Backpacker Travel: Take a Hike

One of the greatest ways to get to know a place is by walking its countryside, packing your tent and trail mix (or local equivalents thereof) and setting off into the great unknown. Hiking is an activity that can be easily integrated into any backpacking holiday. All you need is a basic level of fitness and a spirit of adventure.
Any destination that's renowned for its natural beauty is bound to offer some opportunities for the avid hiker. As inspiration, we've selected four of the best to whet your appetite for fresh air, starry nights and, let's be honest, a bit of muscle fatigue and maybe a few blisters.

Inca Trail, Peru
Picture yourself trekking through dense jungle to alight at sunrise upon an ancient city high in the Andes mountains. Located 2,400 metres above sea level, Machu Picchu was constructed around 1460 and, due to its hidden location, was one of the few Incan structures not pillaged by the Spanish. The four day trek to this ancient ruin is breathtaking in more ways than one, as the high altitude makes walking extra tough. There is a train that takes tourists from Cuzco to the town at the base of Machu Picchu. However the beauty of trekking is that not only will you experience the magic and mystery of these mountains first hand, but you'll arrive at sunrise, well before the first tourist buses. 

Mt. Everest, Nepal
OK, we'll let the laughter die down. We're not suggesting you climb Mount Everest as a pleasant side trip on your next holiday. There are however a heap of easier hikes through the famous Himalayas that give travellers an insight into the pure beauty and terror that surrounds the world's greatest peak. One of the most popular treks in Nepal is the Annapurna Circuit. This three week high-altitude hike starts near Pokhara and loops past the sixth (Dhaulagiri), seventh (Manaslu) and tenth (Annapurna I) tallest mountains in the world. You'll pass Buddhist and Hindu shrines, hot springs, spectacular mountain sunrises and quite a few fellow hikers along the way. 

Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand
Traversing a beautiful volcanic landscape, this 18.5 kilometre crossing is one of New Zealand's most spectacular hikes. Most trampers (which is Kiwi for hikers) start the route from the western end at the Mangatepopo Valley near Whakapapa and wind through to the other side of the World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park. You'll see lava flows, springs, steam vents, volcanic craters and perfect emerald coloured lakes. The crossing takes around seven hours and some sections can be pretty tough going, but its worth it to see this barren, yet majestic landscape that's like nowhere else on earth.  

West Coast Trail, Canada
Located on the south west coast of Vancouver Island, BC Canada, this 75 kilometre hike traverses the pristine wilderness between Port Renfrew and Bamfield, passing dramatic rocky headlands, sandy beaches and lush rainforests along the way. Taking around seven days to complete, the trail isn't for the faint hearted. You'll need to carry all supplies with you and be prepared for rain. However the rewards are worth it as the West Coast Trail really can't be beaten for variety and culture. Aside from the fantastic coastal landscape, you'll have local Indians ferry you across the river and get the chance to see shipwrecks, lighthouses, whales, sea lions and all sorts of animal life.