South America treks & peaks
South America is the altitude training ground of the Andes—high volcanoes, remote cordilleras and true expedition climbs. Use this hub to compare iconic objectives like Aconcagua, technical classics like Alpamayo, and acclimatisation peaks like Cotopaxi and Chimborazo.
Quick guide: Cotopaxi is a popular first glaciated peak. Chimborazo is a step up in altitude and endurance. Aconcagua is a major non-technical expedition. Alpamayo is technical and highly demanding.
South America overview
Where are the main objectives?
- Argentina: Aconcagua region (Mendoza)
- Ecuador: Avenue of the Volcanoes (Cotopaxi / Chimborazo)
- Peru: Cordillera Blanca (Alpamayo and more)
- Bolivia: High Andean peaks and expeditions
What you can do here
- Acclimatisation peaks: 5,000–6,000m volcanoes
- Expedition climbs: Aconcagua-style multi-day base camps
- Technical climbing: Cordillera Blanca classics
Use the grids below to explore by objective type, then use the difficulty section to plan a sensible progression.
Explore South America peaks
From acclimatisation volcanoes to major expeditions and technical alpine climbs.
Aconcagua
6,961mAlpamayo
5,947mAncohuma
6,427mCayambe
5,790mChachacomani
6,074mChimborazo
6,263mCotopaxi
5,897mHuayna Potosi
6,088mIllampu
6,368mIllimani
6,438mNevado Sajama
6,542mOjos del Salado
6,893mSouth America by difficulty
A simple progression: acclimatisation peaks → expedition-style big climbs → technical alpine objectives.
Beginner
Can be a first high-altitude objective with training and a proper acclimatisation plan.
Intermediate
Requires strict training and ideally at least one beginner-level altitude peak beforehand.
Explore by country
Narrow down by logistics and season windows.
Best time to trek & climb in South America
Southern Andes (e.g., Aconcagua)
Typically best in the southern summer (roughly Dec–Feb), with shoulder windows depending on conditions.
Ecuador (volcanoes)
Often clearer windows around Jun–Sep and Dec–Feb, but weather can be variable year-round.
Peru (Cordillera Blanca)
Dry season is generally the best bet for climbing conditions; expect colder nights at altitude.
Bolivia (high Andes)
Often best in the dry season; build in buffers for storms and access logistics.
Browse all South America mountains & treks (A–Z) total
Click a mountain or trek to open the full page and compare operators.
Related planning
South America – FAQ
Cotopaxi or Chimborazo first?
Cotopaxi is usually the better first glaciated peak. Chimborazo is higher and more physically demanding—better after a successful 5,000–6,000m climb.
Is Aconcagua technical?
On the normal route it’s generally not a technical climb, but it is a serious high-altitude expedition with cold, wind and long summit days. Treat it like a big-mountain objective: train properly and plan acclimatisation.
What’s the best season in the Andes?
It depends on the country and latitude. Aconcagua is typically best in the southern summer (Dec–Feb). Ecuador has different weather patterns and can offer good volcano windows at multiple points in the year.