South America · HIKING & TREKKING

The 15 Best Hikes & Treks in South America

89 tours  ·  from $11

Half of these start above 3,000 metres, which changes what a distance means. These 15 cover the Inca routes, the Patagonian day walks and the volcano climbs, with prices, ascent and how long each is really on foot.

El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier Trekking Tour and Cruise - From El Calafate to Bajo de las Sombras
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El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier Trekking Tour and Cruise

1.Perito Moreno Glacier Trekking Tour and Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 805 reviews · 5 - 11 hours · from $396Our pick

From El Calafate, cross Argentino Lake by boat, strap on crampons, and spend about an hour walking across Perito Moreno Glacier. A bilingual guide leads the ice trek, followed by forest trails, glacier viewpoints, and a close sail along the ice wall. Hotel pickup depends on the option you book.

“The activity itself was absolutely incredible but the tour bus that picked everyone up in the morning crashed into the side of the mountain after it slid on ice. Everyone was ok but I’d recommend renting a car and driving in yourself.”

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Puerto Natales: Base of the Towers Day Hike - The early pickup and two-hour ride
Chile Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Chile, Torres del Paine Tours, Tour Reviews

Puerto Natales: Base of the Towers Day Hike

2.Puerto Natales: Base of the Towers Day Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 727 reviews · 15 hours · from $90

This 15-hour guided trek covers about 22 km from Puerto Natales to the Base of the Towers in Torres del Paine. You will walk through lenga forest, past glacier-fed streams, and up a rocky final kilometre with bilingual guides such as Camilo, Hugo, Carolina, or Joaquín. Pickup, poles, safety support, and transport are included, but food and park entry are extra.

“This is not for everyone. You really need to be in good shape. It's 5 hours out and 5 hours back....it was a real challenge for us but we made it. The 4 guides were all very good, but I have to call out Camilo who really motivated us to keep on going and took care of us. Gracias Camilo. The views you get to see during this hike is breath taking and reaching the base of Torres del Paine is indescribable, what a beauty. Wecare happy we did it.”

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Rio: Tijuca Forest Small Group Hike to Caves and Waterfalls - Cascatinha Taunay and the old park roads
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Rio: Tijuca Forest Small Group Hike to Caves and Waterfalls

3.Tijuca Forest Small Group Hike to Caves and Waterfalls

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 536 reviews · 6 hours · from $69Top rated

Spend six hours exploring Tijuca Forest on a 6.2-kilometer hike with a bilingual guide such as Vini, Riccardo, Tito, or Renata. Expect waterfalls, a gneiss cave, a suspension bridge, coffee plantation ruins, an old chapel, and a chance to cool off beneath Baronesa Cascade. Pickup is available from selected South Zone hotels.

“Vinnie was an absolutely fantastic guide who not only sensitively led our small group on the hike, but gave us so much info on the polito-social and cultural life of Brazil and Rio. He filled us in on its history, flora and fauna, geology and geography. His knowledge was seemingly limitless and he enthusiastically shared his passion for this unique environment. In fact, he has ruined us for all future guides as he was totally brilliant. The whole trip was more than we imagined. Thank you to Vinnie and our wonderful and kind driver.”

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From Arequipa: Sillar Route Trek - Starting from C. Álvarez Thomas
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From Arequipa: Sillar Route Trek

4.From Arequipa: Sillar Route Trek

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 461 reviews · 4 hours · from $12Best value

Spend four hours exploring Arequipa’s working Añashuayco Quarry, a Church of the Company of Jesus carving, and the narrow Culebrillas Canyon. Guides such as Mike, Jose, Julia, and Alexandra have led recent departures in English and Spanish. Expect short walks, photo stops, a van ride, and 18 soles in entrance fees.

“If you view this activity basically as arranged transport to the three sites then you will not be disappointed. Alexandra our guide gave explanations in both English and Spanish, she did a very good job. I think the yanahara viewpoint could be skipped as a lot of people do this anyway, the sillar quarry was interesting but nothing special, however I really enjoyed the canyon. It’s just a shame it was busy with other tour groups. The transport provided was safe and we stuck to the timings. I booked the day before (on a Sunday) so had my doubts but recieved a text on the Monday at about 8:15 to…”

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From Santiago: Cajón del Maipo and Volcán San José Hike 8K - The 6:00 AM pickup and the drive out of Santiago
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From Santiago: Cajón del Maipo and Volcán San José Hike 8K

5.Cajón del Maipo and Volcán San José Hike 8K

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 418 reviews · 10 hours · from $150

Leave Santiago around 6:00 AM for an 8 km guided hike in Cajón del Maipo. You’ll climb from about 2,300 to 2,600 meters, with Andes, glacier, river, and Volcán San José views. Guides such as Laura, Elias, Andres, and Rai are praised for patient pacing and clear explanations. Lunch, water, wine, and snacks are included.

“This was an awesome trip. Laura is beyond excellent as a guide. She was polite and she communicated facts on almost everything. Though the day was a long one and we had to adjust some aspects of the plan due to circumstances beyond control, it was throughly enjoyable. Highly recommend this tour ! And commendations to Laura, one of the best guides I have met in a while! I”

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Pedra do Telégrafo Hike and Beach Full-Day Tour - The early morning pickup and ride west
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Pedra do Telégrafo Hike and Beach Full-Day Tour

6.Pedra do Telégrafo Hike and Beach Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 417 reviews · 4 hours - 390 minutes · from $56

Start early for a guided climb through Pedra Branca State Park to Pedra do Telégrafo, 350 meters above Guaratiba. Expect a steep, roughly one-hour hike, photo stops, air-conditioned transport, and a beach break at Grumari or Prainha. Guides such as Dayvison, Erick, and Nicolas are known for patient pacing and excellent photos.

“this was a great hike, not to strenuous and relatively short if you hike often. Pedro was amazing, kind and gracious and we got there and back in the alloted time. definitely worth the trip for the views”

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From Cusco: 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek with Breakfast and Lunch - The 4 a.m. start and the road to Pacchanta
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From Cusco: 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek with Breakfast and Lunch

7.From Cusco: 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek with Breakfast and Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 360 reviews · 1 day · from $29

Leave Cusco before dawn for Pacchanta and hike about 13 kilometers past Ausangate’s seven colorful lakes. You’ll travel with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide, eat breakfast and lunch, then soak in hot springs. Guides such as Kevin, Eduardo, Carlos, and Inti have been praised for pacing and altitude support, but the route is cold, remote, and very high.

“Our guide, Kevin, was amazing! The hike was absolutely beautiful. The food was plentiful and good! Overall, it was a phenomenal experience! Unforgettable! And lastly, did I mention: our guide Kevin was AWESOME! 10/10 recommend!”

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From Salta: Salinas Grandes, Purmamarca & Los Colorados Hike - The road through Jujuy is part of the attraction
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From Salta: Salinas Grandes, Purmamarca & Los Colorados Hike

8.Salinas Grandes, Purmamarca & Los Colorados Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 356 reviews · 12h 30m · from $43

Travel from Salta through Yala, Volcán, and Tumbaya to Purmamarca and the high-altitude Salinas Grandes. Expect bilingual guiding, mountain roads, local craft stalls, short walks, and about 45 minutes on the salt flats. Guides such as Samuel, José Luis, and Jasmin have helped make the route smooth for English-speaking visitors.

“We had a wonderful day with our guide Pablo visiting the Salinas and Purmamarca. Both places are memorable, Purmamarca in particular is something unique that all pictures I saw before could not fully describe, yet the journey itself is probably the greatest part. Pablo explained us a lot in a funny way and helped us taking the best pictures. I definitely recommend this tour.”

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La Paz: Charquini Mountain Guided Hike - Starting near San Francisco Church
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La Paz: Charquini Mountain Guided Hike

9.La Paz: Charquini Mountain Guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 287 reviews · 8 hours · from $39

From Buhos Tours near San Francisco Church, you ride into the Cordillera Real with stops at Apacheta Jilarata, Milluni Cemetery, and Laguna Milluni. Then hike from about 4,600 meters to Laguna Esmeralda, near Charquini, with a guide such as Manuel, Paty, or Juan. Expect big views, cold weather, and a short trail made hard by thin air.

“What a wonderful adventure! The hike was challenging but definitely worth every minute of it! When we got to the Emerald Laguna it started to snow but we still got the best shots! Manuel was amazing! So patient and empathetic! Definitely ask for him as your tour guide!”

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From Ushuaia: Tierra del Fuego Emerald Lagoon Trekking Tour - Forest, river, and two very different valleys
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From Ushuaia: Tierra del Fuego Emerald Lagoon Trekking Tour

10.Tierra del Fuego Emerald Lagoon Trekking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 271 reviews · 6 hours · from $105

Join a small group of up to 12 for a six-hour hike from Ushuaia to Laguna Esmeralda. Guides such as Nicolas, Julian, Fernanda, and Manuel lead you through forests, valleys, mud, and possible snow, sharing local nature facts before serving lunch and a hot drink beside the lagoon.

“The trek was great! Katheryn was our hostess with the mostest! She was very friendly and gave a lot of information on the ecology and geography .”

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From Arequipa: 2-Day Colca Canyon Trekking Tour - The 3 a.m. start from Arequipa
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From Arequipa: 2-Day Colca Canyon Trekking Tour

11.From Arequipa: 2-Day Colca Canyon Trekking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 243 reviews · 2 days · from $30

You’ll leave Arequipa before dawn, watch condors at Cruz del Cóndor, descend into Colca Canyon, and spend the night at Sangalle Oasis. Guides such as Carlos, Alex, Rafael, and Luigi are praised for local knowledge and steady support. The 24-kilometer route is demanding, with a 1,000-meter climb on day two.

“Fantastic trip ! Amazing scenery and great hike. But definitely make sure you are reasonably fit before the hike - the second day is virtually straight upwards. Fernando our guide was really good, imparting local knowledge and encouragement. As I was struggling on the way up he even gave me his poles ! My advice is to either bring your poles or buy two bamboo sticks when you start the hike.”

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Puerto Natales: Base of the Towers Trekking Experience - Leaving Puerto Natales before sunrise
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Puerto Natales: Base of the Towers Trekking Experience

12.Puerto Natales: Base of the Towers Trekking Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 191 reviews · 14 hours · from $95

Leave Puerto Natales before sunrise for a guided trek to the Base of the Towers in Torres del Paine. You’ll climb through the Asencio Valley, pass El Chileno, cross dense forest and rocky moraine, then rest beneath the three towers. Guides such as Sebastian, Daniel, Pablo, and Ramiro are praised for patient pacing and encouragement. Expect a hard hike, changing weather, and a late return.

“Ricardo and Pablo were great. Wish we had less breaks but it was understandable since everyone has a different pace. The guides were great always aware of everyone’s needs”

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Rio de Janeiro: Pedra da Gávea 7-Hour Hike - Starting in Tijuca National Park
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Rio de Janeiro: Pedra da Gávea 7-Hour Hike

13.Pedra da Gávea 7-Hour Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 183 reviews · 8 hours · from $56

You’ll hike Pedra da Gávea from sea level to about 840 meters through Tijuca National Park, with guides such as Eduardo, Lucas, and Sergio. Expect steep forest trails, scrambling, and a 30-meter assisted climb using ropes and safety gear. The group is limited to six, and the hike suits fit people comfortable with heights.

“The hike was super fun and technical. Edu our guide is seriously like a professional photographer. He was able to capture some of the best photos of my life!!!”

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Rio de Janeiro: Tijuca Forest Challenge Hike Full-Day Trip - Pickup from Rio’s South Zone
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Rio de Janeiro: Tijuca Forest Challenge Hike Full-Day Trip

14.Tijuca Forest Challenge Hike Full-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 163 reviews · 9 hours · from $86

Spend nine hours exploring Tijuca National Park with a bilingual guide such as Gustavo, Ricardo, Pietro, or Tito. The hard 10.4 km hike climbs 848 meters to Taquara Hill, then follows quiet forest trails to coffee-farm ruins, grottos, a bat cave, viewpoints, and a waterfall. Pickup is available in Rio’s South Zone.

“Gustavo turned out to be the best guide one could possibly imagine. We have used similar services many times before, but I can say with full confidence that Gustavo is truly unmatched. He has extensive knowledge not only about Tijuca National Park, but also about the whole of Rio de Janeiro. At the same time, he is incredibly helpful, kind, and approachable. During our hike, he revealed many secrets of the forest that we would never have noticed on our own. We also learned a great deal about the history of Rio and Brazil itself. It was an unforgettable adventure that we will cherish for a long time. I wholeheartedly…”

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El Chaltén with Trekking from El Calafate - Mirador de los Cóndores: the stronger walk
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El Chaltén with Trekking from El Calafate

15.El Chaltén with Trekking from El Calafate

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 157 reviews · from $97

Travel 220 km from El Calafate to El Chaltén with a Spanish and English guide, then walk to Mirador de los Cóndores and Chorrillo del Salto. You get about five hours in town, with optional lunch, a stop at Estancia La Leona, and a return around 18:30 to 19:00. Guides may include Alexia, Tobias, or others.

“Unfortunately this was the biggest let down on our trip to Patagonia. Based on the description, we were under the impression we would have 5 free hours to do as we please in El Chalten (in our case, to hike). It wasn’t until we were 1.5 hours in to the drive that we were told tRead more”

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