8 Best Mountain Hike In South America for BackPackers
Mountain Hike in South America
The season for the best mountain hike in South America is anytime. It’s all about your love for mountains, love for climbing, and desire to see some of the most beautiful places on earth.
If you are a mountaineer, backpacker, or weekend hiker, South America is the ultimate place to hike in any season of the year. The best thing I liked here is the plenty of mountains along with stunning views around them. These mountains are also surrounded by the unmatched beauty of nature which satisfies all your senses more than ever before.
Once you start hiking these summits you will fall into a paradise that no words can explain completely. When I was at Torres Del Paine National Park in Chile, my eyes just couldn’t believe what they were seeing- lakes reflecting surrounding mountain peaks as if someone has placed a mirror at the bottom of the lake. Arica, Chile is one of the best cities to start hiking & climbing adventures in South America.
8 Best Mountains to hike in South America
1 HuayHuash Circuit in Peru
Peru is an ideal location for mountain lovers who have a dream of hiking and traveling. It is renowned as the home to some of the highest mountains on earth plus it has so many other jaw-dropping sights as well.
If you are a backpacker, then no doubt the Huayhuash Circuit hike will be one of your best memories from South America. The journey begins from the base camp near Llamacorral at an altitude of 4,400 meters above sea level. You can reach this land by flying to Lima & hiring a taxi for Huaraz which is the starting point of this circuit around 8-9 hours drive away. This place normally takes 3 days to complete on foot with overnight stops at campsites on highland pastures surrounded by all those amazing views which you can see up on the peaks.
Each day of this trek will take you through a different world of its own where you’ll be surrounded by new landscapes & a fresh climate. You’ll experience how nature changes with height, this is because at 4,400 meters above sea level the vegetation starts to change slowly but surely. On your way to campsite 2 (Huascaran Norte) at 5,100 meters above sea level via Campsite 1 (Aqua Amarillo), there are so many things that catch your attention like never before. The route is filled with lakes in all shades of blue and green that are simply stunning. This campsite has an amazing panoramic view of Lake Sihuas & Mount Huascaran.
2 Kaieteur Falls Trek in Guayana
This is one of the best mountain hikes in South America. Here you will get to experience the perfect combination of jungle, falls, & rivers.
Kaieteur Falls are located in the Potaro-Siparuni region of Guyana. These falls are 800 feet high and belong to the category of highest waterfalls in the world. You can hike to this place in Guayana by taking a cable car which will take you to almost halfway up where it is possible for you to climb ropes & ladders for whatever height your heart desires.
This mountain hiking trail can be done either alone or with friends over 4 days but if you’re planning on doing it yourself then ensure that you start this journey before 9 am because after 2 pm there’s no one at all available for help should something happen. So do hike safely but if possible then take someone with you.
This trek includes traveling by foot in the tropical forest, crossing rivers and streams which will be fun for nature lovers. While on your way to Kaieteur Falls in Guyana, you’ll come across natural waterfalls & caves along with rewarding views of forest-covered mountains in Central Guayana. You can also see the impressive wildlife here like Macaws, Toucans, hummingbirds, Sloths, Anteaters, etc.
3 El Altar Trek in Ecuador
The famous yellow lagoon surrounded by breathtaking peaks makes it one of the best places for hiking in South America. This 3-day journey will take you all the way up to the “altar” where you can camp overnight or just spend a few hours there enjoying nature before heading back down again to your campsite.
The Altar trek is the best mountain hike in South America. This place is within the boundaries of Ecuador’s first national park that is popular as the Sangay National Park. The Altar Lake trek usually begins at 12 pm & lasts until around 4-5 pm when you reach the lake where you can either stay there or head back again to your campsite which will be around 8 km away from this location.
4 Ancient Inca Ruins
The world’s most famous & mysterious trails are on the Inca Trail which is very famous for its amazing architecture, beautiful landscape, high passes, archaeological sites, etc. The trail itself was once used by ancient Peruvians (Andean people who lived between mountains and). Nowadays many different adventurers use this trail who come from all around the world to seek adventures here.
This hike takes you through a variety of landscapes starting with a valley full of terraces, ponds & small stone walls on your way to a lush green cloud forest. Here, you’ll enjoy the surrounding of orchids and wild strawberries. At first sight of Machu Picchu, you’ll notice its impressive architecture which will leave you in awe at the same time as wanting more of what lies ahead as this trek never ends till it reaches Machu Picchu itself.
The Inca Trail stands proud for 1000 years now and was always an important trade route between Cusco & the coast from which mummies were also found proving that this trail was indeed used for trading purposes.
5 Roraima Trek in Venezuela
This best mountain hiking in South America is located in the Guiana Highlands of Venezuela. This is where you’ll find Mount Roraima, the highest tepui in the world. This hike will take you to the top of this amazing mountain which is about 2 hours away from the Guyana-Venezuela border & will usually last for 1 day.
This mountain hiking takes you through strange rock formations, beautiful waterfalls & lush green valleys which are very rare to find in South America especially within the boundaries of a huge tepui. You’ll also get to see bizarre flora & fauna including pitcher plants, tree-like ferns, and other strange-looking vegetation. You can camp overnight in a small cave or at the base of Mount Roraima.
6 Aconcagua Base Camp in Argentina
Even beginners can take this hike up to the base camp of Aconcagua because it is a very easy route with awesome views of mountains. It is also one of the best mountain hikes in South America for beginners. This hike will take you at least 1 day to complete and is a very rewarding experience due to its beautiful surroundings.
This route takes you through the high Mountain range where you’ll get to see various desert-like conditions including Lago Argentina. It is known for its windy weather, great views of mountains including Aconcagua & also amazing landscapes. Make sure you have enough water because there are no shops around so bring your own water bottles for this trek.
7 Lost City Trek in Columbia
Columbia is home to one of the world’s best mountain hiking trails known as the Lost City Trek which will take you on a memorable adventure deep into the heart of the jungle. This 3-4 day hike has many different routes so if you’re looking for something shorter or more challenging then consider choosing one of these routes to get an unforgettable experience hiking in South America.
This hike takes its name from Ciudad Perdida (the lost city) and originates from 800 AD & lush green forests, rivers, and waterfalls surround the place. It also looks like it belongs in another era where time seems to have stood still among forest-covered hills. If you’re searching for an epic jungle trek with lots of history then the trip should be on the top of your list.
8 Chapada Diamantina in Brazil
This circuit will definitely take you to a world beyond imagination. You’ll walk past the highest waterfall in Brazil, pass by underground rivers & discover hidden caves where you can camp overnight. This hike takes place over 5 days. Hence, you’ll get to spend more than enough time exploring this amazing Hidden World.
This hiking circuit is located in Chapada Diamantina National Park of Bahia state. It is one of the most remote places on Earth. It allows only a small amount of people to visit per year (around 2500). On your way up through an isolated ridge named “Serra de Bornés”, you will walk across table-top mountain plateaus. These plateaus are with views as far as 4 different borders.
The best mountain hike in South America is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They’re beyond extreme adventure with interesting and breathtaking locations to match! Consider these amazing places for your next trip along with the right hoodie in hand if you want an unforgettable time on top of mountains, or maybe even deep-sea diving when the chance arises?
