Take a Hike in South America

The Chapada Diamantina Trek takes 5 days and begins in Vale de Capao, Brazil.

This trek opens up the amazing “Lost World” of the impressive Parque da Chapada Diamanta.

The route takes hikers up and over table-top mountain plateaus in the heart of the Pati Valley.

Among the highlights is the highest waterfall in Brazil, Cachoeira da Fumaca.

The Colca Canyon hike takes 2 to 3 days to complete and begins in the valley town of Chivay, Peru.

Colca Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the US. The scenery is amazing with the steep cliffs of the canyon rising above all while heading down and taking some effort to climb out of again.

To relax stiff muscles afterward, hikers can enjoy the hot springs on the way back to Arequipa.

Take the 2-day trip to Cotopaxi Volcano in Ecuador. Starting off from Latacunga.

Cotopaxi Volcano is located in the famous “Valley of the Volcanoes.” This is an active volcano. Hikers trek to the summit, taking around half an hour to reach the snowline. This is recommended for experienced hikers.

The trail up to Huayna Potosi takes 2 to 3 days to complete and begins in La Paz, Bolivia. This is one of the hardest hikes in South America.

This trek takes hikers up to the summit of Huayna Potosi, which is one of the few mountains exceeding 6,000 meters. The trek requires technical rock climbing skills to reach the peak.

On a clear day you can see La Paz, Lake Titicaca, and Cordillera Real.

Take the 5-day trek to Kaieteur Falls in Guyana starting at Georgetown.

This is a hike for the adventurous to the Kaieteur Falls. The trek combines boat trips, hiking, and camping.

There is the steep ascent up to Oh My God Mountain, where hikers reach the top of the falls.

The La Cuidad Perdida (Lost City Trek) takes 4 to 5 days and begins in Santa Maria, Columbia.

La Ciudad Perdida was undiscovered by the Western world until the 1970s. The ancient city was built between the 8th and 14th centuries by the Tayrona Indigenous people. What is left today are circular stone terraces.

Hikers trek past jungle-clad mountains and flowing rivers.

Take the 6-day Mount Roraima hike in Venezuela starting at Paraitepuy.

This is a challenging hike to Mount Roraima, close to the Brazilian border.

The 5-day Salkantay Trek begins in Cusco, Peru. This trek is known for its Inca Trail. The end of the line comes at the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu, known for its amazing natural beauty.

Machu Picchu is one of the most visited archaeological sties in the world. On this trek, hikers reach it on the final day to complete the steep staircase up to the top.

There are different lengths of the Salkantay trek available, but the full trail spans 5 days. Taking hikers through hilly terrain, across snowy mountain passes, and through lush tropical rainforests.

The Santa Cruz Trek in Peru takes 3 to 4 days to complete. Your hiking day starts in the mountain city of Huaraz, leading hikers into the Cordillera Blanca region of the Peruvian Andes, the highest tropical mountain range in the world.

A minibus takes hikers to the small village of Cashapampa in the foothills of the Cordillera, where the hike begins through a valley surrounded by mountain peaks. Walking is done in the morning, and making camp is done around 2 PM.

National Geographic has chosen this as one of the best treks in the world. During the hike, you pass by glacial lakes, through sandy deserts, and over the Punta Union mountain pass.

Hikers also enjoy taking the time to detour to Laguna 69, a lovely turquoise glacial lake in the mountains.

Returning to your starting point, you can catch a glimpse of Huascaran, the highest mountain in Peru.

Take the 4-day W Trek in Chile, which is named after the “W” shape of the trek. It takes hikers through the Torres Del Paine National Park in Patagonia. (pictured above)

You can also choose a longer route known as the O Circuit, which loops the entire national park.

Hikers enjoy turquoise alpine lagoons, pristine glaciers, granite spikes, and brilliant white powdered snow; the views are simply breathtaking.