10 Life-Changing Multi-Day Treks Across South America

South America is a trekking paradise. From high-altitude Andean circuits to jungle expeditions and Patagonian wilderness, this continent has some of the most spectacular multi-day hikes anywhere. As someone who has spent years traveling off-the-beaten path here and has done many of these treks myself, I can tell you which ones are truly worth it. If you’re not quite ready for multi-day treks, check out my 10 favourite day hikes in the world.

Here are 10 of the best multi-day treks in South America, from famous classics to underrated gems.

1. O Circuit, Chile

The W Trek is likely the single most famous multi-day trek in South America. Heck, it’s the only one you have to book campsites months in advance. But the full O Circuit is where Patagonia comes alive. Anyone who has done the full loop will tell you that their favourite days were actually on the O Section. Over 7–10 days, you circle the entire Torres del Paine massif, getting into valleys and viewpoints that W trekkers never reach. You’ll camp under hanging glaciers, walk beside emerald lakes, and see the famous granite towers from every possible angle. If you’re making the trip to southern Chile, this is the one to aim for.

Torres del Paine O + W Circuit
Length: 118km
Elevation Gain: 5164m
Duration: 8 days
For those still not convinced to do the full O Trek, the W Trek typically takes 5 days, it’s about 73.5km, and 2948m of elevation gain.

2. Ciudad Perdida, Colombia

Deep in the jungle of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta lies Ciudad Perdida, the Lost City. The trek is hot, humid, and muddy, but reaching the ancient stone terraces after days of river crossings and jungle trails is a thrill like no other. Along the way, you pass Indigenous villages and learn about the local cultures that still live here. It’s one of the few treks in South America that blends raw adventure with deep history. Unfortunately, this is one of two on this list that require a mandatory guide, so it does come with a hefty price tag.

Ciudad Perdida
Distance: 49km
Elevation Gain: 2670m

3. Chapada Diamantina, Brazil

When people think of Brazil, they imagine beaches, not trekking. But Chapada Diamantina is an adventure-lover’s paradise. The Vale do Pati trek is the highlight, a 3–5 day journey through remote valleys where you stay in local families’ homes. It’s easily one of the most underrated treks in South America. The trek takes you through canyons, plateaus, caves, and waterfalls, with wild camping under the stars. Though most people do this with a tour, it’s possible to do it without a guide!

Vale do Pati
Length: 28.5km
Elevation Gain: 1789m
Duration: 3 days

There are lots of trails in the park and many variations. My route over 3 days was slightly different than the one on AllTrails, and you can do longer routes such as this one in 7 days.

4. Salkantay Trek, Peru

Salkantay has now surpassed the Inca Trail in popularity, largely because of the strict daily limits on Inca Trail permits. It also happens to be the first multi-day trek I ever did. You start by climbing through the shadow of the mighty Salkantay Mountain before dropping into lush jungle on your way to Machu Picchu. The landscapes change drastically each day, and the trail is far less crowded. For me, it struck the perfect balance between challenging, beautiful, and rewarding.

Salkantay Trek
Distance: 69.5km
Elevation Gain: 3658m
Duration: 5 days

5. Huayhuash Circuit, Peru

This is the heavyweight of South American trekking. The Huayhuash Circuit takes 8–12 days around one of the most stunning mountain ranges in the world, with sharp peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes at every turn. It’s remote, it’s demanding, and it’s absolutely unforgettable. It’s also number one on my South America bucket list. The dream hike I’m still waiting to complete.

Cordillera Huayhuash Complete Trek
Distance: 112km
Elevation Gain: 7025m
Duration: 10 days

6. Laguna de los Tres & Cerro Torre, Argentina

El Chaltén is often called the trekking capital of Argentina, and for good reason. Most people do Laguna de los Tres or Laguna Torre as day hikes, but linking them together into a multi-day loop is where the magic happens. It’s the only way to catch Mount Fitz Roy at sunrise. You’ll hike past glaciers, camp in photogenic spots, and experience Patagonia at its finest. As of 2025, you now need a permit to hike.

Lagunda de los Tres – Laguna Torre
Distance: 32.8km
Eleavation Gain: 1353m
Duration: 2 days

7. Mount Roraima, Venezuela

Roraima is the inspiration for the mountains in the movie Up. The tabletop mountain rises abruptly from the savanna, and reaching the top takes several days of sweaty, muddy hiking. Once on the summit, you wander through bizarre rock formations, crystal-clear pools, and alien-like landscapes. It’s also the most remote trek on this list — getting there and back is an expedition in itself.

Monte Roraima
Distance: 68km
Elevation Gain: 3875m
Duration: 7 days

8. Quilotoa Loop, Ecuador

The Quilotoa Loop is the easiest trek on this list, but you can add a challenge by hiking down into the crater itself. You walk from village to village through rolling highlands, staying in family-run hostels, some of which are among the coziest I’ve ever stayed in (Black Sheep Inn), before ending at the stunning turquoise lake of Quilotoa. I loved how social this trek was. You meet other backpackers each night, swap stories over communal dinners, then head out again the next day.

Quilotoa Loop Complete Trail
Length: 34km
Elevation Gain: 2480m
Duration: 3 days

9. Ausangate Trek, Peru

The Ausangate Trek feels like walking through a painting. Every day takes you past electric-blue lakes, massive glaciers, and rainbow-colored mountains, all at altitudes above 4,000 meters. It’s tough — you’ll cross multiple high passes, some over 5,000 meters — but the reward is a raw, untouched side of the Andes that few travelers ever see. This is the trek that made me realize just how vast and wild Peru’s mountains are.

Ausangate Trek
Distance: 66km
Elevation Gain: 2807m
Duration: 5 days

10. La Travesía de los 4 Refugios, Argentina

Bariloche is known for chocolate and lakes, but just outside town lies one of Patagonia’s best hut-to-hut treks. The 4 Refugios Traverse links mountain huts through rugged peaks and alpine passes, with jaw-dropping views over Nahuel Huapi National Park. Guides are recommended for the third and fourth refugios, but it’s possible to do it independently if you’re experienced. If you prefer, you can carry just a light pack, eat proper meals at the refugios, and still get that wild Andean trekking experience.

4 Refugios
Distance: 40.6km
Elevation Gain: 3264m
Duration: 4 days

Other Amazing Treks in South America

Of course, I couldn’t include every trek I’ve loved in just one list. Here are a few more that deserve a mention:

• Inca Trail, Peru – Iconic and crowded, but still magical for first-timers.
• Huemul Circuit, Argentina – A challenging 4-day trek near El Chaltén with glaciers, passes, and views over the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
• Tayrona Park, Colombia (My Route) – A mix of jungle and beaches, this shorter hike lets you camp right on the sand under the palms. Check out my guide here.
• Cerro Castillo, Chile – Often compared to a quieter Torres del Paine, this trek takes you past jagged peaks, hanging glaciers, and sapphire-blue lakes.
• Santa Cruz Trek, Peru – Shorter than Huayhuash, but still a classic Cordillera Blanca experience.
• El Bolson Circuit, Argentina (My Route) – A relaxed hut-to-hut circuit through forests and valleys, perfect if you want a less intense but still scenic trek.
• Condor Trek, Ecuador – A difficult trek leading to the majestic Cotopaxi volcano.
• Cochamó Valley, Chile – Granite walls and hidden valleys, nicknamed the “Yosemite of South America.”
• Cocuy Circuit, Colombia – Remote, glaciated peaks and turquoise lakes, a true Andean gem.
• Choquequirao Trek, Peru – A tough hike to an isolated Inca ruin bigger than Machu Picchu.
• Dientes de Navarino, Chile – The world’s southernmost trek, raw and wild.