Hiking and trekking trails in South America are wild, untamed, and packed with adventure - natural wonders that inspire: Here you will find the most beautiful hikes in South America and I have compiled them for you in an ultimate list with the most important information and very attractive tour videos. A hike in South America is unforgettable. Enjoy exploring!
Hike south america
South America is a true paradise of diverse landscapes. In Ecuador, majestic volcanoes tower into the sky, their dark peaks often covered in snow. The vast Amazon rainforest stretches across eight countries and is home to an incredible variety of species. In Patagonia, between Argentina and Chile, massive glaciers crash into the sea while rugged granite peaks rise dramatically.
Hiking is one of the best ways to explore this fascinating continent. You'll find well-marked trails, but also untouched paths that few have ventured on. You can cross remote Andean passes with condors soaring above or trek deep into the Colombian jungle to discover a hidden Inca city. The choices are endless!
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Cordillera Huyahush - Peru
Length: 120km
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Torres del Paine W-Trek - Chile/Argentina
Length: 120km
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Cotopaxi Circuit – Ecuador
Length: approx. 80 km
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Santa Cruz Trek - Peru
Length: 50km
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Ausengate Circuit - Peru
Length: 70km
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Acatenango Trail - Guatemala
Length: 30km
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Huemul Circuit - Argentina
Length: 65km
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Chachani Peak Trek (6057m) - Peru
Length: 50km
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Salkantay Trek - Peru
Length: 82 km
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Ciudad Perdida - Colombia
Length: 60 km
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Choquequirao Trail - Peru
Length: 110 km
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Roraima Trek - Venezuela
Length: 85 km
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Inca Trek - Peru
Length: 32 km
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Altiplano Traverse - Bolivia
Length: 600 km - 16 days
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Cerro Chirripo Trek - Costa Rica
Length: 42 km
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El CHalten to Piedra del Fraile (Cerro Fitz Roy) - Argentina
Length: 50 km
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Cocuy Circuit Trek - Colombia
Length: 50 km
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Canon del Colca Trek - Peru
Length: 45 km
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Cordillera Apolobamba Trek - Bolivia
Length: 115 km
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Cordillera Blanca Traverse - Peru
Length: 400 km
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Cordillera Real Traverse - Bolivia
Length: 132 km
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Dientes Circuit - Chile
Length: 40 km
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Nahuel Huapi Traverse - Argentina
Length: 50 km
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Puyehue Traverse Chile
Length: 75 km
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Los Nevados Trail - Colombia
Length: 60 km
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Condor Circuit - Talca - Argentina
Length: 95 km
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Calilegua to Tilcara Traverse - Argentina
Length: 120 km
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Villarrica Traverse - Chile
Length: 75 km
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Condoriri Trek – Bolivia
Length: 125 km
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THE PIUQUENES PASS, ARGENTINA AND CHILE
Length: 125 km
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THE AVENUE OF VOLCANOES HIKE, ECUADOR
Length: 125 km
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THE QUILOTOA LOOP, ECUADOR
THE CHAPADA DIAMANTINA TREK, BRAZIL
HUAYNA POTOSI ASCENT, BOLIVIA
Hiking South America
South America is a paradise for hikers - from the Andes to the rainforest to lonely coastal paths. In Patagonia, rugged peaks and turquoise lakes await you, for example in the Torres del Paine National Park. In Peru, you can experience the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or explore the Cordillera Real in Bolivia. Colombia offers a jungle hike full of history with the Ciudad Perdida. In Ecuador, the volcanoes Cotopaxi and Chimborazo beckon, while in Argentina the Fitz Roy rises majestically. Pay attention to the climate, because high altitudes and tropical regions pose particular challenges. Nature is breathtaking - but also demanding.
Which country in South America is the most beautiful
1. Chile 🇨🇱
From the Atacama Desert to Patagonia – with Torres del Paine, Tierra del Fuego and the Lakes Region, Chile is unbeatable.
2. Peru 🇵🇪
Machu Picchu, the Andes, the Colca Canyon and the rainforest make Peru a must for adventurers.
3. Argentina 🇦🇷
Patagonia, the Fitz Roy, the Iguazú Falls and the endless expanses of the Pampas offer breathtaking nature.
4. Colombia 🇨🇴
The Lost City, the Andes, the Amazon and the Caribbean coast make Colombia extremely diverse.
5. Bolivia 🇧🇴
The Uyuni salt desert, the Cordillera Real and Lake Titicaca offer spectacular landscapes and lonely trails.
6. Ecuador 🇪🇨
From the Galápagos Islands to the volcanoes Cotopaxi and Chimborazo to the Amazon – small but extremely diverse.
7. Brazil 🇧🇷
The Amazon, the Pantanal swamps, Iguazú and the table mountains in the Chapada Diamantina National Park are highlights.
8. Venezuela 🇻🇪
The Roraima table mountain, Angel Falls (highest waterfall in the world) and the Orinoco rainforest are spectacular.
9. Paraguay 🇵🇾
An insider tip: The Gran Chaco, waterfalls and little-visited nature reserves offer untouched wilderness.
10. Uruguay 🇺🇾
Rolling hills, secluded beaches and a relaxed atmosphere – perfect for nature lovers who prefer a quieter environment.
South America tours
In South America you have the opportunity to experience spectacular trekking tours with a guide. Especially in remote regions such as Patagonia, the Andes or the Amazon you can hike with experienced guides who will take care of orientation, food and logistics. You can walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with a group, explore the W Trek in Torres del Paine or climb Cotopaxi in Ecuador. In Bolivia you have the chance to trek through the Cordillera Real, while Colombia offers a unique jungle route with the Ciudad Perdida. A guide ensures safety and makes your adventure even more intense.
traveling in South America
Traveling to South America is an exciting adventure, but the long journey can be challenging. The time difference can cause jet lag, especially if you are travelling from Europe or North America. Depending on the country, a visa may be required. While many countries such as Chile, Argentina or Brazil are visa-free for Europeans, others such as Bolivia or Venezuela may require a visa in advance. It is worth checking the current entry requirements before travelling.
backpacking south america
backpacking south america route
long-distance hiking trails
Long-distance hiking trails offer you the opportunity to hike through impressive landscapes over several days or weeks. Whether in the Alps, on the coast or through vast forests - long-distance hiking trails promise adventure, nature and unforgettable experiences.
Trekking trails in South America
South America offers spectacular trekking routes through extreme landscapes. Endless salt deserts like the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia let you hike in surreal expanses. Deep gorges like the Colca Canyon in Peru impress with steep slopes. Lonely mountain paths lead through the Cordillera Real or Patagonia's wild glacier landscapes - pure untouched nature.
safety instructions
best hike south america: Conclusion
South America offers you some of the most diverse and breathtaking trekking experiences in the world. From the rugged peaks of the Andes to endless salt flats and dense rainforests, every trail promises adventure and unforgettable views. Whether you're looking for the best hikes in South America or exploring hidden trekking trails, there are routes for every level. The landscapes are as challenging as they are rewarding, making each journey unique. With countless trekking trails to choose from, the possibilities are endless. If you're seeking the ultimate trekking experience, South America is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in nature.
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A warm hello, I am Christian, chief globetrotter of this site and enthusiastic adventurer, hiker and filmmaker. I love to explore new paths and inspire people with them and I like to share my acquired hiking knowledge with you! You can also find my videos on YouTube! On my blog you will find tips for beginners and professionals on the biggest and most beautiful hiking tours there are. I want to encourage people to explore the world as hikers, whether in the country, through the forest or in the mountains. True to the motto: If you don't hike, you haven't seen the world yet.
On my blog I also write about hiking gear, proper summit training and nature conservation as well as tips and information on hiking.
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