While some people simply like to relax when traveling, others prefer to stay active. So, if you enjoy hiking, here are some bucket list-worthy hiking trails to explore.
Inca Trail
Mesoamerican history continues to fascinate people even to this day, with media inspired by such cultures, which are the mainstays of modern pop culture. In fact, Inca traditions are so popular that even one of the hiking trails of its namesake has inspired things like online casino games. When casino enthusiasts play Paddy Power Slingo, they can try their hand at the Inca Trail – a real-life trail ending at Sun Gate on Machu Picchu mountain – drawing its themes and motifs from the iconic nature of the hiking trail and the mysteries of lost treasure from an ancient civilization.
The Peruvian trail rose to popularity due to the epic scenic views and the historical nature of the route. In fact, a lot of the pathways that make up the trail are said to be the original stones laid by the Inca. There are three routes that all interlink, the longest of which is Mollepata. Mollepata takes hikers high into the Andes, crossing the cloud forest, alpine tundra, and the Warmi Wañusqa mountain pass. Along the classic trail, people can take in numerous Inca ruins such as Patallaqta, Runkuraqay, Sayaqmarka, Conchamarka, Phuyupatamarca, and, of course, the one and only Machu Picchu.
Fairview Lookout, Lake Louise
It goes without saying that Banff in the Alberta region of Canada is by no means short on epic hikes – particularly in and around the shores of Lake Louise. However, one of the most unique hikes in the area is actually one of the most moderate. The Fairview Lookout hike is only around a 45-minute round trip, but this short uphill hike delivers unparalleled views of the lake below and some spots of beauty along the way.
Starting out from the boathouse, hikers climb the forest-lined slopes to a lookout point, which provides amazing views of Lake Louise and the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This route is great as it can easily be adapted to suit more experienced hikers – whichever way, there are high returns on the effort. In the area, there are two extended hikes that lead travelers up to historic tea houses, such as Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse and Lake Agnes Tea House, which can extend the hikes up to 3 or 6 hours.
Fairfield Horseshoe
The English Lake District is known for its excellent views and fantastic hikes. Perhaps the most iconic and classic of all these hikes is the Fairfield Horseshoe, as it provides hikers with views over much of the wider Lakeland area. The 10.2-mile circular hike starts in Ambleside and brings hikers to the summit of Nab Scar, High Pike, Heron Pike, Hart Crag, Great Rigg, Dove Crag, and Fairfield, with views over Lake Windermere.
If you are a hiker who is interested in completing the 214 Alfred Wainwright walks from the Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, then you’re in luck. The Fairfield Horseshoe includes eight Wainwrights, as well as nine of Bill Birkett’s walks from the Complete Lakeland Fells, six from John and Anne Nuttall’s The Mountains of England and Wales, four Hewitts, one Hundred Metre Prominence (HuMP), and one Marilyn.
And there you have it – just a few hikes that all walking enthusiasts should add to their bucket list. All that’s left to do is explore!
By Amey MyersAmey, an intrepid traveler and avid blogger, roams the world, absorbing diverse cultures, flavors, and experiences. Her writing captures the essence of her adventures, inspiring others to explore. Amey's infectious passion for travel and storytelling epitomizes a life filled with exploration and adventure.
