Find the perfect trek in South America for your activity level
South America is a goldmine for hiking adventures – with plenty of ancient ruins, snowy peaks, cloud forests, and remote wilderness. But let’s be honest, not all treks are created equal.
Some are scenic strolls with llamas; others will chew you up and spit you out (but hey, in a character-building kind of way). We’ve ranked six of the most iconic treks in South America based on how tough they are – not just in terms of fitness, but also altitude, remoteness, and how many times you’ll ask yourself “what am I doing with my life?!”
So, lace up your boots, and let’s get into it. Here’s the Trek-o-Meter, from light hikers to full-on masochists.
Ready to Lace Up Your Boots?
🥾 KILROY's Trek-o-Meter – Ranked:
- Torres del Paine Full Circuit (Chile) – 💀 Brutal but beautiful
- Lost City Trek (Colombia) – 🌴 Sweaty and wild
- W Trek (Chile) – 🏔️ Manageable but mighty
- El Chaltén Trekking (Argentina) – ⛰️ Flexible but exposed
- Lares Trek (Peru) – 🦙 Altitude alert, but chilled
- Inca Trail (Peru) – 🏛️ Classic and achievable
We’re kicking things off with the toughest one to set the bar high – but don’t worry, they get more beginner-friendly as you scroll!
1. Torres del Paine Full Circuit (Chile)
Trek-o-Meter: 9/10 – For the hardcore only
What you’re signing up for:
A roughly 8–10 day loop through the raw wilderness of Patagonia, covering more than 130 km. This is the W trek and more – taking you behind the iconic towers, through harsh winds, muddy trails, glacial valleys, and remote backcountry.
Why it ranks so high on the pain-o-meter:
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You're carrying your own gear (unless you splash out on porters/campsites)
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Unpredictable weather – four seasons in a day is real
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Long days, heavy packs, and barely any mobile signal
But the rewards?
Next-level scenery. Think hanging glaciers, turquoise lakes, epic mountain passes, and wildlife like guanacos and condors.
2. Lost City Trek (Colombia)
Trek-o-Meter: 8/10 – Jungle fever incoming
What you’re signing up for:
A 4–6 day hike through the steamy jungle of the Sierra Nevada to reach Ciudad Perdida, an ancient city older than Machu Picchu. Expect river crossings, vertical climbs, and dense rainforest.
What makes it intense:
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High humidity and heat – you’ll be drenched 24/7
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Loads of up and down (1,200+ stairs on the final approach)
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Basic conditions (hello hammocks and no hot water)
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Bugs. So many bugs.
Still worth it?
Absolutely. The archaeological site at the end feels like a real-life Indiana Jones moment – with way fewer crowds than Peru.
3. W Trek (Chile)
Trek-o-Meter: 7/10 – Tough but accessible
What you’re signing up for:
The W-shaped route that hits all the big sights of Torres del Paine – the Towers, Grey Glacier, and the French Valley – in around 4–5 days. You can camp, or stay in cozy refugios (aka mountain lodges).
Why it’s mid-level hard:
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Long hiking days (15–20km/day)
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Patagonia’s infamous winds and wild weather
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Moderate elevation changes, but nothing insane
Good for you if:
You want a challenge, but also don’t mind the occasional warm meal and beer at night.
4. El Chaltén Trekking (Argentina)
Trek-o-Meter: 6/10 – Choose your own adventure
What you’re signing up for:
El Chaltén is basically a trekking basecamp town – you do day hikes from there or link them together for longer adventures. Trails lead to postcard-perfect views of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
How hard it gets depends on you:
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You can do easy day hikes or back-to-back treks
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Weather is still wild – wind and exposure are no joke
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Some trails (like Laguna de los Tres) are steep, but short
Bonus:
You’re not camping unless you want to – sleep in a comfy bed and eat steak and malbec every night.
5. Lares Trek (Peru)
Trek-o-Meter: 5/10 – Chill but at altitude
What you’re signing up for:
A quieter alternative to the Inca Trail – the Lares Valley route takes you through traditional Andean villages, alpaca country, and dramatic mountain passes. Usually done in 3–4 days, and ends with a train to Machu Picchu.
Why it’s mellow (but not a walk in the park):
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High altitude (up to 4,400m) makes even flat bits harder
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Less foot traffic, so it feels more remote
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Easier terrain, but still full trekking days
Perfect for:
People who want the Andes experience without the Inca Trail crowds or permits stress.
6. Inca Trail (Peru)
Trek-o-Meter: 4/10 – The gateway trek
What you’re signing up for:
The classic 4-day route through ancient Inca paths, ending at Machu Picchu. It’s a rite of passage for many first-timers in South America.
Why it’s the most beginner-friendly on this list:
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Porters carry most of your stuff
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Food and campsites are organised for you
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Well-maintained trail
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Plenty of breaks and guided sections
But don’t underestimate it:
There’s a 1,200m climb on Day 2 that’ll test your lungs (hello, Dead Woman’s Pass), and you’re hiking at 3,000–4,200m.
Final Words
So, what’s your level of trekking tolerance? No matter if you’re after a soft intro to trekking or want to push your limits in the wildest corners of the Andes, South America delivers. Just remember – no matter the altitude, sweat level, or bug bites, every one of these treks is abso-f*ckin-lutely worth it. And if you’re not sure which one suits you, well, you know where to find us. 😉