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Andes Mountain Guides – Patagonia Experts

Andes mountain guides, patagonia experts, since 2003, planning and running expeditions, climbing and skiing trips..

WILDERNESS MEDICAL EDUCATION

2023 Aconcagua CME

Join the Wilderness Medical Society and AMG on January 6th for a lifetime adventure on Aconcagua including 16 AMA/PRA Category 1 CME credits.

BC SKI DAY TRIPS

Bariloche Classics

Ski with an IFMGA guide on  the classic objectives arround Bariloche: Van Titter, Goye, Lopez or Challhuaco. 

ACROSS THE ANDES SKI TOUR

Across the Andes Ski Tour

Best ski touring on the Andes!

Get the most of Argntina and Chile skiing Tronador, Osorno, Villarrica and Lanin.

PATAGONIA ALPINE CLIMBING

Aguja Guillaumet

Climb to the top of one of the classic peaks in the Fitz Roy range, experiencing the unique Patagonia wilderness.

DeCEMBER 2022 KILIMANJARO SAFARI CME

Join AMG and WMS teams on a fascinating conference, expedition and safari to the roof of Africa. A 15 day trip to Kilimanjaro, Tangarire, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara parks.

Frey Backcountry Ski

A 4 day traverse to the iconic Frey Hut. Great touring on a wild landscape, steep chutes, and the great international atmosphere at the hut makes this trip a classic.

Tronador Ski Mountaineering

This mini expedition to climb the biggest mountain in the around Bariloche requires a good spirit for adventure. Long aproach to the hut, solitude, glacier travel on skis, and a technical finish to get to the summit of Pico Argentino. A great challenge with a wonderful descent with the best views in the area. 

What Our customers say

“I may not have summited but I had an amazing adventure lead by some lovely people. Thanks!”

Dr. Lynne Tracey

“All the guides did a splendid job in organizing and adapting to every twist from lost baggage to frozen bathroom water. The technical teaching was exceptional and all the guides were helpful, kind, funny and responsive to each concerned voiced by the group.The bottom line is you guy are great and it was a pleasure to be part of the expedition…”

Dr. Scott Unice

“Juan and I took the challenging Polish Glacier route December-January 2017, and looking back I wouldn’t want to climb it with anybody else. Juan is not only a phenomenal guide but also a great guy, and someone I consider to be a great friend now as well. Every quality you could want in a guide, Juan possessed; I always felt everything was under control at all times, and more importantly, I felt safe. As a bonus, Juan is great at cooking, eating will not be a problem no matter what the altitude!”

Sinclair Myrick

“Climbing in Patagonia was the culmination of years of training, reading, and dreaming.  When I met Juan on a porch in Chalten, I knew immediately I was in good hands. His preparation for our time together was a savvy compilation of weather conditions, route knowledge, and ambition, evolving daily to provide the ultimate Patagonian experience. Juan never failed to produce a smile, even in the tough conditions and always knew just how to encourage me, that I could climb my best. During down time in camp he showed me a wealth of new knowledge that has served me well since our trip. Not only that, his in-tent stir-fry is the best I’ve ever had!  I wouldn’t hesitate to call on the team at Andes Mountain Guides in the future. These guys all know their craft and the areas they guide extremely well, having formed deep relationships with locals over the years. With seeming ease, they put everything together to make my dream come true.” 

James Sellers

• +54 9 2944 809852
• +1 406 539 5091
• [email protected]

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The andes mountains: everything you need to know.

Where Are the Andes Mountains?

The Andes Mountains are situated along the western edge of South America . The range runs across the entire western coast of South America, from Venezuela down to the southernmost tip of the continent.

How Long Are the Andes Mountains?

The Andes are the world’s longest mountain range. They stretch over 4,500 miles (7,242 kilometers) from north to south.

For comparison, the longest mountain range in North America are the Rocky Mountains , which are about 3,000 miles (4,820 kilometers) long.

How Big and Tall Are the Mountains in the Andes?

The Andes Mountains are the highest mountain range outside of Asia.

Mount Aconcagua is the highest summit in the Andes and in South America, standing at approximately 22,841 feet (6,961 meters) above sea level. Other notable peaks include Huascarán at 22,205 feet (6,768 meters) and Mount Tupungato at roughly 21,555 feet (6,570 meters).

These peaks represent some of the highest points in the Andes mountain range.

What Countries Are the Andes Mountains In?

The Andes span across seven countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. The mountain range can be classified broadly into three sections:

• Northern Andes : Ecuador, Columbia, Venezuela, Caribbean region
• Central Andes : Peru and Bolivia
• Southern Andes : Chile, Argentina

Where Do the Andes Mountains Start and End?

The Andes start from western Venezuela in the north and end in southern Chile, in the Patagonia region in the south. Patagonia does not have an official geographical designation, but it is considered to be an approximately 400,000 square mile region shared between Chile and Argentina.

How Did the Andes Mountains Form?

Around 200 million years ago during the Mesozoic Era, the Nazca Plate and the South American Plate collided, initiating the formation of the Andes. The collision of plates triggered the subduction of the denser oceanic Nazca Plate beneath the lighter continental South American Plate.

As the oceanic plate plunged beneath the continental crust, magma surged upward. Over eons, intense tectonic movements and volcanic activity, combined with uplifting forces, sculpted and elevated the Andes. This dynamic geological process continues to shape this awe-inspiring mountain range, endowing it with its remarkable peaks, deep valleys, and diverse ecosystems. The Andes are fold mountains .

What are the Most Famous Destinations in the Andes?

The Andes Mountains boast many famous places:

• Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia: The world’s largest salt flat, offering an otherworldly landscape of vast white plains and stunning reflections of the sky.
• Machu Picchu , Peru: This ancient Incan city set high in the Andes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major archaeological wonder.
• Patagonia, Chile and Argentina: Known for its breathtaking landscapes, including glaciers, mountains, and pristine wilderness.
• The Sacred Valley, Peru : The Sacred Valley hosts ancient Incan ruins, quaint villages, vibrant markets, and terraced agricultural fields.
• Torres del Paine National Park, Chile: Home to stunning granite peaks, glaciers, and diverse wildlife.
• Cusco, Peru : Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is a historical city renowned for its rich cultural heritage, Incan ruins, and vibrant markets.
• Galapagos Islands , Ecuador: An archipelago famous for its unique wildlife, including giant tortoises and diverse marine species, contributing to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Lake Titicaca, Peru/Bolivia: The highest navigable lake in the world, revered by indigenous communities and home to traditional cultures on floating islands.

• Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina : A rare advancing glacier found in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park
• Quito, Ecuador: Ecuador’s capital nestled in the Andes, boasting a well-preserved historic center, colonial architecture, and panoramic views from its surrounding peaks.
• Torres del Paine National Park, Chile: A natural wonderland with iconic granite peaks, glaciers, lakes, and diverse wildlife, offering some of the best trekking experiences in South America.
• Aconcagua, Argentina: The highest peak outside of Asia, attracting climbers from around the world seeking to conquer its 22,841-foot (6,961 meters) summit.
• Colca Canyon, Peru: One of the world’s deepest canyons, where visitors can admire breathtaking landscapes, spot Andean condors, and explore traditional villages.
• Atacama Desert, Chile: The driest desert globally, with surreal landscapes, salt flats, geysers, and stargazing opportunities in one of the best astronomical observation sites.
• Huascarán National Park, Peru: Home to the Cordillera Blanca, this park offers spectacular trekking amid glaciers, high-altitude lakes, and stunning mountain vistas.
• Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador: Showcasing the impressive Cotopaxi volcano, this park offers hiking, mountain biking, and breathtaking views of the Andean landscape

What are Notable Peaks in the Andes?

The Andes have many notable peaks:

• Aconcagua, Argentina : The highest peak in the Andes and the Western Hemisphere, reaching 22,841 feet (6,961 meters) above sea level.
• Huascarán, Peru : Standing at 22,205 feet (6,768 meters), it’s the highest peak in Peru and the third highest in the Americas.
• Yerupajá, Peru : Known for its imposing south face, this peak is 21,709 feet (6,617 meters) tall.
• Mercedario, Argentina : Rising to 22,211 feet (6,720 meters), it’s one of the highest peaks in the Cordillera de la Ramada.
• Illimani, Bolivia : This prominent peak reaches an elevation of 21,122 feet (6,438 meters).
• Coropuna, Peru : At 21,079 feet (6,425 meters), it’s the highest volcano in Peru and the third-highest peak in the country.
• Ojos del Salado, Chile/Argentina : The highest volcano in the world and the second highest peak in the Andes, standing at 22,615 feet (6,893 meters).
• Tupungato, Argentina/Chile : This mountain reaches an elevation of 21,555 feet (6,570 meters).
• Chimborazo, Ecuador : Though not the highest by elevation (20,548 feet / 6,263 meters), its location near the equator makes its summit the farthest point from Earth’s center.
• Monte Pissis, Argentina : Standing tall at 22,287 feet (6,793 meters), it’s the third-highest peak in the Andes and the world’s highest volcano.
• Cerro Bonete, Argentina : Reaching an elevation of 22,657 feet (6,880 meters), it’s among the highest peaks in the Andes.
• Ampato, Peru : Standing at 20,702 feet (6,309 meters), it’s known for being the location where the Ice Maiden (Juanita) was discovered.

What are the Best Hikes in the Andes?

The Andes have many famous hikes:

• Inca Trail, Peru: A famous trek to Machu Picchu, traversing ancient Incan trails.
• Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru: Known for its breathtaking scenery and high-altitude trekking routes.
• Santa Cruz Trek, Peru : In the Cordillera Blanca, the Santa Cruz Trek is a 31-mile (50-kilometer) route.
• Quilotoa Loop, Ecuador : This multi-day hike offers a glimpse of Ecuador’s rural life and stunning landscapes through Andean villages, verdant valleys, and Quilotoa Crater Lake.
• Ausangate Trek, Peru : Circumnavigates the sacred Mount Ausangate, showcasing colorful landscapes and remote Andean villages.
• Choquequirao Trek, Peru : A challenging hike to the lesser-known archaeological site of Choquequirao.
• Salkantay Trek, Peru : Winds through diverse landscapes en route to Machu Picchu, offering stunning views of Mount Salkantay.
• Laguna 69, Peru : A shorter hike in the Cordillera Blanca, leading to a striking blue alpine lake.
• El Chaltén Trails, Argentina : Various trails exploring the peaks and glaciers around El Chaltén, known as Argentina’s trekking capital.
• Cocora Valley, Colombia : Hike through lush landscapes dotted with towering wax palm trees, Colombia’s national tree.

• Torres del Paine Circuit, Chile: A challenging yet rewarding trek featuring stunning landscapes.
• Cotopaxi Volcano, Ecuador : Ascend to the snow-capped summit of Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world.
• Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) Trek, Colombia : Explores ancient ruins nestled deep in the Colombian jungle.
• Huayhuash Circuit, Peru : A challenging high-altitude trek renowned for its stunning mountain vistas.
• Caminho das Missões, Brazil : Follows the historical route of Jesuit missions in southern Brazil.
• Sierra de las Quijadas National Park, Argentina : Offers diverse trails amid stunning geological formations and wildlife.
• Villa O’Higgins to El Chaltén, Chile/Argentina : A remote and challenging trek crossing between Chile and Argentina through pristine landscapes.
• Colca Canyon, Peru : Descend into one of the world’s deepest canyons and witness Andean condors soaring overhead.
• Aconcagua Trek, Argentina : Trek around the base of Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Andes and the Americas.

What is the Weather Like in the Andes?

The Andes display diverse climates due to their vast length and elevation variations. The weather depends on the latitude, altitude, precipitation, and seasonal patterns. The weather in the Andes Mountain ecosystem is unusual because other mountain weather on Earth as unstable as this one.

In general, the weather in the highlands is normally dry, and cold. The Northern Andes are rainy and warm. The Central Andes are very dry. And the Southern Andes are rainy and cold. The mountains have a large influence on the climate in the surrounding areas.

What Animals and Plants Live in the Andes?

The Andes are home to an array of flora and fauna, shaped by the diverse ecosystems.

In the Andean cloud forests, diverse birdlife thrives, including the vibrant Andean cock-of-the-rock, the majestic Andean condor, the striking sword-billed hummingbird, and the endangered Andean bear, known as the spectacled bear due to its distinctive facial markings. This ecosystem also hosts a myriad of orchids, bromeliads, and other plants that have evolved to thrive in the cloud forest’s misty and humid conditions.

As elevation increases, the high-altitude páramo and puna regions of the Andes offer a habitat for specialized wildlife. Here, unique species like the vicuña, a wild relative of the alpaca and llama, roam the expansive grasslands. The elusive puma, the South American camelid, the guanaco, and the critically endangered Andean cat, among other species, navigate the challenging terrain of these high-altitude environments.

Additionally, the Polylepis forests, recognized for their hardy and ancient trees, stand as one of the highest forests globally and provide a habitat for numerous species adapted to this harsh, high-altitude environment.

Indigenous Peoples of the Andes

The Andes have been home to numerous indigenous groups for centuries. Among these communities are descendants of ancient civilizations like the Incas, Quechuas, Aymaras, Mapuches, and many others.

These groups cultivated advanced agricultural practices, constructed intricate terraces and cities, and developed sophisticated knowledge of astronomy, architecture, and medicine. The Inca Empire, particularly, flourished in the Andes, known for its monumental city of Machu Picchu and the extensive network of roads, showcasing their engineering prowess.

The arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century brought destruction. The conquest led to the fall of the Inca Empire and the colonization of the Andean region. Indigenous communities endured exploitation, forced labor, and cultural suppression under Spanish rule. The Spanish imposed their language, religion, and social structure, resulting in a blend of indigenous traditions and Spanish influences that are evident in modern Andean cultures.

Despite this, indigenous communities persisted, preserving their languages, traditions, and spiritual beliefs, contributing to the diverse cultural mosaic that defines the Andes today. Efforts to reclaim and celebrate indigenous heritage have gained momentum, advocating for recognition, cultural revitalization, and the preservation of ancestral knowledge and customs.

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Travelling in the Andes: readers’ travel tips

From subtropical Colombia to Tierra del Fuego in the shadow of Antarctica, our tipsters have explored, eaten, slept and imbibed among these astonishing peaks

Winning tip: Hike the Quilotoa Loop, Ecuador

The Quilotoa Loop is a network of hiking paths connecting a series of indigenous Kichwa villages in the Ecuadorian Andes. Although challenging, the routes are not beyond novice trekkers. Winding through incredible valleys dotted with horses and llamas, the main loop culminates at beautiful Laguna de Quilotoa, set in the caldera of a long-extinct volcano. After two or three days’ hiking, it’s an astonishing and rewarding sight. Start your trip in the tiny village of Insinliví and you can enjoy a night of luxury before the hard work begins. Hostal Llullu Llama is one of the friendliest and best-equipped guesthouses in the Andes – there’s even a hot tub. Dorm beds from $19, including breakfast and dinner, llullullama.com David Ross

Lake Titicaca, Bolivia

The trek up to the Posada del Inca eco-lodge, on Lake Titicaca’s Isla del Sol, was slow and exhausting because of the altitude. As Pedro the mule and Patricia the llama hoved into view, to carry our luggage, we sighed with relief. On our hikes, we met small children with llamas requesting photographs for a few bolivianos. The scenery was stunning: the scale of the lake with the snow-capped Andes; the small port with its startlingly white boats set against the blue of the lake; and small posadas (inns) with stepped gardens. But despite being sunny during the day, we were grateful for solar-powered electric blankets when night fell. Doubles at Posada del Inca ecolodge from about £90 (on Facebook ) HMJackson

Medellín, Colombia

Medellín , Colombia’s second city “of eternal spring”, is safe these days and packed with treasures. Take an eco-adventure by cable car at the Parque Arví, marvel at “fat” Botero sculptures and art in the Museo de Antioquia and visit the botanical gardens . Delve into the nearby jungle and explore the stunning Rio Claro wildlife reserve by zip-wire or raft. If you still have energy, climb the 649 steps up Piedra del Peñol above the colourful nearby town of Guatapé, or ride a tuk-tuk to one of South America’s first suspension bridges in Santa Fe de Antioquia, built in the 1800s. Edit2014

Amazing lodge in Peru

Heading to Macchu Picchu? Avoid the crowds and stay in Ollantaytambo. It’s a beautiful Incan village and if you want to immerse yourself in Andean culture, this is the real deal. It’s not that far from Macchu Picchu and there are beautiful vistas everywhere you turn. I stayed at Apu Lodge, a wonderful B&B with friendly service, lovely rooms and amazing gardens, while being only 20 minutes’ walk from the train station. It was by far one of my favourite experiences on my trip and I can’t wait to return. Doubles from $75 B&B, apulodge.com Eilidh F-H

Bus across the Andes

Take the bus across the Andes from Mendoza in Argentina to Santiago, capital of Chile, for phenomenal views across the peaks. At the Paso Internacional Los Libertadores border crossing passengers can enjoy the peaceful scenery, contrasting with lines of waiting buses and crowds. Book in advance and go for seats as close to the front as possible on the top deck of the bus. The seven-hour journey costs about £25 one way, busbud.com JoSutcliffe

A long road in Argentina

We began in Salta, north-west Argentina, and drove south along the dirt road to Cafayate. After climbing steeply into the Andes we took a straight road (based on an Inca route) through a gorge called La Garganta del Diablo (the Devil’s Throat) to marvel at multi-coloured rock formations thrown up from the sea bed six million years ago. For half of the eight-hour journey, including short stops, we virtually had the route to ourselves. Arriving in Cafayate, in the wine-growing region, life felt very tranquil and we enjoyed the theatre of thunder and lightning across the mountains. A fitting end to a dramatic day. ID5226899

Get Bolivia’s salt flats on film

Visit during the rainy season and you’ll get those wonderful mirror-image photos but very wet feet. Visit during the dry season and you’ll have vast tracts of white salt and blue, blue sky. Either way, the light is so bright that you won’t be able to see anything without proper sunglasses. A filter for your camera is also essential to avoid taking the wonkiest photographs ever. Northlondonhousewife

Ghost town, Chile

The Andes has some of the world’s most breathtaking sights so I’m not quite sure how we got talked into visiting a mining company, but I’m glad we did. Sewell is a town full of brightly painted wooden houses, connected not by roads but by staircases. In its prime had 16,000 residents and was the largest copper mine in the world, but now it’s completely uninhabited. We toured workers’ houses, and the town’s hospital, and sat in the eerily vacant cinema where the “coming soon” board lists movies now decades old. Visits must be with a tour operator; Fundacion Sewell ( on Facebook ) is a non-profit organisation and runs trips by train from Rancagua Danny Jones

Astronomy resort, Chile

Do you long for an Andes adventure with a difference but aren’t quite sure your office legs are up to climbing glaciers? Staying in a geodesic dome in the Elqui valley you will be cosy in a two-storey home fully equipped with your own bathroom, telescope and sliding roof. You will learn all about the stars from the passionate astronomer and owner Estaban, and he will escort you on a horseback stargazing tour. Fall asleep every night to views of the piercingly blue skies and wake to a spectacular mountain view. It’s just magical. Doubles at Elqui Domos from £120 B&B, milodge.com Martin Colegate

Torres del Paine, Chile

Seeing the orange tips of the peaks of Torres del Paine national park at sunrise is awe-inspiring. We visited this sublime area on the four-day Big-W trek . But after days in the wilderness we began to crave creature comforts. In Puerto Natales, about 70km south of the park, we ate a memorable meal of lomoa lo pobre (steak, chips, fried eggs and onions) at El Cangrejo Rojo . In Punta Arenas we stayed in Hostel Entre Vientos (doubles from £100 B&B, dorm beds from £15 B&B), which has beautiful ocean views, comfy beds, and enjoyed a glass or two of Patagonian pinot noir. Pippamacneal

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10 Best Hikes in the Andes Mountains

The Andes Mountains are the longest running mountain range in the world. It spans 4,300 miles, seven countries, and nearly the entire length of the South American continent! If you are a hiker, it may be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we decided to offer this guide. From north to south, here are our top ten favorite hikes in the Andes:

Table of Contents:

Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Salkantay route to machu picchu, peru, rainbow mountain, peru, colca canyon, peru, valle de las ànimas, bolivia, chillan, chile, nahuei huapi national park, argentina, volcan osorno, chile, mount fitz roy, argentina, perito moreno, argentina, get help planning your next trip.

Snow-capped Cotopaxi in Ecuador. Photo by Peru For Less

We begin our list with the great guardian of the Andes Mountains, Cotopaxi. At 19,347 feet, this volcano is the highest active volcano in the world! Use Quito as a basepoint for a tour of Cotopaxi National Park. There are many hikes you can do in this area, including Quilotoa Lagoon and the Cotopaxi Trek. Hiking to the top will require training and expertise beyond the scope of this article and is not recommended for most hikers.

Starting at the base of the towering volcano, you can trek to the forest of Chuquirahuas, or see the stunning turquoise water in the Quilotoa Lagoon. Apart from the stunning landscape, you may also see native animals such as the red brocket deer, Andean fox, and majestic guanaco. This is one of the most beautiful places in the incredible country of Ecuador, and you are sure to enjoy spending time in this area.

Cotopaxi National Park is located about 32 miles south of Quito, which means you will need to arrange transportation. If you get a tour, transportation will be included in the price. You could also get a ride and hike on your own, but given dangers of getting lost, this is not recommended. If you want some help putting together the details such as getting a guided tour of the park, our travel advisors can help you put together the perfect itinerary to match your speed and experience level.

Stepped terraces along the Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu. Photo by Peru For Less

If you want to hike the Andes Mountains, this is the best way to get to Machu Picchu. It includes trekking through a diverse range of terrain such as calm valleys, mountain passes, and cloud forests. You will see white-capped peaks including Salkantay, which rises 20,574 feet above sea level. In Quechuan, Salkantay means ‘savage’ or ‘invincible.’ You will see why as you view the peak on day two, where you take on Salkantay Pass. The altitude here is 14,989 feet, so hikers must be in good physical condition.

The journey covers some of the most remarkable scenes in Peru, such as the Sacred Valley, traveling 43 miles over the course of five days. Many trekkers like to add a stone to the ‘apachetas,’ or stone towers, in the Salkantay Pass, which is a sign of respect to the mountain. Of course, the highlight of the experience is entering Machu Picchu at the end of your trek.

Because of the altitude, it is also advised to stay a day in Cusco before attempting this trek to give yourself time to adjust. The package we offer has all meals included by an on-trek chef. We also arrange all transfers and hotel stays so you can focus on enjoying the incredible adventure.

Interested in learning more about this trek? click here . And if you want to discuss different options for this trek, including ‘lodge to lodge,’ where you stay each night in a warm, comfortable bed, please fill out this form and a travel advisor will reach out to you.

The lookout point at Rainbow Mountain. Photo by Peru For Less

Only recently discovered, Rainbow Mountain, or “Vinicunca,” as the locals call it, has recently become a tourist phenomenon. It is considered a holy site in the Peruvian Andes and rewards travelers with one of the most remarkable views in all of Peru. Located just south of Cusco, it is the second most popular place to visit in the country. Because of its proximity to Cusco, it is usually combined with another famous trek, the Inca Trail. (Which didn’t make the list, but is a great way to see Machu Picchu if you don’t want to take the Salkantay Trek. See our Rainbow Mountain and 2-day Inca Trail package!)

One thing you will need to prepare for is the altitude. While Machu Picchu is below Cusco in elevation, Rainbow Mountain is above Cusco. At an altitude of 16,000 feet, this is even higher than day two on the Salkantay trek. You will start your journey in Cusco and travel the 62 miles south to the mountain. The hike starts off relatively easy and gets steeper as you climb. There are also bikes and horses available if you desire an alternative adventure. The payoff is an iconic photo of Peru you will cherish for years to come.

Sacred Valley Tours:

If you want a complete hiking guide, read more about Rainbow Mountain here . And as with all hikes on this list, please don’t hesitate to ask our travel advisors about adding this to your custom itinerary! They will be able to give you travel updates, help you with itinerary changes, and reach out with advice for your trip. They will also help you find unique experiences according to your travel tastes.

Cruz del Condor viewpoint in Colca Canyon. Photo by Peru For Less

Speaking of unique experiences, how would you like to see Andean condors soaring high above the second deepest canyon in the world?! This is one of the many wonders you will experience while hiking in Colca Canyon. The hillsides are famous for their agricultural terraces, which make the drive scenic as well. The Cruz del Condor is a great way to start you adventure, where you can see majestic condors soaring high above the Colca River.

As far as hiking, you have several options, but most people choose the two-day trek to Sangalle Oasis. The journey starts with a two-hour hike into the canyon. At this point, you will find the oasis and get some rest before starting the three-hour hike out of the canyon. Pack a swimsuit so you can swim in the pool! There are palm trees and green grass waiting for you at the oasis.

When you need a break, there are two towns in the canyon. The first is located near the base, a charming town called Cabanaconde . Here you will find food, beverages, and lodging. Alternatively, at the top of the canyon, you can relax in the small town of Chivay . Both towns will give you a glimpse into Peruvian life in the Andes.

If you’re looking for more adventure, you can add excursions such as ziplining or soaking in hot springs. Hiking Colca is sure to be a highlight of your next trip! And you want a full hiking guide on this canyon, read more here .

A hiker wanders through the Valle de las Ánimas in Bolivia. Photo by Peru For Less

Located just outside of La Paz is an incredible place to explore called Valle de las Ànimas, or the Valley of the Souls. Located at 13,000 feet, this is one of the lower elevation hikes in the Andes Mountains. That being said, it is still recommended to acclimate before doing any physical activity. This location is one of the most stunning in Bolivia, and if much less traveled than other hikes on this list. We recommend this for hikers who like to go off the beaten path and explore something truly breathtaking.

For those who dare, hike through towering spires that are reminiscent of spirits watching over you. The locals claim these spires produce mournful sounds as the wind passes through. If that doesn’t freak you out, it can be quite peaceful. The path can be a little tricky, as it winds about and there are places where it gets steep. A walking stick is recommended to help you make your way through the canyon. The reward for taking on the challenge is enjoying the calm majesty of a little-known trek in the Andes. The photos certainly speak for themselves.

To get there, you can choose a public or private transfer, but because of the remoteness of the area, we recommend a trusted private service. You may want to take a day in La Paz and ride the cable cars to give you time to adjust to the altitude before you start your journey. La Paz is an exciting city, and one of the most underrated in the Andes Mountain range.

A waterfall pours over granite rocks near Chillan, Chile. Photo by Peru For Less

Adventure abounds in Chillan, Chile. You can start with Laja falls, soak in the Termas de Chillan, or hike in the mountains around the city. They also offer skiing and snowboarding if you want to take a break from hiking.

Located about 250 miles south of Santiago, you will find the mountain town of Chillan. From there, you can get a private or group tour of Laja Falls, some 45 miles south. The falls are an impressive sight, with water plunging 250 feet into a rocky gorge. Make sure you bring shoes and clothing that dry quickly because you may want to wade into the pools.

Alternatively, you can head to the Termas de Chillan, a resort that provides thermal pools at the foot of the Andes. They offer a range of activities from trekking to horseback riding. Pack your bathing suit, because after a long day of hiking, the hot springs have a medicinal effect.

Add Laja falls or Termas de Chillan to your Andes trekking itinerary by speaking with our travel advisors today! They will help you brainstorm ideas, find hiking routes that are perfect for your speed and sense of adventure, and get you the right guides to make sure your trip is a success.

A view of Nahuei Huapi National Park, Argentina. Photo by Peru For Less

The oldest national park in Argentina, Nahuel Huapi is a hiker’s paradise. This area represents the temperate rainforests of the Southern Andes Mountains. Stunning mountain scenery and crystal-clear lakes make this place an Andean gem. You can stay in the nearby town of Bariloche to prepare for your adventure. This lakeside town has strong Swiss influences and is the chocolate capital of South America, so make sure to grab some chocolate before starting your journey!

The best time to visit is in the summer months of December through February, although if you go during the winter months, you can expect great skiing and snowboarding. You will want to plan for a few days of exploring, as there is so much to do. Our favorite recommendation is the guided tour of Victoria Island and Bosque de Arrayanes. This combines many activities into one day. Start with a boat ride to Victoria Island, where you will take a chairlift to the summit of Mount Bella Vista. From there, hike through an Arrayan tree forest before returning to the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi.

If you have time, take a scenic drive and stop at some of the viewpoints. We recommend the Road of the Seven Lakes (Camino de los Siete Lagos) on Route 234. We also recommend the Circuito Grande, which follows this route. Whether by car or on foot, the scenery is sure to impress!

The Chilean countryside with Volcan Osorno in the background. Photo by Peru For Less

Located in Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, Osorno Volcano rises to 8,700 feet. This is a relatively low altitude for the Andes Mountains, but compared to the valley below at 180 feet, it is a striking contrast! The volcano is still active, which creates a unique trekking opportunity for those who want to tell the story of hiking an active volcano in the Chilean Andes.

The best time to visit is between December and March, as the weather warms up and is perfect for hiking, but you can schedule a day trip to Osorno year-round (in winter, expect to have skiing, or tubing on your itinerary). January is the hottest month, with temperatures reaching 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, while dipping to 48 at night. No matter when you go, make sure to pack layers and have a windbreaker because the weather can be somewhat unpredictable, especially as you get closer to the summit.

How do you get there? Take route 225 or get a private transfer from Puerto Varas. Once at the base of the volcano, you can take a chair lift part way up and enjoy panoramic views. There is an optional hike around the volcano for a 360° perspective, but beware, this hike is rigorous.

Trekking Tours:

Another shorter hike we recommend is Petrohué falls. This 1.1-mile hike leads to a photogenic waterfall with Osorno in the background. It is an easy trail and can be completed in less than an hour. We recommend this trail for families and casual hikers.

Mist rolls over Mount Fitz Roy, Argentina. Photo by Peru For Less

Mount Fitz Roy is one of the greatest hiking destinations–not just in the Andes–but in the world. It is one of the most memorable images in all of Patagonia. The nearby city of El Chalten is known as the Trekking Capital of Argentina because it is close to so many trails such as Laguna Torre, and Laguna de los Tres.

For a remote town with only a few thousand people, El Chalten is quite hospitable. You can find a place to stay, do laundry, and even drink the water! You will find restaurants with delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere before you start the day. There is only one ATM in the town, so make sure to bring some Argentine Pesos. To get there, you will need to fly into El Calafate, and then drive the four hours to El Chalten. The best time to visit is the warmer months between October – April. It can get cold, especially at night, so be sure to pack layers.

You can spend days hiking to various places in this area, but if you only have time for one, we recommend Laguna de los Tres, which will take you to the foot of Mount Fitz Roy, locally known as Cerro Chaltén, which means ‘Smoking Mountain.’ This is because there is often a mist blowing over the spires. The trail is 13.3 miles roundtrip and takes you to a beautiful lagoon. Total hiking time: about 8-10 hours. Laguna de los Tres is in Los Glaciers National Park, which is also where you will find our last entry.

Perito Moreno in Argentinian Patagonia. Photo by Peru For Less

Finally, we arrive at the last hike on our list, but it is certainly not least! Perito Moreno is one of the most stunning glaciers in the world, and certainly the most popular in the Patagonian Andes. The centerpiece of Los Glaciers National Park, it creeps forward 3-6 feet a day. The terminus of the glacier is 230 feet high and 3.1 miles long. This means if you are lucky, you can see icebergs the size of the Statue of Liberty calving. As they break off, you will hear a great boom or crack! Then the ice crashes downward and rolls in the water, creating huge waves. It’s quite a spectacle to view! This happens daily, but much more frequently in the afternoon, once the sun has come out and had a chance to work on the ice.

Well-kept walkways and stairs are available, but for those who want to get closer, you can also hike on the glacier! These tours are 2-3 hours, and you get to trek on the ice! Make sure you have some grip on your shoes. Also, even though it is cold, you will still need sunscreen. The sun is strong, and the glacier reflects UV rays, so be sure to apply your favorite product. Sunglasses, a warm hat, and a raincoat are also recommended.

To get there, we recommend taking a bus from El Calafate to Los Glaciers National Park. They have multiple buses that run each day, so it won’t be difficult to find one that matches with your schedule.

Ready to experience the Andes Mountains for yourself? Let us book it for you on your next trip to Peru! If you need help planning, be sure to contact Peru For Less and get in touch with an expert travel advisor. They will arrange all the details for you so you can stick to the more important stuff–like hiking!

Happy travels!

Kevin, is an author and lover of adventure originally from northern Utah. He has a bachelor’s degree in English from BYU and a Marketing MBA from SUU. Upon visiting Peru, he fell in love with the country and decided to make Lima his new home.

Tags: adventure tours , Andes , hiking , hiking in Machu Picchu , patagonia hiking

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Sean skinning hard to get to the top of remote backcountry run in Frey hut. (photo: Chris Rubens)

James, climbing golden granite during the fall of 2006

Dealing with last bridge after a week in the mountains

Julian guiding in San Lorenzo, classic ice mushrooms behind

Eric Hjorleifson making hoji turn during our camp in Frey area, Bariloche. (photo: Chris Rubens)

Summitting remote peak in Antarctic Peninsula

Since 1999, we have been exploring Patagonia UIAGM IFMGA IVBV MOUNTAIN GUIDES trained with the Highest International Certification.

Backcountry ski touring – steep skiing – ski mountaineering – family hiking & trekking trips – rock & alpine climbing – glacier travel – mountain bike across the andes – mountain education – avalanche awareness.

Since 1999 we offer personalized, tailor-made , private outdoor and mountain guiding service around Northern and Southern Patagonia. Based out of San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. Small groups guided with professional certified mountain guides UIAGM-IFMGA.

During Patagonian Summers

Hiking ,Trekking, Backpacking and day hikes for families and small groups to the mountains of Bariloche, as cerro Catedral, Pampa Linda, Hut to Hut traverses, Alpine backpacking treks in Nahuel Huapi National Park Mountaineering guided trips combining Glacier travel skills training programs in Monte Tronador. Scenic Glacier guiding Volcan Lanín and other volcanoes of the Andes including Expedtions to the Patagonian Ice Cap and Remote Cerro San Lorenzo, second highest of Patagonia We also offer sport and alpine rock climbing guiding to: Golden granite spires of Frey Hut in Bariloche and rest of Patagonia, including Alpine climbing guided ascent to Aguja Guillaumet and other satellites of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre Massif.

During Patagonian Winters

We are one of the most recognized Mountain Guiding companies in South America for Backcountry Skiing, Ski Touring and Ski Mountaineering in the Andes of Patagonia, Argentina and Chile. Including trips as Skiing the nicest Volcanoes of the Andes, multiday backcountry ski guiding days, daily ski touring trips, freeride,  off-piste and slackcountry skiing trips in Bariloche and Patagonia Ski Resorts.

Also, we offer several hut based backcountry skiing trips, Ski touring Hut to Hut in the Patagonia region and all kind of skiing trips in Argentina. Steep Skiing clinics  couloirs-chutes. Avalanche awareness training in Bariloche, Patagonia, Argentina. Also Heliskiing in the Andes of Mendoza, Cajon del Maipo and near Santiago de Chile teaming up with the best heliski service in the Andes where we Guide our clients as well.

International Mountain Ski trips in between seasons:

Check our tailor-made overseas backcountry ski touring trips expeditions to  Norway , Iceland, Alps of Chamonix and Antarctic Peninsula Skiing program.

70% RATE OF RETURNING CLIENTS FOR OVER 10 YEARS

The Andescross family comes back to Southamerica with us and also to Antarctica, Norway, Iceland and the Alps for more good times.

“Back in 2006 I decided I wanted to try backcountry skiing and soon after I ended up contacting Jorgito at Andescross, which was already a very respected guiding company in Argentina.”

The idea of climbing all the mountains and volcanos in patagonia in the winter time and skiing them on the way down sounded too good to be true.  Our first trip with Andescross was to Frey Hut with a couple of my brothers. The skiing conditions were as bad as Patagonia can offer so we ended up 2 days stuck in the hut in the midle of a storm and one day skiing on pure ice… 

“About 10 years ago I contacted Jorge about doing a hut to hut ski trip in the mountains around Bariloche. I chose him because he was a fully certified International Mountain guide.”

This trip proved to be nothing short of fantastic. Jorge was professional, friendly, knowledgeable of the area we were traveling through and was a great travel partner. He took care of my travel arrangements in Bariloche, booked my room for me before and after the trip, and even picked me up at the airport. The next year, I returned for a volcano ski trip with Jorge. We were fortunate enough to ski from the summit of four volcanoes. In the last decade, I have traveled with him at least 8 times.  We have skied in Chile and Argentina numerous times, including a trip to the Patagonian Ice-fields.

“I have skied with Jorge and Andescross in the Andes and the Alps in Europe.   Simply put, the Andes Mountain range is Jorge’s backyard and he knows then well.”

In my view, I think it would be very difficult to find another South American based guide with comparable years of experience in the Andes, guiding credentials, and local knowledge.  Over the years, Jorge has gained significant knowledge of the Alps and many other mountain ranges in the world which he includes in his worldwide adventure trips.  He is able to quickly gauge conditions, make safe decisions, and find great untracked skiing.  

“Jorge se ha convertido con el tiempo en un amigo cercano más que en un guía.”

Hemos compartido muchas aventuras juntos en varias partes del mundo como los Alpes, Bariloche y Chalten, y siempre regresamos de cada viaje pensando en el próximo. Para que un viaje sea exitoso tiene que tener su cuota de riesgo y cautela, algo muy difícil de lograr pero que Jorge siempre ha sabido manejar.  Seguramente les quemara la cabeza hablando de… Paciencia estimados clientes!!, nadie es perfecto.

“In just over a six year period, we have done five trips with Jorge and have committed to a sixth next year. We must like this guy! Jorge is THE guide for your Patagonia adventures…and beyond! ”

Our first trip with Jorge in 2010 was for backcountry skiing around Bariloche, Argentina. While we were temporarily weathered out of higher terrain due to high avalanche danger from tons of new snow, we never lacked for fun, challenging, and noteworthy alternatives. He shared with us his hometown stashes, something only a generous local guide could do.  Jorge is a consummate mountain guide. He is completely client focused. He is a first rate professional. We trust his judgement, thrill in his ski adventures, and have been blessed to enjoy the beautiful outdoors around the world with him.

“40 years ago I flew down to Argentina in my summer for downhill training in the Andes. I was then racing on the World Cup circuit and so having 4 weeks on snow in summer was really useful training.”

I fell in love with Bariloche and returned the next year again. Sadly this was the last time I made to South America and then, when skiing in Iceland, I bumped into a friend of our guide, John Falkiner.  We shared a few beers waiting for our airplane to fly home and John explained that his friend, Jorge, was a guide down in Argentina and that helped in Bariloche.

“Jorge and team helped with all the fairly complex planning and logistics for a supported backpacking trip across the Andes”

From Bariloche to Puerto Frias for our group of 10 people, and guided us safely along the route.  He and his guides were exceptionally competent, knowledgeable and professional, and everyone had a great time.  I would highly recommend Andescross!

“I am currently travelling the world on a sabbatical, looking for amazing experiences. During a stop across south america, I wanted to rock climb in the Frey national park, near Bariloche.”

I found the Andescross team on the internet, and they teamed me up for 3 days with a world class guide instructor. I am a novice rock climber, and my guide Luciano not only provided me with amazing climbing coaching tips, but allowed me to push myself to go beyond my comfort zone, in all safety.  And once the climbing was over (once summits were achieved and I could not feel my forearms anymore), it was time for some of the best hospitality I have found on the road this last year. Great dinners, food, friends and laughter to fill our evening, until the call of the rock would get us out of our sleeping bag the next morning.

“Jorge has excellent personal skills and appreciation of my climbing abilities. ”

Brian climber from CanadaI had the pleasure of meeting Jorge in December 2008. My wife and I were in Bariloche, on holiday in Argentina. Jorge had been recommended to us by a climbing friend back home in Canada. I was able to contact him by phone and we worked out a rendez-vous at the Refugio Frey for a day’s climbing on the rock. His knowledge of the area and the realistic time needed to complete various options, made it easy for me to reach a decision. What followed was one of the best days in the mountains that I have experienced over a lifetime in the sport.

“Had a FANTASTIC time and thank you so much for all your help and the great guides. Great meeting you!!!!”

We are in BA, but head to Brazil tomorow and am just going to eat, drink and sleep! Anytime you head to Europe, you always have a place to stay in London and hopefully we will be back SOON!”

Andescross is recommended by

“Andescross team and Jorge Kozulj supported the Sherpas for ALL.I.CAN ski movie for the Volcan Puyehue, Chile segment”

“All I.Can” Won Best Feature-Length Mountain Film in Banff Mountain Film Festival 2011

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• May 25, 2023

How to Prepare for a Trek in the Andes

There is something truly magical about trekking in the Andes. The world’s most beautiful landscapes are in this mountain range, which is over 7,000 kilometers long. 

The Andes offer trekkers and outdoor enthusiasts a lifetime of adventure, from snow-capped peaks and high-altitude deserts to lush valleys and ancient Inca ruins.

Thinking about trekking in the Andes? Here are some tips to lighten your load. With dramatic scenery and fascinating Inca ruins around every corner, a trek in the Peruvian Andes is every adventure enthusiast’s dream. 

But whether you have your sights set on the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, Huaraz or Rainbow Mountain, the following are some tips to consider before you hit the trail. These tips will help you prepare for a trek in the Andes!

Why trek the Andes ?

Discover breathtaking landscapes

The Andes have breathtaking scenery. As you trek, you’ll see snow-capped peaks, colorful high-altitude lagoons, sweeping valleys, and vast deserts. The region is also home to unique flora and fauna, such as the elusive Andean condor and the curious vicuña.

Immerse yourself in the local culture

Trekking in the Andes is about more than just the breathtaking scenery; it’s also about immersing yourself in the region’s rich cultural heritage. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with local communities, learn about their customs and traditions, and even participate in local festivals along the way. Furthermore, the Andes are steeped in history, and many treks will take you to ancient Inca ruins, such as the world-famous Machu Picchu or the lesser-known Choquequirao.

Challenge yourself and make unforgettable memories

Trekking in the Andes is a challenging but rewarding experience. The high altitude and rugged terrain will put your physical and mental stamina to the test, but the sense of accomplishment when you arrive is unparalleled. Along the way, you’ll make unforgettable memories and form new friendships, making your Andean adventure one you’ll remember for years.

Choosing the right trek for your experience level

Assess your fitness level

Before selecting a trek in the Andes, it is essential to honestly evaluate your fitness level. The level of difficulty of treks in the region ranges from relatively simple day hikes to multi-day expeditions requiring technical mountaineering skills. When selecting a route, you should consider your prior trekking experience, your comfort with high altitudes, and your overall physical fitness.

Research popular treks and their difficulty

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trek, the Lares Trek, the Santa Cruz Trek in Peru, and the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile are among the most popular treks in the Andes. Find the trek that suits your abilities and interests by researching its distance, altitude gain, and difficulty.

Consult with local experts

Local trekking companies and guides can help you choose the right option for your experience as you prepare for a trek. They can provide firsthand knowledge of the trails, current conditions, and potential challenges during your trek. They can also customize your itinerary to your skill level and preferences. 

Essential items to pack for an Andean trek

Clothing and footwear

Since temperatures vary throughout the day in the Andes, layering is essential.  Pack lightweight, moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof outer layer for rain and wind protection. For colder weather, you’ll need a hat, gloves, and scarf, sturdy, broken-in hiking boots, and warm socks.

Gear and equipment

For your Andean trek, you need a comfortable, high-quality backpack. If you’re camping, you’ll need a warm tent, sleeping bag, and pad; trekking poles for stability; a headlamp; and navigational tools like a map, compass, or GPS device.

Personal items and first aid

Remember sunscreen, insect repellent, toiletries, and prescription medications. Adhesive bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, and altitude sickness medication are essentials in a first aid kit.

Acclimatizing to high altitude: tips and tricks

Give yourself time to adjust

High altitude is one of the biggest challenges of Andean trekking. Before your trek, stay at a high altitude for a few days to acclimatize. This will allow your body to adjust to the thinner air, reducing altitude sickness.

Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet

Acclimatization requires hydration. Drink 3–4 liters of water daily and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate you. For energy at high altitudes, eat a balanced diet high in carbohydrates. 

Recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness

Be aware of altitude sickness symptoms like headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. If you or a member of your group develops these symptoms, stop ascending and descend to a lower altitude until they go away.

READ ALSO: Inside Peru: Shop Andean Style in the Artisan Markets

Physical and mental preparation for an Andean trek

Develop a fitness regimen

To prepare for a trek in the Andes, develop a fitness regimen that includes cardiovascular exercises, such as running, biking, or swimming, and strength training, focusing on your legs and core. Additionally, incorporate balance and flexibility exercises, such as yoga, to help prevent injuries during your trek.

Train at altitude, if possible

If you have access to high-altitude locations, incorporate training at elevation into your fitness regimen. This will help your body acclimate to the thinner air and make the transition to the Andes more manageable. If you don’t have access to high-altitude training locations, consider using a stair climber or hiking with a weighted backpack to simulate the challenges of trekking at elevation.

Cultivate mental resilience

Mental preparation is just as important as physical preparation for a trek in the Andes. Cultivate mental resilience by practicing mindfulness, visualization, and positive self-talk. Remember that setbacks and challenges are a natural part of any outdoor adventure, and maintaining a positive attitude can make all the difference in your overall experience.

Obtaining necessary permits and respecting local regulations

Research permit requirements

Check the permit requirements for your Andean trek before starting. Permits for popular treks like the Inca Trail sell out months in advance. Permit requirements are updated by local authorities or reputable trekking companies.

Respect local customs and traditions

It’s important to respect local customs when visiting the Andes. Dress modestly, ask permission before taking photos of people or sacred sites, and participate in local customs like making offerings at sacred sites.

Follow local regulations and guidelines

Follow local rules, such as staying on trails, following campsite rules, and protecting wildlife. Doing so will preserve the Andes’ natural beauty and cultural heritage for future generations.

READ ALSO: 6 Reasons to Pack Your Bags and Visit Peru Right Now

Staying safe and healthy during your trek

Choose a reputable trekking company or guide

Choose a reputable trekking company or guide with local experience for guided treks. In an emergency, they can offer invaluable knowledge, support, and assistance.

At Enigma , we are trekking specialists and experts. We’ll make your Andes trek the best it can be, even though you can prepare before the trek. Trekking and camping are good for the body and soul, and our expeditions like the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, Ausangate Circuit, and Choquequirao Trek are perfect for adventurous spirits. Please contact us with any questions about trekking in Peru.

Monitor weather conditions

It’s important to monitor the weather in the Andes and be prepared for sudden changes. Check local weather forecasts before embarking on your trek, and be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary.

Know the signs of common trekking ailments

Altitude sickness, dehydration, and hypothermia are common trekking ailments. Recognizing these symptoms early can prevent serious issues and ensure a safe and enjoyable trek.

Preserving the environment: leave no trace principles

Plan ahead and prepare

Before your Andean trek, research local laws, hazards, and weather. This will help you reduce your environmental impact while also ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

Travel and camp on durable surfaces

Avoid trampling on delicate vegetation or disturbing wildlife by staying on established trails and campsites. When camping, choose a durable surface, such as rock, gravel, or dry grass, to reduce your environmental impact.

Dispose of waste properly

Remove all trash, leftover food, and litter, and dispose of human waste responsibly.  Wash dishes and yourself with biodegradable soap at least 200 feet from lakes and streams to avoid contamination.

Leave whatever you find

Leave rocks, plants, and other natural features as you find them to preserve Andean beauty. Don’t touch cultural artifacts or historical sites.

Minimize campfire impact

Use a camp stove for cooking instead of making a fire, and if you must build a fire, do so in established fire rings or use a fire pan. Burn only small sticks and twigs, and make sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving the area.

Respect wildlife

Feeding animals can disrupt their natural behaviors and harm them, so watch them from afar.  Store food and trash securely to avoid attracting wildlife.

Be considerate of other visitors

Respect other hikers by keeping noise down, yielding to them on the trail, and following posted rules.

Trekking in the Andes is a life-changing experience full of unforgettable sights and personal achievements. These tips will help you prepare for a trek in the Andes. You’ll have a safe, fun, and memorable trip through this stunning landscape if you prepare, respect local customs, and leave no trace.  

Happy trekking!

Ready to start planning your custom journey to the Peruvian Andes? Contact us at [email protected] and let’s make it happen!

Post Updated on May 25, 2023

• Andean Trek , Inca Trail to Machu Picchu , Machu Picchu , Trek in the Andes

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Hiking in the Andes: 5 of Peru’s Best Treks

The Andes of Peru offer some of the most spectacular hikes in the world, walking on some of the old paths and winding roads constructed by the Incas themselves.  Trekking in Peru on one of many Inca Trails offers an incredible fusion of natural beauty, with green mountains and snow-topped glaciers, as well as historic Inca ruins. For those who are avid hikers, to those who love picturesque scenery, to those who are interested in famous ruins, hiking in the Peruvian Andes offers something for everyone. Paul Jones a Peru Travel expert takes a closer look at the 5 of Peru Best Treks .

The Santa Cruz Trek

Another great hike off the beaten track is the Santa Cruz hike in the  Cordillera Blanca mountain range , the highest in the world outside Asia.  Starting out at Cashapampa (3000 metres above sea level) you hike through the mountain range, and on the second day pass Ichi Cocha and Jatun Cocha, two beautiful lakes on the trail, and lead up to the Arhuaycocha Valley, where you get views of huge rocky mountain Mount Alpamayo, before arriving at Taullipampa. The next day you head on some steep climbs to reach the highest point of the trek, Punta Union at 4.750 metres .  The trek ends up in Vaqueria, a small indigenous village, where you can take photos of the incredible scenery around you. The Santa Cruz Trek is another  tough trek  and it is recommended that you have a good level of fitness. There are several versions of the Santa Cruz Trek varying in length, from 4 to 8 or more days.

The Inca Trail

The most famous trek of all has to be the classic four day Inca Trail. Originally built to connect the city of Cusco with the lost city of Machu Picchu, today it offers an action-packed trek full of great scenery. You begin at Kilometer 82 and trek to the small village of Huallabamba to spend your first night under the stars of the Andes. The second day on the Inca Trail is an intense hike, going up Warmiwañusqa or “ Dead Woman’s pass ” to reach highs of 4,200 metres/13,800 feet, where if you still have your breath, the views will take it away.  After the descending the pass, you will then pass some of the historic scenery, the Incan ruins of Sayacmarka, Phuyupatamarka, and Winyaywaina. After spending the night at the camp site, you wake up early morning to hike to the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu and descend down into the famous lost city. The Inca Trail is a medium level trek, good for anyone with decent fitness. Don’t worry you don’t have to be a professional hiker! Remember that the Inca Trail is limited to just 500 hikers, porters and guides per day, so booking 4 – 6 months in advance is highly recommended.

Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

ENTERTAINMENT TIP: If looking for fun at night, or to watch sports during the day, or even a taste of home, visit the Wild Rover Hostels Chain for great food, sports and beer! Entrance to their bars is free even for non-guests

Named after the imposing snow-topped mountain, this five day hike is an excellent adventure that lets you hike some of the best natural scenery in Peru. The Salkantay trek starts in Limatambo, where you set off through some traditional Andean villages of Cruzpata and Challacancha through to the village of Soyrococha.  The second day you get to see the main feature of the Salkantay trek – at 4,600 metres/14,000 feet, the famous Salkantay Mountain, part of the Vilcanota mountain range . The third day is downhill (literally) through to a small village which is home to several coffee and cocoa plantations, and the fourth day of hiking on the Salkantay trek takes you through flat terrain, through Lucumabamba, on to Aguas Calientes where you will spend the night in a hostel. Best until last, the next day you head Machu Picchu! Salkantay is more intense than the Inka Trail, but is achievable for those with decent fitness. Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay trek doesn’t require a permit to enter, so booking a few days before is possible. Pricewise it is about the same as the Inca Trail (US$ 500 – 600 pp).

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

The Sun Gate

The Sun Gate trek, or the Lares trek as its also known is one of the most pleasant hikes in the Andes and offers truly breathtaking views of green mountains and typical Andean valleys. The trek starts in Calca where you make your way to Lares, famous for its natural hot springs, where you can soak in the steamy hot water before the hike.  Day two of the hike is probably the best for scenery, you get well off the beaten track with a trek rich with the mountain views and clear water lakes, to Ipsay, a small rural village.  The third day you pass through the indigenous villages of Willoq and Pumamarca on the way to the famous city Ollantaytambo , and take the train to Aguas Calientes for a hot shower and a warm bed. Then the next day a short 1 hour trek up the mountain to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu. The Sun Gate is an easy-going hike, no experience necessary.

Lares Trek / Sun Gate Trek

Choquequirao

One of the few treks that doesn’t visit Machu Picchu, Choquequirao takes you on a five day journey to discover one of Peru’s other lost cities, the Choquequirao ruins , who some argue is even more spectacular than Machu Picchu!  Starting out at the small town of Cachora at 2850m/9350 feet, you set out to hike to Capuliyoc. The second day has some challenging trails, like the steep hike to Santa Rosa, but you’ll get some fantastic views of the Choquequirao ruins on the mountainside opposite. An ascent from the Apurimac River brings you to the ruins at 3033m/9951 feet, where you can watch the sun-set in the most spectacular setting – you might even spot a Condor! The next day you go into the valley of Santa Rosa to spend the night, and then embark on the return to Capuliyoc. Choquequirao is a one of the tougher treks , you need to have decent fitness, but the views are worth the effort! Some trekking companies offer this trek as a 4 days trek.

The Forgotten Citadel of Choquequirao

Choosing the right trekking company can be the difference between a great trekking experience in Peru and a bad one. Talk to your chosen trekking company about what is included within the price and what is not, and also talk to them about the food, cooks, porters and guides etc. to get a good feel for what they offer. Expect to pay good money for any of these 5 best treks in Peru, shopping around for the cheapest deal is not advised; as they say “you get what you pay for.” Recently we featured an article about the 5 best Inca Trail Operators , which you might also find useful.

More helpful information can be found in our trekking in Peru section.

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Andes Mountains Trekking & Hiking Trips

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Classic Inca Trail

• Trek the classic Inca Trail
• Explore the highlights of Cusco
• Visit several Inca ruin sites
• Watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu

Classic W Trek

• Hike the famous W Trek
• Explore Grey Glacier up close
• Hike to the base of the towers
• Enjoy backcountry glamping

Ultimate Patagonia Trekking

• Ultimate Patagonia trekking trip
• Perito Moreno Glacier
• Hike W Trek & Fitz Roy
• Explore a subantarctic beech forest

Dientes Circuit Trek

• Hike the Dientes Circuit
• Trek the southernmost circuit
• Explore Navarino Island
• Enjoy camping and lodge stays

Torres del Paine Short W Trek

Explore aysen and patagonia national park.

• Kayak Marble Caves & Cathedrals
• Hike to Exploradores Glacier
• Raft down the Baker River
• Explore Lake Bertrand
• Discover Patagonia's ecosystem
• Visit Patgonia National Park

Fitz Roy & Glaciers Trekking

• Trek the classic Fitz Roy route
• Enjoy two nights of camping
• Explore Perito Moreno Glacier
• Optional rafting or ice trekking

Hiking Los Glaciares

• Hike to view Mount Fitz Roy
• Search for Patagonian wildlife
• Trek along glacial lakes & valleys

Wild Aysen and Cerro Castillo Trek

• Trekking in Cerro Castillo
• Visit Cerro Castillo

Inca Trail Express

Chelenko experience.

• Hike to San Rafael Glacier
• Visit Puerto Guadal
• Explore the local area

Patagonia Hiking Express

• Hike to the Base of the Towers
• Premier day hikes in El Chalten
• Ice trekking on Perito Moreno
• Explore all that Patagonia offers

Salkantay Ride To Machu Picchu

• Explore Quillarumiyoc's culture
• Enjoy horseback ride to Soraypampa
• Witness snow-capped peaks
• Pass through coffee plantations

Classic Salkantay Trek

• Travel the Salkantay Trail
• Visit local communities
• Explore Machu Picchu

Chile's Route of the Parks Self Drive

• See condor in Queulat National Park
• Explore Cerro Castillo National Par
• Visit Queulat National Park
• See the Marble Caves & Cathedrals
• Admire the San Rafael Glacier

Trekking Along the Avenue of Volcanoes in Ecuador

• Witness Cotopaxi volcano
• Trek along Toachi canyon
• Explore Chimborazo Volcano
• Discover Llanganates National Park

Lodge-Based Machu Picchu Multisport Adventure

• Hike from Cusco to Sacsayhuaman
• Experience biking or zipline
• Horseback ride in Sacred Valley

Black Diamond Trek to Machu Picchu

• Explore Cusco's markets and ruins
• Kayak or bike at Piuray Lake
• Hike through the Sacred Valley
• Trek up Huayna Picchu Mountain

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Top Andes Mountains Travel Destinations

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SEE OUR CLIMBING & TREKKING GUIDES

Nature & culture guides, jörg polzin.

Jörg is a German who fell under the spell of South America, and has been living Colombia for the last 8 years. During this time, Jörg has gotten under the skin of Colombia’s nature and culture. He is an all-round talent, guiding tours in the mountains, in the jungle, to historical and cultural hotspots, as well as to more off-the-beaten-track tours to indigenous tribes. He is very flexible and loves to get in touch with local culture. He speaks fluent German, English, Spanish, Russian and is learning Portuguese

Andres Galeano

Andres is a tour guide living in Bogotá. With diverse experience in customer service, tour guide, and operator. Currently working full time in tourism. The experienced acquired as a filmmaker has given Andres the chance to share the diverse Colombian perspectives of his society, besides breathtaking landscapes, the hidden history of the ancestors and so much more, as well as the skills like service minded. Moreover, he is a cycling traveler that uses to ride on the coffee region and the land of cyclists -Boyacá- so you can ask for cycling tours too. Speaking fluent English and Spanish.

Very attentive, always smiley and ready with a joke, a song or a good story! That is Alex – one of Andes World Travel best guides! Alex is a very skilled certified bilingual guide from Santa Marta. He has more than 20 years of guiding within the areas of eco-, ethno-, and cultural tourism and a great deal of knowledge about flora, fauna and a great insight in the different Colombian cultures and its history. Besides being a guide, Alex is also a great inspiration for the younger generation of guides, as he also works as instructor/teacher at the national guide school in Santa Marta. Alex will make enrich your experience and knowledge of the destination. He speaks fluent English and Spanish.

Maia Cartwright

Maia Cartwright is Colombian, with a degree in anthropology. She has been involved with tourism all her working life - in adventure, natural and cultural tourism projects - and she has a special interest in the respect and conservation of the natural and cultural assets of her country. She has guided numerous people across the Colombian territory. With Maia as your guide, you will definitely have a very interesting roundtrip in Colombia. She speaks fluent English, Spanish and French.

Fredrik Lennartsson

Fredrik is a Swede living in Colombia and he’s loving it. Fredrik has a diverse background, from construction to development studies, and many skills, being attentive and service minded are just a few. He works full time with tourism, both as a guide and tour operator, and has travelled extensively throughout Colombia. With Fredrik as your guide, you will get to know more about the cultural, social and political life of Colombia. When Fredrik is not working or spending time with his family, you’ll find him riding his mountain bike. He speaks fluent Swedish, Spanish and English.

Julia Catunta

Julia Catunta is Bolivian and from La Paz. She is an excellent, dedicated and very service-minded guide. She loves to show the best of her country – especially Uyuni – one of her favorite destinations. Travelling with Julia you are in best possible hands. She speaks fluent Spanish and English.

Jose de La Cruz

Jose de La Cruz is a great Galapagos natural guide. Being a local from the main Island, Santa Cruz, he knows all corners of the Archipelago and he has the amazing ability to imitate the Galapagos birds. Educated as a biologist, his knowledge about evolution and adaptation is impressive. Jose has a great sense of humor and a tour with him means a lot of fun. He speaks fluent Spanish and English.

CLIMBING & TREKKING GUIDES

Juan carlos gonzalez.

Besides being Co-owner of Andes World Travel, Juan Carlos also works as a guide on select trips. He is a highly qualified and experienced technical mountain climber, and has worked as a mountain guide and expedition leader in the high mountains of the Andes, Himalayas, Caucasus, Kilimanjaro, Alps, and Pyrenees for more than 18 years. Juan Carlos is very service-minded and on top of all details. He speaks fluent Spanish, English, Portuguese and Danish.

Hernan Wilke

Hernan Wilke is a very skilled mountain and rock climber. He has been climbing in several parts of the world – including 8.000 m mountains in Himalaya. Hernan has his daily base in Suesca (Colombia’s mecca for rock climbers). He is a certified rock climbing instructor from the Colombian mountain association ACME. He speaks fluent German, English and Spanish.

Diego Cortes Guzman

Diego is a very skilled rock and mountain climber and he’s is amazingly strong. He has been traveling and climbing in Colombia and the South American continent, opening new routes, doing hard rock climbs and also guiding plenty of trips along the way. Diego is a certified rock climbing instructor and mountain guide from the Colombian mountain association ACME and had just become a UIAGM/IFMGA license guide. Diego will put you at ease, and will be great company during your mountain trip. He speaks fluent English and Spanish.

Santiago Contreras

Santiago Contreras is a climber passionate about big wall climbing and mountaineering, skilled and experienced as a rock climber and high-risk industrial work instructor. He is a certified rock climbing instructor and mountain guide from the Colombian mountain association ACME. He has climbed big walls in Patagonia, Argentina, Mexico, United States, Spain and Venezuela. On top of this, he’s been trekking and climbing the Colombian Andes since his youth, getting a wide knowledge of the main mountain areas in the country. The combination of these qualities makes him a great guide. He also loves coffee and likes to share it in the outdoors with clients, friends and colleagues. He speaks Spanish and basic English.

Juan Diego Giraldo

Born at the foothills of Los Nevados national Park, Juan Diego grew up looking at the surrounding mountains from his hometown Manizales. He is been guiding people into the mountains for the last 25 years, making him one of the most experience guides in the area with a deep knowledge of the terrain and local culture. Juan Diego studied geology and agronomy at the Caldas University and travel extensively throughout the country from the high icy summits to the low hot and humid jungles. All these elements complement greatly, making a trip with him a great experience. He speaks fluent English and Spanish.

Alex Torres

Alex was born in Suesca, Colombia, one of the cradles of rock climbing and started with outdoor activities at a very young age, becoming an engaged rock and mountain climber. He travelled extensively throughout the northern part of the continent, climbing in the mountain areas of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Argentina and the USA. He started working as a guide in 2006, and became a certified UIAGM/IFMGA guide in 2013 and also a certified ACME rock climbing instructor and mountain guide. Alex has done very interesting first and second ascents of renowned itineraries in the Andes, and has been part of a Colombian expedition to Manaslu in Nepal and Denali in Alaska. In addition to guiding expeditions and personal climbing projects, Alex works leading groups of children and teenagers with focus on environmental education and outdoor activities. He speaks Spanish and English.

Marcial Vasquez

Marcial Vasquez is an excellent mountain guide and the former director of the Ecuadorian Guide Associacion, ASEGUIM and also certified UIAGM/IFMGA international guide. He is a very skilled mountain guide and has more than 25 years of experience. With Marcial you are in safe hands on any of the Ecuadorian high peaks. He speaks Spanish and English.

Jacobo Andrés Larrea Yánez

Jacobo it’s been involved in tourism since 1999, when he started working in both mountain guiding as well as cultural trips. This engagement makes him an excellent guide with knowledge that covers a wide spectrum from the traditional way of living to the icy summits of his native Ecuador. He is a certified ASEGUIM and international UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guide, plus also one of the few mountain guides with a cultural national guide certificate. Jacobo is also well know for his good humor and patience, you’ll be having a great time with this guy! He speaks fluent Spanish, German and English.

Robinson Solari

Robinson is one of the first mountain guides in Ecuador to be fully certified both, as a ASEGUIM and international UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guide. He has an extensive experience from trekking to technical climbs, as well as many years guiding throughout the Andean countries like: Argentina, Peru, & Bolivia, not forgetting to mentioned that he has climbed most of the mayor summits in his home country Ecuador. On top of his mountain proficiency, Robinson is a certified cultural national guide, which enriches a trip with him beyond the mountain ranges. He speaks fluent Spanish and English.

Pablo Reguera

Pablo Reguera is a very professional and skilled UIAGM/IFMGA instructor and guide, with more than 50 summits on Aconcagua. Pablo is our right hand during all Aconcagua expeditions and often our main guide. In collaboration with Pablo, Andes World Travel has developed tours to Aconcagua and the less often visited Vallecitos. He speaks Spanish and English.

Henry Santuario

Henry Santuario was born in Uruguay, but has lived most of his live in North Patagonia, Argentina. You might meet him as assistant guide on your Aconcagua Expedition. He is an excellent cook and his speciality is Argentinean barbeque. Henry has more than 11 summits in Aconcagua and he is very service minded. Speaks Spanish.

Matteo Mazzieri

Matteo Mazzieri is one of our most skilled mountain and trekking guides. With more than 30 years of rock and high mountain technical climbing in South America and Europe you are definitely in good hands with him. He is an excellent cook, maybe due to his Italian background, and you might be lucky to try his specialities in remote mountain areas. He speaks fluent English, Spanish and Italian.

Olmedo Mashqui

Olmedo, better known as “Chasky”, is a certified ASEGUIM mountain guide as well as a national tourist guide with a vast experience in the high mountains and an extensive knowledge in culture, history and socio-cultural aspects of his home country. He also has a degree in first aid response. With Chasky you’ll get an good insight into the fascinating nature and culture of such a diverse country as Ecuador, enriching your experience. He speaks fluent Spanish Quichua, Polish and English.

Carlos Callupe Carrera

Carlos was born and raised in the small town of Pocpa, located close to the majestic Huayhuash mountain range. He was surrounded by the tourism atmosphere at an early age, as his father was one of the pioneer mountain guides in Huayhuash area. He was trained as mountain guide achieving the highest degrees in the field: AGMP / IFMGA – UIAGM. Carlos is currently a highly qualified instructor at the Peruvian Mountain Guide Association’s school, and has a wide knowledge of both the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash. He is also an active guide in countries such as: Argentina, Bolivia and Ecuador. He speaks fluent Spanish and English.

Julver Henry Eguiluz Castro

Julver was born and raised in Arequipa in southern Peru, and started to hike in the mountain at a young age making the high volcanoes of the region his training ground. Later on in his life, he became an experience mountaineer and achieved the UIAGM/IFMGA certification in the Cordillera Blanca of Northern Peru. Julver has been guiding since the start in the Arequipa region, and the fact that he is a local make him the perfect guide for the region. On top of this, Julver is an expert guide in Aconcagua having led more than 35 expeditions and summited more than 30 times. He also guides in other areas of the continent such as Cordillera Blanca, Cordillera de Ausangate - Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia. He speaks fluent Spanish and English.

Roberto Gomez Sainz

Roberto is a very qualified and experienced mountain guide, working in the field since 2004. In 2007 he became a UIAGM/IFMGA certified guide, and a short time after an official instructor at the Bolivian mountain guide’s school. Roberto has broad experience guiding in Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Argentina. He is our main guide and coordinator for all our mountain programs in Bolivia, but also you may meet him on any other of our destinations. He speaks Spanish and English.

Henry Gonzalez

Henry is one of the veterans of the Venezuelan mountain world. He started to climb at a very young age, becoming one of the best rock climbers of his generation. His passion for the outdoors took him to the place he most loves: La Gran Sabana. Two and a half decades ago he started to travel extensively in this remote region, making it his home – a passion he has transmitted through his profession as a photographer and his work in the tourist industry for more than 15 years. He speaks Spanish and English.

Ricardo Navas

Born in Caracas, Venezuela. Ricardo is one of the most accomplished mountaineers of his generation. He is been an active climber for more than 20 years, ranging from sport climbing competitions to big Wall ascents in remote areas around the continent. His passion took him to the rock faces of “La Gran Sabana’s” tepuis, where he started to lead groups into this amazing area, specializing in Angel Falls’ treks and climbs. Ricardo has also been involved in logistics for TV productions and documentaries for international production teams. He speaks fluent Spanish and English.

Hugo Pineida

Hugo has been guiding in the mountains of Ecuador for more that 20 years, have hundreds of successful ascents to all the major summits in the Andes. He is a certified ASEGUIM and UIAGM/IFMGA guide and, on top of that, he has specialized in first aid and rescue technics/procedure, archiving certifications such as: WAFA and MINGAI. Hugo has an extensive knowledge of the mountain areas and National Parks, as well as a deep insight into the Ecuadorian culture, traditions and customs. A trip lead by Hugo is a whole experience range from the cultural scene to the adventure in the nature. He speaks fluent Spanish and English.

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Rock climbing

Ecuador rock climbing tours - technical climbs in the andes, rock climbing tour suggestions.

Ecuador  being a country of diverse regions and crossed by the  Andes mountain range  offers a broad range of possibilities for  rock climbing . Apart from organizing trips to v olcano summits like Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Ilinizas, Cayambe  amongst others Ecuador Boutique Travel offers guided  climbs on some of the most exciting stone walls.

There are  several locations we can customize a tour to:

Cajas National Park

Over 200 boxed lakes surrounded by a majestic highland scenery. There are several stone walls and routes to climb. The views are complimented with unique wildlife, hundreds of bird species including Condors, Andean fox, deer and other species.

Cerro Ahuaca

This is one of the most beautiful rocks in the world and the highest wall in Ecuador. It is located in Loja province 5 minutes from the town of Cariamanga. 14 diferent climbing routes are available.

Rock climbing tours

Send us your interests and we will prepare a  custom rock climbing trip  for you and your group.

We provide you with  full equipment, crampons, rope, drills, harnes, pick axe, tape, safety locks, chemicals  and most important experienced guides.  

To preserve the rock adherence we do not use any magnesium amongst our equipment.

You can combine your rock climbing trip with  Amazon cruises ,  Galapagos tours  and visits to our  rainforest lodge in the Choco .

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Avenue of the Volcanoes

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More experiences in Avenue of the Volcanoes

Go on the Banos Swing at the End of the World

Visit the turquoise Quilotoa crater lake

Cycle through the rough landscapes of the Andes

Visit the local indigenous markets

Take in the natural beauty of Sangay National Park

Hike the Avenue of the Volcanoes

Explore the highlands on horseback

See the famous Cathedral of San Pedro de Riobamba

Visit the church of La Balbanera

Soak in the natural hot baths of Baños

Experience a traditional farm tour with locals

Hike to the summit of Chimborazo Volcano

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Get ready to discover the most magical routes with Andes Expeditions, as we traverse the most renowned mountain range in South America. It's a journey to connect with nature, adventure, and make new friends along the way.

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Join our expeditions and immerse yourself in nature!

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We Put More Life In Your Life

WanderRock leads all-inclusive, international small group adventures for neuro-diverse young adults with High Functioning Autism, ADHD, Anxiety etc.

Our programs are built so that they induce growth and provide challenge... but aren't completely overwhelming or overstimulating.

Have questions for past travelers? They hang out on our discord.

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Our Current Destinations

Japan: Tokyo, Kinosaki & Kansai

Onsen hot springs. Wagyu Beef & Sushi. Multi-Story Anime & Manga stores. Samurai Training. Bamboo Forests. Magnificent Temples & Shrines. Japanese Arcades. This trip has it all.

Tuscany, Bavarian Germany & The Swiss Alps

Make pizza & gelato in Florence. Hike on a glacier and navigate ice tunnels in the Swiss Alps. See The Vatican, Pantheon & Colosseum in Rome. Get a tour of the BMW museum in Munich. Stroll the canals of Venice and much more.

African Safari & Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

See the largest curtain of falling water in the world. Camp under the stars in Chobe National Park, then wake up early for a once-in-a-lifetime game drive to see Zebras, Lions & more, then relax in our lodge's swimming pool, with a stunning sunset view of a nearby watering hole.

"The trip I took to Japan with WanderRock was one of the best experiences of my life, I was able to make so many new friends that have similar struggles to me which was so exciting. The guides were great enabling us to experience a new culture which might otherwise be overwhelming, and in a way that made us feel comfortable."

About WanderRock

Our Core Beliefs

Get Them Out Into The World... By Getting Them Out Into The World

Stress + Rest = Growth

Contrast Breeds Wisdom & Maturity

Book Knowledge ≠ Experiential Knowledge

Environments Cause Tendencies

About The WanderRock Team

Danny Raede

Co-Founder / Head of Trip Development

Danny Raede, diagnosed with Asperger's & ADHD at age 12, is the CEO of Asperger Experts, the world's largest training & coaching organization for families on the Autism Spectrum, and the Co-Founder of WanderRock.

Growing up in Santa Barbara, CA, he has always had a passion for exploring the world. He has been to 19 countries on 5 continents, and enjoys the challenge of finding good mexican food wherever he goes.

Ted Kempf, MA T

Co-Founder / Head of Curriculum Development & Admissions

Ted has been involved in designing and building programs for neuro-diverse teens and young adults since 2008. He has a Masters in Secondary & Post-Secondary Education and has spent time living in South America, traveling Europe and studying Polynesian Anthropology & Ethnobotany in the South Pacific.

In his free time he enjoys surfing, playing soccer and spending time with his family.

Eileen Orquiza

Lead WanderRock Guide

Eileen has extensive experience living in Japan and working as a tour guide. She speaks fluent Japanese and, in addition to Japan, has had the pleasure of traveling to other 10 countries including Taiwan, Italy, The Philippines and Mexico.

The thing she loves most about traveling is seeing a world different from where she came from and immersing herself into their culture.

Shane Guerin

Shane says "As a child, I was raised under the philosophy that the best way to learn about the world is to genuinely experience it for yourself. As such, I've had the fortune of being able to travel frequently and create those incredible defining moments in dozens of countries across four continents.

From racing down the Autobahn in Germany and swimming with sharks in Polynesia, to hiking with elephants in the jungles of Thailand and teaching ESL in Japan, I can't say I've seen it all, but I've certainly seen a lot. I also speak conversational Japanese and basic German, which has helped aid in both my travels and connections."

Judah MacNeely

WanderRock Guide

Judah says, "I grew up moving a lot and I’ve been up and down the West Coast too many times to count. From southern Baja Mexico, to the islands in the strait of Juan de Fuca.

I love exploring new cultures and alternate ways of thinking, and am thrilled to be sharing my love of exploring the unknown with others."

The WanderRock Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to follow our main ethos: Putting more life in our travelers lives. We believe that travel is one of the best ways to gain real world skills that will last a lifetime.

Those skills include...

Executive Functioning Skills

Travelers will learn & gain confidence in the practical application of logistical skills that they can take into every day life. These skills aren't something that can be taught in a classroom or by reading, so we emphasize practical experience whenever possible.

For example, travelers might have to research dinner options, negotiate with peers, check to see if the restaurant fits within their budget for the week, and plan how to get there on public transportation.

Sequencing and Processing

Time & Money

Problem Solving

Perspective & Wisdom Building

One of the great things about travel is that by experiencing different cultures, it gives our travelers a new sense of perspective & a greater wisdom as they go about their daily life. Our program uses deep cultural immersion & the physical environment to give our travelers a greater understanding of themselves, their worldview and the people around them.

Building Empathy & Creating Tolerance

Re-Aligning Personal Stories

Becoming More Flexible

Self Care & Emotional Regulation

Being out on the road teaches our travelers a lot about their basic needs, and our program highlights those needs and helps our travelers make good decisions about eating, relaxation, sleep, hydration & more, based on their own felt sense of checking in with themselves.

Emotional Capacity & Vagal Tone

Deep Relaxation

Bodily Needs

Social & Community Engagement

Our travelers will have many, many opportunities to connect with their peers and the people of the various communities we visit, which will allow them to practice social skills & community engagement in a safe, welcoming way.

Sharing & Advocating

Interpersonal Skills

Building Motivation

"This trip to Japan was a masterpiece of an itinerary which provided something that blew me away every single day. Thanks to all of you for caring about me as a person, putting your best foot forward to insure my happiness and giving me experiences unlike anything else that I had ever seen or done."

What's Included With My Program Fee?

Your program fee covers most of the expenses on the trip like flights, hotels, meals, activities and transit. The only extra cost you need to plan for is getting to and from our start point in the US, alcohol if you decide to partake and are of legal drinking age, and any souvenirs you wish to purchase.

Here's the details of everything that is included...

Travel, Activities & Food

Your fee covers all travel activities during the itinerary. Unlike 99% of the group tour operators out there, we don't upsell you or try to sell extra experiences.

Nightly accommodations

All Planned Activities & Attraction Tickets

Food & Snacks

All Transportation (Including International Flights)

Multiple Experienced Guides

Our guides have a deep love for taking people on trips to new places. They're experienced travelers, speak multiple languages, have been trained in first-aid and CPR and understand the unique challenges that come with taking neuro-diverse individuals abroad.

No One Gets Lost

Empathetic & Caring

Neuro-Diverse Themselves

Life Coaching & Facilitated Friendship-Making

Our curriculum involves much more than just travel. With group discussions to process the day and ice-breaking events to help everyone get to know each other, our program is designed to be impactful, empowering and one of the best experiences you'll have in a very long time.

New Skills & Practical Applications

New Friends

Pre Trip Orientation & Chat

Advice, Wisdom & Coaching

Is A WanderRock Trip Right For Me?

If you've always dreamed of seeing the world, but never had the opportunity until now, you've come to the right place! WanderRock is designed to get you out of your room and into the big, wide world.

On a WanderRock trip, you'll do things you never thought you could, make deep, lasting relationships and experience the cultural wealth of the world in a deeply immersive way that will put a lot more life in your life.

So if you are the type of person who wants to see new sights, visit new places, try new things and experience new cultures but might need a bit of help & support along the way, then you are a perfect fit for a WanderRock trip.

Our trips aren't designed to put you in luxury hotels and have you gaze upon large buildings and monuments from an air conditioned bus. Whenever possible, we experience the local culture as the locals do.

With a deep focus on new experiences, and an equally deep focus on deep restorative self care, you'll not only have the opportunity to do things you never thought you'd have the chance to do, but you'll gain the skills to not be overwhelmed while doing it.

To join us on a WanderRock trip you must be:

• Willing & excited to travel.
• Able to fully self-manage any medications you need to take.
• Able to follow navigation directions when given (such as "Meet downstairs at 5 PM" not "Walk across this town you've never been to").
• Flexible & able to adjust to last minute itinerary changes (travel can be unpredictable at times).
• In the "Young Adult" age bracket. (20's and early 30's. As our trips fill we make sure that all travelers have at least 1 person within a few years of them. Spring and summer tend to skew younger. Fall & winter tend to skew older.)
• Not in need of ongoing therapeutic mental health services (We aren't therapists or doctors).
• Able to walk continuously for 40 minutes without stopping to rest or sitting down.
• Willing to try new foods (There will be a wide variety of food options available in most locations, but occasionally there might be a very limited menu offered. Check your trip itinerary for details.)

For as long as humans have been alive, travel has been a way to clear your head, reset your thoughts and shift into a new version of who you are. There's a different way of seeing the world that only develops through... well, seeing the world. Once you've had to deal with living & sleeping in a foreign place for multiple weeks, it makes it a lot easier to deal with daily life back home. Danny Raede Co-Founder & Head of Trip Development

What Can I Expect On A WanderRock Trip?

On a WanderRock trip, you'll experience deep & lasting friendships, try new foods, experience new cultures and make lasting lifelong memories that will enable you to gain a greater perspective of yourself & the world around you.

Here's what awaits you when you embark on your WanderRock trip...

A Built In Social Group

Increased Confidence

New Independence Skills

Time To Deeply Relax

Sightseeing & More

Memorable Experiences

Adventures Galore

What Are Some Things To Keep In Mind On Your Trips?

Our trips are intentionally different than most other travel adventures out there.

At the end of the day, it's important to recognize that travel comes with some inherent unknowns & uncomfortable moments, so we want to make sure you'll not only have a great time on our trips, but that you'll be able to eat the food thats offered, participate in the activities that the group does, and overall have a positive experience.

Here's what that entails...

Long Flights & Train Rides

Our trips can involve lengthy travel. That means that you might experience a 7+ hour plane journey, or an all day train or bus ride. In other words, you'll need to be ok with long journeys. But don't worry! There will be plenty to do on board, and you'll be well taken care of. Our expert guides will make sure you are well equipped to handle the rigors of long journeys.

Less Privacy Than You May Be Used To

On our trips you will most likely be sharing a room with someone else. In some of our accommodations, there are shared bathrooms and most of these bathrooms have individual shower stalls for your privacy. However, we stay in local accommodations whenever possible, and depending on the country and its customs, their bathing practices and facilities may differ substantially from what you are used to. See your trip itinerary for details.

When traveling you can't always eat exactly what you'd like to. Sure in any modern big city (Munich, Tokyo, etc) you can basically find any type of food you'd like, but in some of the smaller cities that we may be staying in there may not be the exact type of food you'd like to eat, and you may need to try something new.

We'll do our best to accommodate any dietary restrictions or preferences you have, but can't guarantee anything. That being said, we've found some delicious tacos in weird places like Fes, Morocco, so you'd be surprised what you can find when you are really hungry for it!

Your trip itinerary can provide more details.

Lots Of Walking & Exercise

Our trips involve lots of walking. There are days where we will be walking 5, sometimes 10 miles throughout the day. You should be in good enough health to handle waking consistently for 40 minutes without stopping or sitting down. Note that occasionally you may be carrying your backpack (weighing up to 20 pounds) while walking. Depending on the itinerary, we'll also have some optional experiences that allow you to exercise in a more rigorous fashion (such as rock climbing or hiking).

If you aren't an active person already that's ok! All you need is a willingness to try and a recognition that the more you participate, the easier it is. That being said, people who are extremely out of shape or overweight may have a harder time on our trips.

Different Sleeping Arrangements

Depending on our itinerary and the local customs of the area, the mattresses you sleep on may be very hard or very soft, so you should be free from major back problems that may be aggravated by different mattress firmnesses. It's also important to note that you may be in bunk beds, so you should be able to climb up and down ladders easily.

Light Packing Requirement

We don't allow checked bags on our trips, so you'll need to pack light and for carry-on only. That means a backpack! We'll provide full guidance and advice on how to do this properly, but if you are someone who needs to bring a lot with them on a trip, this may not be the trip for you. You'll be surprised how much you can do without!

"Unbelievable. I use that word a lot because that describes most of the trip to Europe. It was just unbelievable. My family goes on vacation about once or twice a year, and I've been suggesting Europe up for as long as I can remember, and we've never gone. I never really was confident that I'd be Self-sufficient enough to make it over on my own. And now having gone, it's it was just as amazing as I'd always imagined."

We're happy to chat and answer any questions you have about our program.

Call, text, email, fill out our contact form, or use the live chat in the bottom right to get in touch.

2443 Fillmore St. #380-2362

San Francisco, CA 94115

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Knute Rockne's first home will move, as South Bend seeks amends for last botched effort

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SOUTH BEND — Local developers are poised to move legendary Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne's first home in South Bend and build new condos in its place, less than a year after the effort drew the ire of neighbors who saw tree limbs felled by a company lacking the proper permits.

South Bend's Board of Public Works on Tuesday voted to allow Wolfe House Movers of Indiana to move Rockne's first home, at 1006 St. Vincent St. in the Harter Heights neighborhood south of Notre Dame's campus, a half-mile west to a vacant lot on Foster Street.

The agreement includes provisions that would require the company to coordinate any tree trimming with city arborists, as well as to pay for other damages incurred during the move.

Rockne and his family lived in the St. Vincent Street home from 1920 to 1929. In the 13 years he coached Notre Dame from 1918 to 1930, he led the team to 105 wins and only 12 losses .

Greystone Developers LLC, a real estate firm whose registered agent is Granger developer Patrick Matthews, bought the property for $850,000 in May 2023. The property had sold for about $402,000 three years prior — a sign of rapidly increasing land values near the university's campus.

Real estate: South Bend community land trust, first of its kind in Indiana, aims to keep homes affordable near Notre Dame

According to a proposal heard by the South Bend Plan Commission last year, Greystone seeks to build four condo units at the site neighboring Eddy Street Commons.

Matthews did not respond to a request for comment on these plans. But Steve Smith of Irish Realty, who's involved in moving the Rockne home, confirmed that Matthews plans to develop high-end single-family residential properties at the site.

"There's just a lot of desire to be very close to the University of Notre Dame and to be very close to Eddy Street, to be able to take advantage of the restaurants and retail and the walkability of that whole area," Smith said.

The result is staggering prices for old homes and even vacant lots, Smith said. He compared the neighborhood market, which his company Irish Realty invests in heavily, to a resort town near the ocean.

As one moves closer to Notre Dame's campus and Eddy Street Commons — the ocean, in this analogy — prices soar. Homes have been consistently selling for more than $700,000. Some have surpassed $1 million.

Smith noted that a new 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit in Legends Row Condominiums, which is a block north of the old Rockne home, is selling for about $600,000.

"You're basically paying a $400,000 location premium," Smith said of the site.

Settlement underway for damages to South Bend tree canopy

Last June, neighbors took notice when a nonprofit called Habitat for Missions began acting on plans to move the old Rockne house to a vacant lot at 1105 N. Foster St. Smith is a member of the nonprofit's oversight board.

But the plans stalled after Heartwood Tree Care, a Granger company hired by the nonprofit, razed trees that had formed a leafy canopy along St. Vincent Street without obtaining the proper permits from the city of South Bend. A representative said at the time that the company hadn't known firms must be licensed arborists to cut city-owned trees in the public right of way.

The damage was a small but dramatic blow to South Bend's efforts  to cover 40% of the city with an urban tree canopy by 2050 . The average tree canopy in 2019 was 26%, which is on the low end of the national average among cities.

"It wasn’t until after they’d done significant damage to the trees that we were able to get somebody out there to stop them," said Eric Horvath, South Bend's Public Works Director. "The damage has been done. It’s unfortunate because you had a beautiful tree canopy in this area, and now you’ve got halves of trees hacked off."

While the city can't simply replace a mature tree canopy, officials are negotiating a settlement with Heartwood Tree Care and Habitat for Missions that calls for the payment of some damages and the planting of new trees.

Erin Hanig of SouthBank Legal, an attorney representing South Bend, said the city hired a private urban forestry expert to provide an appraisal of the damages. The settlement proposal sent to the other parties would require them to cover damages and to pay to plant and maintain new trees.

Smith, of Irish Realty and Habitat for Missions, said "we are eager to participate in that and help get that situation corrected, but it's a slow burn."

Rockne home set to move by May, sell for high price

Smith had hoped to move the Rockne home to the Foster Street site last year, but the botched tree trimming delayed the process. If the city passes the agreement Tuesday, he hopes to move the home by the end of April or early May, taking care to avoid busy times like the weekend of the football team's April 20 Blue-Gold Game or Notre Dame's commencement weekend May 17-19.

There are only three more properties where trees may need to be trimmed to make way for the home, Smith said. A new company, Higher Ground Tree Care, will work alongside a member of the city's forestry department and cut limbs only as needed.

Of the initial tree cutting, Smith said, "We felt awful that the trees were trimmed so severely.”

The goal this time "is to do as little trimming as possible on the day of the move," he said.

Matthews, of Greystone Developers, donated the home to Smith's nonprofit so it could be renovated and sold to raise money for Covenant Christian School in Mishawaka. Smith said the goal is to raise $100,000 for the private Christian school to expand its classrooms and build a gym.

Smith said he expects the Rockne home, once moved to the Foster Street site, to sell for upward of $600,000. With renovations, the roughly 3,000-square-foot home will feature five bedrooms, four bathrooms and a new modern basement. The makeover will also include a new garage and a new front porch.

Asked who he thinks will snatch up the home that housed Rockne, Smith said he hopes it's a dedicated South Bend resident — not an out-of-town Fighting Irish fan.

"Certainly our hope is that we’d have a full-time resident that wants to enjoy the Harter Heights neighborhood as much as any of the residents do," Smith said.

Email city reporter Jordan Smith at [email protected]. Follow him on X:  @jordantsmith09

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Knute Rockne home to move a year after botched effort to cut trees

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What time the 2024 solar eclipse started, reached peak totality and ended

By Sarah Maddox

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:04 AM EDT / CBS News

The 2024 solar eclipse will be visible across North America today. As the moon's position between the Earth and sun casts a shadow on North America, that shadow, or umbra, will travel along the surface from west to east at more than 1,500 miles per hour along the path of totality . 

That means the eclipse will start, peak and end at different times — as will the moments of total darkness along the path of totality — and the best time to view the eclipse depends on where you are located. Some places along the path will have more totality time than others.

In Texas, the south-central region had clouds in the forecast , but it was better to the northeast, according to the National Weather Service. The best eclipse viewing weather was expected in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine, as well as in Canada's New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

What time does the 2024 total solar eclipse start?

The total solar eclipse will emerge over the South Pacific Ocean before the shadow falls across North America, beginning in parts of Mexico. The path of totality , where onlookers can witness the moon fully blocking the sun (through eclipse viewing glasses for safety ), is expected to first make landfall near the city of Mazatlán around 9:51 a.m. MT. 

The total solar eclipse will cross over the U.S.-Mexico border into Texas, where it will emerge over Eagle Pass at 12:10 p.m. CT and then peak at about 1:27 p.m. CT.

In Dallas, NASA data shows the partial eclipse will first become visible at 12:23 p.m. CT and peak at 1:40 p.m. CT. The next states in the path of totality are Oklahoma and Arkansas, where the eclipse begins in Little Rock at 12:33 p.m. CT. 

Cleveland will see the beginning of the eclipse at 1:59 p.m. ET. Darkness will start spreading over the sky in Buffalo, New York, at 2:04 p.m. ET. Then, the eclipse will reach northwestern Vermont, including Burlington, at 2:14 p.m. ET. Parts of New Hampshire and Maine will also follow in the path of totality before the eclipse first reaches the Canadian mainland  at 3:13 p.m. ET.

Although the experience won't be exactly the same, viewers in all the contiguous U.S. states outside the path of totality will still be able to see a partial eclipse. Some places will see most of the sun blocked by the moon, including Washington, D.C., where the partial eclipse will start at 2:04 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:20 p.m. ET.

In Chicago, viewers can start viewing the partial eclipse at 12:51 p.m. CT, with the peak arriving at 2:07 p.m. CT.  In Detroit, viewers will be able to enjoy a near-total eclipse beginning at 1:58 p.m. ET and peaking at 3:14 p.m. ET.

New York City will also see a substantial partial eclipse, beginning at 2:10 p.m. ET and peaking around 3:25 p.m. ET.

In Boston it will begin at 2:16 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:29 p.m. ET.

The below table by NASA shows when the eclipse will start, peak and end in 13 cities along the eclipse's path.

What time will the solar eclipse reach peak totality?

Millions more people will have the chance to witness the total solar eclipse this year than during the last total solar eclipse , which was visible from the U.S. in 2017. 

The eclipse's peak will mean something different for cities within the path of totality and for those outside. Within the path of totality, darkness will fall for a few minutes. The longest will last more than 4 minutes, but most places will see between 3.5 and 4 minutes of totality. In cities experiencing a partial eclipse, a percentage of the sun will be obscured for more than two hours.

Mazatlán is set to experience totality at 11:07 am PT. Dallas will be able to see the moon fully cover the sun at 1:40 p.m. CT. Little Rock will start to see the full eclipse at 1:51 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 3:13 p.m. ET and Buffalo at 3:18 p.m. ET. Totality will reach Burlington at 3:26 p.m. ET before moving into the remaining states and reaching Canada around 4:25 p.m.

Outside the path of totality, 87.4% of the sun will be eclipsed in Washington, D.C. at 3:20 p.m. ET, and Chicago will have maximum coverage of 93.9% at 2:07 p.m. CT. New York City is much closer to the path of totality this year than it was in 2017; it will see 89.6% coverage at 3:25 p.m. EDT. 

Detroit is another city that will encounter a near-total eclipse, with 99.2% maximum coverage at 3:14 p.m. ET. Boston will see 92.4% coverage at 3:29 p.m. ET.

What time will the solar eclipse end?

The eclipse will leave continental North America from Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NT, according to NASA.

At the beginning of the path of totality in Mazatlán, the eclipse will be over by 12:32 p.m. PT, and it will leave Dallas at 3:02 p.m. CT. The eclipse will end in Little Rock at 3:11 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 4:29 p.m. CDT and Buffalo at 4:32 p.m. ET. Burlington won't be far behind, with the eclipse concluding at 4:37 p.m. ET.

Meanwhile, the viewing will end in Chicago at 3:21 p.m. CT, Washington, D.C. at 4:32 p.m. ET, and New York City at 4:36 p.m. ET. 

In Detroit, the partial eclipse will disappear at 4:27 p.m. ET, and in Boston, it will be over at 4:39 p.m. ET.

How long will the eclipse last in total?

The total solar eclipse will begin in Mexico at 11:07 a.m. PT and leave continental North America at 5:16 p.m. NT. From the time the partial eclipse first appears on Earth to its final glimpses before disappearing thousands of miles away, the celestial show will dazzle viewers for about 5 hours, according to timeanddate.com . 

The length of the total solar eclipse at points along the path depends on the viewing location. The longest will be 4 minutes and 28 seconds, northwest of Torreón, Mexico. Near the center of the path, totality takes place for the longest periods of time, according to NASA.

Spectators will observe totality for much longer today than during the 2017 eclipse , when the longest stretch of totality was 2 minutes and 32 seconds.

The moon's shadow seen on Earth today, called the umbra, travels at more than 1,500 miles per hour, according to NASA. It would move even more quickly if the Earth rotated in the opposite direction.

What is the longest a solar eclipse has ever lasted?

The longest known totality was 7 minutes and 28 seconds in 743 B.C. However, NASA says this record will be broken in 2186 with a 7 minute, 29 second total solar eclipse. The next total solar eclipse visible from parts of the U.S. won't happen until Aug. 23, 2044.

Sarah Maddox has been with CBS News since 2019. She works as an associate producer for CBS News Live.

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