The Best Hiking Trips in South America

Nick Dauk

Keen hiker? Challenge yourself on these Culture Trip small-group adventures around South America.

If you’ve already tackled the walking tours of the USA or Europe, it may be time to crank things up a notch with a trek through South America. Hiking in South America is nothing short of amazing: walking through the mountains, forests and jungles of this continent will lead you to ruins, quiet villages and some of the best vistas you’ve ever tried to photograph. Lace up your shoes and load your pack with snacks – these are the best hiking trips in South America.

Land iguana on North Seymour, Galapagos, as several people walk behind

The Galápagos, Ecuador

The adage “leave only footprints and take only memories” best sums up this Culture Trip hiking holiday to the Galápagos Islands. You’ll hike through a cactus forest in search of the hybrid iguana that only calls this archipelago home. Another day, another hike, this time through the lava fields surrounding Cerro Tijeretas on a birdwatching tour. You may love long walks, but we have a hunch you’ll treasure the slow strolls with giant tortoises even more.

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Next available from 13th Jan 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island

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ENDS AT

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island

DURATION

5

GROUP SIZE

14

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

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STYLE

Discovery

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People walk along a walkway in Amazon jungle at Sacha Lodge, Coca

The Ecuadorian Andes and Amazon

After you complete this Culture Trip hiking tour in South America – venturing into both the Andes and the Amazon – you may want to display your boots on the mantle. This is a moderate tour with a marvelous itinerary: you’ll hike around Quilotoa lake, the Limpiopungo Lagoon and the Natural Oils Trail at Kuyana Amazon Lodge. Sound famishing? Good thing this eight-day trek includes an Ecuadorian cooking masterclass and a chocolate-tasting experience.

From US$2199

Next available from 9th Mar 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Quito, Ecuador

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ENDS AT

Quito, Ecuador

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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This is an updated rewrite of an article originally by Chris Bell. Maja Proescholdt contributed additional reporting to this article.

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