6 Popular Trekking Spots In The World

Embarking on an adventure holiday is probably the best way to have some fun-filled time and to test one’s stamina and endurance levels. There are not many adventure activities apart from trekking that offer as much excitement and thrill. The urge to test one’s physical endurance, discover unknown territories, understand the fragility of mountain ecology, study the existence of flora and fauna at high altitudes, and learn about distinct geography is what drives people towards trekking. Let us explore some brilliant treks throughout the world.

Inca Trail - Latin America and Caribbean

This iconic tramp through the Andes is not all about arriving – though reaching the stone gate of Intipunku to see a misty sunrise over mountain-perched Machu Picchu is a fine finale. The journey there is testing but manageable, weaving via old Inca pathways, orchid-filled cloud-forest and some lung-busting passes, including 4,200m ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’. There are also fascinating ruins en route, such as the clifftop guard-post at Sayacmarca and the sweeping terraces of Huinay Huayna. Numbers on the trail are limited to 500 a day, including guides and porters, but camp stops, and their insalubrious loos, still get busy.

Nebaj-Todos Santos - Guatemala

Guatemala has many volcanoes to climb and lakes to amble around, but this hike across the remote Cuchamatanes is the top offbeat choice. Only four days long, it crosses three Mayan-language zones and reaches nearly 4,000m. You’ll traverse flower-covered plains, pine forests and barren plateaus, while viewpoints might afford glimpses of peaks erupting in the distance. Staying in homestays offers insight into local culture too.

The Silver Trail - Mexico

In the 18th century, the Spanish forged a trail to access their silver mines, located deep in the Batopilas Canyon. Today that remote path is used only by local Tarahumara Indians (famed for their long-distance running prowess), a few plucky trekkers and their load-bearing burros. This is frontier territory, hiking via scree slopes, forested passes, cool pools and caves; there’s also the possibility of meeting Tarahumara farmers en route.

Tsitsikamma Trail - South Africa

South Africa’s first official hiking trail is a treat. The route, through gorges, fynbos and the Tsitsikamma mountains, is testing, but each night ends in an equipped hut, while a porterage service can lighten your load. Highlights include ocean views from Nature’s Valley, gazing into Bloukrans River Gorge and wildlife from bulbuls and goshawks to even leopards.

Kilimanjaro - Northern Tanzania

Stand on the roof of Africa! As the continent’s highest peak (5,895m), and the world’s highest trekking summit, it’s a magnet for challenge-seekers. There are sixroutes: Machame (49km) is tough but dramatic; quieter Rongai (65km) allows for more acclimatisation and has a high success rate. Whichever you pick, altitude is the biggest concern, and sweat, tears, carbs and camaraderie are guaranteed.

Simien Mountain Trek - Ethiopia

Trekking in Ethiopia’s World Heritage-listed highlands might yield sightings of gelada baboons, walia ibex, possibly even a rare Simien fox – but few other trekkers. This is offbeat African hiking, across rugged volcanic escarpments seemingly untouched by time. Routes vary, but often include a summit attempt on Ras Dashen (4,620m), the country’s highest peak, and stops at village mud-huts to drink coffee like a local.

Trekking is an activity that challenges the physical as well as the mental aspects of an adventure fanatic. It is quite clear that trekking is one of the best ways to get rid of the stress, which is a result of our modern lifestyle, and to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul.