Few continents manage to shelter such a rich and interesting variety of natural phenomena and landscapes as South America. One of the coolest and most intense ways to get to know all the wonders present on the continent is by venturing on a trail (trekking), alone or in a group. Snowy peaks, mountains, saws, ruins, lakes, glaciers and tropical forests are part of the itinerary for those who venture out.
Want help putting the on the road We list the 5 best trails spread across South America.
Inca Trail, Peru
Considered one of the best trails in the world and, perhaps, the best known on the continent, the Inca Trail has about 33km, ranging from the Sacred Valley (Cuzco) to Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes). Since 2002, it can only be traveled with the help of a guide.
During 4 days of walking, the adventurer will come across mountains covered by fog and snowy peaks worthy of a movie set, in addition to the famous and impressive Inca ruins.
Tip : before starting the journey, spend at least two days in Cuzco to get used to the altitude.
Mount Roraima, Brazil
Little explored by Brazilians, but much sought after by foreigners, Mount Roraima receives around two thousand hikers a year and became known as “the lost world”, because of the homonymous novel written by Arthur Conan Doyle, author of Sherlock Holmes. Mount is the highest point of the Amazon Forest and is divided into three countries: Brazil, Guyana and Venezuela, which is the gateway for those who want to climb it.
The trek lasts between 7 and 8 days. Get ready to walk for several hours throughout the day, for temperature variations and also to appreciate, at night, a super starry sky.
Tip: preferably wear long pants and blouses with sleeves (even if in light fabrics) and abuse the repellent. The place has many mosquitoes, especially the puri-puri, which causes allergies and itching that last for days.
Circuit Dientes de Navarino, Chile
Imagine a scenario where, in a single day, you can have: sun, rain and snow. Well, the trail in Circuito Dientes de Navarino is 40km long and is known for the natural beauties that surround it.
Mainly, due to the climatic instability that gives extra gas for those who like surprises and adrenaline. This is due to the location’s proximity to the south pole.
Tip: try to take clothes that adapt well to the different climate variations, such as smart fabrics that preserve the thermal temperature and, at the same time, are light.
Mount Fitz-Roy Trail, Argentina
Mount Fitz-Roy is one of the best known and sought after in South America. The scenery that surrounds the Argentinean Patagonia, where the Andes Mountain Range is located, is of an extraordinary beauty! The trek lasts about 8 days, leaving the city of El Chaltén and offers adventurers landscapes with waterfalls, forests and the Glacier National Park. In all, 3,330 meters are covered.
Tip: make the journey at the end of summer to enjoy more pleasant temperatures and one of the most beautiful sunsets of your life.
Torres del Paine, Chile
Circuit del Paine is one of the best known and sought after in the world due to the beauty of its landscapes. Located in Chilean Patagonia, with the famous granite towers and lakes of intense and deep colors. The circuit is divided into two: “W” — with about 60km, which can be covered in 4 or 5 days and is recommended for inexperienced adventurers.
The “O” circuit, on the other hand, is considered more complete, as it includes the “W” and another 70 km (totaling 130 km of walking), which can last up to 8 days.
Tip: a good way out to endure the walk is to look for refuges, located at strategic points, to have a peaceful and comfortable night’s sleep. But remember to make your reservation in advance.