Make sure these amazing destinations for solo hikers are at the top of your bucket list – here are the best destinations worldwide for active and adventure travellers who love to hit the trails. From exploring the jungles of Asia, to the volcano summits of Central America. I've been on some incredible hikes around the world and now I'm excited to share them with you so you cam do the same. Solo hiking can seem really scary or dangerous for those who are new to it, but hiking alone can look different depending on how you approach it and there's lots of ways to help you feel safer and more comfortable while building your solo travel confidence.
Before booking a solo trip – read my guide on How to Safely Solo Travel as a Woman and don't miss my guide on Solo Hiking – Staying Safe & Planning Your First Hike
Amazing Solo Hiking Destinations Around the World:
- Solo Hiking in Australia
- Solo Hiking in Guatemala
- Solo Hiking in Costa Rica
- Solo Hiking in Thailand
- Solo Hiking in Sri Lanka
Solo Hiking in Australia
Australia is one of my favourite hiking destinations in the world and I consider it a super safe country for solo hiking. I spent two years working and travelling over there and took lots of hiking trips from day trips to overnight camping and hiking adventures in national parks. Read Solo Travel in Australia: The Ultimate Guide (2025) for everything you need to know about solo travelling Down Under. Don't miss these great solo day hikes that are easily accessible from the cities including the Dandenongs - 1000 Steps and 22 of Victoria’s National Parks & Best Hikes and of course, The Great Ocean Road: Planning Guide & Itineraries
It's worth noting that often phone signal is non-existent in some of the better national parks, so be prepared to be cut off during your time in nature. If you're not quite ready to hike solo, it's also super easy to find hiking/camping buddies either in hostels or using Australia Facebook Groups – this is what I did for a 10 day hiking/camping Tasmania road trip. If you're looking for some amazing solo hiking destinations in Australia, don't miss Kakadu National Park, Freycinet National Park, Kalbarri National Park, Grampians National Park and Wilson's Promontory National Park.
Solo Hiking in Guatemala
This will forever be one of my favourite hiking destinations in the world for solo adventures – Guatemala is an incredible destination for jaw-dropping landscapes and challenging hikes that will push you beyond what you thought you were capable of. There are some spectacular hikes to try when exploring Guatemala – from jungle hikes to Mayan temples deep in the forests, to the overnight hikes to the summit of a volcano for sunrise. I recommend going prepared with broken in hiking boots and a backpack suitable for overnight hikes so you're ready to go. Check out these amazing hikes:
- Climbing Volcano Acatenango for sunrise – is it worth it?
- An epic sunrise at Tikal Mayan Ruins, Guatemala
- Volcán Pacaya is Guatemala's most popular hike – it's also much easier than the rest but without compromising on views
- El Mirador Jungle Trek – I didn't have time to squeeze this in but it comes very highly recommended!
Make sure you read Solo Travel in Guatemala: The Ultimate Guide (2025) before planning your solo hiking trip.
Solo Hiking in Costa Rica
Another Central American gem – Costa Rica has some amazing hikes and beautiful trails to explore. I discovered hiking trails through misty forest between hanging bridges, jungle treks to hidden beaches, beach hikes, waterfall hikes and even hidden hot springs hikes which I loved discovering solo. There's also lots of more advanced hikes here if you have the time – including one that I wish I had been able to do when I visited – Costa Rica's highest mountain, Cerro Chirripó, which sits at 3,820m.
Read Solo Travel in Costa Rica: The Ultimate Guide (2025) and don't miss my Budget guide to Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica – an easier but spectacular collection of hiking trails through a botanical wonder.
Solo Hiking in Thailand
Thailand is not a country that instantly springs to mind when you talk about solo hiking but I had an amazing time exploring hiking trails as I travelled around the country. Not only did I spend days hiking around ancient ruins in Central Thailand, but I also had the opportunity to join a Hill Tribe Trekking Trip in Chiang Mai which opened my eyes to Northern Thailand. Exploring in the South of Thailand was a great place to start my solo hiking journey with fun and challenging hikes to viewpoints such as the one on Koh Tao.
Whatever you do, don't miss my absolute favourite place in Thailand – Khao Sok – an 160 million year old rainforest where wild elephants roam free. There's an amazing hike you can do to multiple waterfalls within the national park and it's perfect for a fun little day hike, or you can take an organised trip deeper into the jungle for more trekking and caving.
Don't forget to read my Solo Travel in Thailand: The Ultimate Guide (2025) before you plan your trip.
Solo Hiking in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is such an underrated solo hiking destination – what I love is that as a country it is very safe for solo female travellers, so you're automatically going to feel far more comfortable as a solo hiker there. Some of the most popular hikes in Sri Lanka include the famous Lion Rock (Sigiriya) and Adam's Peak (Sri Pada) which gives you a view of Sigiriya – these ones are popular sunrise and sunset hikes. You can also check out the Monkey Mountain, Gal Oya hike, The Knuckles Five Peak Trail via Bambarella and The Pekoe Trail.
Read my guide to Sri Lanka | What you need to know before you visit and The ultimate guide to the Cultural Triangle, Sri Lanka
