Gear Up, Because These Are The Best Bike Routes In The World
Biking really is the best way to see the world. The last thing you want to do is embark on any journey and spend half of your exploring time trapped behind the window of a train, plane, or car.
Reach out to your travel agent with any of these routes in mind and they'll help set you up with a professional tour group. Or, venture out on your own and see what the world has to offer by pedal.
La Croix Water Is Probably Named After This Famous French Bike Route
![mountain bike trail beautiful bike up mountains](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/DhCf5qCWsAE4lfS-83346.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
Col de la Croix de Fer is a gorgeous mountainous bike route running through Le Bourg-d'Oisans, France. It's 20 miles long, but it features beautiful views of the French Alps and a rewarding 5,000 feet of ascension. The ride down will feel nice too.
The Himalayas—Not Just For Mountain Climbers Anymore
![people biking mountain biking on narrow path](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BeFunky-collage-2020-03-20T130826.534-16156.jpg?width=800&height=533)
Nepal is known for its mountains and rocky terrain—so it's the perfect challenge for any mountain biking enthusiast. Climb the Kali Horseshoe, ride down to the Marshyangdi River, and venture all the way to the Kathmandu Valley rim. The terrain and views will truly blow you away.
Peep The Penguins In South Africa
![bikin cape of good hope bike tour along cape](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BeFunky-collage-2020-03-20T132039.639-68779.jpg?width=800&height=533)
South Africa is blessed to have one of the most diverse and beautiful coastal landscapes in the world. Tour Vineyards by Route 62, do a few tastings, explore their orchards, and then follow the coast to the Cape of Good Hope where penguins are known to sometimes pay a visit.
Spot Some Llamas In Peru
![cycling dirt road peru dirt road countryside](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/EOi5638UwAAKi7k-17052.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
There's no better way to spot our favorite stars of Disney's The Emperor's New Groove than to bike through the Peruvian countryside. Get started in Lima, pedal down the Pacific coast, and take yourself all the way to Machu Picchu.
Bask In The Glory Of Vietnamese And Laotian Countrysides
![biking in vietnam family bike trip](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BeFunky-collage-2020-03-20T135948.498-61458.jpg?width=800&height=533)
You're going to want to mark Vietnam and Laos on your bucket list if you're an adventurous biker. One trip through the Tram Ton Pass in the Sapa region, and the beautiful valleys there will have you feeling you really got a taste of the local culture.
Tour The Italian Countryside In Style In Piemonte, Italy
![people biking biking down a road](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ELc8STDXkAAIcBK-61771.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
If you're looking to get in a challenging climb on your vacation, look no further than Piemonte. The Colle de Finestre is a famous 11-mile climb in the Cottian Alps, and though it's hard, the views you'll get are worth the sweat.
Get A Taste Of The Kiwi Landscape In New Zealand
![people biking bike group tour in new zealand](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BeFunky-collage-2020-03-20T133255.707-14375.jpg?width=800&height=533)
Whether or not you're a fan of rugby or Lord Of The Rings, New Zealand is going to be your new favorite route to ride. Start off in Queenstown and wind your way through plains, rivers, and gorgeous countryside while checking out local wineries and breweries along the way.
Get Medieval In Lithuania
![bikers by water biking near water](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/DfskIBRX4AEjMuw-21560.jpeg?width=800&height=529)
If you're a history buff looking to make the most out of a trip, you've definitely got to explore the Lithuanian, Estonian, and Latvian countrysides by bike. You'll love cycling Route 10, which will take you right past medieval castles and into the heart of history beside the Baltic sea.
Mountain Biking Fanatics Need To Hit The 401 Trail In Colorado
![woman on bike trail bike trail lady](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BeFunky-collage-2020-03-20T143133.635-93371.jpg?width=800&height=533)
There are some incredible biking routes right here in America, and the 401 trail at Crested Butte is just one of them. We promise you'll get your fill of climbs and a gorgeous view of the natural landscape right at the top.
Explore Ancient Temples And Cities In Myanmar
![biking together biking around a temple](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BeFunky-collage-2020-03-20T132612.473-66157.jpg?width=800&height=533)
Myanmar is one of the best places to explore by bike because of its history, landscapes, and culture. Journey from the temples of the ancient city of Bagan through the countrysides rich in history and natural beauty.
Take A Ride Through Towering History In Yangshuo, China
![yangshou china bike ride in nature](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BeFunky-collage-2020-03-20T124715.684-97724.jpg?width=800&height=533)
China's known for its rich culture and beautiful scenery, and the Yangshuo region in China is no different. Get ready to feel truly at peace as you ride through the valleys in between the stunning towers of limestone on your journey from Guilin to Xingping.
Be Don Quixote In The Spanish Countryside
![biking in spain spanish bike](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BeFunky-collage-2020-03-20T140649.775-12239.jpg?width=800&height=750)
Except, maybe don't fight a windmill. Cycle down the 160-mile Spanish UNESCO World Heritage trail that weaves through wine country and idyllic little villages in the countryside. A bonus is that this route is a historic pilgrimage route, and it ends at the beautiful cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Get A Good Shot With This Panoramic Route In Switzerland
![biking through switzerland swiss bike tour](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BeFunky-collage-2020-03-20T150851.910-59308.jpg?width=800&height=533)
There's a reason the Alpine Panorama Route in Switzerland has its name—you can get some amazing views from the trail. It's a whopping 300 miles winding through mountains, farmland, castles, and chalets. So it's safe to say you'll feel like you know Switzerland afterward.
See The Sights On The Pan Am Trail Through Costa Rica, Panama, And Nicaragua
![people cheersing cheers photo](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BeFunky-collage-2020-03-20T125337.359-55754.jpg?width=800&height=533)
Biking the Pan American Highway through Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama is a must for any rider. It's a long journey, but you'll see incredible coasts, lush jungles, get a taste of local culture, and definitely meet like-minded riders along the way.
Feeling Competitive? Enter The Swiss Epic
![cow and countryside countryside view](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BeFunky-collage-2020-03-20T143800.789-69579.jpg?width=800&height=533)
Who said all vacations had to be just leisure? Enter into the Swiss Epic, an incredible 155-mile mountain bike race through Swiss ski towns and trails if you want to put your skills to the test while enjoying the company of other cyclists and seeing the alpine landscapes.
Bask In Basque, Spain
![bike tour spain spanish bike tour](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BeFunky-collage-2020-03-20T144921.490-17917.jpg?width=800&height=533)
The Basque country is one of the most well-known and celebrated by cyclists all over the world. The Alto de Arrate specifically is one of the best climbs you can get that overlooks pleasant Spanish valleys.
Hit Up Historic Angkor Wat In Cambodia
![people biking biking through temple](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BeFunky-collage-2020-03-20T141704.072-84533.jpg?width=800&height=533)
Check out one of Cambodia's favorite and most celebrated temples, Angkor Wat. You'll take the backroads scenic route through lush forests and parks to witness the beautiful temple for yourself.
Let's Hear A Whistle For Whistler, Canada
![mountain biking mountain biking man first person view](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BeFunky-collage-2020-03-20T144217.250-67520.jpg?width=800&height=533)
Whistler's A-line trail is a downhill mountain biking trail that's as thrilling as the ski and snowboard slopes nearby. This is one of the more extreme trails, and lots of bikers report catching some serious air going off the ramps this 1.5-mile trail has set up.
The Whole Enchilada Trail In Utah—Yes It's Called That
![utah trail biking through utah](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BeFunky-collage-2020-03-20T150318.182-88917.jpg?width=800&height=533)
Despite its interesting name, the Whole Enchilada Trail is 35 miles of gulch and nothing to laugh at. The trail starts in the La Sal Mountains and finishes down beside the Colorado river—that way, you can take a drink after all that pedaling.
Go Downhill In Hong Kong
![people hiking women hiking trail](https://www.exploredplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BeFunky-collage-2020-03-20T151751.026-65900.jpg?width=800&height=533)
The Tai Mo Shan route in Hong Kong is the perfect natural addition to any vacation you take in the city. Easily step out of the urban space and step onto beautiful downhill trails that can take you from the Tai Mo Shan Park to the beautiful Gold Coast.