Craving fresh air, jaw-dropping landscapes, and the thrill of the trail—without breaking the bank? You’re in the right place.
Hiking is one of the most budget-friendly ways to explore a new country, especially if you’re up for sleeping under the stars, preparing your own meals, and soaking in nature’s riches instead of expensive tours.
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a curious beginner, here are 10 of the cheapest countries to go hiking in 2025, with epic trails, budget tips, and essential safety advice included.
Why Choose Budget-Friendly Hiking Trips?
Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the world on a tight budget.
Unlike other forms of travel that often rely on expensive tours, hotels, and transport, hiking puts you right into the heart of nature using minimal resources.
Here’s why it’s the ultimate budget travel hack:
- Low transportation costs: You get around on foot!
- Minimal or no entry fees: Most trails are completely free or require just a small permit.
- Affordable lodging: Camp or stay in inexpensive mountain huts, tea houses, or local homestays.
- Rich cultural encounters: Trekking brings you face to face with locals in remote areas.
- Healthy and fulfilling: You get exercise, fresh air, and awe-inspiring views—all for free.
With the right planning, you can enjoy epic adventures without blowing your budget.
1. Nepal
Why Go:
Nepal is the undisputed king of trekking destinations, home to the world’s highest peaks, including the mighty Mount Everest.
The country offers some of the most breathtaking treks on the planet, all at a fraction of the cost of other Himalayan destinations.
Nepal’s unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty makes it a must-visit for any avid hiker.
From the famous Annapurna Circuit to the lesser-known Langtang Valley, Nepal is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts on a budget.
Top Trails:
- Annapurna Circuit: A classic trek with stunning views of the Annapurna massif. Takes 12–18 days to complete.
- Langtang Valley: A 7-day trek to a hidden valley with lush forests and views of snow-capped peaks.
Cost:
- Accommodation: $5–10 per night in guesthouses.
- Meals: $2–4 per meal in local tea houses.
- Guides/Porters: Around $15–20 per day.
Best Time to Hike:
- Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) are the best times for trekking, offering clear skies and moderate temperatures.
Safety Tips:
- Altitude sickness is a real concern—make sure to acclimatize properly, ascend slowly, and drink plenty of water.
- Always carry a first-aid kit and portable water filter to avoid stomach issues.
- Hire a local guide or porter to support the local economy and improve your safety.
2. Georgia (The Country)
Why Go:
Georgia, tucked in the Caucasus Mountains, offers a hidden gem for hikers.
With its spectacular landscapes, ranging from lush valleys to rugged peaks, Georgia’s hiking trails are a world away from the crowds found in popular European destinations.
The country is also one of the most affordable in Europe, making it perfect for budget-conscious trekkers.
The diverse terrain and rich culture make hiking in Georgia an unforgettable adventure.
Top Trails:
- Kazbegi National Park: Stunning views of Mount Kazbeg, accessible in a 2–3 day trek.
- Svaneti Region: Towering peaks, ancient towers, and picturesque villages on a 7–10 day hike.
Cost:
- Accommodation: $8–15 per night for guesthouses.
- Meals: $3–6 per meal.
- Guides: Around $20–25 per day.
Best Time to Hike:
- Summer (June–September) is ideal for trekking in the mountains, while Autumn (October–November) offers less crowded trails with crisp air.
Safety Tips:
- Wildlife: Be cautious of wildlife, especially in the more remote areas of the Caucasus.
- Keep an eye on weather conditions—storms can develop quickly in the high mountains.
- Navigation: Trails can be poorly marked, so downloading offline maps (Maps.me, Komoot) is crucial.
3. Peru
Why Go:
Peru is a hiker’s dream, with a mix of rugged mountains, misty cloud forests, and ancient Inca ruins.
The Salkantay Trek offers an alternative to the overcrowded Inca Trail, and the Colca Canyon trek allows you to hike deeper than the Grand Canyon while spotting condors.
Peru is incredibly affordable, with cheap local food, low accommodation costs, and minimal park entrance fees.
Top Trails:
- Salkantay Trek: A challenging alternative to the Inca Trail, with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and cloud forests.
- Colca Canyon: Deeper than the Grand Canyon, with views of Andean condors and ancient terracing.
Cost:
- Accommodation: $5–15 per night in basic hostels or campgrounds.
- Meals: $2–5 per meal.
- Guides: $25–30 per day for the Salkantay Trek.
Best Time to Hike:
- Dry Season (May–September) is the best time to visit for clear skies and ideal trekking conditions.
Safety Tips:
- Altitude: Be aware of the high altitudes. Spend at least a few days in Cusco before starting the trek to acclimatize.
- Only drink bottled water or use a purifier when trekking.
- Always hire a guide for the more remote trails like Salkantay.
4. Vietnam
Why Go:
Vietnam is a great place to experience an off-the-beaten-path hike through terraced rice fields, rural villages, and lush jungles.
The Sapa Valley, with its emerald-green mountains and remote hill tribes, is one of the most scenic trekking destinations in Asia.
Vietnam’s low cost of living makes it incredibly affordable for hiking enthusiasts, and the trails offer a unique cultural experience.
Top Trails:
- Sapa Valley: Famous for its rice terraces, local villages, and views of the Hoàng Liên Son mountains.
- Pu Luong Nature Reserve: Less touristy, offering scenic views of lush forests, rivers, and waterfalls.
Cost:
- Accommodation: $4–10 per night in homestays or local guesthouses.
- Meals: $1–3 for local dishes like pho.
- Guides: $15–20 per day.
Best Time to Hike:
- Autumn (September–November) and Spring (March–May) are ideal due to mild temperatures and less rainfall.
Safety Tips:
- Be prepared for sudden rainstorms; pack waterproof gear.
- Respect local cultures in ethnic minority villages—ask before taking photos or entering private areas.
- Use a local guide to avoid getting lost in the dense jungle.
5. Morocco
Why Go:
Morocco’s striking landscapes, from vast deserts to the towering Atlas Mountains, make it a trekker’s paradise.
Hiking in Morocco is incredibly affordable, and the friendly Berber people offer a glimpse into traditional mountain life.
Whether you’re summiting Mount Toubkal or exploring the hidden valleys, Morocco offers a diverse range of treks at a budget-friendly cost.
Top Trails:
- Toubkal National Park: The trek to Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak, can be done in 2–3 days.
- Ait Bougmez Valley: A remote, quiet trail through lush green valleys and Berber villages.
Cost:
- Accommodation: $10–20 per night in guesthouses.
- Meals: $4–6 for tagine or couscous.
- Guides: $25–40 per day.
Best Time to Hike:
- Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) offer moderate temperatures, avoiding the extreme heat of summer.
Safety Tips:
- Cultural Sensitivity: Dress modestly in rural areas to respect local customs.
- Water: Carry enough water, especially in the desert and high-altitude areas.
- Be cautious of scams in tourist-heavy areas; always agree on prices upfront.
6. Indonesia
Why Go:
Indonesia is home to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring volcanoes and lush jungles, offering a variety of hikes that cater to all levels.
The country’s volcanic peaks, like Mount Rinjani, are not only thrilling to climb but also remarkably affordable.
For an easy introduction to hiking in Southeast Asia, Indonesia provides unparalleled beauty on a budget.
Top Trails:
- Mount Rinjani (Lombok): A challenging 3-day trek with views of volcanic craters and lakes.
- Mount Batur (Bali): A sunrise hike popular among tourists for its easy-to-moderate difficulty and stunning views.
Cost:
- Accommodation: $8–15 per night in basic hostels.
- Meals: $2–5 for local food.
- Guides: $20–25 per day for Mount Rinjani treks.
Best Time to Hike:
- Dry Season (April–October) is best, with clear skies and cooler weather for trekking.
Safety Tips:
- Check for volcano activity alerts before heading to any volcano.
- Permits may be required for certain treks like Rinjani—make sure you have the necessary paperwork.
- Bring headlamps and extra batteries for early morning treks, especially on Mount Batur.
7. Mexico
Why Go:
Mexico offers an incredible variety of landscapes for hikers, from desert trails to alpine peaks, and the best part is the affordability.
Whether you’re trekking in the Sierra Madre mountains or through ancient ruins hidden deep in the jungle, Mexico is a paradise for budget trekkers.
With its diverse ecosystems and vibrant local culture, hiking here offers a unique experience that won’t break the bank.
Top Trails:
- Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre): A series of canyons deeper than the Grand Canyon, offering a stunning 7–10 day trek.
- Pico de Orizaba: The highest peak in Mexico, offering a challenging trek for experienced hikers (3–5 days).
Cost:
- Accommodation: $10–20 per night for hostels or basic cabins.
- Meals: $2–5 for tacos or other local specialties.
- Guides: $20–30 per day.
Best Time to Hike:
- Autumn (September–November) and Spring (March–May) are the best seasons, offering comfortable temperatures for trekking.
Safety Tips:
- Altitude: Be cautious when hiking at higher elevations like Pico de Orizaba.
- Stick to marked trails in remote areas to avoid getting lost.
- Local guides are recommended for remote or challenging trails, like Copper Canyon.
8. Turkey
Why Go:
With its mix of dramatic coastlines, ancient ruins, and striking mountains, Turkey is a prime hiking destination.
The country offers a great selection of trails that are both scenic and affordable.
The Lycian Way, for example, takes you along a breathtaking coastal path, while Cappadocia offers surreal landscapes that you can explore on foot.
Turkey’s relatively low costs make it a prime destination for budget trekkers.
Top Trails:
- Lycian Way: A 540 km trail along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, known for its ancient ruins and stunning vistas. It takes 20–30 days to complete the full trail.
- Cappadocia: Famous for its fairy chimneys and cave dwellings, this region offers short but rewarding treks through unique rock formations.
Cost:
- Accommodation: $10–25 per night in guesthouses or pensions.
- Meals: $4–7 for a kebab or other local dishes.
- Guides: $15–20 per day.
Best Time to Hike:
- Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–November) offer the best conditions for trekking with mild temperatures.
Safety Tips:
- Heat: Turkey’s summers can get hot, especially along coastal hikes like the Lycian Way, so start early and stay hydrated.
- Wildlife: Be aware of snakes and scorpions in more remote areas.
- Carry a compass or GPS device, as trails may be poorly marked in some regions.
9. Bulgaria
Why Go:
Bulgaria’s rugged mountains, alpine lakes, and untouched forests make it a hidden gem for hiking.
The country is incredibly affordable for travelers, and its diverse landscapes offer something for every type of hiker.
From the Rila Monastery to the peaks of the Pirin Mountains, Bulgaria is a great budget-friendly alternative to hiking destinations in Western Europe.
Top Trails:
- Rila Monastery to Musala Peak: A challenging 2-day trek to Bulgaria’s highest peak, Musala, offering stunning views of alpine lakes.
- Pirin National Park: A series of trails with varied difficulty levels, taking you through lush valleys, rocky peaks, and alpine meadows.
Cost:
- Accommodation: $8–15 per night in hostels or mountain lodges.
- Meals: $3–6 for local Bulgarian food.
- Guides: $15–20 per day.
Best Time to Hike:
- Summer (June–September) is ideal for most trails, offering pleasant weather and clear skies.
Safety Tips:
- Altitude: Be mindful of the high altitudes in places like Musala Peak—take it slow to avoid altitude sickness.
- Weather: Weather can change quickly, so pack for varying conditions.
- Wildlife: Bears and wolves are present in some regions, so be cautious in remote areas and avoid hiking alone.
10. Portugal
Why Go:
Portugal may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking about hiking, but it offers some stunning trails with beautiful scenery.
From the cliffs of the Algarve to the rugged mountains of the Azores, Portugal offers a diverse mix of coastal and inland hikes, and it’s one of the most affordable destinations in Western Europe.
Top Trails:
- Rota Vicentina: A coastal trail stretching 400 km along Portugal’s southwestern coast, offering views of cliffs, beaches, and traditional fishing villages.
- Madeira’s Levadas: A series of scenic irrigation channels that lead hikers through lush, mountainous landscapes.
Cost:
- Accommodation: $15–30 per night in guesthouses or hotels.
- Meals: $6–10 for a traditional Portuguese meal.
- Guides: $20–25 per day.
Best Time to Hike:
- Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) provide the best conditions with fewer tourists and mild temperatures.
Safety Tips:
- Tides: Be cautious when hiking along coastal areas like the Algarve, as tides can be unpredictable.
- Weather: In the Azores and Madeira, weather can change rapidly; pack layers and waterproof gear.
- Trail Conditions: Some of Portugal’s inland trails, like those on Madeira, can be slippery and uneven, so wear sturdy footwear.
Final Thoughts on Budget Hiking
Hiking doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. These 10 countries offer breathtaking landscapes, diverse trails, and rich cultural experiences—all at a fraction of the cost of more mainstream hiking destinations.
Whether you’re looking for an epic trek in the Himalayas, a peaceful escape in Europe, or a tropical adventure in Southeast Asia, there’s a perfect budget hiking trip waiting for you.
Be sure to pack your hiking boots, a spirit of adventure, and plenty of sunscreen, and start planning your 2025 hiking trip today!
