Best Multi-Day Hikes in South America: 15 Treks You Can’t Miss (2026 Guide)

Planning a multi-day hike in South America?

‍From Patagonia’s dramatic peaks to Peru’s high-altitude trails, South America is home to some of the most rewarding multi-day hikes in the world. Whether you're looking for a classic trek like the W Trek in Torres del Paine or a remote lodge-to-lodge experience in the Andes, there are options for every level of adventure.

At FlashpackerConnect, we specialize in guided and self-guided hiking trips across South America, working with expert local partners to handle logistics so you can focus on the experience.

👉 Explore our Patagonia and Peru trekking trips below or keep reading for the best hikes in South America.

How to Choose the Right Multi-Day Hike

First-time trekkers: W Trek (Chile), Salkantay Trek (Peru)
Experienced hikers: O Circuit (Chile), Ausangate Trek (Peru)
Comfort-focused travelers: Lodge-to-lodge treks in Peru
Remote adventure seekers: Atacama & Altiplano routes

1. Ausangate + Rainbow Mtn Trek (Peru)

Duration: 5–7 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Best for: Remote, high-altitude trekking

One of the most scenic and least crowded treks in Peru, circling the sacred Ausangate mountain.

Highlights:

Rainbow Mountain access
Glacier lakes
Indigenous culture

👉 Plan your trip:

Multi Day Ausangate Hikes

An overlooked gem in the Peruvian Andes. This trek is often overshadowed by the Inca Trails & Salkantay Trek that lead to Machu Picchu, but don't be fooled, this high altitude trek wont be a secret for long. You will be sucking for air on the 17,000ft passes but save some energy for snapping world class landscapes photos on your camera. The full circuit links on the famous Rainbow Mountain, hotsprings, falling glaciers, roaming alpacas and high Andean culture. Our version of this trek has exclusive campsites and the longer 4 & 6 Day options have some nights in our private rustic mountain huts. Learn More...

Tip - make sure to account for the high altitude on this trek, as the passes sitting at 17,000ft (5181m) above sea level can lead to attitude sickness if not properly prepared for. Allow your body to acclimate by spending 2-3 days in and around Cusco City or Machu Picchu prior to trekking.

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2. W Trek, Torres del Paine (Chile)

Duration: 4–6 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: First-time Patagonia trekkers

The W Trek is Patagonia’s most iconic hike, featuring dramatic granite towers, turquoise lakes, and glacier viewpoints. It’s the perfect introduction to multi-day trekking in South America.

Highlights:

Base of the Towers sunrise hike
French Valley viewpoints
Grey Glacier

👉 Plan your trip:

This iconic hike is still a bucket list adventure, and should be on every hikers list. There is a fabulous hut to hut trekking system in the park that offers a comfortable stay at the base of the high granite peaks that make up Torres del Paine National Park, or if you prefer to camp there are options for that, everything requires pre-bookings. Be on the lookout for Pumas, guanacos and condors that call this Chilean park home. Also get prepared to see the bluest lakes, unique spiring peaks, sweeping glaciers and patagonian winds! Learn More...

3. Huemul Circuit, El Chaltén (Argentina)

Duration: 4–5 days
Distance: 36 miles (57 km)
Difficulty: Challenging
Best for: Experienced hikers seeking a remote Patagonia trek

The Huemul Circuit is one of Patagonia’s best-kept secrets—a rugged, off-the-beaten-path alternative to the more popular W Trek and O Circuit. Located in Los Glaciares National Park, this demanding loop delivers incredible diversity, from high mountain passes to sweeping views of the Southern Patagonian Icefield.

Starting and ending in El Chaltén—Argentina’s trekking capital—this route takes you deep into wild terrain with far fewer crowds and a true sense of expedition.

Highlights:

Panoramic views of the Southern Patagonian Icefield
Remote mountain passes and glacial lakes
Unique Tyrolean traverse (zipline) over the Tunel River
Untouched landscapes far from the main trekking routes

👉 Looking for a Patagonia trek with fewer crowds? The Huemul Circuit delivers a more remote and adventurous alternative to the region’s classic routes.

4. Fitz Roy Trek, El Chaltén (Argentina)

Duration: 3–5 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Flexible trekking

A network of trails around Mount Fitz Roy with some of Patagonia’s best views.

Highlights:

Laguna de los Tres
Cerro Torre
Sunrise viewpoints

👉 Plan your trip:

Explore El Chalten Hikes

A true stunner that captures all of the must see sites within the Fitz Roy range. On this 2-3 day loop hike that begins and ends in the quaint South American trekking mecca of El Chalten town. You will get to see Laguna de los Tres at the base of Fitz Roy peak, the iconic Cerro Torre and Lago Torre with the amazing floating glaciers and vistas that postcards are made of. Learn More....

Tip: For those looking for a bit more tack on the Madsen Mountain summit for some of the most unreal panoramic views to be seen.

5. Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida), Colombia

Duration: 4–5 days
Distance: 28 miles (46 km)
Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
Best for: Cultural adventure and jungle trekking

Step back in time on the Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida), a journey deep into the lush jungle of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to reach the ancient ruins of Teyuna. Older than Machu Picchu, this archaeological site can only be accessed on foot, making the trek as rewarding as the destination itself.

This is a true adventure—expect humid conditions, river crossings, and rustic accommodations (typically hammocks or basic camps). Along the way, you’ll gain insight into local culture while passing through indigenous communities like the Kogi and Wiwa.

Starting near Santa Marta, close to the stunning Caribbean coastline, the route winds through dense jungle terrain filled with wildlife, waterfalls, and remote landscapes.

Highlights:

Ancient ruins of Ciudad Perdida (Teyuna)
Visits to indigenous communities
Jungle waterfalls and river crossings
Immersive, off-grid trekking experience

👉 Looking for a trek that blends culture, history, and adventure? The Lost City Trek offers one of the most unique hiking experiences in South America.

Plan it: Lost City Trek

6. Avenue of the Volcanoes Trek, Ecuador

Duration: 7–10 days
Distance: 60+ miles (110+ km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Scenic, lodge-to-lodge trekking with cultural immersion

Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes is one of South America’s most diverse trekking experiences, combining dramatic landscapes with rich Andean culture. Typically done in a comfortable lodge-to-lodge style, this trek is ideal for both first-time multi-day hikers and seasoned trekkers looking for variety without sacrificing comfort.

The route connects traditional villages and historic trails while showcasing some of the most iconic peaks in the Andes, including Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Cayambe, and Chimborazo. You’ll also descend into lush cloud forest near Baños, home to the spectacular Pailón del Diablo waterfall.

Most journeys begin in Quito, a UNESCO-listed capital perched high in the Andes and surrounded by volcanic peaks.

Highlights:

Trekking through Ecuador’s “Avenue of the Volcanoes”
Lodge-to-lodge comfort with cultural village stays
Quilotoa crater lake and high-altitude landscapes
Cloud forest waterfalls near Baños

👉 Looking for a scenic trek with cultural depth and added comfort? Ecuador’s volcano region offers one of the most unique lodge-to-lodge hiking experiences in South America.

Plan it: Lodge to Lodge Trek

7. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park Trek, Brazil

Duration: 5–6 days
Distance: 27 miles (43 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Unique landscapes and cultural immersion

Lençóis Maranhenses is unlike anywhere else in the world—a surreal landscape of rolling white sand dunes filled with crystal-clear freshwater lagoons. Located in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, this trek offers a rare opportunity to explore one of Brazil’s most extraordinary natural environments on foot.

This multi-day journey goes beyond the typical day trips, taking you deep into the heart of the park with overnight stays in remote communities. As you hike across dunes and between lagoons, you’ll experience both the natural beauty and the local culture that make this region so special.

The route typically begins near Lençóis (often accessed via Barreirinhas), and is best done shortly after the rainy season when the lagoons are at their fullest.

Highlights:

Endless white sand dunes and turquoise freshwater lagoons
Swimming opportunities throughout the trek
Overnight stays in local communities
A truly one-of-a-kind desert-meets-water landscape

👉 Looking for something completely different? Lençóis Maranhenses delivers one of the most unique trekking experiences in South America.

👉 Plan your custom trip

8. Huayna Potosí Summit Climb, Bolivia

Duration: 2–3 days
Distance: Mountaineering route
Difficulty: Challenging (non-technical beginner mountaineering)
Best for: First-time high-altitude summit seekers

Rising above the city of La Paz, Huayna Potosí is one of the most accessible 6,000-meter peaks in the world, making it a popular introduction to high-altitude mountaineering. At over 19,000 feet (6,088 m), it offers a serious challenge—but one that many first-time climbers can achieve with proper preparation.

While considered “beginner-friendly” in mountaineering terms, the altitude is no joke. Spending several days acclimatizing in La Paz or nearby regions is essential before attempting the climb.

Most expeditions are guided and include all necessary equipment, professional mountain guides, and overnight stays in mountain refugios at basecamp and high camp before the summit push.

Highlights:

Summit a 6,000-meter (19,000+ ft) peak
Stunning views over the Andes and Altiplano
Beginner-friendly introduction to mountaineering
Glacier travel and high-altitude experience

👉 Looking to push your limits? Huayna Potosí offers one of the most achievable high-altitude summits in South America.

👉 Plan your custom trip

9. Chapada Diamantina National Park Trek, Brazil

Duration: 4–5 days
Distance: 43 miles (70 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Waterfalls, caves, and off-the-beaten-path adventure

Located a few hours from Salvador, Chapada Diamantina National Park is one of Brazil’s most underrated trekking destinations. This multi-day hike takes you through a diverse landscape of sandstone plateaus, deep canyons, underground caves, and crystal-clear pools.

Over several days, you’ll traverse scenic trails connecting waterfalls, hidden lagoons, and dramatic viewpoints overlooking vast valleys. The experience is both adventurous and immersive, with overnight stays in local homes offering a unique cultural connection to the region.

Highlights:

Swimming in crystal-clear waterfalls and natural pools
Exploring caves and underground lagoons
Panoramic views from cliffside lookouts
Authentic stays with local communities

👉 Looking for a lesser-known adventure packed with variety? Chapada Diamantina offers one of Brazil’s most diverse and rewarding trekking experiences.

👉 Plan your custom trip

10. El Cocuy National Park Trek, Colombia

Duration: 3–4 days
Distance: 34 miles (54 km)
Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
Best for: Remote high-altitude trekking and glacier landscapes

Tucked away in the Colombian Andes, El Cocuy National Park is one of South America’s most remote and underrated trekking destinations. This multi-day hike takes you into a dramatic landscape of snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and rugged mountain terrain far from the typical tourist trail.

The park lies within the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy and remains deeply significant to local indigenous communities, who consider the region sacred. Visitors are encouraged to explore respectfully while taking in the park’s raw natural beauty.

Over the course of the trek, you’ll visit highlights such as Ritacuba Blanco Glacier, Laguna Grande, and the striking Pan de Azúcar formation, with overnight stays in rustic accommodations like Hacienda La Esperanza.

Highlights:

Snow-capped peaks and glacier views
High-altitude lagoons and dramatic landscapes
Remote trails with very few crowds
Cultural significance and indigenous heritage

👉 Looking for a truly off-the-grid trekking experience? El Cocuy offers one of the most remote and untouched adventures in South America.

👉 Plan your custom trip

11. Huayhuash Circuit (Peru)

Duration: 8–12 days
Difficulty: Very challenging
Best for: Hardcore trekkers

Considered one of the most beautiful treks in the world, with high passes and remote alpine landscapes.

Highlights:

Siula Grande views
High mountain passes
Remote wilderness

👉 Plan your trip:

Huayhuash Guided Treks

This lengthy trek is often touted as having the best alpine scenery in the world, making it easily one of the most sought after multi day treks in the world. Its remoteness leaves its trails relatively light in traffic, and it is over 8 hours by bus from the nearest international airport, Lima. The long distances, high altitudes and numerous mountain passes through the Cordillera Blanca Range make this trek a challenge, but those who are fit enough to make it through will be rewarded with the greatest of memories. The range is famous for Siula Grande mountain that sits at over 20,000ft and was the location of the famous mountaineering movie "Touching the Void." For those who are looking for some added challenge you can add on an extra day to summit Diablo Mundo. Learn More....

12. Santa Cruz Trek, Huaraz (Peru)

Duration: 3–4 days
Distance: 31 miles (50 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Classic alpine trekking with fewer crowds

Located in the Cordillera Blanca near Huaraz, the Santa Cruz Trek is one of Peru’s most scenic and accessible multi-day hikes. While less visited than routes near Cusco, this region is world-renowned among mountaineers and offers a quieter, more authentic trekking experience.

Over four days, the trail winds through dramatic valleys, turquoise glacial lakes, and towering snow-capped peaks. The highlight is crossing Punta Unión Pass, where panoramic views showcase the scale and beauty of the Andes.

This trek is also steeped in mountaineering history—famously featured in Touching the Void and set among peaks that inspired the Paramount Pictures mountain logo.

Highlights:

Punta Unión Pass with sweeping Andean views
Glacier-fed lakes and alpine valleys
Towering peaks of the Cordillera Blanca
Optional side hike to Lake Arhuaycocha

👉 Looking for a classic Andes trek without the crowds of Machu Picchu? The Santa Cruz Trek delivers stunning scenery and a more peaceful hiking experience.

4 Day Santa Cruz Trek

13. Colca Canyon Trek (Llahuar Route), Peru

Duration: 2–3 days
Distance: 20 miles (32 km)
Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
Best for: Short, rewarding trek with hot springs and canyon views

Located near Arequipa, the Colca Canyon Trek takes you into one of the deepest canyons in the world—nearly twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. The Llahuar route offers a quieter and more rewarding alternative to the standard 2-day trek, combining dramatic scenery with unique overnight stops.

The journey begins with a steep descent of over 4,000 feet into the canyon, leading to Llahuar, where you’ll spend the night in rustic lodges and relax in natural hot springs overlooking the canyon walls. On day two, the trail continues to the lush oasis of Sangalle before the final climb back out—a challenging ascent that rewards you with incredible views and a true sense of accomplishment.

Highlights:

Soaking in natural hot springs at Llahuar
Hiking through one of the world’s deepest canyons
Overnight stay in a canyon oasis
Challenging ascent with panoramic views

👉 Looking for a short but unforgettable trek? The Colca Canyon (Llahuar route) delivers dramatic landscapes, cultural immersion, and a well-earned soak at the end of each day. Book it here

14. The Quilotoa Loop Trek - Ecuador

Season: May - September

Distance: 23 miles (37 km)

Length: 3 - 5 daysQuilotoa Loop Trek, Ecuador

Duration: 3–5 days
Distance: 23 miles (37 km)
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Best for: Flexible trekking and cultural immersion

The Quilotoa Loop is one of Ecuador’s most accessible and rewarding multi-day hikes, winding through the scenic highlands of the Andes. Centered around the stunning Quilotoa, this trek connects remote villages via a network of trails, allowing you to customize the route and pace to suit your experience level.

Over several days, you’ll hike between traditional Andean communities, passing through rolling valleys, rivers, and farmland dotted with alpacas. The journey offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural connection, with overnight stays in small guesthouses run by local families.

Highlights:

The turquoise crater lake at Quilotoa
Village-to-village trekking through the Andes
Encounters with Quechua communities
Flexible route options for different skill levels

👉 Looking for a scenic and culturally rich trek that can be tailored to your pace? The Quilotoa Loop is one of the best beginner-friendly hikes in South America.

Quilotoa Loop Trek

15. The Condoriri Trek - LaPaz, Bolivia

Season: April - October

Distance: 23 Miles (38km)

Length: 3 - 5 days

The Cordillera Real dominates the backdrop to the bustling city of LaPaz. This mountain range stretches nearly 120km across Bolivia and is full of glacial lagoons, snow capped peaks reaching heights over 20,000ft (6,000m). High altitude trekking requires proper acclimation so spend a few days in or around LaPaz prior to trekking, many people opt to spend some days at the beautiful Lake Titicaca.

The final spot goes to: The Roraima Trek - Venezuela

Season: The Roraima Trek can be hiked year-round, but the best time to visit is from December to March, during the dry season. The rainy season, which lasts from April to November, can make the trail muddy and slippery, and may result in frequent rain showers.

Distance: The Roraima Trek covers a distance of approximately 35-40 miles (56-64 km), depending on the specific route taken.

Length: The Roraima Trek typically takes around 6-8 days to complete, depending on the pace and itinerary of the hiker. Some tour companies may offer shorter or longer itineraries, but 6-8 days is the average duration.

The Roraima Trek is a popular hiking route in Venezuela, known for its unique natural features and breathtaking landscapes. Roraima is a mountain that sits on the border between Venezuela, Guyana, and Brazil and is considered one of the oldest geological formations on the planet.

This challenging hike covers a distance of approximately 35-40 miles (56-64 km), depending on the specific route taken. The trek typically takes around 6-8 days to complete, depending on the pace and itinerary of the hiker.

The altitude of Roraima mountain is approximately 2,810 meters (9,219 feet) above sea level, which can be a significant challenge for hikers who are not acclimated to high altitude environments.

The trail includes a variety of terrain, including savannahs, dense forests, and rocky terrain, and includes steep ascents and descents. Some sections of the trail may require scrambling or climbing over boulders, making it important for hikers to have a good level of physical fitness and endurance.