17 Best Hikes in South America That Are Jaw-Droppingly Beautiful

Are you ready to hike through some of the world’s most breathtaking vistas and challenging trails? Keep reading for a lowdown on the best hikes in South America. 

Home to the Andes mountain range that stretches across the continent, the planet’s largest rainforest, and the longest river that is the Amazon, South America can certainly offer numerous awe-inspiring hiking destinations to avid trekkers. 

If you are up for trekking through South America’s celebrated trails, we have created a shortlist for you. Learn more about these best trails on the continent and start preparing for your memorable hike. 

17 Best Hikes in South America

1. Machu Picchu – Peru

Built during the Inca Empire’s reign, Machu Picchu’s city hosts various religious, architectural, and tourist spots. 

Several trekking routes are present alongside the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu; the most famous ones are the classic Inca Trail and Salkantay Trail. Below are the details of the latter:

• Starting Point: Cusco
• Distance: 46 miles (74 kilometers)
• Duration: 5 days
• Level of difficulty: Moderate
• Required gear: trekking boots, weatherproof jacket
• Highest hiking point: 13,828 feet (4,215 meters) 
• Best time to hike: April-September
• Need for a guide: Yes
• Accommodation: Mapiland

2. Rainbow Mountain – Peru

Rainbow Mountain in Peru offers a spectacular sight in the Andes. The trail is even and includes a steep incline as you climb the mountain. From the peak, you can witness the lush green landscape and beautiful scenery that knocks your breath away. 

• Starting Point: Phulawasipata or Cusco (with a tour)
• Distance: 8 mi (13 km)
• Duration: 1-2 days 
• Level of difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
• Required gear: Water, clothing layers, sunscreen, camera gear
• Highest hiking point: 17,060 ft (5,200 m)
• Best time to hike: April-October
• Need for a guide: Yes, it includes a hotel pick-up and drop-off service
• Accommodation: Hostal Inca

3. Santa Cruz Trek – Peru 

The beautiful Santa Cruz is a famous hiking trek amongst the other Cordillera Blanca treks in the Andes. The hike takes about 4 days, mesmerizing you with the scenic views you encounter. The trek’s highest point is the Punta Union, where you can marvel at the lovely turquoise lakes. 

The trek doesn’t require a high fitness level to access the region and make the most of your trip. If you carry ample equipment, the hike is an easy go from the point of Huaraz. 

• Starting Point: Huaraz
• Distance: 31 mi (50 km)
• Duration: 3-4 days 
• Level of difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
• Required gear: Gloves, thick socks, beanie, sunglasses, weatherproof jackets, camping gear including tent, sleeping bag, headlamp, food and snacks, toiletries. 
• Highest hiking point: 15,584 ft (4,750 m) 
• Best time to hike: April-September
• Need for a guide: Yes, as people have been lost in this place in the past. Try this tour with provided trekking gear and meals; donkeys will help you carry your gear.
• Accommodation: Hotel Santa Cruz, El Jacal Backpacker

4. Colca Canyon – Peru 

With its outstanding views and massive Andean condors, the Colca Canyon will take your breath away. Being 2 times deeper than the Grand Canyon, the Colca, with all its depth and glory, is a must-have on your Peru itinerary. 

Located more than 130 mi (209 km) from Arequipa City, the hike is not straightforward, and there are multiple routes you can consider. You will encounter some fascinating scenery and landscapes awaiting exploration and capture, so pack the right camera gear.

• Starting Point: Chivay/Arequipa
• Distance: 19 mi (31 km) 
• Duration: 2-3 days
• Level of difficulty: Easy
• Required gear: Sunscreen, camera equipment
• Lowest hiking point: 10,827 ft (3,300 m) 
• Best time to hike: March-June
• Need for a guide: Yes. Try this complete tour which includes a knowledgeable guide, round-trip transportation, and food.
• Accommodation: Colca Canyon Hotel, Casa Andina Standard Colca

4. Laguna de los Tres – Argentina

One of the best hikes in Argentinian Patagonia, Laguna de Los Tres, is inside Los Glaciares National Park. The hike starts from El Chalten, which takes you to Fitz Roy Mountain, on the base of which is the beautiful lagoon of Laguna de Los Tres. 

The trek is quite challenging, and you don’t necessarily require a guide to hike it as the trail is straightforward to follow. You can complete the hike in a day, but you can camp at Poincenot campsite for the night and make it a 2-day hike. 

• Starting Point: El Chalten
• Distance: 15 mi (24 km) roundtrip
• Duration: 1-2 days 
• Level of difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
• Required gear: trekking poles, weatherproof jackets, sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, camera gear
• Highest hiking point: 3,862 ft (1177 m) 
• Best time to hike: November-April
• Need for a guide: No
• Accommodation: Casa Huemules, Hostel Rancho Grande

5. Perito Moreno Glacier – Argentina

Spreading over 97 square miles (250 square kilometers) and providing a striking sight to visitors, Perito Moreno rests in Los Glaciares National Park, one of the world’s most famous glaciers. Walking atop this massive glacier almost 74 meters above water level is an entirely different experience.

This natural wonder grows at the same rate as it shrinks, making it unique amongst other glaciers worldwide. The hike will be one in a million and one of the most memorable ones you’ll ever do!

• Starting Point: El Calafate
• Distance: 0.9 – 2.5 mi (1.5 – 4 km) 
• Duration: 1 day
• Level of difficulty: Moderate
• Required gear: crampons, waterproof jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, warm clothes, lunch
• Highest/ lowest hiking point: 240 ft (73 m) 
• Best time to hike: September-May
• Need for a guide: Yes. This tour we recommend includes a bilingual guide (Spanish-English), a boat ride to the glacier, and ice hiking equipment.
• Accommodation: Ranch Nibepo Aike, Cabin in Laguna Azul Patagonia 

6. Cerro Guanaco – Tierra Del Fuego NP – Argentina 

This 9 mi (14 km) trail is located in Tierra Del Fuego National Park, Argentina, and is considered one of the best trails in the park. The trail will bless you with gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, and although the hike is tough, the effort will be worth it.

Easily accessible through Ushuaia, you can reach the trail through the shuttle services running in the town, which will drop you off at the National Park. 

• Starting Point: Alakush Visitor Center
• Distance: 9 mi (14 km)
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Level of difficulty: Difficult
• Required gear: appropriate footwear, clothing layers
• Highest hiking point: 3,192 ft (973 m) 
• Best time to hike: Spring-Autumn
• Need for a guide: No
• Accommodation: Hotel Los Nires, Hotel Los Yamanas 

7. The W Trek – Chile

Found in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, the W Trek hike offers some of the best views in Patagonia. Since the hike is moderately physically challenging, the scenery only comes in as a bonus, with the jagged mountain tops and beautiful lakes blessing your sight.

Some of the most impressive sights to adore are the French Valley, the granite spires of Torres del Paine, and the Grey Glacier, to name a few. 

• Starting Point: Puerto Natales
• Distance: 47 mi (76 km) 
• Duration: 4-5 days
• Level of difficulty: Moderate
• Required gear: waterproof layers, hiking poles, sun protection, waterproof backpack
• Highest hiking point: 2,785 ft (849 m) 
• Best time to hike: November to February
• Need for a guide: No, but you can choose to join a tour with roundtrip transportation and a 4-night dorm stay 
• Accommodation: Konkashken Lodge

8. Pumalin National Park – Chile 

Pumalin National Park offers some of the best hiking trails in Chilean Patagonia. 

There are about 11 hiking trails in the National Park, some located on the northern and others on the southern end. Some include El Mirador and the Volcano El Chaiten trail, about 1.6 mi (2.5 km) long. 

• Starting Point: Puerto Montt/ Chaiten
• Duration: 1-2 days
• Level of difficulty: Moderate
• Required gear: clothing layers, boots, camera equipment, trekking poles
• Best time to hike: summer
• Need for a guide: No
• Accommodation: Hotel Mi Casa

9. Vicente Perez Rosales National Park – Chile

As Chile’s oldest national park, Vicente Perez Rosales is northeast of Puerto Montt and hosts some of the region’s most attractive landscapes and lakes. This park is home to about 11 different trails with varying levels of elevation and intensity while hosting wildlife, waterfalls, and forests. 

• Starting Point: Puerto Varas
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Level of difficulty: Easy
• Need for a guide: No, but you can join a small group tour 
• Accommodation: Hotel Natura Patagonia

10. Quilotoa Loop – Ecuador

The Quilotoa Loop, shaped like a ring, is one of Ecuador’s most famous multi-day treks. While enjoying magnificent views of lakes and valleys, stirring landscapes, and indigenous cultures, you can complete the hike in just a few days. 

• Starting Point: Sigchos
• Distance: 22 mi (36 km) 
• Duration: 3-5 days
• Level of difficulty: Moderate
• Required gear: Hiking poles
• Highest hiking point: 12,844 ft (3,915 m) 
• Best time to hike: June-September
• Need for a guide: No
• Accommodation: Chukirawa Lodge

11. Huayna Potosi – Bolivia

Huayna Potosi is one of Bolivia’s mountain peaks in the Cordillera Real mountain range. 

The climb is of dangerous altitudes, so you will have to be careful if you are not an experienced climber. We suggest you go with an experienced guide who understands the climb’s weather, route, and risks. 

• Starting Point: La Paz
• Distance: 6 mi (10 km) 
• Duration: 2-3 days
• Level of difficulty: Difficult
• Required gear: waterproof trousers and jacket
• Highest hiking point: 19,974 ft (6,088 m) 
• Best time to hike: April-November
• Need for a guide: Yes, this includes a professional guide per 2 customers, meals, and private transportation
• Accommodation: Selina La Paz Hotel

12. Cocora Valley – Colombia

If hiking in Columbia is on your list, Cocora Valley should be your go-to option. While hiking the trail, you will see cows, palm trees, beautiful grassy fields, creeks, and hummingbirds. As you enter the jungle, the trail gets muddier, so ensure you have appropriate footwear. 

• Starting Point: Salento
• Distance: 6 mi (10 km) 
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Level of difficulty: Moderate
• Required gear: lunch, water, sunscreen, layers, foot support, raincoat, bug repellent
• Highest/ lowest hiking point: 7,874 ft (2,400 m) 
• Best time to hike: December-February
• Need for a guide: No, but you can choose to join this hike which includes an expert guide to teach you about the coffee triangle and wax palm trees
• Accommodation: Ecohotel Pinohermoso

13. Lost City – Colombia

Located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia, the Lost City is a great trek in South America, famous for its biodiversity and indigenous communities. 

The hike will be long and difficult, taking about 4 to 5 days to complete. Still, it will reconnect you with nature and beauty and allow you to experience the traditional life of the Kogi tribes that inhabit the region. 

The elevation level of the trek varies a lot, and you’ll encounter a lot of mud and mosquitos along the way, so be prepared!

• Starting Point: Santa Marta
• Distance: 29 mi (46 km) 
• Duration: 4-5 days
• Level of difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
• Required gear: River shoes, camera gear, bug repellent
• Highest hiking point: 4,921 ft (1,500 m) 
• Best time to hike: December-March (please note that the trail is closed in September)
• Need for a guide: Yes, this includes a professional guide and meals for the whole hike
• Accommodation: Distrito Hostel, Akuamarina Hotel

14. Tayrona National Park – Colombia

There are many fun things to do in Tayrona National Park, and hiking tops them all. There are 2 hiking trails that you can consider from El Cabo: the first is to El Pueblito, which is about a 2-hour hike of 1.5 mi (2.4 km), and the other is the Nine Stones Hike. 

You will encounter ample species of wildlife and vegetation, enjoy beautiful views along the trails, and will come across the best beaches that Colombia has to offer. 

• Starting Point: El Zaino entrance
• Duration: 3 to 4 days
• Level of difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Required gear: Boots, sunhat, sunglasses, toiletries, headlamp
• Best time to hike: February- November
• Need for a guide: No
• Accommodation: Barranquero Hotel

15. El Peñol de Guatapé – Colombia

What stands today as a tourist attraction was once a rock worshiped by the ancients. With its steep staircases and steps, the 10 million-ton rock of El Penol will provide you magnificent views from the top of turquoise water with bright green islands and grassy plains spread across it in chunks. 

Climbing up the rock is one of the best things you can do; the views will stay with you for life!

• Starting Point: Guatape
• Distance: 740 steps
• Duration: 15-30 minutes
• Level of difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Required gear: Good shoes, an umbrella (just in case it rains)
• Highest hiking point: 722 ft (220 m) 
• Best time to hike: All year round
• Need for a guide: No
• Accommodation: Hotel Guatatur, Hotel Los Recuerdos

16. Caño Cristales – Colombia

Caño Cristales, also known as the Rainbow River, offers unique sights with the rainbow colors exhibited in its waters. 

Located amidst the Macarena mountain range, the place is an enchanting spectacle throughout the year. Between July and October, the peak months of blossoming and color exposition, enjoy the views of biodiversity and experience the tropical climate on your hike; it will surely be worth it!

• Starting Point: La Macarena
• Distance: 5.8 mi (9.3 km) 
• Duration: 1-3 days
• Level of difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Required gear: foot gear, layers, camera gear
• Highest hiking point: 1,220 ft (372 m) 
• Best time to hike: July-October
• Need for a guide: Yes, as it is quite dangerous. This includes a local Spanish guide and transportation.
• Accommodation: La Manigua Lodge, Cano Fridge Hostel

What To Bring When Hiking in South America?

If you’re planning a hiking adventure in South America, it’s crucial to pack the right gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. From sturdy hiking boots to waterproof jackets, packing the essentials can make all the difference in your hiking experience. 

Here are some key items you should consider bringing along for your South American hiking trip:

• Hiking clothes. It can become very warm during the day, depending on the time of year you visit.
• Hiking shoes and rain clothes 
• Sun protection
• Basic first aid kit 
• Some snacks and water bottles
• A little cash in case of emergency
• Waterproof bag to keep valuable items 
• A plastic bag for trash, as you’d want to take all your trash with you when hiking

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Best Hikes in South America

What Is the Greatest Hike in the World? 

Peru’s Inca Trail is considered the greatest hiking trail in the world. The trek is challenging but is one of its kind for the ancient stonework around it and the many waterfalls that provide breathtaking views. 

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path suggestion and my personal opinion, the hikes in Tayrona National Park and Torres del Paine National Park is unique and offer different features compared to the well-known Inca Trail.

What Is the Most Iconic South American Hike?

The W-Trek Hike in Chilean Patagonia is among the most iconic South American hikes. Stretching over a distance of about 50 mi (80 km) in Torres Del Paine National Park, the hike provides incredible views of the landscape that surrounds it panoramically. 

It’s one of the best hikes I’ve done so far.

What Is the Longest Hiking Trail in South America?

The Greater Patagonian Trail is the longest hiking trail in South America. As it stretches over a distance of 1,300 mi (2,092 km), the trail crosses the 500-mile (805 km) limit of all other trails in the continent. 

Conclusion – Best Hikes in South America

With such a diverse and wide range of hiking destination choices, it is understandable that enthusiasts try to check off as many as possible from their bucket lists. 

Whether you prefer hiking across dunes, trudging through icy lakes, or viewing majestic granite peaks, South America has it all for you! 

So, put your hiking boots on, answer the call of the wild, and go on what would probably be your most memorable trekking adventure.

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