Embark on an adventure with our guide to the top 6 hiking destinations. From breathtaking vistas to challenging trails, discover your next outdoor escape.

Some places can only be reached on foot. There are millions of hiking trails around the world waiting for you to explore and enjoy. Some have a unique history, while others are so delightful that you must see it to believe it.

Whether you're looking to hike in Europe, the US, Africa or Australia, we've got you covered with a list of some of the best hiking destinations from around the world that you should add to your bucket list.

Inca Trail

• Location: Peru
• Distance: 26 miles (41.84 km)
• Best time to hike: June, July and August

This is the most famous trek in South America, with the final destination Machu Picchu—the famous lost city. In just 26 miles, you can experience beautiful mountains, subtropical jungles, ancient ruins, and tunnels. You will also cross an area called cloud forest, a habitat for many different species of birds.

The classic trail can be done in 4 days, and on the last day, you can see the sunrise in Machu Picchu on the "Inti Punku", which means "the Sun Gate". At 4,200 m, the Inca Trail's highest point is the Abra Warminhuanusca mountain pass or Dead Woman's Pass. Due to its altitude, many trekkers could do better at this point.

We recommend packing lots of sweets in your daypack, as sugar will help you with possible altitude sickness. Once you have completed the most challenging section of the trail, you can fully enjoy this beautiful, poignant, and historic trail that you will never forget.

Sierra High Route

• Location: California USA
• Distance: 195 miles (314 km)
• Best time to go: Summer and early fall

This cross-country hiking route, Roper Route, goes through the Sierra Nevada and keeps you between 9,000 and 11,500 feet. It's safe to say it's recommended for more experienced hikers. The terrain is often rugged and unstable, and you will need two weeks to hike it, with each day being a constant physical struggle.

Be aware that only about 40 miles are marked, while the rest of the route is off-trail, so you must carry a map or GPS. You'll have to climb for the most part so that common rocks won't be your biggest obstacle. Some say the Sierra High Route is the most challenging hike in America. But this place is for you if you prefer alpine scenery and demanding adventures. 

West Coast Trail

• Location: Canada
• Distance: 46 miles (75 km)
• Best time to go: Summer

The West Coast Trail offers you the best and the worst hiking experience, both because of the difficulty and the beautiful scenery. There is a saying that hiking only on the West Coast Trail is the proper training for hiking the West Coast Trail.

It stretches along the southwestern edge of Vancouver Island. Built initially to rescue castaways in 1907, this route winds along the coast and through old-growth forests.

This unique hike can be completed in 5-7 days and offers stunningly beautiful scenery and campsites. Problems occur when it rains; this makes the hike much more difficult because it can be pretty slippery and requires your full attention the entire time. It would be best if you were prepared for unpredictable weather. As I said, the route can be challenging, but it gives you two starting points—the first in the north on the Pachena Bay and the second on the Gordon River. The first option is more accessible, the second is more complex, so it's up to you to decide.

Petra

• Location: Jordan
• Distance: 50 miles (80.5 km)
• Best time to visit: October to April

Suppose you are a fan of Indiana Jones. In that case, you should visit this Jordanian main attraction, which is considered one of the best hikes in the Middle East. During your hike, you can explore temples and tombs, and the route allows you to leave the trail and explore on your own. Bedouins live on the grounds so you can ask them for suggestions—they'll be happy to help. Oh, and visiting the monastery is a must.

Mont du Blanc Trek

• Location: France, Italy, Switzerland
• Distance: 104 miles (167.37 km)
• Best time to go: Summer

This is a famous hiking trail and, some say, the most special hiking experience in the world. In 104 miles, you will cross seven valleys in three countries (France, Italy, and Switzerland). The route is circular so you can hike it clockwise or counterclockwise in 10 days.

Don't worry about accommodation and food—there are plenty of options. Along the route, you will see many villages and huts where you can rest and stay overnight and fill your belly with fresh, local, homemade food. Be sure to try the locally produced cheese!

Bays of Fires Hike

• Location: East Coast from Tasmania in Australia.
• Distance: 21 miles (33 km) 
• Best time to go: October to May

This hike is truly something different and something you don't usually think of when you think of hiking. This three-day hike takes you along the endless white sand beaches with millions of shells and enough time to enjoy a dip in the turquoise waters.

The Bay of Fires area has even been named one of the hottest destinations in the world, according to Lonely Planet's 2009 rankings. This is a unique hiking trip because you can only do it in a small group led by trained guides. They call it a supported hike, and it is. All you have to do is hike; everything else is done for you - even your luggage is carried for you each day. This means that all you need is a light backpack, camera, and water bottle.