The Best Treks in South America

The best treks in South America will transport you back to the dawn of time. Some of the world ‘s most beautiful trails and amazing destinations are yours when you find the trek of your life.

South America is a veritable paradise for trekking enthusiasts. With its varied landscapes, wild nature and breathtaking trails, this region offers unforgettable experiences for adventurers looking for something new.

Here are some unmissable hikes in South America, combining natural beauty, cultural heritage and exciting challenges. Put on your hiking boots, pack your backpack and embark on a fascinating adventure.

For many travelers, it’s the main reason they travel the continent and enjoy the hikes in South America:

Otto Meiling Trail, Bariloche – Argentina

Otto Meiling Trail, Bariloche - Argentina The Otto Meiling trail, spanning two countries with thick coniferous forests, the bluest lakes and giant mountain peaks in between, is the best in northern Patagonia. It begins in Nahuel Huapi National Park in Argentina’s Lake District and passes over Mount Tronador (which translates as Thunder Mountain) into Chile.

After a day of hiking with relatively steep ascents and descents into Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, you’ll find traditional cuisine and respite at Refugio Otto, a comfortable dormitory and restaurant.

Often described as the Alps of South America, you’ll find beautiful alpine forests among the mountains giving you that warm, outdoorsy feeling along the way. Those with energy to spare can even continue through Paso de Las Nubes for incredible views above the clouds.

Distance: 18 miles (30 km)
Time to complete: 2-3 days
Difficulty level: Moderate
Highlights: Experience Chilean and Argentine Patagonia.

Sierra Negra – Galapagos

Sierra Negra - Galapagos The Galapagos Islands were formed by volcanoes and volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, only a few volcanoes remain active, including Sierra Negra on Isabela Island.

Although it erupted in 2018, it is possible to walk to the top of this volcano and stand on the rim of the crater overlooking the smoky abyss inside and sea views beyond. As one of the largest calderas in the world, it is sure to make any human being who looks at it feel truly humbled.

The trail leading to the summit navigates through surreal fields of black rocky lava dotted with equally surreal endemic fauna. Along the way, you’ll also see some of this island’s famous endemic species, such as the lava hawk and the Galapagos land iguana.

Distance: 13 miles (21 km)
Time to complete: 1 day
Difficulty level: Moderate
Highlights: Stand in the caldera of an active volcano.

Rainbow Mountain – Peru

Rainbow Mountain - Peru Since it was discovered just over 12 years ago, Rainbow Mountain in Peru has become one of the most coveted hikes in South America and not just for the unusually colorful mountainscape. The 5-mile hike itself is fairly short and flat, and therefore considered very accessible to most ability levels.

The challenge lies in managing the altitude of 17,000 ft (5,200 meters) above sea level, which places it among some of the highest hikes in South America too.

Those who embark on this hike will usually spend a few days in the Cusco City (the starting point) at 11,000 ft (3,400 meters) to acclimate and dig into its renowned culinary scene. Along the Rainbow Mountain trail, expect to enjoy vast views of the arid high Andes beside the local llamas before being rewarded with rainbow at the end.

Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Time to complete: Full day
Difficulty level: Moderate
Highlight: See the world’s most colorful mountain

Ciudad Perdida – Colombia

Ciudad Perdida - Colombia The famous Lost City hike travels 28 miles through the indigenous tribal-owned lands of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in northern Colombia in South America to reach one of the ancient cities of the Incas. Navigate through hot and humid climates, steep climbs, dense jungle flora and fauna.

Therefore, it is by no means an easy hike. However, the rewards far outweigh the challenges that the route to the Lost City brings. As you walk, you will be fascinated by the wide variety of tropical plants and animals you will see, including cotton-top tamarins, capybaras, and ocelots.

Between stretches of hiking, you’ll stop to meet local tribes, hear their stories, and learn how they live as part of an ecosystem, not their dictators.

After climbing the last 1200 steps, you will find the mysterious Lost City built by the Incas more than 600 years ago.

Distance: 28 miles (46 km)
Time to complete: 4-6 days
Difficulty level: Challenging
Highlights: Get access to Colombia’s indigenous lands and Inca ruins

Hike to Choquequirao – Peru

Hike to Choquequirao - Peru Every year, many people flock to Machu Picchu and, as you can imagine, the routes to the Inca citadel can get a little crowded. However, there is a place just as incredible but much less visited. That place is Choquequirao, the last resting place of the Incas. At the moment it can only be reached on foot and there is still much to discover.

Along the trail, you will see the beautiful landscape that is almost intact because the route is rarely visited. The site itself is exceptional and is as incredible as Machu Picchu without the crowds. It is a real adventure to explore a new location that is yet to be discovered in many parts.

Time to complete: 5 days
When to go: April to October
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Maximum altitude: 4,672 meters above sea level

Huayna Potosí – Bolivia

Huayna Potosi - Bolivia This is definitely the hardest trek on our list of the best treks in South America, and it’s the only one where you actually summit a mountain, It’s only 25km from La Paz, the capital of Bolivia – South America.

You’ll actually need proper rock climbing gear to get to the summit, and although it’s popular with backpackers, many turn around halfway. You shouldn’t be afraid of heights, and altitude sickness could kick in at any time, so preparation is key for this one.

However, once you get up there, you get some fantastic views of the other mountains, La Paz and Lake Titicaca, which is the highest navigable lake in the world.

Best time to go: December – March
Time to complete: 2-3 days
Difficulty: Very challenging
Highest Altitude: 6,088 meters above sea level

Avenue of Volcanoes Hike – Ecuador

Avenue of Volcanoes Hike - Ecuador From Cotopaxi to Chimborazo, this hike leads you around Ecuador’s biggest and most beautiful volcanoes whilst stopping at many culture, nature, and adventure-rich spots in between. Although hikers will face some high altitudes, the hike’s pace is generally slow and easy-going which makes it accessible to anyone in good health.

It’s particularly attractive to senior hikers since it’s one of the few multi-day hikes in South America that provides a private guide, comfortable hotel accommodation, and the option to extend the trip with a few non-hiking-related excursions between hiking days.

Some of these include visiting Inca ruins, a Cuenca city tour, and a once-in-a-lifetime ride on the Devil’s Nose, the world’s steepest train route. Throughout your journey, you’ll also get to see Ecuador’s vast and varied landscapes from the snowy mountains to the thick valley forests.

Distance: 26 miles (42 km)
Time to complete: 5-8 days
Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate
Highlight: See all of Ecuador’s best sights in one adventurous trip

To read more about the Best Classic Hikes in South America like the Inca Trail in Peru and W Trek click here.

If our list of the best treks in South America has inspired you to dust off your hiking boots and embark on an active and adventurous vacation, get in touch with us today. Our South America experts can craft a bespoke itinerary that includes all of your favorite hikes as well as some luxurious hotels and cultural excursions to boot.

Call us toll free on +51 966405778 or send us a message.