Five Iconic Hikes Around the World Worth Planning a Trip Around

Hiking can be one of the most powerful ways to connect with a destination. Whether you're climbing to a summit, following ancient stone paths, or tracing dramatic coastlines, these journeys offer more than just views—they offer immersion, activity, and natural beauty.

Below are five iconic hikes from throughout the world. Some take a few hours; others stretch for multiple days. All are worth planning a trip around—or building into a broader itinerary.

Path of the Gods (Amalfi Coast, Italy)

The name alone—Sentiero degli Dei—hints at the views that await on this legendary cliffside path above Italy’s Amalfi Coast. The Path of the Gods links the hillside village of Bomerano to the town of Nocelle, tracing a ridge that offers views of the Mediterranean, terraced vineyards, and pastel-colored villages.

It’s a well-maintained trail and easy to follow, making it accessible for most travelers. Along the way, you’ll pass goats, lemon groves, and stone shepherd huts, all set to the soundtrack of distant church bells and waves below. The hike pairs perfectly with a broader Amalfi Coast trip, and a congratulatory Aperol Spritz!

Distance: ≈4.7 miles point-to-point | Time required: 2-4 hours | Difficulty: moderate

Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro, Bhutan)

Tucked into the cliffs above Bhutan’s Paro Valley, the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery is short in distance but rich in atmosphere. The iconic temple complex clings dramatically to the rock face at over 10,000 feet, and the journey there feels as spiritual as it is scenic. This is a half-day hike that rewards every step.

Often done at the start of a longer cultural itinerary in Bhutan, it’s not just a beautiful climb—it’s a pilgrimage of sorts. Many travelers consider it the singular highlight of their time in the Himalayas.

Distance: ≈4.5 miles round trip | Time required: 4-6 hours | Difficulty: moderate

Kalalau Trail (Kaua‘i, Hawaii)

For sheer tropical drama, it’s hard to beat the Kalalau Trail. This route hugs the Nā Pali Coast on the island of Kaua‘i, offering views of hidden beaches, waterfalls, and deep valleys that feel like a Jurassic-era dreamscape. The trail begins at Keʻe Beach and finishes at Kalalau Beach, which is accessible only by foot or boat—making the journey feel truly remote and wild.

You could hike the first two miles to Hanakāpīʻai Beach in a few hours, but those seeking the full 11-mile challenge are rewarded with solitude, sea breezes, and one of the most stunning coastal views in the world. A permit is required for overnight hiking or for going beyond Hanakāpīʻai, and weather can dramatically affect trail conditions—so plan carefully and be prepared!

Distance: ≈22 miles round trip | Time required: At least 2 days | Difficulty: strenuous

Inca Trail (Peru)

Perhaps the most iconic trek in South America, the Inca Trail follows an ancient network of stone paths through the Andes, leading to the gates of Machu Picchu. Along the way, hikers pass through cloud forests, alpine tundra, and Incan archaeological sites accessible only by foot. The physical challenge of mountain passes and long days on the trail is matched by a sense of timelessness—you’re literally walking in the footsteps of history.

Permits are required and limited; most travelers book the Inca Trail through one of Key Travel’s tour partners, which includes guides, porters, and camping support. The reward? Arriving at the Sun Gate at sunrise – before daily tourists enter the site – with the mist parting to reveal Machu Picchu below!

Distance: ≈26 miles | Time required: 4 days | Difficulty: moderate to strenuous

W Trek (Torres del Paine, Chile)

The W Trek is a bucket-list adventure through some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes on Earth. In Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, it’s a destination with a strong and wonderful sense of place. The hike, named for the “W” shape traced on the map, weaves past granite peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, vast valleys, and the towering Torres (towers) themselves. Every turn reveals something epic—wind-swept plains, silent forests, or a condor soaring overhead.

The W Trek can be done self-guided or with a guide, with overnight stays in mountain huts or well-equipped campsites. You could also tackle a part of the trek on a day-trip while staying at one of our favorite hotels in the world.

Key Takeaways

Whether it’s a half-day climb to a in Bhutan or a multi-day trek through glacial valleys, these hikes offer more than just views—they offer immersion. They slow you down, tune you in, and connect you to a place in a special way. For some, these hikes are the centerpiece of the trip. For others, they’re a single, unforgettable day on a broader itinerary. Either way, they’re worth planning around—and planning well.

At Key Travel Advisors, we help you find the trip and experience that fits you. Whether you’re craving challenge, culture, or scenery (or all of the above), we’ll help you choose the right adventure, prepare with confidence, and build a trip around it that’s just as meaningful off the trail as on it.