Mountain Holidays

In the Mexican state of Oaxaca, several mountain ranges converge: the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca, running from the north down, Sierra Madre del Sur, in the state's southern and central regions, and Sierra Atravesada, to the east. The Sierra Madre de Oaxaca is probably the most interesting mountain range for visitors; community projects set up by locals offer hiking, horse riding and outdoor excursions, which are often central to employment and economic stability in the state's relatively neglected rural areas. Altitudes throughout the range are around 2,500 metres above sea level, which are relatively manageable for most hikers.

The Andes is the tallest mountain range in the world outside of Asia. While it spans 7 countries, from Venezuela in the north through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina in the south, the Peruvian Andes—which encompasses between 20% and 25% of the entire mountain range—is widely regarded as one of its most scenic sections.

Whether it's the famous multi-day Inca and Salkantay trails leading to Machu Picchu or shorter day walks from Cusco, the bright glacial lakes and lush green valleys make for awe-inspiring surroundings. Beyond the impressive peaks, which have an average elevation of around 13,000 feet, the Peruvian Andes offer a fascinating look into ancient Inca history and well-preserved Indigenous communities and traditions. Cusco is the gateway to much of this culture and often serves as a starting point for the Inca and Salkantay trails.

Colca Canyon, south of Cusco and around four hours outside of Arequipa, runs for more than 100km and is around twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the US. The nearby snow-capped volcanoes, deep valleys and green oases are a wonderful backdrop to a hike. Colca Canyon is also one of the best places to spot the famous Andean condor.

Natural wonders are one of the biggest draws in Chile, and its mountains are among the most scenic.

The mountains and volcanoes of the Chilean Lake District are incredibly dramatic; you can scale the conical Osorno Volcano, which dominates many of the Lake District's panoramas, or even ski its slopes during winter.

Torres del Paine is beautiful, ideal for mountain treks, and one of the continent's finest national parks. 15 peaks throughout Torres del Paine exceed altitudes of 2,000 metres; the Cerro Paine Grande is the area's tallest at over 3,000 metres. There are many good day hikes or multi-day treks for the more adventurous.

The Indian Himalayas are incredibly charming, with stunning landscapes. Shimla, known as the ‘Queen of Hills', has a strong colonial legacy and was once the summer capital of British India. The Toy Train from Kalka is a leisurely and scenically rich journey through more than 800 bridges and 100 tunnels. On arrival, the Jakhoo Temple atop Jakhoo Hill offers wonderful panoramic views of Shimla, and the adventure-inclined can paraglide or river raft on the nearby Sutlej River.

Almost three-quarters of Japan is mountainous, but it is most famous for its highest peak, the iconic Mount Fuji. Sailing on Lake Ashi to get a unique vantage point of Mount Fuji (if the weather permits) is a wonderful experience; the conical mountain emerging from the colourful woodlands surrounding the lake is postcard-worthy. A cable car up to Okawudani offers similarly unique and interesting perspectives on the UNESCO-protected site, which is a popular summer climbing destination.

The Japanese Alps, in central Honshu, are celebrated for their hiking and skiing conditions; they are also home to Takayama, a town which maintains much of its Edo-period charm and traditional architecture, and Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site well-known for its unique triangular ‘gassho-zukuri' houses, designed to withstand heavy Alpine snowfall.