THE BEST TREKS IN SOUTH AMERICA

Trekking is one of the best ways to explore South America, and you cannot go wrong with any of these epic treks. The sheer size of the continent and geographical regions makes for a huge variety of landscapes and climatic conditions. South America is also home to some of the tallest mountains in the world, the terrain is both dramatic and imposing while offering lots of interesting areas to trek. The countries in the region are varied and diverse too. Your experience will be made even richer as you visit these countries, learning about the different histories and cultures. Here are some of the best treks in South America and important information, before setting off on your experience of a lifetime. 

 

South American Trekkers

 

Trek to Machu Picchu

 
Trekking to Machu Picchu is the ultimate bucket list item. Found at 2,430 m elevation, this Inca Citadel was built around the year 1450. This site has some serious history and geographical importance attached to it. There are actually a number of trekking routes to get there, with The Inca trail as the most iconic way to trek into Machu Picchu and along the way you get to pass important sites like Llactapata, Sayaqmarka, Phuyupatamarca and the Inti Punku Sun Gate. There are 500 people per day trekking the Inca trail including guides and porters, so it can get crowded in high season and it also gets booked up quite far in advance. Another trek to Machu Picchu is the Salkantay Trek, which sees around 50 trekkers per day. So, while you may not be passing as many archaeological sites as the Inca trail, you can hike in a more remote part of Peru. You will cover terrain that is equally beautiful with glaciers and Andean countryside, it is also more challenging than the Classic Inca Trail. 

 

Inca Trail

 

Torres del Paine
 

The Torres del Paine treks are famous Patagonian trekking routes for a reason and thousands of people travel annually to hike these trails. These are challenging treks but with a good level of fitness, they are pretty accessible. The great thing is that along the way, you get to enjoy some of Patagonia’s most spectacular scenery. There are actually two routes you can trek in Torres del Paine. The 80km W trail is the shorter route and can be done in 3 to 4 days. The O circuit is a longer 110 km loop that will take you around 7 to 8 days. Both routes offer spectacular sights and there are places to camp along the way.

 

Torres del Paine

Cotopaxi National Park and the volcanos of Ecuador

 
This spectacular national park is packed with impressive scenery that has been formed over millennia by volcanic activity. It's home to many mountains including the imposing Cotopaxi Volcano, which at 5,897 m elevation is the second highest peak in Equador. It's also one of the most active volcanos in the world. The trek to the Cotopaxi Volcano can be hiked in 7-8 hours from the parking area to the summit. However it is recommended to hike it gradually over three days or more and trekking through more of the surrounding areas. Not only do you get to see more of the tremendous landscapes, but you also get to acclimatize. You can even climb a smaller nearby volcano like Rumiñahui which sits at 4,700m to help you get used to the altitude.  

 

Cotopaxi Volcano

 

Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre, Patagonia

 
With its distinctive shaggy appearance, Fitz Roy is a classic Patagonian Mountain and a must-do trekking destination. Nestled in the heart of the Argentine Patagonia, trekking here gives you panoramic views of the stunning landscapes of the region. By combining two treks, the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre hike, you get to see these two iconic peaks from the best vantage points and experience even more great scenery, such as the impressive lake Laguna Torre and the Glacier Grande. This hike takes two days and you will camp out in the mountains overnight, an awesome experience in itself. 

 

Mont  Fitz Roy

 

The Ausangate mountain

 
Ausangate is the highest peak located near Cusco. It is a sacred mountain for the local communities of Peru, steeped in mythology and local cultural significance. Standing at 5020 meters, climbing this mountain is not an easy feat. However, with a good level of fitness and an experienced guide, you won't have a problem. Along the way, you'll be able to enjoy awesome views of the Peruvian Andes and the local flora and fauna like interesting cacti and Andean condors.  At the end of the trek there are some welcoming, natural hot springs. The nearby Rainbow Mountain is also a must see, and who´s dramatically coloured rock have recently been exposed as the snow melts on the mountains of the region.

 

Ausangate Trek

 

Condoriri massif

 
The Cordillera Real mountain range in Bolivia is a hidden gem when it comes to trekking and nature in South America. Home to some impressive Andean peaks, including the Condoriri massif, the best way to explore the area is to trek around these impressively tall mountains. Tuni is a good town to begin your hike, from there you can trek to Laguna Jurikhota and take in amazing sights of the Condoriri Massif. You’ll also get to enjoy exceptional views of Imilla Apachita, Maria Lluko, and Huayna Potosi mountains while you’re there. There are so many different hiking trails and things to see in the area, that a multi-day trek is a must.

Pico Austria, Condoriri