Discover some of the continent’s most stunning landscapes and archaeological sites, from ancient ruins to breath taking natural wonders, as you embark on one of our walking holidays in South America. South America is a treasure trove of diverse walking trails, such as the epic Inca Trail, the Galápagos Islands and the Amazon Rainforest.
Whether seeking history, wildlife, challenging hikes or surreal landscapes, our South America walking adventure holidays promise unforgettable experiences and a deep connection with the continent’s natural wonders. One of the most famous walking trails in South America is the Inca Trail in Peru. This ancient track weaves through the Andes Mountains, showcasing magnificent vistas and leading to the iconic Machu Picchu. The trek takes you on an unforgettable journey through lush valleys, cloud forests and Incan ruins, and gives you a greater insight into the region’s history and culture. Peru’s High Andes are equally as captivating with their towering peaks, glacial lakes and rugged landscapes, and the region has become a popular destination paradise for hikers across the globe.
For wildlife lovers, the Galápagos Islands should be on the top of their list for walking holidays in South America. Located off the coast of Ecuador, the archipelago is famous for its unique and diverse fauna, including the giant tortoises and marine iguanas. Walking tours on the islands let you observe these incredible animals up close and explore the pristine beaches, volcanic landscapes and extraordinary natural beauty.
The Amazon Rainforest is also home to unparalleled biodiversity and untouched wilderness where there are countless trails and paths to explore. Guided walks through the dense jungle give you the opportunity to spot exotic wildlife, learn about indigenous cultures and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this exceptional ecosystem.
Top 5 Highlights of Walking Holidays in South America
The Inca Trail: This is undoubtedly one of the most famous and iconic walking routes in South America, and the world. The trail winds through breathtaking Andean landscapes and presents stunning views of snow-capped peaks and ancient ruins. The highlight of this trek is reaching Machu Picchu, the legendary “Lost City of the Incas.” As you make your way along the trail, you’ll witness the remnants of this ancient civilisation.
Galápagos Islands: These remote and isolated islands are a haven for wildlife and nature lovers. Exploring the islands on foot lets you witness the incredible biodiversity of the archipelago close-up. From giant tortoises to marine iguanas and playful sea lions, the Galápagos Islands host a staggering array of indigenous species found nowhere else on earth. Observe wonderful creatures in their natural habitat and appreciate the delicate balance of nature that exists in this ecological paradise.
Torres del Paine National Park: This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Chile boasts towering granite peaks, shimmering glaciers and glistening lakes. The park offers a network of well-marked trails that cater to different levels of ability. Whether you take on the challenging W Trek or choose a shorter day hike, the incredible vistas of Torres del Paine will leave you in awe of the raw beauty of this region.
Amazon Rainforest: Walking through the Amazon rainforest is an adventure like no other, giving you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover the world’s largest tropical wilderness. The lush vegetation, vibrant wildlife and symphony of sounds are a sensory overload. As you trek through dense foliage, you’ll encounter monkeys swinging through the trees, colourful birds soaring overhead and perhaps even an elusive jaguar or giant river otters.
Lake Titicaca: situated between Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is an immense freshwater lake that holds great cultural significance for the local indigenous communities. Walking along its shores offers a unique insight into the traditional way of life of the local people, who have lived on floating reed islands for centuries. Explore the fascinating islands and interact with the locals, learning about their customs and traditions.
Nepal is such an awe-inspiring country, and seeing the Himalayas up close really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Reaching Annapurna Base Camp was an unforgettable moment, and the sense of achievement that my group and I felt when we finally made it was incredible.
Expect plenty of steps along the way, but the fantastic team on the ground made sure our enjoyment and safety were always the priority. The pacing of the trek was spot on, and each evening we looked forward to relaxing in the local teahouses and hearing our leader’s stories and jokes.
An amazing experience from start to finish, and one I’d highly recommend to anyone looking for a truly memorable adventure in Nepal!
As an Exodus staff member, I know how much people love this trip – but experiencing it for myself took my appreciation to a whole new level!
The local team are simply brilliant. It’s fair to say I would have got nowhere near the top without the positivity and knowledge of our leader, Happyness, and assistant guides Lucy, Joyce and Florian, plus all the support crew. On top of that, the group I joined as a solo traveller was so welcoming and funny – every day was a blast.
Additionally, the Lemosho Route itself felt like a great choice. Just having that little bit longer to acclimatise may have been the difference between me getting to the top and not.
Great trek. Excellent guide. Amazing trek crew. Far fewer trekkers than Nepal. Lots of monasteries. Disappointing hotels given price of trip. Much colder than I expected at night.
