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With the second largest mountain range in the world, it's no wonder South America offers some of the best hiking experiences on the planet. Blessed with long-distance treks, jungle hikes, mountain pass trails, and even glacier hikes, it's easy to see why hiking in South America is so popular. Whether you're looking for a day hike or a multi-day trek, check out the top 15 best long-distance hikes in South America.
Inca Trail, Cusco, Peru
The most famous hiking trail in South America and possibly the world, the ancient Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a four-day journey that was my first multi-day hike and ignited my love for long-distance hiking.
While most people hike the Inca Trail for its iconic endpoint, Machu Picchu, the reason it's one of the best hikes in South America is because of the trail itself.
The hike takes you along ancient narrow paths deep into the Peruvian countryside and up into the Andean mountains, through majestic valleys and mysterious cloud forests, past countless Inca ruins, before reaching the grand finale, Machu Picchu.
The combination of breathtaking scenery and lush tropical forests, along with friendly guides and porters, is part of why the Inca Trail is so renowned and features on many travelers' bucket lists.
To undertake the Inca Trail, only 200 tourists are allowed per day, so you must purchase permits at least four months in advance. Note that the Inca Trail closes in February each year for maintenance, but the best months for long-distance hiking are May or October.
If you're short on time or haven't secured permits for the Inca Trail, consider joining one of the best hikes in South America, the Salkantay Trek, no permit required, but you'll just walk through stunning landscapes.
W-Trek, Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile
The most famous long-distance hiking trail in Torres del Paine National Park is the W Trek. With views of granite towers, emerald lakes, and high glaciers, the W Trek is the perfect introduction to multi-day hiking.
The W Trek is a moderately challenging hike lasting 5 – 6 days and covering 74 km of gentle terrain, with some days ascending up to 800 meters. The longest days of the hike last from six to eight hours, and the entire route is serviced with shuttles and campsites.
This means you can complete the W-trek without carrying food and gear, and overnight in warm communal hostels. It must be said, the biggest challenge when hiking long distances is the ever-changing weather. Patagonia is famous for experiencing all four seasons in a day, and this happens almost daily!
Most people hike the W Trek from east to west, starting from Refugio Las Torres and ending at Refugio Paine Grande. This way, the five-day route will visit three of Torres del Paine National Park's highlights.
First is the base of the three Paine Towers, nestled beside a jewel-toned green lake. Second is Valle Francés (French Valley), where the main scenery is hanging glaciers. Finally, there's Lago Grey, with its cobalt blue icebergs and a giant glacier stretching into the ice field.
The most popular time of year for hiking the W-Trek is December and January, so book tickets in advance if you plan to visit during peak season.
Lost City (Ciudad Perdida), Colombia
The Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) in Colombia is one of the best places to visit in South America. Nestled deep in the rainforests of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, these Mayan ruins remained undiscovered until 1972.
Covered by dense vegetation for centuries, Ciudad Perdida is actually over 650 years older than the most famous Mayan ruins, Machu Picchu. Currently, only 10% of the site has been uncovered, however, due to its remote location in rebel territory, it has only been safe to visit the Lost City for the past 15 years.
Previously, the surrounding jungle of the ancient city was traversed by guerrilla forces. Since then, the Colombian government has intervened, and the archaeological site is now safe to explore, though still relatively quiet and lesser-known. To reach the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida), you must hike 44 km over four to six days.
While battling tropical heat, crossing icy rivers with chest-high water levels, conquering steep hills, and sleeping in hammocks, the Ciudad Perdida trek is not for the faint-hearted, but the chance to spot a rare toucan, visit local indigenous communities, and explore this lost world makes the journey worthwhile.
After spending the entire day trekking, hammock up and immerse yourself in the cool waters at dusk.
There are three options for the Lost City trek: four days, five days, or six days.
I completed the four-day trek, but the five-day is the most popular and includes the same route but at a slower pace. The best time for the Ciudad Perdida trek is from December to March, during the dry season when river crossings are less challenging.
Colca Canyon, Peru
South America boasts one of the world's deepest canyons, Colca Canyon in Peru. The overnight trek encompasses challenging trails, waterfalls, and hot springs—transforming Colca Canyon into one of Peru's top adventure travel destinations.
Arequipa is the nearest city to Colca Canyon, located in southern Peru. Guided mountain treks start from Arequipa at 3 am, with a total six-hour drive to Cabaconde, the starting point of the journey.
Along the way, you'll stop at Cruz del Condor, the best place in South America to see Andean Condors. In just twenty minutes, we spotted four majestic birds soaring by, making it one of the highlights of my trip to Peru.
The first day of the trek starts from Cabaconde, involving a six-hour long hike, mostly downhill, deep into the canyon. Accommodation usually consists of bungalows with private pools. The second day begins early after sunrise and includes a four-hour ascent with a height gain of 1200 meters.
The morning trek is challenging, so pack plenty of light snacks as the long hike only includes breakfast atop the canyon rim after the climb. Driving back to Arequipa offers panoramic views of the Inca terraced fields, including a stop at Chivay to soak your weary feet in natural hot springs.
Trekking through Colca Canyon is rated as moderately difficult but is an excellent way to experience more challenging long-distance hiking in South America.
Perito Moreno Glacier Trek, Patagonia, Argentina
Near Calafate, it's one of the most famous and inspiring natural wonders in South America. The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the few glaciers in the world that is not receding, but people often witness ice blocks breaking off the 70-meter ice wall and falling into the water below.
Surrounded by hours of walking if you want to admire the glacier from all angles. However, the best way to experience Perito Moreno is to join the Big Ice trekking adventure. You won't be disappointed, wielding ice axes to join one of Argentina's best long-distance hikes.
The Big Ice trek lasts about four hours and you'll get to marvel at fascinating ice formations and bright blue water ponds, as well as climb into ice caves and admire the South American mountains around.
Above all, you'll have half an hour for picnicking in the middle of the glacier!
You have to bring your own food, but I assure you, you'll never experience a wilderness like this again. After the hike, you'll board a boat to navigate around the southern wall of the glacier to explore another facet of this stunning trek in South America.
This full-day trek is one of my favorite travel experiences while backpacking through South America, so although pricey, it's totally worth it! Just remember to pack warm and comfortable clothing, waterproof pants, hiking boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, gloves, a hat, and a backpack made from recycled materials.
Cordillera de Chichas, Bolivia
Cordillera de Chichas is a rugged mountain range, akin to a desert in southwestern Bolivia, just outside the tranquil town of Tupiza. The deep red hue of the rock formations evokes the famed Rainbow Mountains in China.
Tupiza's location makes it a fantastic spot for acclimatizing hikes before visiting one of South America's top destinations, the famous Uyuni salt flats. Hiking through Cordillera de Chichas is not difficult and can be done as a day trip from Tupiza.
In fact, you can even walk to the trail from the town center. Just follow the railroad south for about fifteen minutes and then turn right past the large gym/public swimming pool complex. From there, head towards the mountains, and eventually, you'll come across some signposts to various rock formations. There's no specific route, so you can wander around the area for as long as you like.
Some more famous formations include Valle de los Machos, Cañon del Inca, and Puerta del Diablo, all of which can be visited in a day. Spring and fall are generally the best times to visit, as the skies are clear, and the temperatures are mild, just remember to hike early in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
A few noteworthy formations include Valle de los Machos, Cañon del Inca, and Puerta del Diablo, all of which can be explored in a single day. Spring and autumn are generally the best times to visit, with clear skies and mild temperatures, just remember to start your hike early in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
Trekking the Salkantay Trail, Peru
The Salkantay trek offers an alternative to the famous Inca Trail. However, trekking the Salkantay doesn't require a permit, making it perfect if you haven't planned months in advance. The trek ranges from moderate to challenging, taking five days and starting from the small village of Mollepata, about 100 km from Cusco.
The total distance of the Salkantay trek is 74 km, ending in the town of Aguas Calientes before taking a bus to Machu Picchu on the sixth day. The scenery on the trek is truly spectacular and diverse.
Over the five days, you'll journey from a lush tropical rainforest with hundreds of bird species and butterflies to glacial rivers with icy turquoise lakes. The highlight of the Salkantay trek is Humantay Lake, perhaps one of the most stunning lakes you'll ever see.
Other notable highlights along the route include Salkantay Lake and the glacier, coffee plantations in Lucmabamba, Llactapata ruins, and of course the spectacular endpoint Machu Picchu.
The best months for embarking on long-distance treks in South America are May, August, September, and the first half of October. These months avoid cold, rain, and rock slides, making long-distance trekking in the region much more manageable.
Chapada Diamantina National Park, Brazil
Chapada Diamantina, or the Diamond Plateau, is a stunning national park in the state of Bahia, northern Brazil. Characterized by beautiful mountains, caves, canyons, and hidden waterfalls, it's considered one of the best long-distance trekking destinations in Latin America.
There are dozens of long-distance hiking trails in Chapada Diamantina, but one of the most famous is the two-day trek to Mixila waterfall. This challenging 30 km hike includes steep climbs, rocky terrain to scramble over, and river crossings.
However, the mesmerizing landscapes and stunning waterfalls you'll see along the way make the effort worthwhile. The highlight of the journey is the remote and newly discovered Mixila waterfall. Tucked deep inside a narrow mountain gorge, you'll have to swim across several pools to reach it.
Once you've reached the end of the gorge, you'll be rewarded with an unbelievable sight of a sparkling waterfall surrounded by moss-covered walls. While long-distance hiking in Brazil can be done at any time of the year, the more impressive waterfalls are during the rainy season, from November to March.
However, the cooler temperatures during the dry season (from April to October) will be more comfortable for long-distance hiking.
Embark on the Santa Cruz Trek, Peru
Located near Huaraz, the capital of long-distance hiking in Peru, the Cordillera Blanca mountain range sets the stage for the Santa Cruz Trek. This four-day journey traverses snow-capped peaks, icy blue glacial lakes, and stunning waterfalls. While moderately challenging, the trek includes some steep climbs, including Punta Union at an altitude of 4750 meters.
While long-distance hiking can be done independently, joining a guided tour means carrying less gear and not worrying about navigation. You can opt to pay a bit extra for a guide and visit the nearby hot springs near the end of the trek in Cashapampa village.
The perfect way to unwind after completing one of the best long-distance hikes in South America. The best time for long-distance hiking in the Andes is from April to September, during the Andean summer, when the trails are not slippery.
Explore the stunning landscapes of South America's mountains on the Santa Cruz trek, but for even more adventure, combine it with a journey to Laguna 69 (another top long-distance hike in South America!).
Torotoro National Park, Bolivia
Torotoro National Park in Bolivia offers a variety of long-distance hiking trails, including dinosaur tracks, canyons, and caves. The park has a mandatory entrance fee (100 Bolivianos ~ $14.50 USD per person) and you also need to hire a guide (100 Bolivianos per group), who will ensure the trails you hike match your long-distance hiking level.
A favorite hike in Torotoro National Park is the 5-hour round trip trek to Cañon Torotoro and Vergel. The hike begins with a 3 km walk from the village to see the famous dinosaur footprints, followed by an 8 km hike to Cañon Torotoro and Vergel.
Notable attractions along the route include a natural stone amphitheater and a stone bridge. As you reach the canyon, an observation deck offers stunning views into the 300-meter deep gorge. Then, you descend all the way to the waterfall-filled pool at the foot of the canyon. This is the perfect spot to relax, have a snack, and cool off by swimming in the water.
After enjoying the waterfall pool, hike back up the 800-step trail to return to Torotoro.
Torotoro National Park can be visited year-round; however, the dry season (April – October) provides the best conditions for long-distance hikes in South America and exploring all the trails in the park.
Torotoro National Park can be reached by bus from Cochabamba and is a fantastic addition to a two-week Bolivia itinerary. Consider staying a few days in Torotoro National Park to hike some loops, such as Ciudad de Itas and Cueva Humajalanta.
Exploring Cerro Torre, Patagonia, Argentina
Embarking on a six-hour round trip from El Chalten to Cerro Torre stands out as one of the premier forest treks in South America. El Chalten, a quaint town in Patagonia, thrives on long-distance hiking activities and lies four hours north of El Calafate, the home of Perito Moreno Glacier.
The trek to Cerro Torre from El Chalten poses a considerable challenge with a total distance of 18 km. The trail kicks off with a short yet steep uphill stretch, transforming into a meadow adorned with golden dandelions.
Numerous observation points along the route unveil the stunning vistas of Margarita Waterfall, Cerro Torre, and Mount Fitz Roy. Hence, embarking on a long hike on a clear day, preferably during Spring or Summer when no clouds obscure the surrounding scenery, becomes imperative.
The final stretch of the trek leads to the impressive Laguna Torre (Tower Lake), surrounded by the rugged and sharp peaks of Cerro Torre, with the Cerro Glacier nearby. Moreover, drifting icebergs are often seen floating on Laguna Torre, making this iconic scenery in Patagonia even more special.
One of the best day-long hiking activities in South America, it's easy to understand why it's so beloved by hikers in Patagonia.
Laguna de los Tempanos, Ushuaia, Argentina
The southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, serves as the capital of Tierra del Fuego in Argentina. The most famous spot for long-distance hiking in Ushuaia is Tierra del Fuego National Park, but the most beautiful trail in the area is a day hike to Laguna de Los Témpanos.
The 13 km-long hike takes about six to seven hours to complete, with an elevation gain of 600 meters. The Laguna de Los Témpanos long-distance hike starts in the outskirts of Ushuaia and takes you through valleys with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Vinciguerra Glacier River.
As you cross the river, you'll enter the sub-Antarctic forest. At the end of the hike, the forest opens up to a clearing with streams and waterfalls, and after the final uphill climb, you'll reach the glacier lake.
Take some extra time to hike to the glacier to explore some fascinating ice caves. The best time of year for long-distance hiking in Ushuaia is during the summer (December - February) to avoid snow and rain that can make the trails muddy.
Mount Roraima, Venezuela
Explore a different world by trekking up Mount Roraima in Venezuela, a must-visit destination on every traveler's South American bucket list. The breathtakingly flat plateau of Mount Roraima stands as the tallest peak among the many tabletop mountains (tepuis) scattered across the grasslands of Gran Sabana in Venezuela.
Often dubbed the 'island in the clouds,' Mount Roraima is said to have inspired Arthur Conan Doyle's renowned novel 'The Lost World.' The mountain's immense summit is shared by three countries: Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana. However, hiking up Mount Roraima is only feasible from the Venezuelan side.
Each tepui hosts its own unique fauna and flora, having been entirely isolated for countless millennia. Roraima's summit is cloaked in peculiar rock formations, quartz fields resembling diamond-studded plains, carnivorous plants, frog species as large as a fingernail, and towering cascades.
Ascending Mount Roraima requires an eight-day trek to complete, encompassing three days of ascent, three days of summit exploration, and two days of descent. Camping is the sole accommodation option on Mount Roraima, with guided tours being the only way to embark on the hike.
Santa Elena offers numerous options for organizing all-inclusive tour packages, serving as the starting point for the Roraima long-distance trek. Although the trek can be undertaken year-round, the best season for long-distance hiking in South America is from April to December.
Laguna 69, Huaraz, Peru
As the homeland of the Andes mountain range, Huaraz boasts many breathtaking hiking excursions, serving as Peru's capital for long-distance trekking. Located eight hours north of Lima, Huaraz lies off the beaten track, yet it's fantastic if you're craving an authentic Peruvian culture surrounded by snow-capped mountains in South America.
A popular long-distance trek in the region is the day trip to Laguna 69. While the return hike takes only 5 to 6 hours, summiting Laguna 69 is considered challenging due to the 800-meter elevation gain to reach the lake at an altitude of 4600 meters.
However, the challenging journey is well worth it to admire the emerald-green lagoon surrounded by towering white mountains. The Laguna 69 trek is one of the best long-distance hikes in South America and is a must-do experience in any Peru itinerary.
However, if you have more time, why not combine this trek with the four-day Santa Cruz trek and explore more of Peru's mountains.
Quilotoa Loop, Ecuador
One of Ecuador's highlights, the Quilotoa Loop is a must-do long-distance hike in South America. There are several variations of the trek, but the most popular route is 30 km long and takes three days to hike from Sigchos to Quilotoa (3914m).
Embarking on this challenging trek requires six hours of hiking each day through hilly terrain with elevations just under 1000 meters. The scenery along the trek consists of lush green hills, with Cotopaxi Volcano in the distance, culminating at the highlight, Laguna Quilotoa, a bright blue lake nestled within the volcano's crater.
Long-distance hiking is self-guided but not clearly marked, so be sure to download the Maps.me app and plan ahead as much as possible. Camping is possible, but there are also some excellent hostels along the route including Llullu Llama in Isiniví, where there's even a hot tub for soaking weary feet after a day of hiking!
The Quilotoa Loop is one of the finest hiking trails in Ecuador and can be hiked year-round, and despite its challenges, the scenery makes it worth adding Ecuador's most popular long-distance trek to your South America itinerary.
Posted by: Nguyễn Thị Thanh Uyên
Keyword: Top 10 Mountain Climbing Destinations in South America
