10 of the Best Hiking Trails in South America

Hiking in South America is a cultural and diverse experience.

Treks take you through forests, dry landscapes and mountainous areas with spectacular views.

With so many trails to explore, these are only a few of the best hiking trails in South America you must try!

1. Trek to Machu Picchu in Peru

Probably one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, Machu Picchu in the Peruvian Andes lies in the Cusco region of Peru. The ancient Incan ruins have been claimed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007.

There are a variety of treks that take you to Machu Picchu with varying levels of difficulty, the most famous being the Inca Trail. But book this way in advance – you will need a permit and they are limited!

Alternative routes are available too. The Lares Trek is a 33km, 5-day hike that is not very challenging. Another alternate route is the Choquequriao Trek which is 15km and 4 days. This trek is tough with steep inclines over mountain passes and high altitudes. Not for the faint of heart!

The best time to trek to Machu Picchu is between May and September. Rain is less expected but expect crowds!

If you do not feel like trekking, there are options to take a train to  Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu, and from here you can get a bus up to the entrance of the famous Citadel or you can take the stairs – all 2000 of them!

2. Santa Cruz Trek in Peru

Another trek in Peru is Santa Cruz. Located in the Cordillera Blanca region of the Peruvian Andes, you will start this trek in the city of Huaraz.

The trek takes 3 days and is 50kms long. You will pass through a sandy desert and stunning glacial lakes. It is relatively easy and can be done self-guided.

The best time to go on the Santa Cruz Trek is from May to September during Peru’s dry season.

On the trail, you will pass beautiful turquoise lakes on your way to the highest point Punta Union, which sits at approximately 4,750m.

Even though this trek can be done self-guided I do recommend the training to prepare for the altitude and terrain.

3. Salkantay Trek in Peru

Mount Salkantay is one of the most iconic mountains in the Cusco area and its peak sits at approximately 6,271m.

The whole trek takes place above 3,000m and so the effects of altitude sickness are a real risk. The best way to acclimatize properly is to spend a few days in the city of Cusco before attempting the trek, or even the Sacred Valley which is lower than Cusco.

The trail does not include reaching the summit of Mount Salkantay but it is an incredible trek to Machu Picchu. You can do the trail self-guided or guided, and the best time to go is March, April, October or November when the weather is drier. While most will want to travel from December to February, but this is when the area receives most of its rainfall.

The Salkantay trek has some of the most epic scenery in Peru and is the quieter alternative to those wanting to trek to Machu Picchu. No wonder it is one of the top 25 treks in the world!

4. Colca Canyon Trek in Peru

The Colca Canyon in Peru is a sight to behold! At 3,300m deep it is twice the depth of the Grand Canyon. The trek starts in the Valley of Chivay and allows you to experience real South American culture as you hike through the deep canyon with birds flying overhead, and a vast number of cacti spread across the ground.

The trek takes 2 days to complete and is suitable for beginners. The best time to go is during the dry season from May to October.

You can take a dip in the thermal baths, find stunning vistas and even stay overnight in an oasis. The trek through the second largest canyon in the world is definitely an experience that every intrepid hiker should consider.

5. Fitz Roy Trek in Argentina

Located on the border between Argentina and Chile, Mount Fitz Roy is a prized landmark in Patagonia. It peaks at 3,375m and the trek is a colorful experience through an abundance of fauna and flora.

The trek is 30km and takes about 3 to 4 days to finish. If you have a basic fitness level, then you can take on this trek.

The altitude sickness risks are low because it is not a high-altitude trek, and so it is ideal for those less experienced trekkers. Winds and storms are frequent though so be sure to have the appropriate gear to deal with all conditions.

I recommend hiking here from March to June as the trails are emptier, although you will most likely experience pretty windy conditions. The high season is from December to March when the weather is warmest, but you will definitely not have the trail to yourself.

The trek takes you around Mount Fitz Roy and you will even visit Cerro Torre base camp!

Read on for more of the best hiking trails in South America…

6. Montes Martial Circuit Trek in Argentina

Ushuaia is the Southernmost city in South America and is also known as ‘The End of The World’. Near to the area, you will find the Montes Martial Circuit Trek in Patagonia, Argentina. This trek will give you a chance to summit Mount Tonelli!

It takes 4 days and gives you a glimpse of the breath-taking forests of Tierra Del Fuego National Park and you will camp at stunning lakes and beautiful blue lagoons.

It is incredibly diverse as you will see glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and landscapes filled with windblown trees and forests and even view the Beagle Channel (or Darwin’s Ship). The trek is often taken combined with an Antarctic cruise which is an awesome combined experience!

7. The Península Llao Llao Circuit Trek in Argentina

Situated near Bariloche and located in an ancient forest is Mount Llao Llao, which is where The Peninsula Llao Llao Circuit trek takes place.

It is only a 4-hour hike and approximately 15km round trip and you will pass through stunning woodlands and turquoise-colored lakes. This is a must-do for anyone visiting Bariloche!

You’ll start with a view of Lago Nahuel Huapi, take in the view and then walk downhill along Circuito Chico. You will then begin your trekking journey on the Sendero de Los Arrayanes trailhead.

The warmer months are between September and April, which is the best time to take the hike up Mount Llao Llao. 

8. Mirador Las Torres Trek in Argentina

This trek is located in the Torres del Paine National Park and is an iconic one-day hike to Las Torres. You will begin crossing a few hanging bridges as you make your way to the trail.

It is a 4 or 5-hour hike and one of the easiest in the region. Some of the paths do get steep and tricky so be sure to have the correct shoes and gear and take care when walking along these sections. The wind may also give you a bit of a battle.

December to March is the best time to take this hike, it is warmer and drier, but you will get a lot of wind!

You will also hike through forest areas which bring you to a steep last push to Las Torres. It is truly a sight to behold – take your wide lens!

You can even stay overnight. Camp at the Campamento Torres and descend the next day for a more immersive hiking experience.

9. Valley of the Volcanoes Trek in Ecuador

Ecuador is the place to find the Valley of the Volcanoes. Near the capital of Ecuador, Quito, you will find Cotopaxi park which is truly like paradise on Earth. The trek to see the ‘Valley of the Volcanoes’ is a very popular tour in the country.

The volcano Cotopaxi is a grand sight and has experienced no seismic activity for the past 10 years. The trek will take you about 2 days and 5,897m! It is not easy at all and takes some preparation beforehand to deal with this altitude.

At the summit of Cotopaxi volcano, you will have the most incredible views of the city and surrounding volcanoes. The Quilotoa Crater lake stands out with its emerald green water surrounded by jagged cliff edges. It is truly surreal!

10. Torres Del Paine W Trek in Chile

This trek is in the beautiful Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and is considered the most popular trek in Patagonia, and one of the best hiking trails in South America!

There are two versions of this trek, but the W Trek will take you about 5 days and covers 100km. You will catch a boat ride near the beautiful Grey Glacier and finish your trek at Torres for the most incredible sunrise!

Because the trek is level most of the way and not very high, altitude sickness is not really a concern. So, you can enjoy the incredible diversity, dense forests and beautiful glaciers without the worry of getting sick or having too much strain.

There is a longer full circuit trek which the more adventurous may enjoy.

Which of the best hiking trails in South America do you want to explore?

Whichever you decide to take, these are some of the best hiking trails in South America that will leave you with incredible memories and stories to tell.

And if you have already had the opportunity to hike one of these trails, which one was your favorite?

This post was written by mountainiq.com. Got a great travel story you want to tell? Contact us at workwithus@anewtraveller.com.