Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in South America
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10 best Hiking & Trekking South America tour packages
Compiled by
NinaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar
- Peru, Bolivia & Argentina Adventure
- Galapagos & Peru Adventure (from Quito to La Paz)
- 19-Day South America Trip
- South American Explorer (Train To Machu Picchu)
- Colombia, Ecuador & Peru Express 22 Days Tour
- Ultimate South America (Inca Trail Trek)
- Best of Patagonia 11 Days Tour
- 9 Days Horseback Riding: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu - Luxury Experience
- 9 Days Peru’s Treasures: Machu Picchu & Rainforest
- Classic Hikes of Patagonia
Duration 35 days Destinations Peru, Bolivia, Argentina Age Range Ages 15+ Physical Rating Easy Distance 3893 mi Operator Intrepid Travel From $7,460
15% Off- NZ$6,341You save $1,119
Duration 24 days Destinations Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia Age Range Ages 15+ Distance 1576 mi Operator Intrepid Travel From $13,995
10% Off- NZ$12,596+$400 local paymentsYou save $1,400
The path from Perito Moreno Glacier to Machu Picchu's terraces reveals South America's iconic sites. Trails wind through Sacsayhuaman's ruins and Ollantaytambo's fortress. Professional guides lead moderate difficulty trails with stays at 4-star hotels.
Duration 19 days Destinations Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Bolivia, Peru Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 7657 mi Operator Tangol Tours From
10% Off- NZ$9,581
South American Explorer (Train To Machu Picchu)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was well worth the money, there were a lot of travel days but everything we did was worth it.”
Jemilla, traveled in August
South American landscapes come alive through treks at Pisac ruins, Amazonian jungle paths, and Iguassu Falls' Devil's Throat. Ancient Incan agricultural terraces and canopy towers in Puerto Maldonado await, with expert guides leading the way.
Duration 18 days Destinations Peru, Argentina, Brazil Age Range Ages 18-35 Physical Rating Easy Distance 4343 mi Operator Contiki From
10% Off- NZ$5,712+$2,763 upfront costs
Colombia's coastal trails connect to Peru's Inca paths in this diverse adventure. Tayrona Park's 6km route, Cocora Valley's wax palms, and Cajas National Park's high-altitude terrain lead to Machu Picchu's classic trails.
Duration 22 days Destinations Colombia, Ecuador, Peru Age Range Ages 15+ Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Easy Distance 3165 mi Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
10% Off- NZ$13,037+$2,087 local payments
South America's most iconic trails unfold over 24 days. The classic Inca Trail leads to Machu Picchu, while Colca Canyon offers scenic paths, and Puerto Maldonado reveals Amazon jungle trails. The terrain varies from Andean peaks to Brazilian waterfalls.
Duration 24 days Destinations Peru, Argentina, Brazil Age Range Ages 18-35 Physical Rating Moderate Distance 5043 mi Operator Contiki From
10% Off- NZ$7,524+$3,491 upfront costs
Best of Patagonia 11 Days Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a bit cold in some areas but amazing landscapes. You get what they promise and also more than that.”
Helen, traveled in August
Duration 11 days Destinations Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park, Balmaceda, Santiago Age Range Ages 25+ Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 3304 mi Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
10% Off- NZ$10,356
9 Days Horseback Riding: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu - Luxury Experience
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Mountain Lodges was completely amazing including the lodges, all staff and the horses!”
Linda, traveled in March
The path from Salkantay Pass (15,213ft) to Machu Picchu reveals diverse wonders. Varying terrains include cloud forests, glacial lakes, and coffee plantations. Challenging trails lead to Humantay Lake and Llactapata Pass with expert guides.
Duration 9 days Destinations Cusco, Salkantay Mountain, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 18-60 Operated in English, Spanish Distance 141 mi Operator Responsible Travel South America From
10% Off- NZ$9,712
9 Days Peru’s Treasures: Machu Picchu & Rainforest
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Service providers and drivers were all on time and kind.”
Amy, traveled in September
Duration 9 days Destinations Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Puerto Maldonado Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 1171 mi Operator Responsible Travel South America From
10% Off- NZ$3,411
Legendary trails from Laguna Torre to Base las Torres showcase South America's beauty. French Valley trek and Emerald Lake hike test adventurers' limits. Argentina and Chile's diverse terrains include 3 nights wilderness camping.
Duration 15 days Destinations Buenos Aires, El Chalten, El Calafate, Perito Moreno, Torres del Paine National Park, Punta Arenas, Ushuaia Age Range Ages 15+ Distance 3745 mi Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- NZ$10,135
What people love about Hiking & Trekking Tours in South America
- South American Explorer (Train To Machu Picchu)
The tour was well worth the money, there were a lot of travel days but everything we did was worth it
- Peru Adventure - Trek the Cordillera Huayhuash
Unu Raymi Expeditions organized two excellent treks for us- everything exceeded our expectations, including the food!
My experience with Unu Raymi was great! I chose the "South Peru adventure" and added a visit to the Ballestas/Huacachina at the start and one extra day in the Amazon at the end. Tailoring the trip and negotiating about the different activities before and during the trip was easy and done in good spirit. All the different trips around Cusco (and Ica) as well as the main trip to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu were well organized and I felt like I got to see the best parts of the Andean region. The guides were all experts and I felt safe and part of the team at all places I visited. My guide for the main trek (Choquequirao trek) was Teo, and one might think going alone with a guide that hardly speaks english as a foreigner who hardly speaks spanish would be difficult, but we got along very well and I put a lot of trust on him, for which he delivered fully. - I also thought I needed to buy my own snacks for the hikes, but Teo kept handing me different healthy varieties on each day of the hike..! Another shoutout to our guide Ana in the Ica region, for the ability to take care of the group with different cultures and ages so well. I'm sure nobody felt like an outsider on that day! The hotels were good budget level hotels, apart from two. The first one in Lima was luxurious, even had their own doorman! The one that fell a bit behind, due to a small insect problem was in Santa Teresa, but that was not part of the original itinerary. It got selected on the same day because I got ill and needed to stop the hike to recover. The illness (salmonella) prevented me from going to Amazon, which was a decision we did together with the organizor. So my review is excluding the Amazon activities. For the same price, I got to experience the Q’eswachaka Rope Bridge (great for someone who wants a little break from the car circus in Cusco;)), Pisac/Ollantaytambo tour and a sunrise in Tres Cruces/tour in Paucartambo. I feel like my Andean experience got richer because of the plan B. I also got an extra free day in Cusco, which I used to wander around the north side of the city (Saqsaywaman, Q'enqo, Zona X) The plan B activities were agreed together with the Unu Raymi team (James and Edwin) and in a similar situation, another traveller could choose something else. For me though, it was a good alternative and I feel like I saw everything in Cusco I desired and on my next South American adventure I can focus fully on Amazon. The best part about getting a "complete package" with Unu Raymi, was that I never needed to pay the various taxes or fees for entering the different activities, which were clearly not taken care of in the majority of the local "walk-in" operator tours. I often shared a car with people using other operators, and heared the "Okay it is time to collect the entry fees, except for you, you are already paid in advance", which made me feel special :D The missing star is from just a handful of occasions when I wasn't sure what is to happen next, if there is a car coming for me now or in an hour. Those situations were not many and always got sorted out, but at heat of the moment, an European traveller felt a bit lost in the big country. I think for an adventurous soul, who has some urge of getting off the beaten everyday-tourist path, Unu Raymi is a great choice! Mikko
A South Peru Adventure
What our customers ask about Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in South America
What are the best hiking trails in South America for different skill levels?
The hiking trails of South America range from easygoing day walks to demanding multi-day expeditions. Beginners can explore Peru's Sacred Valley on gentle paths while experienced hikers tackle the challenging Huayhuash Circuit with its 4650m elevation gains. The popular 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu sits in the moderate-difficult range while the 8-day Salkantay Trek tests endurance at heights over 4600m. For those seeking easier terrain the trails near El Calafate in Patagonia provide excellent glacier views without steep climbs. As one TourRadar traveler noted about the Salkantay Trek: "It pushed us to our limits but the views were incredible and our guide Fernando helped motivate us throughout. Despite being tough it was worth every step!"
What is the best time of year for hiking in South America considering weather and conditions?
Each region has its prime hiking season. Peru's Andean trails including the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek are best explored during the dry season from April to October. Patagonia's hiking paradise in Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Park sees ideal conditions from December through March with temperatures ranging from 50-70°F. The demanding Huayhuash Circuit in Peru welcomes hikers between May and September when mountain passes are clear and blue skies prevail. As one TourRadar traveler confirms: "We went in January and had perfect weather for hiking in Patagonia though you should always be prepared for sudden changes."
Where do I sleep on a multi-day hike in South America?
Sleep arrangements vary by route. The Inca Trail features established campsites with basic facilities where hikers sleep in 4-person tents shared by two people. Remote treks like Huayhuash mix camping with simple mountain lodges while upscale options exist on the Salkantay Trek through Mountain Lodges of Peru. One TourRadar traveler shared: "Food was our highlight at Soraypampa Camp at 3920m - we were shocked to have such gourmet meals prepared on the trek." Most tours provide porters for camping equipment letting hikers carry just daypacks. Pre and post-trek many stay at hotels like Casa Andina in Cusco or Eco Inn in Colca.
How do I prepare for high-altitude hiking in South America?
Success at high altitudes requires careful preparation. Start with 2-3 days in cities like Cusco (3400m) or Huaraz (3050m) to adjust before your trek. Most tours build in practice hikes such as the trip to Humantay Lake (4200m) before tackling the Salkantay Trek. A TourRadar traveler advised: "The acclimatization day hikes in the Sacred Valley really helped prepare us for the Inca Trail. Our guide at Mountain Lodges of Peru ensured we took it slow and stayed hydrated." Medical check-ups before departure and altitude medication are recommended precautions.
What wildlife might I encounter while hiking in South America?
The trails host an array of native wildlife. Patagonia's Torres del Paine is home to guanacos Andean condors and elusive pumas. In the Peruvian Andes hikers often spot spectacled bears vizcachas and various hummingbird species. One TourRadar traveler shared: "During our trek in Torres del Paine National Park we saw numerous guanacos and even caught a glimpse of an Andean condor soaring above Grey Glacier. Our guide from G Adventures was excellent at spotting and identifying wildlife." The nearby Amazon adds to the biodiversity with its monkeys and tropical birds.
Are there family-friendly hiking options in South America?
Several trails welcome families with children. The 2-day Short Inca Trail provides a more gentle route to Machu Picchu. Day hikes around Torres del Paine's Grey Glacier let families enjoy remarkable views without technical challenges. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The day hikes in Torres del Paine were perfect for our children aged 10 and 12. Our guide from G Adventures was patient and made the experience educational and fun." Family-oriented bases include Explora Lodge and El MaPi Hotel which offer comfortable starting points for day excursions.
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