There are countless amazing countries to cycle through, which makes choosing a favourite difficult. To cut through any hype or trends, I set out to identify the world’s best countries for bicycle touring using a data-driven approach.
I ended up analysing hundreds of hours of in-depth podcast conversations with experienced bike travellers to uncover which countries were spoken about most favourably. By tracking recurring themes across nearly 150 voices, my final list highlights destinations that consistently stand out for their scenery, culture, people, and overall touring experience.
But first, a bit more on how I collected the data.
How Did I Collect This Information?
To build my comprehensive dataset, I began by painstakingly collecting every podcast transcript from Seek Travel Ride. With more than 200 guests discussing their bike journeys across hundreds of hours of interviews, this information provided a strong foundation for identifying patterns around the world’s best countries for bicycle touring.
Next, I fed all of the transcripts into a large language model (LLM) to identify which countries were discussed most favourably. From there, I generated a summary for each podcast explaining why specific countries were praised. If a response lacked depth or meaningful detail, I excluded it from consideration. Only countries supported by multiple, substantive points were included in the dataset.
In total, 147 cyclists provided enough detailed positive insight about at least one country, and many met the criteria for multiple destinations. I noted these insights and then wrote the main talking points of each country into this article.
Interestingly, the countries that emerged at the top closely mirror the results of my best bicycle touring destinations poll in 2020, which surveyed 150 continent-crossing cyclists and highlighted their top three countries. We’ll compare the Seek Travel Ride data to previous data later on in this article.
The Best Countries For Bicycle Touring In 2026
Peru (12th)
Peru’s incredible diversity of landscapes makes it a dream destination for bicycle touring.
Much of the riding takes place at elevations between 3,000 and 5,000 metres, and the rewards are immense. Routes wind past glaciers, high alpine lakes, and remote valleys, delivering dramatic scenery, abundant wild camping, and countless “pinch me” moments.
Peru isn’t only about mountains, though. To the east, the Amazon rainforest reveals one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. It’s so loud and alive that it’s hard to believe this much life can coexist in every square metre of forest. And along the coast, vast deserts stretch toward the Pacific Ocean, while otherworldly salt flats and deep canyons in the south make you feel as if you’ve landed on another planet.
Beyond the natural environment, Peru offers a rich culture and welcoming people. Cyclists often speak fondly of local hospitality, lively festivals, ancient cities and ruins (Machu Picchu, anyone?), and the opportunity to enjoy traditional Peruvian cuisine, which is widely regarded as the best in South America.
Where To Go Bicycle Touring in Peru
When it comes to choosing where to ride, bike travellers are spoiled for choice in Peru. The Cordillera Blanca around Huaraz and the legendary Peru Great Divide consistently rank among the most sought-after routes, offering the very best scenery Peru has to offer. Further south, the high-altitude puna showcases the country’s most otherworldly and surreal landscapes.
9 cyclists talked favourably about Peru on the SeekTravelRide podcast.
Canada (11th)
Canada’s stunning natural beauty is what draws bike travellers. From the Rocky Mountains to the Yukon, Banff, Jasper, and the coastal regions of British Columbia, the landscapes are grand and awe-inspiring.
The country’s remote wilderness offers vast expanses, quiet roads, and the rare feeling of being truly alone in nature. Wildlife encounters with bears, deer, moose, and even orcas are not uncommon, while well-developed touring routes create opportunities for people of all experience levels.
People and community play an equally important role in the experience. Cyclists frequently highlight the warmth and generosity of Canadians, with locals offering places to stay, mechanical help, or simple kindness. These small interactions often make the journey feel as much about human connection as scenery.
Canada’s cultural and regional diversity further enriches long-distance rides. French-speaking regions and Indigenous lands add depth, providing you with more to observe, reflect on, and appreciate.
Where To Go Bicycle Touring in Canada
When it comes to where to ride, cyclists are naturally drawn to regions that blend picturesque scenery, challenging terrain, and welcoming communities.
The Canadian Rockies in Alberta and British Columbia remain a perennial favourite, with towering peaks, deep valleys, and infinite off-road trails. Those seeking true remoteness gravitate toward the Yukon and northern British Columbia, where long distances between towns make it feel a bit more adventurous.
Meanwhile, coastal British Columbia will captivate you with lush forests, ocean views, whale and bear sightings, and the opportunity to go hiking or paddleboarding along the way.
11 cyclists talked favourably about Canada on the SeekTravelRide podcast.
Tajikistan (10th)
Tajikistan has long been a bucket-list destination for bike travellers, renowned for its mix of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences.
The country’s natural scenery is a major draw, with dramatic contrasts stretching from flat deserts to the towering Pamir peaks. Iconic routes such as the Pamir Highway and the Wakhan Corridor take you through remote valleys, across rivers, and past some of the most striking landscapes Central Asia has to offer.
Equally amazing are the cultural and human connections found throughout Tajikistan. You’ll never forget the warm hospitality from locals, while traditional dishes like plov, manti, lagman, and borscht will enrich (and power) your journey, while offering a taste of the country’s heritage.
Where To Go Bicycle Touring in Tajikistan
Cyclists who have explored Tajikistan uniformly cite the Pamir Highway, Wakhan Valley and Bartang Valley as their favourite regions.
The Pamir Highway challenges you with high-altitude climbs, rugged roads, and harsh weather, yet rewards you with sweeping vistas, vast wilderness, and moments of complete solitude.
The Wakhan Valley, an alternate route nestled within the Pamir region, delivers dramatic landscapes alongside rich cultural experiences. For those seeking maximum adventure, the Bartang Valley is the wildest way across the Pamirs – more remote, more rugged, and defined by high mountains and stark desert moonscapes.
11 cyclists talked favourably about Tajikistan on the SeekTravelRide podcast.
Argentina & Chile (8th)
Eighth place is shared by Argentina and Chile in the region collectively known as Patagonia. Many cyclists refer to these two countries in the podcast as a single destination, so I’ve decided to combine them, as trips often seamlessly cross both countries.
Cyclists are drawn to Patagonia for its breathtaking landscapes, which stretch from the Fitzroy Mountains and Torres del Paine to the high-altitude deserts of the northern regions. Vast lakes, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic mountain views are common sights. Iconic routes like Route 40 and the Carretera Austral traverse incredible terrain, offering excellent opportunities for hiking, wild camping, and exploration along the way.
Wildlife encounters are another highlight. You may find yourself alongside guanacos, foxes, and other native animals, though spotting them often requires enduring strong winds, rough roads, and long distances between towns!
The region is further enriched by the generosity and friendliness of locals. Sharing mate, enjoying an asado, visiting bakeries, and sampling local cuisine provide a flavourful window into Patagonian culture.
Patagonia’s strong food culture and reliable infrastructure make travel more comfortable than in many neighbouring regions. With amenities generally accessible, bike travellers can focus a bit more on the journey itself rather than logistics.
Where To Go Bicycle Touring in Patagonia
Cyclists are drawn to Patagonia for its dramatic landscapes, challenging terrain, and sense of adventure.
The region stretches from Argentina’s Mt Fitzroy and Route 40 to Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park and the Carretera Austral, offering jagged peaks, volcanoes, dirt roads, vast open spaces, lakes, waterfalls, and remote natural parks.
12 cyclists talked favourably about Argentina and Chile on the SeekTravelRide podcast.
Kyrgyzstan (7th)
Kyrgyzstan may be a country many struggle to pronounce, but it consistently ranks highly among long-distance cyclists for the cultural richness and variety of experiences it offers.
Bike travellers are most captivated by the country’s stunning natural landscapes. The terrain constantly shifts between rocky peaks, lush valleys, canyons, rivers, lakes, icefalls, and frozen landscapes. High mountains and passes reaching 4,000 metres provide a challenging yet deeply rewarding experience.
Wild camping is a particular highlight, with flat spots near rivers or lakes providing ideal overnight stops. Remote roads keep traffic minimal, while the wide variety of routes allows cyclists to choose between solitude in wild landscapes or social interaction in towns. Expect to be frequently welcomed by the Kyrgyz people, who will greet you with big smiles!
Where To Go Bicycle Touring in Kyrgyzstan
The favourite regions of Kyrgyzstan clearly showcase the country’s mountain landscapes and challenging high-altitude passes.
Areas around Karakol Lake and traverses over the Tian Shan and Celestial mountains stand out for their dramatic vistas, with cyclists enjoying visits to the array of yurts or homestays along the way.
13 cyclists talked favourably about Kyrgyzstan on the SeekTravelRide podcast
Iran (6th)
The sixth most highly praised country for cycling is Iran, with much of that acclaim coming from its remarkable hospitality. Cyclists frequently recount being welcomed into homes by complete strangers and met with generosity and kindness that knows no bounds.
Iranians eagerly share their stories and ideas, despite political sensitivities, and they will often challenge your assumptions about their society. These interactions can reframe your ideas of freedom, identity, and privilege, leaving you inspired to approach life with a fresh perspective.
Cycling through Iran can be physically demanding, with extreme heat and long distances testing endurance. These challenges are balanced by the country’s stunning landscapes, from green mountains and waterfalls to canyons, lakes, and high mountain peaks – the tallest mountain is a staggering 5,609 metres (18,400 ft).
For many visitors, the food is a highlight. Iranian cuisine – featuring kebabs, rich stews, sweets, and salads, along with the distinctive use of fresh herbs, pomegranate, and rose water – offers a culinary experience that complements the positive interactions with the welcoming locals.
Where to Go Bicycle Touring in Iran
Interestingly, while many travellers note the beauty of Iran’s landscapes, they rarely highlight specific locations. Instead, Seek Travel Ride interviewees emphasise the people and culture, focusing on the warmth, generosity, and meaningful interactions that make cycling through Iran so incredible.
14 cyclists talked favourably about Iran on the SeekTravelRide podcast
Australia (5th)
Australia earns fifth place, largely for its vast landscapes that offer an unparalleled sense of freedom, space, and solitude.
Fabled regions such as the Nullarbor Plain, the Outback, and the Red Centre are defined by their immense scale and emptiness, delivering some of the world’s most spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Long rides across demanding terrain test endurance, with extreme heat, strong winds, rough roads, and isolation embraced as part of the journey.
Yet Australian landscapes are far from uniform; along the east coast, you will find tropical and subtropical rainforests, alpine regions, wetlands, farmland, and endless bush and scrub. Mountainous areas and trail networks – such as the Victorian Alps, the Snowy Mountains, and Jagungal – are particularly prized for off-road adventures, while coastal towns provide a contrasting, gentler flavour to the rugged interior.
Encounters with unique wildlife are another highlight. Cyclists often enjoy close moments with emus, kangaroos, kookaburras, possums, and birds, while nights in remote areas reveal dazzling views of the Milky Way and shooting stars.
Australia’s Indigenous cultural sites and Dreamtime stories further connect you with the land. Understanding how ancient cultures have survived on such a harsh continent for over 60,000 years is both fascinating and humbling.
In addition, roadside attractions like silo art, quirky pubs, and charming small towns showcase the country’s personality. Friendly and sometimes eccentric locals consistently make cyclists feel welcome, and small acts of generosity – sharing food, drinks or advice – turn long, isolated stretches into safe and inviting experiences.
Where To Go Bicycle Touring In Australia
People are typically drawn to Australia for its vast and varied landscapes. The Outback – including areas such as the Nullarbor Plain, Plenty Highway, Canning Stock Route, Tanami Track, Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and the Kimberleys – offers solitude and picturesque desert scenery.
National parks and wilderness areas such as the Victorian Alps, the Snowy Mountains, and the Jagungal Wilderness attract those who prefer cooler alpine vistas.
15 cyclists talked favourably about Australia on the SeekTravelRide podcast
India (=3rd)
In equal third place is India, renowned for its cultural richness, big mountains, food, and unplanned experiences that make no two days the same.
Spontaneous event invites, such as being a guest at a wedding, add a magical touch to the journey. Festivals, rituals, and ceremonies offer something new at every turn, while simply observing daily life in bustling markets and streets deepens the sense of immersion.
India also stands out for its food and sensory experiences. The constant interplay of smells, colours, sounds, and flavours makes everyday travel intensely vivid and deeply engaging.
Throughout the Seek Travel Ride podcasts, bike travellers frequently meet kind, encouraging, and welcoming locals – from chai makers and restaurant owners to staff and villagers in remote areas. Open-hearted interactions foster friendliness, even amid chaotic or unexpected situations.
The country’s stunning landscapes further enhance India’s appeal. Cyclists are captivated by the Himalayan mountains, high desert plateaus, deep valleys, and terraced farmlands. These challenging climbs and off-the-beaten-path routes offer a strong sense of adventure.
Where To Go Bicycle Touring in India
Northern regions such as Uttarakhand and the Himalayan foothills are prized for their stunning mountains, quiet roads, and authentic rural life, perfect for exploration. Cyclists cherish the villages and roadside stops, where the warmth and hospitality of locals can transform a regular day into an amazing experience.
Urban highlights include Delhi, Kolkata, and Kochi, where chaotic streets, vibrant markets, and cultural diversity create a sensory feast. Spiritual and historical sites like the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Bodhgaya, Udaipur’s lakes and palaces, and monasteries in Spiti Valley and Himachal Pradesh offer moments of awe and reflection.
16 cyclists talked favourably about India on the SeekTravelRide podcast
China (=3rd)
In equal third place is China, a country that captivates cyclists with its landscapes, people, food and culture.
You can traverse some seriously dramatic terrain, from snow-capped mountains and high plateaus to deserts, lush green hills, and Dolomite-like ranges. The vastness and remoteness of western regions, such as the Tibetan Plateau, offer solitude and breathtaking views, while provinces like Yunnan and Sichuan are celebrated for their ever-changing landscapes.
China is equally compelling for its people, culture and food. The friendly locals frequently offer smiles and invitations to share a meal or a place to stay. Food is another highlight, with local dishes and spices (particularly in Yunnan and Sichuan) offering an enormous culinary variety that makes every stop a memorable experience.
Iconic sites like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Terracotta Army stand alongside modern cities where historic neighbourhoods blend with contemporary architecture. Between these remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites, cyclists pass numerous temples, monasteries, and traditional houses, adding a rich cultural layer to the journey.
Where To Go Bicycle Touring in China
Cyclists on the Seek Travel Ride podcast favour China’s most remote and dramatic regions.
Western China – including Xinjiang, Tibet, Qinghai, and Gansu – stands out for stark deserts, vast valleys, and challenging terrain. The Tibetan Plateau is repeatedly described as “the most beautiful place on earth,” with high-altitude passes, snow-capped peaks, and peaceful, isolated landscapes.
In southern provinces like Yunnan and Sichuan, travellers love the ever-changing scenery, steep cycling routes, snow-capped mountains, and rich local culture, highlighted by an incredible regional cuisine.
16 cyclists talked favourably about China on the SeekTravelRide podcast
United States of America (2nd)
Many long-distance cyclists are drawn to the USA for its exceptional natural beauty, but its popularity also stems from how easy it is to travel by bike. Well-mapped routes, established trails, and frequent towns make long-distance journeys far more accessible than in many other countries.
Bike tourers can traverse an astonishing variety of landscapes, from high mountain ranges and vast deserts to dense forests, open plains, and winding river valleys. Iconic landmarks such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders, Yosemite’s granite cliffs, Monument Valley’s striking formations, and ancient redwood forests are bucket-list highlights. Thanks to the country’s sheer size, cyclists can also find solitude and expansive wilderness with surprising ease, no matter which direction they ride.
The people are another major reason cyclists rate the USA so highly. In small towns especially, bike travellers often experience remarkable kindness, with strangers offering food, water, or even a place to stay. These connections are further strengthened through cyclist-host networks like Warm Showers, making long-distance touring feel welcoming, social, and well supported.
Where To Go Bicycle Touring in the USA
Seek Travel Ride guests most often highlight regions known for standout scenery. The Pacific Coast is a perennial favourite, with dramatic ocean views and landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge. The western mountains – Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming – draw you seeking rugged terrain and alpine adventure, while Alaska appeals to those craving true wilderness.
The American Southwest, particularly California, Arizona, and Utah, attracts cyclists with vast road networks and major natural landmarks; California and Utah alone host around a quarter of the nation’s national parks. Meanwhile, the Midwest and small-town America – places like Kansas, Missouri, and Kentucky – offer cultural immersion, charming communities, and famously warm hospitality.
19 cyclists talked favourably about the USA on the SeekTravelRide podcast
Türkiye (1st)
The most favourably discussed bicycle touring destination on the Seek Travel Ride podcast is Turkey!
It stands out first and foremost for its landscapes and scenery. Cyclists consistently describe the terrain as dramatic, surreal, and incredibly varied, ranging from mountains, valleys, gorges, and canyons to wide steppe and desert-like regions. Iconic places such as Cappadocia, with its otherworldly rock formations, are complemented by hidden waterfalls, river gorges, jungle-like pockets of greenery, and pristine areas far from the beaten path.
What truly elevates Turkey is its people. Turkish locals are consistently described as friendly, generous, and deeply hospitable, often going out of their way to help cyclists; invitations into homes are common. Positive interactions also arise in unexpected situations, such as military personnel offering tea, food, or guidance.
Turkey’s deep history further enriches the experience. With 22 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cyclists encounter everything from the ancient Roman city of Ephesus to the underground city of Derinkuyu, alongside Istanbul’s iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
Food is another major highlight. Turkish breakfasts, soups, breads, dips, stuffed vegetables, and an endless supply of tea and coffee provide tasty and deeply satisfying meals after long days on the bike.
Where To Go Bicycle Touring in Turkey
Beyond the must-see city of Istanbul, the Black Sea region offers lush greenery, alpine roads, gorges, and waterfalls. Central Anatolia, especially Cappadocia, captivates with its surreal volcanic landscapes and hot air balloons, while eastern Turkey, around Mount Ararat, is prized for quiet mountain roads, dramatic scenery, and especially warm local encounters.
21 cyclists talked favourably about Turkey on the SeekTravelRide podcast
Which Other Countries Ranked Highly?
- Mexico narrowly missed the list, ranking 13th with seven favourable mentions.
- Next, a group of countries each received six favourable mentions: Nepal, Morocco, New Zealand, France, and Norway.
- Countries with five favourable mentions include Montenegro, Georgia, Pakistan and Indonesia.
- Four favourable mentions go to Afghanistan, Vietnam, Laos, Scotland, and Saudi Arabia.
- Finally, the following countries were mentioned favourably three times: Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Japan, Thailand, Spain, England, Austria, Romania, the Netherlands, and Cambodia.
How Does This Compare To My Previous Best Countries Lists?
I last compiled a top-10 list of the best countries in 2020. At the time, 150 continent-crossing cyclists were asked to name their top three touring destinations, and the most frequently mentioned countries rose to the top.
Interestingly, the results were almost identical to this year’s list, with Turkey and the USA still holding the top two spots. The main changes are that Tajikistan, which previously ranked third, has dropped to 10th, while Mexico has fallen from sixth to 13th.
Canada, by contrast, has risen sharply – from 19th to 11th place. I suspect this jump reflects the sheer number of Seek Travel Ride podcast guests who’ve undertaken journeys covering both the USA and Canada.