6 Must See Hiking Tours of South America
It's time to get out your hiking backpack and experience the Hiking Tours of South America for yourself. Some are easy, others will demand every effort from your part. Explore as you've never done before and you'll have some amazing stories to tell when you get back home.
1. Inca Trail
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The Inca Trail takes you on an unforgettable journey through the Peruvian Andes. The trail was made by the Incas and starts not too far away from Cuzco.
It's a 3/4 day hiking tour, the level is moderate/difficult. The highest pass takes you to 4,200 meters (13,800 ft.).
The scenery is awesome and to know that you're walking in the footsteps of the Incas is just so exciting.
During the hike you'll encounter some excellent ruins but the big reward is, of course, arriving at The Lost City of the Incas: Machu Picchu. read more...
2. Cotopaxi National Park
Cotopaxi National Park is a few hours away from Quito, the capital of Ecuador, and is one of the most beautiful parks of South America. It's treasure is Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano of the world with a height of 5,897m./19,347 ft.
I can highly recommend doing the 3 day hike from the entrance of the park to the refuge at 4,800 meters (15,700 ft.) at the foot of the volcano Cotopaxi. The level is moderate if you're in good shape. The scenery is amazing.
If you're really up for the adventure of your life then you have the climb Cotopaxi. It takes about 7 hours to reach the crater from the refuge. read more...
3. Lost City (Ciudad Perdida)
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The Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) was my first adventurous hike tour in South America and it was fantastic! You leave from the city Santa Marta (Colombia) with a small group (up to 6 people) for a great adventure.
Although The Lost City can't match some of the other treasures found in South America the hike to the city is just awesome. The path takes you through coca plantations (and yes, people got kidnapped a few years ago so inform yourself before going) and through lowland jungle.
After hiking for 3 days you reach the 1,200 (yes) stairs that take you into the city. read more...
4. Santa Cruz Hike Tour
From the city of Huaraz in Peru you can set out for the Santa Cruz Hike Tour. It takes you on a great journey through the majestic Andes with some of the highest peaks of the country surrounding you.
The level is moderate although the highest pass reaches 4,750 meters (15,583 ft.) but before that you'll have encountered wonderful valleys and lakes. It's a popular trek so you'll meet some people on the road.
At the end of the 3/4 day trek you'll be exhausted but completely fulfilled of a splendid journey through the clouds. read more...
5. Torres del Paine
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Torres Del Paine is a wonder of nature. Declared Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978, the Torres del Paine National Park, (located in the Chilean Patagonia) is one of the most mesmerizing places on the planet.
The park is located in the South of Chile and can be visited from the nearby cities Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales. For those of you seeking an unmatched travel adventure Torres del Paine will challenge your wildest dreams.
The major attraction of the park is the Paine Massif composed mostly of granite and has been around for about 12 million years. The Torres del Paine are three sheer granite towers (see picture), that make a challenging and much wanted prize for experienced climbers. read more...
6. Salar de Uyuni
The big secret of South America is the breathtaking Salar de Uyuni in Southern Bolivia. It's the biggest salt flat lake in the world with a staggering 10,500 km2 (4,045 miles2).
Your senses will be provoked mercilessly. I can highly recommend the tours available in Uyuni when you travel in Bolivia.
A 3 day tour takes you on the salar and into the desert all the way to the border of Chile. On the trip you see, besides the salar, the green and the red lake, geysers, Isla Pescada (Fish Island) and hot spring baths. You're accompanied of a gorgeous never ceasing tranquility. read more...
Next: Mysteries of South America
© All photographs by Mark Van Overmeire*
*Photograph "Torres del Paine" by Loic Bernard | Agency: iStockphoto.com
