ToursByLocals Blog Posts

Ten Amazing Hikes – and the guides who lead them

May 30 2018

From classics to barely trodden, check out these 10 incredible hikes around the world. If the idea of venturing out on unfamiliar trails in an unfamiliar country makes you nervous, never fear: that’s what our qualified hiking guides are for! 1. Banff National Park, Canada Greg, a member of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, can lead you on a day hike into the Banff back-country, where you’ll witness the majestic beauty of Canada’s oldest National Park. Learn more about hiking in Banff 2. Julian Alps, Slovenia Slovenia – recently named the world’s “greenest” country – is a mecca for hikers in search of stunning alpine vistas and quiet trails. Our guide Greg will share with you some of the best trails and views on offer on a day hike in the Julian Alps. Learn more about hiking in Slovenia 3. Cinque Terre, Italy The villages of Italy’s Cinque Terre have become crowded with visitors, but the trails between the towns remain quiet and contemplative spaces, with views of sea and vineyards that feed the soul. Hike between two or all five villages with our guide Anna. Learn more about hiking in the Cinque Terre 4. Salkantay Trek, Cusco, Peru National Geographic recently named Peru’s Salkantay Trek "One of the 20 most extreme, hair-raising, legendary adventures on the planet." This alternate route to Machu Picchu avoids the Inca Trail in favour of a less-trafficked trails. Our local Peruvian guide/Marathon runner Juan will take care of all your needs on this 5-day Andes trek. Learn more about hiking the Salkantay Trail 5. Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii Hike through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, through the lava landscape and along the sea cliffs; you’ll witness the glow from Halema'uma'u crater at the very summit of the volcano, down the Chain of Craters Road to the ocean. (Give the volcano a bit of time to stop erupting, first – this hike will hopefully be accessible again at some point in summer 2018!) Learn more about hiking in Hawaii 6. Mt. Snowdon, Wales As our Welsh climbing guide, Jim, explains: “By the standard of any mountain range in the world, the Snowdon massif is exceptional. What this mountain lacks in height by global standards, it more than makes up for by the complexity of its architecture and natural history.” Hike the 1000 metres to the top and back in a day. Learn more about hiking in Wales 7. Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Crowned by an eternal snow-cap, Mt. Kilimanjaro is situated inside Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania; it’s the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain on earth. If you’re ready to truly challenge yourself, this is the hiking adventure for you, and our guide Dunstan can help make it happen. Learn more about hiking Mt Kilimanjaro 8. Annapurnas, Nepal Mt Everest isn’t the only peak over 8000m high in Nepal. The breathtaking (literally!) Annapurna range boasts the staggering Annapurna Massif, whose flanks glow a rich rose-gold at sunset. A 4-day trek here is one of the most rewarding you’ll ever take, as you hike ancient paths deep into the Himalayas. Learn more about hiking in Nepal 9. Lastiver Trail, Armenia Enjoy incredible views and marvelous solitude in the rugged northeast corner of Armenia. Your guide will hike with you along the 10km (return) Lastiver trail to hidden caves and waterfalls. Learn more about hiking in Armenia 10. Niederbauen, Switzerland Enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Lucerne, at any time of year! André, a touring guide for the Swiss Alpine Club, can get you to the summit of Niederbauen any time of year, even winter, when snowshoes are a must. It’s worth the climb; in André’s own words, “the panorama from this summit is just mindblowing.” Learn more about hiking in Switzerland These hikes are just a start: our guides can customize a route that suits your fitness levels and interests, and takes into account the season and weather conditions. All you need to do is send any of them a message to get the conversation started. Have fun being active on your vacation!