5 Best Treks in Latin America: The Adventurer’s Guide

Carved from top to toe by the dramatically craggy rock formations of the Andes, Latin America is a maze of magnificent mountain trails and promising pinch-me landscapes. From tropical forest floors and deep dark canyons to glacier-covered mountain peaks rising 20,000 feet above sea level; these diverse trails await to show you the pinnacle of nature’s artistry. Find yourself standing on sacred sites of the Incan Empire in the emerald cloud forests of Peru on your once-in-a-lifetime trek to Machu Picchu. Traverse mountain peaks, glaciers, valleys, plains, and even glacier lagoons in Patagonia’s Torres del Paine. Swim in the aqua-colored Lagunas de Los Tres as you celebrate the completion of your ascent to Cerro Fitz Roy, one of the pictured mountains on Earth.

While some treks can be completed in a day, others require days of endurance, focus, and determination, attracting some of the world’s most serious hikers. In this article, we introduce the five very best treks in Latin America, covering all ability levels, and show you exactly why you should add one to your bucket list.

5 Days Inca Trail

Follow the famed path of the royal Incas from Piscacucho to Machu Picchu on our exclusive 5 Day Inca Trail trek. The four-day Inca Trail is by far the most popular route to the citadel of Machu Picchu which often means it is overcrowded, underwhelming, and slightly rushed. Our unique five-day itinerary, on the other hand, staggers its departure times from the four-day groups which allows its hikers to have a more personal, paced, and memorable experience. So, not only can you enjoy the trail to yourself, but you also have plenty of time to acclimatize to the altitude, rest, take pictures, and best of all, explore Machu Picchu peacefully.

The Inca Trail begins with a winding path above the Urubamba River to Llactapata, a recently discovered Inca site. After a rested sleep at this spectacular ancient ruin, you begin your ascent through the vivid green cloud forest to Llulluchapampa, a scenic plateau at 12,000 feet above sea-level amongst the mountains. From here, prepare to climb the trail’s most challenging point, the menacingly named Dead Woman’s Pass which reaches 13,820 feet above sea level before continuing to Pacasmayo Valley and the Runkurakay Pass. Enjoy a dreamy sleep in Phuyupatamarca, or ‘the place above the clouds’ before arriving at Inti Punku, the Gateway of the Sun, where Machu Picchu lies teasingly ahead. After celebrating reaching the end of the trek with pictures in Machu Picchu, you’ll be treated to a relaxed hotel stay before returning to it for the ultimate guided tour the next day. Oh, did we not mention the 5-day trek allows you to visit Machu Picchu twice too?

While the Inca Trail is only suited to camping, we treat our hikers as five-star hotel guests. All luggage is carried by porters who will hike with you every step of the way. All you need to carry is a small backpack with water, snacks, and any other items you might want to hand. Each evening, the porters will pitch your tents while the cooks prepare your meal so you can concentrate on resting and soaking up the spectacular scenery this trek guarantees.

W-Trek – Torres Del Paine National Park

The W-Trek through the Torres del Paine National Park in Chile’s Patagonia is internationally renowned as one of the most scenic treks on Earth, and for a good reason. From start to finish, each step on this w-shaped trek is blessed with the most magical views of mountain peaks, glaciers, valleys, glacier lagoons, and plains. While the trek can be completed in an intense three days, we recommend five and seven-day treks. The five-day trek navigates you to the national park’s biggest highlights, while the seven-day trek you to take the time to appreciate the scenery around you and opt for extra excursions to Los Cuernos, one of the park’s most picturesque peaks, and the Eastern lagoons where you can spot native fauna.

Both treks start with a hike to Torres del Paines, one of the most recognizable mountain peaks in the world thanks to its three towers protruding from the mountain in an unlikely formation by glacial force. Continuing through the centre of the ‘w’, you will reach the Frances Valley where the jagged Fortaleza and Aleta de Tiburon peaks stand to attention to the north and the Frances Glacier teeters over the Nothofagus forest to the east. Then, passing Paine Grande, arguably Patagonia’s most beautiful peak, you will finish your trek at Glaciar Grey which stretches an unimaginable 4-miles wide and 12-miles long.

To feel the force of nature that has shaped Torres del Paine and immerse in its elements, you can opt to spend the night at pre-arranged camp sites. Of course, every meal will be prepared for you and your cosy tents set up each night so that you can concentrate on hiking. However, if you want to feel the luxury of a real bed cradling your body after a long day’s hike, we recommend a hostel option.

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek is a challenging 7-day camping trek for the most experienced and fearless of hikers. While the trail is a short 36 miles long, the path is often steep, tricky, and at times, slightly treacherous. Yet, traversing the entire Vilcabamba mountain range, it promises a diverse range of scenery from peaceful rivers to humbling canyons and high mountain passes.

Mules in tow, the trek starts with a 5,250 foot descent into the Apurimac canyon, where you will set up camp for the night before a tough climb to Choquequirao the next day. After a restful night’s sleep, you will have the whole day to absorb the ancient atmosphere and vast views of the Vilcabamba peaks from the Choquequirao ruins — some of the most remote and unexplored in all of Peru. While it is possible to turn around and trek back at this point, we recommend continuing the trail to Machu Picchu. Following a few days of steep climbing, be prepared to reach altitudes of 13,800 feet on the highest pass of the trek to the village of Yamana where you will get a well-earned rest as you are transported by road to Lucmabamba. On the final day of hiking, you’ll take part of the royal Inca trail through the lush tropical cloud forest to reach Llactapata, another rarely seen Incan site. From here, you can enjoy unique views of Machu Picchu before reaching the famous citadel yourself the next day.

As a camping trek, the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek is all about getting close and personal with the great Peruvian Andes and magnificent landscapes it presents. Hikers are provided with only the very best camping equipment and served lovingly prepared and deliciously varied meals three times a day to ensure maximum comfort. Due to the skill-level required to hike this trek, it attracts the most like-minded strong-willed people with an affinity for the outdoors and an unwavering passion for hiking.

Mount Fitz Roy Trek – El Chalten

The Mount Fitz Roy Trek in El Chalten, part of Argentina’s awe-inspiring Los Glaciares National Park, is distinguished as one of the most rewarding 1-day treks in Latin America. The hike is named in honor of its most spellbinding sight, the glacier-covered Cerro Fitz Roy. With piercing jagged rock formations towering over the vivid turquoise Laguna de Los Tres like the New York skyline towers over the Hudson River, it is one of the most recognizable mountainscapes in the world. Trailing 13.3 miles round trip with an elevation of 2,800 feet, the trek is somewhat difficult, but unlike many of Latin America’s best treks, can be completed by anyone with a reasonable fitness level at their own pace. However, the trail saves 1,300 feet of the total elevation gain until the final mile to Laguna de Los Tres. Of course, the views of the distinctive Fitz Roy peak reflecting in the turquoise laguna as it presides proudly over you are undoubtedly worth it.

Starting from the village of El Chalten, you’ll begin the trek by climbing along the mountains overlooking the vast plains of Las Vueltas River Valley. After walking through a tall coniferous forest, you will be stopped in your tracks by the sapphire-blue Laguna Capri which contrasts beautifully with the emerald-green forest surrounding it. The trail continues through refreshingly flat meadows framed like a painting by grey mountain peaks before the steep ascent to Laguna de Los Tres. Once you’ve reached Cerro Fitz Roy, you can stay and rest, picnic, take photos, and even swim in the chilly lagoon (if you’re feeling brave) before your descent down the same trail.

If the Mount Fitz Roy Trek leaves you itching to see more of Patagonia’s breathtaking landscapes, El Chalten is the place to be. While the village is best known as the starting point for the Mount Fitz Roy Trek, the village is actually a mecca for outdoor adventure. Hike to the top of Cerro Torre to see icebergs float idly along Laguna Torre before impressive mountain peaks. Witness Glacier Huemul overflowing into the ice-blue lagoon below. Brave class IV rapids on El Río de Las Vueltas. Why not even try your hand at ice climbing on the Viedma Glacier?

Salkantay Lodge to Lodge Trek

The Salkantay Lodge to Lodge Trek is a 7-day trek from the former Incan capital of Cusco to the heights of Machu Picchu, the Incas’ greatest legacy. If you’re looking for a relatively challenging yet rewarding trek ending near Machu Picchu, this is it. Not only does this 7-day trek require endurance, it also requires determination as it navigates through one of the toughest routes in the Andes, the renowned Salkantay Pass. Sitting at an elevation of 14,435 feet above sea level, the pass requires an uphill ascent of around 6,000 feet through snow, rock, and glacial ice from the vivid turquoise Humantay glacier lagoon. Undoubtedly, every step is worth it for the views it delivers of the lagoon, Salkantay Peak, and the vast Andean plains. After conquering this epic pass, the trek continues through the mystical cloud forest, into the serene Santa Teresa Valley, and across the Llactapata Pass to be rewarded with seldom seen views of Machu Picchu before arriving in Aguas Calientes.

A tough day’s hike will be soon forgotten when you arrive each evening at a different contemporary eco-conscious lodge constructed with traditional Andean techniques. Each lodge is nestled in the quietude of nature promising gorgeous views from your suite, dining table, and especially the outdoor jacuzzi. On your arrival, expect to be welcomed with a hearty gourmet Andean dish to nourish your body and soul before turning in for an undisturbed sleep in your luxury bed. While Colpa Lodge is appreciated for its scenic views of the mountainous cloud forest, Lucma Lodge is loved for its contemporary treehouse style with windows that stretch across two floors that bring nature indoors. As you hike from lodge to lodge, this trek will immerse you in rural Andean Culture and Incan civilization as well as the Andes’ lush landscapes. Between stretches of hiking, enjoy visiting a horse ranch, local artisans, and refuel at an organic coffee experience.

Hike One of the 5 Best Treks in Latin America – Contact Us Today

Each of these five treks promise landscapes more beautiful than you ever knew possible, but they are only rewarded to those who challenge themselves to put one foot in front of the other. Are you up for the challenge? Take your first step towards Machu Picchu, Torres del Paine, or El Chalten by getting in touch with our travel experts. Not only will they offer valuable insights into the treks, but they can help you build your ultimate adventure vacation. To get in touch, just click here.