Exploring the world on foot

Whether it’s a series of short-day walks or a massive, month-long trek, walking tours remain one of the best ways to truly experience a region, and gain access to some of the world’s most remote and breathtaking natural and man-made sites. After all, what holiday souvenir is more satisfying than a pair of well-worn boots and a head full of thoroughly earned views?

Perhaps the best part of a hiking tour is you can plan them almost anywhere, but these spots are among the most enduringly popular and breathtaking destinations.

Step back in time at Machu Picchu

Perched high in the mountains of modern-day Peru, this 15^th century UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most instantly recognisable remnants of the Incan civilisation. Its remote location helped preserve the city from waves of colonial activity until the 20^th century, and now makes for a remarkable and rewarding journey by foot. A range of different routes and experiences take in a visit to Machu Picchu, ranging from a seven day Inca Trail to a three-week, country-wide tour of Peru taking in everything from Lake Titicaca to the Amazon.

Peaks of Nepal

Few places evoke lofty escapism like the Himalayas. The famous Annapurna Circuit in the Annapurna Conservation Area is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Nepal, and with three major trekking routes holds many different experiences. A 16 day tour of the Annapurna Circuit takes in remote communities and religious traditions, stunning mountain scenery and rhododendron forests as you stay in tea houses along the way. Or alternatively, an Annapurna Homestay trek eschews the more popular tourist spots for a brisk five to seven day tour through rural villages, as you wind your way up and down ancient stone steps.

Higher ground

At 5,896 metre above sea level, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is Africa’s tallest peak and one of the world’s most celebrated climbing destinations. Whether taking the nine day Machame Route) to the top of Uhuru Peak – camping each night along the way – or the slightly shorter, mountain-hut inclusive Mangaru Route, this high altitude experience is a perfect way to test your limits and reap some incredible views as a reward. Today, the shrinking glaciers and equatorial snow caps of Kilimanjaro are an affecting example of the effects of climate change – if the mountain hasn’t put your own place in the world in perspective, this experience certainly will.

Want to challenge yourself on a trekking adventure? The team at Peregrine Travel Centre SA can help you lock in an incredible trekking or walking trip with Intrepid! Contact them to find out more.

Sponsored by Peregrine Travel Centre SA

Header image:
Annapurna Circuit, photo: Christopher Moswitzer / Shutterstock