Are you looking to challenge yourself, push the limits, and get your adrenaline up while exploring Latin America? Then you’re in luck.
Our team of travel experts came together to create a list of some of the most thrilling and boundary-pushing experiences and attractions in all of South America.
White Water Rafting – The Futaleufu River, Chile
The name Futaleufu is an indigenous Mapuche word meaning “Big River,” and with good reason. Fed by the glacial lakes region of Argentina and Chile, the world-renowned rapids of Futaleufu offer a range of difficulty from Class II to Class V+ rapids on the International Scale of River Difficulty, each presenting its own unique set of challenges. No matter your level of experience, there’s a section of “the Fu” guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping as you ride some of the greatest whitewater rapids on Earth.
Found on: Futaleufu Multi Sport
Rock Climbing –
Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru
Looking for the thrill that comes with ascending a 984-foot rock face, but lack hardcore climbing experience? In Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas, between Cuzco and the ancient fortress at Ollantaytambo, you’ll find a via ferrata that includes a hanging bridge at more than 800 feet. This special series of cables and steel ladders drilled into the Andean rock face lets you ascend to hair-raising heights all while safely protected by a waist and chest harness and a double-carbineer system.
Found on: Active Machu Picchu
Mountain Biking – Medellin, Colombia
Medellin was made infamous around the world by Pablo Escobar, but if you’re looking for an action-packed adventure around the Colombian city today then mountain biking is the way to go. Here you’ll bike on a mix of trails, dirt, and paved roads through the countryside from Iguaque National Park to El Monasterio, including some serious uphill challenges that pay off with the rewards of outstanding views and beautiful downhill opportunities afterwards.
Found on: Colombia Multi Sport
Facing Isolation – Easter Island, Chile
Want to talk about going to extremes? Then how about exploring one of the most isolated islands on the face of the Earth. Easter Island is most famous for the monumental and ominous moai statues, which may have actually contributed to the downfall of the ancient society. Archaeologists theorize that the energy- and resource-intensive feat of transporting and raising the moai could have been a contributing factor in the decline of the Rapa Nui culture. Visit and gain an appreciation for the extreme challenges the Rapa Nui faced in trying to survive and thrive so far removed from anything else.
Found on: Chile Triangle
Go Dry – Atacama Desert, Chile
When it comes to challenging environments, you can’t really top the Atacama Desert. Commonly known as the driest non-polar desert in the world, the Atacama might also be the oldest desert on Earth. According to geologists, there are sections of the desert that have experience hyperaridity – the state of having an extreme lack of moisture – for more than 200 million years. Soil in certain portions of the 41,000 square-foot desert has even been compared to the soil found on Mars.
Found on: Chile Triangle
Overnight It
– Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
If you’re interested in pushing the boundaries of travel, but not comfort and luxury, then you have to experience Pikaia Lodge. While the vast majority of visitors to the Galapagos are forced to spend their evenings sleeping on boats, the Pikaia Lodge gives you the chance to actually overnight on the legendary islands themselves. Nestled some 1,500 feet above sea level in the Santa Cruza highlands, with jaw-dropping ocean views from three sides, Pikaia Lodge puts you on the precipice of ultimate relaxation and unwavering adventure. The luxurious eco-lodge offers you some of the most spectacular views of the legendary volcanic landscape combined with an excellent collection of daily excursions, hiking, biking and more.
Found on: Pikaia Lodge
Everything
– Latin America
Pile challenges on challenges on a Southern Explorations multisport itinerary. Encounter wildlife up close, hike on active volcanos, cycle highland plateaus, ride horseback across ancient farmlands, explore rugged national parks, whitewater raft the Amazon, bathe in alkaline-rich thermal waters, sea kayak in the Galapagos, swim with sea lions, and so much more as you push the limits.
Found on:
Andes, Amazon & Galapagos Multi Sport .
