Why choose a Latin America trek?
With spectacular scenery across a range of altitudes, contrasting ecosystems and sites full of tangible history, Latin America has so much to offer. From the well-trodden Inca Trail to lesser known routes to Machu Picchu, and from gentle hikes through village communities to high-altitude challenges not for the faint-hearted, Latin America has it all. Whilst this region is growing in popularity, there are still myriad off-the-beaten-track options to take you into some of the most beautiful parts of nature and into the unknown. Although it’s almost impossible to narrow down, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite treks in Latin America to spark your wanderlust and help you reconnect with this glorious world in which we live.Chapada Diamantina, Brazil
This area takes its name from the diamond rush that led people here in the 19th century, and it isn’t difficult to see why we consider the 5-day Grand Circuit route to be an absolute gem. The hike will take you up to the expansive table-top plateaus that offer views for miles of the rainforest that carpets the valley.Catch a glimpse along the way of Cachoeira da Fumaça, which, at an incredible 340m tall, is one of the highest waterfalls in Brazil. At the other end of the scale, this route also ventures down to crystal clear underground lagoons and rivers, perfect for cooling off after a hard day hiking.
Distance: 62 miles/100km, Duration: 5-8 days
Elevation: 1,725m/5,660ft, Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Salkantay Trek, Peru
If you’re planning on ticking Machu Picchu off your bucket list, our tour along the infamous Inca Trail is an unmissable adventure. Sensational views and a true test of your limits, the trek is a remarkable experience. However, if you prefer to escape the crowds, the Salkantay trek is worth considering as a less-frequented alternative. Salkantay translates to “savage mountain” in Quechua and perhaps sets the tone for this challenging hike that goes up to 4,600 m (15,090 ft).The diverse landscapes, terrain and climate of this route provide a memorable backdrop to your Peruvian adventure and culminate at the impressive citadel of Machu Picchu. Prepare for all weathers as you could be trekking through snow drifts one day, and lush cloudforests the next. To make the most of Machu Picchu, an early start on the final day is recommended, allowing you to watch the sun rise on this ancient city.
Distance: 45 miles/72km, Duration: 5 days
Elevation: 4,800m, Difficulty: Difficult
Lost City Trek, Colombia
Introducing the Lost City Trek; a hidden gem that remained undiscovered by the West until the 1970s. As a result, this Tayrona citadel, known as Teyuna, and the trail leading to it are ideal if you’re looking for a truly remote and authentic experience. Perfect for visitors in search of tranquility, Teyuna is brimming with magic, mystery and awe. Starting in Santa Marta on Colombia's Caribbean coast, this is a moderate 3-6 day trek with raging rivers and waterfalls to admire along the route.However, the final hurdle of this trek is a significant one, with 1,200 steps to climb before entering the citadel. Hikers might also be lucky enough to meet members of the Kogi tribe, known for their proud protection of the environment and whose presence and traditions in this area have endured for over 1,000 years.
Distance: 30-39 miles/48-63km, Duration: 3-5 days
Elevation: 1,500m, Difficulty: Moderate
Summiting Huayna Potosi, Bolivia
If you are seeking a serious challenge then we highly recommend this Bolivian expedition. The draw of this adventure is that, whilst previous hiking and climbing experience is recommended, the trek is still accessible for the majority of people who are determined and fit enough, making it one of the few genuinely accessible peaks above 6,000 m. In fact, many people claim that it is an ‘easy’ climb for a peak of this altitude, with the trek usually taking 2-3 days to complete.Although the high altitude and one-metre-wide ridge to reach the summit are certainly factors to bear in mind, the incredible views over La Paz and the surrounding Andes mountains, as well as the incredible sense of achievement, make the tough trek all the more worthwhile.
Duration:2-3 days, Elevation: 6,088m/20,000ft
Difficulty:Difficult
W Trek, Chile
This jaw-dropping trek through Chile’s southernmost region is certainly a route to make you feel as though you have journeyed to the edge of the world. The ‘w’ shaped trail is part of a larger loop and winds around immense snow-capped peaks, expansive glaciers and frosted lakes. The Ascencio Valley is the most widely photographed section, with dramatic rock towers at the base of the lake stretching up into the clouds, creating a unique and mystical sight.The W Trek is seen as a moderate hike through the Torres del Paine National Park and usually takes 4-5 days to complete, but there are more gentle options for day hikers, as well as more adventurous options such as the O Trek, which incorporates the W trek into a longer loop around the 'back' of the same spectacular mountains.
Distance: 62 miles/100km, Duration: 4-5 days
Elevation: 1100m/3,600ft, Difficulty: Moderate
Fitz Roy Trek, Argentina
Considered to be an alternative, yet equally breathtaking, option to hiking in Torres del Paine, this trek stretches through the beautiful landscape of the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares in Argentina's Patagonia region. The almost permanent presence of the clouds at the peak of Mount Fitz Roy gave rise to its original name of ‘Chaltén’, which translates to “the mountain that smokes” in the local Aoniken language.The main route is a 5-day hike, but there are also off-the-beaten-track day trails along the way that can elongate and add to this adventure. However, the unmissable highlight of this journey is watching the sun set over the peak of Mount Fitz Roy as the snow-covered world is lit up in deep pink and purple hues.
Duration: 5 days, Elevation: 2,900m/3,900ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Lares Trek, Peru
Whilst many of Peru's hikes allow travellers to discover the physical remnants of an extraordinary history, the Lares trek also places a focus on the contemporary rural culture that thrives in this region. Venturing through several villages, the hike offers an authentic insight into Andean mountain life and allows visitors to meet the resilient people who call this place home. Although this hike doesn’t go directly into Machu Picchu, there is the option to take a scenic train journey to Aguas Calientes (gateway to the citadel) after your hike, providing a relaxing respite at the end of the journey and allowing you to appreciate fully the awe-inspiring surroundings. Of the 4 days that make up this trek, the second day is considered to be the most difficult. However, the best views of these misty mountains can be seen when you reach the top, making the hard work worthwhile. Don’t forget to look up at night and see the otherworldly view of millions of stars stretching across the sky; a view only possible when you have truly escaped from bustling city life.Distance: 20 miles/33km, Duration: 4 days
Elevation: 4,800m/15,700ft, Difficulty: Moderate
Quilotoa Loop, Ecuador
For hikers who get fired up at the thought of travelling through volcanic terrain, the Quilotoa Loop off the Avenue of Volcanoes is perfect. It is a flexible and popular trek, with several different routes and starting points, meaning that it can be as easy or as challenging as you wish.Stop at one of the many local Andean markets dotted along the way, and the vibrant colours and patterns you’ll find there will rival the beauty of the natural scenery. However, the main attraction of this trek is the viewpoint of Quilotoa Lagoon's serene caldera; a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Distance: 25 miles/40km, Duration: 3-5 days
Elevation: 4000m/13,100ft, Difficulty: Moderate
Choquequirao Trek, Peru
Although much of Peru lies at high altitude, the Choquequirao Trek doesn’t reach heights as extreme as the Salkantay Trek, for example, making it a great choice for those concerned about altitude sickness. Don’t be fooled into thinking this an easy trek, however, as there are some tough uphills that are typical of the region. This 4-5 day route will take you to the little-visited ruins of Choquequirao, which translates to “Cradle of Gold”, and it certainly lives up to its name when the sun rises over the mountains, setting the city aflame in its golden light.Make sure you allow for plenty of time to explore the full extent of the ruins. In particular, the white-stone llamas built into the western walls are an amusing and popular sight. For those looking for the ultimate Peruvian hiking challenge, the full 9-day Choquequirao Trek continues on to Machu Picchu, making this one of the most adventurous, and ultimately rewarding, treks in Peru.
Distance: 40 miles/60km, Duration: 4-5 days
Elevation: 3000m, Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
Zapotecan Village Trek, Mexico
Journey through one of the oldest ecosystems in the world in Mexico's Oaxaca region and engage along the way with the local Zapotec people, as well as spotting the incredible variety of wildlife that call this place home. And what better way to witness such expansive and beautiful surroundings than on the high-altitude zipwire offered on our carefully curated tour?Experience the culture through close interaction with the locals and a traditional thermal bath (temezcal) to unwind in the afternoon. This is a trek with a strong focus on ecotourism, ensuring that the environment, the local economy, and you benefit from this adventure.
Duration: 4-5 days, Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult