Best running destinations in South America
Best running destinations in South America
Highland valley dirt paths and continuous urban park networks in South America
Southern Patagonia's ultra trail races have built a serious international reputation over the past decade, drawing runners specifically for terrain and weather that test genuine endurance rather than pace. A major coastal city's marathon offers a far more conventional, urban alternative further north.
The destinations on this list range from remote ultra trail events through genuinely demanding mountain terrain to major city marathons built around accessible, well-supported courses. Both require very different kinds of preparation.
Training specifically for wind and weather exposure matters considerably for the southern trail races, where conditions can shift dramatically within a single event. Most courses involve significant elevation change. Training plans should account for significant elevation gain. Packing layers also matters considerably given the dramatic temperature swings common in this terrain.
Lists by region
City in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
The heartbeat of Brazil's coast
On Sundays one traffic lane closes along Ipanema and Leblon, which allows a loop of about 4.3 miles. The Lagoa loop covers about 4.7 miles with markers every 330 feet. Flamengo Park offers a 2.5 mile tree-lined path along the beach. Parts of the lagoon route are poorly lit, so avoid night runs.
City in Colombia
Medellín
The City of Eternal Spring
In the Aburrá Valley at 4,905 feet, temperatures typically range from 63 to 82°F. The springlike climate earned the nickname City of the Eternal Spring. Parque Arví covers about 49,000 acres of trails, lakes and forests with views over the city. Metro Line L connects to the park.
City in Brazil
São Paulo
A vibrant mix of culture and cuisine
The São Silvestre race began on 31 December 1925 over about 3.9 miles. It has been 9.3 miles since 1991. Since 1989 it has started in the afternoon rather than at 11pm. Kibiwott Kandie set the men's course record of 42 minutes 59 seconds in 2019. Ibirapuera Park covers about 390 acres.
City in Argentina
Buenos Aires
Where Tango and Culture Thrive
Bosques de Palermo is a popular training ground for local runners. Its flat paths have distance markers and water fountains. The late August half marathon starts there with about 25,000 runners. It passes 9 de Julio Avenue, the Obelisk, Casa Rosada and San Telmo. August is winter at roughly 46 to 59°F.
City in Colombia
Bogotá
Vibrant Culture in the Andean Highlands
The Ciclovía closes more than 75 miles of streets to cars on Sundays and public holidays from 7am to 2pm. It began in December 1974 and became an official city programme in 1976. Bogotá lies at 8,660 feet. Temperatures average 58°F. Sunny days range from 43 to 66°F.
City in Peru
Cusco
Gateway to the Incan Empire's Heart
Thin air above 11,000 feet makes acclimatising essential. Start in the Sacred Valley at about 9,500 feet. Within 20 minutes of the centre you can run to Sacsayhuamán, Qenco and Tambomachay. Temperatures rarely exceed 70°F. Muggings happen, so bring a buddy and skip solo night runs.
City in Argentina
Mendoza
Wine, Andes and Adventure Bliss
Airport records show about 2,976 sunshine hours a year. That averages 8.1 hours a day. Carlos Thays designed Parque General San Martín, which includes a zoo and a stadium. Irrigation channels called acequias line city streets and water about 100,000 trees. Cerro de la Gloria offers a view of the city.
Region
Patagonia
Untamed Beauty at the End of the World
The Patagonian International Marathon began in 2012 as the first marathon in Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. It runs each September on gravel roads with curves and steep slopes. Wind can be relentless. Runners have come from more than 65 countries. Puerto Natales serves as the base town.
Desert in Chile
Atacama Desert
Endless dunes under starlit desert skies
The Atacama Crossing stage race covers 155 miles over six stages in seven days. Runners are self-supported and limited to 100 participants. The route crosses salt flats, sand dunes, slot canyons and rivers at about 7,900 feet. Average rainfall is only 0.6 inches a year, making it the driest nonpolar desert.
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