Hiking is one of the best ways to add some adventure to your tour of South America, and this is especially true in Patagonia. The region, which is located in the southernmost part of the continent, is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world and is well-suited to trekking. If you're looking for an accessible excursion, exploring Torres del Paine National Park in Chile is likely your best bet.
There are many routes spread throughout the park, but one of the best is known as the W trek. While it may not cover too much in terms of elevation, it brings you to some of the most spectacular sights in Patagonia. Among the highlights of the trek are the Towers of Paine, which are unlike any other natural formations you're likely to come across. The enormous granite pillars are certainly imposing but create a truly unique spectacle.
The Towers aren't the only highlight along the W trek, however. The Grey Glacier will leave a lasting impression as well. About 17 miles long, this glacier is unique in that is calving into Grey Lake, so any visit will bring you face to face with an impressive natural scene.
After you've seen the other breathtaking sights on the W trek, such as the Frenchman's Valley, chances are you'll want to see what else South America has to offer, and a tour of Peru certainly has plenty of natural appeal. Most notably, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will bring you through some of the most breathtaking views the continent has to offer. Not only that, but by the end of the journey you'll be rewarded with a visit to one of the most famous sets of ruins in the world.
