Adventure

Why South America Suits Adventure Travel

• Mountains — the Andes run through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina, with treks ranging from short hikes to multi-day crossings
• Rainforest — Peru's Amazon regions offer lodge stays and river-based exploration (see ourPeruvian Amazon page)
• Ice and granite — Patagonia spans southern Chile and Argentina, with national parks, glaciers, and multi-day trekking routes
• High desert — Bolivia's altiplano and salt flats sit above 3,600 m
• Culture along the way — many Andean routes pass through farming villages and archaeological sites

Because each style suits a different region and season, it usually helps to choose the type of trip first (trek, rainforest, high desert, or glaciers) and then match it to a country.

For Peru and northwest Argentina, see our live itineraries below. For Patagonia, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia,request a tailor-made itinerary and our team can help plan your trip.

The Inca Trail is one of the most regulated treks in South America. Peru limits daily access to 500 people total — trekkers, guides, porters, and cooks combined — and the trail closes every February for maintenance. Peak-season permits (roughly May–September) commonly sell out well ahead of travel dates, so check ourInca Trail Availability page before choosing dates.

If Inca Trail dates are unavailable, Salkantay and Lares are commonly chosen alternatives — Machu Picchu entry requirements still apply either way.

Beyond Peru: Other Adventure Regions

• Northwest Argentina — An 11-day itinerary through remote Andean landscapes, with a strong focus on local gaucho culture.
• Patagonia — Chile's Torres del Paine W Trek typically takes 4–5 days over roughly 70–100 km. Argentina's side around El Calafate offers shorter glacier excursions.
• Bolivia — The Salar de Uyuni covers about 10,582 km² at roughly 3,650 m elevation, with multi-day 4x4 journeys across the salt flat and nearby lagoons.
• Peru's Amazon — A different kind of adventure built around rivers and wildlife rather than altitude, though itinerary sequencing may still involve high-elevation cities like Cusco. Wildlife sightings are possible but never guaranteed.

• Altitude — Cusco sits at about 3,400 m, and several treks cross passes above 4,000 m. Ask how your itinerary handles acclimatization before booking.
• Activity levels — Ratings are a guide; share your fitness level and any mobility or health considerations with your planner early.
• Health — Consult a physician or travel clinic before departure, and check current CDC guidance for the regions on your itinerary.
• Seasons — Dry months are the busiest and most predictable for Andean trekking, but nights are cold and weather can shift quickly.
• Insurance — Travel insurance covering trekking and remote-area evacuation is recommended.
• Porters — Under Peru's Porter Workers' Law (31614/31624), porters are limited to carrying 20 kg (44 lb) for men and 15 kg (33 lb) for women.
• Booking — Permit-restricted treks and peak-season departures fill first.

Suggested Adventure Itineraries