The best trekking routes in South America

Huayhuash circuit / Photo: Chrisaram2 (pixabay)
Huayhuash circuit / Photo: Chrisaram2 (pixabay)

South America is one of the best destinations for adventure travel. Tourism in South America has been growing like crazy in recent times and one of the reasons for this is that the mountaineers of the world have realised that this hemisphere of the world hides many treks that are possibly some of the best to be found anywhere in the world.

You may be interested in: The world's most interesting treks and trails".

Huayhuash Circuit in Peru".

Huayhuash circuit / Photo: Chrisaram2 (pixabay)
Huayhuash circuit / Photo: Chrisaram2 (pixabay)

This trek lasts between 8 and 12 days and is a real treat. It is one of the best trails in South America and allows climbers to enjoy the rocks and frozen lakes on the plains. It should be noted that this is a fairly tough route, especially because of the altitude. The trek takes hikers to an altitude of about 4,500 metres above water level, which often causes many of them to suffer from altitude sickness. This is why we recommend that only the most experienced and fittest mountaineers take on this trek.

Trekking in the Kaieteur waterfalls in Guyana.

The special feature of this trek is that there are some sections that must be done by kayak. It is a very special place because the landscape is made up of beautiful scenery that mixes the wildness of the Caribbean jungle and the vastness of the most typical landscapes of the depths of South America. The route is situated in the middle of the Amazon rainforest and that is why it also allows the trails to enjoy all kinds of native species that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Therefore, it is well worth the physical effort that this special hike entails.

Cerro Castillo in Chile.

This trek is located in the south of Chile, in the middle of Patagonia. It is a unique place in the world that, together with the Torres del Paine form one of the country's biggest tourist attractions. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful views of the South Pole, and this route is perfectly accessible to any type of mountaineer. You don't need to be an expert mountaineer to be able to crown Chilean Patagonia in all its splendour.

Ausangate Trek in Peru "

Colourful mountain. Ausangate Trek / Photo: Christian Morales Callo (Wikimedia Commons)
Colourful mountain. Ausangate Trek / Photo: Christian Morales Callo (Wikimedia Commons)

This trek is one of the most famous treks in the world. We highly recommend it and loved it because the end of the trail is the most colourful we have ever seen. It's a two-hour trail that involves an ascent of up to 5300 metres, which makes the trek quite tough and challenging due to the fact that you have to endure altitude sickness. It is also important to note that for around 4 euros you can ascend to the summit on horseback and in the company of locals who are dedicated to carrying climbers who need it to the top; which makes this tour within reach of anyone's hand. Finally, it is also important to note that at the end of the hike, climbers enjoy the spectacular view of the 7-colour mountain, a sight that is unparalleled in its rarity and specialness. It is one of the wonders of South America and is a must for any mountaineer.

The Altar Trek in Ecuador "

El Altar trekking
El Altar trekking

This trek is the one we liked the most in the Ecuadorian Andes. It is a marvel for one reason only: the summit is crowned by a yellow lagoon that deserves to be seen for how curious and marvellous it is. We had an unforgettable experience there and we have to admit that this is also a place that must be visited on the continent.

The Roraima trek in Venezuela.

In the heart of the Pakaraima mountain range, this trek is the highest ascent of the entire mountain range. We loved the 6 days we spent there and we will never forget the view of the mountain range we enjoyed when we reached the top.

The base of Aconcagua in Argentina "

Ascent of Aconcagua / Photo: Simon (Pixabay)
Ascent of Aconcagua / Photo: Simon (Pixabay)

Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the Andes that separates Chile and Argentina. We knew that the route would be a marvel because from the plane you can almost touch the summit. However, what we found there did not resemble what we could have imagined the moment we set foot on the summit. The best known spots are Plaza Francia and Plaza Mulas, and the reddish lands of this trek are among the most characteristic that vast Argentina has to offer.

The Condoriri trek in Bolivia.

We also loved this trek and can only recommend it because it is a magical place steeped in tradition and indigenous culture. The most intense trek in this place is the Condoriri trek, which takes climbers to an altitude of up to 5000 metres above sea level.

The trek in the Lost City in Colombia "

Lost city colombia/ Photo: travelmag.com (Flickr) (CC BY 2.0)
Lost city colombia/ Photo: travelmag.com (Flickr) (CC BY 2.0)

The Lost City trek is a 4 to 7 day trek that is world famous for its historical content in colonial times. The trek is through the jungle and although it is often rainy, the experience is well worth the 100%.

Fitz Roy in Argentina "

This trek is one of the greatest challenges a hiker can face. It is a fairly strenuous hike that usually lasts between 2 and 5 days and allows hikers starting from Chalten to enjoy Patagonia.

Sierra Nevada del Cocuy in Colombia.

In the north of Colombia, this little mountain is a real wonder for any kind of hiker. It is a great place for climbing because of the condition of the rock and the atmosphere of climbers is very entertaining and allows you to meet climbers from all over the world.

Chapada Diamantina in Brazil.

This 5-day circuit transports mountaineers to a hidden world of wonders. It is located in a national park and offers trekkers a wide variety of rivers and caves that cannot be seen anywhere else on the planet. We marvelled at the sights we experienced here and that is why we cannot fail to mention this place.