Everyone knows the Inca Trail and the W Trek. But South America has dozens of spectacular routes that are less crowded, often cheaper, and every bit as stunning. These ten range from rainforest granite to the southernmost trail on Earth — a mix of what to do after you've ticked the classics.
The "Yosemite of South America" — granite domes over Valdivian rainforest. ~2–7 days, moderate–hard, best Dec–Mar. Wild, road-free and climber-famous.
The quiet alternative to Torres del Paine, in Aysén. 4 days, hard, best Dec–Mar. Scree passes and a turquoise glacial lagoon, with a fraction of the crowds.
El Chaltén's technical loop — Tyrolean rope crossings and a jaw-dropping view of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. 4 days, advanced, Dec–Mar.
The world's southernmost trek, on Isla Navarino below Ushuaia. ~4–5 days, hard, Dec–Mar. Raw, remote sub-Antarctic terrain.
The "other Machu Picchu," reachable only on foot — and almost empty. ~4–5 days, hard (big canyon descents/climbs), best Apr–Oct.
Many trekkers' pick for the most spectacular range in the Andes. ~8–10 days, hard, high altitude, best Jun–Aug.
Table mountains, caves and waterfalls in Bahia. Multi-day options, moderate, best Apr–Oct. A different face of Brazil.
Singletrack and dirt roads between Inca ruins above Cusco. 1–3 days, moderate, best Apr–Oct. Acclimatize first.
A cross-border volcano objective on skis or foot. Multi-day, advanced, season depends on mode. Big, wild and quiet.
High-altiplano color, culture and canyon walks in Jujuy. Flexible days, moderate, best Apr–Nov.
For granite and glaciers: Cochamó or the Huemul Circuit. For Inca ruins without crowds: Choquequirao. For high-altitude drama: the Cordillera Huayhuash.
It depends on your style. For granite and glaciers: Cochamó or the Huemul Circuit. For Inca ruins without crowds: Choquequirao. For high-altitude drama: the Cordillera Huayhuash.
Choquequirao (the 'other Machu Picchu') for ruins without crowds, or the Salkantay route for high passes and glaciers — both avoid the permit-limited classic Inca Trail.
Cerro Castillo and Cochamó in Chile, and Choquequirao in Peru, all deliver world-class scenery with a fraction of the visitors of the famous routes.