The views will leave you as breathless as the treks.
Backpacking allows you to go deeper, stay longer, and in some cases, lose the crowds.
Inca Trail, Peru
The Inca Trail is the famous route that leads toMachu Picchu.
Credit:Ruben Earth/Getty Images
It provides a once-in-a-lifetime trek that follows the footsteps of a great lost civilization.
It’s also home to rare wildlife, like the guanaco, a llama-like animal.
At more than 15,700 feet, Mont Blanc is the star of this backpacking journey.
Getty Images/Cavan Images RF
People take anywhere from six to 12 days to complete the hike.
Either way, hiking from one rim to the other will earn you serious bragging rights.
Most people take three or four days to complete this classic New Zealand Great Walk.
Getty Images
The Great Ocean Walk takes about eight days to finish.
Getty Images
Getty Images
Getty Images
Romy Arroyo Fernandez/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Getty Images
Andrew Peacock/Getty Images
Natphotos/Getty Images
tororo/Getty Images