Hike into the Unknown: 5+ Epic International Trails for Your Next Adventure Abroad
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Hiking is the best way to push your limits, get moving and feel the touch of nature. But it gets much more interesting when you travel to a completely new country and get familiar with an absolutely different environment. From rugged mountain ranges to rainforests or coastal trails, these destinations offer adventure and stunning views.
One such trail is the Jordan Trail, a 420-mile (675 km) route that stretches from Umm Qais in the north of Jordan to Aqaba in the south, offering a unique way to explore the country’s diverse landscapes.
Tour du Mont Blanc: France, Italy and Switzerland
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a long-distance hike that takes visitors to a different view of Europe’s tallest mountain every day. It forms a circle around Mont Blanc, with new vantages showcasing the snow-covered peak from a different angle at each stop. Along the way, stop for a snack – or for the night – at one of the hostels built along the trail.
The Alpine Passes on the Tour du Mont Blanc feature more than 30,000 feet of elevation gain and loss, making it a challenging yet rewarding experience for hikers.
Torres del Paine National Park: Chile
In Chile, the Torres del Paine National Park is a dream for any trekker. The trail features gigantic granitic mountains topped with huge extensive glaciers. Well known as the “W Trek,” the hike generally takes at least five days for most. The route has line-ups of hostels where adventurers can quench their thirst or take a rest after a long day of discovery.
For those seeking even more adventure, the Piuquenes Pass offers a hiking route over the Andes Mountains, connecting Argentina to Chile and showcasing breathtaking high-altitude scenery.
Traversing the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail takes hikers past Inca ruins, cloud forests and high-altitude passes – all eventually leading to Machu Picchu. These hikes can typically be finished in four days, although different trails taken across the mountains can extend the path. The ancient scenery makes the Inca Trail a standout option for hikers and fans of history alike.
For those looking for a less crowded alternative, the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu crosses the rocky Salkantay Pass at 4630m, offering equally stunning views and a unique experience.
Patagonian Wilderness: Argentina
In Argentina, hikers can explore the vast landscapes of the remote Patagonian region. Several multi-day hikes can be taken within the Patagonian Wilderness, covering different trails in the Los Glaciares National Park. The large amount of hikes available in the area makes it ideal for dedicated hikers visiting Argentina.
Additionally, the Great Dahar Crossing in Tunisia reveals Amazigh culture and geological sights, including archaeological sites and even dinosaur footprints, making it a fascinating option for those seeking cultural and natural wonders.
The Haute Route: France and Switzerland
In conjunction with the Tour of Mont Blanc, the Haute Route breaks away from Mont Blanc and tours a series of peaks in the Alpine Mountain Range. The Haute Route is more technical in some ways and thus more suitable for more advanced hikers who enjoy taking on creative challenges on a hike. Known as the Walker’s Haute Route, this trail starts at the foot of Mont Blanc and takes hikers through the Alps to Zermatt in Switzerland, offering a journey filled with stunning alpine vistas and challenging terrain.
Hiking is a way to connect with the beauty and diversity of the world. These are some hikes with stunning views and challenges for all levels. When you go to a new country, hiking in that place can be a whole new perspective on that place is super rewarding. Going on international hikes allows you to see different landscapes – from alpine meadows and glacial lakes to dense forests and arid deserts.
Whether you prefer multi day backpacking trips through remote valleys or shorter day hikes near charming towns, these trails give you a chance to connect with nature and local culture. Many popular destinations have well marked trails, mountain huts for overnight stays and experienced guides who can add to your adventure with stories of the region’s history and ecology.
Going on such journeys challenges your body but also broadens your mind to the world’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.
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