up by trekking or mountain biking before making your way up the mountain from camp to camp arriving to the summit at 19,341 ft. (5,895m).

Mt Kilimanjaro Rongai Climb

9 Days from $4,498

For decades, adventurers and avid trekkers have looked to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak and a formidable trek. Today, hikers can choose from several routes to reach the summit, and the Rongai Climb is considered to be the quietest, most peaceful route. Experience solitude on the roof of Africa!

Myanmar Multisport

11 Days from $2,413

This 11-day adventure tour of Myanmar visits Yangon, Bagan, and spends two full days trekking in the Shan State region. From cultural encounters & wildlife spotting to breathtaking landscapes make this the ideal Myanmar tour for the active traveler. You'll paddle Inle Lake and experience the Elephant Conservation Project and the Pindaya Caves.

Sapa Valley Hike & Bike

3 Days from $735

Travel to the hills of the Sapa Valley region for some trekking and exploration of the Hmong and Red Dao villages of Vietnam on this 3-day extension tour at Topas Ecolodge. As you learn about the cultural diversity, trekking in Sapa offers not only breathtaking scenery, but also a unique cultural encounter unlike any other in Vietnam.

Discover Eternal Japan

Discover Eternal Japan
15 Days from $9,375

Fly to Otaru to commence your 15-day expedition cruise to Japan's medieval castles and temples, magical gardens, beautiful landscapes, and strong cultural history. Embark on the Heritage Adventurer, and enjoy stops in the picturesque ports of Hakodate, Noshiro, Sado Island, Kanazawa, Uwajima, and Hiroshima.

Hiking Enchanted China

10 Days from $4,047

Discover Bhutan

7 Days from $2,415

This 7-day tour takes you to Bhutan, a magical Himalayan kingdom between Tibet and India. Tour Buddhist temples and monasteries where many sculptures illustrate Buddhism's monastic life philosophy, which is still practiced throughout Asia, and experience Bhutanese hospitality and tradition with a home-cooked meal at a rustic farm house.

Borneo Hiking & Wildlife Adventure

7 Days from $2,141

This 7-day Borneo adventure takes you to the highest peak in Malaysia - Mt. Kinabalu - before heading to the Sukau Rainforest Lodge on the banks of the Kinabatangan River where you'll find pygmy elephants, orangutans, and proboscis monkeys.

Great Wall Trek

4 Days from $1,317

This challenging 4-day tour of the Great Wall takes a closer look at Gubeikou, Jinshanling, Jiankou, and Huanghuacheng. You will even see the ancient Ming Tombs. It serves as an excellent extension to other China tours, like Beijing trips or expeditions in Tibet.

5 Top USA Hiking Tours for 2022-2023

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Alaska Backcountry Adventure	$4082	7	Jun 2, 2022	This week-long Alaska trip is perfect for the avid hiker who wants a flexible, exclusive and remote hiking experience in the alpine magic-land …
Grand National Parks: Las Vegas to LA	$3780	10	Jun 2, 2022	Tour the Utah and Arizona deserts as well as the city's bright lights on this 10-day trip from Vegas to LA. Hike in Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument …
Hiking in Yosemite National Park	$2095	6	Jun 2, 2022	Escape the crowds with an itinerary that shows you the best of Yosemite National Park while avoiding the busiest places. Start with a simple hike and …
Best of Montana	$2440	6	Jun 2, 2022	This exclusive 6-day adventure from Bozeman to Missoula takes you across mountains, rivers, glaciers, and lakes. The Blackfeet Native American …
Hiking in Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Park	$1945	5	Jun 2, 2022	Explore Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks on foot with your experienced guides. Hike the Lost Oasis Trail in Joshua Tree National Park, …

Trekking Itinerary Travel Guide

What to expect on a Trekking Expedition with Adventure Life
Many of our itineraries offer hiking as an optional activity, but on these trekking expeditions, it is at the heart of the experience.

PLEASE NOTE: While none of our trekking itineraries are exclusively for veteran climbers or hikers, you must be in good physical condition for the pace of the trip. Many of these itineraries cover well over 5 miles (8 kilometers) of ground daily — often over rugged terrain.

If you're up for the challenge and you want to be truly one with nature on your adventure, then these experiences may be just what you need:

A hiking-focused itinerary: Every day will feature hiking as the main activity. You may have opportunities to explore cities, towns, and archaeological sites that you come across or do any number of side activities, but hiking really is the focus of these trips.
Camping opportunities: Our trek tours offer a mix of lodges and camps along the way, but we promise that even the camps along the trail are very comfortable.
Excellent guides: A guide is the core of a trek, and a good guide can make all the difference. That's why we make sure that the guides our tour operators feature are expert hikers, prepared to help with anything that might happen along the way, and also among the most knowledgeable so that you gain knowledge and deeper appreciation of the magical destinations that you're hiking!
Classic treks: From Machu Picchu in the Inca's Sacred Valley to Africa's untamed Mt. Kilimanjaro to the Great Wall, we have trekking adventure tours in all corners of the world to let you experience the renowned natural and human wonders of the world.
Lesser-known trails: We've also worked with our operators to offer expeditions that visit the lesser-known routes of popular destinations.

Hiking to Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail

Hiking the Inca Trail

Get a better idea of the adventure ahead with this day-by-day description of the Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu. The history, ancient sites, wildlife, and culture experienced along the Inca Trail make it popular among travelers. With so much to see along the way, this active method of exploring Peru provides a travel experience of a lifetime!

Choosing a Trekking Destination

Best Trekking Destination for Beginners: Mt. Kinabalu
Best Hiking Trail for History and Culture: Inca Trail
Best Mountain to Climb on a Wildlife Safari: Kilimanjaro
Most Photogenic Trekking Destination: Torres del Paine Circuit in Patagonia
Best Chance to See the Northern Lights: Iceland
Best Geological Wonder: Grand Canyon
Best Bucket List Destination: Everest Base Camp

Patagonia Lowdown: Low Elevation South America Treks

Want to go hiking or trekking in South America but are scared away by the high altitudes of the towering Andes mountains? Then Patagonia may be the perfect spot for your next hiking trip as here you can access incredible Andean landscapes at near sea level.

Tips for a great trek

Travel light. It may not feel like anything now, but you’ll feel the weight of every extra gram a few hours into your climb. Bring only the essentials.
Train. If you’re a beginner, training can be as simple as gentle walks, quick runs, and even easy hikes. Perhaps take the stairs at work? The key is getting the body used to a little exertion.
Wear the right shoes. Trust us, shoes can make or break the experience of a great trek. Some like hiking boots, while others prefer trekking trainers that are light and quick-drying. Try a couple at the store to see which one’s more comfortable to you. And remember, break it in before your trek!
Track the weather. Always check the forecast before hitting the trail. In fact, check the weather repeatedly, including a few hours before your trek.
Pace yourself. This isn’t a race, so resist the temptation to power forward with everything you’ve got, especially in the beginning. Find a slow but steady pace to make sure you have enough energy to make the final ascent.

Cold weather trekking

Layering: Stay warm and gear up with a base layer (moisture-wicking underwear), a mid-layer (insulation), and an outer layer (shell protection from wind and rain).
Protect your skin: Make sure every part of your body is covered, including your hands, feet, ears, nose, and cheeks. Goggles can help protect your eyes from the harsh wind and potential rain.
Hand and toe warmers: Pack warm packets for extra heat in your extremities on trekking adventures.
Fuel up: You may feel less hungry or thirsty when it’s cold, but eating and drinking are just as important. Pack snacks that don’t freeze easily, like chocolate and nuts.
Stay alert for cold-weather injuries like frostbite and hypothermia. Know the signs, like coldness, tingling, and pain for frostbite or shivering and mental deterioration for hypothermia.

Peru Travel: Great Alternative Treks to the Classic Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is not the only extraordinary trekking opportunity in Peru! That is a good thing as passes fill up months in advanced. There are actually a number of excellent alternatives, and they have the advantage of being less known, and less crowded... Salcantay, Cacchicata, & Cordillera Blanca are just a few of these Peru treks.

Share good food and conversation with your fellow travelers on the Inca Trail during your Peru trip

A Sample Menu from our Inca Trail Treks in Peru

The Inca Trail offers a hardy hike. Therefore, your appetite is sure to be the same! The quality of food that you will enjoy along this trek is impressive given the fact that it is all transported by your porters. This article gives you an idea of what you can expect to eat along your journey, including a sample menu.

Hiking in Chile

Discover the benefits of touring Chile and Patagonia by foot! Find intimate contact with local environments and cultures.

Hikes at Machu Picchu: Should I Hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu are two of the best places to get a bird's eye view of the magnificent ruins, but which hike is best? Deciding which trail is right for you depends on how much you enjoy physical activity and heights, as well as avoiding crowds.

Trekking FAQs

I’m a beginner. Can I join a trekking tour?

Yes. A first-timer may be more suited to relaxed tours in gentle slopes than scaling the Seven Summits. If you’re ready to get out there, day-long trips and treks are a good place to start. Contact our Adventure Life travel experts to learn more about the ideal trekking trips for beginners.

Do I really need a trekking guide?

Most of the time, yes. Guided treks guarantee a safe and convenient experience, which is especially important in remote places. Expert guides not only promise a smooth-sailing tour, but they can also offer insider knowledge and interesting tidbits about the destination you’re visiting.

What do I need to bring on a trekking vacation?

Comfortable clothes and shoes are important for a successful expedition. Avoid cotton and denim as they absorb water and sweat, while moisture-wicking clothing and multiple layers are recommended (depending on the weather). A rain jacket and a warm jacket are essential, as well as a wide-brimmed hat as protection from the sun. Other must-haves include trekking poles, food and water, and a first-aid kit.

Should I be concerned about the altitude?

Don’t worry, our partners and operators ensured that all treks are designed to allow for the proper acclimatization while climbing new heights. Mild headaches or light-headedness is possible in the beginning, but hydration, rest, and a slow ascent will help ease the symptoms.

Where will we sleep?

Accommodations during trekking trips range from hotels to lodges to camping facilities. Rest assured that all accommodations are safe and comfortable for travelers.

Where can I get more information?

Please do not hesitate to reach out to our Adventure Life travel experts for more information on trekking tours and destinations.

Traveler Favorites

View All Destinations

How Can I Help?

We Make Travel Easy

Plan My Trip