20 Best Mountains To Climb In South America For Beginners (12 Countries)

South America may not seem like the typical climbing destination. But did you know that half of the countries in South America actually have mountains that are higher than Europe’s Mount Elbrus?

And some of these peaks are relatively easy glacier climbs. With proper training and acclimatization, even beginners can climb them.

I have put together this resource with 20 of the highest peaks that you can start conquering today!

This map shows the highest mountains in each South American country that are suitable for beginners to climb.

For more of the highest climbs around the world, check out:

But not all these climbs are easy! Some of the climbs are in high altitudes or have icy conditions. You should consider hiring a guide if you do not have the relevant experience or skills for the climbs.


Before We Start…

Just a few things to note before jumping right into the list. It will be helpful for you to first understand a bit about some of the terminology used in the list. These are also terminology that you may have seen from other sources.

Thousanders

In South America, the elevations of the mountains are typically referred to in meters. They are usually referred to as n-thousanders.

The highest mountain in South America is a six-thousander.

  • Six-thousanders: at least 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) but less than 7,000 meters
  • Five-thousanders: at least 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) but less than 6,000 meters
  • Four-thousanders: at least 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) but less than 5,000 meters (16,404 feet)
  • Three-thousanders: at least 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) but less than 4,000 meters
  • Two-thousanders: at least 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) but less than 3,000 meters
  • One-thousanders: at least 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) but less than 2,000 meters

What Is Summitpost?

I have provided a SummitPost link for each of the listed climbs below.

SummitPost is an online library of climbing information for mountains around the world.

The information is provided by a community of climbers. It can be a useful starting point to learn more about the mountains and climbs. However, do note that not all information is fully kept up to date or complete. It will be good to do additional research before your climbs.

Since it is a community-driven initiative, it will be great if you could highlight any errors or outdated information. You can do so in the comments section of the respective pages.


Rating Systems

There are many rating systems that grades the difficulty of a climb.

There are a few grading systems used in this list:

Yosemite Decimal System (YDS)

  • This is the grading system used widely in the US to rate the difficulty of a climb.
  • Class 1 and 2 climbs are suitable for beginners.  
  • Beginners can attempt Class 3 climbs with a guide.
  • Read more about YDS here.

Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme (UIAA)

  • This is the grading system used in many countries in Europe.
  • Beginners can attempt Grade I climbs with a guide.
  • Beginners can attempt Grade II climbs after some lessons or training.
  • Read more about UIAA here.

International French Adjectival System (IFAS) aka Alpine Rating System

  • This is the grading system used in Europe for climbing in alpine conditions.
  • F and PD climbs can be suitable for beginners if the routes do not have any snow or ice.
  • Beginners can attempt F and PD climbs in snowy or icy terrains with a guide.
  • Read more about IFAS here.

Difference Between Elevation And Elevation Gain

You may notice that the list below states both the elevation and elevation gained.

The elevation measures to the height of the summit above sea level.

The elevation gained is the difference in height from the start of the trail to the summit.

The elevation gained might be different between routes. This depends on the trailheads which may be at different points on the mountains.


Climbing Season Vs Best Time To Climb

For each of the climbs listed below, I have included the climbing season as well as the best time to climb.

Beginners should stick to the duration listed under the best time to climb.

Though climbing is still possible for the rest of the year, it is more suitable for experienced climbers.

The conditions are harsher and the climb’s difficulty rating also increases. Non-technical climbs can often turn into technical ones.


List Of The Highest Beginner Mountains To Climb In South America

The highest mountain in South America is Aconcagua in Argentina. Standing at 6,960 meters (22,835 feet), it is the second highest peak among the Seven Summits.


Argentina

The highest peak in Argentina is a six-thousander. Argentina has more than 20 six-thousanders.

1. Aconcagua (6,960 meters / 22,835 feet)

  • The highest peak in Argentina and South America.
  • One of the world’s Seven Summits. It is the second highest among the Seven Summits.
  • Although it is a non-technical climb, the high altitude will be a challenge. Beginners should climb with a guide.
  • SummitPost page
Elevation (meters)6,960
Elevation (feet)22,835
Popular RoutesNormal route from the northwest
Rating F
Elevation Gain (meters) 4,010
Elevation Gain (feet) 13,156
Distance (kilometers)70
Distance (miles)43
Route Type Loop
Climbing SeasonAll year
Best TimeDec to Feb
Snow And IceAll year
Climbing Permit RequiredYes

Ojos Del Salado (6,893 meters / 22,615 feet)

  • Located on the border between Argentina and Chile.
  • The second highest peak in Argentina and South America. It is also the highest peak in Chile.
  • See number 8 for more information.

2. Monte Pissis (6,795 meters / 22,293 feet)

  • The third highest peak in Argentina and South America.
  • The second highest volcano in the world.
  • Although the easiest route is not a technical climb, it is a glacier climb. Beginners should climb with a guide.
  • SummitPost page
Elevation (meters)6,795
Elevation (feet)22,293
Popular RoutesStart from Pissis BC on the northern side
Rating YDS Class 3
PD
Elevation Gain (meters)                                                                        2,195
Elevation Gain (feet) 7,201
Duration 5 days* (distance unknown)
Route Type depends on route
Climbing SeasonAll year
Best TimeDec to Mar
Snow And IceAll year
Climbing Permit RequiredNo

*This is the duration of the actual climb. It excludes acclimatization days.

Cerro Llullaillaco (6,739 meters / 22,110 feet)

  • Located on the border of Argentina and Chile.
  • The fourth highest peak in Argentina.
  • It is more commonly climbed from Chile.
  • See number 10 for more informaiton.

3. Cerro Mercedario (6,710 meters /  22,014 feet)

  • The fifth highest peak in Argentina.
  • Overshadowed by the nearby Aconcagua, it is a much less popular climb. A good option if you like to be away from the crowds.
  • SummitPost page
Elevation (meters)6,710
Elevation (feet)22,014
Popular RoutesNormal route from Laguna Blanca
Rating F
Elevation Gain (meters) 3,560
Elevation Gain (feet) 11,680
Distance (kilometers)38
Distance (miles)24
Route Type Loop
Climbing SeasonAll year
Best TimeDec to Mar
Snow And IceAll year
Climbing Permit RequiredNo

Bolivia

The highest peak in Bolivia is a six-thousander. Bolivia has more than 10 six-thousanders.

4. Nevado Sajama (6,542 meters / 21,463 feet)

  • Located on the border between Bolivia and Chile.
  • The highest peak in Bolivia.
  • An extinct volcano.
  • Although the easiest route is not a technical climb, it is a glacier climb. Beginners should climb with a guide.
  • SummitPost page
Elevation (meters)6,542
Elevation (feet)21,463
Popular RoutesSouthwest ridge from Sajama village
Rating UIAA Grade III
PD
Elevation Gain (meters) 2,200
Elevation Gain (feet) 7,218
Distance (kilometers)20
Distance (miles)12
Route Type Loop
Climbing SeasonAll year
Best TimeJul to Sep
Snow And IceAll year
Climbing Permit RequiredNo

5. Illimani (6,438 meters / 21,122 feet)

  • The second highest peak in Bolivia.
  • It towers over La Paz, the capital of Bolivia.
  • Although the easiest route is not a technical climb, it is a glacier climb. Beginners should climb with a guide.
  • SummitPost page
Elevation (meters)6,438
Elevation (feet)21,122
Popular RoutesNormal route from Nido de Condores
Rating UIAA Grade II
PD
Elevation Gain (meters) 2,700
Elevation Gain (feet) 8,858
Duration 4 days* (distance unknown)
Route Type Loop
Climbing SeasonAll year
Best TimeJun to Aug
Snow And IceAll year
Climbing Permit RequiredNo

*This is the duration of the actual climb. It excludes acclimatization days.

6. Ancohuma (6,427 meters / 21,085 feet)

  • The third highest peak in Bolivia.
  • Although the easiest route is not a technical climb, it is a glacier climb. Beginners should climb with a guide.
  • SummitPost page
Elevation (meters)6,427
Elevation (feet)21,085
Popular RoutesNormal route via Laguna Glaciar
Rating PD
Elevation Gain (meters) 2,827
Elevation Gain (feet) 9,274
Duration 5 days* (distance unknown)
Route Type Loop
Climbing SeasonAll year
Best TimeJun to Aug
Snow And IceAll year
Climbing Permit RequiredNo

*This is the duration of the actual climb. It excludes acclimatization days.


Brazil

The highest peak in Brazil is a two-thousander. Brazil has 11 two-thousanders.

The highest peak in Brazil is Pico da Neblina which stands at 2,995 meters (9,826 feet). The climb is technical and not suitable for beginners.

Pico 31 de Março (2,974 meters / 9,757 feet)

  • The second highest peak in Brazil.
  • It is considered a secondary summit of Pico da Neblina which is about 700 meters (2,300 feet) away.
  • It is often climbed together with Pico da Neblina. It is seldom climbed on its own and there is not much information online.

7. Pico da Bandeira (2,892 meters / 9,488 feet)

  • The third highest peak in Brazil.
  • Views of more than 10 surrounding cities and the Atlantic Ocean.
  • SummitPost page
Elevation (meters)2,892
Elevation (feet)9,488
Popular RoutesSummit trail
Rating YDS Class 1
Elevation Gain (meters) 1,000
Elevation Gain (feet) 3,281
Distance (kilometers)18
Distance (miles)11
Route Type Loop
Climbing SeasonAll year
Best TimeJun to Sep
Snow And IceNo
Climbing Permit RequiredNo

Chile

The highest peak in Chile is a six-thousander. Chile has more than 30 six-thousanders.

8. Ojos Del Salado (6,893 meters / 22,615 feet)

  • Located on the border between Argentina and Chile.
  • The highest peak in Chile and the second highest peak in South America.
  • It is also the highest active volcano in the world.
  • SummitPost page
Elevation (meters)6,893
Elevation (feet)22,615
Popular RoutesNormal route from Refugio Atacama
RatingPD
Elevation Gain (meters) 1,693
Elevation Gain (feet) 5,554
Distance (kilometers)7
Distance (miles)4
Route Type Loop
Climbing SeasonAll year
Best TimeDec to Mar
Snow And IceOct to Jan
Climbing Permit RequiredYes

9. Nevado Tres Cruces (6,748 meters / 22,139 feet)

  • Located on the border between Argentina and Chile.
  • Also known as Cerro Tres Cruces Sur.
  • The second highest peak in Chile.
  • Although it is a non-technical climb, the challenges for beginners include the high altitude, remote location, and unmarked trails. Beginners should climb with a guide.
  • It is rarely climbed due to its remote location.
  • SummitPost page
Elevation (meters)6,748
Elevation (feet)22,139
Popular RoutesNormal route
RatingYDS Class 2
AlpinePD
Elevation Gain (meters) 2,324
Elevation Gain (feet) 7,625
Duration3 days* (distance unknown)
Route Type Loop
Climbing SeasonAll year
Best TimeDec to Mar
Snow And IceOct to Jan
Climbing Permit RequiredYes

*This is the duration of the actual climb. It excludes acclimatization days.

10. Cerro Llullaillaco (6,739 meters / 22,110 feet)

  • Located on the border of Argentina and Chile.
  • The third highest peak in Chile.
  • It is the second highest active volcano in the world.
  • It is the highest archeological site in the world. There were mummies found in 1999.
  • Although the climb is not a difficult one, the mountain is rarely climbed due to its remote location.
  • SummitPost page
Elevation (meters)6,739
Elevation (feet)22,110
Popular RoutesNorthwest route
RatingYDS Class 2
PD
Elevation Gain (meters) 2,039
Elevation Gain (feet) 6,690
Duration 3 days* (distance unknown)
Route Type Loop
Climbing SeasonAll year
Best TimeFeb to Sep
Snow And IceAll year
Climbing Permit RequiredBorder permit

*This is the duration of the actual climb. It excludes acclimatization days.


Colombia

The highest peak in Colombia is five-thousander, Pico Cristóbal Colón. It stands at 5,700 meters (18,701 feet).

Colombia has more than 7 five-thousanders.

The 4 highest peaks in Colombia are in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta range. The mountains are sacred to the locals and climbing is not allowed.

Here are some of the highest peaks in Colombia suitable for beginners:

11. Ritacuba Blanco (5,330 meters / 17,487 feet)

  • The 5th highest peak in Colombia.
  • Considered one of the most beautiful mountains in Colombia.
  • Although the easiest route is not a technical climb, it is a glacier climb. Beginners should climb with a guide.
  • SummitPost page
Elevation (meters)5,330
Elevation (feet)17,487
Popular RoutesGlacier route from Cabañas de Kanwara
RatingF
Elevation Gain (meters) 1,500
Elevation Gain (feet) 4,921
Distance (kilometers)16
Distance (miles)10
Route Type Loop
Climbing SeasonAll year
Best TimeDec to Feb
Snow And IceAll year
Climbing Permit RequiredYes

12. Nevado Del Ruiz (5,325 meters / 17,470 feet)

  • The 7th highest peak in Colombia.
  • One of the shortest climbs in the world for a mountain of this altitude.
  • SummitPost page
Elevation (meters)5,325
Elevation (feet)17,470
Popular RoutesWest slopes from Ruiz Refugio
RatingPD-
Elevation Gain (meters) 531
Elevation Gain (feet) 1,742
Distance (kilometers)5
Distance (miles)3
Route Type Loop
Climbing SeasonAll year
Best TimeDec to Mar
Snow And IceAll year
Climbing Permit RequiredYes

13. Nevado del Tolima (5,274 meters / 17,303 feet)

  • The 9th highest peak in Colombia.
  • An active volcano with a perfectly symmetrical cone.
  • Views of lakes, rainforests, and glaciers.
  • SummitPost page
Elevation (meters)5,274
Elevation (feet)17,303
Popular RoutesNormal route from El Silencio
RatingPD
Elevation Gain (meters) 2,694
Elevation Gain (feet) 8,839
Duration 3 days* (distance unknown)
Route Type Loop
Climbing SeasonAll year
Best TimeDec to Mar, Jul to Aug
Snow And IceAll year
Climbing Permit RequiredYes

*This is the duration of the actual climb. It excludes acclimatization days.


Ecuador

The highest peak in Ecuador is a six-thousander. Ecuador has 1 six-thousander and 9 five-thousanders.

14. Chimborazo (6,263 meters / 20,548 feet)

  • The highest peak in Ecuador.
  • Though it is not the world’s highest mountain, the summit is the furthest point from the center of the earth.
  • Although the easiest route is not a technical climb, it is a glacier climb. A guide is required for all glacier climbs in Ecuador.
  • SummitPost page
Elevation (meters)6,263
Elevation (feet)20,548
Popular RoutesNormal route from Refugio Carrel
RatingPD
Elevation Gain (meters) 1,463
Elevation Gain (feet) 4,800
Duration2 days* (distance unknown)
Route Type Loop
Climbing SeasonAll year
Best TimeJun to Jul, Dec to Jan
Snow And IceAll year
Climbing Permit RequiredA guide is required

*This is the duration of the actual climb. It excludes acclimatization days.

15. Cotopaxi (5,897 meters / 19,347 feet)

  • The second highest peak in Ecuador.
  • It is the third highest active volcano in the world.
  • Although the easiest route is not a technical climb, it is a glacier climb. A guide is required for all glacier climbs in Ecuador.
  • SummitPost page
Elevation (meters)5,897
Elevation (feet)19,347
Popular RoutesRompe Corazones
RatingUIAA Grade II
PD
Elevation Gain (meters) 1,097
Elevation Gain (feet) 3,599
Duration2 days* (distance unknown)
Route Type Loop
Climbing SeasonAll year
Best TimeJun to Jul, Dec to Jan
Snow And IceAll year
Climbing Permit RequiredA guide is required

*This is the duration of the actual climb. It excludes acclimatization days.

16. Cayambe (5,790 meters / 18,996 feet)

  • The third highest peak in Ecuador.
  • The highest point on earth that intersects with the equator. It is the only place on earth where both the temperature and latitude reach zero degrees.
  • Although the easiest route is not a technical climb, it is a glacier climb. A guide is required for all glacier climbs in Ecuador.
  • SummitPost page
Elevation (meters)5,790
Elevation (feet)18,996
Popular RoutesNormal route from south east side
RatingPD
Elevation Gain (meters) 1,090
Elevation Gain (feet) 3,576
Duration2 days* (distance unknown)
Route Type Loop
Climbing SeasonAll year
Best TimeOct to Jan
Snow And IceAll year
Climbing Permit RequiredA guide is required

*This is the duration of the actual climb. It excludes acclimatization days.


Guyana

The highest peak in Guyana is a two-thousander.

Mount Roraima (2,810 meters / 9,219 feet)

  • Located on the border of Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana.
  • The highest peak in Guyana.
  • The mountain is mostly climbed from Venezuela.
  • See number 20 for more information.

Paraguay

There are no high mountains to climb in Paraguay.

The highest peak in Paraguay is Cerro Tres Kandú at 842 meters (2,762 feet). It is also known as Cerro Peró.


Peru

The highest peak in Peru is six-thousander, Huascaran Sur. It stands at 6,746 meters (22,133 feet).

Peru is home to almost 20 six-thousanders.

Many of the highest peaks in Peru are technical glacier climbs. They are not suitable for beginners.

Here are some of the highest peaks in Peru suitable for beginners:

17. Nevado Pisco (5,752 meters / 18,871 feet)

  • Often used as an acclimatization climb for the six-thousanders.
  • 360 views of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range.
  • Although the easiest route is not a technical climb, it is a glacier climb. A guide is required unless you are a member of an alpine club.
  • SummitPost page
Elevation (meters)5,752
Elevation (feet)18,871
Popular RoutesNormal route from the southwest
RatingPD
Elevation Gain (meters) 850
Elevation Gain (feet) 2,789
Duration3 days* (distance unknown)
Route Type Loop
Climbing SeasonAll year
Best TimeJul to Aug
Snow And IceAll year
Climbing Permit RequiredA guide is required

*This is the duration of the actual climb. It excludes acclimatization days.

18. Nevado Vallunaraju (5,686 meters / 18,655 feet)

  • One of the most popular climbs in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range.
  • Often used as an acclimatization climb for the six-thousanders.
  • Although the easiest route is not a technical climb, it is a glacier climb. A guide is required unless you are a member of an alpine club.
  • SummitPost page
Elevation (meters)5,686
Elevation (feet)18,655
Popular RoutesNormal route from the southwest
RatingPD
Elevation Gain (meters) 1,300
Elevation Gain (feet) 4,265
Duration2 days* (distance unknown)
Route Type Loop
Climbing SeasonAll year
Best TimeJun to Aug
Snow And IceAll year
Climbing Permit RequiredA guide is required

*This is the duration of the actual climb. It excludes acclimatization days.

19. Nevado Ishinca (5,530 meters / 18,143 feet)

  • One of the most popular climbs in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range.
  • Often used as an acclimatization climb for the six-thousanders.
  • Although the easiest route is not a technical climb, it is a glacier climb. Beginners should climb with a guide.
  • SummitPost page
Elevation (meters)5,530
Elevation (feet)18,143
Popular RoutesNormal route from the southwest
RatingF
Elevation Gain (meters) 1,200
Elevation Gain (feet) 3,937
Duration3 days* (distance unknown)
Route Type Loop
Climbing SeasonAll year
Best TimeJul to Aug
Snow And IceAll year
Climbing Permit RequiredYes

*This is the duration of the actual climb. It excludes acclimatization days.


Suriname

The highest peak in Suriname is a one-thousander.

Julianatop (1,280 meters / 4,199 feet)

  • The highest peak in Suriname.
  • There is very limited information online. You can contact local guides to get more information.

Uruguay

There are no high mountains to climb in Uruguay. Uruguay has the lowest country highpoint in South America.

The highest peak in Uruguay is Cerro Catedral at 513 meters (1,683 feet). It is also known as Cathedral Hill or Cerro Cordillera.


Venezuela

The highest peak in Venezuela is four-thousander, Pico Bolívar. It stands at 4,978 meters (16,332 feet). The climb is technical and not suitable for beginners.

Venezuela has 5 four-thousanders.

Due to climate change, Some of the highest glaciers in Venezuela have disappeared. This includes the third and fourth highest peaks in Venezuela — Pico La Concha and Pico Bonpland.

And because of Venezuela’s political instability, the mountains are not climbed often.

Other than the two peaks listed below, there is very little information about the other mountains in Venezuela.

Pico Espejo (4,880 meters / 16,010 feet)

  • Also known as Mirror Peak.
  • The fifth highest peak in Venezuela.
  • There is actually minimal climbing to be done. You can take the Mérida Cable Car near to the peak. The Mérida Cable Car is the highest cable car in the world.

20. Mount Roraima (2,810 meters / 9,219 feet)

  • Located on the border of Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana.
  • Although the easiest route is not a technical climb, there are no proper routes. Beginners should climb with a guide.
  • SummitPost page
  • Blog article
Elevation (meters)2,810
Elevation (feet)9,219
Popular RoutesParatepui route
RatingYDS Class 3
Elevation Gain (meters) 1,520
Elevation Gain (feet) 4,987
Distance (kilometers)56
Distance (miles)35
Route Type Loop
Climbing SeasonAll year
Best TimeDec to Mar
Snow And IceNo
Climbing Permit RequiredYes

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