Our favourite trekking holidays in South America
An epic canvas of rainbow mountains, rugged deserts, and lush rainforests, South America is prime for hikers looking for a trekking holiday. From walking in the Amazonian jungle to walking on the Perito Moreno Glacier in the Patagonia, a hiking adventure offers an up-close and immersive way of seeing the continent. Our Lightfoot Travel experts can put together an itinerary that includes day treks or full-on expeditions.
A UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park is known for its unspoilt nature, abundance of wildlife like condors, pink flamingos, Patagonian hare, and even pumas. It is especially popular with walking enthusiasts for its hiking trails, which offer magnificent views of staggering peaks.
Follow in the footsteps of the Peruvian Incans and take on the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Arrive to the world wonder at the break of dawn and witness the ruins magically light up with the sunrise.
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Classic Argentina
Buenos Aires & The PampasArgentine Lake DistrictMendozaIguazu Falls & Ibera WetlandsNorthwest Argentina
- Explore the barrios of La Boca, San Telmo and Recoleta in Buenos Aires
- Ice trek across the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentine Patagonia
- Discover the forests, glacial lakes and snowy peaks of the Lake District
- Sample fine wines and gourmet meals in Mendoza
- Marvel at the power of Iguazu Falls from Argentina and Brazil
Discover Patagonia
Argentine PatagoniaChilean PatagoniaBuenos Aires & The PampasChile
- Discover Buenos Aires, one of the world’s greatest cities
- Witness the stunning natural beauty of Torres del Paine
- Go ice trekking across the Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate
- Sail amongst the vast glaciers in the fjords of Patagonia
- Spot Patagonian wildlife including penguins, elephant seals, condors and whales
Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu
LimaCusco, Sacred Valley, & Machu Picchu
- Conquer mountain switchbacks as you trek the Salkantay Pass
- Marvel at the Andean landscape as you trek with a private guide
- Relax in a remote lodge each evening surrounded by the cloud forest
- Visit Machu Picchu early in the morning as the sun rises
- Explore the ancient towns & sites of the Sacred Valley
Trekking in Patagonia
- Experience Los Perros River from Camp Dickson
- Hike the John Gardner Pass to the highest point of the circuit
- See the amazing geological mountain formations at the French Valley
- Walk alongside the aquamarine waters of Lake Nordenskjold
- Take in the views at the iconic lookout on the Towers Base Trail
Awasi Atacama
Surrounded by lush gardens, Awasi Atacama is an oasis amid the immense Atacama Desert, the aridest place on Earth. This Relais & Chateaux property is located in the historic town of San Pedro de Atacama; this intimate resort blends into the landscape and offers guests a range of bespoke...
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
Cusco, Sacred Valley, & Machu Picchu
Steps away from the ancient Inca citadel lies Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel at this World Heritage site and the perfect place to explore Machu Picchu, hike through the jungle or experience the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes.
This luxury hotel offers 29 elegantly designed rooms...
Colpa Lodge
Cusco, Sacred Valley, & Machu Picchu
Perched on a promontory at the confluence of three rivers, Colpa Lodge is surrounded by lush cloud forest and backed by mountains. Run by Mountain Lodges of Peru, this eco-lodge is one of four lodges offering accommodation along the Salkantay Trail ending at Machu Picchu.
Inspired by...
Cristalino Lodge
Cristiano Lodge is a couple of hours’ journey by 4×4 and boat from Alta Floresta. Set within a private reserve extending some 28,000 acres, it offers excellent wildlife viewing, superb guides and as an ecolodge, it is seriously committed to conservation.
Cristiano has only 16 rooms so expect personal service,...
El Mercado
Cusco, Sacred Valley, & Machu Picchu
Set in a former market near Plaza de Armas, El Mercado is run by Mountain Lodges of Peru. Part of Cusco’s colonial heritage, the interior has been renovated by Peruvian designer, Jordi Puig, who’s given a modern slant to traditional patterns and textiles.
The guestrooms and suites...
