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From the Andes to Patagonia, there are plenty of hikes in South America as it is home to some of the tallest mountains in the world, making it a dream destination in terms of the finest mountain hikes in South America for hiking enthusiasts.From the Andes to Patagonia, there are plenty of options for those looking for an adventure. Here are twenty of the best mountain hikes in South America.
If you are an adventurous spirit, you might want to consider hiking up some of our thoughtfully listed best mountain hikes in South America. Moreover, if you can accommodate a little risk with your cardio, these are the spots for you!
20 Mountain Hikes in South America To Try This Year
Aconcagua, Argentina – The Highest Peak in The Southern And Western Hemisphere
This is one of the most challenging mountain hikes in South America. You will need to be highly fit as the ascent is long and challenging, taking anywhere between two to three weeks. The views from the top are stunning, making it all worth it.
With a summit elevation of 6961 meters, Aconcagua is not only the tallest mountain in Argentina but also in the Southern and Western Hemispheres. The mountain is located in the Andes range, near the border with Chile.
Difficulty – High
Cotopaxi, Ecuador – An Active Volcano with Amazing Views
Cotopaxi is one of the most famous mountains to hike in Ecuador. It is an active volcano with a summit elevation of 5897 meters. The views from the top are breathtaking, and you might even be able to see the nearby city of Quito.
Also, it is relatively safe to hike Cotopaxi as the last eruption happened in 1940. However, the weather can be unpredictable, so always check the forecast before going.
Difficulty – Medium to High
Huascarán, Peru – The Tallest Mountain in The Peruvian Andes
Huascarán is the tallest mountain in the Peruvian Andes, with a summit elevation of 6768 meters. The views are amazing, and you might even be able to see the nearby city of Quito.
The glacial lakes near the summit are beautiful, and the hike is relatively challenging. It usually takes about fourteen days to complete the ascent.
Difficulty – High
Illiniza Norte, Ecuador – A Great Option for Beginner Hikers
Illiniza Norte is a great mountain hike for those just starting. The ascent is relatively easy, and it should only take around four hours to reach the summit with an elevation of 5248 meters. With stunning views from the surrounding, hikers will sure not be disappointed.
Difficulty – Medium
Irazú Volcano, Costa Rica – The Second Tallest Volcano in Costa Rica
Irazú Volcano is the tallest volcano in Costa Rica, with a summit elevation of 3432 meters. You might even be able to see the nearby city of San José.
Last erupted in 1994; this hike would be one to reckon with for beginners as the ascent is not too challenging. It should take you four hours to reach the summit.
Difficulty – Easy
Monte Fitz Roy, Argentina – One of The Most Popular Mountain Hikes in South America
This is one of the most famous mountain hikes in South America. The summit elevation is 3405 meters, and the views from the top are stunning.
Standing at Los Glaciares National Park, this is one of South America’s best mountain hikes. With the Chilean border just a few hours away, hikers will see fantastic views and experience the culture.
Difficulty – Medium
Nevado Ojos del Salado, Chile – The Highest Volcano in The World
Nevado Ojos del Salado is the highest volcano in the world, with a summit elevation of 6893 meters. With unbelievable surroundings, you might even be able to see the nearby city of Santiago.
Hikers can try and summit the volcano in a day, but taking your time and enjoying the scenery is recommended. The ascent is relatively challenging, but the views are worth it.
Difficulty – Medium to High
Nevado Pisco, Peru – A Great Option for Beginner Hikers
Nevado Pisco is an excellent mountain hike for those just starting. The ascent is relatively easy, with a summit elevation of 5752 meters, and it should only take around four hours to reach the summit. The views definitely will take you on a mind-blowing tour to remember.
This would be an exciting hike as it involves walking on snow slopes mostly. Note that the weather can be unpredictable, so always check the forecast before going.
Difficulty – Easy
Parinacota, Chile – A Fantastic Option for Beginner Hikers
Parinacota, a fantastic range of mountains in Chile, is an excellent option for beginner hikers. With an elevation of 4400 meters, it is one of South America’s most famous mountains to hike. There is a possibility that you might even be able to see the nearby city of Arica.
The hike can be a little challenging. However, it is still manageable for beginner hikers. It should take twelve days to reach the summit if you are fit and healthy.
Difficulty – Medium
Torres del Paine, Chile – One of The Most Popular National Parks in Chile
Torres del Paine is one of Chile’s most famous national parks, and for a good reason. It is a must-see with stunning landscapes and incredible views for any nature lover.
However, to complete the hike with an elevation of 2884 meters would take around three to four days. This is ideal for the more experienced hikers, but it is worth the views.
Difficulty – High
Volcán Barú, Panama – The Tallest Mountain in Panama
Volcán Barú is the tallest mountain in Panama, with a summit elevation of 3475 meters. You might even be able to see the nearby city of David.
Further, it is also famous as the twelfth highest peak in all of Central America. The hike can be challenging, but the views are worth it. It should take you around twelve hours to reach the summit.
Difficulty – Medium to High
Huayna Picchu, Peru – The Most Popular Mountain Hike in Peru
Wayna Picchu is Peru’s most famous mountain hike, and for a good reason. The summit elevation is 2430 meters, and the views are pretty breathtaking. The mountain is just around the Urubamba river bend, making it a perfect place to take pictures.
Despite the challenges, hiking to the top of Wayna Picchu is worth it. It should take you around four hours to reach the summit.
Difficulty – Medium
Yanapacha, Colombia – A Great Option for New Hikers
Yanapacha, located in Colombia, is a great mountain hike for those just starting. The ascent is relatively easy, and it should only take seven to eight hours to reach the summit. Hikers might even be able to see the nearby city of Bogotá.
Mountaineering in Yanapacha is an excellent option for beginner hikers who want to enjoy fantastic views without trek for days.
Difficulty – Easy
Zongo Valley, Bolivia – A Must-See for Any Nature Lover
Zongo Valley, located in Bolivia, is a must-see for any nature lover. With stunning landscapes and amazing views, it is a truly unique place.
Hiking to the summit of Zongo Valley with an elevation of 3000 meters can be challenging, but it is worth it. It should take you around two days to reach the summit.
Difficulty – Medium to High
Laguna 69, Peru – One of The Most Popular Mountain Hikes in South America
Laguna 69 is one of the most famous mountain hikes in South America. The trail is relatively easy, and it should only take four hours to reach the summit with an elevation of 4600 meters. With unbelievable sights, you might even be able to see the nearby city of Huaraz.
This is an excellent option for those who want to enjoy fantastic views without trek for days.
Difficulty – Easy
Cerro Chaltén, Argentina – One of The Breathtaking Mountain Hikes in South America
Cerro Chaltén is one of the most famous mountain hikes with an elevation of 3405 meters. The ascent is relatively easy, and it should only take twelve to fourteen hours to reach the summit. You might even be able to see the nearby city of El Chaltén.
Despite the challenges, hiking to the top of Cerro Chaltén is worth it.
Difficulty – Easy
Inca Trail, Peru – One of The Most Popular Mountain Hikes in South America
Inca Trail is one of the most famous mountain hikes in South America. The trail is relatively easy, although with an elevation of 13776 meters. It should take you around four days to complete the hike.
The trek is exciting as it passes through the region’s mountainscapes, ruins, and cloud forests. The views from the top of the Inca Trail are simply breathtaking, and you might even be able to see the nearby city of Machu Picchu.
Difficulty – Easy
Irazú Volcano, Costa Rica – Popular Mountain in South America
Irazú Volcano, with a summit elevation of 3432 meters, is one of the most famous mountain hikes in Costa Rica. The ascent is relatively easy, and it should only take four hours to reach the summit.
You can get there by car or bus from San Jose. The views from the top of Irazú Volcano are beyond breathtaking.
Difficulty – Easy
Cotopaxi, Ecuador – Second Highest Summit in Ecuador
Cotopaxi, with a summit elevation of 5897 meters, is one of Ecuador’s most famous mountain hikes. The ascent can be challenging, and it should take around eight hours to reach the summit.
With the highest active volcanoes in the world, this place makes it more challenging for hikers.
Difficulty – Medium
Chimborazo, Ecuador – Ideal for Hikers Who Love a Challenge
Chimborazo, with a summit elevation of 6263 meters, is one of Ecuador’s most famous mountain hikes. The ascent can be challenging, and it should take nine to twelve hours to reach the summit.
The exciting part about climbing Chimborazo is that hiking demands skill and involves surviving on black ice for the most part.
Difficulty – High
Try Your Luck!
Wouldn’t it be amazing to enjoy one of these great mountain hikes in South America? All of these hikes offer stunning views, and they are all relatively easy to complete. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
Featured Image Credit: Antonio Salaverry
