There’s no doubt that South America is not your typical climbing destination. What are some interesting facts about South America and did you know that half the countries have mountains higher than Mount Elbrus in Europe? To know about 56 mountains to climb in US, check out this article!
There are also some relatively easy glacier climbs on these peaks. The mountains can even be climbed by beginners with proper acclimatization and training.
You can start climbing these peaks from today with our list of 20 of the highest peaks!
However, not all of these climbs are easy! A few climbs take place at high altitudes or on ice. In case you do not possess the relevant climbing skills or experience, you should think about hiring a guide.
In each South American country, this map shows the height of the highest mountain for beginners.
Here is what we need to know before we begin
Before we get to the list, a few things to note. In order to understand some of this list’s terminology, you will need to understand a bit about it first. Similarly, you may have seen this terminology in another source.
Thousanders
In South America, the elevations of the mountains are usually measured in meters and they are usually referred to as n-thousanders.
Six-thousanders are the tallest mountains in South America.
- Six-thousander: a height of at least 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) and less than 7,000 meters
- Five-thousanders: they are generally more than 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) but less than 6,000 meters
- Four-thousanders: 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) but fewer than 5,000 meters (16,404 feet).
- Three-thousander: at least 3,000 m (9,842 ft) but less than 4,000 m
- Two-Thousander: Over 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) but under 3,000 meters
- A one-thousander is at least 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) but less than 2,000 meters tall
What Is Summitpost?
There is a SummitPost link listed for each climb below.
SummitPost is an online resource that provides climbing information for mountains around the world.
An online community of climbers provides the information. You can use it as a starting point to learn more about mountains and climbs. It should be noted, however, that not all the information tracked is complete or up-to-date. You should do additional research before your climbs.
As this is a community-driven project, it would be great if you could highlight any errors or outdated information. Please do so in the comments section of the respective pages.
Rating Systems
It is possible to find many rating systems that grades the difficulty of a climb.
This list uses a few grading systems:
YDS (Yosemite Decimal System)
- In the US, this grading system is widely used to rate the difficulty of climbs.
- Climbs in classes 1 and 2 are suitable for beginners.
- As a beginner, you can attempt climbs of Class 3 with a guide.
UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme)
- In many European countries, this is the grading system used.
- With a guide, beginners can attempt Grade I climbs.
- After some lessons or training, beginners can attempt Grade II climbs.
International French Adjectival System (IFAS) or Alpine Rating System
- Climbers in alpine conditions use this grading system in Europe.
- It is possible to climb F and PD routes for beginners if there is no snow or ice on the routes.
- With a guide, beginners can attempt F and PD climbs in snowy or icy terrain.
Elevation vs Elevation Gain
As you can see, the list below includes both the elevation and elevation gained.
Elevation refers to the height of the summit above sea level.
Gained elevation is the difference in height between the start of the trail and the summit.
The elevation gained may differ between routes. Depending on where the trailheads are located on the mountains, this can vary.
Climbing Season and Best Time to Climb
Listed below are a few climbs and the best climbing time for each.
Climbers should stick to the duration listed under the best time to climb.
Climbing is still possible for the rest of the year, but it is more suitable for experienced climbers.
In addition to harsher conditions, the climb’s difficulty rating increases. Often, non-technical climbs turn into technical ones.
These are South America’s highest beginners’ mountains
Aconcagua in Argentina is the highest mountain in South America and this is the second tallest peak among the Seven Summits at 6,960 meters (22,835 feet).
Bolivia
Six-thousanders are the highest mountains in Bolivia. There are more than ten six-thousanders in Bolivia.
1. Nevado Sajama
- Nevado Sajama is situated on the border between Bolivia and Chile.
- Nevado Sajama is Bolivia’s highest peak.
- A volcano that has ceased to exist.
- Even though the easiest route is not a technical climb, it is a glacier climb. You should climb with a guide if you are a beginner.
- SummitPost page
| Elevation (meters) | 6,542 |
| Elevation (feet) | 21,463 |
| Popular Routes | Southwest 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 Season | All year |
| Best Time | Jul to Sep |
| Snow And Ice | All year |
| Climbing Permit Required | No |
2. Illimani
- Bolivia’s second highest peak.
- Bolivia’s capital, La Paz, is dominated by it.
- Even though the easiest route is not a technical climb, it is a glacier climb. You should climb with a guide if you are a beginner.
- SummitPost page
| Elevation (meters) | 6,438 |
| Elevation (feet) | 21,122 |
| Popular Routes | Normal 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 Season | All year |
| Best Time | Jun to Aug |
| Snow And Ice | All year |
| Climbing Permit Required | No |
*This is the actual time taken to climb the mountain. The days of acclimatization are excluded.
3. Ancohuma
- Bolivia’s third highest peak.
- Even though the easiest route is not a technical climb, it is a glacier climb and you should climb with a guide if you are a beginner.
- SummitPost page
| Elevation (meters) | 6,427 |
| Elevation (feet) | 21,085 |
| Popular Routes | Normal 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 Season | All year |
| Best Time | Jun to Aug |
| Snow And Ice | All year |
| Climbing Permit Required | No |
*This is the actual time taken to climb the mountain. The days of acclimatization are excluded.
Argentina
Argentina’s highest peak is a six-thousander. There are more than 20 six-thousanders in Argentina.
4. Aconcagua
- Argentina’s and South America’s highest peak.
- It is one of the Seven Summits of the world and among the Seven Summits, it is the second highest.
- Although it is a non-technical climb, the high altitude will make it challenging. You should climb with a guide if you are a beginner.
- SummitPost page
| Elevation (meters) | 6,960 |
| Elevation (feet) | 22,835 |
| Popular Routes | Normal 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 Season | All year |
| Best Time | Dec to Feb |
| Snow And Ice | All year |
| Climbing Permit Required | Yes |
Ojos Del Salado
- It lies on the border between Argentina and Chile.
- Argentina and South America’s second tallest peak. It is also Chile’s highest peak.
- For more information, please see number 8.
5. Monte Pissis
- Monte Pissis is Argentina’s third highest mountain.
- Monte Pissis is the second highest volcano in the world.
- Even though the easiest route is not a technical climb, it is a glacier climb and you should climb with a guide if you are a beginner.
- SummitPost page
| Elevation (meters) | 6,795 |
| Elevation (feet) | 22,293 |
| Popular Routes | Start 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 Season | All year |
| Best Time | Dec to Mar |
| Snow And Ice | All year |
| Climbing Permit Required | No |
*This is the actual time taken to climb the mountain. The days of acclimatization are excluded.
Cerro Llullaillaco
- The city is located on the border between Argentina and Chile.
- Argentina’s fourth highest peak.
- Most climbers reach the summit from Chile.
- For more information, see number 10.
6. Cerro Mercedario
- Argentina’s fifth highest peak.
- It is much less popular than the nearby Aconcagua. If you prefer to be away from crowds, this is a good option.
- SummitPost page
| Elevation (meters) | 6,710 |
| Elevation (feet) | 22,014 |
| Popular Routes | Normal 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 Season | All year |
| Best Time | Dec to Mar |
| Snow And Ice | All year |
| Climbing Permit Required | No |
Brazil
Brazil’s highest peak is a two-thousander. There are 11 two-thousanders in Brazil.
Located in Brazil, Pico da Neblina stands at 2,995 meters (9,826 feet). It is a technical climb that is not suitable for beginners.
Pico 31 de Março
- Brazil’s second highest peak.
- The summit is considered a secondary summit to Pico da Neblina, located about 700 meters (2,300 feet) away.
- It is often climbed along with Pico da Neblina. It is rarely climbed on its own and not much information is available online.
7. Pico da Bandeira
- Brazil’s third highest peak.
- The hotel offers views of the Atlantic Ocean and more than 10 surrounding cities.
- SummitPost page
| Elevation (meters) | 2,892 |
| Elevation (feet) | 9,488 |
| Popular Routes | Summit 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 Season | All year |
| Best Time | Jun to Sep |
| Snow And Ice | No |
| Climbing Permit Required | No |
Chile
There is one six-thousander in Chile. Chile has more than 30 six-thousanders.
8. Ojos Del Salado
- It is situated on the border between Argentina and Chile.
- Chile’s highest peak and the second highest peak in South America.
- The volcano is also the highest active volcano in the world.
- SummitPost page
| Elevation (meters) | 6,893 |
| Elevation (feet) | 22,615 |
| Popular Routes | Normal route from Refugio Atacama |
| Rating | PD |
| Elevation Gain (meters) | 1,693 |
| Elevation Gain (feet) | 5,554 |
| Distance (kilometers) | 7 |
| Distance (miles) | 4 |
| Route Type | Loop |
| Climbing Season | All year |
| Best Time | Dec to Mar |
| Snow And Ice | Oct to Jan |
| Climbing Permit Required | Yes |
9. Nevado Tres Cruces
- It is situated on the border between Argentina and Chile.
- As well known by the name Cerro Tres Cruces Sur.
- Chile’s second highest peak.
- While it is not technically difficult, the high altitude, remote location, and unmarked trails make it challenging for beginners. You should climb with a guide if you are a beginner.
- Due to its remote location, it is rarely climbed.
- SummitPost page
| Elevation (meters) | 6,748 |
| Elevation (feet) | 22,139 |
| Popular Routes | Normal route |
| Rating | YDS Class 2 |
| Alpine | PD |
| Elevation Gain (meters) | 2,324 |
| Elevation Gain (feet) | 7,625 |
| Duration | 3 days* (distance unknown) |
| Route Type | Loop |
| Climbing Season | All year |
| Best Time | Dec to Mar |
| Snow And Ice | Oct to Jan |
| Climbing Permit Required | Yes |
*This is the duration of the actual climb. It excludes acclimatization days.
10. Cerro Llullaillaco
- The city is located on the border between Argentina and Chile.
- Chile’s third highest peak.
- Among active volcanoes, it ranks second in height.
- The site is the highest archeological site in the world. Mummies were found in 1999.
- It is not a difficult climb, but the mountain is rarely climbed because of its remote location.
- SummitPost page
| Elevation (meters) | 6,739 |
| Elevation (feet) | 22,110 |
| Popular Routes | Northwest route |
| Rating | YDS Class 2 PD |
| Elevation Gain (meters) | 2,039 |
| Elevation Gain (feet) | 6,690 |
| Duration | 3 days* (distance unknown) |
| Route Type | Loop |
| Climbing Season | All year |
| Best Time | Feb to Sep |
| Snow And Ice | All year |
| Climbing Permit Required | Border permit |
*This is the actual time taken to climb the mountain. These days do not include acclimation days.
Ecuador
Ecuador’s highest peak is a six-thousander. The country has one six-thousander and nine five-thousanders.
11. Chimborazo
- Ecuador’s highest peak.
- Despite not being the highest mountain in the world, the summit is the furthest point from Earth’s center.
- Despite the fact that the easiest route is not a technical climb, it is a glacier climb. There is no way to climb a glacier without a guide in Ecuador.
- SummitPost page
| Elevation (meters) | 6,263 |
| Elevation (feet) | 20,548 |
| Popular Routes | Normal route from Refugio Carrel |
| Rating | PD |
| Elevation Gain (meters) | 1,463 |
| Elevation Gain (feet) | 4,800 |
| Duration | 2 days* (distance unknown) |
| Route Type | Loop |
| Climbing Season | All year |
| Best Time | Jun to Jul, Dec to Jan |
| Snow And Ice | All year |
| Climbing Permit Required | A guide is required |
*This is the actual time taken to climb the mountain. The days of acclimatization are excluded.
12. Cotopaxi
- There are only a few mountains higher in Ecuador than this.
- The volcano is the third highest active volcano in the world.
- Even though the easiest route is not a technical climb, it is a glacier climb. In Ecuador, all glacier climbs require a guide.
- SummitPost page
| Elevation (meters) | 5,897 |
| Elevation (feet) | 19,347 |
| Popular Routes | Rompe Corazones |
| Rating | UIAA Grade II PD |
| Elevation Gain (meters) | 1,097 |
| Elevation Gain (feet) | 3,599 |
| Duration | 2 days* (distance unknown) |
| Route Type | Loop |
| Climbing Season | All year |
| Best Time | Jun to Jul, Dec to Jan |
| Snow And Ice | All year |
| Climbing Permit Required | A guide is required |
*This is the actual time taken to climb the mountain. The days of acclimatization are excluded.
13. Cayambe
- Ecuador’s third highest peak.
- The highest point on Earth where the equator intersects. Neither the temperature nor the latitude are higher than zero degrees on earth.
- Even though the easiest route is not a technical climb, it is a glacier climb and always remember for all glacier climbs in Ecuador, a guide is required.
- SummitPost page
| Elevation (meters) | 5,790 |
| Elevation (feet) | 18,996 |
| Popular Routes | Normal route from south east side |
| Rating | PD |
| Elevation Gain (meters) | 1,090 |
| Elevation Gain (feet) | 3,576 |
| Duration | 2 days* (distance unknown) |
| Route Type | Loop |
| Climbing Season | All year |
| Best Time | Oct to Jan |
| Snow And Ice | All year |
| Climbing Permit Required | A guide is required |
*This is the actual time taken to climb the mountain. These days do not include acclimation days.
Guyana
In Guyana, the highest peak is a two-thousander.
Mount Roraima
- The country is bordered by Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana.
- Guyana’s highest peak.
- Most people climb the mountain from Venezuela.
- For more information, see number 20.
Paraguay
Paraguay has no high mountains to climb.
The highest peak in Paraguay is Cerro Tres Kandú at 842 meters (2,762 feet) and it is also known also as Cerro Peró.
Colombia
The highest mountain in Colombia is the five-wide Pico Cristóbal Colón and its height is 5,700 meters (18,701 feet).
More than seven five-thousanders live in Colombia.
The highest mountains in Colombia are found in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta range. The mountains are sacred to the locals, so climbing is prohibited.
Beginner-friendly peaks in Colombia include:
14. Ritacuba Blanco
- A mountain in Colombia with the fifth highest elevation.
- One of Colombia’s most beautiful mountains.
- Even though the easiest route is not a technical climb, it is a glacier climb and you should climb with a guide if you are a beginner.
- SummitPost page
| Elevation (meters) | 5,330 |
| Elevation (feet) | 17,487 |
| Popular Routes | Glacier route from Cabañas de Kanwara |
| Rating | F |
| Elevation Gain (meters) | 1,500 |
| Elevation Gain (feet) | 4,921 |
| Distance (kilometers) | 16 |
| Distance (miles) | 10 |
| Route Type | Loop |
| Climbing Season | All year |
| Best Time | Dec to Feb |
| Snow And Ice | All year |
| Climbing Permit Required | Yes |
15. Nevado Del Ruiz
- It is the 7th highest point in Colombia.
- For a mountain of this altitude, this is one of the shortest climbs in the world.
- SummitPost page
| Elevation (meters) | 5,325 |
| Elevation (feet) | 17,470 |
| Popular Routes | West slopes from Ruiz Refugio |
| Rating | PD- |
| Elevation Gain (meters) | 531 |
| Elevation Gain (feet) | 1,742 |
| Distance (kilometers) | 5 |
| Distance (miles) | 3 |
| Route Type | Loop |
| Climbing Season | All year |
| Best Time | Dec to Mar |
| Snow And Ice | All year |
| Climbing Permit Required | Yes |
16. Nevado del Tolima
- Colombia’s 9th highest peak.
- Volcanoes with perfectly symmetrical cones.
- Views of glaciers, lakes, and rainforests.
- SummitPost page
| Elevation (meters) | 5,274 |
| Elevation (feet) | 17,303 |
| Popular Routes | Normal route from El Silencio |
| Rating | PD |
| Elevation Gain (meters) | 2,694 |
| Elevation Gain (feet) | 8,839 |
| Duration | 3 days* (distance unknown) |
| Route Type | Loop |
| Climbing Season | All year |
| Best Time | Dec to Mar, Jul to Aug |
| Snow And Ice | All year |
| Climbing Permit Required | Yes |
*This is the actual time taken to climb the mountain. The days of acclimatization are excluded.
Peru
Peru’s highest peak is the six-thousander, Huascaran Sur. Its height is 6,746 meters (22,133 feet).
There are almost 20 six-thousanders in Peru.
Many of Peru’s highest peaks can be reached via technical glacier climbs. Beginners should avoid them.
The following are some of the highest peaks in Peru that are suitable for beginners:
17. Nevado Vallunaraju
- The most popular climb in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range.
- The six-thousander climb is used as acclimatization.
- Even though the easiest route is not a technical climb, it is a glacier climb and unless you belong to an alpine club, you must have a guide.
- SummitPost page
| Elevation (meters) | 5,686 |
| Elevation (feet) | 18,655 |
| Popular Routes | Normal route from the southwest |
| Rating | PD |
| Elevation Gain (meters) | 1,300 |
| Elevation Gain (feet) | 4,265 |
| Duration | 2 days* (distance unknown) |
| Route Type | Loop |
| Climbing Season | All year |
| Best Time | Jun to Aug |
| Snow And Ice | All year |
| Climbing Permit Required | A guide is required |
*This is the duration of the actual climb. It excludes acclimatization days.
18. Nevado Ishinca
- This is a popular climb in the Cordillera Blanca.
- The six-thousander climb is used as acclimatization.
- A glacier climb, though not technically challenging, is the easiest route. You should climb with a guide if you are a beginner.
- SummitPost page
| Elevation (meters) | 5,530 |
| Elevation (feet) | 18,143 |
| Popular Routes | Normal route from the southwest |
| Rating | F |
| Elevation Gain (meters) | 1,200 |
| Elevation Gain (feet) | 3,937 |
| Duration | 3 days* (distance unknown) |
| Route Type | Loop |
| Climbing Season | All year |
| Best Time | Jul to Aug |
| Snow And Ice | All year |
| Climbing Permit Required | Yes |
*This is the duration of the actual climb. It excludes acclimatization days.
19. Nevado Pisco
- The six-thousander climb is used as acclimatization.
- A 360-degree view of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range.
- Even though the easiest route is not a technical climb, it is a glacier climb and in the absence of an alpine club membership, a guide is required.
- SummitPost page
| Elevation (meters) | 5,752 |
| Elevation (feet) | 18,871 |
| Popular Routes | Normal route from the southwest |
| Rating | PD |
| Elevation Gain (meters) | 850 |
| Elevation Gain (feet) | 2,789 |
| Duration | 3 days* (distance unknown) |
| Route Type | Loop |
| Climbing Season | All year |
| Best Time | Jul to Aug |
| Snow And Ice | All year |
| Climbing Permit Required | A guide is required |
*This is the duration of the actual climb. It excludes acclimatization days.
Suriname
Suriname’s highest peak is a one-thousander.
Julianatop
- Suriname’s highest peak.
- There is very little information available online. For more information, you can contact local guides.
Uruguay
Uruguay has no high mountains to climb. The highest point in Uruguay is the lowest in South America.
At 513 meters (1,683 feet), Cerro Catedral is Uruguay’s highest peak. The hill is also known as Cathedral Hill or Cerro Cordillera.
Venezuela
The highest peak in Venezuela is four-thousander, Pico Bolívar and it also stands at a height of 4,978 meters (16,332 feet). There are technical aspects to the climb, making it unsuitable for beginners.
Venezuela has five four-thousanders.
Some of Venezuela’s highest glaciers have disappeared due to climate change. Among this group are Venezuela’s third and fourth tallest peaks, Pico Bonpland and Pico La Concha.
In Venezuela, there are few opportunities to climb the mountains due to the political instability.
In addition to 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 called Mirror Peak.
- Venezuela’s fifth highest peak.
- Climbing is actually minimal. It is possible to take the Mérida Cable Car up to the peak as Merida Cable Car is the highest cable car in the world.
20. Mount Roraima
- The country is bordered by Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana.
- Despite the fact that the easiest route is not a technical climb, there are no proper routes. You should climb with a guide if you are a beginner.
- SummitPost page
- Blog article
| Elevation (meters) | 2,810 |
| Elevation (feet) | 9,219 |
| Popular Routes | Paratepui route |
| Rating | YDS Class 3 |
| Elevation Gain (meters) | 1,520 |
| Elevation Gain (feet) | 4,987 |
| Distance (kilometers) | 56 |
| Distance (miles) | 35 |
| Route Type | Loop |
| Climbing Season | All year |
| Best Time | Dec to Mar |
| Snow And Ice | No |
| Climbing Permit Required | Yes |
