Alright, listen. If you’re like me, you’ve daydreamed about hiking through some wild landscape, the kind where you don’t hear honking horns or see a single Starbucks cup for miles. You know, the kind of hike where you feel the earth beneath your boots and, maybe, curse your backpack for being too heavy as you climb up a ridiculous incline. But seriously, hiking is that kind of thing—hard work, beautiful views, and a whole lotta sweat. And if you’re anything like me, you want a trail that’ll make your feet ache and your heart race in the best possible way.

So buckle up (or, well, lace up your boots), because here are some of the best hikes on this spinning rock we call Earth. Trust me, you’ll want to check these out—even if you’re a little out of shape and just Googled how to “prevent blisters on your feet.”

1. The Inca Trail, Peru

Now, if you don’t already know, the Inca Trail is a bucket-list kind of hike. This bad boy takes you through the Andes to Machu Picchu. And I don’t mean “hey, let’s take a casual stroll”—we’re talking a legit 26-mile trek through ancient ruins and wild landscapes.

I did this hike (well, the short version because I’m no endurance pro), and holy moly, it was tough. Like, real tough. There’s a whole lotta uphill action here, and the altitude? Yikes. The air was so thin, I felt like I was sucking down air from a deflated balloon. But seriously, the views? Next level. The sun creeping over the mountains at sunrise was enough to make me forget about my aching calves.

And then there’s Machu Picchu itself. You feel like a total badass when you finally see it. It’s the world’s best scenic reward for hard work—like finally reaching the top of a mountain and realizing it was totally worth the struggle. Oh, and you can’t forget the llamas. They’re all over the place and they do not care if you’ve been walking for hours. They’ll give you that judgmental llama look, and it stings.

2. The Appalachian Trail, USA

The Appalachian Trail—aka, the AT—has this legendary status. It’s 2,190 miles long, which is basically the equivalent of walking from Georgia to Maine and then some. Crazy, right? I had a friend try to do the whole thing, but she bailed after like two weeks. Not everyone has the stamina (or, y’know, time) for a full-on thru-hike.

But don’t let that scare you off. There’s plenty of shorter sections to tackle, and the views are insane. I mean, when I hit the Smoky Mountains, I did feel like I was in the middle of a fairytale. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might see a bear (or, more realistically, lots of squirrels).

The AT is a trail that’ll test you. You’ll face mud, steep inclines, and more trees than you ever thought possible. But honestly? Every blisters-filled step is worth it when you see that ridge-top view. It’s like a gift to your soul.

3. Torres del Paine Circuit, Chile

Let’s talk Patagonia. It’s one of those places on the planet that feels like it’s otherworldly. If you want to hike where the mountains meet the wind in ways you never knew possible, this is your spot. The Torres del Paine Circuit is a wild 80-mile loop in the heart of Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park, and my god, it’s gorgeous.

I made it a couple of days in before my legs turned to jelly, but that was all I needed. The granite towers (the “Torres” themselves) look like they’re straight out of a fantasy novel. And the glaciers? Yeah, they’re the real deal. Nothing says “adventure” like standing in the shadow of a giant ice wall. That feeling of isolation and beauty is enough to make you want to skip a few dinners and keep hiking.

Word to the wise: pack a jacket. Patagonia’s weather has a mind of its own and will throw wind, rain, and sun at you in a single afternoon. I swear I’ve never been colder or wetter, but it made the hot chocolate at the end of the day taste that much sweeter.

4. Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal

Fast forward past three failed attempts at getting a decent Wi-Fi signal—now we’re on to Everest Base Camp. And no, you don’t need to be a mountaineer to tackle this one. But yes, you’ll still be gasping for air halfway up. Altitude sickness is real, my friend. (I’m still recovering from my first few sips of thin mountain air.)

This trek takes you through the heart of the Himalayas, and every step is like a new postcard-worthy view. Along the way, you pass ancient monasteries, Sherpa villages, and yaks. So many yaks. You’d think they were part of the hike’s official mascot squad.

I can’t lie, there were moments when I wanted to turn back and watch Netflix instead. But then I’d look up, and boom—there’s Everest, just chilling like it owns the whole damn world. It’s impossible not to keep going when you’re that close to history and nature at their most raw.

5. The Dolomites, Italy

Okay, so imagine this: you’re in northern Italy, hiking through jagged mountain peaks while chowing down on an espresso at the top. Dream, right? The Dolomites are as scenic as it gets. One of my friends did the Alta Via 1, a 75-mile trek, and got lost in the Italian Alps. It was her third time on that trail. Yes, the third.

But that’s the beauty of the Dolomites. The trails are tough, but the vibes? Unbeatable. Every turn on the trail brings a fresh jaw-dropping vista, and you’re surrounded by the quiet hum of alpine life. Seriously, I was just waiting for someone to pull out a violin and start playing “O Sole Mio.” But no, it was just me, the peaks, and a lot of downhill slope that left me questioning every decision that led me to this point.

If you can’t do the whole Alta Via, there are shorter hikes, too—like the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, which is perfect if you’re in it for the views, not the blisters.

6. The Laugavegur Trail, Iceland

Now, here’s the kicker: Iceland. This place is like the cool kid of the hiking world. Lava fields? Check. Glaciers? You bet. Hot springs? Oh, absolutely. I’ll never forget that time I hiked the Laugavegur Trail in 2018. I almost got lost (again), but then I stumbled across this insane field of moss and volcanic rock that looked like something straight out of a sci-fi movie.

This 34-mile trail will take you through the weirdest, most beautiful landscapes you’ll ever see. I’m talking rainbow mountains, steaming geysers, and wild rivers. And, to top it off, you can take a dip in natural hot springs after a long day of hiking. Just don’t let the lava rock trip you up—you’ll be so glad you didn’t fall on that jagged edge.

7. The Zion Narrows, USA

You know that feeling when you’re wading through water, but you’re also kinda terrified of what’s beneath the surface? Welcome to the Zion Narrows. It’s one of the most unique hikes in the world because you’re literally hiking through a river.

Zion’s not your average “walk through the woods” kind of hike. This one’s got cliffs that feel like they’re about to fall on your head and water that’ll make your shoes so soggy, you might start questioning your life choices. But hey, if you’re a sucker for beautiful, narrow canyons and crystal-clear river water, this one’s for you.

Anyway, you’ll come for the adventure and stay for the views. And that sense of accomplishment when you reach the end? Priceless.