From small day hikes, to overnight backpacking adventures, heading into the great outdoors to go hiking is one of the best ways to explore nature. Small day hikes can provide great scenery with little effort, while longer trails reward you with spectacular views, less people, and unique wildlife sightings. This relatively cheap (and sometimes free) activity is a great way to slow down and experience a destination, especially in the middle of a packed vacation schedule. Hiking with kids? Start with a small day hike – trailheads for short hikes are usually close to the parking lot, making it easy to head back for any supplies. Want to venture out on a longer hike? Check with park guidelines on park fees, rules and other information before heading out. ...read more »
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Top hiking cities
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photo by Real Traveler Sharon JonesMachu Picchu
The primary home of the ancient Inca Empire, Machu Picchu is an archaeologists dream. Tourists can explore fantastically-built palaces, temples and courtyards, as well as the flourishing neighboring hillside. Nearly half a million people come to see thi... read more »
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photo by Real Traveler Psychedelic BuckyTorres del Paine National Park
Located in the Patagonia region of southern Chile, Torres del Paine National Park is a popular destination with hikers, photographers, and other traveler's looking for a breathtaking site of natural beauty. Spanish for "Towers of Paine," this National P... read more »
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photo by Real Traveler Aaron Abel ChenCusco
Once the center of the Incan Empire, Cusco now draws tourists from around the world. The ruins of the ancient civilization still stand, including the Ollantaytambo and Saqsaywaman sites and the sculpture gardens at Chuquipalta. Outside of the Incan site... read more »
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photo by Real Traveler Tole & JessicaSan Carlos de Bariloche
Located at the foot of the Andes Mountains, Bariloche is surrounded by spectacular lakes, mountains and foothills. A great place for winter travelers to visit, Bariloche features skiing, hiking and water sports activities galore. During the summer, thin... read more »
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photo by Real Traveler Tole & JessicaEl Chalten
Located within Los Glaciares National Park, El Chalten is a small mountain village that backpackers, climbers, trekkers and nature lovers come to in order to gain access to Cerro Torre and Cerro Chalten (or Mount Fitz Roy.) Known as two of the most diff... read more »
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photo by Real Traveler JennontourQuito
The capital of Ecuador is an excellent stop for South American tourists. Classic colonial buildings line the old city, while office buildings tower in the new developments. With attractions ranging from parks to historical centers to massive museums, th... read more »
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photo by Real Traveler Viracocha
Ollantaytambo
Located in the "Sacred Valley of the Incas," Ollantaytambo is a small town near Cusco that is known as a great example of Inca town planning. Tourists can enjoy climbing up the steep temple steps and admiring great stonework, architecture, and the sense... read more »
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photo by Real Traveler Marc s Watson YearMendoza
The highest peak in South America, the Aconcaqua, can be found in Mendoza and attracts adventurous mountain climbers from around the world. Easy access to the Andes Mountains allures travelers to premier ski resorts in the winter. Also a wine producing... read more »
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photo by Real Traveler Un Petit TourUshuaia
Ushuaia is arguably the southernmost city in the world. Located in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago off the south of South America, Ushuaia is a popular tourist locale and happily serves as a gateway to travelers cruising to Antarctica. Ushuaia is a als... read more »
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photo by Real Traveler FreyjaPucon
Though the Chilean town of Pucon is small enough to be crossed on foot in about 20 minutes, its vacation possibilities are endless.  It is situated at thefoot of Villarrica, an active volcano with snow for skiing and exciting hiking routes. Travelers al... read more »
Top Five Hiking Trip Blogs
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Majestic Patagonia - Bariloche | Mar 10 07'
Arriving in Bariloche was quite a relief after the 22 hour bus journey we we endured. I guess endurance isn´t really the word, coz its not too bad... Continue reading »
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Machu Picchu, Peru - Day 7 - 9 | Dec 13 08'
so much to backtrack...i woke up that morning to the worst nightmare possible just before the start of the inca trail. it was raining the entire ni... Continue reading »
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The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru | Jun 14 07'
When Jan and I decided to go to South America each of us had a destination in mind that stood out from the rest. For me it was the Amazon. For Jan... Continue reading »
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The Hills Are Alive | Mar 27 07'
As you are aware by now, I haven´t been able to shut my mouth about the Inca Trail since I decided to travel through SA. I know that some of you ha... Continue reading »
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Inca trek -the 4 day challenge! | Oct 17 06'
So... the day that I had been dreading. The start of the Inca trek. At six in the morning we were picked up from our hostel, as others were just ge... Continue reading »
South America Travel Experiences
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At Sea.. cruising back home
So I've only got a few days left on the Golden Bear. I finished my finals yesterday, and am feeling a lot better now. I slept in this mor... Continue reading »
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At Sea... somewhere between Cocos and Costa Rica
So, we're on Cocos Island tomorrow!! We will be arriving there sometime early tomorrow morning, and will anchor a ways off the island.... Continue reading »
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Land of amazing sites
CHILE & ARGENTINA .... A land of amazing sites (7-08-01)Chile, with a population of 14.8 million, is shaped like a string bean and... Continue reading »
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