The 10 Best Multi-Day Treks in South America

South America stands as one of the world's most spectacular trekking destinations, offering adventurers everything from ancient Incan trails to towering volcanic peaks. This incredible continent stretches from the Caribbean Sea to the Antarctic, encompassing diverse landscapes that will leave you breathless at every turn.

Home to the mighty Andes Mountains - the world's longest continental mountain range - South America boasts some of the planet's most dramatic and varied terrain. From the mystical cloud forests of Peru to the granite spires of Patagonia, the continent offers trekking experiences that cater to every level of adventurer. The region's rich cultural heritage adds another layer of magic to these journeys, with ancient civilizations like the Incas leaving behind incredible archaeological sites that you can explore on foot.

What makes trekking in South America truly special is the sheer diversity of experiences available. You can traverse windswept pampas, navigate dense Amazon rainforest, climb snow-capped volcanoes, and walk along pristine glacial lakes—all within a single country. The continent's unique geography creates microclimates that support an incredible variety of flora and fauna, making each trek a natural history lesson come to life.

South America treks offer more than just stunning scenery. These adventures provide opportunities to connect with local communities, experience traditional cultures, and challenge yourself in some of the world's most remote wilderness areas. Whether you're seeking the spiritual journey of the Inca Trail or the raw wilderness experience of Patagonia, hiking in South America promises memories that will last a lifetime.

1. W Trek - Torres del Paine, Chile

The W Trek stands as one of the most iconic trekking experiences in Patagonia, and for good reason. This spectacular 50-mile journey through Chile's Torres del Paine National Park showcases some of the most dramatic mountain scenery on Earth. The trail gets its name from the W-shaped route that connects the park's most famous landmarks.

Trekking in Chile doesn't get much better than this adventure through granite towers, turquoise lakes, and ancient forests. The W Trek takes you face-to-face with the legendary Torres del Paine granite spires, the stunning Grey Glacier, and the French Valley with its hanging glaciers and avalanche-prone slopes. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in spotting guanacos, condors, and if you're lucky, the elusive puma.

The trail offers excellent refuge infrastructure, making it accessible to trekkers who prefer not to carry camping gear. However, these mountain lodges book up quickly, especially during peak season from December to March. The Patagonian weather can be unpredictable, with strong winds and sudden storms, so proper preparation is essential.

Location: Chile
Distance: 50 miles
Recommended Duration: 4-5 days
When to do: December-March

2. O Circuit - Torres del Paine, Chile

For those seeking a more comprehensive Patagonian adventure, the O Circuit delivers the ultimate Torres del Paine trekking experience. This challenging 81-mile trek circumnavigates the entire Paine Massif, offering everything the W Trek provides plus much more solitude and wilderness immersion.

The O Circuit includes the famous W Trek route but extends into the park's remote backcountry, where you'll encounter pristine wilderness and fewer crowds. The trail's most challenging section involves crossing the John Gardner Pass, where you'll witness the impressive Grey Glacier from above. The northern section of the circuit takes you through diverse ecosystems, from Patagonian steppe to ancient lenga forests.

This is one of the best treks for experienced hikers who want to fully immerse themselves in Patagonian wilderness. The additional days allow for a deeper connection with the landscape and provide opportunities to witness the region's dramatic weather patterns and ever-changing light conditions.

Location: Chile
Distance: 81 miles
Recommended Duration: 7-10 days
When to do: December-March

3. Inca Trail - Peru

The Inca Trail represents the holy grail of South American trekking, combining breathtaking Andean scenery with incredible archaeological sites. This ancient pathway leads to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, following the same route used by Incan messengers centuries ago.

Trekking in Peru reaches its pinnacle on this legendary trail, which passes through diverse ecosystems from cloud forest to alpine tundra. The journey includes visits to remarkable Incan ruins like Llactapata, Runkurakay, and Sayacmarca, each offering insights into this sophisticated civilization. The trail's climax comes with sunrise at Machu Picchu, accessed through the famous Sun Gate.

Due to its popularity and the need to preserve the trail, permits are strictly limited and must be booked months in advance. The trail combines physical challenge with cultural immersion, as you'll be supported by local porters who are descendants of the Incas themselves.

Location: Peru
Distance: 26 miles
Recommended Duration: 4 days
When to do: May-September

4. Cotopaxi Summit - Ecuador

Cotopaxi stands as one of the world's highest active volcanoes and offers one of the most accessible high-altitude climbing experiences in South America. This perfectly shaped stratovolcano rises to 19,347 feet, providing a serious mountaineering challenge wrapped in stunning Andean scenery.

The ascent begins from the Cotopaxi National Park, where you'll acclimatize while enjoying views of the surrounding Avenue of Volcanoes. The climbing route follows the glacier-covered slopes to the summit, requiring basic mountaineering skills and proper equipment. The pre-dawn summit push rewards climbers with spectacular sunrise views across the Ecuadorian Andes.

Trekking in Ecuador offers unique opportunities to experience diverse ecosystems, and Cotopaxi provides access to páramo grasslands, glacial environments, and volcanic landscapes. The nearby Quilotoa Loop offers excellent acclimatization opportunities before attempting the summit.

Location: Ecuador
Distance: Variable approach routes
Recommended Duration: 3-4 days
When to do: December-January, June-August

5. Chimborazo Summit - Ecuador

Chimborazo holds the distinction of being the closest point on Earth to the sun, thanks to our planet's equatorial bulge. This massive volcano reaches 20,564 feet and offers a serious high-altitude challenge that attracts mountaineers from around the world.

The mountain's multiple ecosystems create a fascinating journey from tropical agricultural areas to glacial environments. The standard route follows the Whymper Route, named after the first person to summit Chimborazo in 1880. The climb requires technical mountaineering skills and excellent physical conditioning due to the extreme altitude.

What makes this climb special is the opportunity to stand on the furthest point from Earth's center. The journey takes you through vicuña habitats and unique high-altitude plant communities found nowhere else on Earth. The summit provides breathtaking views of the Ecuadorian Andes and, on clear days, glimpses of both the Pacific Ocean and Amazon Basin.

Location: Ecuador
Distance: Variable approach routes
Recommended Duration: 3-5 days
When to do: December-January, June-August

6. Huayhuash Circuit - Peru

The Huayhuash Circuit offers one of the most spectacular and challenging treks in the Peruvian Andes. This remote 112-mile circuit around the Cordillera Huayhuash showcases some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in South America, including numerous peaks over 20,000 feet.

This challenging trek takes you through pristine wilderness areas where you'll encounter turquoise alpine lakes, massive glaciers, and traditional Andean communities. The circuit includes multiple high-altitude passes, with the highest reaching over 16,000 feet. The route provides incredible views of Siula Grande, made famous by the book and film "Touching the Void."

The Huayhuash Circuit is considered one of the best treks in Peru for experienced hikers seeking solitude and dramatic scenery. The trail passes through remote villages where you can experience traditional Andean culture and hospitality. The trek requires excellent physical fitness and proper acclimatization due to the high altitude.

Location: Peru
Distance: 112 miles
Recommended Duration: 8-12 days
When to do: May-September

7. Huemel Circuit - Argentina

The Huemel Circuit offers a challenging and rewarding trek through some of Patagonia's most remote and spectacular terrain. This 29-mile circuit around the Huemel Massif in Los Glaciares National Park provides incredible views of Cerro Torre, Fitz Roy, and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

This demanding trek in Argentina includes technical sections requiring basic mountaineering skills, including river crossings and exposure to steep terrain. The circuit showcases the raw beauty of Patagonian wilderness, with opportunities to observe glaciers, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife including condors and guanacos.

The Huemel Circuit is perfect for experienced trekkers seeking adventure beyond the more popular El Chaltén trails. The route provides access to viewpoints that few visitors ever experience, offering a true sense of wilderness exploration in one of the world's most remote regions.

Location: Argentina
Distance: 29 miles
Recommended Duration: 3-4 days
When to do: December-March

8. Salkantay Trek - Peru

The Salkantay Trek offers an incredible alternative to the Inca Trail, providing access to Machu Picchu through diverse landscapes and fewer crowds. This challenging 46-mile trek takes you around the sacred Salkantay Mountain, considered one of the most important peaks in Incan cosmology.

The journey begins in highland puna environments before descending into cloud forest and eventually reaching the subtropical zone near Machu Picchu. Along the way, you'll cross the challenging Salkantay Pass at 15,213 feet, offering spectacular views of the snow-capped peak and surrounding glaciers.

What makes this trek special is the incredible diversity of ecosystems you'll experience, from high-altitude lakes to coffee plantations. The route includes opportunities to visit local communities and learn about traditional Andean culture, while avoiding the permit requirements of the classic Inca Trail.

Location: Peru
Distance: 46 miles
Recommended Duration: 5-7 days
When to do: May-September

9. Santa Cruz Circuit - Peru

The Santa Cruz Circuit in the Cordillera Blanca offers one of the most spectacular and accessible high-altitude treks in Peru. This 31-mile circuit showcases Peru's highest peaks, including Huascarán, the country's tallest mountain at 22,205 feet.

Along the trail, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, turquoise glacial lakes, and lush valleys filled with wildflowers. The route takes you through quaint villages and traditional farming communities, providing a glimpse into the local way of life.

The highlight of the trek is Punta Union Pass, which sits at an impressive 15,580 feet and offers unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. This trek is ideal for those seeking adventure and natural beauty, all while immersing themselves in the stunning landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.

Location: Peru
Distance: 31 miles
Recommended Duration: 4-5 days
When to do: May-September

10. El Choro Trek - Bolivia

The El Choro Trek is a breathtaking adventure in Bolivia that highlights the stunning landscapes, where nature and history intertwine. This trek begins high in the Andes, near La Cumbre Pass at an elevation of 15,945 feet, and descends into lush cloud forests, creating a dramatic contrast between rugged mountains and verdant greenery.

Along the way, hikers will follow a centuries-old pre-Columbian trail, discovering ancient stone paths, waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems teeming with wildlife. Whether you’re captivated by the rich cultural history or the vibrant natural beauty, the El Choro trek offers an unforgettable experience for all who traverse its path.

Location: Bolivia
Distance: 38 miles
Recommended Duration: 3-4 days
When to do: May-October

How to Get to South America

Planning a trip to South America is an adventure in itself, and knowing the best ways to get there is the first step. Fortunately, flights to countries like Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia are readily available from major international airports. Depending on your location, there are numerous options to suit your travel needs!

For Peru, Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport serves as the primary hub, with direct flights from cities such as Miami, Los Angeles, and New York. Many travelers choose this as their gateway to explore the wonders of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.

Ecuador welcomes adventurers through Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito and José Joaquín de Olmedo Airport in Guayaquil. Both provide connections to popular destinations like the Galápagos Islands, with nonstop flights from Miami, Houston, and Atlanta.

If Chile is your destination, Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport is your arrival point. Enjoy seamless connections as direct flights are available from Dallas, New York, and several European cities. This gateway makes it easy to explore Patagonia or the Atacama Desert.

For trips to Argentina, Buenos Aires is the main entry point via Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza). Flights are frequent from major hubs like Miami, Dallas, and New York, as well as other neighboring South American nations.

Bolivia is best reached through El Alto International Airport in La Paz or Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz. Nonstop options tend to be more limited, but connecting flights from neighboring countries and major hubs such as Miami make traveling here manageable.

Remember to check visa requirements, airline policies, and seasonality to ensure a stress-free arrival. With a bit of preparation, flying to South America is the perfect start to your unforgettable adventure!

Take the First Step in Your South America Adventure

Planning the perfect trekking adventure in South America can feel overwhelming, but with the right resources and guidance, it becomes an exciting and seamless process. From choosing the best trail - be it the iconic Inca Trail, the rugged Torres del Paine, or the breathtaking Chimborazo summit - to ensuring you have the necessary gear and permits, every detail matters in crafting a memorable experience. Don't forget to consider the ideal travel season for your destination and acclimatization needs for high-altitude treks.

Why not leave the logistics to the experts? Contact an adventure travel specialist today who can tailor your trip to match your fitness level, interests, and dreams. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a first-time explorer, a well-planned itinerary will ensure you're ready to fully enjoy the natural wonders of South America. Reach out now and take the first step on the ultimate trekking adventure of a lifetime!