Every traveller has a slightly different idea of what adventure means. Adventure can be found in everything for adventurous travellers, from experiencing culture shock in foreign villages to exploring remote forests or trying an adrenaline sport for the first time.
South America has a wide range of exciting places to go on an adventure travel trip because of its rugged terrain, unexplored areas, and abundant natural beauty. When exploring the southern hemisphere, these are some of the best adventure trips.
Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is without a doubt one of the most iconic and essential South American adventure trips. However, this is not a day hike for the weak-hearted. To reach the ruins at the end of the trek, which is one of the best things to do in Peru, you’ll need to hike about 27 miles through mountain passes, ancient ruins, and thick forests. Tour operators also offer excursions on the Inca Trail that last anywhere from one to four days and cover fewer than ten miles to cater to a variety of travellers and concentrate on particular sections of the trail. Despite the breathtaking mountain scenery, this popular hike can get crowded during peak seasons. Alternatively, the Andes of Cusco offers a number of other amazing trekking opportunities.

Go Trekking in Patagonia
Patagonia is home to yet another amazing trek in South America. Patagonia treks take travellers through Argentina and Chile to one of the wildest places on earth. Incredible landscapes, towering mountain ranges, and ice-covered rivers are all found here. Boat tours of the Beagle Channel, bird and whale watching on the way to Estancia Harberton, kayaking, and good old-fashioned hiking are all popular trip activities. Take a trip on horseback through El Calafate and the Torres del Paine National Park to rest your sore feet.

Whitewater Raft the Mendoza River
Whitewater rafters from all over the world come to Argentina to see the Mendoza River up close and personal. The Mendoza has a good mix of Class IV and Class V rapids that will challenge even the most seasoned rafters. Even though it gets colder in the winter, the water is calmer, so rafters come here all year long for wet and wild adventures.
Snorkel around the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are a must-see for nature lovers in Ecuador and should be visited at least once in their lifetime. While mountain biking over stunning terrain, snorkelling in ocean habitats and hiking across the islands’ volcanoes, you can see many of this region’s most unusual species of wildlife. Going swimming is one of the most outstanding ways of submerging yourself in the amazing normal scene of the Galapagos Islands. This region is home to numerous brightly coloured fish, sea lions, hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, and penguins. Alternatively, local guides like Explorer’s Corner specialise in kayak trips to far-flung polar regions.
Scuba Dive in Venezuela
When they visit Los Roques, a ring of islands that surround a shallow lagoon in the Pacific Ocean, scuba divers will feel right at home in Venezuela. Manta and eagle rays, numerous exotic fish, and healthy reefs are all found in this location of the national park. Gran Roque Island has a few dive shops and boats that take tourists on weeklong dive trips. The island has a laid-back charm despite having only about a thousand permanent residents and friendly locals who adore their homes.

Trek to the Lost City of Colombia
The Colombian route to the Lost City is another South American trek that is worth exploring. The Lost City was deserted during the Spanish Success and stayed unseen for many years. This is a remote trek that is mostly unexplored and can only be reached by hiring a knowledgeable guide. These ruins are in Tayrona National Park, and the best time to see them is from December to March. There will be a lot of mud paths, thick rainforests, rock pools, and 1,400 steps to get to the top of the ruins at the end!
Explore the Volcanoes of Ecuador
Ecuador is home to the Galapagos Islands, but the country also has a lot more to offer. In Ecuador, mountain biking is very popular and a great way to see the volcanic regions of the country. For instance, Biking Dutchman offers biking tours that can last anywhere from one to eight days to accommodate travellers with varying levels of physical ability. During a three-day adventure through the Ecuadorian Andes, one of the best bike tours travels through Cotopaxi to Quilotoa and Chimborazo. Ecuador is also a great place to go hiking, rafting, and caving due to its mild climate throughout the year.
Explore the Amazon Jungle of Peru
It’s difficult to truly contrast anything with the Amazon rainforest. Iquitos, Peru’s largest city in the Amazon jungle, can only be reached by boat or plane. You can see rare and endangered mammals, birds, and reptiles in their natural habitat in this one of the world’s most biologically diverse regions. Many tourists choose to hire a reputable tour guide because of its remote and inaccessible reputation.
Go Hang Gliding in Brazil
Brazil is probably best known for its party scene and beautiful beaches, but that doesn’t mean it has forgotten its wild spirit of adventure. Hang coasting is a well-known experience action in Brazil to permit guests to absorb remarkable flying perspectives on the seashores and rainforests far down beneath. Balanced lightweight planes here summon up their fortitude and run off the edge of a high stage to float smoothly down to the joyful São Conrado ocean side.
Travel down Bolivia’s Death Road It’s probably not called “Death Road” just because of the scenery! A road that goes 41 miles to Coroico can be found in La Paz, the Bolivian capital. There are few guide rails and tight turns on the 12,000-foot descent. According to locals, approximately 200 people per year die on this hazardous road. At one point, the American Development Bank actually named a portion of it the world’s most dangerous road. This road has attracted not only curious motorists but also adrenaline-seeking backpackers and risk-taking mountain bikers.