Summary
Adventure Traveller, Miguel of travelsauro has travelled extensively to every continent and today he’s rounded up a comprehensive list of the 10 Best Hikes in South America for you to choose from.
South America is a land of vivid colors, strong traditions, and stunning landscapes. From the dense Amazonian jungle to the most idyllic Caribbean beaches, there are plenty of options for all sorts of visitors.
If there is one thing that will really blow your mind, it’s the spectacular hiking you will find throughout the continent. Here are the 10 Best Hikes of South America.
After seeing these hikes, you will want to pack your bags and explore! Enjoy.
1. Mount Roraima – Venezuela
It’s not by accident that this is the first hike on the list; Mount Roraima in Venezuela is simply another world!
This huge tepuy (tepui) is one of the oldest land formations on earth and offers stunning views of the great savannah, other tepuys, and waterfalls. Once on top, you’ll find scenery reminiscent of science fiction, with strange, naturally shaped rocks and rare flora and fauna, the likes of which you have never seen before.
Duration: 5-6 days
Difficulty: Challenging
2. Fitz Roy, El Chaltén – Argentina
Enjoy awesome peaks, turquoise lagoons, and massive glaciers on easy day hikes. Most of the famous spots, like the Fitz Roy or Cerro Torre, are just a few hours’ walk from the town of El Chaltén, so you don’t even need camping gear! For the most adventurous, there are some amazing multi-day routes along which you can explore the heart of wild Patagonia.
Duration: 1 day
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
3. Las Torres del Paine – Chile
The hike to Las Torres del Paine is a wonderful way to explore one of the most remote territories in South America. The unpredictable weather, powerful winds, and breathtaking mountains rising above beautiful lakes create a mesmerizing landscape. You can choose between the “W trek” or the “O circuit.” Both will take you to the two main attractions: Las Torres and Los Cuernos del Paine.
Duration W trek: 5 days
Duration O circuit: 9 days
Difficulty: Moderate
4. Huayhuash Circuit – Perú
This is a challenging long hike that will take you deep into the Peruvian Andes, where you’ll find massive mountains, glaciers, mirror lakes, and local culture. It’s a good alternative to the popular Santa Cruz trek, which often sees many hikers. You’ll have the chance to visit villages, interact with locals, and enjoy incredible scenery that you’ll likely have all to yourself!
Duration: 10-12 days
Difficulty: Challenging
5. Inca Trail, Machu Picchu – Perú
Even though the Inca Trail is undoubtedly the best-known route to reach the remarkable city of Machu Picchu, there are several excellent alternatives like the Salcantay or Lares routes. All of these trails explore the ancient Inca territories and take you through beautiful rainforests and massive valleys before arriving at Machu Picchu—one of the new seven wonders of the world.
Duration: 2-5 days
Difficulty: Moderate
6. Quilotoa Loop – Ecuador
Imagine a trail winding through lush green valleys and friendly villages, with almost no tourists! You can stay at mountain lodges, savor local dishes like guinea pig (which is surprisingly good), and practice your Spanish with the welcoming residents before reaching the Quilotoa lagoon, an astonishing crater lake that will leave you in awe!
Duration: 4-5 days
Difficulty: Moderate
7. Ciudad Perdida – Colombia
If you have a desire to explore lush forests and ancient cities while meeting indigenous community members, this hot and humid trek is perfect for you! It takes you through the hills, rivers, and waterfalls of the Sierra Nevada, where the Tayrona people still uphold their traditional customs and culture.
Duration: 4 days
Difficulty: Challenging
8. Chapada Diamantina – Brazil
Brazil offers much more than just caipirinhas, surf, and beautiful beaches. When visiting the northern region of Bahia, you shouldn’t miss Chapada Diamantina—a stunning area filled with tea-colored rivers, lagoons, green valleys, and numerous breathtaking waterfalls!
Duration: 3-5 days
Difficulty: Moderate
9. Huayna Potosí – Bolivia
Known as one of the easiest 6000-meter mountains to climb in the world, this popular route in Bolivia provides breathtaking views of Lake Titicaca and Cordillera Real. While it is more of a climb than a hike, you need to be in great shape and have a solid acclimatization plan.
Duration: 3 days
Difficulty: Challenging – High
10. Cotopaxi Volcano – Ecuador
Prepare to climb the glacier of this active volcano with its perfect conical shape and relish stunning views from the summit, including a magical sunrise over the clouds, as well as other towering mountains and volcanoes in the vicinity. Ensure that you are physically prepared before climbing Cotopaxi, as it is not an easy trek!
Duration: 2 days
Difficulty: Challenging – High
Hi, I’m Miguel, adventure traveler and hiking lover. I have been traveling the world for the last five years, always exploring and hiking some of the most remote regions.
Follow me on my blog travelsauro and enjoy exciting adventures in places like Papua, Timor, the Himalayas, Africa, and the Caribbean!
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