After 20 years of leading treks and mountaineering trips in Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia and Argentina, here are our five favorite treks in South America. South America is home to some of the most breathtaking trekking routes on Earth — a continent where ancient history meets towering peaks, turquoise glacial lakes shimmer beneath jagged summits, and trails weave through remote valleys untouched by time.
From the mystical Inca Trail to Machu Picchu to the wild landscapes of Patagonia, every trek offers its own unique blend of challenge, culture, and awe-inspiring scenery. We have hired full time staff in Nepal, Tanzania and Peru, offering you the highest quality trekking adventures around the world. Follow us on Instagram.
Best Treks in South America
At Ian Taylor Trekking, we’ve explored the continent’s most iconic routes, handpicked the best, and crafted itineraries that immerse you in the beauty and culture of each destination while ensuring safety, comfort, and success. Here are our top five treks in South America — journeys that will leave you inspired for life.
The Andes Mountain range has some most accessible and beautiful mountain viewing in the world. From the northern volcanoes of Ecuador to the southern Patagonian Ice Field, you could spend one hundred lifetimes exploring the magical Andes. With that in mind, here are our 5 best treks in South America.
1). The 5 Day Classic Inca Trail Trek
Hiking into Machu Picchu from the sun gate at 4:30pm is an image that will last a lifetime. Hands down the classic Inca trail trek is the best way to experience this magical trek to Machu Picchu. Our office staff have a combined 35 treks on the famous Inca Trail under their belts. The classic Inca trail trek to Machu Picchu is one of our favorite treks in the world!
When it comes to bucket-list treks, the classic Inca Trail reigns supreme. This 5-day journey winds through the heart of the Peruvian Andes, following an ancient stone pathway built by the Inca civilization over 500 years ago. Along the way, you’ll pass through cloud forests, high mountain passes, and mysterious archaeological sites that can only be reached on foot.
Each time we are there, we have a new and wonderful experience seeing the beauty of the region and the ingenuity of the Incan people. We have developed our unique service to offer you the best food, tents and guides in order to maximize your experience. We pay all our staff 25% more than other companies.
The highlight? Arriving at Machu Picchu at sunset, with your first magical view of Machu Picchu spread out below. The combination of natural beauty, cultural significance, and the thrill of walking in the footsteps of the Inca makes this trek a truly unforgettable experience.
Best time to go: March to November for dry weather and clear views.
Distance & difficulty: 26 miles (42 km) over 4 days, challenging trek, especially the downhill.
Why trek with us: We provide top-class guides, hired full time staff on the ground, support our porters, comfortable camping, excellent food, and full porter support to make your journey safe, comfortable, and meaningful.
Incredible Scenery
The Inca Trail is by far the most famous trek in South America. It is also rated by many to be in the top five treks in the world. In just 26 miles (43km) it manages to combine beautiful mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest, sub-tropical jungle and, of course, a stunning mix of Inca paving stones, ruins and tunnels. Machu Picchu, the mysterious “Lost City of the Incas”, is the final destination on the trail and one not to be beaten!
The Best of The Incas
The Inca and Quechua people build or improved upon almost all of the principal trails in the mountains surrounding Cusco. However, a particularly beautiful 43km section of mountain trail connecting the important Inca archaeological sites of Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, Wiñay Wayna, and Machu Picchu has become extremely popular with hikers in the last 30 years.
In that time, this section of the trail has become known as the famous “Inca Trail to Machu Picchu”.
Who was This Trail for?
This trail was build for the Incan King, Pachacuti, and only the high class people of the time were permitted to follow this famous trail to Machu Picchu. Our itinerary is professionally led by trekking guides managing your safety through the trip.
We use the best campsites offering you more time on the trail to experience every single Incan site on route to the magical city of Machu Picchu. We also include all meals in Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, 2 visits to Machu Picchu, 4 nights hotel and the best service on offer in Peru and office staff in the US.
2). Torres Del Paine ‘W’ Trek
Torres Del Paine has it all: Glaciers, monster granite rock faces, lagoons and massive peaks towering more than 6,500 feet vertical. The French Valley is unique with tall granite walls on one side of the valley and sweeping glaciers on the other side.
It is in the French Valley that you will also get your first view of the famous Torres Towers. The circuit trek encompasses the popular W Trek, as well as an ‘off the beaten path’ experience in the region. The circuit offers so much more of Patagonia and gets you close up on the Grey Glacier. Get in touch more information.
This trek is a photographer’s dream, offering ever-changing scenery around every corner. You’ll cross suspension bridges, witness avalanches tumbling down distant peaks, and hear the thunder of calving glaciers.
Best time to go: November to April for the southern summer.
Distance & difficulty: 50 miles (80 km) over 4–6 days, moderate. More challenging if you are carrying all your own personal gear.
Why trek with us: Our itineraries use the best local camps and access to lodges, with experienced guides who know how to navigate Patagonia’s unpredictable weather and maximize your time in this stunning wilderness.
The Circuit Trek is recognized as one of the most scenic treks in the world. Torres Del Paine National Park can get busy during the high season. Therefore, permits need to be applied for 6+ months in advance. The circuit trek only allows permits for 80 individuals per day, so you have to book early. This National Park holds such immense beauty on all days of the trek.
Patagonia is a land of extremes — fierce winds, dramatic granite spires, turquoise lakes, and sprawling glaciers. The Torres del Paine W Trek in Chile’s most famous national park delivers all of it in just 4–6 days. You’ll hike beneath the towering peaks of the Paine Massif, explore the French Valley, and stand in awe at the base of the park’s namesake — the three iconic Torres (towers).
3). Huayhuash Circuit Trek
The Huayhuash Mountain Range is almost 20 miles long and includes seven peaks over 6000m/ 19,685 feet. The beauty of trekking in the Huayhuash Region is that it is barely populated. If you love trekking in remote mountain regions, then this is the place for you. Camp near high alpine lakes, cross high passes and experience world class mountain views on this trek.
This remote and stunning trek will be one you never forget! Our itinerary has added extra days to make the acclimatization schedule safe and doable for all trained hikers and trekkers.
The Huayhuash Circuit in Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru has endless remote, rugged, and wild mountain scenery. The Huayhuash Circuit might just be South America’s most spectacular long-distance trek. Circling the Cordillera Huayhuash — a small but dramatic mountain range in northern Peru — this 8–12 day adventure offers constant high-altitude vistas, turquoise glacial lakes, and jagged snow-capped peaks that rival anything in the Himalayas.
At altitudes often above 4,000 m (13,000 ft), this trek is a physical challenge, but the rewards are endless: solitude, pristine landscapes, and encounters with traditional Quechua communities. You’ll camp beneath towering peaks like Siula Grande, made famous by the climbing epic Touching the Void.
Best time to go: May to September for dry, clear weather.
Distance & difficulty: 81 miles (130 km) over 12–17 days, challenging.
Why trek with us: We provide full porter and mule support, top-quality tents, and guides who know every pass and camp to ensure your safety and comfort in this high-altitude environment.
4). The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – Peru
For those seeking a less crowded alternative to the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek offers high mountain scenery combined with rich cultural immersion. Named after Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), this route takes you through dramatic passes, lush jungle, and remote Andean villages before reaching Machu Picchu.
On this 6-day adventure, you’ll cross the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 m (15,255 ft), gaze upon glacial peaks, and then descend into the cloud forest where orchids, waterfalls, and hummingbirds abound. You will then trek the famous trail over the Dead women’s pass 4,215m (13,828 feet) along the trail that leading you directly into Machu Picchu. The contrast between snow-capped peaks, Inca magic and tropical greenery is nothing short of magical.
Best time to go: April to October for the clearest views.
Distance & difficulty: 45 miles (72 km) over 6 days, challenging.
Why trek with us: We combine the best campsites, small group sizes, and fully supported service so you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.
5). The Santa Cruz Trek – Cordillera Blanca, Peru
The Santa Cruz Trek in Peru’s Huascarán National Park is a classic 4-day route that showcases the beauty of the Cordillera Blanca, the highest tropical mountain range in the world. With soaring peaks over 6,000 m (19,685 ft), vibrant turquoise lakes, and alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, this trek is a feast for the senses.
You’ll cross the Punta Unión Pass at 4,750 m (15,584 ft), surrounded by spectacular summits such as Alpamayo and Taulliraju. Despite its short duration, this trek packs in some of the most iconic mountain scenery in South America, making it ideal for those with limited time but unlimited passion for the outdoors.
Best time to go: May to September for clear skies and stable conditions.
Distance & difficulty: 31 miles (50 km) over 4 days, moderate.
Why trek with us: Our team ensures you have the best acclimatization plan, experienced guides, and top-quality equipment for a comfortable and rewarding experience.
Speaking from Experience
Ian Taylor has climbed Mount Everest, led over 40 treks to Everest Base Camp, and climbed Kilimanjaro 40+ times. We’ve spent years exploring South America’s most legendary trekking routes, building relationships with local guides, porters, and communities. Our itineraries are designed with acclimatization, safety, and comfort in mind, ensuring you have the best chance of completing your trek successfully. From private campsites on the Inca Trail to expertly managed logistics in remote Patagonia, we handle every detail so you can focus on the journey.
Whether you’re chasing the mystery of ancient civilizations, the thrill of remote mountain wilderness, or the beauty of Patagonia’s iconic landscapes, these five treks offer the adventure of a lifetime.
Read some of our reviews. There are variations on each of these treks we can offer and make your trekking experience the best on offer!
Join the Experts
We are not a tour company, we are a trekking company. In all the locations we work, we have professional mountain guides leading all our trips. We have helped thousands of people reach their goal in the world’s mountain ranges with great success. Contact us today and learn more about our unique trips.