With so much wilderness right on the doorstep, there’s always something to do in Montana at any time of year. The state is highly in tune with the rhythms of nature, and activities vary with the weather and season.

The peak summer and winter seasons always draw in a crowd, but the shoulder seasons in late spring and fall reveal a calmer, quieter side to the Big Sky state. Whenever you come, check if you can do the activities you want to do and see the places you want to see at that time of year. 

Summer is the high season, thanks to the endless opportunities for hiking and outdoor exploration, but snow sports in winter are another major draw thanks to the state’s consistent covering of fluffy snow. It’s important to note that businesses often use the less popular shoulder season and off-season to perform renovations or reduce their hours. Even so, the quieter months are ideal if you want to see Montana looking more like it did in the frontier days, without queues of RVs on the highways.

Here’s a guide to what Montana has to offer throughout the year, from hiking-friendly summer to ski-tastic winter and everything in between.

The summer high season (July–August) is the time for hiking and water activities

Montana is extremely family-friendly and it’s easy to drive deep into wild country when there’s no snow, making summer the peak season to visit the state. Yellowstone National Park is in full swing by this point, and the Going To The Sun Road in Glacier National Park is clear of snow and open to traffic by the end of June or early July. As the snow melts, seasonal workers flock to staff mountain resorts and support the surge in tourism, and the state’s bears come out of hibernation.

This is the ideal time to engage in the summer activities for which Montana is famous. Fly-fishing, hiking, cycling, whitewater rafting, wildlife spotting, admiring the wildflowers and going to the rodeo are just some of the ways to keep busy in Montana summer. This is also when the huckleberries come out, if you’re willing to fight the bears for them (carry bear spray to be on the safe side).

The festival calendar is busy, too. Big events in July include the Under the Big Sky Festival in Whitefish and Flathead Cherry Festival in Polson; in August, try the Sweet Pea Festival in Bozeman and Huckleberry Festival in Trout Creek.

The cons of visiting Montana during the high season are higher prices and crowds, which can somewhat defeat the purpose of exploring these wide-open spaces. Another inconvenience is the heat, which often surprises visitors who assume this snow-prone state is always cold. Temperatures can climb above 100ºF during the day in the high season, and with regular wildfires, the air is often hazy, obscuring the mountain vistas that many have traveled so far to gaze upon.

The winter high season (December–March) is the best time for snow sports

Winter is another extremely popular time to visit Montana, and the focus is still on outdoor activities – just a different set. There are ski and snowboarding resorts throughout the state, the most popular of which is Big Sky, about an hour from Bozeman. Snowmobilers also descend on Montana en masse in the winter, congregating in Cook City, just north of Yellowstone National Park.

Winter is actually an exceptional time to visit Yellowstone, even though only the northern road is open. You won’t be able to see Old Faithful or many other famous sights within the park, but wolves and other wildlife (besides the hibernating species) gather in the Lamar Valley, and are easy to spot against the white snow. Tour operator Yellowstone Wolf Tracker’s winter tours are nothing short of epic for wildlife spotters. Other popular winter activities in Montana include snowshoeing, dog sledding and cozying up by the fire in a log cabin while snowflakes fall outside the window.

Winter is not always an easy time to visit, though it can be very rewarding. The roads can be tricky to navigate if you are not an experienced winter driver, and many non-tourist businesses close their doors until summer comes again. Sunshine is limited at this time of year, and temperatures can drop past the point of being deadly if you’re not prepared; keep emergency food, water and blankets in your vehicle.

On the plus side, you may spot the aurora borealis lighting up the sky on dark nights, and many towns serve up winter cheer in the form of fun-filled winter carnivals, such as Lewistown’s Montana Winter Fair, the Bozeman Ice Festival and the Winter Carnivals in Red Lodge and Whitefish.

The shoulder season (September–November) is the best time for avoiding the crowds

The shoulder season is locals’ favorite time of year. After all, people don’t live in Montana for the noise and bustle. The weather is mild, the roads and trails are still open, and the crowds have mostly gone home after the summer crush. If you’re looking to see Montana in its most pristine state, this is the time to come. Plus, October is when the leaves start to change color, with a vivid shift towards crimson, orange and yellow to rival any fall colors you’ll find in New England.

There are some inconveniences, though. Many restaurants, hotels, and other businesses shed staff when the schools start back up again, and some use the lull between summer and winter to do renovations. Service can be slower than normal and activities harder to come by, but Montana culture is nothing if not encouraging of a little self-reliance. It’s also worth noting that Montana’s unpredictable weather can mean rain in September, obscuring the views.

There are some good festivals, like Missoula Oktoberfest, and the Wine and Food Festival and HarvestFest in Billings.

Low season (April–June) is the best time for budget travelers

What other places refer to as the low season, Montanans call the mud season. This is the time of year when winter turns to spring and the snow melts, leaving lakes of mud in its wake. It’s not all bad, though – this is playtime for off-roaders and 4WD enthusiasts, as well as car washing businesses. Restaurants and tour operators use the slow season to get ready for summer, and many popular outdoor areas stage a soft opening without the overwhelming summer crowds.

As you might expect, this is a rainy time of year, which can create hazardous road conditions and disappointing vistas. On the flip side, hotels will be at their least expensive prices during this slow season for customers. Pond skimming, art walks, farmer’s markets and the International Wildlife Film Festival in Missoula are popular events. It’s also worth making time for the Lewis and Clark Festival in Great Falls and Montana Mule Days in Hamilton.

Much of the Cowboy State – Wyoming – lies well under the radar of many travelers, which is excellent news for those in the know.

Most people equate the state’s incredible natural scenery with its two showcase national parks, Yellowstone and Grand Teton, and it would certainly be a crime not to invest a big chunk of your time in these two gems. But beyond the iconic parks lie some equally spectacular but far less-trammeled scenery, notably in the world-class Wind River and Bighorn Ranges.

Combine time in these majestic parks with a sprinkling of the state’s frontier history and Indigenous heritage, and you have the beginnings of a fabulous road trip through the wide-open spaces of the nation’s least populated state – and a sampler of the West at its best. Like the bison, the state animal, it is an American classic. Here’s your lineup of the top things to do in Wyoming.

1. Watch wildlife in Yellowstone National Park

You could spend your entire Wyoming vacation just in Yellowstone National Park. The otherworldly geyser basins, backcountry lakes and scenic overlooks are all world-class – but for us, it’s the wildlife that makes Yellowstone unbeatable. You’ll likely spot the park’s iconic bison and elk just from the car window; to see wolves or a grizzly, you’ve got to head out at dawn or dusk equipped with time and a spotting scope. 

Winter is the best season for spotting, as the animals cluster in the lower, warmer, more accessible valleys and are easier to spot against the snow, but there’s always something to see, particularly in the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley. Our tip: go on a wolf-watching day trip with a Gardiner-based biologist and you’ll never see the park the same way again.

2. Hike or backpack Grand Teton National Park

If Yellowstone is about its geological wonders and attention-grabbing wildlife, then Grand Teton National Park is all about the mountains. If you’re a hiker, Grand Teton is your place: expect the state’s most spectacular range of day hikes, from family-friendly strolls past enticing turquoise lakes to hardcore canyon scrambles that take in 4000ft of elevation gain. 

For those with four or five days to invest, the Teton Crest Trail is perhaps the Rockies’ premier backpacking trip. The classic 39-mile route takes in high mountain valleys, three high passes and the epic lake-filled Alaska Basin, bringing you through the heart of this majestic range. Since this is a popular trail, you’ll need to book camping spots well in advance and arrange a vehicle shuttle. 

3. Visit the “Smithsonian of the West”

Wyoming’s best museum is without doubt the Buffalo Bill Center in Cody – in fact, it’s a complex of five museums and only one focuses on Western showman Bill Cody himself. The Plains Indian Museum is a peerless place to learn about regional Indigenous heritage (look for the extraordinary tepee made from 13 buffalo hides), while the Gallery of Western Art features iconic works by the artists who helped define the image we have today of the West.

Finally, the Draper Museum of Natural History provides the perfect primer for anyone headed to the natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park, just a couple hours’ drive west.

4. Attend a powwow

There’s no better way to learn about Wyoming’s Native American culture than at a powwow in the state’s Wind River Indian Reservation. These annual gatherings spotlight traditional dances and drumming and the incredible regalia of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapahoe peoples, handmade from eagle feathers, shells, bone and delicate beadwork.

The biggest event is the three-day Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Powwow in June at Fort Washakie, where you can also visit the burial places of Arapahoe chief Washakie and Sacagawea, Lewis and Clark’s famous guide. Entry to the powwows is free, but always ask before taking photos of people and their clothing.

5. Explore the Bighorn Mountains

The Bighorn Mountains in northern Wyoming are one of the state’s best-kept secrets. Road trippers can crisscross the range on two of the state’s most scenic drives – the Bighorn and Cloud Peak scenic highways – while adventuresome backpackers can attempt the nontechnical hike up to the 13,171ft summit of Cloud Peak, the highest in the Bighorns, after an overnight camp at Mistymoon Lake.

On the northwest edge of the range, between Lovell and Sheridan, don’t miss the intriguing Medicine Wheel, an 80ft-wide spoked circle of stones used in ancient celestial and solstice observances. The site has been sacred to local tribes for over 7000 years, so act respectfully here.

Equally enigmatic is the Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site on the eastern slopes of the Bighorns, where you can discover hundreds of pre-Columbian petroglyphs and pictographs embroidering a sandstone bluff. It’s a quietly powerful site.

6. Backpack the Wind River Range

If you wish you could have the mountain grandeur of the Tetons without the pesky camping permits, you should make the Wind River Range your next backpacking destination. The Winds are so epic that they could soak up an entire summer, so focus on two classic routes: the three- or four-night route to Titcomb Basin or the similar-length trip over high passes into the glaciated Cirque of the Towers. Both routes offer some of the USA’s grandest granite mountain scenery.

Both regions are most easily accessed from Pinedale, where you’ll find outdoor gear shops and fine craft beer at Wind River Brewing. This is serious backpacking, often above the tree line and exposed to storms, so come equipped; the optimal time is within a brief window in August and September. For a nice twist, sign up for a horse-packing trip with a local outfitter.

7. Soak away your worries in Thermopolis’s Hot Springs State Park

If you need to soak weary hiking muscles or just want a half-day of relaxing family fun, Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis boasts several soaking pools fed by what is reputed to be the world’s largest single mineral hot springs. Best of all, it is free to the public, thanks to the condition of sale negotiated by the Arapahoe and Shoshone Nations in 1896. Natural mineral terraces provide some lovely strolls, while privately run water slides offer extra family fun.

Earn your soak by first checking out the hundreds of fascinating petroglyphs at Legend Rock, 30 miles northwest of town. Between October and May, you can pick up the key from the Hot Springs State Park and have the site to yourself.

8. Track down dinosaur bones and other Wyoming fossils

Wyoming has some of the richest dinosaur fossil beds in the world, and several locations offer a peek into the prehistoric past. Head to Fossil Butte National Monument to make fossil rubbings of long-extinct stingrays and turtles before joining a ranger-led talk to see how local fossils are collected and prepared.

To dust off your rock hammer and join an actual dig, you can spend a memorable day looking for sauropod bones and allosaurus teeth in the field at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis. The excellent museum offers lots of hands-on kids programs.

While the weeklong digs organized by the Tate Geological Museum in Casper might be for true enthusiasts, everyone will enjoy the institution’s (free) exhibits, including an impressive 11,600-year-old mammoth skeleton nicknamed Dee.

Another great place to learn about dinosaurs is the University of Wyoming Geological Museum at Laramie, where you can ogle the 75ft-long skeleton of a sauropod apatosaurus.

9. Stay at a dude ranch

There is perhaps no more quintessentially Wyoming vacation than a stay in a dude ranch (essentially a traditional ranch that now takes in paying guests), and the state has many types of ranches to choose from. At working ranches, you can actually learn to rope and round up animals, but most focus on days spent horse riding, fly fishing and chowing down on Western cookout fare. Some ranches are spit and sawdust; others offer gourmet meals and hot stone massages. Most are family-run and have been for over a century.  

For the most upmarket dude ranches, look to the area around Jackson; more old-school choices can be found around Sheridan and Bighorn. Several ranches line the approaches to Yellowstone National Park, notably around Cody. Find the ranch that suits you at the Dude Ranchers’ Association website.

10. Follow the ghosts of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Wyoming is jam-packed with sites associated with famous gunslingers Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. With a good map and a full tank of gas, you can track down the duo’s hideout at still-remote Hole-in-the-Wall (around 25 miles southwest of Kaycee), marked by a red rock mesa accessed via dirt roads through sagebrush country. The gang’s cabins are long gone; for these, you’ll have to head to Cody’s Old Trail Town, a collection of 13 vintage cabins, including one used by the duo.

Butch lived for several years in Meeteetse, south of Cody, and you can still visit the original Cowboy Bar where he drank and was arrested in 1894; the saloon’s bar dates to the year prior – and still has bullet holes in it. To see where Cassidy was incarcerated for 18 months, head to the Wyoming Territorial Prison Historic Site, which has exhibits on its most famous inmate.

11. Road trip to the Devils Tower

There are many ways to visit northwest Wyoming’s iconic Devils Tower. Climbers come to test themselves against the hundreds of vertical cracks that form the tower’s unique structure. Others come to hike the popular Tower Trail, which encircles its base. 20 Western tribes come to pay homage to the sacred site they know as Bear Lodge. 

However you decide to visit, be sure to avoid the first two weeks of August when leather-clad bikers en route from Sturgis descend on the site by the hundreds.

12. Treat yourself to the good life in Jackson

Jackson feels like a place apart from the rest of Wyoming, closer to the sophisticated, well-heeled, celebrity-endorsed vision of the “new West” than the traditional cowboy ethos that obtains in much of the state. Jackson is also very much the culinary capital of Wyoming and the place to refresh the taste buds with a Thai curry or locally sourced veggie grain bowl before heading back into the steak-and-potatoes heartland.

Our perfect day in Jackson? Indulge yourself with a French pastry at Persephone bakery, then take a scenic float down the Snake River or perhaps embark on a nearby hike. In the afternoon, stroll the state’s best outdoor gear stores, art galleries and boutiques and then finish off the day with a robust pinot noir at Bin 22 wine bar. Arrive flush, though: this is the one place in Wyoming where it’s easy to indulge.

Split between Chile and Argentina, the rugged regions of Patagonia and neighboring Tierra del Fuego boast more than a dozen national parks.

Sure, some South American countries beat them for sheer numbers of parks – Brazil has more than 70 – but these southern nature reserves protect huge swaths of one of the last truly pristine wildernesses on Earth.

While some of the region’s national parks are more accessible than others, they preserve a stunning range of habitats, from millennia-old alerce trees and ancient lava beds to impenetrable snow-tipped mountain ranges, immense glaciers and penguin-thronged coves.

From trail-crossed Torres del Paine and Parque Nacional Los Glaciares to the hard-to-reach shores of Yendegaia, these protected areas are synonymous with outdoor adventure. Some have well-established networks of mountain huts, while others are for self-sufficient wilderness experts only. As well as these big hitters, there are numerous other national reserves, wilderness areas and natural monuments to explore.

However, the weather is an important factor in deciding when to come. The bulk of travelers visit these rugged national parks during the peak season of December to March, during the southern hemisphere summer, but some are also accessible during the shoulder season (October-November and April-May). The icy southern winter repels all but the hardiest of fresh air fiends.

If you have your heart set on seeing whales or penguins, it’s best to time your visit to coincide with the times they gather in the greatest numbers. Here’s a guide to the best national parks in Patagonia for wildlife spotting, trekking and more.

1. Parque Nacional Torres del Paine (Chile)

South America’s finest national park

Overlooked by the soaring granite peaks that give the park its name, and the sculpted, dark-tipped outcrops known as the Cuernos de Paine, 1810 sq km (699 sq mile) Torres del Paine is arguably South America’s finest national park. You’ve probably already seen photos of the Paine massif reflected in the pale blue waters of Lago Nordenskjöld.

The mountains, glacial lakes, vast glaciers, areas of steppe and patches of dense forest are wonderfully accessible, thanks to well-developed trekking infrastructure. Trekkers can duck in on day hikes or tackle the park’s celebrated long-distance treks in relative comfort, staying in refugios (bunk huts) or glamping domes and finishing the day with a pisco sour. Alternatively, you can camp all the way – either carrying your own gear or paying for a tent to be put up for you as you make your way from campground to campground.

Torres del Paine is renowned for its long-distance trails. The 69km (43-mile) “W” – named for the shape it traces on the map – takes in the park’s three main highlights: Glaciar Grey, Valle Francés and Los Cuernos and Las Torres. The 113km (70-mile) “Circuit” loops through the backcountry and climbs over John Gardner Pass before descending towards the Southern Ice Field, completing the loop around the park by linking up with the “W.”

Given the enforced limits on visitor numbers and the park’s popularity, accommodations must be booked months in advance if you plan to visit during the December to February high season. Refugios and campgrounds are split between the organizations Vertice Travel and Fantástico Sur. If you have funds to spare, you can base yourself at one of the high-end wilderness lodges in the park – EcoCamp Patagonia or Patagonia Camp – and join in their organized day excursions instead.

2. Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (Argentina)

Home to the Perito Moreno glacier

Most travelers who visit Torres del Paine also hop across the border to visit southern Argentina’s most popular national park, 7269 sq km (2806 sq mile) Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, which is divided into two zones. Accessed via the town of El Calafate, the star of the southern half of the park is the hugely impressive Perito Moreno glacier – one of the world’s few advancing glaciers.

The ice sheet can be observed from a series of boardwalks, from a cruise boat sailing past its icy face, or by trekking across the ice with a local tour operator. Another popular activity from El Calafate is the boat cruise along Lago Argentino to the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers.

The northern half of the park is dominated by the craggy Fitz Roy mountain range – a world-class destination for rock climbers and hikers. The surprisingly cosmopolitan town of El Chaltén, at the foot of the massif, forms a very convenient base for visitors. 

You can take numerous day hikes – to Laguna de Los Tres, perhaps, or to Laguna Torre – returning at night to a boutique guesthouse or hostel before dining out on steak and craft beer. It’s also possible to use El Chaltén as a launchpad for tough, long-distance treks across the Southern Ice Field; local operators arrange guided hikes along with ice climbing and rock climbing instruction.  

3. Parque Nacional Patagonia (Chile)

A rewilding success story

One of Chile’s newest national parks, 1787-sq-km (690-sq-mile) Parque Nacional Patagonia is the result of intensive efforts by volunteers to rewild and restore the Chacabuco Valley, which was heavily damaged by the enormous sheep estancia (ranch) that occupied this area until 2004. Since then, large areas of the park have been replanted by hand with endemic vegetation.

Stretching to the border with Argentina and dubbed the “Serengeti of the Southern Cone,” the wind-battered valley shelters a large population of guanacos (lama-like camelids), as well as the endangered huemul deer, flamingos, vizcacha (rabbit-like rodents), ñandú (rhea) and the odd puma. Dedicated spotters can see these and other animals around the park’s mountains and icy lagoons.

You’ll need a high-clearance vehicle to explore the park properly. Several gorgeous day hikes start from near the visitors center, 17km (10.5 miles) north of the town of Cochrane. Tackling the ambitious three-day wild trek through the Áviles valley to nearby Reserva Nacional Jeinimeni requires serious advance planning.

4. Parque Nacional Pumalín Douglas Tompkins (Chile)

A park of fjords and islands

South of the Chilean town of Hornopirén, the land dissolves into a maze of fjords and tiny islands. These are the northern reaches of Parque Nacional Pumalín, which was one of the largest private nature reserves in the world before it was donated to the Chilean government in 2017 by philanthropists Doug and Kris Tompkins, two of the leading figures in conservation in Patagonia.

The park covers 2889 sq km (1115 sq km), and the northern part of the reserve can only be accessed on boat cruises or via multiday sea kayaking excursions organized through agencies such as Ko Kayak and Alsur Expediciones. The southern half of the park, bisected by the Carretera Austral, has excellent infrastructure, including scenic campgrounds, cabins and lodges for hikers.

Multiple trails start either from the southern highway or from El Amarillo, south of Chaitén. Sendero Volcán Chaitén takes you up to the crater of the volcano that wreaked devastation on Chaitén in 2008, while Sendero Los Alerces lets you acquaint yourself with a grove of critically endangered alerce trees, some nearly 4000 years old. More trails lead to lagoons, hanging glaciers and waterfalls.

5. Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael (Chile)

Home to a shrinking glacier

Encompassing 17,420 sq km (6726 sq miles) of southern beech forest, wetlands, and the icy tongue of Glaciar San Valentín, descending from Chile’s Campo de Hielo Norte (Northern Ice Field) towards a glacier-fed lagoon dotted with house-sized, teal-blue chunks of 30,000-year-old ice. 

This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve makes for a highly memorable trip. You can sail here from Puerto Chacabuco with Catamaranes del Sur, or take the more wallet-friendly option by driving up the scenic Valle Exploradores from Puerto Río Tranquilo, then taking a shorter boat trip with Destino Patagonia. Either way, get here soon, as the glacier is shrinking every year.

6. Parque Nacional Queulat (Chile)

Where it’s almost always raining

Straddling the Carretera Austral midway between the towns of Coyhaique and Chaitén, the raging rivers, meltwater lagoons, glacier-tipped mountains and southern beech forests of Parque Nacional Queulat see relatively few visitors. That’s partly because it’s almost always raining here.

If you do visit, you’ll find yourself bushwhacking through dense clumps of ferns along overgrown trails. However, the 3.2km (2-mile) trail from the park HQ to the icy Laguna de Los Témpanos is well worth the effort for its views of Ventisquero Colgante – the park’s famous hanging glacier.

7. Parque Nacional Cerro Castillo (Chile)

Great for backcountry trekking

Overlooked by the needlepoint spires of the 2700m (8,858ft) Cerro Castillo, this mountain reserve offers some serious long-distance hiking surrounded by high-alpine scenery. The park covers 1796 sq km (693 sq miles) of glaciers, icy torrents and dense beech forest.

The main park entrance is 76km (47 miles) south of the town of Coyhaique on the Carretera Austral; buses heading to the village of Villa Cerro Castillo or beyond can drop you off at the trailhead by the 75km marker. Infrastructure is minimal along the 40km (25 mile) Sendero Cerro Castillo, but experienced trekkers who don’t mind camping can have the backcountry pretty much to themselves en route to Villa Cerro Castillo. 

8. Parque Nacional Monte León (Argentina)

Follow coastal trails to see penguins

Taking in some 621 sq km (240 sq miles) of Patagonian steppe, dramatic shorelines and sculpted headlands, this wonderful slice of wilderness has worn many hats during its long existence. Once a hunting ground for the Tehuelche people, and later a sheep estancia (ranch), the park is now home to 75,000 Magellanic penguins, as well as sea lions, guanacos and pumas.

Accessing the park via the gravel RN-3 from Río Gallegos or Comandante Luis Piedrabuena, you can drive as far as the cliffs at Cabeza de León, then park up and follow nature trails leading to the coast. Hiking along the shore is best at low tide, when you can cross to the offshore sea stack of Isla Monte León, which you’ll smell before you reach it, thanks to its large population of skuas, cormorants and gulls.

9. Parque Nacional Perito Moreno (Argentina)

Find solitude on this detour from Ruta 40

Not to be confused with the namesake glacier or Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, this remote slice of steppe, dotted with aquamarine lakes and overlooked by the glacier-topped Sierra Colorada mountains, makes a worthwhile detour from Argentina’s iconic Ruta 40.

Besides solitude (the park sees only several hundred visitors a year), highlights include panoramic views from Cerro León, condor sightings at Cerro de los Cóndores, cave art at Lago Burmeister and stunning scenery on the all-day hike around Lago Belgrano. Camp at free, basic campsites or stay at the nearby Estancia Oriental.

10. Parque Nacional Bernardo O’Higgins (Chile)

Take a boat here for a day trip

Accessible only by boat tour from Puerto Natales, this hard-to-reach national park is all glaciers and mountains and fjords. Turismo 21 de Mayo offers day trips to the base of Glaciar Serrano, with a traditional barbecue lunch. It’s possible to continue up the Río Serrano in a Zodiac boat to Torres del Paine with the same operator. 

11. Parque Nacional Pali Aike (Chile)

Hike through ancient landscapes

Pali Aike means “devil’s country” in the indigenous Tehuelche language, and you’ll see what they mean when you come face to face with this stark, desolate landscape of craters, steppe, ancient lava beds and red- and yellow-hued volcanic rock. Some 200km (124 miles) northeast of Punta Arenas, by the border with Argentina, this national park is traversed by several hiking trails, including a short but rewarding path overlooking the massive Crater Morada del Diablo. Sturdy footwear is a must.

12. Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego (Argentina)

An accessible wilderness

Accessed via the gravel RN-3 from Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego’s most accessible national park comprises 630 sq km (243 sq miles) of sub-Antarctic tundra, jagged peaks, Fuegian forest, swampy peat bog and pristine coastline, squeezed between the Beagle Channel and Lago Fagnano. This wilderness is inhabited by the endangered Fuegian fox, Canadian beavers, guanacos and sea otters, as well as prolific birdlife, including condors, oyster-catchers and steamer ducks.

The park stretches all the way to the border with Chile, but only the southernmost section is open to visitors, with several rudimentary campsites and plenty of scope for wild camping. Overnighting is not mandatory; there are numerous day hikes, from the scenic tramp to the Mirador Lapataia to the coastal Senda Costera trail.

13. Parque Nacional Yendegaia (Chile)

Ideal for self-sufficient adventurers

Forming a strategic wildlife corridor between the virtually inaccessible Parque Nacional Alberto de Agostini in the Cordillera Darwin, and Parque National Tierra del Fuego, Parque Nacional Yendegaia is one of Chile’s most remote national parks, with tremendous appeal for self-reliant adventurers.

Comprising part of the snow-covered Cordillera Darwin, the park includes dense Fuegian foresta, glacial bays and former ranchlands in the process of being rewilded. Yendegaia is accessible by weekly ferry between Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams; drop-offs must be requested in advance, and visitors must be completely self-sufficient.

Take a look at any topographical map of Ecuador and you’ll immediately notice the Andean spine that cuts through the country from north to south. It’s these mountains and volcanoes that offer the most scope for adventure, and it’s where travelers often head first for the best hikes in Ecuador.

For trekkers and serious climbers alike, the high sierra is packed with paths that climb their way up to high altitude. Others wind across lower elevations, through and around alpine scenery.

There are trails for all levels of fitness, and while hiking and climbing are possible throughout much of the year, the most popular seasons are November to February and June to August. Book with a guide if you want to climb higher, trek solo or travel off season.

Situated on the equator where adjacent tectonic plates have forced the ground upward, Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes is, quite rightly, one of its top draws and best places for trekking in the high country. The route from Quito to Cuenca passes through breathtaking scenery, where snow-tipped, perfectly conical or rugged mountains punctuate the sky.

The Central Highlands are dotted with pueblos rich in Indigenous Andean heritage, and hiking is also a perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture here.

Walking at altitude brings you to water-filled calderas surrounded by grasses and flowers, and guides can help you descend further into canyons, or upward to secluded lodges and eco-retreats that sit above the cloud line, offering a condor’s eye view of the valleys below.

Here are our picks for the six best hikes in Ecuador.

Cotopaxi National Park

Best hike for nature and wildlife 

2.2 miles (3.5km); 2 hours; easy

The second-highest peak in Ecuador (19,347ft) and one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, Volcán Cotopaxi offers a serious guided climb for those with the motivation to walk for two days to see the views from the summit.

For others who prefer to stay closer to the base, the 83,000-acre Parque Nacional Cotopaxi’s trails provide a benign, grassy natural sanctuary, with the volcano’s peak as stunning backdrop and central focal point. 

Walk around Lake Limpiopungo if you only have a couple of hours to spare – it’s flat, and the gentle terrain will suit all fitness levels. There’s nature in abundance here, from white-tailed deer to Andean fox (or colpeo) roaming the grasslands. The keen-eyed traveler may see soaring condors or even the rare spectacled bear on the volcano’s eastern slopes. 

Try horseback riding and stay at one of the park’s traditional haciendas, taking a guided trek to find out more about the flora, fauna and geology of this most beautiful of national parks, arguably Ecuador’s best.

Chimborazo 

Best high-altitude hike

23.9 miles (38.4km); 2–3 days; difficult

Heading south to Riobamba, there’s no escaping the shadow of Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest peak and a staggeringly monumental structure.

Allow time in the area to take the Devil’s Nose, a marvelous feat of railway engineering where the track follows a series of switchbacks as the train cuts its way down and through the Andes. Passing villages en route, you’ll also be greeted with a brilliant view of Chimborazo from the windows early on. 

If you’ve become acclimatized to Ecuador’s altitude, you may want to add an ascent of Chimborazo to your itinerary, but only if you’re ready for a challenge. At around 20,700ft, the equatorial summit is the closest point to the sun on Earth, and it’s covered in glacial ice that requires you to hire a certified guide, donning crampons and other serious kit.

Be prepared for an evening at a high-altitude refugio before the final ascent. Preparation and a high level of fitness are absolutely vital for the climb.

Day-trekkers and mountain bikers will love the Reserva de Producción de Fauna Chimborazo, a natural habitat for vicuña, llama and alpaca, with any number of shorter trails out of the park.

From Riobamba, take in nearby views of Altar and Tungurahua volcanoes, Parque Nacional Sangay or Colta Lagoon, the latter of which has some of the loveliest reflections of Chimborazo for those keen on photography or quiet contemplation during a gentle stroll.

The Quilotoa Loop

Best hike for highland culture

25 miles (40km); 3–5 days; moderate

One of Ecuador’s most beautiful locations, the scenic Quilotoa crater can be trekked to, through or around, according to your energy levels or available time. Stay overnight at one of the area’s eco-lodges, then enjoy a leisurely ramble to the lookout points or a more strenuous hike down to the lakeshore the next day.

However you get there, the crater rim is probably best selfie spot in all of Ecuador, as teal and emerald water, rugged rock and atmospheric low clouds compete for attention in the background. 

The longer Quilotoa Loop takes up to five days and allows for a real dive into local villages and highland culture, where you can pick up phrases in the local Kichwa language as you pass by villages and rainforest vegetation.

A number of markets take place on the loop, from Zumbahua on Saturday to Saquisilí on Thursday. Indigenous markets are one of the highlights of any visit to the Ecuadorian Andes, so be sure to plan your itinerary around them. 

Everything is accessible with local transport, and it’s definitely worth spending a few days in the region to explore on foot. Tour operators in Quito can take the pain out of organizing every step of your own schedule.

Lake Cuicocha

Best day hike

7.5 miles (12km); 4–5 hours; easy

If you’re headed to the colorful market town of Otavalo, one of the Andes’ most important Indigenous trading places, Lake Cuicocha is an easy add-on day hike. This flooded, extinct volcano is surrounded by vegetation, making for a beautiful four- or five-hour walk around the rim.

Two small lava islands poke their way out of the center of the laguna, their mounds resembling the guinea pigs from which the lake gets its Kichwa name.

Since Cuicocha Lake is one of the lesser-known caldera hikes in Ecuador (losing out to the more renowned Quilotoa), you’ll surely encounter fewer people on the trail and really get to experience the serenity of nature as you stroll. 

The Otavalo area has much to offer, should you choose to base yourself there. The impressive 59ft Peguche waterfalls, enhanced by the wall of lush vegetation that covers the surrounding rock face, are easily reached by foot or bike from Otavalo.

What’s more, an Indigenous water-purification ceremony takes place at the site during the sun festival of Inti Raymi in June, when visitors are welcome. Check in with the local tourist office for details.

Ingapirca and the Inca Trail

Best multi-day hike

25 miles (40km); 3 days; moderate-to-difficult

The Ecuadorian section of the Inca Trail that once connected Quito with Cusco is less known than the Peruvian path to Machu Picchu, yet certainly worth a visit. The hike takes three days total; though much of Ecuador’s royal road was destroyed by Spanish conquistadors, you can see the impressive remains of the Temple of the Sun at Ingapirca. 

Reaching a maximum elevation of 13,800ft, the Ecuadorian Inca Trail matches the highest point on the Peruvian section (at Dead Woman’s Pass). The journey to Ingapirca sweeps through cloud-height peaks with views of canyons, lagoons and mountainous scenery.

Take a hiking tour with a local guide and hear the stories of the Inca, as well as the later Indigenous groups’ struggles for independence from their colonial overlords.

Condor Trek

Best trek in Ecuador

31.5 miles (51km); 5 days; difficult

Renowned as one of the best treks in Ecuador, the Trek of the Condor has been called out on a National Geographic roundup of world-wide bucket list adventures. It’s not for the faint of heart, as the five-day trail passes 10,000ft of altitude in many places, often in cold and intense weather. 

However, it’s not a very technical mountain climb, making it accessible to those who’ve acclimatized and gained a level of fitness through previous training. Walk amid Indigenous pueblos and see wildlife grazing on the páramo (grassland).

Starting the trip from Papallacta means you can soak your muscles in one of the many beautiful outdoor thermal pools as you prepare your legs for the intense but worthwhile pounding to come.

Your first visit to Svalbard may seem a bit daunting – located midway between Norway and the North Pole, this remote Norwegian island is a land of extreme climate, glaciers and polar bears. This, combined with Svalbard’s unique laws, can make it feel far removed from the rest of the world.

The Svalbard archipelago consists of three islands: Spitsbergen, Edgeøya and Nordaustlandet. Most of the tourist activity takes place on Spitsbergen, centered around the settlement of Longyearbyen. Accommodation is limited to mostly traditional hotels, although a small number of hostel rooms and self-catering apartments are available near Longyearbyen. 

Here’s what you need to know about visiting Svalbard for the first time.

Why you should visit Svalbard

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to a view of glaciers glittering in a sun that never sets or dog-sledding under the northern lights, Svalbard is the destination for you. Accessible from mainland Norway, this archipelago retains a real sense of adventure, and its main town, Longyearbyen, is a frontier outpost poised on the edge of one of the harshest – and most awe-inspiring – wildernesses in the world.

If you’re intrigued by the polar north, Svalbard should definitely be on your list – realistically, this is the farthest north most of us are ever likely to get. Wrap up and spend as much time as you can out in the wild landscape. Wildlife watching and glacier-spotting cruises or kayak trips are great in the summer, or opt for a hike with the proper safety precautions (remember, this is polar bear country). You can hop on a snowmobile or take a ride on a dog-sled at any time of year.

The wilderness and wildlife are the big draws, but there are some conventional sights to see, too. Unfortunately, you can’t visit Svalbard’s remarkable Global Seed Vault without special permission, so you’ll have to make do with snapping a picture from afar. The fascinating Svalbard Museum is well worth a couple of hours of your time, with its displays on the life formerly led by whalers, trappers, seal and walrus hunters and miners.

For something a bit different, head to Svalbard Bryggeri, the northernmost brewery in the world. A tour with tastings costs 429 NOK, and you can book in advance. If you can’t make it to the brewery, pick up some cans in a grocery store.

Do I need a visa for Svalbard?

You do not need a visa to travel to Svalbard specifically, though you’ll likely pass through mainland Norway on your way, which does require a Norwegian visa.

Interestingly, you do not even need a visa to work here! If you are truly captivated by your trip and wish to move north, it’s legal for anyone of any nationality to immigrate – you just need to acquire employment and housing prior to arriving.

How do I get to Svalbard?

Both Norwegian Air and SAS fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen, and between the two carriers, you’ll be able to get a flight most days of the week. You can also get a flight from Tromsø – in fact, even if your flight says it is direct from Oslo, it may stop at Tromsø, and you’ll have to disembark for passport control.

If you are connecting directly to Svalbard via Oslo airport, you should also check ahead to see if you need a Schengen visa for Norway, as Svalbard is not part of the Schengen area.

The best time to go to Svalbard

Most people visit Svalbard in the summer season (May to September). The snow starts to melt in May, making it easier to get around, and it’s a busier time for tourism, with more flights from Oslo and more cruise ships docking at Longyearbyen.

This is also the best time of year for wildlife watching. Come in June, and you’ll have a good chance of spotting walrus, polar bears and even whales on a cruise. You’ll also be experiencing this under 24 hours of daylight until the end of August, when the sun begins to set again. Overall, it’s an easier experience to visit during the warmer months.

That being said, Svalbard was made for adventurous travel, and some are drawn to its endless polar nights. The sun disappears entirely from the end of October to February, but that doesn’t mean that Svalbard comes to a standstill – you can still enjoy activities such as snowmobiling and dog sledding, and there’s a good chance of spotting the northern lights. Just be sure to pack for the conditions – winter temperatures can drop as low as −20°C (−4°F).

Is it easy to get around Svalbard?

Public transport is almost non-existent in Svalbard, with the exception of the shuttle bus to Longyearbyen from the airport. The journey takes just minutes, and the bus is timed to coincide with all arrivals and departures and will drop you straight to your accommodation. A return ticket costs 170 NOK.

If you leave Longyearbyen, you’ll probably be with a tour guide. Most visitors explore the area outside town on guided excursions, which often include transfers to and from your accommodation. These tours can take you to ice caves, fjords and the active mining settlement of Barentsburg to see the industry that shaped Svalbard. There are also northern lights tours in winter.

Arctic Autorent is the biggest car rental company in Svalbard, and it has an office at the airport. You can book ahead online, and prices start from 1090 NOK a day. However, you should note that roads are limited once you leave Longyearbyen; you will not be able to get to other settlements like Barentsburg or Ny-Ålesund by car. There are also two taxi services in town; call ahead and book if you want to get a lift somewhere.

The most common form of transport you’ll see in Svalbard is the snowmobile; one (or two!) of these vehicles are parked outside practically every home. Plenty of tour operators can arrange a rented snowmobile if you’d like to drive one yourself (electric models are often available).

Don’t let the Arctic weather stop you from exploring Longyearbyen on foot – the locals don’t! Crampons for your shoes will make this an easier endeavor.

Safety precautions when leaving Longyearbyen

As you approach the town limits of Longyearbyen, you’ll notice striking road signs with a polar bear on them. Go past these signs, and you’ll be required to take safety precautions in case you encounter a polar bear.

At the very minimum, you should have equipment that will scare off polar bears, such as a flare gun with multiple flares. However, a rifle – and the necessary firearms safety experience – is safer still. If you’re leaving on an organized excursion, you won’t need to worry about safety protocols, as your guide will have all the necessary equipment.

It’s always wise to have a professional guide with you whenever you leave the town limits. If you are planning to travel independently, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the extensive safety precautions and regulations from the Governor’s office far in advance. Ensure that you bring or rent all the necessary equipment, including an emergency beacon, map and compass – and that you have the skills to use them. You also need to alert the Governor’s office of your trip beforehand.

Bring your good socks!

Leave your worn, tired socks at home, because in Svalbard, your shoeless feet will be on show…a lot! Svalbard was dominated by coal mining for a long time, and workers were required to leave their boots at the door to avoid bringing the black dust inside. Coal mining is dwindling on the islands but the tradition remains; you’ll be required to remove your shoes in your accommodation and in restaurants and bars (though not in shops).

Most accommodation places provide you with slippers, but you might want to bring your own for comfort. At the very least, bring decent, warm socks.

How to keep well in Svalbard

If you’re coming from somewhere with a more temperate climate, conditions in Svalbard can feel extreme, even in the summer. You might experience some sleep disruption – it can be difficult to wind down in 24-hour daylight and tough to wake up at the right time in the constant darkness of winter.

Unless you’re visiting at the very height of summer – when temperatures can reach a balmy 10°C (50°F) – it will likely be very, very cold. A heavy-duty moisturizer and lip balm will help protect your skin from getting too dry. Carry some Vaseline and apply a thin layer just inside your nostrils to protect your sinuses from the sudden change to cold, dry air.

For the summer, a good eye mask is essential, and a medicinal supplement such as melatonin may help you drift off to sleep at the right time. Try to maintain a good sleep routine, and close those black-out curtains for a couple of hours before attempting to sleep. If shuteye eludes you, don’t worry – the sun will probably give you enough energy during the day to make it through your activities, even if everything seems difficult when you first get up.

How to protect the landscape in Svalbard while you explore

Although you should be careful when traveling through any natural landscape, even stricter rules apply in Svalbard due to the fragile nature of the High Arctic environment. Don’t disturb the birds or other animals, and familiarize yourself with the no-go areas for vehicles and snowmobiles if you are traveling independently. It’s prohibited to actively bait or pursue polar bears, both for their safety and your own. Rabies is also a risk; the disease can be carried by reindeer and Arctic foxes.

If you visit Svalbard in the summer, don’t pick the flowers. And, of course, don’t leave any evidence of your trip behind in the form of litter or other waste.

What to pack for the Svalbard weather

Here’s a packing list to make sure you’re prepared for all the Svalbard adventures you can handle.

• Long wool underwear
• Wool socks and gloves
• Fleece layer
• Outer wind-proof layer 
• Waterproof boots
• Slippers
• Comfortable indoor clothes for your hotel
• A camera with a long lens

There are some extra seasonal items you’ll need, too. For winter, bring a down jacket, crampons for your shoes, a headlamp and a reflective vest. For summer, bring high-factor sunscreen, good-quality sunglasses and an eye mask.

How much money do I need in Svalbard?

As most visitors pack their days with costly excursions, Svalbard isn’t a cheap destination to visit. However, unless you’re planning on taking a hardcore, multi-day trek across the archipelago, you can experience the highlights in a short trip of two to three days.

For day-to-day living, Svalbard has the same high prices as other Scandinavian destinations. All food has to be imported, which increases the cost of meals and provisions, but this is offset slightly by the fact there is no VAT in Svalbard. In fact, if you need to stock up on outdoor gear or clothing, it will probably be cheaper to get it here than in mainland Norway.

Average daily costs in Svalbard:

• Hostel room – 1000–1900 NOK
• Basic room for two – 1900–3100 NOK 
• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb) – 1500–3000 NOK 
• Coffee – 40 NOK
• Dinner for two – from 300 NOK for pizza to 900 NOK for steaks 
• A pint of beer at the bar – 80 NOK

Keep planning your trip to Norway:

Plan the vacation of a lifetime with the best things to do in Norway
Navigate Norways fjords and islands with this handy guide
What you need to know about chasing the northern lights

AnneMarie traveled to Svalbard at the invitation of Volvo Penta. Lonely Planet staff members do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.