Top 5 Secluded Hiking Trails in South America to Explore

June 30, 2025

Name	Air Quality	Nomad Cost	Expat Cost	Cost Score	Leisure Score	Rating
Santa Marta Colombia	100	$1759	$1253	100	40

A plethora of high mountain ranges, steep & broad peaks, and an imaginative past make the continent of South America a gem for the explorers. Whether you’re a backpacker off to summit Aconcagua, or inspired by the ancient steppes of Patagonia, South America has something amazing to offer.

The myriad landscapes from Colombia to Argentina are brimming with awe-inspiring jungle treks, towering mountains, volcano treks, cliff climbs, and the world’s best hiking trails.

The list below highlights the five best-scheduled hiking treks in South America where you can satisfy your desire for exploration. Dive in to explore!

1. Lost City Trek – Teyuna National Park

Looking for a challenging and undiscovered trek? This Colombian Lost City trek is perfect for exploring the undiscovered wilderness. Beginning in Santa Marta, the length of this northernmost trek of Colombia is 5 days.

You can uncover the mysteries of the teeming jungle of the Sierra Nevada Mountains while crossing the exciting trek to Ciudad Perdida- an ancient city of Colombia developed by the Tayrona people.

The trek requires 1200 steps to reach the gateway of Teyuna where you can discover the estimated 10% of unearthed ruins – making this forgotten city mysteriously appealing to enthusiasts.

The highlights of this mystical trek are the Buritaca River where you can swim & rejuvenate, watch hummingbirds flutter, and have the best nap of your life in open-air hammocks.

2. W-Trail & O Circuit – Torres del Paine, Chile

Refugio Grey W-trail and Refugio Las Torres Circuit are the treks every hiker would love to explore because the two routes take you close to the crystal-clear lakes and the giant glacier. Cover 44 miles for W-trail and 68 miles for Paine Circuit and these routes will take you across the peaks and narrow towers of Torres del Paine in northern Chile.

October to April is the best time to hike this trek. The trail map reflects why these trails are named ‘O’ and ‘W’. As you summit the circuit, you cross the rocky paths on the eastern edge of the national park, forming an O.

Whereas, the W-shaped path winds in and out of the valleys. The giant southern Patagonian ice field is the second largest extra polar ice field having alluring glass lakes.

This icefield extends close to the Gray Glacier. The W-trail begins from the foot of the grey glacier along the shore of Lago Grey. You’ll need to make early bookings for the peak seasons to get to the campsites around both routes.

3. Salkantay – Peru

This six-day-long trek is around 4830 meters high starting from Cusco through Machu Picchu. The air is humid, yet you’ll need some warm clothes to spend early mornings at higher altitudes. Taking the hikers past snow-capped mountains, glacier lakes, and hot springs through dense jungle, this scenic trek is an adventurous pathway for explorer heads.

By crossing the majestic peaks of Salkantay mountain encrusted with glaciers, a five-day walk and four-night camping will take you to the most eye-catching landscape of Peru.

4. Quebrada de Huma Huaca to Calilegua National Park - Argentina

Located in Argentina, this six-day challenging trek is among the popular desert valleys of Chile. The journey unlocks the breathtaking and the most unusual views of the Inca Trail weaving through the small mountain outposts. You’ll cross dynamic rivers and jungles from Ticara to Salta – home to pumas and jaguars.

The trail begins in the Quebrade de Huma Huaca and ends in Calilegua National Park. These two are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites passing through the pre-Hispanic fortresses and stone pyramids. Discover the allure of the dramatically changing landscapes of Argentina from the canopy of dense forests to mystic waterfalls through this trail.

5. Overland Trek to Kaieteur Falls

Visiting Kaieteur Falls is a 14-day adventure in the middle of the scenic landscapes of Guyana. This easy-to-moderate trail has a pristine rainforest, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife to offer. You can watch the iconic toucans, and wave hello to Puma, capybara, and Red Howler Monkey.

The trek unlocks South America’s most unique panoramas covering the diverse ecosystem of the Lwokrama Rain Forest, the Burro-Burro River, and Kaieteur Falls.

You can spend the best nights amidst this remoteness by resting in the lodges, camps, and hammocks while exploring the jungle bridges, rushing streams, and dense forests.

Takeaway

South America's diverse landscapes offer unparalleled opportunities for secluded hiking adventures. From the mystical Lost City Trek in Colombia and the awe-inspiring W-Trail & O Circuit in Chile to the majestic Salkantay Trek in Peru, each trail provides a unique blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and challenging terrain.

The Quebrada de Humahuaca to Calilegua National Park in Argentina and the Overland Trek to Kaieteur Falls in Guyana further showcase the continent's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a curious explorer, these trails promise unforgettable experiences in the captivating wilderness of South America.

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