The Ultimate Guide to Backpacker Trails & Routes: What’s Worth It and What’s Not

Planning your next adventure? Discover the best backpacker trails & routes across the globe—from iconic thru-hikes to hidden offbeat treks. Learn which trails truly live up to the hype, which ones to skip, and how to optimize your journey for budget, culture, and safety. Perfect for seasoned backpackers looking for authentic, trail-tested routes.

Why Backpacker Trails & Routes Matter More Than Ever

Backpacking is no longer just a budget-friendly way to travel—it has evolved into a lifestyle and a philosophy of exploration. In a world where cheap flights and instant bookings make it easy to rush from one city to another, backpacker trails & routes provide something deeper: slowness, immersion, and authenticity.

The Rise of Long-Distance Hiking and Slow Travel

Over the past decade, there’s been a surge in travelers seeking long-distance hiking routes and multi-country backpacking trails. These paths aren’t just about covering distance—they’re about disconnecting from digital noise, building resilience, and experiencing landscapes at human speed. In an age dominated by fast travel, trails invite us to slow down.

Balancing Cost, Culture, and Challenge

Unlike package tours or luxury travel, backpacker routes are designed around affordability and flexibility. Following well-established trails also means access to a global community of backpackers, shared tips, and cultural exchanges. Many routes blend affordability with adventure, making them perfect for travelers who want to stretch their budget without sacrificing authentic experiences.

A Post-Pandemic Shift Toward Outdoor Exploration

With health-conscious travel on the rise, more people are looking for nature-focused, socially distanced adventures. Backpacker trails offer exactly that: open-air journeys where the experience is shaped by landscapes rather than schedules. This shift makes classic routes like the Camino de Santiago or the Annapurna Circuit more relevant than ever.

 

Top Backpacker Trails & Routes Around the World

From ancient pilgrimage paths to remote wilderness tracks, the world is full of backpacker routes that challenge the body, expand the mind, and reward with unforgettable landscapes. Below are some of the most iconic—and a few underrated—trails worth adding to your backpacking bucket list.

 

South America – The Andes & Patagonia Routes

South America is a dream for long-distance backpackers.

• Inca Trail, Peru – Famous for its stunning approach to Machu Picchu, though crowded and regulated.
• Torres del Paine “O” Circuit, Chile – A remote Patagonian loop with glaciers, granite towers, and extreme weather.
• Cordillera Huayhuash Trek, Peru – Considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the world, but far less trafficked.

👉 Pro Tip: Many seasoned backpackers recommend skipping the Inca Trail crowds and trying the Salkantay Trek, a wilder, less commercialized alternative.

 

Asia – Himalayan Treks and Southeast Asian Jungle Trails

Asia offers some of the highest and most diverse backpacker routes.

• Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal – Iconic, with world-class mountain scenery and teahouse culture.
• Annapurna Circuit, Nepal – Once remote, now more developed, but still rewarding with dramatic passes.
• Kyrgyzstan’s Ala-Kul Trek – Central Asia’s hidden alpine gem.
• Vietnam’s Sapa Trails – Terraced rice fields, homestays, and cultural immersion.

👉 Advanced backpackers often prefer Kyrgyzstan or Ladakh, India, for fewer crowds and rawer landscapes.

 

Europe – Camino de Santiago vs. Lesser-Known GR Routes

Europe is rich in both cultural and wilderness backpacker trails.

• Camino de Santiago, Spain – Popular pilgrimage route, rich in culture and community.
• Tour du Mont Blanc, France/Italy/Switzerland – Classic alpine route circling Western Europe’s highest peak.
• GR20, Corsica – Known as Europe’s toughest long-distance trek.
• West Highland Way, Scotland – Rugged landscapes and accessible logistics.

👉 For those seeking solitude, GR7 (Spain) or Via Dinarica (Balkans) are authentic, underrated alternatives.

 

Africa – Kilimanjaro & Underrated Routes

Africa’s backpacker trails combine raw landscapes with cultural depth.

• Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania – Africa’s highest peak, iconic but expensive and crowded.
• Simien Mountains, Ethiopia – Dramatic cliffs, unique wildlife, and far fewer trekkers.
• Atlas Mountains, Morocco – Budget-friendly, with homestays and local Berber hospitality.

👉 Many experienced backpackers recommend Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains over Kilimanjaro for affordability and adventure.

 

Oceania – New Zealand’s Great Walks & Australia’s Desert Tracks

Oceania delivers world-class trails across contrasting environments.

• Milford Track, New Zealand – Known as “the finest walk in the world,” though highly booked.
• Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand – Short, accessible, and volcanic landscapes.
• Overland Track, Tasmania – Iconic Australian trek through forests, alpine, and lakes.
• Larapinta Trail, Australia – Harsh desert trek for seasoned adventurers.

👉 If you want fewer crowds, opt for Kepler Track (NZ) or lesser-known trails in Tasmania.

 

Overrated Backpacker Routes (and What to Do Instead)

Not all famous trails live up to their hype. While many have incredible scenery, over-tourism, inflated costs, and commercialization can sometimes overshadow the actual experience. For seasoned backpackers, here are the routes that often disappoint—and smarter alternatives nearby.

 

Inca Trail, Peru → Instead: Salkantay Trek or Choquequirao

The Inca Trail is legendary, but permits sell out months in advance, the trail is crowded, and prices are high.
👉 Alternative: The Salkantay Trek offers glacial scenery with fewer people, while Choquequirao is a remote ruin site often called “the next Machu Picchu.”

 

Everest Base Camp, Nepal → Instead: Gokyo Lakes Trek or Manaslu Circuit

Everest Base Camp is iconic, but it’s heavily commercialized, with traffic jams on the trails and inflated teahouse costs.
👉 Alternative: The Gokyo Lakes Trek has equally spectacular Everest views with fewer crowds, and the Manaslu Circuit is rugged and authentic.

 

Camino de Santiago, Spain → Instead: Camino del Norte or Via Dinarica (Balkans)

The Camino has deep cultural roots, but the main Camino Francés is often overrun with pilgrims, hostels booked out, and the journey feels less personal.
👉 Alternative: The Camino del Norte (coastal route) is quieter with ocean views, while the Via Dinarica through the Balkans offers untouched landscapes and cultural diversity.

 

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania → Instead: Simien Mountains (Ethiopia) or Rwenzori Mountains (Uganda)

Summiting Kilimanjaro is on many bucket lists, but costs are high (mandatory guides), and you’re often walking in large groups.
👉 Alternative: Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains or Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains are more affordable, culturally immersive, and far less crowded.

 
Milford Track, New Zealand → Instead: Kepler Track or Routeburn Track

The Milford is stunning, but it’s tightly regulated, permits are scarce, and crowds are constant.
👉 Alternative: The Kepler Track offers alpine ridges with fewer hikers, while the Routeburn Track is shorter but equally dramatic.

 

How to Choose the Right Backpacker Route for You

Not every backpacking route is the right fit. Choosing a trail isn’t just about the destination—it’s about matching your fitness, timeframe, budget, and goals with the trail’s demands. A route that’s life-changing for one person can feel miserable or overwhelming for another. Here’s how to pick wisely.

 

Fitness Level and Physical Demands

Some backpacker trails are gentle pilgrimages; others push you to high-altitude extremes.

• Beginner-friendly routes: Camino de Santiago (Spain), Tongariro Alpine Crossing (NZ), Sapa Trails (Vietnam).
• Intermediate routes: Annapurna Circuit (Nepal), Torres del Paine “W” Trek (Chile), West Highland Way (Scotland).
• Advanced routes: Cordillera Huayhuash (Peru), GR20 (Corsica), Larapinta Trail (Australia).

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate altitude. Even fit hikers struggle on high passes if not acclimatized.

 
Timeframe and Seasonality

• Short-term routes (1–7 days): Great for limited schedules (e.g., Routeburn Track, Tongariro Crossing, Morocco’s Atlas Mountains).
• Medium-length (1–3 weeks): Enough for cultural immersion (e.g., Annapurna Circuit, Camino de Santiago).
• Long-distance (1+ month): Lifestyle journeys (e.g., Pacific Crest Trail, Via Dinarica, Trans-Patagonia).

👉 Research seasons carefully—hiking Everest in monsoon or Patagonia in winter can ruin a trip.

 

Budget Considerations

Some trails are cheap and community-driven, while others require permits, guides, or gear.

• Budget-friendly: Southeast Asia jungle treks, Moroccan Atlas, Kyrgyzstan’s Ala-Kul.
• Mid-range: Camino de Santiago, Annapurna Circuit.
• High-cost: Kilimanjaro (mandatory guides), Inca Trail (permits), New Zealand Great Walks (booking fees).

👉 Hidden costs add up—transport, food, and resupplies can be pricier than the trek itself.

 

Cultural Immersion vs. Wilderness Solitude

Ask yourself: Do you want people and community, or wilderness and silence?

• For culture & connection: Camino de Santiago, Sapa (Vietnam), Nepal tea-house treks.
• For wilderness isolation: Huayhuash Circuit (Peru), Simien Mountains (Ethiopia), Larapinta (Australia).

 

Safety and Logistics

• Infrastructure-heavy trails (e.g., Camino, Annapurna) are safer and easier to navigate.
• Remote routes (e.g., Kyrgyzstan, Patagonia) require navigation skills, backup plans, and sometimes satellite devices.
• Always check visa rules, permit requirements, and whether guides are mandatory.

👉 Pro Tip: Download offline maps (Maps.me, Gaia GPS) and always carry a physical backup map.

 

Digital Tools & Resources for Planning

• Apps: AllTrails, Gaia GPS, Maps.me.
• Communities: Backpacker forums, Reddit r/travel, and Facebook trekking groups.
• Books/Guides: Lonely Planet Trekking Guides, Cicerone Guides for Europe.

 

Practical Tips for Maximizing Your Backpacking Adventure

Backpacking is not just about choosing the right trail—it’s about how you approach the journey. Even seasoned travelers can miss opportunities to save money, deepen cultural connections, or protect fragile ecosystems. These strategies will help you get the most out of your backpacker trails & routes.

 

Travel Off-Season (or Shoulder Season)

• Why it matters: Trails are less crowded, accommodation is cheaper, and locals are more welcoming.
• Examples: Patagonia in late spring, Camino de Santiago in autumn, New Zealand’s Great Walks in early winter.
  👉 Pro Tip: Avoid absolute off-season if it compromises safety (e.g., monsoon treks in Nepal). Aim for the “shoulder” windows between peak and off-peak.

 

Budget Hacks for Long-Distance Trails

• Cook your own meals with a compact stove instead of relying on pricey huts.
• Use homestays and hostels along cultural trails (Camino, Sapa) to save and connect.
• Travel with a lightweight tent or tarp on wilderness trails—greater flexibility, lower costs.
• Join gear-swap groups or rent equipment locally to avoid airline baggage fees.
  👉 Pro Tip: Always factor in “hidden” costs like trail permits, shuttle transfers, and extra gear for climate extremes.

 

Sustainable and Responsible Trekking Practices

• Follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out everything you pack in.
• Support local economies by buying food and services directly from communities rather than big operators.
• Avoid overcrowded routes if alternatives exist—this distributes tourism more sustainably.
• Respect cultural norms (dress codes, photography permissions, local customs).
  👉 Pro Tip: Carry a water filter or purification tablets to cut down on single-use plastics.

 

Gear and Tech That Actually Matters

• Essentials: layered clothing, proper boots, lightweight sleeping system.
• Navigation: offline maps (Gaia GPS, Maps.me, AllTrails).
• Safety: small med kit, power bank, and a backup headlamp.
• Optional luxury item: ultralight hammock or e-reader for rest days.
  👉 Pro Tip: Don’t overpack—most beginners bring 20–30% more than they need. Experienced backpackers live by the rule: If you didn’t use it in 3 days, you don’t need it.

 

Wrapping It Up: Finding Your Trail Without the Hype

At the end of the day, backpacker trails & routes aren’t about chasing Instagram hotspots or checking off a bucket list. They’re about self-discovery, resilience, and connecting with the world at a slower, more meaningful pace.

The truth is, there’s no single “best” trail. The Camino de Santiago might transform one traveler’s outlook on community, while the winds of Patagonia push another to their physical limits. What matters most is not the hype surrounding a destination—but whether the route you choose aligns with your fitness, budget, values, and curiosity.

Instead of following the crowd, consider what you want from your journey:

• Solitude or connection?
• Culture or wilderness?
• Affordability or comfort?
• Challenge or simplicity?

The world is full of routes waiting for you, from the hidden valleys of Kyrgyzstan to the desert ridges of Australia. Your perfect trail is not necessarily the most famous—it’s the one that tells your story.

 

Conclusion

“Backpacker trails & routes are more than just paths through mountains and forests—they’re personal journeys of growth, resilience, and connection. Whether you choose iconic treks or hidden gems, the key is finding the route that aligns with your goals, budget, and spirit of adventure. Don’t follow the crowd—find the trail that tells your story.”

 

FAQs (with short answers)

Q1: What are the best beginner-friendly backpacker trails?
A: Routes like Camino de Santiago, Inca Trail, or New Zealand’s Tongariro Crossing are beginner-friendly with good infrastructure.

Q2: Which backpacker routes are the least crowded?
A: Try Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains, Kyrgyzstan’s Ala-Kul trek, or Patagonia’s offshoot trails.

Q3: How do I prepare for long-distance backpacker trails?
A: Train for endurance, research gear, and build a budget buffer for unexpected costs.

Q4: What apps help with backpacker route planning?
A: Gaia GPS, Maps.me, AllTrails, and offline Google Maps.

Q5: Are popular backpacker trails still worth it?
A: Yes, but manage expectations—crowds and costs are high. Often, nearby alternatives provide richer experiences.