Hiking in Spanish: A Vocabulary and Conversation Guide

Senderismo, the word for hiking in Spanish, and is one of the most preferred activities by people who love nature.

But not only do they love it! Hiking has become a recurring activity in the last few decades for those who wish to disconnect from the world.

In addition, it has many other benefits you will be amazed to know and want to experience for yourself.

Let’s start the adventure!

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Hiking and Outdoor Activities: More Than Simple Sports

Initially, hiking was practiced only by those who belonged to mountaineering or rambling clubs, but over the years, it became more mainstream.

According to María Belén Gómez-Martín, hiking stopped being something focused on sports or even on culture and became an alternative form of tourism and leisure.

This is how hiking became a profitable option to develop and improve life in different cities and villages worldwide.

But what is hiking?

It’s nothing more than an activity that involves walking on trails and roads in natural environments such as mountains and valleys.

It’s a mix of non-competitive sports and tourist activity with a medium or low degree of difficulty, depending on the place chosen to practice.

In addition, it’s a simple activity that doesn’t require spending a lot of money on clothing or accessories, which makes it perfect for almost all segments of the population in the world.

Hiking promotes a healthy lifestyle since it can be practiced by anyone regardless of their age.

Each route can be classified according to the difficulty levels of the path type. If the path is narrow or irregular, has stones, is humid, etc.

But it’s also a tourist activity since you’re in contact with nature, the history and culture of the country or the place where you do it.

Also, through this practice, tourism is encouraged, and therefore the local development of rural areas is supported through guides or self-guided programs.

Read also: A Traveler’s Guide to Bogotá, Colombia

Benefits of Combining Language Learning With Outdoor Adventures

In 2014, research was carried out on Outdoor Adventure Education, which sought to demonstrate the benefits of this type of learning.

The results are divided into five categories: personal skills, social skills, technical skills, human-nature relationships, and cultural and global diversity/perspectives.

In the personal skills category, results were found, such as improved self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-awareness.

In social skills, development was found in skills such as leadership, learning to make decisions, and teamwork.

The development of technical skills varies according to the type of activity they choose to develop. Still, in general terms, the use of maps and compasses, outdoor cooking, and canoeing, among others, is shown.

In the category of human-nature relationships, it was found that people have a better appreciation and awareness of natural spaces and the protection of flora, fauna, and the environment.

Lastly, we have the benefits of cultural and global diversity/perspectives that shape points of view and allow students to interact with other cultures and people.

In her article, Jude McKerrecher, a teacher at Modern Languages in Edinburgh, tells us about the importance of taking language learning outside of the classroom.

One of her goals is to increase Learning for Sustainability, inspired by UNESCO’s Global Goals for Sustainable Development.

For her, students must develop core skills so that their actions and options positively impact the preservation and safety of the planet.

Combining learning a language with outdoor spaces allows teachers to take advantage of nature to give children stimulating and enriching learning.

In addition, the benefits are priceless since they also include stress release, improved mood, combat insomnia, and strengthened muscles.

And, of course, by learning a second language while hiking up a small mountain, students will appreciate the cultural exchange. While on a trail they can learn about the history of the community in which they find themselves in.

Essential Hiking Words for Your Vocabulary

Before planning your next adventure, it’s time to learn some hiking vocabulary to feed your Spanish repertoire.

We can start with hiking words related to utensils you should take during this activity.

We also have a vocabulary in Spanish to describe the landscape or characteristics of the place that surrounds us to guide us.

And finally, we want to share hiking in Spanish slang to sound like an expert on the subject and for other hikers to understand what you mean.

Useful Conversational Phrases and Expressions

Now that you’ve learned about vocabulary and slang in Spanish, it’s time to show you some phrases you can use to start conversations with fellow hikers.

Hago senderismo por lo menos una vez cada dos meses.

I hike at least once every two months.

Nunca hemos hecho senderismo en América del Sur, ¿cómo es?

We have never hiked in South America, what is it like?

Mi padre prefiere que haga senderismo en vez de excursionismo porque es un deporte menos intenso.

My father prefers me to go hiking instead of trekking because it’s a less intense sport.

Subir esa montaña me dejó sin aliento.

Climbing up that mountain left me breathless.

Estoy mareado, confundido y sediento.

I am dazed, confused, and thirsty.

Si no traes una brújula, al menos asegúrate de que el GPS de tu teléfono sirva.

If you’re not bringing a compass, at least make sure that the GPS on your phone works.

El cielo está nublado, es mejor que saquemos la cubierta para lluvia.

The sky is cloudy, so it would be a good idea to take out the rain cover.

Los bastones para caminar son muy útiles, no lo sabía.

I did not know it, but walking sticks are very useful.

Para terminar la travesía, tenemos que subir esa montaña.

To finish our adventure, we have to climb up that mountain.

Tenemos que cruzar el río para poder llegar al campamento base.

We need to cross the river to be able to get to the base camp.

¿Cuánto pesan tus grandes tres?

How much do your big three weigh?

Hiking Places in Latin America With Unique Landscapes

Nothing compares to being surrounded by nature while exercising and practicing your Spanish.

We want to share with you some hiking destinations in Latin America that you will love and want to know each of them.

1.   Ajusco Summit Trail (Cumbres del Ajusco National Park), Mexico

This is one of the most popular hikes in Mexico, located near Mexico City.

This hike is about 3,900 meters altitude and is not for the faint of heart. But it’s worth the effort and adventure if you want to enjoy some epic views.

Here you can have some beautiful panoramic views of the valley. You will hike through the forest and then enter a more challenging terrain. 

It’s a 10-kilometer trail in a loop path and a high-altitude trek, so you must acclimate before attempting the summit.

2. Peñalara Natural Feature, Hiking Trail, Spain

If you want a more relaxed hike that doesn’t leave you in pain the next day, this is your option!

This place is located north of Madrid, the capital of Spain. The highest part of the mountain is located at 2,400 meters high.

The trail takes approximately 3.5 hours to complete from the ascent to the descent.

On the way, you will pass through the Peñalara Natural Park, where you can meet many reptiles and amphibians. You can also run into vultures and eagles on the way.

3. The Quilotoa Loop, Ecuador

This is a beautiful place for hiking with moderate difficulty but full of views that will take your breath away.

The duration of the activity is approximately 2 to 3 days. You will start in the village of Sigchos and travel through the Toachi Canyon.

Then you will visit the village of Chugchilán, the Quilotoa Lake, a volcanic crater filled with turquoise water.

During the tour, in which you will reach an altitude between 2,895 to 3,960 meters, you will pass through small Andean villages, where you will find eco-lodges, hostels, and haciendas.

It’s also an excellent opportunity to learn more about the local culture and lifestyle.

We also recommend these other four options in other Latin American countries:

Copper Canyon’s Better Than the Grand Canyon: Here’s Why

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize

Yoro, Honduras: The City Where it Rains Fish

Hike up and Reach Your Spanish Language Goals!

Now you’re ready to venture out and discover beautiful places full of nature.

We know that to handle hiking vocabulary like an expert, you first need to learn the basics of the Spanish language.

It’s important that you have all the equipment so that you can enjoy the sport 100%, including your clothes, tent, flashlight, etc.

But you must also prepare yourself and learn Spanish fluently to communicate with your adventure companions or the new friends you make.

At Homeschool Spanish Academy, we have first-rate, expert curriculum teachers ready to help you achieve your learning goals.

Sign up for a free trial class with us and let yourself experience our innovative, human-centered learning classes.

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Prepare for your next adventure and get the most out of your Spanish!

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J.A. García

Freelance Writer at Homeschool Spanish Academy

I am a Guatemalan bilingual fiction writer, translator, and journalist. In my spare time I like to read, play video games, and do sports. I’m a fan of historical fiction, family sagas, and graphic novels. I’m left-handed, a failed drummer, an amateur goalkeeper, and I drive a 1988 Subaru J10.

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