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Best hikes, walks and treks in Latin America
I have done lots of treks, hikes and walks in South and Central America and the Caribbean. From high altitude Andean treks to low-level Patagonian hikes, here are some of my favourite experiences in the Latin American world of adventure travel.
1) Peru - approaching the magnificant ruins of Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail is one of South America's great adventurous trekking experiences. On this alternative trip we spend a few days deep in the Cordillera Vilcabamba before joining the Inca Trail itself. Our high and remote route skirts many of the range's great peaks, adding a fantastic mountain dimension to the classic Inca Trail.
2) Chile - without a doubt, one of the biggest highlights of Torres del Paine, is to hike up to the base of the Towers of Paine. The walk itself is beautiful, offering some fantastic views across the park. The last part is a bit of a scramble but your reward at the Mirador is a staggering vista of sheer granite peaks.
3) Argentina - The Fitzroy range in Patagonia is less known than Torres del Paine but offers similar incredible scenery and views along with a glacial lake whose still waters reflect the three main peaks of the range. And you can try your hand at Tyrolean river crossings, glacier walking and ice climbing!
4) Argentina - Tierra del Fuego has some of the most striking scenery on the continent. Hike through dense beech forests and past giant beaver dams to glacial lakes, climb a mountain for views of the ocean, or walk along the shores of the Beagle Channel, taking in the fresh sea air and spectacular landscapes.
5) Northern Peru - Trekking around the Huayhuash Range makes for one of the world's most spectacular mountain circuits, rewarding you with unequalled views of its turquoise glacial lakes, jagged snow-capped peaks and stunning hanging glaciers that extend thousands of metres from the peaks.
6) Galapagos - walking is a great way to discover the Galapagos Islands, with its changing volcanic landscapes and unique wildlife. Trek Isabela island, one of the last remaining habitats of the giant Galapagos tortoise, and home to many interesting species of endemic wildlife.
7) Ecuador - the 'Avenue of the Volcanoes' is liberally sprinkled with some of the world's highest volcanic peaks. The country is small enough to combine serious volcano climbing with cultural highlights such as markets and colonial towns.
8) Venezuela - towering above the tropical savannah stand the bare cliffs of Venezuela's tepuys. On a classic six-day trek you reach the summit of Mount Roraima, a maze of blackened rock and babbling streams harbouring a unique eco-system full of unusual plants including rare carnivorous species.
9) Costa Rica - Rincon de la Vieja National Park is regarded as one of Costa Rica's hidden gems. Hike through tropical forests to waterfalls, bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles and hot springs and watch howler monkeys, sloths and many of the birds present here.
10) Guatemala - the central highlands around beautiful Lake Atitlan are a true paradise for walkers. Hike through traditional Indian villages, coffee plantations and cloud forest as you climb peaks which offer staggering views. Delve into the local culture and find out more about the Mayan Indians who live in the highlands.
11) Cuba - there are plenty of great hikes in this island nation. Walk from farm to farm to get a real insight into the lives of campesinos (small-scale farmers), enjoy the limestone cliffs of Viñales rising from the tobacco fields or walk to the Comandancia, Castro's mountain hideout.
1) Peru - approaching the magnificant ruins of Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail is one of South America's great adventurous trekking experiences. On this alternative trip we spend a few days deep in the Cordillera Vilcabamba before joining the Inca Trail itself. Our high and remote route skirts many of the range's great peaks, adding a fantastic mountain dimension to the classic Inca Trail.
2) Chile - without a doubt, one of the biggest highlights of Torres del Paine, is to hike up to the base of the Towers of Paine. The walk itself is beautiful, offering some fantastic views across the park. The last part is a bit of a scramble but your reward at the Mirador is a staggering vista of sheer granite peaks.
3) Argentina - The Fitzroy range in Patagonia is less known than Torres del Paine but offers similar incredible scenery and views along with a glacial lake whose still waters reflect the three main peaks of the range. And you can try your hand at Tyrolean river crossings, glacier walking and ice climbing!
4) Argentina - Tierra del Fuego has some of the most striking scenery on the continent. Hike through dense beech forests and past giant beaver dams to glacial lakes, climb a mountain for views of the ocean, or walk along the shores of the Beagle Channel, taking in the fresh sea air and spectacular landscapes.
5) Northern Peru - Trekking around the Huayhuash Range makes for one of the world's most spectacular mountain circuits, rewarding you with unequalled views of its turquoise glacial lakes, jagged snow-capped peaks and stunning hanging glaciers that extend thousands of metres from the peaks.
6) Galapagos - walking is a great way to discover the Galapagos Islands, with its changing volcanic landscapes and unique wildlife. Trek Isabela island, one of the last remaining habitats of the giant Galapagos tortoise, and home to many interesting species of endemic wildlife.
7) Ecuador - the 'Avenue of the Volcanoes' is liberally sprinkled with some of the world's highest volcanic peaks. The country is small enough to combine serious volcano climbing with cultural highlights such as markets and colonial towns.
8) Venezuela - towering above the tropical savannah stand the bare cliffs of Venezuela's tepuys. On a classic six-day trek you reach the summit of Mount Roraima, a maze of blackened rock and babbling streams harbouring a unique eco-system full of unusual plants including rare carnivorous species.
9) Costa Rica - Rincon de la Vieja National Park is regarded as one of Costa Rica's hidden gems. Hike through tropical forests to waterfalls, bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles and hot springs and watch howler monkeys, sloths and many of the birds present here.
10) Guatemala - the central highlands around beautiful Lake Atitlan are a true paradise for walkers. Hike through traditional Indian villages, coffee plantations and cloud forest as you climb peaks which offer staggering views. Delve into the local culture and find out more about the Mayan Indians who live in the highlands.
11) Cuba - there are plenty of great hikes in this island nation. Walk from farm to farm to get a real insight into the lives of campesinos (small-scale farmers), enjoy the limestone cliffs of Viñales rising from the tobacco fields or walk to the Comandancia, Castro's mountain hideout.
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| Hiking in Viñales, Cuba |
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