The 16 most beautiful treks in the Andes

Would you like to know the most beautiful treks in the Andes? Here is a selection of the most reversing Andean hikes!

With the Himalayas , the Andes Cordillera is undoubtedly one of the favorite playgrounds of trekkers from all levels. It crosses seven South American countries from Venezuela to Chile, through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. Its 7100km in length places it at the top of the longest continental mountain ranges in the world. How can we succeed in selecting some of the most beautiful treks to do in the Andes? The thing is not easy, but here is a selection of beads not to be missed. Heat your crampons and follow the guide!

1. The O and W loops of the Torres del Paine Park (Chile)

If you're a big fan of trek, you've necessarily dreamed one day to walk Patagonia . What a more mythical place than the park Torres del Paine ? A piece of the Chilean world where time seems to have no more catch.

The pure nature: wild lands, endless plains, uninhabited, snowy peaks, huge glaciers of a striking blue, frozen lakes with emerald reflections, forests with centuries-old trees... Is it necessary to continue the description? Beauty is only appreciated by living.

2. Trek des glaciers : Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, El Chalten (Chili)

Let's stay in Patagonia to discover the mythical region of glaciers. This hike is the best known in the park Los Glaciares .

You will start with a walk leading you to the Lago de Los Tres, which is at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy. You are then waiting for many other beads, such as Laguna Torre or Cerro Torre. He is one of the best treks to do in the Andes: to breathe!

3. Ascension of the Ojos del Salado (Chile)

Attack one of the most beautiful treks in the Andes by realizing this long trek that will lead you to the Ojos del Salado , the highest volcano in the world, with its 6893m.

You'll leave the famous Atacama desert , the most arid of the world, and cross lunar landscapes, you will follow altiplanic lagoons, you will admire the geysers of Tatio and the countless volcanoes, or you will still see lamas and vigognes. A 100% natural trek!

4. The crossing of Nahuel Huapi Park (Argentina)

Located in Argentinian Patagonia, not far from San Carlos de Bariloche , Nahuel Huapi National Park houses exceptional treks. Many circuits are practicable.

In particular, it is possible to leave Villa Catedral , reach Colonia Suiza, cross it Pampa Linda and finish Puerto Frías . You can also make detours through the Cerro López or joining the Tronador volcano glaciers. Maybe you'll have the chance to meet a condor!

5. Trek de la Quebrada de Humahuaca, de Tilcara à San Francisco (Argentina)

A huge country, Argentina is not just about Patagonia. Out of the way! Quebrada de Humahuaca is one of the most beautiful treks to do in the Andes, whose existence is unknown. This deep canyon is an exceptional natural site and a region of great cultural wealth. This trek is indeed the opportunity to visit beautiful Andean villages, such as Humahuaca and Tilcara .

The nail of the show in no doubt the mountain with fourteen colors , dressed in multicolored strata, which vary from green to blue, passing through red or ochre. Great!

6. Trek de l’Aconcagua (Argentina)

Rub yourself Aconcagua assumes of course to possess some trekking experience. From the top of its 6962m, this summit is the highest in America.

If technically, this trek is not necessarily the most difficult, the region’s capricious weather can quickly discourage the least motivated. The Ascension of Aconcagua is more challenging than the health walk. Have a look at the amateurs!

7. Trek Royal Cordillera and South Lipez volcanoes (Bolivia)

If an article on the most beautiful treks to be done in the Andes would not be enough to list the wonders of the Andes, it is certain that one cannot forget. The South Lipez and Salar d’Uyuni It's part of it.

This trek will once again plunge you into volcanic, lunar landscapes, in which nature is all powerful. This region is indescribable: lagoons that compete in colours, lamas herds that cleave pink flamingos, a desert of salt that extends to a loss of sight. Moreover, to give you a truly imperishable memory, this trek ends with the ascent of two volcanoes: l’Uturuncu (6008m) and Licancabur (5916m).

8. Hiking of the Isla del Sol, by the way of the ridges (Bolivia)

Located on Lake Titicaca, Bolivian side, the Isla del Sol is a river island with an area of 14 km2. This hike of a few hours plunges you into a life in which time stopped. This is one of the treks to be done in the Andes if you want to evolve through the villages of the island and meet the inhabitants dressed in traditional habits.

In addition, you may have the chance to cross lamas and sheep, visit unbreakable ruins, without ever losing sight of the deep waters of the world's highest navigable lake. It is in a rocky nature at almost 4000m altitude that you will reconnect with the origins of the inca civilization, which would be born here.

9. The crossing of the Royal Cordillera (Bolivia)

Located not far from La Paz , the administrative capital of Bolivia, the Royal Cordillera is a pure wonder. Considered as a high altitude trekkers Mecca flying in Andean terrain, this circuit takes you between 4000m and 6,000m of altitude and kills the tops. Wild hiking enthusiasts will be delighted!

Starting from Sorata, you can finish your trek with the ascent of the Huayna Potosi (6088m).

10. The Tower of Illampu (Bolivia)

Take a look at the giants with one of the most beautiful treks in the Andes!

This trek in altitude allows you to bypass Illampu (6370m) and l’Ancohuma (6430m), crossing four collars between 4000m and 5000m. Trek still quite uncommon, he gives you another preview of the Royal Cordillera.

11. Trek from the Inca Road, to reach the Machu Picchu (Peru)

How can the Cordillera of the Andes and not walk to the mythical city of Machu Picchu?

However, it should be noted that there are many other circuits, less borrowed, which also lead to unacquired remains. For those who wish to preserve the site and limit the affluence that threatens this jewel of history day after day, be content with the trek, without necessarily magnifying the number of tourists who came to see the Machu Picchu.

12. Colca trek (Peru)

If you are passing through Arequipa , after a visit to this dazzling city, you can't leave the area without passing through the Colca Canyon.

If everyone knows the world Grand Canyon of Arizona , few are those who know his Peruvian counterpart, who has nothing to envy him in terms of depth and beauty. Between the colors of the canyon, the hot springs and the landscapes of glaciers and volcanoes in the background, this hike is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful treks in the Andes. He'll surprise you in surprise.

13. Trek in the white cordillera: Laguna 69 (Peru)

The White Cordillera is an extraordinary Peruvian glacial massif. It offers an incredible choice of hiking, but sometimes you need to know how to choose and what it takes for all tastes and levels, the Laguna 69 hike and especially interesting.

Located at more than 400 m above sea level, in Huascaran National Park, 90 km from Huaraz, this 69th lagoon is worth it. You will reach it along waterfalls, glaciers, mountains and other lagoons!

14. HuayHuash Cordillera Tower (Peru)

The cordillera Huayhuash is another jewel of the Andes, more wild than the White Cordillera. With six peaks of more than 6,000m altitude, this massif gives the vertigo!

Between lagoons with troubling reflections, lost villages, violent torrents, vertiginous pass and stripped pampas, you will realize an exceptional circuit, which will make you discover another face of Peruvian nature.

15. Trek of Cotopaxi and ChimborazoEcuador)

The Cotopaxi (5897m)and Chimborazo (6310m)are Ecuador’s highest points. The perfect conical shape of Cotopaxi is unique.

To take advantage of the landscape, however, it is important to ensure that it is properly acclimatized. This ascension deserves!

16. The trek of the Ciudad Perdida (Colombia)

Change of atmosphere! The trek of the Ciudad Perdida leads you Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta until the ancient city of the I century, founded by Tayronas Indians. It is in the heart of the Colombian jungle that you will evolve through villages Koguis and Wiwas , before reaching the top.

It is better to avoid doing this circuit during the wet season, because the trails are particularly muddy.

You now know the 16 most beautiful treks to do in the Andes!