5 Treks, 10 Days Or Less: South America, Part Two

Steamy jungles, glacial summits, ancient ruins—South America has it all. While much of the continent is tropical, it also contains the world’s largest mountain range, The Andes, which span over 5,000 miles through seven countries. The eclectic mix of natural beauty, snow and sun make these treks a must for international adventure seekers.  

Salkantay 

Location: Peru Miles Traveled: 37.5 miles Highest Point: 15,846 ft. Difficulty: High

Salkantay serves as an alternate to Machu Picchu to experience the Inca Trail without massive crowds and limited permits. The landscape is as gorgeous as it is diverse: you’ll encounter snowcapped peaks, tropical rainforests, and hot springs—all within a 37.5 mile span. 

Best For: Adventurers looking for a trifecta of culture, nature and hiking

Santa Cruz

Location: Cordillera Blanca, Peru Miles Traveled: 30 miles Highest Point: 15,584 ft. Difficulty: Moderate

This trek is the perfect way to bear witness to the grandeur of the Peruvian Andes in only a few days. For hikers hoping to gain elevation without the side effects, Santa Cruz is an easy introduction to alpinism in the world’s highest tropical mountain range. 

Best For: Trekkers seeking solitude among breathtaking Peruvian mountains

La Ciudad Perdida

Location: Colombia Miles Traveled: 28 miles Highest Point: 3,937 ft. Difficulty: Low

Wade through rivers and discover the jungles of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta on this journey to one of the world’s most spectacular crumbling cities. Colombia’s ancient “Lost City” was unknown to the Western world until the 1970s and is still relatively tourist-free. While little remains of the city built around 800AD by the Tairona people, this guide-required trek offers panoramic views of unmarred mountains and waterfalls.  

Best For: History buffs who love to hike

The W

Location: Patagonia, Chile Miles Traveled: 35 miles Highest Point: 3,608 ft. Difficulty: Moderate

This trek through Patagonia’s national park is named for the trail’s W-like shape; three adjacent basins connected by a trail along the shores of two pristine glacial lakes. Make sure to camp at the base of the Torres del Paine’s pillars, as the next morning’s sunrise will be unforgettable. 

Best For: Luxury lovers; while you can certainly backpack, cabins, hot meals and showers are also accessible along the trek. 

Cotopaxi

Location: Ecuador Miles Traveled: 3.6 miles Highest Point: 19,437 ft. Difficulty: High

The world’s tallest active volcano, Cotopaxi is about 30 miles south of Quito, making it a great hike to add to a tour of the city. While it can be summited in around 6 hours, the nontechnical climb is taxing due to altitude; trekkers typically take off around midnight. Panoramic views from the summit and peeking inside the crater are your rewards.  

Best For: Capping off an Ecuadorian vacation