Trekking in Latin America
With such diverse geographical terrain, Latin America is a trekker’s dream come true. From the rocky arid landscapes of Mexico to the tropical rainforest jungles of the Amazon Basin, trekking in Latin America is generally well organized and best tackled in most remote areas with the support of a guide. There are, however, ample opportunities for the independent adventurer, but you should check the terrain carefully before deciding whether to be, or not to be, without a guide!
Rainforest trekking, Guyana: The majority of the trekking into this rainforest paradise begins on the Upper Essequito River, where visitors will find many tourist lodges. Trekking through Guyana’s deep rainforests is best tackled using a tour operator who will organize a guide.
El Mirador, Guatemala: This is a relatively difficult but rewarding trek through deep virgin rainforest where trekkers can explore the most remote Mayan ruins in Guatamala. Most visitors take a three-day trek covering 65kms, with support from guides and a mule to carry supplies.
Roraima Plateau - Venezuela, South America: Home to some very mysterious rock formations, wide varieties of flora, cascading waterfalls and eclectic wildlife, this trekking terrain takes you into Conan Doyle’s ‘Lost World’. The trail can be tough going but is rated as one of Latin America’s finest.
Inca Trail to Macchu Picchu, Peru: The Inca Trail is Peru’s most famous mountain trek, which combines attractions including stunning scenery, lush sub-tropical jungle and spectacular wildlife such as the Andean condor. The trail ends at the sacred Inca city of Macchu Picchu.
Bonao, Dominican Republic: Bonao has become a popular area for trekking due to its pristine forest and unique hill villages where chocolate production provides the main source of income. Other trekking attractions in the area include the Charco Bonito waterfalls and the fast flowing Rio Yuna River.
Copper Canyon, Mexico: Copper Canyon is the name given to the area of deep valley within Mexico’s Sierra Madre, where trekking routes advance through high mesas, deep gorges and forest ridges. Attractions in the area include hot springs and a Tarahumara Indian settlement.
Chiapas, Mexico: The El Triunfo and La Encrucijada biosphere reserves provide some of the most fascinating trekking experiences in Mexico. These amazing ecosystems boast the most varied and colorful flora and fauna in the world.
Mayan Riviera, Mexico: There are many trekking opportunities around the touristy but stunning Mayan Riviera. Here the wild and exotic jungles of the Mexican Riviera hold some excellent trekking attractions including the Mayan ruins at Tulum, Coba and Chichen Itza.
Torres del Paine, Chile: The trails between the Torres del Paine Mountains provide some of the best trekking terrain in Chile through the Ascencio valley and French valley. Here trekkers can experience an abundance of breathtaking natural wonders including glaciers, vast crystal lakes and high snow capped mountains.
Alausi , Ecuador: A fascinating trekking route runs from Alausi to the famous Ingapirca fortress of the Inca-Canari period, where trekkers can follow ancient Inca trails while enjoying stunning views of Mount Chimborazo’s high snowy peaks.
Sierra Maestra, Cuba: Cuba has some of the most stunning and untouched mountain scenery in the Caribbean. The Sierra Maestra Mountains in the southeast of the island have the highest peaks in Cuba (1,972m) and also provide a truly impressive array of flora and fauna and a vast diversity of colorful bird life.
Guyana: One of Latin America’s hidden gems, Guyana is a land of pristine rainforests, extraordinary wildlife (including jaguar), extensive jungle rivers, long-established Amerindian villages and one of the world’s greatest waterfalls, Kaieteur.