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Best hiking destinations in South America

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El Chalten
Hiking Capital of Argentina
7.7
The trail to Laguna de los Tres leads to the foot of Mount Fitz Roy at 3,405 metres. Hikers cross forest and a steep final climb of about one hour. The turquoise lake sits below sharp granite spires. Wind can be strong and the round trip takes about eight hours.
Highlights:
  • ⛰️ Climb steep trail sections for breathtaking mountain panoramas
  • 🌊 Explore Laguna Capri’s peaceful turquoise waters
  • 🏞️ Hike to Laguna de Los Tres for Mount Fitz Roy views
Torres del Paine National Park
Epic Landscapes and Untamed Wilderness
8.1
The W Trek in Torres del Paine covers about 80 kilometres in four or five days. It passes the three granite towers, Grey Glacier and the French Valley. Hikers walk beside turquoise lakes and cross small suspension bridges. Refugios and campsites are booked well ahead in summer.
Highlights:
  • ⛰️ Trek the scenic French Valley with mountain views
  • 🛶 Take a boat tour to see stunning Grey Glacier
  • 🥾 Hike to the iconic Mirador Las Torres viewpoint
Patagonia
Untamed Beauty at the End of the World
8.3
The Cerro Castillo trek in Chilean Patagonia runs about 50 kilometres over four days. Hikers cross high passes with views of jagged spires and glaciers. A turquoise lake sits at the foot of the peak. Camps along the way are simple and quiet with clear night skies.
Highlights:
  • 🐧 Explore the diverse wildlife on Peninsula Valdés
  • ❄️ Witness the massive Perito Moreno Glacier up close
  • 🥾 Hike the legendary trails of Torres del Paine National Park
Los Glaciares National Park
Where glaciers meet towering peaks
8.4
Perito Moreno Glacier is a huge wall of blue ice in Los Glaciares National Park. Guided hikes lead across the glacier with crampons over ridges and crevasses. Boardwalks near the lake give a view of ice breaking into Lake Argentino. Visitors often hear the cracks first.
Highlights:
  • 🛥️ Take a boat tour on Lago Argentino to glaciers
  • 🥾 Trek Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre trails
  • 🚶‍♀️ Walk along the Perito Moreno Glacier boardwalks
San Carlos de Bariloche
Argentina’s Alpine Wonderland
7.4
A path to Refugio Frey near Bariloche climbs through forest into a granite bowl above a small lake. The refuge sits beside sharp spires that attract climbers. Hikers can spend the night and continue along the ridge. Views stretch across Nahuel Huapi Lake and the Andes.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Explore the Bavarian-style Centro Cívico and museums
  • 🥾 Hike the scenic trails of Nahuel Huapi National Park
  • 🚡 Take a cable car to Cerro Otto for panoramic views
Arequipa
White city with volcanic views
6.3
Colca Canyon near Arequipa is about 3,270 metres deep and among the deepest canyons on Earth. Trails drop steeply from the rim to a green oasis at the bottom. Andean condors ride the morning air currents at Cruz del Condor. Hikers can rest in small villages and thermal pools.
Highlights:
  • 🌋 Climb Yanahuara viewpoint for panoramic city and volcano views
  • 🌆 Admire colonial architecture at Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas
  • 🏰 Explore the historic Monasterio de Santa Catalina complex
Canaima National Park
Tepui Peaks and Angel Falls Wonder
7.7
Angel Falls in Canaima National Park plunges 979 metres from the top of Auyan Tepui. Visitors reach it by river boat and a jungle walk to a viewpoint. Mist floats from the base in the wet season. Flat topped rock mountains rise over the rainforest around it.
Highlights:
  • 🗻 Explore the unique tabletop mountains called tepuis
  • ⛰️ Hike the summit of Auyantepuy tepui for breathtaking views
  • 🌊 See Angel Falls, the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Otherworldly dunes with turquoise lagoons
6.9
Lençóis Maranhenses is a national park of white dunes with blue rainwater lagoons in Brazil. Hikers can trek about three days from Atins to Santo Amaro over the sand. Lagoons form after the rains and reach their peak around July. You can swim in them along the way.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Watch the sunrise reflect on the mesmerizing lagoons
  • 🚙 Take a thrilling 4x4 ride across the vast dunes
  • 💧 Swim in the turquoise lagoons after a hot dune trek
Venezuela
Land of diverse tropical landscapes
5.6
Mount Roraima is a flat topped tepui that rises to 2,810 metres near the Venezuelan border. Trekkers spend about six days climbing to its plateau. Rock towers, pink beaches and crystal pools sit on the summit. Clouds drift across the edge and sudden rain is common.
Highlights:
  • 🏝️ Relax on the white sands of Los Roques archipelago
  • 🦜 Explore the wildlife and plains of Los Llanos
  • 🌊 Marvel at Angel Falls, the world’s highest waterfall
Cusco
Gateway to the Incan Empire's Heart
8.4
Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain near Cusco rises to 5,036 metres and shows stripes of red, yellow and green. A trail climbs across high pastures where llamas and alpacas graze. The walk takes about three hours each way. Snowy peaks such as Ausangate rise behind the ridge.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Stroll through Plaza de Armas and admire colonial architecture
  • 🏔️ Take the train or trek to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu
  • 🧱 Visit the ancient Inca site of Sacsayhuamán overlooking the city
Ushuaia
End of the World Adventures
7.0
The Laguna Esmeralda trail near Ushuaia leads to a turquoise lake ringed by glacier fed streams. The path crosses peat bogs and beaver ponds in Tierra del Fuego. Hikers walk about 8 kilometres return through beech forest. Snow capped peaks rise above the water and reflect in calm weather.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike to Laguna Esmeralda surrounded by snow-capped peaks
  • 🚂 Take the End of the World Train to Tierra del Fuego National Park
  • 🚢 Cruise through the Beagle Channel and spot sea lions
La Paz
Where Altitude Meets Adventure and Culture
6.6
The Choro Trail descends from a pass near La Paz at about 4,650 metres towards the Bolivian jungle. Hikers cross old Inca stone paths and hanging bridges. Cold air and snow turn into warm cloud forest over three days. Small lodges offer food and beds in villages along the way.
Highlights:
  • 🌙 Visit Valle de la Luna for surreal rock formations
  • 🧙‍♀️ Explore the Witches' Market for unique local crafts
  • 🚡 Ride the Mi Teleférico cable car for breathtaking city views
Machu Picchu
Lost Inca city among clouds
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu runs 43 kilometres and takes four days. Hikers cross Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215 metres and pass ruins in cloud forest. The path ends at the Sun Gate at sunrise. Permits are limited and must be booked months ahead.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Explore the ancient Inca temples and ceremonial sites
  • 🥾 Climb Huayna Picchu for panoramic mountain views
  • 🌅 Watch sunrise from the iconic Guardian’s House viewpoint
Atacama Desert
Endless dunes under starlit desert skies
Licancabur is a volcano of nearly 6,000 metres on the border of Chile and Bolivia near San Pedro de Atacama. Trekkers climb its slopes to reach a crater lake at the top. The ascent takes place in thin dry air. Desert salt flats and flamingos lie far below.
Highlights:
  • 🗻 Hike to El Tatio geysers before sunrise
  • ✨ Stargaze from San Pedro observatory, record constellations
  • 🌄 Explore Valle de la Luna during golden hour
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