South American Walking Holidays: Top 5 Destinations

South America boasts a huge variety of settings, landscapes and cultures, and it is the ultimate destination for adventurous hikers. Walking holidays to this wonderful destination are very popular, and it is easy to see why. But just where should you go if you're planning a visit to South America? It is such a large continent that deciding on a destination is no easy feat. There are so many possible destinations to choose from, but here are five of the best.

1. Argentina

Argentina is a vast country with so much to see, and it is the ideal destination to embark on walking holidays. From the vibrant capital, Buenos Aires, where you can eat an asado and dance the tango, to the vast wilderness of Patagonia in the south and up to the subtropical north, with attractions like Iguazu Falls, it is a country extremes – and a delight to explore on foot.

2. Chile

Next door to Argentina, Chile is another perfect destination for consider for walking holidays. The country has incredible natural scenery from north to south, but the highlight is Patagonia, with its fascinating volcanoes and lakes. Torres del Paine National Park is a stunning natural wilderness and one of the most beautiful places on Earth, but you could also head up to the Atacama Desert, which holds the dubious honour of being the driest desert in the world.

3. Peru

Peru is another amazing destination. People come from all over the world to hike the Inca Trail and see Machu Picchu, but there is more to this enigmatic country than that. You can visit the Amazon rainforest, head to the Colca Canyon, explore the high mountains of the Andes, see Inca temples and visit Lake Titicaca all on the same trip, making it a fantastic place to visit on an extended break.

4. Ecuador

Ecuador is an extremely diverse country with a truly fascinating culture. Here, you can go on a guided walk to explore colonial cities like Quito, visit 'La Mitad del Mundo', head to the Indian market in Otavalo, see the Pasochoa forest and go hiking in the Cajas National Park. After that, you could even take a trip to the Galápagos Islands to explore one of the most important natural areas in the world.

5. Brazil

Brazil boasts the status as the largest country in South America and there is just so much to see and do here. As well as exploring Rio de Janeiro and chilling out on the beach, you could also head south to Iguazu Falls or venture into the Amazon rainforest at night.

Combine Countries for the Best Experience

Any of these destinations provide more than enough to discover in one trip. The great thing about dedicated walking holidays, however, is that you can combine various destinations in the same trip. For example, you could see two countries like Argentina and Chile, or add in a third like Brazil, and make even more of your trip. So start planning your trip today and enjoy one of the most amazing continents on Earth.

Tony Maniscalco is the Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join us on walking holidays to see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 140 guided group walking holidays in over 60 different countries.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.