For the adventurous soul, South America holds an unparalleled diversity of terrains and landscapes. With the Andes' craggy peaks, the Amazon Rainforest's dense wilderness, and Patagonia's icy blue glaciers, there's a trail for everyone. Today, I'm thrilled to share with you the top 5 hiking trails in South America, each with its own unique charm and challenge.
1. The Inca Trail, Peru
Peru’s Inca Trail is undeniably one of the most famous hiking routes in the world. It begins from the quaint town of Cusco and spans approximately 26 miles (42 kilometers), concluding at the historic Machu Picchu. The four-day trek is known for its Incan ruins, mystical cloud forests, and captivating mountain scenery.
Day two is challenging, taking you to the highest point of the trail at Dead Woman's Pass (13,828 feet/4,215 meters). But once you descend into the cloud forest on the third day, you are rewarded with the first glimpse of Machu Picchu at sunrise on the final day. It's a breathtaking view, making all the previous effort worthwhile.
2. Torres del Paine W Trek, Chile
The Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile, offers the W Trek, named after its W-shaped route. This 5-day, 37-mile (60 kilometers) trek takes you past icy blue glaciers, towering granite peaks, beautiful lakes, and vast, windswept pampas. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including condors, guanacos, and even pumas.
The highlight is the incredible view of the Torres del Paine themselves - three towering granite peaks that stand out against the surrounding landscape. A challenging but rewarding hike, the W Trek is a must for any serious hiker visiting South America.
3. Mount Roraima, Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana
This hike is unique because it spans three countries: Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana. The six-day, 31-mile (50-kilometer) hike to the top of Mount Roraima, one of the oldest geological formations on Earth, is a truly otherworldly experience.
The tabletop mountains or tepuis found here were the inspiration behind Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Lost World". The diverse plant life, unusual rock formations, and the sense of being 'on top of the world' make this hike an unforgettable experience.
4. The Santa Cruz Trek, Peru
One of the most popular trails in the Peruvian Andes, the Santa Cruz Trek, offers a perfect mix of striking landscapes, traditional villages, and high peaks. This 31-mile (50 kilometers) trek usually takes four days to complete and takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the Cordillera Blanca, including views of snow-capped peaks, azure lagoons, and verdant valleys.
One of the trail highlights is the Punta Union pass, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Although challenging, this trail is suitable for relatively inexperienced hikers due to its lower altitude compared to some other Andean treks.
5. The Lost City Trek, Colombia
Trekking to Ciudad Perdida or 'The Lost City' in Colombia is an adventure straight out of an Indiana Jones movie. This four to six-day, 28-mile (45 kilometers) jungle trek takes you to an ancient city believed to have been built around 800 AD, some 650 years earlier than Machu Picchu.
Apart from the archeological wonder, the trail leads you through the thick, lush rainforest of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, crossing rivers, and visiting indigenous Kogui villages along the way. It's a physically demanding hike but one that rewards with an incredible mix of culture, history, and natural beauty.
South America is a hiker's dream, with its unparalleled variety of trails, each promising a unique experience. Be it the historical allure of the Inca Trail, the rugged beauty of Torres del Paine, the surreal landscape of Mount Roraima, the picturesque scenery of the Santa Cruz trek, or the adventure of the Lost City, there is a trail for everyone.
If you're up for a challenge and a bit of an adventure, these trails offer experiences that are truly unforgettable. So pack your hiking boots and prepare to witness the majesty of South America. Happy trails!
