From small day hikes, to overnight backpacking adventures, heading into the great outdoors to go hiking is one of the best ways to explore nature. Small day hikes can provide great scenery with little effort, while longer trails reward you with spectacular views, less people, and unique wildlife sightings. This relatively cheap (and sometimes free) activity is a great way to slow down and experience a destination, especially in the middle of a packed vacation schedule. Hiking with kids? Start with a small day hike – trailheads for short hikes are usually close to the parking lot, making it easy to head back for any supplies. Want to venture out on a longer hike? Check with park guidelines on park fees, rules and other information before heading out. ...read more »
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Top hiking cities
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photo by Sharon JonesMachu Picchu
The primary home of the ancient Inca Empire, Machu Picchu is an archaeologists dream. Tourists can explore fantastically-built palaces, temples and courtyards, as well as the flourishing neighboring hillside. Nearly half a million people come to see thi... read more »
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photo by Karen WatkinsCape Town
Cape Town is the most popular tourist site in South Africa, and with good reason. There are several activities to take part in, including hiking, hang gliding, surfing and sailing. Thousands of shops line the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, and boating... read more »
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photo by NicolleFranz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef is a massive flowing glacier which captivates travelers year-round. The area is a world heritage site, with Fox Glacier nearby and resort-style acoomidation available. Nature-loving tourists can see the glaciers by hiking, climbing, via heli... read more »
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photo by Psychedelic BuckyTorres del Paine National Park
Located in the Patagonia region of southern Chile, Torres del Paine National Park is a popular destination with hikers, photographers, and other traveler's looking for a breathtaking site of natural beauty. Spanish for "Towers of Paine," this National P... read more »
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photo by Adventurous AngieBryce Canyon National Park
Find highlights on things to do and see in Bryce Canyon National Park shared by Real Travelers. Browse attractions, maps, travel guide information, and blogs. Price compare hotels, flights, and packages to Bryce Canyon National Park across mul... read more »
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photo by Aaron Abel ChenCusco
Once the center of the Incan Empire, Cusco now draws tourists from around the world. The ruins of the ancient civilization still stand, including the Ollantaytambo and Saqsaywaman sites and the sculpture gardens at Chuquipalta. Outside of the Incan site... read more »
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photo by Tole & JessicaSan Carlos de Bariloche
Located at the foot of the Andes Mountains, Bariloche is surrounded by spectacular lakes, mountains and foothills. A great place for winter travelers to visit, Bariloche features skiing, hiking and water sports activities galore. During the summer, thin... read more »
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photo by StaceCinque Terre
Five charming villages make up the region known as Cinque Terre, a tourist destination popular with Italian tourists, backpackers and other travelers from around the world. Unaccessible by car, tourists and locals travel from each village by pathway or... read more »
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photo by AlyssaChiang Mai
Built in a lush valley, the city of Chiang Mai has spectacular mountain views, rich culture and inexpensive accommodations. Travel to one of the 300 temples, shop at the Night Market, or take a popular day trip to the nearby Golden Triangle and the Meko... read more »
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photo by FloTongariro National Park
This volcanic mountain complex is a great place for nature-loving adventure travelers. The park contains 3 active volcanos and 2 major skifields, as well as lakes and plateaus, so there are plenty of activities available. There are also interesting Maor... read more »
Top Hiking Countries
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photo by Nick n LizziUnited States
Travelers to the United States of America experience a melting pot of diverse people and cultures into an equally diverse and mind-blowing landscape. Home to several of the world's most exciting cities and a plethora of unique outdoor opportunities, the United States is a country that offers every visitor unique and unforgetable travel destinations. read more »
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photo by CornéNew Zealand
This island nation, while small in size, can nonetheless fill a travelers senses with tropical delight. The temperate climate, rolling hills, miles of beaches and massive mountains allow for dozens of possible activities The local food and drink provide a slice of island life for vacationers who prefer an indoor getaway. read more »
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photo by ViracochaPeru
Cradle of the ancient Inca Empire, Peru is one of the most desirable places to visit in all of South America. Glacial lakes, hot springs and foggy mountainsides all coexist in one of the most storied countries in the world. The Peruvian Andes, Amazon River and Iquitos Jungle offer a variety of adventure travel possibilities, while the cities of Lima and Arequipa hold Spanish-colonial architecture and some of the best Carnival celebrations this side of the Caribbean. read more »
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photo by LouisefitzAustralia
See as much as you can of this destination, the sixth largest country in the world. With over 7,000 beaches, unique wildlife, stunning natural beauty, and cosmopolitan cities, Australia is worth the journey down under. Head to Sydney for exciting nightlife, shopping and cuisine, escape to the national parks for bush walking, and wildlife viewing or unwind away from it all on one of the stunning beaches. read more »
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photo by Tole & Jessica
Argentina
Argentina, with its temperate climate, Spanish-style architecture, and diverse population, draws tourists to some of the best sights South America has to offer. European opera houses and plazas are plentiful in Buenos Aires, wine and skiing are available in Mendoza, and penguins hobble about comically in Tierra Del Fuego. read more »
Top Five Hiking Trip Blogs
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Pai, Thailand - 12th December 2008 | Dec 11 08'
Pai (pronounced Pie) is right at the North of Thailand not far from the Burmese border. It was very busy when we got there as it’s been a popular t... Continue reading »
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Day 6: Arches National Park and Moab | Nov 19 08'
"Its neat to be able to see an arch in several stages of formation and the final product."
On Day 6 we didn't get up exceptionally early because we had such a great sleep in the huge comfy beds in our hotel room in Moab. We decided to go... Continue reading »
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Day 4: Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park | Nov 17 08'
"The way the sun hits the Hoodoos they seem to glow within w/ a life force of their own, its magical!"
Day 4 began early as well. No one slept well at all. The temperature during the night dipped very low and everyone's feet were freezing. I never wo... Continue reading »
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3 nights in Cinque Terre (Vernazza) | Nov 01 08'
"Sun, Sea, Wine, and Culture (and Pesto)"
From Florence, we visited the Cinque Terre, an area of 5 little towns connected by trails. This area was Mike's favorite from a previous visit, s... Continue reading »
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Machu Picchu, Peru - Day 7 - 9 | Dec 13 08'
so much to backtrack...i woke up that morning to the worst nightmare possible just before the start of the inca trail. it was raining the entire ni... Continue reading »
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