One of the many things we love here at Adventure Coordinators is exploring the world on foot. Whether we can squeeze in a couple of hours in a world-class city, a day walk in a beautiful national park or a trek through a stunning mountain range, it is all good. Here are some of our favourite hikes and treks in Latin America. From Guatemala to Patagonia and many countries in between we have focused on some more unusual hikes!
Guatemala: Highlands & Volcanoes Rating: challenging, 5 out of 10 15 days from $3115 In the central highlands of Guatemala, lofty volcanoes are commonplace. We hike through traditional Indian villages, coffee plantations and cloud forest as we climb peaks which offer staggering views. Although most of the volcanoes are now dormant, we walk to the lava fields of active Pacaya and to the steaming crater of Cerro Quemado. As well as the fantastic walking on offer, there is plenty of time to delve into the local culture and find out more about the Mayan Indians who live in the highlands. View trip
Dominica: Trek the Waitukubuli National Trail Rating: Introductory to Moderate, 4 out of 10 12 days from $4355 Experience the Caribbean's first and only long distance walking trail, the Waitukubuli National Trail. Discover the nature and culture of Dominica on this adventurous jungle trek. The Trail climbs slopes carpeted with rainforests, descends dramatic gorges, crosses rivers and takes in spectacular waterfalls and sulphur springs. At 114 miles long, over 14 segments, the National Trail runs from the southern village of Scott's Head to the Cabrits National Park in the North. Showcasing virgin forest and the best of Dominica's nature, culture and local lifestyles, the National Trail passes through old plantations, skirts along coastal cliffs, meanders past fertile farms and stops by small villages. We have handpicked the best sections for this fantastic 12 day trip. View trip
Colombia: Active Colombia Rating: Moderate, 5 out of 10 14 days from $4690 This exciting Colombian adventure is sure to be a memorable one! Beginning in Colombia?s capital city, Bogota, we make our way to the town of Zipaquira. Here we visit the famous Salt Cathedral before making our way to the archeological sites of Villa de Leyva. From the charming village of Barichara we will make days trips to the wild environment of San Gil and the Chicamocha canyon. Here we have the opportunity to do some trekking, rafting and climbing! We then transfer to Tayrona National Park and get settled into our lovely Ecohabs before a challenging 4 day trek into the Lost City. View trip
Guyana: Overland to Kaieteur Falls Rating: Introductory to Moderate, 4 out of 10 14 days from $6699 Join us on this remarkable adventure discovering one of the few remaining unexplored destinations - Guyana. English speaking with an irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty and rich heritage. Journey overland through unspoiled rainforests and meet locals for an immersive experience that few travellers get to know. Visit Iwokrama Rain Forest, one of the world's most prolific ecosystems, teeming with birds and mammals. Enjoy hiking excursions and a visit to the Burro-Burro River. Trek to Kaieteur Falls, considered to be one of the highest single drop water falls in the world, seen by only a handful of intrepid visitors. This expedition involves trekking through wildlife rich virgin forest, crossing mountain streams and walking across jungle bridges. View trip
Ecuador: Avenue of the Volcanoes Rating: challenging/tough, 6 out of 10 15 days from $3795 Ecuador is liberally sprinkled with some of the world's highest peaks. Our acclimatisation starts with the Pinan trek in the highlands of the Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve before we head south to discover Otavalo Indian market and relax in the hot springs, ready for our first climb of Imbabura Volcano. Ice skills practice on Antisana's glaciers will prepare us for the tough (but optional) ascent of Cayambe, Ecuadors third highest volcano. On Cayambe we climb with a ratio of one guide to every two trekkers to maximise our chance of summiting. View trip
Peru: Huayhuash Circuit Rating: Moderate to Challenging, 6 out of 10 19 days from $3960 Jason from Ottawa did this trip: "Beats the Inca Trail hands down" he says. The Cordillera Huayhuash is one of the most spectacular ranges in the Peruvian Andes. This full circuit trek is the best way to fully appreciate the sheer scale of these snowcapped summits including Yerupaja, the second highest mountain in Peru. Our trip includes ample time for acclimatisation in the Cordillera Blanca and Huaraz before spending 12 days crossing high passes - all in the vicinity of 5000m. A highlight for all will be a side trip to Siula Grande Base Camp and an ascent of Cerro Bella Vista for incredible views. View trip
Peru: The High Inca Trail Rating: challenging, 5 out of 10 14 days from $2755 Of all the hikes to Machu Picchu, this is our favourite (perhaps it helps that we did it ourselves). This trek spends a few days deep in the bewildering majesty of the Cordillera Vilcabamba before joining the classic Inca Trail for the approach to Machu Picchu. This high route skirts many of the great peaks and passes close to Mt. Salcantay (6271m) and its creaking glaciers. The trek continues through remote villages and crosses the spectacular Inca Chiriasqa Pass. It finishes by exploring the Inca temples and fortresses of Cuzco and the Sacred Valley. View trip
Peru: Alpamayo Circuit Rating: Moderate to Challenging, 6 out of 10 16 days from $3395 One of the most scenically spectacular walking routes in the Peruvian Andes, this adventure provides endless panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. We cross a number of high passes and enjoy incredible views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, awesome vertical walls of ice, beautiful valleys and dazzling blue lakes. We pass through remote farming communities where people greet us with warm hospitality and allow us to gain an insight into traditional Quechua way of life. View trip
Peru: The Lost City of Choquequirao Rating: Challenging, 5 out of 10 13 days from $2605 The last stronghold of the Inca royal family following the Spanish conquest, Choquequirao is one of the best-preserved Inca cities and bears strong similarities to Machu Picchu, both in its architectural style and its stunning location. Our trekking route is dominated by the lofty snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, but is extremely diverse as we cross the Apurimac River, hike over high passes surrounded by glaciers and finally descend into the humid cloud forest surrounding Machu Picchu itself. View trip
Bolivia: Summits of Bolivia
Rating: Intermediate Mountain Expedition, 9 out of 10 19 days from $4395 The towering white peaks of the Cordillera Real provide a majestic backdrop above the vast Bolivian altiplano. This is a spectacular alpine region ideally suited to anyone who is looking to undertake a series of classic mountaineering ascents in one of the world's finest alpine locations. An excellent level of fitness is necessary to help ensure your summit ambitions as we climb a series of progressively more challenging peaks, culminating with Illimani, a moderately technical peak recognised as one of the classic climbs of South America. View trip
Chile & Argentina: Great Patagonian Traverse Rating: Moderate, 5 out of 10 15 days from $6695 This trek is sure to captivate the most seasoned trekker and offers the opportunity to traverse Patagonia, travelling it's length from Coyhaique in the north to Puerto Natales in the South, mostly on foot and by boat via some of the most captivating and untouched national parks in the region. Cross Lago O'Higgins, see a side to Patagonia rarely seen by other trekkers but also walk the 'W' trek and enjoy forays to the Grey Glacier, up the French Valley and ascend to the base of Torres del Paine for one of the most unforgettable mountain views in the world. View trip