If you’re dreaming of breathtaking peaks, lush forests, alpine lakes, or volcanic adventures, it’s time to explore the best countries for hiking trails in the world. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or weekend wanderer, these destinations offer unforgettable hiking experiences—from rugged mountain ascents to gentle forest walks.
In this guide, we highlight the top countries with the best hiking trails and include Amazon-recommended gear to help you hit the trails prepared.
🏔️ Top 10 Countries with the Best Hiking Trails
| Country | Famous Trails | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal | Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit | High-altitude Himalayan trekking |
| Switzerland | Haute Route, Eiger Trail | Scenic alpine landscapes |
| New Zealand | Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Routeburn Track | Dramatic diversity |
| Peru | Inca Trail, Ausangate Trek | History + Andes adventure |
| Canada | West Coast Trail, Icefields Parkway | Forests, lakes, and wildlife |
| USA | Pacific Crest Trail, Zion Narrows | Variety across 50 states |
| Japan | Kumano Kodo, Nakasendo Trail | Culture-infused hikes |
| Norway | Trolltunga, Romsdalseggen Ridge | Fjords + glaciers |
| Chile | Torres del Paine W Trek | Patagonia wilderness |
| Philippines | Mount Apo, Mount Pulag | Tropical trails + volcanic climbs |
🇳🇵 Nepal – Himalayan Heaven
Why It’s Great:
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Home to the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit
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Stunning snow-capped peaks and friendly tea houses
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Great for: Experienced trekkers and bucket-list seekers
Amazon Essentials:
🇨🇭 Switzerland – Alpine Perfection
Why It’s Great:
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Swiss Alps offer high-altitude scenic routes and pristine trails
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Ideal for all levels of hikers with top-tier infrastructure
Amazon Essentials:
🇳🇿 New Zealand – Epic Diversity
Why It’s Great:
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Famous for Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Kepler, and Routeburn Tracks
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Forests, volcanoes, glaciers, and beaches in one country
Amazon Essentials:
🇵🇪 Peru – Andean Adventure
Why It’s Great:
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Home to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
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High-altitude, culturally immersive treks in the Andes
Amazon Essentials:
🇨🇦 Canada – Wilderness Paradise
Why It’s Great:
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Iconic treks like the West Coast Trail, Bruce Trail, and Banff hikes
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Great for solitude, wildlife, and clean air
Amazon Essentials:
🇺🇸 USA – The Land of Hiking Variety
Why It’s Great:
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Home to Yosemite, Zion, Appalachian Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail
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Accessible hikes in every terrain and climate zone
Amazon Essentials:
🇯🇵 Japan – Spiritual Pathways
Why It’s Great:
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Trails like the Kumano Kodo and Nakasendo Way blend hiking with tradition
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Stunning forests, shrines, and onsens
Amazon Essentials:
🇳🇴 Norway – Fjord-Filled Hikes
Why It’s Great:
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Experience dramatic fjords on hikes like Trolltunga, Preikestolen, and Romsdalseggen
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Great summer destination for stunning views
Amazon Essentials:
🇨🇱 Chile – Patagonia Dreams
Why It’s Great:
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The famous W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park is one of the world’s best
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Glaciers, mountain spires, and turquoise lakes
Amazon Essentials:
🇵🇭 Philippines – Tropical Treks
Why It’s Great:
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Mount Apo, Mount Pulag, and Mt. Dulang-Dulang offer jungle, volcanic, and misty climbs
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Unique flora, warm people, and affordable logistics
Amazon Essentials:
🧠 Pro Tips for Global Hikers
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Research Permits: Some countries (like Peru and Nepal) require booking months in advance
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Pack for Layers: Weather can change drastically in alpine and jungle zones
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Download Offline Maps: Use apps like AllTrails or Gaia GPS
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Respect Local Cultures: Especially in spiritual places like Japan or Nepal
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Hydrate & Acclimate: Especially important for high-altitude hiking
🏁 Final Thoughts
The best countries for hiking offer more than just miles of trails—they invite you into nature’s raw beauty, cultural connection, and physical challenge. Whether you’re gazing at Everest, navigating the fjords of Norway, or discovering secret trails in the Philippines, your perfect hike awaits.
🎒 Pack smart. Hike far. Leave only footprints.
