For more than ten years now, I have been hiking trails in this continent, and there are still mountains waiting for me to climb in South America. This is what happens if you get involved in adventure travel in South America; no sooner do you think you have experienced its finest, you find another valley to contradict you!
Following are the trails I have explored myself and which I recommend whenever asked for advice.
1. Inca Trail, Peru
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
- Distance: ~42 km
- Days: 1
- Highest Point: Dead Woman’s Pass, 4,215 m
- Best Months: May – September
- Permits: Yes, limited to 500 per day
This is always the first trail that everyone would inquire about; and it lives up to its reputation! You walk on stone paved trails from centuries gone by, camp out under the stars and ascend Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate right at the break of dawn, before the tourists arrive. And yes, permits are hard to come by, book well in advance.
2. Salkantay Trek, Peru
- Difficulty: Hard
- Distance: ~60-70km
- Days: 2
- Highest Point: Salkantay Pass, 4630m
- Best Months: April-October
- Permit Information: No limit on permits; last minute is easier to book
This is where people go after all of the Inca Trail spots have been sold out, and actually, I think this trek is even better than Inca Trail. You begin under a glaciated mountain in the cold air before heading down to a cloud forest full of orchids and hummingbirds. This trek is one that completely changes its vibe in just one day.
3. Torres del Paine, Chile
- Difficulty: Hard
- Distance: W Trek 80 km, O Circuit 120 km
- Days: 3-9 days depending on trek
- Highest Point: John Gardner Pass Area
- Best Months: November-March
- Permit Information: Must book campsites or refugios ahead of time
Ask any hiker in Patagonia for their favorite hikes and this is definitely the top on their list. From granite peaks, to glaciers, and winds that will surely test your gear. Torres del Paine hiking trails are ones that require patience as there can be four different seasons in one afternoon.
4. El Choro Trek, Bolivia
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: ~50–70 km
- Days: 3
- High point: Starts near 4,700 m, drops to 1,300 m
- Best months: May–September
Hiking in Bolivia doesn’t get nearly enough attention. This old stone trail drops you from the freezing altiplano straight into steamy cloud forest in three days flat — a landscape shift you rarely get to feel on foot.
5. Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), Colombia
- Difficulty: Moderate, hot and humid
- Distance: ~46–50 km round trip
- Days: 4
- Best months: December–March
Hiking in Colombia means jungle, river swims, and a city built centuries before Machu Picchu. Guides are mandatory here, and honestly, that’s part of what makes it special — the local knowledge brings the ruins to life in a way you’d miss on your own.
Read: RAINBOW MOUNTAIN: JOURNEY THROUGH THE COLORS OF PERU
Planning Your Trip
A few honest tips before you book any South America hiking tours:
- Acclimatize first. Altitude sickness doesn’t care how fit you are — give it two or three days before any high-altitude trek.
- Book permitted trails early. The Inca Trail and Torres del Paine both cap numbers and sell out months out.
- Pack for all four seasons in Patagonia. Never trust a clear morning down there.
- Hire local guides where required. It’s mandatory on some routes and always worth it — for safety and for the stories they tell along the way.
Conclusion
Regardless of which trail out of the best trekking places in South America that you decide to take up, you will return from your trip transformed.
At TravellingAtlas, we assist backpackers and independent travelers in planning their trekking trips in all of these places and many more.
Book Your Journey: Want to experience trekking like never before? Check out our trekking tour packages and book your South American adventure today.
FAQs
What’s the best time to hike in Patagonia?
November through March – the southern summer – gives you the most stable weather.
Do I need a guide for the Inca Trail?
Yes, independent trekking isn’t allowed on this route.
Is South America safe for solo trekkers?
Generally, yes – especially on well-traveled routes. TravellingAtlas always recommends sticking to established trails and licensed local guides.
