For me, traveling is synonymous with discovery, adventure, and a deep connection with nature. Among the experiences I love the most every time I explore a new country, trekking holds a special place in my heart and is one of my favorite activities. I can walk 25 km a day without feeling tired… nature recharges me with new positive energy! Walking for days in remote places, among towering mountains, endless deserts, primordial forests, or along the ocean coast, has allowed me to explore the world in an authentic and sustainable way. Here are the 5 treks that I hold close to my heart… but surely there will be many more that I will share with you along the way!
1. O Circuit of Torres del Paine, Chile
Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia is a place that looks like something out of a dream. I completed the O Circuit, a week-long adventure where you walk more than 135 km through breathtaking landscapes: glaciers, turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and remote valleys. The most magical element? The fierce wind that makes you feel alive, the exhaustion rewarded by the sight of the three iconic granite towers and the Grey Glacier with its rainbow, which makes it worth waking up at 4 AM when it is still dark and cold, and the feeling of being at the edge of the world.
2. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Climbing Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, was an unforgettable experience. Its 5,895 meters of altitude offer a journey through incredibly varied ecosystems: from the rainforest to the alpine tundra, up to the high-altitude desert. The most exciting moment? Reaching the summit at dawn and seeing the sun rise above the clouds, a breathtaking experience.
3. Lenin Peak, Kyrgyzstan
A challenging but fascinating trek in the heart of the Pamir. Lenin Peak, at 7,134 meters, is one of the most accessible seven-thousanders and offers breathtaking panoramas. We hiked up to the base camp at 4,880 meters; from there on, mountaineers take on the climb! The ascent takes you through vast glaciers and remote landscapes, testing both body and mind. Sleeping in a tent amidst snow and glaciers and waking up with the peaks of the 7,000-meter mountains in front of your eyes makes all the effort worthwhile!
4. Abel Tasman Coast Track, New Zealand
One of the most beautiful coastal treks in the world. Located in Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand, this trail offers golden beaches, lush forests, and turquoise waters. It is easy to walk, and I personally covered many parts by trail running. You can descend onto various beaches along the way for a swim and some relaxation. Stunning, scenic, and relaxing, this trek perfectly combines hiking and kayaking, making it a fantastic way to explore this pristine part of the world.
5. Rota Vicentina, Portugal
A spectacular trek along the Atlantic coast of Portugal. The Rota Vicentina is my “home trek,” which I do every year in September, at the end of the season, to relax and recharge with positive energy after an intense work season! I regularly guide groups along this route, I know it like the back of my hand, and I have explored every beach and hidden remote corner. It is one of my absolute favorites! The most well-known part is the Fishermen’s Trail, from Porto Covo to Cabo Sao Vicente, but there is so much more!! It is a route that offers wild landscapes, cliffs overlooking the sea, and authentic fishing villages. Walking along this trail is a journey into pure nature, accompanied by the sound of the waves and the constant sea breeze.
My Trekking Baptism: Annapurna, Nepal
Annapurna was my first-ever trek, back in 2018. Before that, I had never done trekking in my life, and I started with a bang! I reached 4,800 meters, discovering a passion that would change my way of traveling forever. Trekking through Nepalese villages, rhododendron forests, and breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks was a personal transformation experience that made me fall in love with mountains and adventure.
Trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
Ten years ago, I had the opportunity to walk on the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most incredible experiences of my life. The feeling of standing on a vast expanse of ice, hearing the sound of chunks breaking off and falling into the water, is unforgettable. This trek introduced me to the beauty of glacial landscapes and the wild charm of Argentine Patagonia.
Each trek has left an indelible mark on my heart, enriching me with spectacular landscapes, authentic encounters, and the satisfaction of pushing my limits. If you love adventure and nature, these five itineraries deserve a place on your bucket list.
Which of these treks fascinates you the most? Or do you have another route to suggest? Let me know!
