Hiking can be a rewarding way to connect with nature and experience breathtaking views. Not only are the benefits of hiking plentiful (it strengthens our bones and lowers risk of heart disease), walking in nature also immensely improves our mood and mindset.
Hiking can be as low impact or challenging as you want it to be. You don’t always need to take on the most grueling trek in order to reach scenic views.
In this guide, we’ll take you on a virtual journey through eight awe-inspiring hikes that are worth every step. From rugged mountain peaks to serene coastal cliffs, these hikes promise to leave you in awe of the beauty of our natural world.
Here are eight views around the world that are definitely worth the hike:
- Quilotoa Lagoon – Andes Mountains, Ecuador
At nearly 13,000 feet (3,962 meters) in altitude, Ecuador’s Quilotoa Loop is one of the most challenging treks in South America — but offers a number of different hike options for travelers. This place is one of the most breathtaking places that you’ve ever visited.
Two things to note about hiking the Quilotoa Lagoon:
– This is a not your average trail, as you journey into the lagoon and have to trek back out
– Due to the soft volcanic sand and high altitude, the trek out is extremely challenging
Despite being out of hiking shape, wearing uncomfortable hiking shoes, and not having yet acclimated to the altitude. The hike took about 5 hours roundtrip, and there was a hot meal awaiting us at the onsite restaurant upon return.
- Angel’s Landing, Zion National Park, Utah (USA)
At just over 5 miles round trip, the hike to Angel’s Landing may be short, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Ascend steep switchbacks, clinging to chains bolted into the rock, until you reach the iconic lookout.
The reward? A panoramic view of Zion Canyon, with the Virgin River snaking through the red rock formations below.
- Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, Peru
The Inca Trail is a journey through history as well as nature. This 26-mile trek takes you through lush cloud forests, ancient ruins, and breathtaking mountain passes, culminating in the awe-inspiring view of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The moment you glimpse the sun rising over these ancient stones is a memory to cherish forever.
Machu Picchu is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. Visitors from all over the globe come to experience its historical and natural significance. Access to the site is regulated to protect its preservation, and visitors usually reach Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, by train, or on foot from the nearby town of Aguas Calientes.
- Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile
Chilean Patagonia is home to diverse and unique wildlife. In Torres del Paine National Park, you can spot guanacos (a relative of the llama), foxes, condors, and the elusive puma. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with numerous bird species, including the Andean condor, black-chested buzzard-eagle, and the Chilean flamingo.
- Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal
If you dream of standing in the shadow of the world’s tallest mountain, the trek to Everest Base Camp is a must-do. Along this iconic route, you’ll pass through charming Sherpa villages, see colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and finally arrive at the base camp, where you can gaze upon the majestic Mount Everest.
- Cinque Terre, Italy
The Cinque Terre is a collection of five charming seaside villages perched on the cliffs of the Italian Riviera. A hike through the winding paths connecting these villages offers dramatic coastal views, vibrant Mediterranean landscapes, and a sense of timeless beauty that’s unmatched anywhere else in Italy.
- The Great Wall of China, Jinshanling Section, China
Walking along the Great Wall of China is like taking a journey through history. The Jinshanling section offers a challenging but rewarding hike, with picturesque towers, snaking wall segments, and breathtaking vistas of the Chinese countryside.
- The Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland
Nestled in the Swiss Alps, the Lauterbrunnen Valley is a hiker’s paradise. Explore the network of trails that lead to waterfalls, emerald-green lakes, and stunning alpine vistas. The hike to Mürren, perched on the edge of a cliff, offers some of the most incredible mountain views in the world.
Hiking is not just a physical activity. It’s an immersive experience that allows you to connect with nature and revel in breathtaking vistas. Some trails, however, offer views so spectacular that they make the sweat and sore muscles well worth it. In this guide, we’ll take you on a virtual journey through eight awe-inspiring hikes that are worth every step. From rugged mountain peaks to serene coastal cliffs, these hikes promise to leave you in awe of the beauty of our natural world.
These eight hikes are just a glimpse of the world’s natural wonders accessible to those willing to put in the effort. From the depths of canyons to the heights of mountains, each hike presents a unique and unforgettable experience. So lace up your hiking boots, grab your backpack, and embark on a journey to discover the awe-inspiring beauty our planet has to offer. The views at the end of each of these hikes will remind you why hiking is one of the most rewarding adventures a traveler can undertake.
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