Climbing & Mountaineering Tours in South America: 6 Weighed Up on Cost and Hours

1.Villarrica Volcano Ascent – Zenit

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 111 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $195Our pick

You’ll climb 1,700 meters up 2,847-meter Villarrica Volcano with Zenit guides, using trekking gear, crampons, and an ice axe where needed. The 9-hour outing starts at 6:00 a.m. in Pucón, includes transfers and equipment, and may reach the crater if weather and volcanic activity allow. Guides include Luisa, Felipe, Agustin, Leo, Edgar, and Jorge.

“The day before we had a meeting at the Zenit agency to find out more details about what the day would be like, and also to try on the trekking boots. We went up in a small group with 4 guides, all of whom were very friendly and communicative. The climb was tiring, but the stops and the enthusiasm of the guides made all the difference in regaining energy and moving forward. Unfortunately we were unable to reach the edge of the crater, as it is prohibited at the moment (due to the intense activity of the volcano). But it was really good nonetheless! The descent was also a lot…”

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2.Climbing Mateo – Your first 5 thousand

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 52 reviews · 1 day (approx.) · from $120

Leave Huaraz at 3:00 am for Mateo in Huascarán National Park. With a certified English or Spanish-speaking guide, private transport, boots, crampons, harness, helmet, ice axe, ropes, and lunch, you hike a one-hour moraine and climb for about 90 minutes toward a 5,000-meter summit. Pablo may guide your ascent.

“It was certainly a challenge but very rewarding to complete this experience. It was unfortunately not a clear day and this made it a little more challenging for a first timer of a snow climb, but the guides were great and it was well worth it.”

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3.Climbing Huayna Potosí

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 50 reviews · 3 days (approx.) · from $230

You’ll climb Huayna Potosí from La Paz over three demanding days. The trip includes glacier practice, high-altitude camps, meals, transport, climbing gear, and an English or Spanish-speaking guide. Guides named Jhonny and Cristian have earned praise for patience and summit support, but you should be ready for extreme altitude, an overnight climb, and basic camp conditions.

“Thanks to our wonderful guide Cristian, we were able to reach the summit! The sunrise from the top was an amazing view! Thank you for an experience I'll never forget!”

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4.Rock Climbing full day

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 47 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

Spend about six and a half hours climbing outside Cusco with a guide from Vidal Expeditions. Try beginner or advanced routes, use the included helmet, harness, and climbing shoes, and stop for a picnic lunch. Private transportation takes you toward the upper city and nearby farm areas, where the scenery is part of the day.

“Excellent! The guide was helpful and enthusiastic, the equipment was in good shape, and I really enjoyed the experience.”

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5.Tour Climbing Nevado Mateo | Your First 5,150 m Summit | 12 Hours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · 11 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $140

Start before dawn in Huaraz, drive into Huascarán National Park, and hike to the glacier below Nevado Mateo. Your guide supplies boots, crampons, harness, ice axe, helmet, and rope support for the final ascent. The climb suits first-time mountaineers with enough fitness for steep effort at 5,150 meters.

“Best trip everThis simply was AWESOME Best trip ever!!! A serious must for those who seek adventure, for those who dare and even for those who are a tiny bit scared ....... don't worry it's cool. Our guide Richard was so kind. He knew the mountain like the back of his hand. One lady in our group was a tiny bit nervous, he held her hand, tethered her to himself and bolstered her confidence. She completed the trip successfully love to Xemena Overall this trip was phenomenal !!!!! Yes! Big Love ️”

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6.Half-Day Rock Climbing in Canton Baños

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $30Best value

Spend about four hours climbing natural basalt near Baños with a private HAT TRAVEL guide. Start at Boulder Bunker, warm up, then tackle routes from 5.a to 6.c+. Guides such as Mateo and Javier are praised for patient coaching and clear English. The $30 price includes equipment, instruction, and a free pass to the gym.

“Really nice experience, awesome guide! Can highly recommend it, also if you already have experience like I do”

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