South America Walking Tours
Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru
Local Choice and Trusted Walks for North America
The walking tour companies we think you should consider first, because we’ve personally worked with them for our own trips or they offer the best overall experience and price for their destination.
Evolution Treks Peru
Mountain Lodges of Peru
Walking tour companies that cover South American countries
ATG Oxford
Backroads
Country Walkers
KE Adventure Travel
Macs Adventure
Mountain Hiking Holidays
Responsible Travel
Say Hueque
The Natural Adventure
Wild Women Expeditions
Why are there so few walking holidays in South America?
Similar to the challenges in North America, walking holidays in South America are relatively limited due to rugged terrains, logistical challenges, and a focus on adventure tourism like trekking. In addition, it is extra challenging to book directly with locally-owned tour operators. Which is why we’re here, to match you with the best options for inn hiking in the South American countries.
Adventure Tourism reigns in South America
When hikers think of South America, the first thoughts that usually pop into our heads are epic treks like Machu Picchu in Peru or the W Trek in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park. Perhaps jungle treks through the Amazon or wildlife viewings in the Galapagos come to mind. South American tourism agencies have long emphasized adventure tourism, leaving little incentive to develop walking-specific holidays.
There are valid reasons for this…
Lack of Infrastructure
The rugged and diverse terrains in many regions of South America pose logistical challenges for creating well-established walking routes. Infrastructure for supporting walking holidays, including accommodations and trail maintenance, are often limited in the areas that are most appealing for walking and hiking enthusiasts.
Challenges for Local Tour Operators
Locally-owned tour operators might be scarce due to barriers such as limited resources for marketing, lack of familiarity with international travel trends, and challenges in meeting the demands of foreign tourists. Economic constraints, political unrest, regulations and access to technology further hinder the establishment of walking holidays and locally-owned operations in some areas of South America, but we are hopeful that this may change. There are many people, both in South America and abroad, who are actively seeking ways to support locally-owned tour operators and tourism initiatives that positively impact the local communities and empower the local people.
Best Places for Day Hikes in South America
While we absolutely think you should make an exception for South America and try backpacking (there are excellent tour operators on our site offering guided treks here), we understand that many are like us and prefer to sleep in a real bed each night. For day hikers seeking ample lodging and support services, destinations like Patagonia’s El Chaltén in Argentina or Colombia’s Cocora Valley provide well-established trails with a range of accommodations and facilities, making them ideal for creating your own walking holiday amidst some truly spectacular landscapes. Look for hostels and local inns near popular hiking routes to see if they provide day hikes. Search for posadas, hospedajes, hostales or casas de huéspedes.
There is a growing interest in creating more walking-friendly destinations and walking holidays in South America. Travel organizations, tour operators, and local governments are recognizing the potential of South America’s diverse landscapes for walking tourism. Countries like Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Colombia have been actively promoting hiking and walking routes to attract travelers seeking more immersive and sustainable experiences beyond traditional adventure tourism. Initiatives are being discussed and implemented to develop well-marked trails, establish accommodations, and promote local cultures to make South America a prominent destination for walking enthusiasts.
Walking guides and stories for South America
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