The oldest way to travel is still a good way to get around. Nowadays, we can take advantage of getting to any remote part of the globe like Papua New Guinea while traversing the landscape by foot. This allows one to really take in the scenery in a detailed way that merely passing by on bus, car or bike does not allow. If you want to stop and inspect a particular species of fauna that catches your eye, you can set your own pace and do so. Hiking also happens to be an excellent form of exercise and you can determine your own limits and speed. You can stop for lunch or a coffee break anywhere and anytime you like and with some good kit it can be a real treat.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some fantastic places to set your sights for next vacation if you are an intrepid hiker or walking enthusiast.
Taurus Mountains, Turkey
People typically associate holidays in Turkey with the radiant sun reflecting off Mediterranean or Aegean waves, or exploring ancient aqueducts underneath the streets of Istanbul. An overlooked part of the country in the central Anatolian region includes the Taurus mountain range, where you can trace St. Paul’s trail on ancient Roman paths still present.
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated cost: £995pp wildfrontierstravel.com- (Turkey Mountains)
Chapada Diamantina, Brazil
Famous locally but not elsewhere, there is no better metaphor than the literal gems hidden in the ground beneath this gorgeous terrain. Hotspots include the Chapada Diamantina NP, the waterfalls of Fumanchina and Encantadas, as well as the Capao Valley. If colonial cities strike your fancy, Salvador is on the way too.
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
Estimated cost: From £2,100pp – exodus.co.uk (Brazil Holidays)
Provence, France
Nestled against the Mediterranean coast is one of France’s most cherished and famous regions, Provence. Its vistas of medieval castles and lavender postcards will leave travellers wishing they might have taken things a bit slower. The River Rhone contains its own mystical charms. Simply put, if you’re planning an active holiday in France you won’t find anything more breath-taking than this.
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated cost: From £915pp-bellefrance.com (walking holidays in France)
Patagonia, Argentina and Chile
Celebrated just recently with a BBC documentary to its name, this vast, dry landscape makes for an exciting wilderness to explore. In fact, it hosts thousands of hikers just like you every year, making it a classic on many-an-outdoor traveller’s bucket list. It is mostly an easy to moderately difficult hike, so walkers of all levels can enjoy Patagonia for what it is.
One potential itinerary is to fly from Santiago to the southern part of the country in Puerto Arenas. There, it is possible to do a four day hike around Torres del Paine National Park, replete with lakes, waterfalls, and granite pillars that a sight to behold. Perito Moreno Glacier is also a worth a peak (after all, who knows before these become an extinct species).
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Estimated cost: From £2,055pp- intrepidtravel.com (Patagonia trekking)
Inca Trail, Peru
Macchu Picchu is the star of the Inca Trail, undoubtedly, but the jungle and cloud forest should not be missed. The Andes is a veritable national treasure, so enjoy the natural beauty on your way to one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated cost: From £1,350pp Worldexpeditions.com (Inca trail)
