From the Inca Trail to the Best of Patagonia & Beyond
MT Sobek’s South America hiking and trekking tours lead guests into some of the continent’s most spectacular landscapes, from the glacier-carved towers of Patagonia and the high Andes of Peru to the Amazon rainforest and volcanoes of Ecuador. Hike beneath the granite spires of Torres del Paine and Fitz Roy, follow ancient Inca trails to Machu Picchu, and explore remote mountain valleys where the journey is enriched by wildlife, local cultures, and the camaraderie of your guides and fellow trekkers. With more than five decades of adventure travel experience in South America, MT Sobek brings together expertly designed routes, veteran local guides, and dialed-in logistics for unforgettable walking journeys across South America.
Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in South America
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What Makes MT Sobek’s South America Hiking Trips Extraordinary
For more than five decades, MT Sobek has guided intrepid travelers deep into the wild places of South America. Our hiking and trekking trips span the continent’s most recognizable landscapes—from Peru’s Inca Trail, Salkantay Route, and remote Cordillera Huayhuash to Ecuador’s volcanic highlands, the Galapagos Islands, and the vast, impressive wilderness of Chilean and Argentine Patagonia. In Patagonia alone, our roots stretch back to the mid 1970s, when we pioneered overland adventures and some of the region’s earliest commercial trekking routes.
That level of experience matters in a part of the world where high altitude, remote mountain passes, permits, refugio reservations, changing weather, transportation, and international border crossings can all create complications.
More than 50 Years of Adventure Expertise
MT Sobek has been leading guests into the world’s great mountain ranges since 1969, with five-plus decades of history pioneering adventure in South America—including some of the earliest commercial trekking routes in Patagonia.
South America’s Legendary Trails
Hike the Inca Trail or Salkantay Route to Machu Picchu, hike the iconic W Trek or O Circuit in Torres del Paine National Park, and explore Fitz Roy and Los Glaciares National Park in Argentine Patagonia.
Way Beyond the Famous Trails
Our South America adventures extend well beyond the region’s best-known trekking routes, with trips that explore places such as Peru’s remote Cordillera Huayhuash, Ecuador’s volcanic highlands, and the wild Cochamo Valley of Northern Patagonia.
Exceptional Local Guides
The people leading our trips don’t simply know the trail—they know the mountains. MT Sobek works with accomplished local guides who bring years of experience along with an intimate understanding of regional weather, terrain, wildlife, history, and culture.
High Altitude Expertise
Some of South America’s greatest treks climb well above 10,000 feet—with a few (like the Salkantay) topping 15,000 feet. Our Andean itineraries are intentionally designed with extra days for acclimatization, and MT Sobek mountain guides expertly support guests through the challenges of hiking at altitude.
Complex Adventures Made Seamless
Permits, porter or livestock support, remote transportation, refugios, mountain lodges, domestic connections, and international border crossings can make South America complicated to explore. MT Sobek handles the details so you can focus on enjoying the adventure.
A Trek for Every Kind of Hiker
Choose from classic lodge-to-lodge journeys and comfortable inn-based hiking trips to remote wilderness treks and challenging high-altitude expeditions.
More than the Mountains
South America rewards travelers with much more than spectacular hiking. Experience centuries-old Andean communities, Inca archaeological sites, Patagonian gaucho traditions, extraordinary wildlife, and destinations such as the Galapagos Islands that can turn a hiking trip into a more comprehensive exploration of the continent.
Unique Lodging in Extraordinary Places
Where you stay is an important part of the adventure. Trek lodge to lodge along Peru’s Salkantay Trail, ending the day at intimate mountain lodges with private rooms and outdoor Jacuzzis; sleep in comfortable MT Sobek wilderness camps beneath the glaciated peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash; or pair days on the trail with historic properties such as Cusco’s 500-year-old Palacio del Inka.
Compare Our Guided South America Hiking Tours
| Days | Difficulty (1-5) | Lodging | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina & Chile Patagonia Hiking with Premier Lodging Tour | 9 | 3 | Luxury & Comfort | Hiking Patagonia plus luxury |
| Argentina & Chile Patagonia to the Sea Hiking & Cruising Tour | 11 | 3 | Comfort & Small Ship | Hiking and adventure cruising in Patagonia |
| Chile & Argentina Ultimate Hiking Tour | 12 | 4 | Comfort & Rustic | Comprehensive Patagonia hiking experience |
| Chile Patagonia Torres del Paine W Trek Hiking Tour | 7 | 4 | Comfort, Rustic & Refugios | Classic hut-to-hut Patagonia trek |
| Chile Patagonia Torres del Paine O Circuit Trek Tour | 12 | 5 | Comfort, Rustic, Refugios & Camping | Patagonia for serious trekkers |
| Chile Patagonia Cochamo Valley Hiking Tour | 11 | 4 | Comfort, Rustic & Camping | Remote, lesser-known Patagonia |
| Costa Rica Coast to Coast Hiking | 10 | 4 | Comfort & Rustic | Hiking plus rafting & oceans |
| Guatemala Villages and Volcanoes Hiking Tour | 10 | 3 | Comfort & Deluxe Camping | Historical sites and volcano hikes |
| Peru Cordillera Blanca Trekking Tour | 14 | 5 | Comfort & Camping | Remote mountain trekking for adventurous travelers |
| Peru Cordillera Huayhuash Private Trekking Tour | 16 | 5 | Comfort & Camping | Private mountain adventure for serious trekkers |
| Peru Inca Trail Custom Trekking Tour | 8 | 4 | Luxury, Comfort & Camping | Classic Inca Trail hike |
| Peru Machu Picchu & Salkantay Lodge-to-Lodge Trekking Tour | 10 | 4 | Luxury & Comfort | Less-traveled route to Machu Picchu |
| Peru Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Hiking with Premier Lodging Tour | 8 | 3 | Luxury | Hiking and exploration in luxury |
| Peru Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Cusco Extension Tour | 6 | 2 | Luxury | Add the best of Peru to your Galapagos adventure |
| Custom South America Trekking Adventures | Varies | Varies | Varies | Design your perfect adventure |
FAQs
South America is a massive continent, with a range of climates and elevations. The best time to hike South America depends on where you are hiking. In Peru and Ecuador, the dry season (May to September) offers the best trekking conditions. June through August is the busiest period, leaving May and September as shoulder-season months with fewer crowds.
At the southern tip of South America, Patagonia is a completely different story. The best hiking season here is over the southern hemisphere’s late spring, summer and fall—November through March. November and March offer cooler temperatures, but thinner crowds; June through August typically features the best weather but also the busiest trails.
The most popular hiking tours in South America include Peru’s famous Inca Trail, the lesser-traveled Salkantay route to Machu Picchu, Torres del Paine National Park’s W Trek and O Circuit in Chilean Patagonia, and the extraordinary trails surrounding El Chalten in Argentine Patagonia. For people who prefer exploring more remote areas, the Cochamo Valley in northern Patagonia offers exactly that in a stunning wilderness dubbed the “Yosemite of South America,” and the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash ranges in Peru bring together wild landscapes and towering, glaciated mountains.
Learn more: W Trek or O Circuit: Which is Right For You? or Everything You Need to Know to Hike Patagonia’s W Trek
Hiking independently and joining guided adventures are both popular options. The right decision depends on the type of experience you’re interested in. If you enjoy planning itineraries, thinking through details, handling logistics and are comfortable with international wilderness travel, then hiking independently may be the best option. For people who prefer to have the planning and details handled professionally, and who want a thoughtfully crafted journey led by local, expert guides, a guided hiking tour can be the right choice.
Another consideration is safety—hiking in South America is often in high altitude or mountain environments with rapidly changing weather. Unless you have extensive experience trekking in remote mountain environments, a guided trip is recommended.
The two best regions in South America for trekking are the Peruvian Andes and the Patagonia region of southern Chile and Argentina. Hiking in Peru can be divided into two areas: the iconic trails and Andean peaks of the Cusco region (where the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are located), and the towering Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash mountains that surround the town of Huaraz. Patagonia can also be divided into two main sub-regions: the Chilean side and the Argentine side. On the Chilean side is Torres del Paine National Park with its famous multi-day hut-to-hut-treks, and farther north the remote and wild Cochamo Valley. On the Argentine side is Los Glaciares National Park, the Fitz Roy Massif, and Perito Moreno Glacier.
It depends. Hiking in South America can be reasonably safe, especially in the main hiking destinations like the Peruvian Andes and Patagonia, where there is extensive tourism infrastructure like hotels, backcountry lodges, ranger stations, maintained trails, emergency medical systems, search and rescue organizations and guide services.
Many people consider altitude and weather to be the two most significant risks with hiking in South America. Many hikes in South America—especially Peru—go up to and over 15,000 feet, where altitude sickness can be a factor. In Chilean and Argentine Patagonia, weather can shift quickly, going from sunny and calm to rain and powerful winds in a matter of minutes. However, these risks can be managed to increase safety through careful planning, having the right equipment, and joining a guided trip if you lack the experience or knowledge to hike safely on your own.
Both Peru and Patagonia offer extraordinary hiking and trekking. One isn’t necessarily better than the other, and each offers unique features. Peru is especially good for cultural history, Inca ruins, and porter-supported trekking. Patagonia is better suited for lodge-based hiking, hut-to-hut backcountry treks, and lower elevation exploration.
Multi-sport adventures are very common in South America. It’s relatively easy to combine hiking with horseback riding, packrafting, kayaking, whitewater rafting, zip-lining, and adventure cruises. Many of MT Sobek’s South America trips include multiple activities, including the Argentina & Chile Patagonia to the Sea Hiking & Cruising Tour, hiking and kayaking on the Guatemala Villages & Volcanoes Hiking Tour, and mix of trekking and rafting on the Costa Rica Coast to Coast Hiking Tour.
Yes. The Galapagos offers excellent hiking, although the experience is very different from a traditional mountain trekking destination. Trails cross volcanic landscapes, lava fields, beaches, highlands, and cactus forests, often bringing hikers close to giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and other endemic wildlife. Most hikes are relatively short and are combined with activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, making the Galapagos well suited to travelers who want active exploration rather than a dedicated trekking vacation. MT Sobek’s Galapagos Volcanoes & Islands Land-based Multi-Adventure Tour features exceptional Galapagos hikes.
Ask an Expert
We want you to have the best adventure, so don’t hesitate to call our expert team of adventure specialists at 800-974-0300 to learn more. Or click the button to use our online contact form.