Top South American hikes

With the Andes stretching almost the entire length of the continent, South America is home to some incredible hiking. Throw in waterfalls and rocky islands, and you have a hiker's paradise.Inca trail to Machu Picchu, PeruThe famous lost city is one of the continent's biggest draws, attracting more hikers than anywhere else. Crowds got so big a few years ago that the authorities imposed restrictions of 500 hikers per day.Setting off from Km82, El Camino Inca is a 26m (45km) route through the majestic remains of the Inca civilisation, the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. Its final point is Machu Picchu - a city covered in jungle until it was discovered in 1911.The hike through cloud forest takes in other Inca ruins along the way - including Wiñay Wayna and Phuyupatamarca - offering fans of carved granite plenty to see.Altitude: 2,430m (7,970ft).Best time to go: May to September.Average price: US$250.Cotopaxi, EcuadorClimbing Cotopaxi, a volcano standing at 5,890m (19,324ft), is one of Ecuador's biggest challenges. The snow-capped peak is reached after an arduous climb involving crampons and ice picks. Famed for its perfectly formed cone shape, Cotopaxi is one of the Andes' most attractive peaks.The high-altitude climb means that some time will be required to acclimatise beforehand - hikers should spend a few days in Quito or somewhere of equal elevation.Cotopaxi National Park is Ecuador's most visited mainland park, attracting people in search of pumas, condors and Andean seagulls. The park's grass-covered paramo plateaus are surrounded by more volcanoes.Climbers are recommended to set out on the 6-8 hour hike as early as 1- 2am.Altitude: 5,890m (19,324ft).Best time to go: December to April.Average price: US$150.Angel Falls, Venezuela