10 best hiking-base cities in South America

Trail networks within reach. Day hikes from downtown.

Ranked by climate, cost of living, language access, safety, and lifestyle fit. Personalize this →

#1
Cusco, Peru
100
match
Inca capital at 3,400m. Spanish-Andean stone city and the launching pad for Machu Picchu.
#2
Santiago, Chile
78
match
Andes on the horizon, vineyards in the suburbs, and the highest standard of living in South America.
#3
Mendoza, Argentina
78
match
Argentine wine capital under the Andes. Malbec country, leafy streets, Aconcagua trailheads.
#4
Quito, Ecuador
77
match
Highest official capital on earth at 2,850m. Old Town is a UNESCO jewel, volcanoes on the horizon.

Cusco, Peru