8 of the World's Greatest Hikes

The greatest journeys are more than the steps you take, they are about the insights and impact you receive from the locale - they are about stepping into a destination’s culture and history. Still, these adventures are not as easy they sound. They will make you test yourself physically and test your will, creating an indelible impression of the magnificence of our environment. A listing of the planet's top treks is shown below.

Inca Trail in Peru - 26.7 miles in 4 days

Many memorable moments are made on the Inca Trail, but nothing matches the moment you go through the Sun Gate and experience the sight of the forgotten city of Machu Picchu. The best months to go are May to September

Colombia's Lost City ~ 27 miles & 5 days

Voyage through the abundant jungle across steams before reaching the ruins of Teyuna. Make this your primary stop and you will be alone in the Lost City. Ideal time to go: December to March.

Nepal: Everest Base Camp - 38.5 miles and 13 days

This experience will make you more familiar to the inhabitants of the Himalayas while giving you a view from the top of the world. After observing Everest, you will never look at our planet in the same manner. Perfect time to go: August to November.

Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania - 21.1 miles in 8 days

Mt Kilimanjaro at 5,895m (19,340 ft.) is Africa's highest point. It is daunting to say the least, but unlike other tall peaks, it provides those daring enough to get to the pinnacle. It is best to go from September to March.

Mont Blanc in Europe - 77.7 miles in 8 days

The Tour du Mont Blanc is more than a hundred miles and takes you through three countries: Switzerland, Italy, and France. Ideal time to go: June to September.

Patagonia: Torres del Paine Circuit - 82.6 miles - 10 days -

It is best-known for its natural splendor and here you will come across magnificent volcanic landscapes, massive glaciers, and extensive steppe-like fields click here wander stretching out to the horizon. The best months to go are December to March.

Venezuela's Mt Roirama - 21.1 miles | 6 days

The splendid mountain of Roraima is holy to the area’s natives and may have inspired Arthur Conan Doyle to pen the fictional story, "The Lost World." Best time to go: The Roraima trek can be walked at any time of the year but from November to April is advised

The Camino de Santiago, Spain - 466 miles - 30 days

The popular Camino de Santiago, also acknowledged as the St. James Trail, was a very important Christian passage during the Middle Ages, and is still considered a relevant religious pilgrimage today. Best time to go: It can be walked 12 months out of the year but it is optimal somewhere between the spring and autumn - however it will be very busy.