Iconic South America Hiking Trips for Luxury Travelers

From glacier-fed lakes to ancient citadels, these hikes reward more than your step count.

South America offers some of the most dramatic, culturally rich hiking experiences on Earth. It stands out not just for its cinematic beauty, but for how its hikes make you feel as you move through them: smaller, slower, and somehow more alive. Across this diverse continent, trails pass through sacred valleys, volcanic ridgelines, cloud forests, and thousand-year-old ruins. And for travelers who value thoughtful itineraries, cultural immersion, and exceptional cuisine as much as panoramic views, luxury hiking is no longer an oxymoron. It’s a way to witness the wild without sacrificing warmth, comfort, or connection.

Below, we’ve curated a selection of South America’s most unforgettable luxury hiking destinations, with a spotlight on two of our most immersive journeys: Patagonia and Peru.

Lace up your boots—this is hiking redefined.

Hikes in Patagonia, Argentina & Chile

Best for: Iconic mountain landscapes, glacier-fed wilderness, and postcard views

Patagonia feels like the edge of the world—and in many ways, it is. On our Inspired Tour in Patagonia, guests traverse both Argentina and Chile, hiking beneath the craggy granite spires of Mount Fitz Roy, crossing suspension bridges over sapphire rivers, and witnessing the raw power of Perito Moreno Glacier.

Every step is steeped in scale. Yet this isn’t just about grand views. Evenings wind down in warm lodges with local wine and wood-fired dishes that speak to the culinary soul of the region. In Torres del Paine, herds of guanaco graze freely, and wind-sculpted trees lean like brushstrokes against an impossibly blue sky. This is Patagonia at its most immersive—and most comfortable.

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Notable Hikes in Argentina and Chile

Torres del Paine W Trek, Chile

The famous W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most celebrated hikes in the world. Think sheer granite towers, iceberg-dotted lakes, and condors overhead. While many opt to backpack, our preferred approach blends luxury with proximity—private boat rides across turquoise waters, guided day hikes, and warm, restful stays in remote eco-lodges that offer world-class meals with glacier views.

Fitz Roy & El Chaltén, Argentina

This Patagonian counterpart to Torres del Paine is Argentina’s hiking crown jewel where every step feel cinematic. On our Patagonia trip, this area marks a pivotal point in the journey—where travelers wake early to witness alpenglow on the jagged skyline and follow trails that pass glacial lakes, lenga forests, and wide, open air. For those who want challenge with reward, El Chaltén’s trails deliver—without compromising comfort.

The Wine Trails of Mendoza, Argentina

For a different kind of trail, consider a vineyard-to-vineyard hiking journey through Mendoza. Surrounded by the Andes, these foothill hikes culminate in Malbec tastings and open-air lunches. For wine lovers who prefer their elevation with a side of elegance, it’s the perfect pairing.

Hikes in Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu, Peru

Best for: Cultural depth, ancient trails, and a slower approach to the Inca citadel

Peru’s Sacred Valley is a masterpiece of terraced landscapes, indigenous farming techniques, and stone paths once walked by messengers of the Inca Empire. Our Inspired Tour in Peru brings you through Lima’s culinary scene and deep into the Andes, where each hike is a bridge between past and present.

Walk through high-altitude villages where locals still harvest native potatoes from centuries-old fields. Pause for picnics under eucalyptus groves. Then arrive at Machu Picchu—not via the crowded one-day rush, but with intention. Whether by train or trail, the final ascent to the citadel feels earned and utterly humbling.

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Notable Hikes in Peru

Cordillera Blanca, Peru

Lesser-known than the Sacred Valley but beloved by serious hikers, Peru’s Cordillera Blanca offers alpine trekking that rivals the Himalayas. Laguna 69 is a popular route for a reason: a demanding climb to a surreal, iridescent blue lake at nearly 15,000 feet. While not part of our itineraries, it’s a fitting side trip for intrepid travelers spending extended time in the country.

Colca Canyon, Peru

Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca is a geological marvel. But it’s not just the landscape that impresses — it’s the silence, the condors coasting on thermals, the terraced fields still tended by local communities. Private guided hikes here offer solitude and scale, paired with wellness-forward lodges perched on canyon edges.

Other Notable Hikes in South America

El Cocuy National Park, Colombia

Tucked into Colombia’s eastern Andes, El Cocuy is a hidden gem for seasoned hikers. Here, snowcapped peaks rise above turquoise lakes, and trails wind past glacial valleys and páramo grasslands. It’s remote, raw, and not for the faint of heart—but those who make the journey are rewarded with solitude and unfiltered wilderness. Guided hikes are highly recommended due to both altitude and conservation policies.

Cocora Valley, Colombia

For a less expected hiking experience, Colombia’s Cocora Valley offers towering wax palms, vibrant cloud forests, and a deeply rooted coffee culture. While less developed for luxury travelers, boutique eco-lodges and curated day hikes make this a growing favorite for adventurous aesthetes.

Cajas National Park, Ecuador

Cajas feels like a dream—rolling fog over windswept paramo, mirror-like lakes, and quiet trails that weave between ancient Polylepis trees. Though less flashy than Torres or Machu Picchu, it offers an intimacy with nature that is deeply rejuvenating. Located near the city of Cuenca, this national park is a worthwhile detour for those looking to connect with Ecuador’s quieter corners.

Salar de Uyuni & Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, Bolivia

While not traditional hiking territory, this vast salt flat and its surrounding landscapes offer surreal walks across mirror-like expanses, flamingo-filled lagoons, and red rock valleys. Luxury accommodations in domed salt lodges and 4×4-accessible day treks redefine high-altitude adventure.

Why Choose Luxury Hiking in South America?

Luxury hiking isn’t about avoiding effort—it’s about elevating the experience. Our trips to Patagonia and Peru pair world-class guides with meaningful connections to place. You’ll stay in boutique lodges, dine on regional cuisine, and engage with local stewards of the land, including artists, farmers, chefs, and local guides who add layers of context to every step you take.

Book Your South America Hiking Trip

Both Patagonia and Peru reveal their magic to those who walk through them slowly, with intention and curiosity. Ready to hike through glacier valleys, ancient citadels, and sky-high trails in curated comfort?