7 Best Hikes In South America You Need To Do
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If you’re an avid trekker, you’re always looking for the most diverse landscapes, the highest mountains, and the most awe-inspiring views.
If you’re ready to tackle the best hikes on the planet, South America has hundreds of trails across the continent from the rolling hills of Colombia to the towering peaks of the Andes or the glaciers of Patagonia.
You can hike these trails on your own or join a tour. Either way, make sure you have the proper equipment and get ready to hit the trails with the following best hikes in South America.
1. El Chalten to Laguana de Los Tres
Get dramatic views of Mount Fitz Roy on one of the best hikes in South America!
This hike in Argentina Patagonia is of moderate difficulty and can be trekked in one day. It begins in the quaint outpost town of El Chaltén about 75 miles from El Calafate and within Los Glaciares National Park in the Santa Cruz province of Argentina.
The town is a gateway to several trails around the peaks of Cerro Torre and Mount Fitz Roy, which are some of the most stunning in the region. This National park is also home to the popular Perito Moreno Glacier, but this part of the park is further south of here.
I recommend you don’t overlook this short trek as it offers some of the best views of the iconic Mount Fitz Roy which lies on the border of Argentina and Chile.
This impressive peak was actually first climbed by French alpinists in 1952, but it still challenges some of the best in the world today. Yes, it is that hard!
You’ll begin this hike with a steep incline that extends beyond the Poincenot base camp. It ends with one final ascent up broken rock fragments at the base of the cliff where, in good weather, you’ll have a full view of Mount Fitz Roy.
You’ll be amazed by the serene turquoise pool contrasted against the grey granite peaks towering above you.
You can also make this an overnight trek by camping here as we did, but it is also doable in one day.
2. Cordillera de Chicas, Bolivia
Located in central South America, Bolivia is known for its diverse range of landscapes such as huge salt flats, roads that wind through jungles, and dizzying altitudes.
Outside the quiet little town of Tupiza in southwestern Bolivia lies the stark, desert-like mountain range Cordillera de Chichas. With their rich, red color, the rock formations can be compared to the Rainbow Mountains in China.
In Tupiza, you can get acclimatized for one of the best hikes in South America for visiting the famous Uyuni salt flats at 3656 meters above sea level.
A trek through the Cordillera de Chichas is not as difficult as you might imagine and can be completed as a day trip from Tupiza. You can walk to the trailhead from the town center.
Follow the train tracks south and turn right at the public gymnasium. Head for the mountains and you will soon see waymarkers leading to the various rock formations such as the Cañon del Inca de Los Machos, and the Puerta del Diablo. All of them can be visited in one day.
Go in the spring or the fall when the temperatures are mild and the sky is clear. Avoid the midday heat by hiking early in the morning.
3. Inca Trail, Cusco, Peru
Looking for your first multi-day trek? The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a good choice and arguably one of the best hikes in South America.
It’s the continent’s most famous hike, and perhaps the most famous one in the world. It’s popular for the endpoint and for the trail itself.
The four-day hike takes you deep into the Peruvian countryside past impressive ancient ruins, through deep valleys, mystical cloud forests, high into the Andes mountains, and finally to Machu Picchu.
The trail’s narrow path travels through the sub-tropical jungle and past breathtaking scenery. You’ll remember the hike and the scenery as well as the fascinating endpoint of Machu Picchu. It’s all the reasons why this trek is on many traveler’s bucket lists
You will need a permit to hike the Inca Trail. Since only 200 hikers are permitted each day, purchase the permit at least four months in advance. The best months to hike are May and October. During February, the trail is closed for maintenance.
4. W-Trek, Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile
The W-Trek, the most popular hiking route in the Torres del Paine National Park is a five to six-day hike of moderate difficulty and covers 74 km (46 miles) of gentle terrain. Expect a few days of ascents up to around 800 meters. You’ll need to hike between six and eight hours per day.
This hike is also a good choice for your first multi-day hike. You’ll find campsites and refugios all along the route, so you won’t have to carry a lot of food and gear, and you’ll have a warm shelter for spending the night.
Your biggest challenge will be the varying weather. In Patagonia, it’s not unusual to experience four seasons in one day! Be sure to dress in layers.
Most trekkers hike this trail from east to west beginning at Refugio Las Torres with Refugio Paine Grande as the endpoint. This hike will ensure that you get to see all the highlights of the Torres del Paine National Park.
You’ll go past the base of the three Paine towers next to a lake of emerald green, the Valle Francés (French Valley) with its hanging glacier, and Lago Grey with a huge glacier and deep blue ice floes.
There is also a longer version of this hike called the O-Trek, which does a complete look at the mountains and lakes in the park. It is 10 days in total, so not for the faint of heart.
The best time to go is December-January. Since this is peak season, book your refugios in advance.
5. Santa Cruz Trek, Peru
The Santa Cruz Trek is a moderate-to-difficult hike in the Cordillera Blanca near Huaraz, Peru.
The trek is a little more than 50 km (31 miles) long with elevations of up to 4,760 meters (15,600 feet) above sea level. You’ll spend six to seven hours hiking for three to four days. Camping is available at remote campsites.
The scenery along the trail is stunning with towering mountain peaks of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range, rushing waterfalls, and emerald lakes. The temperatures are cold because of the elevation, so plan accordingly.
If you have your own gear, this hike can be done without a guide from Huaraz. Those who are inexperienced should join a guided tour. You won’t have to worry about directions, and your gear will be provided.
For a small extra fee, you can visit the hot springs located in Cashapampa village near the end of the hike.
The best time to go is April-September during the Andean summer when the trail isn’t slippery.
6. Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), Colombia
If you’re a highly-skilled and experienced hiker, you shouldn’t miss a visit to Ciudad, the Lost City of Colombia. These Mayan ruins, only discovered as late as 1972 are deep in the jungles of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
The ruins were covered in thick vegetation for centuries and are 650 years older than Machu Picchu, the most well-known Mayan Ruins. Because of the remoteness of the location, only 10 percent of the site has been uncovered to date.
More than that, its location in rebel territory has meant that it was only safe to visit in the last 15 years. Earlier, guerrillas overran the jungle surrounding the ruins. The Colombian government intervened and it’s now safe to visit the archeological site. Still, the site is relatively unknown.
The hike to the Lost City of Ciudad Perdida is 44 km (27 miles) and takes four-six days.
It’s only for the most experienced and toughest hikers as you must battle tropical heat, steep hills, crossing chest-high icy rivers, and sleeping in a hammock. But your rewards are visiting local indigenous villages and spotting rare toucans.
The Lost City Trek has three options, a four-day, five-day, or six-day hike. The five-day hike is the most popular.
You’ll cover the same trail at a slower pace. The best time to go is December- March. That time is the dry season, and the river crossings will be less difficult.
7. Salkantay Hike, Peru
The Salkantay Hike is a good alternative hike to the popular Inca Trail. No permit is required, and you don’t have to plan months in advance. It’s a moderate to difficult trek and takes five days to complete.
The trek begins in the small village of Mollepata about 134 km (83 miles) west of Cusco. The trek’s total distance is 74 km (46 miles) and the endpoint is at the town of Aguas Calientes.
This hike will take you through some of South America’s most beautiful and diverse scenery. You’ll go from tropical rainforests full of colorful birds and butterflies to glaciers with icy turquoise lakes in just five days.
Humantay Lake, the coffee plantations in Lucmabamba, the Salkantay lake and glacier, and the Llactapata ruins are the highlights of the trek. On the last day, you can take a bus to Machu Picchu.
The best times to go are May, August, September, and the first half of October. During these months, you’ll avoid the cold rain and rock slides.
Inpired by these epic hikes in South America? Have I missed any? Let me know in the comments below!
