There are more mountains in the Andes than anywhere else in the world. It goes through seven South American countries. The area has a wide range of scenery, from snow-capped hills to thick jungles. A lot of tracks go through old sites, remote valleys, and high hills. Backpackers see beautiful scenery and unique animals and learn about native cultures. Because of the harsh weather, it’s important to be well-prepared.
| Place | Highlight |
| Inca Trail, Peru | Ancient ruins, cloud forests, Machu Picchu sunrise |
| Huayhuash Circuit, Peru | Snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, remote landscapes |
| Torres del Paine Circuit, Chile | Granite peaks, glaciers, diverse wildlife |
| El Chaltén Trails, Argentina | Mount Fitz Roy, various trails, scenic glaciers |
| Ciudad Perdida Trek, Colombia | Ancient ruins, jungle wildlife, Indigenous communities |
01. The Inca Trail, Peru
Most people who go hiking in South America know about the Inca Trail. The path goes by cloud woods, mountain passes, and old sites. People who go hiking follow the road that the Incas used. You can get to the famous Machu Picchu by this path. A lot of travelers think it’s one of the best hiking adventures ever. There is a mix of history and nature along the path. You can see wildlife, like llamas and birds from other countries. Due to how popular it is, permits are needed. There are steep hills and stone steps on the trail. People who like both excitement and history will enjoy this trip.
Highlights
- Ancient Inca ruins along the trail
- Stunning cloud forests and mountain scenery
- A breathtaking sunrise view at Machu Picchu
How To Get There
Fly to Cusco, which is the first place on the Inca Trail. Hop on a train or bus and go to Ollantaytambo. After that, go to Kilometre 82 to get to the start. Because of limits on permits, a lot of travelers book organized trips.
02. Huayhuash Circuit, Peru
The Huayhuash Circuit in Peru is a difficult walk at a high level. It is famous for its stunning scenery and trails that go off into the woods. Along the path, you can see tall hills covered in snow and blue glacier lakes. You can see animals like condors and vicuñas. Because it’s hard, not many walkers try this trail.
The trip takes patience and the right amount of acclimatization. The trail goes through rough terrain and slopes that are off by themselves. The scenery that hikers see every day is stunning. It’s a unique experience to camp out under the stars in the Andes. The trip is great for experienced backpackers who want to be alone and go on a journey.
Highlights
- Towering snow-capped mountains
- Stunning glacial lakes with turquoise waters
- Remote and untouched landscapes
How To Get There
From there, you can take a bus to Huaraz. You can hire a guide or plan a hiking tour. To get to the starting point near Llamac, take a bus or a car.
03. Torres Del Paine Circuit, Chile
People all over the world love to walk the Torres del Paine Circuit in Patagonia. The park has rough terrain with impressive hills and ice. Strong winds and uncertain weather are common for hikers. There are hills, rivers, and woods along the road. Wildlife like guanacos and foxes can often be seen. This route is longer and tougher than the W Trek. A lot of tourists camp along the way to enjoy the wild. From the path, you can see the famous Torres del Paine towers stunningly. This walk takes you through one of the most beautiful national parks in South America.
Highlights
- Towering granite peaks and glaciers
- Diverse wildlife, including guanacos and condors
- Spectacular views of Torres del Paine
How To Get There
Get a plane ticket to Punta Arenas and then take a bus to Puerto Natales. You can get to Torres del Paine National Park from Puerto Natales. Get hiking passes before you get there.
04. El Chaltén Trails, Argentina
It is said that El Chaltén is the best place in Argentina to go hiking. It has many walks with beautiful views of the mountains. Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre are two of the most famous mountains in the area. You can go on short day walks or long treks that last several days. There are glaciers, rivers, and mountain woods in the settings. Hikers come to the town to start their trips in Patagonia. A lot of tracks begin right in the town. The area is popular with both new and expert hikers. People come to see the beautiful sunrises over the peaks. This area is a must-see for anyone in Argentina who wants to see beautiful mountain scenery.
Highlights
- Stunning views of Mount Fitz Roy
- Variety of trails for all experience levels
- Scenic rivers, glaciers, and forests
How To Get There
You can fly to El Chaltén and then take a bus to get there. From the town, you can start a lot of climbing trails. People can look around the area without being led by a tour guide.
05. Ciudad Perdida Trek, Colombia
You can get to the Lost City of Colombia from the Ciudad Perdida Trek. The ruins are from the time of the Tayrona people. The path goes through thick woods and over rivers. Along the way, hikers come across native villages. Monkeys and toucans are just two of the unique animals that live in the jungle. The trek involves hiking through hot weather for several days. To get there, you have to walk up some steep stone steps. Getting to the Lost City is a satisfying journey. It was built before Machu Picchu. People who like history and nature and want to go on an adventure will love this trip.
Highlights
- Ancient ruins hidden in the jungle
- Encounters with Indigenous communities
- Lush rainforest with diverse wildlife
How To Get There
You can fly to Santa Marta and then take a 4×4 to the start. You can’t go walking on your own, so join an organized tour.
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