Mountaineering in South America

The Andes, South America’s longest mountain range, is home to some of the world’s most iconic high-altitude peaks, including Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere. South America offers a diverse range of climbing experiences, from volcanic summits in Ecuador to jagged peaks in Patagonia, catering to a wide variety of skill levels and expedition styles.

With their dry climate and vast altiplano, the Andes provide climbers with excellent conditions for high-altitude training. This region is ideal for mountaineers preparing for more extreme altitudes, as the peaks offer serious altitude challenges without the intense technical difficulty found in the Himalayas. Climbers can experience everything from glacier travel to long, sustained ascents.

South America’s unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness makes it an unforgettable destination for mountaineers. With breathtaking landscapes, welcoming locals, and a variety of routes, the Andes offer a compelling alternative to other major mountain ranges.

The best time to go climbing in South America is:
  • January to December
There are expeditions in 5 countries:
Mountaineering expeditions in South America - Guided Peaks

Climbs in South America

South America is a premier destination for mountaineering, with the Andes providing a vast range of high-altitude challenges. Notable peaks like Aconcagua and Huascarán offer thrilling climbs that prepare mountaineers for even higher altitudes. The region's unique volcanic landscapes and remote wilderness attract climbers seeking adventure and natural beauty. Whether you're drawn to the jagged peaks of Patagonia or the towering summits of the Ecuadorian Andes, South America combines stunning views with a variety of climbing experiences suitable for all levels.

There are 58 expeditions in South America:
climm Alpamayo
Alpamayo
 AD - D
Peru
 5,947 m
climm Jirishanca
Jirishanca
 D - TD
Peru
 6,094 m
climm Artesonraju
Artesonraju
 AD - D
Peru
 6,025 m
climm Quitaraju
Quitaraju
 AD - D
Peru
 6,036 m
climm Tocllaraju
Tocllaraju
 AD
Peru
 6,034 m
climm Aconcagua
Aconcagua
 F
Argentina
 6,959 m
climm Ojos del Salado
Ojos del Salado
 F - PD
ArgentinaChile
 6,893 m
climm Ampato
Ampato
 F
Peru
 6,288 m
climm Ancohuma
Ancohuma
 PD - AD
Bolivia
 6,427 m
climm Vallecitos
Vallecitos
 F
Argentina
 6,120 m
climm Bonete
Bonete
 F
Argentina
 6,759 m
climm Tupungato
Tupungato
 F
ArgentinaChile
 6,570 m
climm Nevado del Plomo
Nevado del Plomo
 F
Argentina
 6,070 m
climm Pomerape
Pomerape
 F
ChileBolivia
 6,282 m
climm Sajama
Sajama
 PD
Bolivia
 6,550 m
climm Chachacomani
Chachacomani
 AD
Bolivia
 6,074 m
climm Ausangate
Ausangate
 AD
Peru
 6,372 m
climm Chopicalqui
Chopicalqui
 AD
Peru
 6,345 m
climm Salcantay
Salcantay
 AD
Peru
 6,271 m
climm Copa
Copa
 PD - AD
Peru
 6,188 m
climm Ranrapalca
Ranrapalca
 D
Peru
 6,162 m
climm Coropuna
Coropuna
 F
Peru
 6,425 m
climm Chachani
Chachani
 F
Peru
 6,075 m
climm Chimborazo
Chimborazo
 F
Ecuador
 6,270 m
climm Pissis
Pissis
 F
Argentina
 6,793 m
climm Tres Cruces Sur
Tres Cruces Sur
 F
ArgentinaChile
 6,748 m
climm Huascaran Sur
Huascaran Sur
 PD - AD
Peru
 6,768 m
climm Mercedario
Mercedario
 F
Argentina
 6,710 m
climm Cazadero
Cazadero
 F
Argentina
 6,670 m
climm Huascaran Norte
Huascaran Norte
 PD - AD
Peru
 6,655 m
climm Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi
 F - PD
Ecuador
 5,897 m
climm Incahuasi
Incahuasi
 F
ArgentinaChile
 6,621 m
climm Marmolejo
Marmolejo
 F
ArgentinaChile
 6,108 m
climm Acamarachi
Acamarachi
 F
Chile
 6,046 m
climm Parinacota
Parinacota
 F
ChileBolivia
 6,342 m
climm Acotango
Acotango
 F
ChileBolivia
 6,052 m
climm Illimani
Illimani
 PD - AD
Bolivia
 6,438 m
climm Illampu
Illampu
 AD - D
Bolivia
 6,368 m
climm Huayna Potosi
Huayna Potosi
 PD
Bolivia
 6,088 m
climm Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz
 TD
Peru
 6,259 m
climm Chearoco
Chearoco
 AD - D
Bolivia
 6,104 m
climm Llullaillaco
Llullaillaco
 F
ArgentinaChile
 6,752 m
climm Solimana
Solimana
 F
Peru
 6,093 m
climm Misti
Misti
 F
Peru
 5,825 m
climm Yayamari
Yayamari
 PD
Peru
 6,049 m
climm Chumpe
Chumpe
 PD
Peru
 6,106 m
climm Uturuncu
Uturuncu
 F
Bolivia
 6,008 m
climm Huandoy
Huandoy
 D
Peru
 6,360 m
climm Antisana
Antisana
 PD
Ecuador
 5,704 m
climm Cayambe
Cayambe
 PD
Ecuador
 5,790 m
climm Condoriri
Condoriri
 PD
Bolivia
 5,648 m
climm Pisco
Pisco
 PD
Peru
 5,752 m
climm Vallunaraju
Vallunaraju
 PD
Peru
 5,686 m
climm Yanapaccha
Yanapaccha
 AD
Peru
 5,460 m
climm Pequeño Alpamayo
Pequeño Alpamayo
 AD
Bolivia
 5,370 m
climm Pico Austria
Pico Austria
 F
Bolivia
 5,320 m
climm Iliniza South
Iliniza South
 AD
Ecuador
 5,263 m
climm Carihuairazo
Carihuairazo
 PD
Ecuador
 5,018 m

Pictures from climbing in South America

These pictures are taken while climbing in South America. To see more pictures, view each country and better - specific trip pages. They're shown here to give you an idea of what conditions are like. Uploaded by users of the site.