The leisurely pace of hiking is for many the best way to see the world. The routes that we will describe below demand a lot of effort and desire to reach the end of the trail. Many people talk about the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu as the best hike in the world, however, all of them will require some courage and effort, but the end of any of them will make it all worthwhile. Any of these 5 trekking routes will give you the opportunity to see beautiful landscapes and in some cases impressive constructions of ancient cultures, in the middle of the most incredible natural environments that exist.

• The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru
• Route to Everest base camp in Nepal
• Route to the Dogon ethnic group in Mali
• Trekking the GR20 in France
• Trek to the Himalayas in India
• Questions and answers about the best treks in the world

Platforms on the Inca Trail

The Salkantay trek 5 days, the other great trekking route to Machu Picchu
Undoubtedly the Inca Trail is the most famous trekking route in Machu Picchu. It is a hike of 70 kilometers in 5 days and 4 nights through the beautiful landscapes of high mountain and high jungle of Cusco. It includes visits to incredible landscapes such as the Humantay lagoon, the archaeological site of Llactapata or the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes. On the fourth day you will arrive to the town of Aguas Calientes to visit Machu Picchu the following day. Unlike the Inca Trail, this route is free access. You can do it with a tour or on your own.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru

• It is possible that the Inca Trail is the best hike in the world, and although there has never been a survey to determine this, it is enough to see the comments of thousands of people on the internet.
• When we talk about the Inca Trail, we are not only talking about a path in the middle of nature, we are talking about a path laid out by the Incas more than 500 years ago, in perfect harmony with the natural environment in which it was built.
• The Inca Trail covers 39 kilometers that will take you through incredible mountain passes of the Andes Mountains, up to a cloud forest in the Amazon jungle; but on this trekking route you will not only see amazing mountains, turquoise lagoons, trails next to impressive cliffs and mighty rivers, but also some of the most amazing Inca and pre-Inca constructions.
• When you think you are too tired to continue you will reach the Sun Gate, and from there you will have your first view of the city sacred to the Incas and one of the world’s top destinations, but Machu Picchu has its own post.
• You will arrive in the city of Cusco and travel through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas to reach the start of the Inca Trail, which begins at kilometer 82 of the railway to Machu Picchu, a short distance from the town of Ollantaytambo.

Climbing the stone steps – Inca Trail

Route to Everest base camp in Nepal

• This trekking route covers approximately 145 kilometers in 15 days of trekking. The trek takes place on the borders of Nepal and China in the Himalayas.
• It is not a route for everyone, but those who dare and can resist the ascent to 5,545 meters above sea level.
• You will be able to show off your photo on Facebook at the highest base camp in the world, Kala Pattar.
• But as it is one of the best, it is also one of the most difficult, you will cross difficult and risky terrain between snowy valleys.
• It is likely that you will come across a Sherpa caravan, in one of the more than 20 days that the Everest trek lasts. The Sherpas are the ethnic group that inhabits these regions of Solu and Khumbu and those who will make it possible for you to trek Everest.

Everest in Nepal

Route to the Dogon ethnic group in Mali

• This trekking route covers about 52 kilometers through beautiful landscapes of Africa, passing through the Badiagara fault where the Dogon people are known. The route can vary from two to ten days.
• The Dogon country is an African region in the nation of Mali, inhabited by “the Dogon”, one of the most interesting ethnic groups on the African continent.
• You will be able to see the cosmovision of this people reflected in their masks, their dances, their totemic sculptures made of wood and in their extraordinary architecture, which you will not be able to see until you stand in front of it.
• The Dogon are mimicked in the cliffs of Bandiagara, to walk their lands requires a good physical condition.
• You will feel the adrenaline flowing through your body, as climbing is the only way to reach certain parts of the Dogon lands.
• But if you are one of those who want to travel the world a little at a time, you can opt for one of the short tours of 2 days, but if you really want to enjoy the land of the Dogon and the Dogon country, you can do the tour of 10 days.

Trekking the GR20 in France

• With the more than breathtaking views of Corsica and the Mediterranean Sea in the background, the world-renowned GR20 is undoubtedly one of the most exciting hikes in the world, but also one of the most difficult.
• The long distance footpath ‘GR’ is a network of paths in Europe, where a large part of the paths are in France. In addition, there are trails in regions of Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and more.
• Its trails cover more than 160 kilometers and it takes about 15 days to cross the beautiful forests, lakes and incredible geological formations.
• Its beautiful geography will provide you with the best “lunar landscapes” that you will be able to take in the whole world, within its route you will have to overcome rocky areas, steep slopes in many places.
• But every elevation you overcome will be a delight for your eyes, with some of the most breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the coasts of Corsica.

GR20 in France

Trek to the Himalayas in India

• The Himalayas are called the roof of the world; there are only 14 mountains that exceed 8,000 meters in height and ten of them belong to the mountain system known as the Himalayas.
• It is the highest mountain range in the world and could not be missing among the best hiking routes. It is one of the most interesting destinations for people from all over the world, at least for those who believe they can make the journey through one of the most incredible mountain ranges that exist.
• The ideal tour starts in Spiti and ends in Ladakh, is known as Himachai Pradesh, lasts 24 days and follows the ancient trade routes used by the people who inhabited this region.
• The route passes through incredible landscapes and Tibetan culture full of culture. The highest point is the 5,578 meters above sea level pass, Khibber Gorge and more.
• People from all over the world have an obsession with these mountains, but this is not difficult to understand, just look at some images of these amazing mountains.

Questions and answers about the best treks in the world

• 1) What are the 5 best treks in the world?

  Besides the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the best trekking routes in the world are: the route to Everest base camp in Nepal, the route to the Dogon ethnic group in Mali, the GR20 trek in France and the route to the Himalayas in India.

• 2) How far is the Inca Trail to Machupicchu?

  This trekking route in Cusco, Peru, covers 39 kilometers on average.

• 3) What places can you visit on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

  During the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu the visitor can visit the network of Inca trails (qhapac ñan), as well as Inca archaeological sites such as: Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñayhuayna, the Intipunku (Sun Gate) and, of course, Machu Picchu.

• 4) Where does the Inca Trail start and end?

  The starting point is kilometer 82 of the railroad to Machu Picchu (near the town of Ollantaytambo) and the ending point is Machu Picchu.

• 5) What is the maximum altitude on the Inca Trail to Machupicchu?

  The highest point of the trek is at the pass of the dead woman, Wariwañusca in Quechua language. This point is 4,215 meters above sea level.

• 6) Is the Inca Trail to Machupicchu suitable for people of all ages?

  Yes, the trail is suitable for visitors of all ages. However, it is recommended that children be older than 8 years old and that they enjoy hiking outdoors. Older adults should be in good physical condition, especially of the heart.

• 7) What is the climate like on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

  The climate is temperate with maximum temperatures of 23ºC. and minimum night temperatures of 6ºC. The rainiest days are in December, January and March. The Inca Trail is closed in February.

• 8) Is the Inca Trail to Machupicchu suitable for children?

  It is recommended that children be older than 8 years old and that they enjoy hiking outdoors.

• 9) Can I do the Inca Trail to Machupicchu alone without a tour?

  No, due to the fact that it goes through historical trails protected by the Peruvian State, this trekking route can only be done with an authorized tour agency. You can hire your tour online. It is recommended to do it 4 or 5 months in advance.

• 10) Can I do the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu all year round?

  The Inca Trail is closed in February. Except for this month, the trail is available all year round.

Advice from people who have been there

Camino Inca

By: Carola H.

“Only“

“We went through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, from there we boarded the train to kilometer 104, to undertake one of the most incredible experiences of our lives. On the way you can see Inca ruins in excellent condition, but the end is magical, maximum, delicious, the cherry on the mountain cake is given by the jewel of Machu Picchu.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, November 13, 2024