Best Countries for Hiking: Epic Trails, & Costly Mistakes

The first time I attempted the Tour du Mont Blanc, I was that guy with brand new hiking boots that gave me blisters on day one.

By day three, I was hobbling into a Swiss pharmacy, desperately trying to explain “blister” in broken French while pointing at my massacred heels.

That was 2014. Since then, I have hiked across 23 countries on six continents, from the misty trails of New Zealand to the thin air routes of the Annapurna Circuit.

Along the way, I have made every hiking mistake possible so you do not have to.

💡 Tip: No matter how exciting your hiking destination, always break in your boots before the trip. I spent two months walking around my neighborhood looking ridiculous in shorts and hiking boots, but my feet thanked me on the trails.

Why These Countries Top the Hiking Charts

Great hiking destinations share certain qualities that elevate them from merely scenic to truly transformative experiences:

• Trail infrastructure that balances accessibility with wilderness
• Variety of ecosystems within reasonable travel distances
• Cultural experiences along routes, not just natural beauty
• Reliable seasons for planning a successful trip
• Support systems for when things go wrong

Let me walk you through the countries that deliver these elements in spectacular fashion.

1. New Zealand: Middle Earth Magic Is Real

New Zealand tops my personal list, and not just because of Lord of the Rings. The country has perfected the art of trail management with their Great Walks system.

I spent three weeks tackling the Routeburn, Kepler, and Milford tracks, and the experience was transformative. One moment you are walking through dense rainforest dripping with moss, the next you are above treeline with panoramic alpine views that stretch forever.

Best Seasons: November to April, with December to February being peak summer

Signature Trails:

• Milford Track (4 days): Often called the finest walk in the world, this 33.5 mile journey through Fiordland National Park delivers waterfalls, suspension bridges, and the unforgettable Mackinnon Pass.
• Routeburn Track (2-3 days): Crosses two national parks with alpine scenery that seems impossibly perfect.
• Tongariro Alpine Crossing (1 day): Walk across a volcanic wonderland that actually was Mount Doom in the movies.

What Makes It Special: The Department of Conservation’s hut system means you can trek for days without carrying a tent. The huts on Great Walks include cooking facilities, mattresses, and even hot showers on some routes.

Reality Check: New Zealand’s weather is notoriously changeable. I got completely soaked on day two of the Kepler Track when the forecast promised sunshine. The southern island especially can experience four seasons in a single day.

Photography Gold Mine: The view from Harris Saddle on the Routeburn Track gives you mountains, an alpine lake, and distant valleys in one frame. Arrive early morning for the best light.

💡 Tip: Book Great Walks huts 6 months ahead when the reservation system opens. These trails sell out within hours, especially the Milford Track.

2. Nepal: The Ultimate Hiking Pilgrimage

Nepal changed my perspective on hiking. Until my first Himalayan trek, I thought I understood mountains. I was laughably wrong.

The scale of Nepal’s landscapes is humbling. Standing in the Annapurna Sanctuary with 26,000 foot peaks towering above me in a 360 degree amphitheater of snow and ice, I felt perfectly insignificant in the best possible way.

Best Seasons: October to November and March to April (avoid monsoon season from June to September)

Signature Trails:

• Annapurna Circuit (12-18 days): A complete journey around the Annapurna massif, crossing a 17,769 foot pass.
• Everest Base Camp (12-14 days): The classic pilgrimage to the foot of the world’s highest mountain.
• Manaslu Circuit (14-16 days): The less crowded alternative to Annapurna with equally stunning scenery.

What Makes It Special: The teahouse system allows you to trek for weeks carrying only a daypack. Each night, you stay in simple but comfortable lodges run by local families, eating hot meals and sleeping in basic beds.

Reality Check: Altitude sickness is a real danger. I saw multiple trekkers evacuated from the Annapurna Circuit because they ascended too quickly. Take acclimatization days seriously.

Photography Gold Mine: Sunrise from Poon Hill during the Annapurna Circuit, when first light hits Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South, creating an orange glow on the snow peaks.

💡 Tip: Hiring a guide in Nepal is affordable (about $25-30 per day) and creates local employment. My guide Pemba not only kept me on route but taught me about local culture in ways no guidebook could.

3. Switzerland: Where Hiking Meets Luxury

Switzerland ruined other hiking destinations for me with its combination of jaw dropping alpine scenery and remarkable convenience.

Only here can you be standing on a remote mountain pass gazing at glaciers and then, 30 minutes later, sitting in a gourmet restaurant sipping local wine as a cog railway carries you back to your hotel.

Best Seasons: June to September, with July and August being peak season

Signature Trails:

• Tour du Mont Blanc (7-11 days): Circles the Mont Blanc massif through Switzerland, Italy, and France.
• Haute Route (12-14 days): The epic high trail from Chamonix to Zermatt.
• Via Alpina (Various sections): A network of long distance trails crossing the entire Alpine region.

What Makes It Special: Switzerland’s public transportation system connects remote trailheads with precision timing. Missed the last cable car down? There is probably a postal bus that will pick you up at the bottom of the trail.

Reality Check: Switzerland’s perfection comes with a price tag. A simple mountain restaurant lunch can easily cost $30, and hotel rooms in popular areas like Zermatt start around $200 per night.

Photography Gold Mine: The north face of the Eiger from Kleine Scheidegg gives you the classic Swiss alpine photo, especially in early morning light when the mountain glows.

💡 Tip: The Swiss Travel Pass covers most trains, buses, and boats and offers discounts on many mountain lifts. It often pays for itself in just a few days of travel between hiking regions.

4. Peru: Ancient Trails and Living Culture

Peru offers something no other hiking destination can match: trails that connect living indigenous cultures with ancient civilizations, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Andes.

Walking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, I was equally fascinated by the 500 year old stone paths beneath my feet and the Quechua speaking farmers tending terraced fields using techniques passed down for centuries.

Best Seasons: May to September (dry season)

Signature Trails:

• Inca Trail (4 days): The classic route to Machu Picchu, requiring permits booked months in advance.
• Salkantay Trek (5 days): A higher altitude alternative to the Inca Trail with fewer crowds.
• Ausangate Circuit (6 days): A challenging, high altitude loop around one of Peru’s most sacred mountains.

What Makes It Special: The combination of cultural sites and natural beauty is unmatched. You can literally walk from Incan ruins to colonial churches to traditional markets along the same historic routes.

Reality Check: Altitude hits hard in Peru. The Inca Trail reaches 13,828 feet at Dead Woman’s Pass, and many hikers struggle with the thin air. Spending 2-3 days in Cusco (11,152 feet) before your trek is essential.

Photography Gold Mine: The Sun Gate (Intipunku) on the Inca Trail provides the classic first view of Machu Picchu. Arrive early to catch it without crowds.

💡 Tip: Inca Trail permits sell out 6 months in advance. If you miss out, the Salkantay Trek offers equally beautiful scenery and a similar final approach to Machu Picchu without requiring permits.

5. Canada: Wilderness Beyond Imagination

Canada humbled me with its sheer scale. In Jasper National Park, I hiked for three days and saw more bears (four) than people (three). The wilderness feels genuinely wild in a way few accessible places still do.

From the rocky coasts of Newfoundland to the alpenglow on the Canadian Rockies, Canada offers an embarrassment of hiking riches across ecological zones.

Best Seasons: June to September for most trails

Signature Trails:

• West Coast Trail (6-8 days): A challenging coastal route through temperate rainforest in British Columbia.
• Skyline Trail (2-3 days): The premier alpine trail in Jasper National Park.
• East Coast Trail (Various sections): 186 miles of coastal hiking in Newfoundland.

What Makes It Special: Canada’s trail system balances true wilderness with just enough infrastructure to make epic journeys accessible. The country takes trail maintenance seriously, with clear markers and regular updates on trail conditions.

Reality Check: Wildlife is a genuine consideration here. I had to wait 45 minutes on the Skyline Trail while a grizzly bear and her cubs foraged beside the path. Bear spray is not optional in many Canadian hiking regions.

Photography Gold Mine: The view from The Notch on the Skyline Trail provides a panorama across Jasper National Park that seems to stretch to the Arctic.

💡 Tip: Canada’s national parks often require advance reservations for backcountry camping, especially in popular areas like Banff and Jasper. Some permits open in January for the upcoming summer season.

6. Slovenia: Europe’s Hidden Hiking Paradise

Slovenia delivers alpine hiking comparable to Switzerland or Austria but with fewer crowds and at half the price. This compact country packs remarkable diversity into a small area.

I spent two weeks traversing the Julian Alps and was constantly amazed by the accessibility of spectacular scenery. In the morning, I hiked above treeline on limestone karst; by afternoon, I was swimming in the crystal waters of Lake Bled.

Best Seasons: June to September

Signature Trails:

• Juliana Trail (16 stages): A 168 mile route circumnavigating Triglav National Park.
• Slovenian Mountain Trail (28 stages): The country’s oldest long distance path crossing major mountain ranges.
• Soča Trail (1-3 days): Follows the impossibly turquoise Soča River through landscapes that witnessed heavy fighting in WWI.

What Makes It Special: Slovenia’s mountain hut system rivals the Alps, with comfortable refuges serving hearty local food and offering dormitory style accommodations. The country’s small size means you can hike in mountains in the morning and relax by the Mediterranean in the evening.

Reality Check: Summer thunderstorms build quickly in the Julian Alps. I got caught in a lightning storm on an exposed ridge that ranks among my scariest hiking moments ever. Always check weather forecasts and start mountain hikes early.

Photography Gold Mine: Lake Bled with its island church is the classic shot, but for something more unique, capture the morning light on the limestone peaks above Lake Bohinj.

💡 Tip: The Julian Alps Hiking Trail launched in 2019 offers a brilliant circuit of the region with stages ending in villages with accommodation, making logistics simple.

Trail Difficulty Comparison: Know Your Level

💡 Tip: When buying travel insurance for hiking trips, standard policies often exclude activities above 10,000 feet elevation. For high altitude destinations like Peru or Nepal, verify coverage limits or buy specialized mountaineering insurance. Compare suitable hiking policies here.

Trail Safety: Lessons Learned the Hard Way

I once spent a night huddled under a thin emergency blanket on a Norwegian mountain after miscalculating hiking time. That experience taught me harsh lessons about mountain safety.

Essential Safety Tips by Region:

Himalayan Treks (Nepal):

• Altitude sickness prevention is critical: “climb high, sleep low” and ascend no more than 1,600 feet per day above 10,000 feet
• Carry water purification (I use both tablets and a filter for redundancy)
• Get proper travel insurance with helicopter evacuation coverage

Alpine Regions (Switzerland, Slovenia):

• Weather changes rapidly: always carry rainproof layers even on sunny days
• Mountain huts provide emergency shelter but many close outside summer season
• Many trails have exposed sections requiring sure footing

Remote Wilderness (Canada, New Zealand):

• Wildlife precautions: bear safety in Canada, river crossing techniques in New Zealand
• Communication devices are essential: I carry a satellite messenger in remote areas
• Weather windows can close for days in some regions

Tropical and Desert Regions (Peru lowlands, parts of United States):

• Water requirements increase dramatically: 4+ liters daily may be necessary
• Sun protection becomes critical (I learned this with a horrible sunburn on the Inca Trail)
• Flash flood awareness in canyon areas

💡 Tip: The cheapest insurance policy I ever bought saved me $22,000 when I needed evacuation from a remote trail after an ankle injury. Never hike internationally without medical evacuation coverage.

Packing Tips: Gear That Works Everywhere

After hiking on six continents, I have distilled my packing to reliable essentials that perform across environments:

Must Haves for Any Hiking Destination:

• Broken in hiking boots/shoes (I alternate between Salomon mid boots and trail runners depending on terrain)
• Quality rain jacket and pants (even in “dry seasons,” mountain weather is unpredictable)
• Layering system (base layer, insulating layer, shell layer)
• Navigation backup (downloaded maps on phone PLUS paper map or dedicated GPS)
• First aid kit with blister treatment (Compeed blister pads have saved countless hikes)

Essential Extras for Specific Regions:

• Himalayan Treks: Down jacket, sleeping bag liner, water purification
• Alpine Hiking: Trekking poles for steep descents, sun hat for glacier reflection
• Tropical Regions: Quick dry everything, extra socks, strong insect repellent
• Desert Hiking: Sun coverage (not just sunscreen), electrolyte replacement, extra water capacity

💡 Tip: When hiking through multiple climate zones (common in Peru and Nepal), vacuum compression bags can reduce clothing volume by 50% in your pack.

Hidden Gem Hiking Destinations That Deserve Your Boots

Georgia (The Country, Not The State)

The Caucasus Mountains offer alpine hiking that rivals the Alps but with a fraction of the visitors. The newly developed Transcaucasian Trail provides a long distance route with stunning mountain scenery and deep cultural experiences.

When I hiked in Svaneti region, I stayed in guesthouses where grandmothers insisted I eat second helpings of khachapuri (cheese bread) and drink homemade wine before heading back to trails.

💡 Tip: Use Mestia as your base for day hikes, or tackle the four day trek to Ushguli, Europe’s highest continuously inhabited settlement.

Colombia’s Coffee Region

While Peru and Patagonia get the South American hiking glory, Colombia’s coffee region offers perfect hiking conditions year round. The Cocora Valley’s trails wind through the world’s tallest palm trees before climbing into mist shrouded cloud forest.

I spent a week based in Salento, taking daily hikes through landscapes that shifted from agricultural plantations to pristine Andean forests.

💡 Tip: Los Nevados National Park offers high altitude volcanic landscapes with hot springs for post hike recovery.

Japan’s Kumano Kodo

This ancient pilgrimage route on the Kii Peninsula south of Osaka combines spiritual heritage with stunning natural settings. The network of trails connects three grand shrines through cedar forests and traditional villages.

Unlike many Asian hiking experiences, comfortable ryokan (traditional inns) await at the end of each day’s hike, complete with hot spring baths to soak tired muscles.

💡 Tip: The Nakahechi route offers the most accessible introduction to the Kumano Kodo network and can be completed in 3-4 days.

Hiking With Purpose: More Than Just Steps

The most memorable hikes connect you to something beyond the physical challenge. Here are three trails that transformed my understanding of a place:

Jordan Trail (Jordan)

This 400 mile route traverses the entire country from north to south, passing through ancient trade routes mentioned in the Bible. The section through Petra and Wadi Rum connects you directly to both ancient civilization and Bedouin culture.

Walking with a local guide, I learned desert navigation techniques unchanged for centuries and slept in camps under stars unpolluted by any artificial light.

Lycian Way (Turkey)

This 335 mile coastal route connects ancient Lycian cities along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. The trail combines historical ruins, dramatic coastal scenery, and living rural Turkish culture.

Each night, I stayed in family homes or small pensions where hosts shared meals and stories despite our limited shared language.

Camino de Santiago (Spain)

More than just a hike, the Camino is a social experience that has drawn pilgrims for over 1,000 years. The most popular French Route spans 500 miles across northern Spain to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

I walked 200 miles of the route and found the communal experience as powerful as the physical journey. Sharing meals with fellow hikers from dozens of countries created bonds that transcended usual travel friendships.

💡 Tip: For hiking trips that cross borders (like the Tour du Mont Blanc through Switzerland, Italy, and France), ensure your travel insurance covers all countries on your itinerary. Multi country coverage is worth the small premium. Compare options here.

Seasonal Hiking Calendar: When to Go Where

Planning hiking trips around optimal seasons dramatically improves your experience. Here is my personal hiking calendar based on years of trail experiences:

January-February: New Zealand, Patagonia, Nepal (lower elevations) March-April: Japan, Mediterranean Europe, Nepal May-June: European Alps (lower elevations), Canadian Rockies (early season), Peru July-August: European Alps, Canada, US mountain regions, Iceland September-October: European Alps, Nepal, Peru, Japan November-December: New Zealand, Patagonia, Southeast Asia

💡 Tip: Hiking in shoulder seasons (May/June and September/October) in popular destinations like Switzerland gives you perfect trail conditions with significantly fewer crowds.

Final Trail Thoughts: The Footsteps That Changed Me

After thousands of miles on trails across six continents, I have learned that the most meaningful hikes are not necessarily the most famous or the most challenging.

They are the ones where something unexpected shifts your perspective. Mine was a simple day hike in Norway’s Jotunheimen National Park, where I rounded a bend to find an elderly Norwegian man playing a traditional fiddle on a rock overlooking a glacial lake. He played for twenty minutes as I sat listening, then nodded and continued his hike without a word.

That moment encapsulated why we seek these trails: to find unexpected beauty, to encounter others who share our passion for wild places, and to carry these memories back to our everyday lives.

Whether you tackle the epic Annapurna Circuit or simply find a local trail near your next vacation spot, the magic of hiking lies in the simple act of moving forward on your own two feet through landscapes that speak to something ancient within us.

Just make sure those feet are in well broken in boots.

Happy trails, and may your blisters be few and your views be many.