Rickshaw’s favourite hikes across the world
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Scenic trails beneath Kilimanjaro - Tanzania
Tanzania treat made our list for the soul-lifting option to add the Marangu Route day hike to our Kilimanjaro cycle tour. An unforgettable ride through coffee and sugar plantations and rural villages with the snow-capped volcano as your backdrop, you’ll also climb rainforest switchbacks with an expert guide to the Mandara Hut. From your viewpoint at 2,740m, savour a picnic among colobus calls. Pure summit flavour without the commitment!
Walk Japan's Edo-era samurai path
Stroll the enchanting Nakasendo Trail, originally well trodden by feudal lords, over three days and two nights in Japan‘s beautiful Kiso Valley in Nagano Prefecture. Begin in historic Kiso‑Fukushima, wander along an ancient Edo‑period path from Magome to Tsumago, and sleep in charming ryokans. Expect cobblestone lanes, densely forested valleys and wonderfully preserved 200‑year‑old towns.
Hiking level: Easy
Duration: 3 days/ 2 nights
Big views, little peak
Explore Ella’s rich green valleys by foot and rail on this 3-day Sri Lanka escape. Ride the panoramic train from Nuwara Eliya into misty tea hills, then hike to Little Adam’s Peak through terraced plantations, cathedral-like forest trails and tumbling waterfalls – truly a nature-filled tonic for the soul. For a more challenging hike, head over to its big brother, Adam’s Peak, where the sunrise views are worth every step.
Hiking level: Easy
Duration: 3 days/ 2 nights
Walk the jungle canopy
Discover Costa Rica‘s cloud‑forest magic over three nature-filled days in Monteverde. Take a 3km walk over hanging‑bridge trails and through mossy jungle. Eye up huge varieties of frogs from glass and milk to crowned and poison dart, and delve into a botanical eden. With zip‑lining, butterfly gardens and atmospheric rainforest vibes, it’s a fabulous eco‑escape that reconnects you with the best of the outdoors.
Hiking level: Easy
Duration: 3 days/ 2 nights
Chasing towers in Patagonia
Take on Chile‘s legendary Torres del Paine W route in six days, from Puerto Natales to the awe‑inspiring granite towers. Hikes average seven hours daily through dramatic valleys, lakes and glaciers, finishing with a wonderfully scenic boat ride on Grey Lake. Made for active adventurers in search of Patagonia’s monumental landscapes.
Hiking level: Hard
Duration: 6 days/ 5 nights
High Himalayan passes
Circle Nepal‘s imposing Annapurna range on this 16-day Himalayan odyssey. You’ll journey through green river valleys, remote village outposts and high mountain passes, with dramatic vistas of snow-capped peaks at every turn. Not for the faint-hearted, you’ll cross boiling rivers and hanging bridges, with the 5,416m Thorong La Pass the ultimate highlight. Magnificent!
Hiking level: Hard
Duration: 16 days/ 15 nights
Step up to the Lost City
Challenge yourself to an expedition through Colombia’s rich and fertile Sierra Nevada. You’ll pass remote villages and meet the indigenous Wiwa community who call them home. Hike past dense jungle and winding rivers, to reach the ruins of the ancient Lost City, Cuidad Perdida. It’s a tough multi-day journey, but the scenery, history and sense of achievement delivers huge rewards.
Hiking level: Hard
Duration: 4 days/ 3 nights
Trail to Tiger's Nest
Combine peaceful Paro town with one of Bhutan’s most iconic hikes. High on Rickshaw’s hit list, you’ll wander past colourful prayer flags, explore spiritual Paro Dzong and try your hand at Bhutanese archery. The highlight is an extraordinary trek to the mystical Tiger’s Nest monastery, clinging to a cliff at 3,120m above the valley. It’s a challenge – but merits every step.
Hiking level: Medium
Duration: 3 days/ 2 nights
Ramble in rural China
Escape the bustle and stretch your legs on a rewarding 5–6 hour hike through Yunnan’s sweeping mountain scenery. You’ll walk between villages, past rice paddies and quiet trails, before relaxing in the laid-back town of Dali, where you can soak up local life, along with a beer or two. With time to explore Shaxi too, it’s a real taste of rural China on foot.
Hiking level: Medium
Duration: 3 days/ 2 nights
Like hiking for chocolate
Take time out in Minca’s tropical haven, nestled deep in Colombia‘s Sierra Nevada. Over three days you’ll explore on foot through the surrounding jungle and coffee plantations, dip beneath hidden waterfalls, learn bamboo craft from the Tayrona community and soak up village life. You’ll even learn their skills to make your own chocolate!
Hiking level: Medium
Duration: 3 days/ 2 nights
A taste of the Inca Trail
Follow Peru‘s ancient paths via misty valleys and Andean cloud forests on this edifying short Inca Trail trek. You’ll take the Inca trading route, hike past hidden ruins, rejuvenate in hot springs and arrive at the Sun Gate at sunrise – just in time for your first magical glimpse of Machu Picchu. No ‘roughing-it’ required!
Hiking level: Medium
Duration: 4 days/ 3 nights
The Inca Trail - unfiltered
A more intense (and world-legendary) trek, you’ll follow The Inca footsteps from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Over four days and 44 km through mist-shrouded forests, high passes and lost cities, you’ll conquer Dead Woman’s Pass, sleep under the stars and arrive at the Sun Gate at dawn for the simply magnificent vista!
Hiking level: Hard
Duration: 4 days/ 3 nights
