Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| caminar | /kamiˈnaɾ/ |
| senderear | /sendeɾeaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
The term for hiking can be expressed in several ways depending on whether you are using a verb or a noun. While caminar is a general verb for walking, the most common way to express the activity of hiking as a hobby is the phrase hacer senderismo. To refer to the sport or activity itself, use the noun senderismo.
Which one should you use?
The verb caminar is the general term for walking and can be used for both casual walks and hiking. In contrast, senderear is more specific, referring specifically to hiking on a trail or a path. If you want to describe a specific instance of a long walk or a hike, use the noun caminata.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some South American countries, such as Argentina and Chile, the English term 'trekking' is widely used to refer to hiking.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun caminata is used to describe the specific instance of a long walk or a hike.
How do you pronounce it?
/kamiˈnaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word caminata can also refer to a 'march' or a 'protest walk' in political contexts, not just a pleasure hike.
- The word sendero meaning 'path' is the root of senderear, and it originally referred to a narrow track made by animals or people walking repeatedly over the same ground.
- Although trekking is an English loanword used in the Southern Cone, it is often reserved for multi-day expeditions with camping, whereas senderismo is for day trips.
Examples in context
- Vamos a caminar por el campo este fin de semana.We are going to hike in the countryside this weekend.
- Siempre disfruto caminar por la montaña.I always enjoy hiking in the mountains.
- Hoy vamos a hacer senderismo en los Pirineos.Today we are going to hike in the Pyrenees.
- Me gusta caminar por la montaña.I like to hike in the mountains.
- Vamos a caminar por el bosque hoy.We are going to hike through the forest today.
- Ella quiere caminar por la colina.She wants to hike up the hill.
Example conversation
Two friends are planning their weekend activity.
- AlejandroLucía, ¿quieres caminar el sábado?Lucía, do you want to hike on Saturday?
- LucíaSí, Alejandro. Me parece una gran idea.Yes, Alejandro. That sounds like a great idea.
- AlejandroPodemos caminar por el sendero nacional.We can hike along the national trail.
- LucíaPerfecto, nos vemos el sábado.Perfect, see you Saturday.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hike” translations and entries caminar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
