Over the past year, walking has taken on a new meaning for many of us. Whether it's multiple laps around the local park or a day-long hike in the countryside, it's given us a chance to connect with nature and stay grounded in the midst of restrictions. There's no better way to discover the beautiful landscapes of Latin America and Africa than on foot. From nature reserve trails in South Africa and volcanic lake hikes in Ecuador to epic Patagonia treks and the iconic trails to Machu Picchu, there are options to suit everyone. Keep scrolling to find out which walks and treks suit your budget and ability, so you can start planning something to look forward to.
One of the most famous treks in the world, this four-day adventure takes you in the footsteps of the Incas themselves as you make your way through beautiful valleys, mountains and cloud forests to reach Machu Picchu. Spot lesser-known Inca sites along the way and camp with a group of like-minded people, with all meals included.
Read our day-by-day account of the Inca Trail here.
Make the most of your time in one of the world’s great hiking destinations as you ascend through valleys and meander through beech forests and up steep slopes in Chile on this seven-hour trek. Cross mountain ridges before reaching a rocky moraine, where at the end of a steep climb the granite towers reveal themselves in dramatic fashion.
Read our blog about hiking Las Torres.
Admire the highest dunes in the world at their most picturesque, with the first light creating beautiful shadows. Climb as far as you like up the 170m-high 'Dune 45' to be rewarded with a panoramic view of the desert. For the more adventurous, climb the appropriately named 'Big Daddy', at a staggering 325 metres.
Read our Product Manager's blog about climbing Big Daddy.
Spend two days getting to know Ecuador’s volcanoes, lakes and Andean communities. Have lunch in San Agustin Hacienda, built on the site of an Inca fortress with well-preserved original Inca walls, continue to Quilotoa to hike 10km all the way around the crater, then visit an indigenous village.
Add this onto any of our Ecuador holidays.
Perfect for those who want to arrive at Machu Picchu on foot without having to hike for four days, this option follows the same network of trails as the Classic Inca Trail, including your first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. The difference is that you only have one full day of walking, you get to stay in a comfortable hotel rather than camping and you still have a full day to explore the Machu Picchu ruins.Perfect for those who want to arrive at Machu Picchu on foot without having to hike for four days, this option follows the same network of trails as the Classic Inca Trail, including your first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. The difference is that you only have one full day of walking, you get to stay in a comfortable hotel rather than camping and you still have a full day to explore the Machu Picchu ruins.
You can add the Short Inca Trail onto any of our Peru holidays.
The well-worn switchback of steps and the beautiful fynbos makes hiking of the most popular ways to ascend Table Mountain, and on a clear day you can see for miles. Be rewarded with spectacular views across Cape Town, the harbour and Devil’s Peak.
View all our holidays to South Africa.
This four-day trek to Machu Picchu takes you on a lesser-known route. The Salkantay Trail is an excellent alternative to the traditional Inca Trail. It’s longer, higher and harder, but has fewer trekkers and perhaps even more spectacular scenery and the opportunity to see Andean wildlife.
Read more about what to expect on the Salkantay Trek in this blog.
This two-part nature walk lets you get up close and personal with birds, monkeys, amphibians and insects in their natural habitat with a morning and evening walk. As dusk falls, observe nocturnal creatures emerging, and experience the intensified forest sounds and fragrances as your senses become more attuned to the darkness.
Browse our Costa Rica trips here.
Discover one of South Africa’s unique Natural Heritage Sites, established in 1985 to protect local wildlife including the tortoises, oystercatchers, duikers and cranes. After a boat trip, take a 2.2km downhill walk through coastal forest and fynbos into ancient sea caves, once used by the Khoikhoi.
View all our holidays to South Africa.
Beginning at a serene lagoon, you walk for around three hours on a flatter trail than most in the Torres del Paine park, ending with a fabulous view over Lake Sarmiento. In addition to seeing the flora and fauna of the park, and the snowy peaks of the Paine Massif, you will also see cave paintings created by early inhabitants of the region.
Browse our Patagonia holidays here.
Call 020 7263 3000 to find out more about which walk or trek would suit your budget and ability. You can save up to £1,000 per couple if you book a holiday before May 31st. Our flexible booking conditions remain in place so you are guaranteed a full refund or the option to rebook if we cannot operate your holiday.