south america travel itinerary 3 weeks

3 Weeks South America Itinerary

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South America is such a massive continent; to be honest, 3 weeks here can be challenging. On the other hand, knowing what you want to do, see, and enjoy in South America will make your travel itinerary much easier to visualise and create .

3 weeks in South America, if you are coming from Europe, North America, or Asia, should be decided based on what you want to do. Remember, being in the southern hemisphere. The climate timeline is different here . For example, if you want to enjoy the stunning beaches of Brazil, you should come from December to April. If you want to go skiing, come visit from June to August.

In this guide about a 3 weeks South America itinerary, I will show you different options depending on the things you want to do and places you want to enjoy , from beach bumming to exploring the famous and so beautiful Andes Mountains.

ALSO READ: Smart packing for 3 weeks holiday trip

THINGS TO REMEMBER KNOW BEFORE GOING TO SOUTH AMERICA

To plan your trip better and assemble a more feasible itinerary, it’s vital that you know this basic information. Below are useful tips about when to go to South America, how to get around, cost, and more:

Best time to go to South America

Before diving in, let’s discuss a little about when to go to South America. As I mentioned before, you should know what you want to do here. Officially, s ummer starts in December and ends in March ; winter begins in June and ends in September . This continent is massive, so the seasons varies per country.

The best time to go to South America for summer is around November to avoid the big crowds and the heat or late March . If you don’t mind the crowd, plan your trip from December to February.

The best time to visit South America for winter activities such as skiing is between July and August . If you want to avoid that but still enjoy bearable winter, plan your trip around June or the end of September.

Are 20 days enough for South America

The simple answer is no. South America is a huge continent, and 20 days won’t cover it. But, you can maximise your 3 weeks in South America if you plan well. Choose to cover 2-3 countries for this trip . When deciding, consider countries that are next to each other or has a direct flight for easier access.

This will save you time and make travelling more comfortable . Another thing that can help you make the most out of your trip is deciding how you plan to move around, which I will discuss on the next section below.

How to get around South America

There are various ways to get around in this region. This includes planes, buses, trains, boats, cars, and even horses. The buses are the most affordable mode of transportation . Trains can only be seen in limited areas.

Renting a car can be a good idea , but not 100%, since more than half of the region sits on the Andes Mountains, and the terrain can be challenging. In this way, taking a domestic flight or the train will be a better choice .

Average cost of 3 weeks South America trip

The cost of a 20-day trip in South America can be hard to predict. This is because the cost of living in each place varies a lot. But to give you some ideas, on average, around $2,000 will be a decent mid-range budget for 3 weeks South America vacation . You can stay in a private room, eat out once or twice a day, and book some mid-range tours.

On the other hand, if you are on a tight budget, you can go with $1,300 for three weeks in South America if you don’t mind staying in hostel dorm rooms , eating street food most of the time, and booking a more affordable group tour.

For those who plan to travel a bit in luxury, $4,000 will go a long way . You can book a few nights in a 5-star hotel, dine at nicer restaurants, and taxi/uber your way around. You could even sign up for private ground tours here and there.

These prices are for a single person and don’t include flights to and from South America.

Other basic travel tips

The travel websites below are my favourite places to book my travel arrangements. Most of these offers flexible cancellation and a wide selection depending on my budget. I highly recommend you book the accommodations first, especially if you plan to go during peak season. You can always cancel it later if you change your mind.

PINNED MAP OF THINGS TO SEE IN SOUTH AMERICA

The pins are colour-coded to help you identify each itinerary or trail. To enlarge the map, click the top right corner icon. Credit: Map data: Google

3 WEEKS SOUTH AMERICA ITINERARY

Now to the fun part! I made four different itineraries for 3 weeks South America trip depending on the places and activities you want to do. Check out which one you prefer below. I also added tips on visiting each place or country.

Every tourist, traveller, and holidaymaker is different. Some like to stay in one place for a longer time and explore as much as possible, Others don’t mind airports and like to see as many countries and cities as possible during their time off from work.

So me people also want to relax during a vacation , sit on the beach, read a book, or enjoy a cold drink. Some want to learn history, visit museums, and talk to the locals.

Others are the ones who find the outdoors more enjoyable . And, of course, the people who love to enjoy each country through its cousin.

I will try my best to accommodate all kinds of travellers. I hope you will find a thing or two to add to your 3 weeks South America itinerary.

Package Tours

Most people who want to do a DIY 20-day South America trip are often backpackers and younger people since they have the patience, energy, and looking to spend as little as possible. However, there are people who prefer a more relaxing and hassle-free trip.

If you’re this kind of traveller or simply looking to just pack your bags and show up at the airport, booking a package tour might be more suitable for you.

The tour company will handle all the booking from accommodation, transportation, food, activities, tour guides, and porters. All you have to do is not miss your flight from your home to the first destination. Here are a few package tours for 3 weeks in South America.

The Gringo Trail

The Gringo Trail is the counterpart of the famous Banana Pancake Trail in Southeast Asia. It’s a famous backpacker’s trail because it highlights the top attractions of the countries in this region, but also attracts those looking for affordability .

This trail in Latin America involves up to 13 countries, from Mexico all the way down to Chile. There’s no specific trail though . What happens is each traveller would create their own itinerary featuring the countries on this trail and handpick the locations based on their budget, time frame, and style of travelling.

The countries along the Gringo Trail are Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica , Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and also Brazil. If you look at the map, it’s basically the countries in the western part of Latin America.

When I did my first backpacking in South America, my Gringo Trail includes Brazil, Colombia, then Peru. This allows me to see the top sites in this region such as Rio, Medellin, and Machu Picchu.

Itinerary #1: Summer Trail (Ecuador, Peru, Chile)

If you want to escape the northern hemisphere’s winter and head down to South America, this beach trail for a 3-week trip is perfect . As you can see, I’ve listed three countries, but it doesn’t mean you should visit all of them.

You can either stay in one country and enjoy it or hop on planes if you have the energy and curiosity because you are visiting major summer destinations in South America.

I believe beaches in the west of South America are not as remarkable as the Caribbean, Brazil, or Southeast Asia, except for the Galapagos Islands. However, it has its own unique charm that will take your breath away not to mention these are affordable destinations .

Plus, there is less crowd here, meaning you can enjoy your peace and quiet during your vacation. If you prefer to explore the Caribbean, here’s our Central America 3 weeks itinerary .

As a country sitting right on top of the Andes Mountains, there are only a few places to go for some Vitamin Sea. Most tourists and locals head to the northwest part of Colombia. These beach spots face the stunning Caribbean Sea.

Barranquilla and Cartagena are the two most popular beach towns in Colombia . What I love the most about these places is how you enjoy the unbelievable beauty of the Caribbean without paying the price.

Compared to St. Lucia, Barbados, and Aruba – Barranquilla and Cartagena are much more affordable. Check out our 3 weeks in Colombia itinerary or do a combo of Ecuador and Colombia 3-week trip .

During your visit, the must-see places in Colombia for the summer holiday are Islas Del Rosario Catamaran for a snorkelling trip , La Boquilla and the Mangroves, Playa Blanca , Isla Grande, and Totumo mud volcano .

Many of the islands can be reached through a booked boat tour. Make sure to enjoy a sunset Cartagena sunset cruise , and experience a bioluminescent plankton night tour .

If we are talking about beaches in Ecuador, one place that will come to mind right away is the Galapagos Island, which is not only famous for its stunning beaches but for its marine animals such as marine iguanas, tortoises, penguins, and sea lions .

Another beach area you should add to your list is Salinas . It is an excellent spot for the surfer and other wind and water sports. If you are landing at Olmeda International Airport in Guayaquil, Salina is just an easy 144-kilometre (90 mi) drive.

If you want to avoid the crowd, just an hour north of Salina is Ayangue . It’s much quieter and more relaxing. Here, you can enjoy some small hiking trails, jump off the cliffs, or simply enjoy a book and a cold drink.

You can visit Puerto Cayo, Mompiche, General Villamil, and Playa Los Frailes for summer in Ecuador. We also have an itinerary for three weeks in Ecuador .

Peru has it all. The beauty of the Andes, great glacier lakes, bustling cities, old towns, and the cost. When I visited this country, I could literally go from freezing weather to a hot and perfect day for surfing on the same day. I flew from Cusco to Lima and experienced just that.

But let’s talk about the beach for now. Lima has so much to offer you if you enjoy the wind and water sports combo. You can visit Miraflores, where you can head out and catch some wind by windsurfing or paragliding or swimming with the wild sea lions at Palomino Islands .

You can also simply take a nice walk along the beach or by the boardwalk if you don’t like sand on your feet.

This area is very developed, you can find many restaurants to eat at, malls for shopping, and lots of little cafes by the shore.

If you prefer to be on your own and away from the crowd, head to Cabo Blanco, Los Organos, Huanchaco, and Las Pocitas. Where you can either go surfing or read a book at peace, these are the areas that are popular with the locals too.

Itinerary #2: Winter or Climbing Trip (Chile and Argentina)

Some people, especially children, get their long vacation off from work during summer to match the school break. If you are looking for some winter fun during the summer in Europe or Northern America, check out this 3 weeks South America itinerary for winter.

Because of the precious Andes Mountains, the countries of Chile and Argentina are all perfect for all winter activities, such as skiing and snowboarding. Ski resorts here are a bit cheaper than in North America or Europe, but nonetheless, magnificent.

The most popular ski resort in Chile is Valle Nevado , just outside Santiago. Sitting in the heart of Nevado mountain, you know you will get the best winter in Chile here. You can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and heli-skiing.

If you are a beginner, don’t worry, you can get classes here as well. Valle Nevado also offers to lodge and hosts lots of events, but if you prefer to just stop by for one-day visit, you can do that as well.

If you want fewer crowds, La Parva , literally next to Valle Nevado, is probably more suitable for you. It is sitting in the middle of three valleys, giving you a handful of options for places to explore. They offer vast choices of winter activities, lodging, and other fun events to enjoy, from young children to adults.

The best time to go skiing in Chile is from July until mid-September . I recommend it towards the end since the crowd will be slimmer or in early July. You can also spend an entire 3 weeks in Chile itinerary .

Personally, I think Argentina is the best winter spot in South America . There are many options, whether you are looking for a fancy one, affordable, great for beginners, or a place for some challenging slopes.

Catedral Alta Patagonia is the most popular place for skiing , located near the border to Chile, southwest of Buenos Aires; it’s worth the travel, though. With 1,480 acres of fine snow, there is so much you can do here. No wonder they also host international skiing competitions and their own local matches.

Apart from skiing, you can go snowboarding, and bring your young children to the snow park, and play park . If you are a pro skier or looking for some challenges, there are many spots that expert skiers are only allowed to use.

You can definitely experiment and test your skills. They have accommodation, restaurants, and other activities. You can easily spend a week here.

If you don’t want to go too far from Buenos Aires, Las Lenas ski resort might be better for you . It’s also located near Santiago, just right at the border. However, this is a smaller ski resort and more suitable for beginners. They offer classes and courses for beginners at different levels.

The ski season in Argentina is from mid-June until later October , but I recommend you go between July and September. If you only want to see Argentina, we have a 3-week itinerary for Argentina .

Itinerary #3: The Andes (Peru, Bolivia, Chile)

The Andes or Andean is definitely my favourite part of South America. It’s beautiful like no other, massive, and offers such diverse places to see. A large portion of South America sits on the top of the Andes , you can’t visit this continent and not explore a bit of it.

In this part of the 3 weeks in South America itinerary, I will show you the places that you must not miss that feature the Andes region.

Both Peru and Chile are huge countries with so much to offer – from beaches, and old cities, to mountains. I won’t even blame you if you decide just to stay put and explore in either country instead of hopping off to another country.

Below are three itineraries – only Peru, only Chile, and a combination of Peru, Chile, and Bolivia.

You can enjoy many activities here whenever you decide to come. For example, if you are looking for beach time, Lima offers surfing or a simple lay on the beach, book on hand. There are literally dozens of mountains to climb and hundreds of hiking trails for hiking.

And for a historical visit, well, Peru has so much to tell you. If you want to hike to Machu Picchu, keep in mind to check different options for Inca Trail Hike depending on your preference. We also have an extensive 3 weeks in Peru itinerary .

• Day 1-7: Cusco – Spend 2 days acclimating yourself before heading to Machu Picchu. While in the city, you can enjoy some pico sour, traditional Peruvian meals such as ceviche, and visit many places and mountains around the city, such as Rainbow Mountain and Maras (for salt mine exploration, quad biking).
• Remember that for visiting Machu Picchu, for a short trip , you can do a day trip, if you want to hike, you can choose between 2 days to 4 days. What I did was I took a train, stayed for the night, hiked up to the citadel of Machu Picchu (where you can see the famous view), then hiked to the top of the mountain, and finally, hiked down to the town and took the train next day back to Cusco.
• Day 8-12 : Arequipa – For history lovers, this part of Peru will blow your mind. Arequipa will show you Peru during the colonial era. It is also surrounded by 3 volcanoes, built with baroque-style buildings, and with a cherry on top, 17th-century neoclassical Basilica Cathedral.
• Make sure to visit the historic centre of Plaza de Armas, Iglesia de la Compania, and get out of the city to visit Colca Canyon, Peru’s version of the Grand Canyon.
• Day 13-15 : Fly to Huascarán National Park (connect in Lima) – If you want to see some pretty impressive glacier lakes of South America courtesy of the Andes Mountains, then get yourself to Huascarán National Park.
• It is over 400 km (249 mi) north of Lima, and while it has an airport, you will have to connect to Lima. Huascarán National Park has so many glacier lakes, but the best is Lake 69 , Laguna Cancaragá, and Laguna Paron .
• Day 15-21: Lima – Peru’s capital also has a lot to offer. From its fantastic beach where you can enjoy surfing and other water + wind sports combo, to fantastic outdoor activities such as repelling, canyoning, and sandboarding. Don’t forget to explore Malecon Miraflores, Barranco, and Huaca Pucllana. Get yourself a ticket for a hop-on, hop-off bus, which will make your city sightseeing much more convenient.

Chile’s most popular regions are the Patagonia and Atacama deserts. They are the opposite of each other, both in location and in things to offer. When you look at the map of Chile, you can easily say where the Atacama Desert is, the entire north of Chile is part of this desert . Santiago, the capital, is sitting at the border between these two regions.

REMEMBER : Direct flights to Chile are almost non-existent unless you are already in the region (coming from Argentina, Peru, etc). But if you are coming all the way from the US, Europe, or Asia, you might have to connect somewhere in between.

In a 3 weeks South America itinerary, you can cover both areas with plenty of time to enjoy both. I will start in the Atacama desert but if you want to start in the South, simply reverse the itinerary. Here is our recommended itinerary for 3 weeks in Chile only:

• Day 1-5 : Arrive at Aeropuerto Andrés Sabella (ANF) and base yourself in a small town called San Pedro de Atacama. Even though it’s a small area, there are plenty of accommodations to choose from. I recommend you spend the first day acclimatising your body until you are ready to explore.
• From here, you can visit Valle de la Luna, the smoking and active Geysers del Tatio, and Lagunas Escondidas to cool off if you are feeling hot. It’s best if you book a tour to avoid some hassles. Don’t forget to visit the famous Los Flamencos National Reserve.
• Day 6-9 : Make your way to Santiago , where you can explore the urban city and meet the old city. While Santiago is highly developed with lots of high-rise buildings, exploring the area long enough, you will come across the undisturbed part of the city.
• Visit the tallest skyscraper in Santiago called Costanera Centre, which also functions as a mall, especially floors 61 & 62. Explore Museo de Arte Pre-colombino, and join a delicious wine-tasting tour . You can also take a day trip from Santiago to Valparaiso, Vina del Mar, and Casablanca Valley .
• Day 10-15 : Now, off to the Patagonia region. Head to Coyhaique, from here, you can visit El Fraile if you want to ski, but this place is mainly for young children and beginners.
• About 100 km away is the magnificent Marble Cages located in Rio Ibanez. Don’t miss the Reserva Nacional Cerro Castillo for beautiful glacier lakes, hiking, and boating.
• Day 16-21 : The last bit of your trip, we must make the most out of it. Make your way to Punta Arenas, also known as the gateway to Antarctica. This is where tourists and researchers leave to head to Antarctica.
• From here, you can enjoy a magnificent area filled with penguins at Isla Magdalena. A little bit up north, from Puerto Natales, you can hop into a Patagonian Fjords tour and, of course, visit Torres del Paine National Park .

Now, for our airport lovers, you can visit all these three countries in 3 weeks. However, remember that you will have to choose just one place in each country. Personally, I don’t recommend this because the distance is too much and you will spend so much time at the airport, connecting flights and buses.

If you really want to, the places I recommend you to combine are:

• Peru, Bolivia, Chile
• Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina
• Peru, Chile, Argentina

Itinerary #4: Southern Trail (Chile, Argentina, Uruguay)

If you are eager to enjoy the Southern part of this continent and, perhaps, reach the southernmost point, this 3 weeks in South America itinerary will be perfect for you. Maybe you are even considering getting on a boat and exploring stunning Antarctica .

The only thing I want you to remember about this trail is:

Fo r Chile, choose between the Atacama Desert and Patagonia. If you have already visited Patagonian on the Chilean side, you can skip the Argentinian side and head to the north instead.

Then, stick to the coast in Uruguay and don’t miss Montevideo, Playa Balconada, and Uruguay National Park.

Itinerary #5: Exploring Brazil (Sao Paulo, Rio De Janeiro, Amazon River)

Of course, I easily can’t justify 3 weeks in South America without talking about Brazil. It’s such a massive country that I can only recommend it if you decide to spend the entire 20-day holiday here because there is just so much to see. From world-class beaches to the gateway of the Amazon River.

Brazil is such a vast country that you can only visit these three significant places by taking flights . Regardless, you can definitely spend 3 weeks in Brazil. I recommend you spend about one week in each place and then take a flight to the next.

Remember that in the Amazon River, you must take a tour for your safety and ensure you have a fun time.

When visiting, don’t miss out on seeing Christ the Redeemer in Rio, Copacabana Beach, Ipanema, and Sugarloaf Mountain. Rocinha Favela, Escadaria Selaron, and the annual Carnival Festival .

You can also head to Sao Paulo, not so far from Rio. In this city, you can visit the famous Museo de Futbol, and explore the areas of Santos, Sao Vicenta, and Guaruja . Make sure to book a city tou r to make the most of your time there.

FINAL WORDS

South America is a huge continent, and travelling here for 3 weeks is challenging. It’s best to focus on just 1-2 countries and then come back for another time. It’s not like Europe, where you can simply hop on an hour-long flight or a quick bus ride or train journey. The flights here take longer and are more expensive.

Instead of trying to visit more places, be present and enjoy each region you will be exploring. I hope you found this 3 weeks South America itinerary helpful.

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We're the sisters who founded Across South America 15 years ago... and we're here to help you fall in love with South America just like we are!

From the towering Andes mountains and lush Amazon rainforest to the pristine beaches and vibrant cities, South America boasts an awe-inspiring array of natural wonders and cultural treasures.

With so much breathtaking beauty, planning a trip can sometimes feel overwhelming.

But don’t worry, I’m here to help you navigate the options and create your once-in-a-lifetime 3 weeks itinerary!

If you dream about having the adventure of a lifetime, continue reading this article and learn about this fantastic 3 weeks in South America itinerary, exploring Peru, Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador, filled with natural beauty, culture, history, and the best local cuisine.

But first, before I jump into giving you some advice, I just wanted to tell you why you can trust me!

Travel has always been a fundamental part of my life. Growing up in a family that was always on the move, I had the privilege of living in three different South American countries before I even started school. As a result, I developed a strong desire to explore the world around me.

I was fortunate to have parents who believed that travel was the best kind of education, so my school breaks were spent discovering fascinating places near and far.

More than 16 years ago, my sister, Maria, and I founded Across South America, a boutique travel agency catering to discerning travelers looking for an authentic South American experience. 🌎❤️ To learn more about us, and how we started our business,  Read Here

We understand the importance of a trip tailored to your needs! So we’re here to make sure that’s exactly what you get from our trips.

Now that you know more about me, I’d love to share my trip suggestion for a fantastic 3 weeks itinerary in South America!

Have you signed up for our South America travel Blog yet? Sign up here and get our South America Travel Guide with unique experiences you can do on your next trip ❤️

3 weeks in South America Itinerary: A Glimpse of Buenos Aires, Exploring Argentina’s Amazing Culture

Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, serves as a major transportation hub, making it a convenient starting point for your South American travels.

So this 3 weeks South America itinerary begins in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where you can experience the charm of the “Paris” of South America.

Buenos Aires is a city that provides a unique look into Argentina’s rich culture. The city offers an array of experiences that will help you immerse in the country’s history and traditions.

From the vibrant street art scene to the lively tango performances, Buenos Aires is a hub for creativity and expression. You can also explore the city’s landmarks, such as the iconic Obelisco and the stunning Recoleta Cemetery. With its delicious food, warm people, and beautiful architecture, Buenos Aires is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the best of Argentina.

Your next days will be filled with exploring the memorable highlights of Buenos Aires and tasting the most delicious meals paired with the best Argentine wines.

You will also have the chance to catch a glimpse of the San Antonio de Areco ’s local markets, where you will learn all about Argentinean beef cuts and local produce and enjoy a fun Argentine cooking lesson.

And let’s not forget to include a traditional tango show or a visit to a Local Milonga, that promises to amaze your eyes and fill your soul.

How many days in Buenos Aires? I suggest 4 days/3 nights to explore the city and include visiting the countryside, The Pampas.

As a first stop for your journey through South America, picking the best time to visit Buenos Aires will be top of your priorities. Read here when is the best time to visit Buenos Aires.

3 weeks of South America Itinerary: From Buenos Aires to the Relaxing Iguassu Falls

Your 3 weeks in South America itinerary, exploring Peru, Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador continue with a short flight from Buenos Aires to Iguazu.

Explore the breathtaking natural wonder of Iguazu Falls National Park, where the thunderous roar of the cascading waterfalls will leave you awestruck. Marvel at the vibrant flora and fauna that thrive in this lush ecosystem, and keep an eye out for exotic wildlife such as toucans, jaguars, and monkeys. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the park, and experience an unforgettable adventure in the heart of South America.

Living in Buenos Aires, just a 2-hour flight from Puerto Iguazu, allowed me to visit the falls many times…every time I visit the falls, the Falls take my breath away…Iguazu is a place I will return to again and again!

READ HERE this blog post Is Iguazu Falls Worth It? Where I share five reasons why I think Iguazu is worth it, and you have to put it at the top of your itinerary.

How many days in Iguazu? I suggest 3 days/2 nights to explore The Argentine and the Brazilian side of the falls.

You can either visit the famous Iguazu waterfalls from Argentina or Brazil.

That said, ideally, you want to visit the Iguazu Falls from both the Argentine and the Brazilian sides. They are so totally different. The Argentinian falls are the stage and the Brazilian are the theatre

From the Brazilian side, you will have great views of the falls that are on the Argentine side. And from Argentina, you will walk above the falls, which is also exhilarating!

In one of the widest stretches across the Iguazu River, awaits the most important and monumental waterfall of Iguazu cascades system: the Devil’s Throat.

3 weeks of South America Itinerary: From Argentina to the Brazilian Wonder – Bustling Rio de Janeiro

This journey continues with a flight from Foz do Iguazu ( Brazilian side of the falls) to Rio de Janeiro.

Being born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, I have an inherent attachment to the city that is difficult to put into words. The vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and lively atmosphere all contribute to my personal LOVE for Rio ❤️

With its renowned Carnaval, football, gorgeous beaches, and attractive inhabitants it is a must-visit destination if you are traveling to South America.

3 weeks South America Itinerary – Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas Rio de Janeiro, Brasil nsignorelliphotonn

A Full experience of spectacular views is waiting for you in Rio de Janeiro:

Highlight #1: See one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the magnificent Christ the Redeemer, the iconic statue on top of Corcovado Hill, Rio’s most famous landmark. Corcovado Hill is part of the Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world. On the way to its top is the Dona Marta belvedere, from where it is possible to see the Maracanã Stadium, the famous Guanabara Bay, and the beautiful Sugar Loaf.

Highlight #2: Every year, over a million visitors visit the famous Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf Mountain), an iconic symbol of Rio de Janeiro.

Journey to the top in a glass cable car. The first cable car takes passengers to the top of Urca Hill, which rises 215 meters above sea level, and it will offer you spectacular views of the entire bay and its surrounding islands.

Indulge in Rio’s culinary delights during a memorable food walking tour and a fun cooking class.

Rio is also the cradle of Samba and Bossa Nova, two of the most important cultural manifestations in the country:

Go behind the scenes of the Carnival and explore the complex of Samba City, where all Samba schools have their creation warehouses. Your expert local guide will tell you about the parade and customs.

Are you looking for a fun afternoon and learning to dance the Samba? You can introduce yourself to the world of Samba. Enjoy a Dance lesson and head to nightclubs to try your first steps of Samba in Rio. You’ll interact with the locals, called the “Cariocas,” who will show you how to dance the Samba.

READ MORE Top Places to Stay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil : If staying at great hotels is important for you… and you want the best Places to stay in Rio

Cristo redentor at night by @nisegfs

3 weeks of South America Itinerary: A Memorable Peruvian Escape, Six Days in Peru

Exploring lima.

The tenth day of your 3 weeks in South America, exploring Peru, Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador will take you to charming Lima, in Peru.

Whether you’re captivated by historical landmarks, intrigued by culinary masterpieces, or enchanted by local traditions.

Lima is definitely a place that will cater to your discerning tastes!

We Love authentic and unique experiences. ⁠ What can this be in LIMA?⁠

✔️An Art Tour accompanied by an Art curator. ⁠

The city is now home to several major art galleries and some of the best street art in Latin America.⁠

✔️Exploring the outdoors in Lima⁠

A Cruise to Swim with Sea Lions or even Catch the Waves with a Surfing Lesson in the Pacific Coast⁠

✔️ A culinary experiences with real culinary experts.⁠

Including a visit to a local market and learning to prepare a Peruvian delicacy. ⁠

✔️Architecture tour in Old Colonial Lima and the Bohemian side⁠

Including a visit to some of the most important sights in downtown Lima and a visit to bohemian Barranco. ⁠

✔️Shopping Tour accompanied by a personal shopper⁠

Including appointments with relevant fashion designers. Visit some of the best and most exclusive boutiques and receive an interesting insight into the latest up-and-coming trends in Peruvian fashion or the newest collections.⁠

For more experiences in Lima Read MORE: 42 things you have to do in Lima Where I uncover the top things to do in Lima.

How Many Days Do you Need in Lima?

To savor Lima’s essence, consider spending around 2 to 3 days. This is enough time to explore the City highlights and uncover key attractions like the Historic Center and Larco Museum.

Gourmands can relish diverse culinary experiences, while explorers can soak in coastal beauty. If a deeper dive into local culture or more leisurely exploration appeals to you, extending your stay to 4 to 5 days will provide a more immersive adventure.

Enjoy a delicious Peruvian-style lunch

FROM LIMA TO CUSCO, THE SACRED VALLEY

Nestled amidst the Andes, Cusco boasts a charming cobblestone-street city with historic colonial architecture, cathedrals, museums, various cafes and restaurants, and ALSO Exquisite properties to stay.

Cusco is a city brimming with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. While popular tourist spots such as Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are undoubtedly stunning, there’s much more to explore beyond them. We’ll take you on a journey through the lesser-known gems of Cusco, from charming local markets to beautiful colonial buildings tucked away in quiet streets. Get ready to see Cusco in a whole new light!

After admiring Cusco and letting your taste buds run while during mouthwatering local meals, head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas and let the village and the typical country accommodation get you closer to the soul of this stunning country.

Stroll Cusco’s Plaza de Armas

YOUR NEXT DESTINATION: MACHU PICCHU

Can you travel to Machu Picchu and Avoid the crowds?

Last but not least, visit the famous Machu Picchu, explore the breathtaking ancient ruins and indulge in a sensational lunch, before returning to Cusco City.

No feeling can compare to how I felt when I stood at the sun gate and saw Machu Picchu for the first time.

The thing about Machu Picchu is it will almost always be busy.⁠

⁠If you ask any fellow adventurer where they dream of going in Peru, Machu Picchu is undoubtedly their top choice….

It’s easy to READ this and think,

“Well, okay, I would love to visit Machu Picchu, but also help to preserve them. And I want to travel to Peru, but do it authentically, avoiding the crowds.

but HOW do I do it?”

One of Machu Picchu’s biggest challenges is balancing preservation and tourism.

And in a bid to preserve this natural wonder for future generations and protect it from over-tourism, many NEW RULES and regulations are now in place.

✔️ Machu Picchu’s daily visitors are now limited to 2500

✔️ Each ticket allows only 1 entry, so it is impossible to re-enter using the same ticket after you leave.

✔️The new maximum time allowed for each group in Machu Picchu is 4 now hours.

✔️Machu Picchu is now divided into 5 different circuits you can choose for your visit.

So, is it possible to maintain tourism in Machu Picchu without causing overcrowding?

YES, With these changes, the overall tourist experience in Machu Picchu will significantly improve, as trails will be less crowded and groups will be far more organized.

BUT, We Also have these 3 suggestions for you to avoid the crowds.

Go somewhere else⁠ in Peru,

Machu Picchu is an incredible place, but is it the only amazing Incan ruin in Peru or even around Cuzco? We have many suggestions for you! ⁠

Avoid Peak season⁠

July through August is summer and peak season in Machu Picchu.⁠

The crowds tend to thin out from April through May and September through October while the weather remains relatively dry and pleasant. ⁠

Stay at the Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu⁠

If you choose to stay at this accommodation, you’ll be right at the entrance to the amazing Inca citadel.

This location gives you the advantage of getting to Machu Picchu before the crowds or staying after they’ve left. By 4pm, most of the day-trippers from Cuzco have already left, making for a quieter and more peaceful experience.⁠

READ MORE When is the Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu — Image by © Picturegarden/Corbis

3 weeks of South America Itinerary: Exploring Ecuador’s Natural Beauty in Seven Breathtaking Days

Following this 3 weeks itinerary, On day 16, you will fly from Cusco to Quito, Ecuador’s mesmerizing capital.

Besides delicious meals and lavish accommodation, your Ecuador adventure also brings you the chance to see some of the most beautiful islands in the Galapagos archipelago.

The Galapagos Islands are a place of wonder and magic. From the unique wildlife to the stunning landscapes, there’s something enchanting about this archipelago.

Visiting the Galapagos is an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of the natural world. Each island had its own unique ecosystem, and you will be able to witness a variety of animals in their natural habitats. From swimming with sea turtles to watching blue-footed boobies dance, every moment is a unique adventure. The Galapagos Islands truly are a paradise for nature lovers!

Friendly sea lions in Galapago’s beachesn @euetuporai

After a few days spent exploring the Galapagos Islands, you will fall in love with their fascinating natural beauty and wildlife, as well as with the tasty meals and friendly locals you will meet.

If you’re ready to plan a trip to Galapagos, here’s the Experience Dolores Barciela, editor and publisher from Yachting Times Magazine, shared with us about her last visit to the Galapagos Islands on board M/Y Wildaid’s Passion cruise. READ HERE: The Ultimate 7 Days Galapagos Cruise Adventure

This brings the end of your 3 weeks in South America, exploring Peru, Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador. From the vibrant street art of Buenos Aires to the stunning natural wonders of Peru, South America truly has something for everyone.

These are some of the places and experiences you can have on a 3 weeks in South America itinerary, but there are plenty of other surprises that await you.

I understand that planning a trip to South America can feel overwhelming.

If you are planning your first trip to South America and o you find yourself thinking things like this:

I want to plan a trip to South America, “So, where do I begin?”

I always plan trips by myself, but South America IS so BIG!

Looking at the internet for the “best destinations” is a never-ending job, I have more than 10 places I want to visit…and they are all so different and so far away one from the other

And booking flights? it’s like a mission impossible to connect all those countries and destinations.

But…I don’t want to go on one of those “group” trips, where I will be locked into other people’s schedules

I want to travel more authentically, visit the unique tourist spots and also dig a little deeper into each place.

“Hey, We can help you”

Along the way, we have helped travelers Get a CUSTOM TRIP to South America according to their desires.

Take a closer look and d iscover more about who we are and what we do!

And if you are ready, let’s plan a trip to South America that you will never forget! I t is easy! Start here!

PS – Have you signed up for our South America travel Blog yet? Sign up here and get our South America Travel Guide with unique experiences you can do on your next trip ❤️

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3 weeks in south america itinerary: rio de janeiro, machu picchu, and galapagos.

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3 Weeks in South America- Our Itinerary’s Hits and Misses

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South America has been a place I’ve wanted to visit for 10 years, but for some reason it has always taken a back seat to other destinations. I am happy to say, that is no longer the case!

We finally made it to the southern hemisphere, spending 3 weeks in South America (well, 24 days to be exact). It was a trip that exposed us to different ways of life, reminded us of the boundless beauty of nature, and took us back in time to important places of historical and cultural significance.

3 Weeks in South America- Our Itinerary

South America is such a huge continent, and with only 3 weeks to spare, we had to narrow it down to only a few countries.

We decided on Peru, Bolivia and Chile. Peru was at the top of our wish list, so the planning process started there.

I knew we needed at least a week to visit Cusco and the Sacred Valley and to hike the Inca Trail. After that, I started adding in destinations that made geographic sense to visit and, for the most part, didn’t require a lot of travel time.

We ended up doing a nice loop around western South America, visiting many archaeological sites, a few cities and some unique natural areas.

We chose to fly to most of our destinations rather than take buses, as this saved us a lot of travel time. It wasn’t the cheapest way of getting around, but I’m a big believer that time is more precious than money.

So, here’s a look at what we managed to see and do with 3 weeks in South America, including a brief review about each stop on our trip. We hope this helps you plan your own 3 week trip to South America!

Note : Links will open in a new window for your convenience.

Cusco- Peru

3 days, 3 nights

We arrived in Cusco just after 9:00 am, which gave us 3 full days to explore and acclimatize to the high altitude before doing the Inca Trail Hike. We spent the first day walking around the city’s historic centre and the next 2 days exploring the area’s archaeological sites.

Cusco is a very attractive city, especially the central square, Plaza de Armas. I fell in love with the Spanish colonial architecture, enhanced by views of the surrounding mountains. Walking around we experienced the city’s different moods- vibrant and lively, but also peaceful and relaxing in places.

A highlight of our time in Cusco was the two days we ventured out into the surrounding areas to visit some archaeological sites. We had a fantastic private guide who was a wealth of knowledge about each site he took us to. We visited 7 ruins near Cusco but our favourites were the agricultural terraces at Pisac , the Inca stonework at Sacsayhuaman , and the vast remnants of the pre-Incan city of Pikillaqta.

The biggest disappointment of our entire trip to South America was that we could not visit most of the Sacred Valley because of a strike. The farmers were protesting and had blockaded the roads, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the Sacred Valley. This protest went on for 2 days- the only 2 days we had available to see the Sacred Valley.

Thankfully, the protest didn’t affect access to Pisac on the first day, so we were able to get there. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see the salt pans at Salinas de Maras and the circular terraces at Moray, which were two of things I was most looking forward to seeing while in Cusco.

Read more: Cusco’s Historic Centre- Exploring the Capital of the Inca Empire

Book: Tours in Cusco

The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu- Peru

4 days, 3 nights

Our trekking company picked us up at our hotel in Cusco very early in the morning and shuttled us to the starting point for the 4 day Inca Trail Hike. We walked 44 km before reaching Machu Picchu just after sunrise on the 4 th day. We returned to Cusco by train and bus very late that night.

Hiking the Inca Trail was without a doubt the highlight of our 3 week trip to South America. It was a little out of my comfort zone, challenging more often than not, but so incredibly rewarding. Getting to Machu Picchu any other way would have been cheating ourselves out of the most fulfilling travel experience we’ve had so far.

The scenery on the Inca Trail was spectacular, dotted by impressive Incan ruins along the way. I felt some great energy along the trail, more so than at Machu Picchu. There was something special about following in the footsteps of the Incas, walking a path through history.

And that first glimpse of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate- unforgettable!

I was worried about doing the Inca Trail hike in case I got sick and well, that’s exactly what happened. Halfway through the first day I got so sick, probably from something I ate the night before, I thought I might not be able to go on. Luckily, my situation eventually improved and I was able to complete the hike without further issues.

As for Machu Picchu, the sheer amount of tourists took away from the magic I was hoping to feel as we toured the ruins. I had to keep reminding myself to mentally block out all the selfie-sticks, ignore the disrespectful behavior of some tourists and instead concentrate on the innate magnificence of the site.

Although my feelings were different than I expected, being at Machu Picchu was still a dream come true!

Book: Tickets and tours to Machu Picchu

La Paz- Bolivia

2.5 days, 2 nights

La Paz was a quick 1 hour flight from Cusco. We were picked up from the airport by our private guide and taken around the city and surrounding sites for the next 2 days, as well as for a few hours during a layover later in our trip.

La Paz turned out to be much more interesting than I was expecting. I loved its unique location and geography, built inside what looks like a crater on the moon. The city is surrounded by valley walls, eroded into eye-catching spires of clay. With all the dry, dusty sandstone, I was pleasantly surprised to see a mountain with a large glacier overlooking the city.

Our favourite thing we did in La Paz was walk along the bottom of Palca Canyon. It’s a beautiful, peaceful spot, perfect for escaping the noise, chaos and pollution of the city.

We also enjoyed riding the cable cars that transport people above the city (such great views!) and had a pleasant day trip to the Tiwanaku archaeological site .

The traffic in La Paz is absolutely crazy and the horn honking is obnoxious. I’m sure there’s some sort of system to the madness, but for a Canadian it looks like a free-for-all. If there are traffic rules and regulations, we didn’t see many people following them.

At times, it was downright frightening to be in a vehicle. We narrowly (and I mean by a few inches) avoided a head-on collision when our driver went the wrong way down a 3 or 4-lane one-way street! Very scary in the moment, but now we’ve got a good story to tell.

Read more: How to Spend 3 Days in La Paz- Our Itinerary, A Walk in Moon Valley

Book: Tours in La Paz

Uyuni Salt Flats- Bolivia

1 day, 1 night

We took an overnight bus from La Paz to Uyuni, arriving 10 or 11 hours later. From the bus station we went directly to the tour company to check in for our Uyuni Salt Flats tour.

The Uyuni Salt Flats (Salar de Uyuni) are like nothing I have seen before. They are incredibly flat and cover a huge area, far more than we could comprehend on a 1 day tour.

I loved the geometric patterns of the salt crust and the cactus-covered island that seemed to come out of nowhere. The most fun though was taking those funny perspective/optical illusion photos the salt flats are famous for.

As much as I loved the salt flats, I wasn’t thrilled about our tour. We spent too much time at extra places like the “train cemetery”, time that would have been better spent on the salt flats, which is what we came to see. I also felt like our guide didn’t give us enough time to take the silly pictures and even had us back in Uyuni 1-1.5 hours earlier than the tour was supposed to end.

Sucre- Bolivia

1 day, 2 nights

To get to Sucre from Uyuni, we flew 50 minutes to La Paz, had a 7 hour layover and then flew 50 minutes to Sucre, arriving early evening.

Sucre was the prettiest city we visited in Bolivia, largely because of the colonial architecture. I loved the white-washed buildings, colonnades, arches and courtyards.

The Liberty House museum was excellent and taught us a lot about Bolivian history and the country’s road to independence.

Sucre didn’t have a lot of what I’d consider “must-see” sights and I found myself getting bored just walking around town. This wasn’t a total miss, as it made Sucre a great place to slow down, relax and reflect on our trip so far.

Read more: Getting to Know Sucre- Bolivia’s White City

Easter Island (Rapa Nui)- Chile

4 days, 4 nights

We spent over a whole day in transit going from Sucre to Easter Island. Our flight route was Sucre- La Paz- Lima- Santiago, where we stayed overnight before flying to Easter Island the next morning.

As expected, Easter Island was another major highlight of our 3 weeks in South America. It was refreshing to be somewhere so remote and humbling to see the famous moai statues in person. We loved exploring the many archaeological sites, especially Rano Raraku , and even enjoyed a short hike along the crater of an old volcano.

Plus, it was a pretty cool place to get to spend my 35 th birthday!

As lovely as it was to be on a remote island, this also created some challenges. Food was very expensive. We accidentally spent $90 on our first lunch (we didn’t have a grasp on the currency conversion yet)! After that, we decided to cook most of our meals at our cabana but the selection of groceries was very limited, and still quite pricey. We ate a lot of pasta with tomato sauce!

Read more: 4 Days in Easter Island- A Self-Guided Tour of Rapa Nui, Orongo- Ceremonial Village of the Birdman Cult

Book: Tours in Easter Island

Santiago- Chile

Santiago was a 4.5 hour flight from Easter Island. We didn’t arrive until 10:00 pm, so only had 1 day to explore the city.

With no plan or idea of what we wanted to see in Santiago, we decided to take a free walking tour. Our guide was engaging, providing us with the perfect amount of information as he led us around to the main points of interest.

I really enjoyed the European inspired architecture, especially the buildings that were Parisian in style. We also enjoyed spending time at Santa Lucia Hill.

Once again, a strike prevented us from going to one of the places we wanted to visit, San Cristobal Hill. Even though we had a pleasant day, I didn’t feel much for Santiago. One day was enough for me.

Read more: Walking Tour of Santiago- Photo Series

Book: Tours in Santiago

1.5 days, 2 nights

Lima was a 4 hour direct flight from Santiago.

Lima had some neighbourhoods we enjoyed wandering around, but our favourite spot to walk was along the cliffs of Miraflores. I even went paragliding for the first time here and Mike took a surf lesson at the beach down below.

We also had a fun night visiting the Magic Water Circuit in Parque de la Reserva . There are 13 fountains, all illuminated in changing colours and some even dancing to music. There even was a special laser light show.

There was quite a bit of pollution in Lima and brown smog constantly lingered above the city during our visit. We could almost taste it in the air. Yuck!

Book: Tours in Lima

Huacachina- Peru

2 days, 2 nights

To get to Huacachina, we took a bus from Lima to Ica (4 hr 20 min), then a short 5-10 minute cab ride to the desert oasis.

We had a blast sandboarding in Huacachina ! It was so much fun to rip around the desert in a dune buggy, then board down from the top of the huge sand dunes. We even got to witness a wonderful desert sunset!

Huacachina looks like paradise in pictures, but in reality is far from it. The amount of litter there was disgusting. Garbage was everywhere- on the sidewalks, in the lagoon and all over the sand dunes. Such a shame to see a beautiful location being disrespected.

The rundown, dirty state of Huacachina made us disappointed that we chose to spend so much time here. Unless you are going to go sandboarding or for a dune-buggy ride, there’s no reason to visit Huacachina.

Nazca Lines

Side trip from Huacachina

Instead of taking a bus to Nazca, we decided to fly directly from Ica to the Nazca Lines. It was more expensive, but worth it to avoid another long bus ride.

Flying over the Nazca Lines was a very cool experience! It was amazing how well some of the lines stood out, making them easy to spot. Fascinating and mysterious, they got us talking about the different theories why they were made.

The plane ride was very turbulent and the sharp turns the pilot does over the lines will have your stomach turning as well. I took Gravol before the flight and still experienced some motion sickness towards the end of the flight.

Reflecting on Our 3 Weeks in South America

I used to think that many of the places we went to on this trip were out of reach. By that I mean they were places I had dreamed about, but never actually thought I would visit. They seemed another world away, so exotic and maybe even out of my comfort zone.

In some ways, I still feel like that. When I look at a map of the world, I’m amazed at how far we travelled. Seeing photos of myself in front of Machu Picchu and the moai of Easter Island feels surreal. And I never, ever thought I would do a 4 day hike. But I did and it was wonderful!

It feels great to have replaced dreams with memories, worries with confidence.

Looking back, the places we enjoyed most were the archaeological sites and natural areas where we could hike and be immersed in beautiful scenery. We didn’t connect emotionally with any of the cities.

As much fun as we had, and as incredible as the sights were, for some reason we didn’t fall in love with most the places we visited on this trip to South America. That really bothers me. It surprises me too since ruins are some of my favourite places to visit and South America, Peru especially, had so many fascinating archaeological sites.

I know it’s not realistic to fall in love with absolutely everywhere I go. Still, it’s nice to return home with those intense emotions that keep you smiling long after the trip is over.

We may not have fallen in love with South America but we still feel like this was a fantastic trip that we will remember forever. If I were to do it again, I’d trade a day in Lima and Huacachina for more time in Chile or perhaps Lake Titicaca in Peru. Other than that, no regrets!

We hope to return to South America again one day to explore some different regions and countries.

Resources to Help Plan Your Trip to South America

Here are some resources to help plan your 3 weeks in South America.

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Tours in South America

Here is a trusted site where you can book tours and tickets for activities and attractions in South America .

Accommodations in South America

Our trusted accommodation site is Booking.com , as we have been using it for years to arrange hotels for all our trips. Please consider booking your South America accommodations through the included link. It costs you nothing extra and helps support this website. Thank you!

More South America Travel Guides

• What to Expect on Your First Trip to Bolivia- A First Time Visitor’s Guide
• 2 Weeks in Patagonia- Our Patagonia Itinerary for Adventure in Argentina & Chile
• The W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park- How to Do the W Trek as Day Hikes
• Visiting Perito Moreno Glacier- A Spectacular Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park
• Buenos Aires Bike Tour- Exploring Buenos Aires by Bike
• Colonia del Sacramento- Day Trip from Buenos Aires to Uruguay

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8 Epic South America Itineraries – How to Spend 1 Week to 3 Months in South America

South America is a diverse continent. You can walk on glaciers, climb mountains so high they literally take your breath away or cruise on a boat through the Amazon.

The biggest difficulty when planning a trip around South America is deciding where to go. We’ve already written about the best countries to visit on this beautiful continent , but today, we want to give you more specific advice and help you plan your trip.

No matter if you’re backpacking South America, are coming over for a short vacation or are looking for a South America honeymoon itinerary, you’ve come to the right place.

We have put together not just one but a total of eight epic South America itineraries! That way, we cover all possible lengths and show you the best the continent has to offer. Plus, we have lots of practical tips for you along the way.

Table of Contents

8 Epic South America Itineraries

1 Week South America Itinerary – Peru

Putting together a South America itinerary for 1 week is not easy. If you only have a short amount of time, we highly recommend focusing on one single country.

Peru is a great destination for a short trip to South America because you can see lots of cool things in a short amount of time. Here is our suggestion:

Start your trip in Lima. Peru is famous for its colonial architecture and its fantastic restaurants. Get an introduction to Peruvian cuisine by eating ceviche or getting some of Peru’s famous street food.

We recommend spending one day in Lima , so you have time to explore the historic centre and spend some time in Miraflores, a popular seaside neighbourhood. In the centre, don’t miss the Plaza de Armas, the central square, and the nearby Saint Francis Monastery.

If you like history, you should stop by Huaca Pucllana. These ruins were left behind by the Lima civilisation, one of the many pre-Incan cultures of South America.

From Lima, you can catch a flight to Cusco. The Spaniards built this city on top of the remains of an Inca settlement, so pay attention to the pre-Columbian foundations you see while walking around.

Start exploring at the central square, where you can see a statue of Pachacuti, a former Emperor of the Inca kingdom. The nearby Cathedral and Temple of the Sun are both worth a visit.

If you have enough time, head to the Cusco Planetarium in the evening to learn about stars in the Southern hemisphere and to also understand how the Incas saw the night sky.

#3 The Sacred Valley

From Cusco, head to the Sacred Valley. You can see multiple Inca fortresses and terraces here. The ruins of Pisac are amongst the most famous and a must-see on your trip. In Pisac town, you should head to the market, where you can buy souvenirs and local handicrafts.

Try coming on a Sunday, when locals from the surrounding villages head to Pisac to sell their produce and stock up on supplies.

The UNESCO-recognised Maras salt mines are also a great stop in the Sacred Valley. The 4,500 salt pans are still used for salt production today!

#4 Machu Picchu

After visiting the Sacred Valley, spend the night in Agua Calientes. This town sits underneath Machu Picchu, so from here, you can head to the famous Inca ruins.

After the fall of the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu remained hidden until 1911. When the Incas abandoned the city, they burned the surrounding forests and trails so nobody could find its location. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that an American archaeologist stumbled upon it by accident.

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is early in the morning before a flood of tourists arrives. Tickets are limited, so make sure to buy yours well in advance.

#5 Lake Titicaca

From Machu Picchu, head to the last stop of this South America trip itinerary – Lake Titicaca. Base yourself in Puno, from where you can head to the lake.

Lake Titicaca is famous for the Uros islands. The Uro people build those floating islands out of reeds and live on top of them in houses. After you’ve visited them, stop by Taquile Island for fantastic lake views and a chance to buy some hand-knitted Peruvian textiles.

Fly home from nearby Juliaca airport, which is only around one hour from Puno.

10-Day South America Itinerary – Argentina & Brazil

If you’re looking for an itinerary for South America and have a bit more than just one week, you have many great options.

You could take the above one-week South America itinerary and expand it by flying to the Amazon from Lake Titicaca.

Or you could choose a different country. We think that Argentina and Brazil make for the best 10-day trip in South America.

#1 Buenos Aires

There are lots of things to do in Buenos Aires , so we recommend spending at least one or two days here. This will give you enough time to explore the various neighbourhoods, like Recoleta, which is famous for its architecture and gave the city its nickname “Paris of the South”. While here, stop by the cemetery.

Or head to San Telmo, which has a much more lively and bohemian feel to it compared to the more polished Recoleta. La Boca is even more colourful and worth the trip to Southern Buenos Aires.

#2 Iguazu Falls

To reach the next stop on this South America 10-day itinerary, you need to catch a plane and fly to Iguazu. The area has two airports, and since you’re coming from Buenos Aires, you’ll land on the Argentinian side.

The Iguazu Falls are the largest waterfalls in the world, consisting of a chain of more than 250 falls. You can get very close to the falls on the Argentinian side, especially if you get into a boat.

The next day, head to Brazil to explore the other side. You can’t get as close from here, but you get a fantastic overview of the falls cascading down in the middle of the jungle.

#3 Rio de Janeiro

You could easily spend all 10 days of your South America trip in Rio de Janeiro without seeing everything. But since you’re limited on time, focus on the city’s most impressive sights.

Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-visit. From here, you have the most beautiful view in all of Rio de Janeiro. You could also head up to Christ the Redeemer if you’re looking for a different perspective and want to get close to the statue.

Another highlight of Rio is the beaches. Don’t spend too much time here, though, since you’re also going to head to fantastic beaches at the next two stops. Instead, explore the city centre or head to the botanical gardens, where you can see more than 8,000 different plants.

#4 Ilha Grande

From Rio, take a bus to and ferry to Ilha Grande. Ferries leave from three towns on the mainland, but the most popular option is going from Conceição de Jacareí, as it’s closest to the island.

Ilha Grande is a jungle-covered island with perfect beaches. Come here to relax, hike and soak up lots of sunshine. Praia Lopes Mendes is one of the most popular beaches on the island, as it’s long, white and just how you imagine the perfect tropical beach.

You can come here either by boat or hike across the island. Or you catch a water taxi to one of the many other white beaches.

From Ilha Grande, take the ferry to Angra dos Reis, the town closest to Paraty, and continue by bus. Your South America itinerary for 10 days is almost coming to an end, and this is your last stop.

Paraty is famous for its white-washed houses dating back to colonial times. Walk along the cobblestone streets and admire the colourful doors and windows, or sit down for a cup of coffee in one of the many cafes.

From Paraty, you can take a boat to explore the nearby beaches. Schooners leave from the pier in the morning, and the trips usually include four stops at two different beaches and two lagoons.

From Paraty, return to Rio or head to Sao Paulo to fly home.

2 weeks in South America – Option #1 – Patagonia

If you’re wondering what to do in South America for 2 weeks, you’re in luck. We have two options for you, so you can choose between places that couldn’t be more different.

We think that two weeks is the perfect amount of time to visit Patagonia . But we also know that this is the most expensive region on the continent, so if you spend 2 weeks backpacking South America and you’re on a budget, you might prefer going to a more affordable country.

If that’s you, then scroll down and take a look at our Colombia itinerary!

But for now, let’s look into Patagonia.

#1 El Chalten

Start your South America 2-weeks itinerary in El Chalten.

The closest airport is in El Calafate, so you will either have to rent a car or take a bus to get to El Chalten . The trip takes around three hours.

While a rental car gives you more freedom, you can also easily visit Patagonia by using public transport only. We did, and we had a fantastic time.

El Chalten is known as the hiking capital of Argentinian Patagonia. The best hikes take you to the Laguna Torres or the Laguna de Los Tres. They’re both challenging, so check in with the tourist information first for more details and make sure you start early so you have enough time to return to town.

If you prefer a shorter hike, you can find lots of great trails in the area with fantastic views of the Fitz Roy mountain range.

Or you can explore points of interest in the nearby area, like Casa Madsen, a traditional ranch, or Lago del Desierto, where you can go for a boat ride.

#2 El Calafate

El Calafate is a mandatory stop on every Patagonia itinerary, as you can take a day trip to the nearby Perito Moreno glacier from here.

This glacier is the longest in Argentina, and it’s one of the most popular to visit as you can easily get close to it. The end of the glacier reaches into a lake, and wooden walkways take you close to the ice. You can also ride a boat to enjoy a unique perspective.

#3 Torres del Paine

From El Calafate, take a bus (or drive) across the Chilean border to Puerto Natales. This town is the jumping-off point for a visit to Torres del Paine national park.

This South America itinerary for 2 weeks leaves you enough time to spend a few days inside the national park. The most popular option is to hike the W , a multi-day trek that takes you past stunningly blue lagoons and fantastic mountain views.

The hike takes around four days, and you need to plan it well in advance as accommodation tends to book out. If you’re interested, make sure to check out our guide .

Another option is to book accommodation in Torres del Paine and go on day hikes from there. You can also arrange horse riding activities or explore the national park on organised tours.

#4 Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas is a convenient stop on the way down to Tierra del Fuego. The city itself has only a few points of interest , but the real highlight is nearby Isla Magdalena.

This island is home to thousands of penguins who migrate here every year to nest. You can take a boat ride from Punta Arenas and then spend some time on the island watching the penguins taking care of their offspring, going for a swim or grooming each other.

Finish your trip in Ushuaia , the world’s southernmost city.

Everything here is about being at the end of the world, and you can visit the “Museo del Fin del Mundo” (End-of-the-World museum) or take the “Tren del Fin del Mundo” (End-of-the-World train).

The train takes you into the nearby Tierra del Fuego national park, where you can go for hikes or enjoy a short walk to explore the stunning scenery.

You can also go on many day trips from Ushuaia. Check with the tour operators in town or do some research online to get more information. We recommend a trip to the lakes east of town or a boat ride down the Beagle Canal, where you have the chance to see more penguins and sea lions.

2 weeks in South America – Option #2 – Colombia

If you’re on a budget or prefer a warmer option for your 2 weeks in South America itinerary, then you should head to Colombia.

Colombia is the perfect country if you want to see tropical landscapes, find out where coffee comes from, explore the Andes and see ancient ruins. It’s also popular with backpackers, so if you’re travelling solo, you’re bound to meet other travellers here.

Start your Colombia trip in Bogota, the country’s capital. This city has a few highlights you shouldn’t miss . Therefore we recommend spending at least one full day here.

A great way to see Bogota is by joining a graffiti tour. Those tours take you past the most famous tourist attractions, but you also learn about recent history and discover lots of street art.

La Candelaria, the city’s historic centre, is worth a stop by itself. Close by, you can find the Museo del Oro, one of the best gold museums we’ve ever visited anywhere in the world.

If you still have energy, head to Monserrate to see the city from above. And if you want to spend an additional day, we recommend a day tour to see the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira.

To get from Bogota to Salento, you either need to spend a day on buses or take a flight from Bogota to Armenia and continue from there.

Colombia might look small on the map, but the country is huge, and the Andes make travelling slow. Nevertheless, spending the time it takes to get to Salento is well worth it.

Salento is a colourful village in the coffee zone, so you can visit the nearby coffee plantation and find out how the plant is grown. Another highlight is a day trip to the nearby Cocora Valley, where you can see the highest palm trees in the world. We’ve got a guide to the Cocora Valley hike , but you can also go on a shorter walk if you have less time.

#3 Medellin

Medellin is one of the most fascinating cities in Colombia. Pablo Escobar’s home changed massively over the past years and transformed from one of the country’s most dangerous cities to one filled with innovation and hope.

One of the best places where you can witness that change is in Comuna 13. This neighbourhood was once the most dangerous one in Medellin (and likely the whole world). These days, it’s famous for its street art and escalators, which connect the steep roads.

Come here to learn more about the violence that once ravaged Medellin and to support those locals who moved away from gangs and now live off tourism.

#4 Santa Marta

From Medellin, you either need to take a long bus (around 12-15 hours) or a short flight to get to Santa Marta. To make the most out of this two-weeks South America itinerary, where your time is limited, we suggest taking a plane.

Santa Marta by itself is not the most spectacular city in Colombia. However, it has lovely beaches, an interesting gold museum, and it is a great base for trips into the surrounding area.

While here, check out the Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino to learn more about Simon Bolivar, the man who helped Colombia gain independence from Spain.

The bus from Santa Marta to Minca takes less than an hour, so you could visit this village on a day trip. We recommend staying overnight, though, so you have enough time to enjoy the countryside.

Minca is famous for the nearby waterfalls, which you can discover on a jungle hike. Bring your swimsuit to take a dip in the refreshing pools. You’ll also come across cafes and restaurants with hammocks, where you can take a break and relax.

If you love coffee, you can also take a tour through a coffee plantation.

Whatever you do, remember you’re in the jungle and bring enough insect repellent. The sandflies that live here can be vicious, so take some DEET to keep them away.

#6 Cartagena

Cartagena is one of Colombia’s most beautiful colonial cities. Nearby San Basilio de Palenque was the first town of free slaves in the Americas, and the area is great for discovering Afro-Colombian culture.

Cartagena is also fantastic if you like street food . We highly recommend taking a street food tour, but you can also explore on your own and stop at one of the many carts to try the local treats.

If you want to relax at the end of this two-weeks South America itinerary, head to a beach. Most locals consider Playa Blanca the most beautiful beach in Cartagena, and you can easily spend one or two days there relaxing in the sun.

Optional: Tayrona National Park or Lost City Hike

We know that we’ve already packed a lot into this itinerary. If you have a few more days (or if you decide to skip some of the above destinations), you could add one or two more fascinating places.

Both of them are close to Santa Marta, so they’re easy to integrate into your Colombia tour.

The Tayrona National Park is famous for its beaches. You can stay overnight, which is a fantastic experience, but if you’re short on time, you can also head here on a day trip. The best activity in Tayrona National Park is to hike along the coast, from beach to beach, and go for a swim when you need a break.

Another excellent destination is the Lost City. These ruins hide in the jungle, and you can only reach them by hiking. Going there and back takes a minimum of four days and a lot of sweat. Don’t underestimate the humidity in the jungle, it’s not unusual to get so sticky that sweat drips from your nose while you walk!

Nevertheless, the hike is stunning and takes you past hidden villages, waterfalls and mountain views. Plus, you can explore ancient ruins from the Tayrona civilisation at the end of it. If you have the time, this one is definitely worth it.

3 weeks in South America itinerary – Chile, Bolivia & Peru

This 3-week itinerary for South America focuses on Bolivia but also covers parts of Chile and Peru. You’ll spend time in the Andes, see the famous Salar de Uyuni and get to know what was once the wealthiest city in the Americas.

Just like our suggestion for a Colombia trip above, this South America travel itinerary is perfect for backpackers but can also be enjoyed by anyone else. Bolivia is one of the most affordable countries in South America , and you can get great value for your money here.

#1 San Pedro de Atacama

Start your South America in 3 weeks itinerary in the Atacama Desert. San Pedro de Atacama  is the biggest town in the area, where you can base yourself to explore the desert on day trips.

The Atacama desert is famous for its unique landscapes, including high-altitude lagoons and the moon-like landscape of the Valle de la Luna. We also loved visiting the field of geysers. Trips here leave early in the morning because the geysers are only active when the outside temperatures are low. Just after sunrise is the best time to see them shoot water into the air.

Another highlight is a stargazing tour . The Atacama Desert barely has light pollution, so you can clearly see the Milky Way and learn more about our universe.

#2 Salar de Uyuni

From San Pedro de Atacama, you can take a multi-day tour to the Salar de Uyuni . Those tours cross the Bolivian Altiplano, one of the most spectacular landscapes on this planet. You can expect surreal rock formations, bright red lagoons and thousands of flamingos in a bare desert.

The trip takes you up to 4,800 metres, so make sure to spend a few days in San Pedro de Atacama to acclimatise to the altitude.

At the end of your journey, you finish in the salt flats of the Salar de Uyuni. The white landscape seems almost unreal, and it’s the perfect backdrop for taking pictures . Make sure to book a tour that takes you to Isla Incahuasi, a cactus island that rises out of the salt flats.

We deliberately included Potosi on this 3-week South America itinerary because it’s the best place to learn about colonial history.

Due to the nearby silver mines, Potosi was once the world’s most prosperous city. At the same time, that wealth came at a high price. Historians estimate that eight million indigenous and African slaves died in those mines.

And here’s the worst part – safety hasn’t improved that much since colonial times. Workers aren’t trapped underground anymore, but during the mine tour we did, the most stable shafts dated back to colonial times. Wooden beams to reinforce the tunnels are simply too expensive for most mine workers – same as masks.

Many miners die in their forties or fifties from cancer or other lung diseases or perish in terrible accidents.

Visiting Potosi is an eye-opening experience that you cannot miss.

Did you know that Sucre is the capital of Bolivia?

Everyone thinks it’s La Paz, but it’s actually Sucre, a city with white buildings and red roofs high up in the Andes. Sucre is a beautiful city , so you should spend some time wandering around its centre and enjoying the view from Mirador Recoleta.

It’s also home to many museums, so take some time to visit them.

One of the coolest attractions is on the outskirts of Sucre – the Parque Cretacico, where you can see real dinosaur footprints.

Getting from Sucre to La Paz isn’t the easiest trip. You need to either catch a plane or take an overnight bus. The bus is, of course, better for anyone who’s backpacking Bolivia on a budget, but it’s much slower and less comfortable than the flight.

If you do decide to go by bus, bring a warm blanket. Even if the bus has heating, there’s no guarantee the driver is going to turn it on and it gets below freezing in the Andes at night!

The bus ride is well worth it to get to La Paz, the largest city in Bolivia. We recommend joining a walking tour to discover the city centre and the markets of La Paz . Another alternative is to go on a food tour to get to know Bolivian food and try some dishes you haven’t had yet.

#6 Isla del Sol

Isla del Sol is the perfect location to dive closer into Bolivian culture. This island in Lake Titicaca is known for its villages and terraced hills. Spend your days relaxing in the sun, hiking or discovering some small pre-Columbian ruins.

It’s a good idea to stay overnight on the island to fully soak up the atmosphere and have as much time as possible to explore.

Your last stop on this South America 3-week itinerary takes you across the border into Peru.

Puno is a town on the shores of Lake Titicaca and an excellent base for visiting the Peruvian side of this lake. Even though you’ve already been to Isla del Sol, you’ll find Puno very different.

From here, you can visit the Floating Islands of the Uros. These reed islands are strong enough to carry houses, and the Uro people use the same reeds to make boats and houses. Around 1,300 people still live on these islands.

From Puno, you can fly home by going to Juliaca airport, which is only one hour away.

1-month itinerary for South America – Peru & Ecuador

Ecuador is an amazing destination on its own, but if you have a whole month, we recommend combining it with a trip to Peru.

This South America itinerary for 1 month will take you from Lima to Quito, passing through the Andes, spending time at the sea and discovering pre-Inca ruins. You can search for hummingbirds in the cloud forest, swim in waterfalls and explore colonial cities.

If you’re backpacking through South America, you’ll be pleased to know that you can easily do this trip on a budget. You can find inexpensive accommodation, food and activities in all of the places below.

At the same time, you can also transform this South America 1-month itinerary into a more comfortable journey by staying at better hotels and using private transport and shuttles.

Start your trip in Lima, the capital of Peru. The city is famous for its colonial centre, coastline and fantastic restaurants.

The must-try Peruvian dish is ceviche, which consists of raw fish cured in lime or lemon juice. The acids in the juice chemically cook the fish, turning it into a delicious delicacy you shouldn’t miss.

The neighbourhoods of Miraflores and Barranco are famous for their restaurants, but you also shouldn’t miss the city centre. Personally, I loved visiting the Monasterio de San Francisco, a monastery dating back to colonial times.

If you’re interested in history, visit the Huaca Pucllana to learn about the Lima civilisation. Or go on a day trip to Caral to see ruins as old as the Egyptian pyramids.

In the evening, head to the Parque de la Reserva in the evening to see the fountain show.

One day in Lima is great for seeing the highlights of the city, but if you have four weeks in South America, we recommend spending a bit more time. Plan for two or maybe even three days in Lima, so you have time to take it all in.

Huaraz is the base for a trip to the nearby Huascaran National Park. If you want to see snow-covered mountains and turquoise lagoons, you’ve come to the right place.

The most famous hike in the National Park takes you to Laguna 69, but you’ll need a few days of acclimatisation to get used to the altitude. While you’re here, we suggest going on different hikes or day trips to the mountains.

If you’re interested, make sure to visit the ruins of Chavin de Huantar. This civilisation might be 3,000 years old, but it was once so significant that it influenced all Andean cultures that came later.

#3 Trujillo

It’s time to leave the mountains and get back to the coast.

Trujillo is famous for its pre-Colombian ruins, and the highlights are visits to Chan Chan as well as the Huaca de la Luna y Huaca del Sol. The latter are particularly impressive for their colourful paintings, which have been preserved over the centuries.

Besides learning about the many civilisations that inhabited South America, Trujillo is also a great place to take it easy. Stroll around the central square, the Plaza de Armas, or head to Huanchaco to learn how to surf.

Some say that the reed boats made here on the beach inspired modern surfing, so try to get a ride on one of them if you can.

Mancora is a beach town that makes for a convenient stop on the way towards Ecuador. Come here to relax by the beach and enjoy ceviche in the evening.

If you’re getting tired of doing nothing, take a tour to see wildlife. From July to October, you can go whale watching, and all year long, you can go looking for green turtles.

#5 Guayaquil

Most travellers visit Guayaquil to then catch a plane to the Galapagos Islands , but there is a surprising amount of things to do in this coastal city.

Spend a full day here to climb to the top of Cerro Santa Ana, walk along the Malecon 2000 and explore the art galleries in Las Peñas.

If you still have energy, you should head to Santay Island, where you can stroll on boardwalks through a mangrove swamp and discover wildlife along the way.

Visiting Cuenca is one of the best things to do in Ecuador . The historic centre is a UNESCO world heritage site worth seeing for its colonial buildings.

Once you’ve explored the Old Town, book a trip to Las Cajas National Park. At lower altitudes, you’ll come across meadows filled with llamas and alpacas.

Once you go up higher into the Andes, you can then see high-altitude lakes, otherworldly forests and strange-looking landscapes. Even if you take it slow (you’ve just arrived from sea level, so it takes a while to get used to the altitude), you’ll be able to visit impressive viewpoints.

If you’ve ever seen a photo of someone sitting on a swing high above the jungle, you’ve probably seen a picture of Baños. This town is the next stop on our South America 4-week itinerary.

Besides taking cool pictures, you can hike or enjoy many other outdoor adventures in Baños. Rafting, canyoning, rock climbing, all those are options.

Once you’ve had enough of the outdoors, relax by soaking in one of the many hot springs.

Ecuador’s capital, Quito, is the highest capital city in the world. It’s also located next to the equator.

You can find lots of things to do in Quito , so you should plan to stay for a few days. Start by exploring the Old Town and visiting some of the churches. If you’re here on a Tuesday, check out the Changing of the Guard in front of the governmental palace.

Next, head to the equator in Mitad del Mundo. The exact location of the equator is a bit unclear. You can visit a monument at the spot where the first expedition marked the equator.

Close by, you can also visit the Museo Intiñan, which claims to be at the site of the “real” equator.

Whichever one is the actual one, both are cool to visit. Take pictures on both lines, and then you might have at least one that’s in the correct place.

Mindo is so close to Quito that you could visit on a day trip.

It’s much more fun to stay overnight, though, so if you have enough time left in this 1-month South America itinerary, base yourself in Mindo for a day or two.

Mindo is located in the Cloud Forest and is famous for its biodiversity. You can spot many butterflies and hummingbirds at the Butterfly Garden and learn about the cultivation of chocolate.

Mindo is also a perfect base for outdoor activities, like ziplining, hiking to waterfalls and tubing.

2 months in South America itinerary – Buenos Aires to Lima

If you’ve got two months in South America, you can see a decent portion of the continent. We’ve put together a sample itinerary for you, which we think covers some of the best places to visit, but don’t be afraid to mix it up.

You could cut the beginning short and head to Colombia instead. Or you could add in some time to visit the Amazon or Patagonia. It’s up to you to decide which areas of South America you like best.

Start your South America 2-month itinerary in Buenos Aires . The Argentinian capital carries the nickname “Paris of the South”, and while walking through Recoleta, you can certainly see a resemblance in the architecture and atmosphere.

The cemetery of La Recoleta, with its many mausoleums, is one of the most famous sights here. You should also head to La Boca and San Telmo, two of the most colourful and intriguing neighbourhoods.

In the evening, head to a steak house to try the famous Argentinian meat and watch a tango show afterwards.

From Buenos Aires, catch a plane to Iguazu Falls. Plan to spend at least two days here, so you can both see the Argentinian and Brazilian sides.

You can cross the border into Brazil on a day trip and get a different perspective on the other side. While you can get very close to the water in Argentina, you’ll have a nicer view of the falls in Brazil.

The easiest way to get to Salta is by taking another plane.

If you’re backpacking in South America and prefer to cross as much distance overland without flying, you could also head into Paraguay (we especially liked the Jesuit Missions near Encarnacion , a fantastic UNESCO world heritage site), cross the border back into Argentina and then take a bus.

The bus ride is long. It’ll likely be an overnight bus, so you won’t lose too much time, but you’ll arrive in Salta exhausted.

No matter how you get there, Salta is the perfect base for a trip into the Quebrada de Humahuaca . Expect charming villages, multi-coloured mountains and ruins of a pre-Incan civilisation.

#4 San Pedro de Atacama

You could easily spend a week in San Pedro de Atacama without getting bored. Whether you head to the high-altitude lagoons, watch the flamingos or see the sunset over the Vallee de la Luna, you’ll have plenty of things to do .

If you don’t mind getting up early, take a geyser tour. The natural wonder is only active in the first hours of the morning.

Another highlight is an astronomy tour. You’ll rarely get to a place as dark as the Atacama Desert, so you can easily see the milky way from here.

Your trip to Uyuni will be one of the highlights of your 2-month itinerary through South America. It’s a multi-day journey to get to the famous salt flats. You’ll come across brightly coloured lagoons and see many flamingos along the way.

With a bit of luck, you also get to sleep in a salt hotel before you finally reach the famous Salar de Uyuni . Spend time taking pictures, visit the mysterious cactus island and head to the train graveyard once you’ve arrived.

#6 Potosi & Sucre

In the South Bolivian Andes, you can find two towns worth visiting.

The first one is Potosi , where you should learn about South America’s history in the silver mines. The next one is Sucre , the white city which is actually the capital of Bolivia.

Both cities have stunning colonial architecture and fantastic churches you should see. In Potosi, make sure to head to the Casa de la Moneda, the former national mint of Bolivia.

In Sucre, make sure to visit the dinosaur footprints, which you can find just outside the city. Their sight is awe-inspiring, and how often can you say that you’ve seen footsteps that are more than 65 million years old?

To get to La Paz, you either need to fly or take an overnight bus from Sucre.

While La Paz isn’t the capital of Bolivia, it is the seat of its government and one of the biggest cities in the country. Join a walking tour to explore the city centre or go on a food tour to sample some dishes of Bolivian cuisine you’ve never heard of.

La Paz also features fantastic markets , which you should explore while you’re here. The most famous one is the Witches’ Market, but even the regular food markets offer great sights, like bags of dehydrated potatoes.

#8 Lake Titicaca

Your next stop should be Lake Titicaca. The highest navigable lake in the world has multiple points of interest worth stopping for.

The first one is Isla del Sol, on the Bolivian side. Stay overnight on this island, go for walks between agricultural terraces, explore some ancient ruins, and relax in the sun.

On the Peruvian side, you can base yourself in Puno, from where you can explore Taquile Island or visit the floating islands of the Uro people.

#9 Cusco & the Sacred Valley

From Lake Titicaca, cross the Peruvian Altiplano and head to Cusco. Cusco is an excellent stop for seeing the remains of the Inca cities merged with buildings from colonial times.

From here, head to the Sacred Valley to discover Inca fortresses and terraces, lively markets and the famous Maras salt mines.

#10 Machu Picchu

To get to Machu Picchu, you need to take the train to Aguas Calientes. Alternatively, you could also hike the Inca Trail, but make sure to book your trip well in advance as it books out very early!

Machu Picchu is the most famous Inca ruin. This settlement remained undiscovered for centuries, which is why it’s one of the best-preserved sites. Remember to book your ticket and train ride before your start this trip so you’re guaranteed your visit.

#11 Arequipa

Arequipa is a charming city halfway to the coast. Explore the historic centre, and make sure to stop by the Santa Catalina Monastery, a large complex with a fantastic cafe.

Depending on how much time you have left for this South America itinerary for 2 months, you can head to the Colca Canyon. The hike here takes two or three days, and you get fantastic views along the way with the chance to see a condor.

The Nazca lines are amongst the most famous sights in Peru .

Those lines, which are best observed from a plane , are around 2,000 years old and likely date back to the Nasca people. This civilisation lived around present-day Nazca, where you can also visit more of their ruins.

#13 Paracas

From Nazca, head along the coast to Paracas . The nearby Islas Ballestas are also called the “poor man’s Galapagos” because you can see sea lions, penguins and many birds here.

In fact, there are so many birds that countries once fought a war about the bird poo on those islands, which is a valuable fertiliser!

After you’ve seen the islands, head to the Paracas Peninsula and discover the national park here, with its brightly coloured beaches and remains of the Paracas civilisation.

This South America backpacking route for 2 months finishes in Lima. You’ll need at least one day in Lima to see the major sights, but it’s great if you have more time so you can properly explore the city .

Lima has a great colonial centre, and it’s also the perfect place to try Peruvian food . Head to Miraflores, a neighbourhood with great restaurants and a fantastic seaside walk, or explore colourful Barranco.

If you want to learn more about the history of South America, we suggest heading to Caral on a day trip , one of the oldest settlements on the continent. The ruins are as ancient as the oldest pyramids in Egypt!

3 months in South America itinerary – Rio de Janeiro to Bogota

Do you want to travel around South America for three months? Then we’ve got an itinerary for the ultimate backpacking trip through South America! You’ll start in Rio de Janeiro, cross the continent and then head up along the Pacific Coast from Lima to Bogota.

This 3-month South America itinerary includes three flights, but besides that, you’re mostly moving by bus (though there is the option of cutting it short in Colombia if you don’t want to spend too much time on buses).

#1 Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo

Start your trip in Rio de Janeiro , where you can visit Sugarloaf Mountain, relax on Copacabana Beach or hike through Tijuca National Park.

Then head westwards along the coast . The next stops are Ilha Grande, with its white beaches, and Paraty, a cute colonial town with cobblestone streets.

Finally, head to Sao Paulo. This city is more gritty than anything you’ve seen before, but there are still lots of things to do .

#2 Pantanal

From Sao Paulo, catch a plane to the Pantanal . You’ll need to fly either to Cuiaba or Campo Grande.

The Pantanal is the largest wetland in South America outside the Amazon, and it’s a great region to spot wildlife. We highly recommend taking a tour so you have the best chance of seeing animals.

If you’re in South America backpacking, you might be afraid of the cost, but we can assure you that it’s one of the activities most worth splurging on.

#3 Iguazu Falls

It’s time to catch another plane to get to Iguazu Falls. It’s cheapest to fly to the Brazilian side, but you should also do a day trip to Argentina.

In Brazil, you have a great view of the Iguazu Falls, but in Argentina, you can get much closer. If you don’t mind getting wet, take a boat tour and get sprayed in the mist.

Your next stop is Lima, which means taking another plane. Don’t worry. This is the last flight in a while, and from now on, you can continue overland.

Peru’s capital is worth staying in for at least one day , but if you have more time, there are plenty of things to discover .

#5 Northern Peru

From Lima, head towards Northern Peru.

Your first stop should be Huaraz, where you can take day trips into the nearby Huarascan National Park. You should also explore the ruins of Chavin de Huantar, which was built by a civilisation that existed around 3,000 years ago.

Next, head to Trujillo. Here, you’ll get further insights into pre-Incan civilisations. The nearby beach is fantastic if you want to learn how to surf.

Your last stop on the way to Ecuador is Mancora. Relax on white beaches or try to spot whales and turtles.

#6 Guayaquil

Your first stop across the border is Guayaquil. From here, you could catch a trip to Galapagos, but be mindful that this will add at least another one to two weeks to this South America itinerary for 3 months.

Besides that, it’s easy to spend a day exploring Guayaquil , visiting art galleries and walking through the mangroves on Santay Island.

#7 Cuenca to Quito

From Guayaquil, slowly make your way to Quito. Your first stop should be Cuenca, a charming colonial town which also serves as a base for visiting nearby Cajas National Park.

If you’re interested in high-altitude hiking, stop by the Chimborazo. Or head to Baños, where you can soak in hot springs and hike through the jungle.

Finally, you’ll arrive in Quito . Besides the historic centre, which was declared a UNESCO world heritage site, the city is also famous for its proximity to the equator.

Before crossing the border to Colombia, head to Mindo. You can visit this town in the cloud forest on a day trip from Quito, but we recommend staying overnight. That way, you’ll have the chance to see butterflies and hummingbirds (Mindo is known for its incredible biodiversity), and you can hike to waterfalls.

Mindo is also the perfect place to learn about the creation of chocolate, go ziplining and drift in a tube down a river.

Once you’ve explored Mindo, it’s time to cross into Colombia. Your first stop right after the border is Ipiales, famous for its cathedral, which stands on a huge bridge.

#9 Salento & the Cocora Valley

From Ipiales, it’s a long bus ride to Salento . If you prefer flying, skipping Ipiales and taking a plane from Quito is better.

The colourful town of Salento sits in the middle of the Coffee Region, so you should tour at least one coffee plantation while you’re here. Nearby, you’ll also find the Cocora Valley , famous for its wax palms, the world’s highest palm trees.

#10 Medellin

Medellin used to have a bad reputation, but these days, the city is worth visiting for so many reasons. Find out how one of the world’s most dangerous neighbourhoods transformed into a tourist hotspot, or head to nearby Guatape for a day out in the countryside.

#11 Colombia’s Caribbean Coast

Ah, the Caribbean coast. There are so many things to do up there that you could easily spend a week or two of this South America backpacking trip on the coast.

From Medellin, you can catch a bus or plane to Cartagena. This colourful Caribbean town with its colonial centre is also the perfect place to catch up on Colombian street food .

Next, head to Santa Marta . You’ll return to this city multiple times while you explore the surroundings. Swim in waterfalls in Minca , hike to the Lost City or relax on the beaches of Tayrona National Park.

#12 San Gil & Villa de Leyva

From Santa Marta, it’s time to head to Bogota – but not without a few stops along the way.

The great thing about backpacking in Latin America is that every area you come through is different. You’re now headed into a region of villages with white-washed houses and dark roofs, and you can also stop for a wine-tasting tour in Villa de Leyva.

San Gil is called the adrenaline capital of Colombia, so it’s a great region if you’re interested in rafting, mountain biking or paragliding. But there are also lots of other fantastic options that you can find here.

Your trip is coming to an end. After backpacking through South America for 3 months, Bogota is your last stop.

Colombia’s capital is famous for its street art, so make sure to see the best pieces of art on a guided tour. You should also explore the gold museum, and if you still have time, you can head to the salt cathedral in Zipaquira.

There are so many great things to do in South America that it’s hard to settle on an itinerary. That’s why we’ve tried to give you plenty of options, no matter how long your trip is.

Have you been to South America? Where did you go? Leave us a comment below to let us know what you explored!

Also, make sure to check out our posts about South America. After months of exploring this continent, we have an extensive collection of articles with everything you need to know:

• The best countries to visit in South America for the ultimate adventure
• Explore the coastline from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo
• Take an epic trip from the Atacama Desert to the Salt Flats of Uyuni

Until your next adventure!

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Ilona is a world traveller passionate about sharing her experiences and giving advice to fellow travellers. Having visited over 70 countries, she is always excited about her next trip.

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The Ultimate South America Itinerary – Plus Useful Travel Tips

Planning your south america itinerary.

South America has long been on my bucket list and therefore 9 months ago I found myself putting together my ultimate South America itinerary – determined to cram as many life-changing experiences into a 10 week trip as possible.

I started by listing all my South America must-sees and prioritising those I had lusted after for the longest, namely Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands. I knew I wanted a good mix of wildlife, landscapes and culture with a few cities thrown in for good measure. As a keen dancer, the opportunity to dance would be a real bonus so Argentina and Brazil made it onto my South America bucket list .

An important thing to consider when planning your ultimate South America itinerary is the climate. It varies wildly from country to country and you need to take this into account when planning your route through South America. For example, the Inca Trail is actually closed for part of the rainy season as it’s too slippy and dangerous. When it dry and sunny in Brazil, you’ll find it’s sub-zero up a mountain in the Andes.

So for me, leaving in October, the route had to start west and work eastwards. This meant I could fit in some Andes mountain trekking before the rainy season hit and also meant that I got my fix of sunshine and caipirinhas on the beach in Rio before my flight home. Win-win.

** Pssst, this article may contain affiliate links. If you have no idea what this means, click here and everything will be explained!**

What you can expect from this article...

• 1.1 South America by Plane
• 1.2 South America on Tour
• 1.3 South America by Hop on Hop off Bus
• 1.4 South America by Local Bus
• 2 Planning Your South America Itinerary Budget
• 3.1 The Galapagos Eastern Islands
• 3.2 The Galapagos Central Islands
• 3.3 The Galapagos Southern Islands
• 4.2 Machu Picchu
• 4.3 Lake Titicaca
• 4.5 Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats
• 4.6 The Bolivian Altiplano
• 5.1 San Pedro
• 5.2 El Cafayate Wine Tasting
• 5.3 Stay on a Ranch or Estancia in rural Argentina
• 5.4 Get your Tango on in Buenos Aires
• 6.2 How long?
• 6.3 Foz do Igauzu Falls
• 6.5 South Pantanal
• 6.7 Rio de Janeiro
• 7.1 Guatapé, Colombia.
• 7.2 The W trek, Torres del Paine,  Patagonia
• 7.3 Ushuaia, Argentina
• 7.4 The Amazon Jungle
• 7.5 More Useful Resources and Links for Planning your South American Trip
• 7.6 Further Reading

How to get around South America

If you’ve travelled in South East Asia or Europe , you are probably used to getting about by train. However, there aren’t many trains in South America so you will be better off getting about by bus or plane.

South America by Plane

Whilst South America, in general, is not that cheap, getting about by plane is not as expensive as you may imagine as long as you don’t mind small rickety planes! Booked well in advance, you can get short international flights such as Cuzco to La Paz for $50-70. The airports are pretty straightforward.

I booked my flights with trusty Skyscanner – personally, I find this to be the best tool to find the biggest variety of flights at the best prices.

South America on Tour

To save the hassle of finding your own way about, one option is to join a tour . This is possibly the easiest way to pack a LOT of highlights into your South America itinerary in a short time period. You can focus on enjoying the highlights and not having to worry about the practicalities.

I’ve taken a few G Adventures tours in South America and they were great! Brilliant informative tour leaders , well organised and decent transport (mostly air-conditioned minibuses!)

Whilst I haven’t used Intrepid in South America, I have sampled their trips in Africa and South East Asia and again, I was very impressed. Their trips are actually very similar. Check them out and see if any of their South America Itineraries takes your fancy!

I spent a large chunk of my own Latin America itinerary travelling with Dragoman . These are participation, overlanding tours where you camp 50% of the time and stay in hotels and guesthouses the rest.

These are slightly cheaper than G Adventures and Intrepid so great if you’re on a tight budget. However, my preference is still for G Adventures as you get more included activities, smaller groups and local guides. They also work with more local projects to give back to the countries where you travel. That said I would definitely do another overlanding tour as they are a lot of fun!

Check out the trip I took HERE .

South America by Hop on Hop off Bus

Perhaps the best of both worlds, this style of travel will allow you the freedom of doing it your own way with the convenience of jumping on a bus headed straight for the tourist attractions of hot spots in South America. The Bamba Experience is one of the most popular companies that organise hop on hop off trips.

South America by Local Bus

Sometimes it can be tricky finding the right bus and understanding timetables and prices when you don’t speak the local lingo. BusBud has provided a great solution for that – a website where you can search for local bus journeys in almost any country and in multiple currencies.

Planning Your South America Itinerary Budget

Without a doubt, the most expensive place to visit in South America is going to be The Galapagos Islands but boy is it worth it!! Being 1000Km off the mainland and with restricted numbers of visitors allowed on the islands at any given time, a trip to The Galapagos comes with a hefty price tag!

Spending time in Brazil is also pretty pricey with Chile and Argentina not far behind. If you want to make your pennies stretch further, you’ll want to spend more time in Bolivia and Peru. Bolivia particularly is cheap as chips. I would say if you are being careful, you could survive on $20-25/day in Bolivia whereas Brazil will set you back $50-70 per day.

My 9-week trip set me back $14000 which may seem like a lot of money, however, this included a week’s cruise in The Galapagos (which accounted for a whopping $3000) and I took several budget tours in order to pack a lot into a limited amount of time.

If I had the luxury of time, I would have travelled solo and I expect it would have been significantly cheaper! It really depends on what your priorities are! At that particular time, seeing as much as possible in a short time frame was mine.

For more practical tips for your trip to South America, check out my article: 20 Useful Tips for Travel in South America. Whatever you do, don’t forget to invest in a decent camera before your trip to South America! There are SO many great photo opportunities! I use a Sony A7iii yet but it’s pretty pricey so if you’re newer to photography I recommend this one or this one .

Ok so let’s get onto the good bit… What should be on your South America Bucket list?! Let’s get planning your South America Itinerary!

The Great Big South America Bucket List

South america itinerary 1 – the galapagos islands.

Best for Wildlife and Scenery

$200-300 per day if you take a cruise and $160+ for a land-based Galapagos island hopping trip . Remember to factor in tips for your crew! Read more about travelling the Galapagos on a budget and booking a budget Galapagos cruise

7-10 days. Most trips will start from Quito on the mainland so factor a day or two either side of your boat trip. A week actually exploring the Galapagos Islands is about right.

You could easily spend longer but a week will allow you to tick off most of the big wildlife and scenic attractions and will give you a good flavour of the islands. If you cut your trip short, there’s a chance you’ll miss out on the best bits like getting the opportunity to snorkel with sea lions!

Where to stay

Most Galapagos trips are boat based so your board and food will all be included. So it might be pricey but at least you know exactly how much money you will need.

You will undoubtedly save money by staying on dry land and arranging day trips but be warned, you’ll likely have to deal with bigger crowds and will spend a lot of time on the boats getting to the islands. There may also be certain highlights which you’ll miss without taking a boat.

The cruise ships and stay-onboard boats will sale overnight to maximise your time exploring the islands and get you there before the other tourists arrive which was a huge perk.

Since I have been desperate to visit the Galapagos for over 10 years, I really went to town on my research to get the best trip covering the most highlights but at the best price. I settled on a Gadventures boat called The Monserrat – I highly recommend it. I didn’t find any better prices and the trip was fantastic from start to finish! (The food by-the-way was to die for!) Check out the Galapagos tour I took .

To see other Galapagos options for all budgets, click here .

For a Galapagos packing list, click here .

The Galapagos Eastern Islands

Best for beautiful scenery

Visit Isla Lobos for some close encounters with frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. There are SO many sea lions here. A great place to start your Galapagos adventure!

Another eastern highlight is Cerro Brujo – possibly the prettiest beach I’ve ever had the privilege to visit. Unspoilt bright white sand and azure ocean in stark contrast with the black volcanic rock dotted with the occasional marine iguana or sea lion. I think this was one of my biggest ‘Wow’ moments in South America!

See a sample eastern island itinerary here .

The Galapagos Central Islands

Best for rugged scenery

The scenery in the central islands is more varied and rugged. See the black lava formations at Sullivan Bay on Santiago and whilst you’re there, snorkel off the beach – this is where I spotted my first shark!

Take a hike to the viewpoint on the volcanic islet Bartolome island. The views are beautiful but beware the wind!

If you want to catch sight of the elusive land iguana (much harder to spot than marine iguanas,) head to Cerro Dragon. We were lucky to see two on our nature walk here!

For giant tortoises, head over to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz. Here you will find the Charles Darwin Conservation Centre, a great place to start and learn about the tortoises’ history on the island. Then head into the hinterlands to spot some in the wild!

If you are lucky you might spot a pod of wild orcas as we did. They may even put on a show for you like we were lucky to witness. That said, you are more likely to see whales on the western islands which I didn’t get chance to visit.

Check out a sample central islands itinerary here .

The Galapagos Southern Islands

Best for wildlife

For me, the best snorkel trip I took in The Galapagos was off the boat, not far from Espanola island. The most colourful coral I’ve ever seen but the best part was swimming with sea lions. There were so many of them and all fairly young which meant they were super playful.

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say this was the absolute TOP moment of my South America trip! Between Cerro Brujo and here, The Galapagos Islands were scoring pretty high marks!

Another highlight of the Southern Islands was Floreana. This was absolute wildlife paradise. Here you can see the rarely spotted Galapagos Albatross and you will see so many marine iguanas – they lie on top of each other to keep warm so there will actually be piles of them! Hundreds of iguanas basking in the sun, careful not to step on them! Don’t worry, they are a lot more placid than they look!

Check out a sample southern islands itinerary here .

South America Itinerary 2 – Peru to Bolivia

Best for Scenery Seekers 

$20-40. You can do it really cheap but this budget will allow you a decent hotel room and the occasional luxury.

2-4 weeks. You can cover the main highlights (Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca, Bolivian Altiplano) in a fortnight but you may want to allow yourself longer to travel at a more relaxed pace.

Where to Stay

Since accommodation is cheap as chips here, I’d recommend splashing out on budget hotels and guesthouses . Save the hostels for the more pricey countries!

Top Tip: If you plan to do the Inca Trail, you will need to be super organised! Inca Trail permits need to be bought well in advance – often as early as 6 months! On writing this article in April, the next available permits are for October! If you don’t get yours in time, there are plenty of great alternative treks so don’t panic!

And another Top Tip (I’m good to you like that…) Pack lot’s of layers! The temperature can vary from glorious 25 degrees plus to minus figures within just a matter of hours. This can make it tricky to pack for South America but fear not, I’ve got you covered with my South America Packing Guide !

Previously the capital of the Inca Empire, this attractive city is made beautiful by the well preserved Spanish colonial architecture and is well-positioned in the stunning Andes Mountains in Peru.

Beware it is at 3400 metres altitude so take your time climbing the stairs here!

There are oodles of beautiful churches and colourful markets to explore but you can also use Cuzco as a great base for getting out into the surrounding mountains and visiting a few Inca sites.

Check out these day trips from Cuzco – everything from day hikes to pisco sours tasting!

Machu Picchu

Okay, you can’t really miss out this iconic site from your South America Itinerary, let’s face it! The question is not really IF you should visit it, but more HOW.

You could catch a scenic train ride or you could (and should in my humble opinion) take a trek to get there. Why you ask?! Well because the scenery is stunning and you won’t really get the full experience by seeing it from a train window! So providing you are in a reasonable state of fitness, book yourself onto one of the several treks in the area. You won’t regret it!

The Inca Trail is obviously the most well known. Book well ahead and prepare to be one of many of the trail. The scenery is diverse, beautiful and leads you straight to Machu Picchu plus you can say you did the actual Inca Trail which totally gives you street cred! Check out options for the Inca Trail here .

Another great alternative is the Lares Trek.

The Lares is much quieter, it’ll be just you, your team and the llamas. You may see an occasional farmer but otherwise, you’ll have the trail pretty much to yourself. It goes to a higher altitude 4800 metres so you can brag about that to your Inca trail friends! The scenery is absolutely mind-blowing. I asked my guide which trail he preferred, his answer? The Lares Trek every time!

Read about my Lares experience here .

Or see the G Adventures trip that I took here .

Lake Titicaca

Situated at 3800 metres altitude, Lake Titicaca is really unique and not just because it is the worlds highest lake. What makes it truly unique are the local’s who live by it and even on it! You can take a tour of the local reed villages – yes made ENTIRELY of reed. The local inhabitants make a living by fishing and trading the fish at local markets.

You can easily arrange a homestay at one of the farming villages on the lakeside.  See inside a traditional Peruvian farm, eat with the family and experience traditional cuisine that you won’t get in restaurants and then help out with the farm work the next day.

Don’t be put off by the fact that many won’t speak English. We muddled by using a mixture of English words the children learnt in school, my VERY poor Spanish, lots of miming and showing photos on our phones of our homes, pets and families!

The capital city of Bolivia, La Paz, is quite an experience especially if you take a taxi from the airport… Whilst you’re here, visit the Witches markets – dried llama fetus, anyone?! Also, take a cable car trip and get amazing views of this huge city!

Check out tours of La Paz and nearby HERE

Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats

Visit the worlds largest salt plane – 11000 sq Km of bright white desert created when a prehistoric lake dried up leaving these vast salt planes dotted with little cacti islands! Enjoy taking some great perspective photos here. If you visit in the rainy season, you may get beautiful reflection photos.

Check out tours to Salar De Uyuni here .

The Bolivian Altiplano

The scenery here will have you speechless. There’s not a lot to ‘do’ here per se but I personally was entranced by the scenery that the long drive from Salar de Uyuni was actually one of my trip highlights. See the spurting bubbling geysers, find aqua and red lakes filled with flamingos and see desert which stretches for miles. For more inspiration, see my photos to inspire your trip to Bolivia.

Click here for tours to the Bolivean Altiplano

I travelled in Bolivia with Dragoman , see the exact trip here .

South America Itinerary 3 – San Pedro to Buenos Aires

Best for wine and dancing

$30-60. Chile and Argentina are much more expensive than Bolivia but slightly cheaper than Brazil so expect to pay a bit more in some restaurants and for tours.

The prices are not dissimilar to western countries so expect to pay similar to what you pay back home (unless home is Bolivia.)

This route will take 2-3 weeks to cover properly.

As prices are beginning to rise, this may be the time to consider staying in hostels. Most hostels have private rooms if you like a bit of privacy on a budget. Hostels are also a great way to meet people! I use booking.com to find hostels and hotels and usually find they have a great selection of accommodations and you can easily search for your specification – a swimming pool and a hot tub puh-lease!

Ah, I LOVED this place. From the cute little shops lining the streets to the drinking holes that look like they’ve been taken straight from a western movie, San Pedro certainly has character. You definitely shouldn’t miss this one off your South America Itinerary!

I also didn’t have a single bad meal here – the food was Ah-mazing! It’s a great place to arrange trips to Moon Valley and into Bolivia for the Altiplano.

There are so many outdoorsy activities to do here, you won’t be short of things to do! The scenery at Moon Valley, in particular, is just stunning! See my San Pedro guide for more info.

There are so many things to do in this area from horse riding to star gazing. Check out some options HERE.

El Cafayate Wine Tasting

Head to Argentina next and so some wine tasting in the beautiful countryside at El Cafayate. Then go out for a juicy Argentinian steak washed down with some delicious merlot! There are wineries both in the countryside and in town that you can visit. Some trips need to be pre-arranged but often you can just turn up and join the next tour or tasting session.

Stay on a Ranch or Estancia in rural Argentina

Experience the real rural Argentina on an estancia stay. Several estancias (or cattle ranches) offer accommodation and activities such as horse riding and wildlife watching. Check out these estancias near Buenos Aires .

Learn to swing a lasso like a real cowgirl or indulge in an Argentinian BBQ. I stayed at Estancia Los Potreros and had an absolute ball! In addition to the activities above, we also had more wine tasting and a music session with some local cowboys. Read about it here.

Get your Tango on in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a brilliant city! Colourful and diverse, traditional yet cosmopolitan, this city has a lot to offer travellers.

This super colourful neighbourhood is popular with tourists so it can get busy – go early in the morning to escape the crowds. Visit markets, enjoy street tango performances and enjoy the colourful buildings and street art. But make sure you go home before dark as it can be a little unsafe here at night time.

San Telmo Market

Learn argentine tango.

There is no better place to learn to Tango than Buenos Aires! Watch a street show, attend a formal show or take a lesson. But if you want to see the real tango, find a milonga. These are like afternoon tea dances where everyone will be dancing for fun – not for the tourists.

Check out day trips in and around Buenos Aires here , from stadium tours to tango shows.

South America Itinerary 4 – Brazil

Best for eco-tourism

$50-100 Brazil is pretty pricey so unless you are happy to rough it, expect to spend a bit of money here!

2-3 weeks should be enough to cover most of the highlights in South Brazil but of course, there are plenty more places to explore in Brazil if you have time.

To keep costs low, I’d recommend staying in hostels or even camping. I stayed at a few campsites in Brazil which were great and the weather is nice and warm.

Foz do Igauzu Falls

Foz do Igauzu falls are the largest waterfall system in the WORLD, this will surely be a highlight of your South America itinerary! Bordering both Argentina and Brazil, it’s worth visiting from both sides.

From The Argentina side, you can get close to the falls to appreciate their power. From the Brazil side, there are some great opportunities to see it from afar and appreciate the overall beauty! I’ve written a detailed guide to Igauzu falls, see it here .

Also on the Brazil side, there is a great tropical bird park Parque das Aves  where you can get up close to some beautiful birds including the colourful macaws and toucans!

Book your tickets to Iguazu falls HERE .

Did you know Bonito is the eco-tourism capital of Brazil? And rightly so! There are so many amazing places to see in this area!

Rio da Prata

One of the best places worldwide to try freshwater snorkelling with an average visibility of 50 metres. You will drift for 90 minutes along with the current enjoying the underwater garden seeing colourful fish and if you’re lucky a caiman or anaconda! Read more about it in my Bonito Guide .

Buraco Das Araras

This limestone sinkhole is a meeting place for hundreds of brightly coloured and NOISY macaws!

Grotto de Azur

South pantanal.

If you are a big fan of wildlife, head over to The South Pantanal, Brazilian wetlands where you stand a reasonable chance of seeing one of the big cats, possibly even a jaguar!

You will undoubtedly see plenty of caiman crocs and birdlife and there are plenty of chances to see capybara, anteaters and even cute little river otters which apparently are not so cute after all!

Did you know river otters are territorial so they are actually more dangerous than the caimans or anacondas if you were to fall in the river!

Explore by 4WD safari vehicle, on foot, by boat or on horseback. I highly recommend a night safari for your best chance of seeing a jaguar!

Check out tours to The Pantanal here .

Paraty is a really lovely well preserved Portuguese colonial coastal town with cobbled streets and only horse and cart for transport. Spend time exploring the shops and cafe and take a day trip in one of the colourful wooden boats stopping at beaches and islands.

Check out day trips from Paraty here , from jungle treks to boat trips to beautiful beaches and islands.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is one of the fastest paced, diverse, colourful, lively cities you could visit.

There are so many iconic viewpoints you will want to visit such as Sugar Loaf Mountain and The Christ Redeemer statue – two of the most popular sights in Brazil !.

There are so many things to do in Rio but I suggest you start by visiting the colourful Escadaria Selarón steps and then have a caipirinha on Copacabana or Ipanema beach.

Other Places you might want to put on your South America Itinerary

There are still so many places on my South America bucket list that I need to go back and tick off at some point! I would love to see more of Chile and I didn’t even step foot in Colombia and I’ve heard so many great things about it. Here are a few places that will be on my next South America itinerary!

Guatapé, Colombia.

I seem drawn to any colourful town – Cinque de Terre in Italy, by the way, is awesome! Guatape in Colombia is possibly the most colourful of them all. Not only that but it overlooks Penol-Guatape a beautiful man-made reservoir and a great place for water sports. Read more here about planning your Colombia itinerary .

The W trek, Torres del Paine,  Patagonia

Landscapes don’t get more dramatic than in Patagonia – think snow-capped mountains and bright blue glacial lakes. The W trek in Patagonia is a challenging 5-day trek but surely worth the effort for views like this?!

Click here for advice if you are  planning to travel to Patagonia .

Ushuaia, Argentina

In the South of Argentina, is Ushuaia, the starting point for many cruises to the Antarctic. But you don’t have to go that far to see penguins!

The Amazon Jungle

Head deep into the Amazon in Peru, Equador or Brazil to get close to the wildlife and creepie crawlies. Take night walks and river safaris but perhaps not if you are an arachnophobe…

For more itineraries on the places I’ve not been able to cover yet, you should head over to The Broke Backpackers site. He’s got some great information too!

More Useful Resources and Links for Planning your South American Trip

• G Adventure Tours in South America (my personal favourite tour company.)
• Intrepid Tours in South America  another great tour company I’ve sued many times.
• Dragoman overland tour . (cheaper option for tours as long as you don’t mind camping.)
• Other South America Tours
• Bamba Experience – a hop on hop off trip. A cheaper option for the budget conscious.
• Skyscanner – a great tool for booking your flights to and from and within South America.
• Day Tours in South America  and other day tours
• Accommodation via Booking.com or Airbnb

Further Reading

• Useful tips for travel in South America
• South America packing list
• G Adventures Peru review
• G Adventures Galapagos review
• Iguazu Falls Guide
• Day trips from Bonito, Brazil
• San Pedro De Atacama Guide
• The Lares Trek, Peru.
• Lake Titicaca, Peru
• Local’s guide to Rio de Janeiro
• Estancia Los Potreros – Argentinian Ranch horseriding holiday.

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3 day maui itinerary: get the most out of 3 days in maui, hawaii, 20 useful tips for travel in south america, the perfect 10 day sri lanka itinerary – for wildlife, scenery & culture, this post has 34 comments.

Wow I’ve been literally DYING to go to all these places in South America and you’ve just planned my trip for me. Now I have no excuse not to go, THANK YOU, pinning this for later!

Glad you found it useful Constance! Let me know if you need any more tips!

I love this post! So thorough and so helpful!! Sourh Amerixa is huge and it can be so tricky to navigate. But saving this for when I finally make it back.

Thanks! Glad you found it helpful and I hope you get there soon!

I’m planning a RTW trip and this guide is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Thanks for taking to time to write such an in-depth article!

I’m so glad you thought it was useful! As a lazy researcher, I love having everything in one place! Have an amazing RTW trip – I’m SO envious!! Where’s first?!

Thanks for the great info! We’re hiking the Inca trail in September!

Ah have an AMAZING time!! I want to go back!!

Wow! What a guide! I’ll have to share it with my friend who’s currently living in BA and using that as a base to travel.

I hope she’ll find it useful too! Igauzu falls is reachable in a weekend trip from BA!

Great post Leanne. I would love to visit South America someday. I’ll definitely give some thought to the changing climates when planning my visit.

It’s incredible how different the climate from 1 country to the next!

I really enjoyed reading through this! You did a fantastic job! I will definitely pin this to my Pinterest board and share!

Thanks Elizabeth! Kind words ? I’m glad you enjoyed it!

What an incredibly detailed post. This is AMAZING. Saving this everywhere for one day when I go!

Thanks so much! I’m glad it’ll be useful for you! You will LOVE South America! It’s so diverse!

Absolutely love your post. South America is my absolute favorite continent and your pictures make me miss it so much right now. Can’t wait to go back and so all the places I haven’t ssen yet.

Glad you enjoyed it! I want to go back now to see more of chile and Patagonia!

What a fantastic itinerary to South America! I’ve never beenbefore but it’s on my bucketlist with the Galapogos being at the top!

They were at the top of mine too and so worth the price tag!!

Wow this is the most in depth guide of South America I have ever read. So far I ve only been in Central America jut I hope to visit soon

Oh wow thank you! That’s such a lovely compliment! Central America is awesome too – I need to visit there more often!

Wow! This is thorough, and great! I haven’t done South America yet and it’s on my list to do in the next two years. Totally saving this as a reference for planning.

Thanks amy! I bet you’ll have an awesome trip. South America is such an amazing place!

Looks like you put a lot of effort in to create such a detailed post. Thanks for sharing! <3

No problem! I just hope it can be helpful! ?

Wow, this is incredible! All that in 10 weeks, I feel you could write a book from so many experiences! I am myself toying with the idea of going to Argentina later this year, to see the spring (and penguins!), I will bookmark this post for future use!

I’d love to write a book one day – it’s on my bucket list. But I was thinking more of a novel! Argentina will be amazing. I definitely need to go head south and see those penguins soon!

Such a great post. I haven’t yet step foot in South America so this is a great help. Thanks?

Wow that is detailed! what a great overview of travel through south america. I love the salt flat pics, some corkers!

I’m SO glad I’ve found this blog post! South America is the last continent I haven’t been to and I’m in the planning stage of a big trip there. This covers pretty much everything I was hoping for, even the Galapagos Islands, which looks absolutely incredible so thank you so much it all looks insane!

You will have such an amazing time! I just made a video about the Galapagos – it’s on my twitter page @globetrottergp if you want more inspiration! (and videos of tiny tiny baby sea lions…) I hope you’ll have the most amazing trip!

Hi Leanne Great Post! Me and my girlfriend will be travelling to South America October 10th to the end February and will be looking to cover as much as possible, do you have any suggestions on where to start our trip ? I see you began your trip in October too and im a little worried about the changing seasons / rain ! Thanks

The main thing to coisder is the inca train opening times as it closes for some of the wet season. working west to east worked for me in oct

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Best 3 Weeks South America Itinerary

Table of Contents

Introduction.

South America, a continent of kaleidoscopic landscapes, ancient civilizations, and vibrant cultures, awaits intrepid travelers. Whether you’re drawn to the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu, the lush Amazon rainforest, or the thundering Iguazu Falls, this 3 weeks south america itinerary promises an unforgettable journey. Buckle up as we traverse Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, immersing ourselves in natural wonders, historical sites, and cosmopolitan cities.

Key Takeaways of 3 weeks south america itinerary

• South America offers diverse experiences, from ancient ruins to lush rainforests.
• Mix transportation modes for efficient exploration.
• By Plane : Efficient air travel options.
• On Tour : Guided group experiences for hassle-free exploration.
• By Hop-on Hop-off Bus : Scenic and flexible routes.
• By Local Bus : Budget-friendly and authentic adventures.
• Planning Your Budget

Considerations for budgeting your trip.

Itinerary Highlights

  week 1: peru.

• Lima : Explore the historic center and its Spanish architecture.
• Cusco : Gateway to the Inca Trail.
• Sacred Valley : Discover ancient ruins and vibrant markets.
• Machu Picchu : Marvel at the Incan citadel

Week 2: Chile

•  Santiago : City tour and cosmopolitan vibes.
• Torres del Paine National Park : Snow-capped peaks and pristine wilderness.
• Puerto Natales : Base for exploring Patagonia.

Week 3: Argentina and Brazil

• El Calafate : Witness the Perito Moreno Glacier.
• Buenos Aires : Tango, architecture, and vibrant street life.
• Iguazu Falls : Feel the power of nature.

Estimated Costs

Traveler statistics.

Over the last five years, South America has seen a surge in travelers. Here are some fascinating statistics:

Annual Visitors : Approximately 35 million tourists explore South America each year.

Top Attractions : Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, and the Amazon Rainforest remain perennial favorites.

Emerging Destinations : Colombia’s Cartagena and Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands are gaining popularity.

So pack your bags, immerse yourself in the rhythm of salsa, and let South America weave its magic around you. Adventure awaits! 🌎🌿🌞

 Here are some  frequently asked questions  about a  3-week South America itinerary , along with concise answers:

Remember, customize your itinerary based on your interests, and enjoy your South American adventure! 🌎✈️

Pre-Trip Checklist: Packing Essentials for 3 weeks south america itinerary

Planning a 3 weeks South America adventure? Don’t forget to pack these essentials to ensure a smooth and memorable journey. We’ve categorized them for your convenience:

Clothing (All Seasons)

Layered Clothing :

Lightweight, moisture-wicking base layers

Insulating mid-layers (fleece or down)

Waterproof and windproof outer layers (jacket and pants)

Comfortable Walking Shoes :

Sturdy hiking boots for treks

Casual sneakers for city exploration

For beach days, hot springs, and swimming in the Galapagos

Sun Protection :

Wide-brimmed hat

Sunglasses with UV protection

Sunscreen (high SPF)

Rain Gear :

Packable rain jacket or poncho

Warm Accessories :

Scarf, gloves, and beanie for high-altitude destinations

Additional Miscellaneous Items

Travel Adapter and Chargers :

South America uses various plug types; bring a universal adapter.

Reusable Water Bottle :

Stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.

Travel Towel :

Lightweight and quick-drying

First Aid Kit :

Bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any necessary medications

Insect Repellent :

Especially important for Amazon rainforest areas

Language Guidebook or App :

Learn basic phrases in Spanish or Portuguese

Hiking-Specific Items

For day hikes and excursions

Hiking Gear :

Lightweight trekking poles

Headlamp for night hikes

Waterproof Dry Bag :

Keep electronics and documents dry during wet activities

Estimated Costs (for Reference)

Remember, costs can vary based on your preferences and travel style. Here’s a rough estimate:

Transportation : $1500 – $2000 (flights, buses, and local transport)

Accommodation : $800 – $1200 (hostels, hotels, or Airbnb)

Food : $600 – $800 (local meals and occasional dining out)

Activities and Tours : $1000 – $1500 (entrance fees, guided tours, and excursions)

Now that you’re well-prepared, get ready to explore the wonders of South America! 🌎✨

Conclusion: Your Adventure Awaits

Congratulations, fellow wanderer! You’ve just unlocked the ultimate 4-week South America itinerary—a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be lived. As you bid farewell to the Galapagos sea lions, dance the samba in Rio, and marvel at the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu, remember this: South America isn’t just a destination; it’s a symphony of cultures, landscapes, and memories.

Pack your curiosity, your sense of wonder, and your passport.  Let the Andean peaks whisper their secrets, the Amazon rainforest embrace you, and the tango sweep you off your feet. Share your journey, inspire others, and keep the spirit of adventure alive.

Your Call to Action

Book Your Flight : Don’t wait! Search for those flight deals, secure your seat, and let anticipation fill your veins.

Share This Article : Spread the love. Share this guide with fellow travelers, dreamers, and anyone yearning for adventure.

Leave a Comment : Did we miss something? Have a tip to share? Leave a comment below—we’re all ears!

Subscribe : Join our community. Subscribe to our newsletter for more travel inspiration, tips, and exclusive content.

Remember, the world is vast, but your heart is boundless. South America awaits. 🌎✨

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1) Planning for a 3-5 week trip to South America

South America

Updated June 2022

Most travellers to South America will inarguably plan for a trip that lasts somewhere between three and five weeks, whether they have a specific interest in mind (like hiking extensively through Patagonia) or are first-time visitors wishing to tick off what we call ‘ South America’s Big 5’ :

• The Galapagos Islands
• The Amazon Rainforest
• Rio de Janeiro
• Iguazu Falls

There’s certainly a lot of wiggle room in a 3-5 week trip to South America, the upper end of this timeframe being absolutely essential if you want to tick all five abovementioned highlights (6 weeks would make the trip more enjoyable, to be honest) and, the lower end, if you’d much prefer a little more quality time in fewer spots of your choosing. Return visitors tend to plan dedicated 3-week trips to specific regions they want to explore whilst, first-time visitors, try and squeeze as much action into 5 weeks as they possibly can, all the very valid approaches to planning a trip to this very big and varied continent.

Suggestions for a 3-5 week trip to South America

Unsurprisingly, there’s a lot more to South America just it’s five most famous sites and, even on a 3-week trip , you can certainly soak up a lot of gorgeous in-between spots, like Buenos Aires, Lima and Santiago, even as far as Lake Titicaca Lake in the high Andes, right at the border between Peru and Bolivia.

For the first suggestion, let’s cast off following one of our most popular itineraries of all, our 21-day South America Circle tour.

Here are all the amazing highlights you could squeeze into a 3-week trip to South America:

• Buenos Aires ( Air NZ flies directly to BA from Australia and NZ so it’s a fabulous entry point for shorter trips)
• Iguazu Falls (shared by Argentina and Brazil, these magnificent falls are unmissable!)
• Rio de Janeiro (it’s just a spring and a hop from the falls to the glitzy Brazilian hub)
• Lima (head all the way west to start your jaunt through Peru)
• Lake Titicaca (conveniently, you can visit the highest navigable lake on earth on your way to Machu Picchu)
• Cusco (the base town for your Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley of the Inca visits)
• Puerto Maldonado (one of Peru’s two major Amazon hubs, directly connected to Cusco by short plane ride)
• Return to Lima and, from here, onwards to your next destination/home

We’ll be truly honest here and state that this is a fast-paced, whirlwind tour – 7 major destinations in 21 days is about as fast as you’d ever want to travel in South America (or anywhere, for that matter) so use the itinerary as a canvas, if you will, to be amended and stretched at will. Add a few additional days here and there (to rest and plan activities) and you’ll find the journey much more enjoyable. But do note that we devised this South America Circle itinerary to maximise efficiency so when you follow its lead, it’s quite crucial to plan stops in the order suggested, which eliminates unnecessary time-wasting and backtracking.

Add just a little more time to your journey, however, and your options will increase tremendously.

ADD a special interest destination AND slow down the travel pace: Our 34-day South America Icon itinerary will see you add the magical Galapagos Islands to the abovementioned highlights whilst slowing down the pace.

See our Island-by-Island Galapagos Guide

ADD a special interest destination only: If you must travel for a shorter time, keep the fast-pace yet still include the Galapagos, as per our 27-day Big Five Explorer .

What if you want to travel overland? Overland journeys are very unique, on a travel-sphere all their own. For obvious reasons, you can really only hone in on one region of South America if you want to explore it by road. In 4-weeks, you can explore Patagonia in summer, for example, tackling a sensational Santiago to Ushuaia Overland Trip , exploring this southern region’s most remote and most famous sites.

How about adding ANTARCTICA to the mix? Travel during the southern summer and your 4-week journey can include the above detailed 3-week trip will be shuffled around slightly to see you end in Buenos Aires, from where you can head to Ushuaia and embark on an unforgettable 10-day cruise of Antarctica. Our 30-day South America Explorer itinerary, like most of those mentioned on this page, can be personalised to suit your wishes, although note that Antarctica cruising season runs from roughly November to March.

What if you’re on a budget? You need not miss out on the excitement of South America travel just because your budget may be a little restricted. We actually have a ton of ways to cut costs on your journey, either swapping a few flights for local transport options, opting for lower-priced accommodation (which are still more than comfortable), slowing down the pace and skipping the most destinations which, in South America’s case, are the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon Rainforest. See just how much fun and adventure you can have if you follow our 20-day South America on a Budget itinerary.

We surely hope to have offered plenty for travel inspiration for those planning a 3-5 week trip of South America.

But wait…there’s plenty more ideas below!

Eight other ways to plan your South America Tour:

2) Planning for a short trip (Two weeks)    3) Planning for long trip (Three Months plus)    4) Planning your trip of you like hiking and outdoor activities   5) Planning your trips if you like cuisine and culture   6) Planning your trip if you like photography   7) Planning your trip if you like wildlife   8) Planning your trip if you like the buzz of cities   9) Planning your trip if you want to relax and unwind on a beach 

Chimu Adventures offers many tours to South America to suit your needs. Click here for more info.

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• Galápagos Islands
• Indonesian Archipelago
• Mekong River
• Irrawaddy River
• India Cruises
• Pacific Coast
• Patagonia Cruises
• Machu Picchu
• Iguazu Falls
• South America Tours

3 Week South America Itineraries & Trips

Looking for the best 3 Week South America Itineraries & Trips? Choose from the finest tours available in South America, expertly crafted by our destination specialists. The tours here are just examples of what we can create for you – all our tour packages are bespoke and completely customizable to your tastes and budget

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South America Itinerary

Travel Blog Last Updated · Mar 11th, 2023 [post_author_posts_link] · [post_comments before=""] -->

Welcome to this South America itinerary.

If you are currently planning a trip to South America, you have chosen one of the best destinations for a unique travel adventure.

With a great variety of landscapes and cultures that you will never get enough of, all these beautiful countries have something unique to offer.

Read our South America travel itinerary so you don’t miss a thing below.

Table of Contents

It is true! South America has it all; old towns, ancient ruins, incredible beaches, lush forests, breathtaking mountains, and more.

Not to mention good food, friendly people, and so many opportunities for adventure and to get off the beaten track!

Is South America Safe?

Though some parts of South America are more dangerous than others, it’s safe to visit the continent and travel around.

Of course, there are certain risks you can’t ignore, such as petty crime, but as long as you take precautions and keep away from dangerous cities and areas, you will be fine.

The safest places in South America seem to be Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay, but you must practice basic travel safety tips to keep yourself away from danger and have peace of mind during your trip.

Read below and we’ll provide you with helpful tips on safety later on!

Planning a trip to South America

There are many considerations you need to work through before jumping on a plane to South America.

Firstly, you need to make sure you have all of your jabs and travel insurance sorted out.

South America is still pretty poor in parts, and diseases such as Yellow Fever and Hepatitis A can be big risks when out there.

Another key consideration is entry requirements.

Be sure to check the countries you want to visit before booking.

COVID is starting to relax now so there are usually not too many hurdles to get into countries (proof of two vaccine doses is usually enough), however, some do need Visas depending on which country you are from.

It’s also important to check the weather for where you’ll be going and to pack appropriately. It gets icy cold in certain parts of the Southern Cone.

Distances are huge, and some destinations can be searing hot whilst others require extra layers where snow and torrid winds are common.

Even then, in some countries like Peru, you can experience vastly different climates at the same time, within the same country!

How long do you need in South America?

This is such a common, yet difficult question to answer as we all have different preferences.

With South America being such a large continent, distances can be pretty huge, and there are also tonnes to see from Cartagena in the north to Ushuaia in the south.

If you’re planning on completing the classic gringo trail (Colombia through the Andes, and then up to Brazil – or vice versa) then you’ll need a minimum of 6 months.

For those with a little more time on their hands, 9 months is better which will allow around a week in all of the major destinations along the way.

If also heading to the more unknown destinations such as Paraguay, Venezuela and the Guyana’s, then you’ll need around a year.

So while planning a trip to South America be sure to check out some of the destinations below and choose the order in which you’ll visit them:

Start your South America travel itinerary in Colombia. Bogotá is a great place to arrive because it’s a dynamic, vibrant city with a lot to offer.

There are many great landmarks and attractions to visit here, such as the Museo del Oro, Villa de Leyva, the Salt Cathedral, and much more.

You can also visit places such as Pereira, Almeria, Salento, and other wonderful towns, visit a coffee plantation and have countless outdoor adventures in places like the Tatacoa desert near Huila.

Ecuador is known for many different things, particularly the Galapagos Islands, which you must visit because there’s no other place like it.

To continue with your South America backpacking itinerary, you can explore Ecuador and everything it has to offer.

Including volcanoes you can climb, such as Chimborazo or Sierra Negra, explore Quito and Cuenca, take a rail journey through the Andes, visit amazing waterfalls, and more.

Peru is an intriguing country, so it can’t be missing from your South America travel itinerary.

There are so many beautiful cities to explore, Inca ruins, delicious food, and rich indigenous culture you’ll have fun learning about.

It’s an amazing destination that suits all kinds of travelers. You can visit Lima, the capital, and explore the center, try the most delicious ceviche, visit Cusco, Machu Pichu, tour the Sacred Valley, and much more.

These salt flats attract tourists from all over the world not only because it’s breathtaking, but also because it provides the perfect opportunity for stargazing and you can see the Milky Way at night.

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, biking down Death Road should be on your list. You can also explore the Amazon Basin, visit Potosi, the highest city and the country, and much more.

You can visit places like Buenos Aires, the capital city, and explore colorful neighborhoods such as La Boca and San Telmo which has tons to offer. Recoleta, Belgrano, and Palermo are fun too.

For a real adventure, you can go to the Iguazú Falls, visit the Perito Moreno Glacier (which is just stunning), go to Patagonia or have endless adventures in Northern Argentina!

Chile is a wonderful place and it’s perfect for your South America backpacking itinerary.

It’s an expensive destination, but it offers a great diversity of landscapes and there’s so much to discover. You can start your visit in Santiago, the capital city, visit museums, landmarks, and enjoy delicious wine and food.

You can also go to Valparaíso, visit Easter Island and connect with Rapanui culture, explore Pucón, which is the capital of adventure, and so much more.

You can start in Rio de Janeiro, where there’s so much to do, go to wonderful beaches such as Copacabana, Leblon, and Ipanema.

What about a hike to the Christ the Redeemer statue, which is iconic, and more. You can also visit Paraty, Florianopolis, and other incredible places.

South America Travel + Safety Tips

As mentioned earlier, South America is safe to travel and if you keep these safety tips in mind, you won’t have any issues!

• Pickpocketers, bag snatchers, and muggers are common, so stay vigilant, especially in public transport.
• Always use company taxis.
• Don’t visit dangerous neighborhoods.
• Don’t walk alone at night, take a taxi instead.
• Remember to get your FREE travel insurance quote before you travel for peace of mind while on the road.
• Dress to blend in, leave designer clothes and jewelry at home.
• Don’t flaunt your valuables while in public.
• Never leave your things unattended.
• Be fully aware of the most dangerous cities in South America so you know how to approach each and every new place that you visit.
• Always use indoor ATMs, especially if you need to withdraw at night.
• Only carry the cash you’ll need.
• Purchase travel insurance, it will make you feel safer.

Practicing these tips and being alert and aware of your surroundings at all times will help keep you safe.

Also, do your own research for each specific place you visit so you always know where to go and feel more confident after doing your homework.

Is South America cheap?

This is hard to answer since we’re all different and have different comforts and so on.

In the cheaper countries (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Paraguay) an average budget will be between $25-30 a day.

In the more expensive countries (Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil) you can expect between $30-40 a day. This budget takes into account a dorm bed, food, local buses and some extras.

It does not include flights, travel insurance or bus rides between destinations.

Daily budgets will vary depending on if you travel in high or low season, or during a festival (watch out for hiked-up prices during Carnival!).

Getting Around South America

Getting around South America by bus is a great idea because most cities and towns have a central terminal and traveling by bus is usually inexpensive, though prices will vary from country to country, city to city.

Book your ticket in advance whenever possible, and research the terminals so you know what bus you need to get based on your destination.

Remember to always keep an eye on your belongings, and dress for the weather so you’re not uncomfortable during the rides.

Buses in South America

Buses are king when it comes to traveling around South America.

They are much cheaper than flights, and usually serve most of the major routes pretty well and reliably.

However, due to long distances, you’ll need to prepare yourself for some long trips – sometimes up to 26 hours if going all-in hardcore.

Whilst most buses are in good condition and have comfortable seats and surfaces, unfortunately, they can get very cold as they always seem to leave the air-conditioning.

Always bring a few extra layers or a blanket and you’ll be fine for the ride.

Best time to visit South America

This is one of the most frequently asked questions for those wanting to explore South America. It’s also very hard to answer, given the mammoth size of the continent.

For example in July, areas of Brazil and Colombia will be as hot as a furnace whilst Patagonia will be well below freezing (remember half the continent sits in the Southern Hemisphere so the seasons are reversed).

As well as this, there are even micro-climates within the same country, such as Peru with its mountainous towns differing vastly from the desert and then also the beaches in the north.

Despite this somewhat head-ache, the truth is you don’t need to get it perfect. If you’re going to travel the whole continent then simply pack for all seasons or just buy whatever you need when you get there.

It’s commonly agreed that the best overall time to visit would be between September until November.

In the north, this would be the spring, whilst in the south the autumn, meaning there’s not as much extreme variations in weather compared to the summer and winter seasons.

Specifically, this is the best time to spot wildlife in the Amazon and Pantanal, to hike in Patagonia, as well as for going off-road in Bolivia and Peru. Which are some of the most popular things to do on this continent.

South America Itinerary: Final Words

There you have it! An itinerary you can adjust so you can spend 1 week in South America, 2 weeks in South America, or as long as you want to.

What we mentioned here today is only the tip of the iceberg, but we wanted to narrow down the options so you can have a nice South America backpacking trip. You can always go back for more!

If you want to see more latin countries in less time, why not read our Central America itinerary for the perfect introduction to Latin America?

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South America trip planner: 8 incredible routes

Whether you want to hike the Andes, self-drive Brazil, delve into the Guianas or take the train to Machu Picchu, these eight journeys will inspire a Latin adventure…

1. Southern Patagonian Andes: Argentina & Chile

Duration: 10 days Best for: Hiking, biking, glaciers and off-road adventure Route: El Chaltén > Lago Argentino > Puerto Natales > Torres del Paine

2. Inca heartland: Bolivia and Peru

3. Under the volcanoes: Ecuador & the Galápagos

4. Costa Verde: Southern Brazil

5. Birdlife on the wild side: Colombia

6. Overland adventure: Venezuela & the Guianas

The coast road leads across lots of rivers all the way to Suriname , the former Dutch colony. Paramaribo, the capital, is approached by roads lined with churches raised on stilts to prevent any flood damage, modern factories and Chinese supermarkets, swastika-bearing Hindu temples and mosques topped by crescent moons. There’s a real cosmopolitan flavour here, and the capital has some of the best-preserved colonial buildings in all South America. The final leg of the trip – now in EU territory – passes via the atmospheric ruined penitentiary Devil’s Island and the Guiana Space Centre before arriving in Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana; a fascinating museum, excellent French-influenced cuisine and a handful of historic sites make this a curious, but comfortable conclusion to a memorable road trip.

7. Beaches and beyond: Uruguay

8. Gran Chaco & the ‘other’ Pantanal: Paraguay

Read more on South America:

The best rail journeys in south america, amazing south american walks (that aren’t the inca trail), 9 highlights of cycling around south america.

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3 Week South America Tours & Trips

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What people love about 3 Week South America Tours

Fantastic tour! Perfect mix of activities and down time. All must do’s included with great optionales. Very well organised by G Adventures with the best tour guide! Absolutely recommend.

If there were more stars to give, we would give them. My wife and I were on the 30 day Absolute Peru tour and had a fantastic time. The group were great and the guides fantastic. We were lucky enough to have Elmer as the main guide, but in training were Edward and Joseph, who later went on the look after their own group, who would have been lucky to have them. The tour was very well organised and Elmer made sure we knew exactly where to be and when, what to wear, what to bring and what to expect. He also catered to some strange requests with efficiency and diligence, which was greatly appreciated. Thank you to Elmer, Edward, Joseph and everyone behind the scenes at Tourradar for a wonderful experience we will remember for the rest of our lives.

Female traveling alone from Salta>Ushuaia. All but 2 hostels (Ushuaia, Mendoza) were excellent, all the buses were incredibly comfortable (considering all night and long), and all the day tours were wonderful. I utterly enjoyed the trip. The help that I received from the tour company was great and they were very accommodating. I can only recommend this tour.

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South America 3-Weeks Tours and Itineraries

Satisfy your wanderlust with one of our three-week tours in South America. Go on a memorable cycling trip through the picturesque villages of Peru , meeting locals and swapping stories with them along the way. Enjoy thrilling aerial adventures in the Andes in Argentina and get a bird’s eye view of  Patagonia .  Trek the evergreen Inca trail , gaze at the magnificence of Mount Fitz Roy and Mount Torre. Boat your way to the heart of the Amazon, where you will wake up to the sound of birdsongs in the morning. Have a gravity-defying moment while paragliding in La Paz before going on a cultural pilgrimage through the continent. Make sure that you tick Machu Picchu , Teatro Amazonas, Bahai Temple, and the towering monument dedicated to Christ the Redeemer off your bucket list.

Check all the boxes with a three-week South America itinerary. 

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Shackleton's Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica Expedition (Ocean Endeavour)

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South America 3 weeks Tour Reviews

• stuart during

Destinations

South America Travel Itinerary: A Comprehensive Guide for 1-3 Months

• Date: December 20, 2023

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South America has so much to offer, and even with this South America travel itinerary covering one to three months, you will still only be scratching the surface.

South America is a captivating continent with diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking natural wonders. From the majestic Andes Mountains to the lush Amazon rainforest, there is no shortage of awe-inspiring destinations to explore. In this travel itinerary, we will guide you through the best places to visit during your one to three-month journey.

We spent nearly six months exploring South America and found more than one new favorite place. We are already planning a trip back to this incredible continent and hope these itineraries will help you plan your next trip, too!

We’ll cover the best South America travel itinerary for one to three months, tips for traveling South America as a couple, transportation in South America, cost of travel in South America, and more!

This post is all about the ideal South America travel itinerary for one, two, or three months of travel.

Planning Your Trip

Before embarking on your South American adventure, it’s essential to do some research and plan accordingly. Consider the best time to visit each country, as weather conditions can vary significantly across the continent. Remember, South America is in the southern hemisphere which means winter falls from June – September, and summer is from December – March, the opposite of the northern hemisphere. We would recommend the spring or fall seasons to avoid crowds and have the best opportunity for mild weather. 

Don’t forget to check major holidays that may impact your travel. The majority of South America is Catholic, so the largest celebrations of the year revolve around Carnival and Easter. Travel is often more expensive during these holidays and sells out far in advance. 

• Learn more about planning the perfect itinerary for any destination!

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South America Packing List

With an itinerary of one to three months, you’ll need to plan for various weather throughout your trip. You never know when a cold front or a massive rainstorm is going to blow through. Be sure to prepare the appropriate attire for each destination, from cities to deserts to beach towns and the jungle. 

If you are planning on spending one to three months in South America, check out our complete South America packing list to ensure you don’t forget a thing! 

• Shop our full South America Packing List!

South america transportation

When planning a one to three-month trip to South America, you’ll likely be traveling to more than just one destination. 

Flights are a convenient way to cover long distances between countries or major cities, allowing you to save time and reach your destinations quickly. Domestic flights within South American countries are often affordable, helping you hop between different regions efficiently. 

Although not as extensive as in other continents, trains can offer scenic journeys in certain countries like Peru and Ecuador. Buses are a popular choice for budget travelers (especially in Ecuador and Peru), offering an extensive network that connects cities and towns and is surprisingly comfortable. They are an excellent option for shorter distances, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the landscapes along the way. 

Additionally, boat trips and cruises can provide unique experiences, especially in the Amazon River or the Galapagos Islands. 

South America Trip Cost

Luckily, South America has a wide range of travel options from budget-conscious to mid-range (us!) to the ultimate luxury. Hostels are popular in South America and are a great option for budget travelers. They usually have private rooms (with private bathrooms) for a lower rate than some hotels – a good option for couples! And please, eat the street food! It’s amazingly good and cheap. 

Since we traveled to South America for nearly six months, we took the average of one month and broke it down for you below. We spent XX per month for two people, changing cities every 3-7 days. That averages XX per day or XX per day per person. South America is far more affordable than European travel, even during peak season, and more expensive than a similar trip to Southeast Asia. 

💰 Average cost per month in South America:

Avg per month:.

$XX for 2 people

Avg per day:

$XX per day for 2 people

Europe > South America > Southeast Asia

South America Travel Itinerary:

Now, let’s delve into the exciting part – the itineraries! We have prepared sample itineraries for different trip durations: one month, two months, and three months. These itineraries include a mix of popular tourist destinations and off-the-beaten-path gems, ensuring a well-rounded and unforgettable experience in South America.

1 Month Itinerary in South America

If you have one month to explore South America, here’s a suggested itinerary that will allow you to experience the highlights of Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia.  This one-month itinerary will give you a taste of the diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultures that South America has to offer.

• Peru – 2 weeks 
• Ecuador – 1 week
• Colombia – 1 week

Peru (2 weeks)

Start your journey in Peru, a country known for its rich history and breathtaking landscapes. There are often great deals for flights from the US to Lima . Check out Faredrop to find the best deals without all the work. 

Spend your first few days in Lima, the capital city, exploring its vibrant neighborhoods and sampling delicious Peruvian cuisine . From Lima, head south to Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Immerse yourself in the ancient Incan culture as you visit the Sacred Valley and hike the famous Inca Trail , or enjoy the scenic train ride to reach the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu . Be sure to spend some time acclimating to the altitude in Cusco before visiting Machu Picchu. 

After exploring Cusco and Machu Picchu, venture into the Amazon rainforest for a unique wildlife experience through the town of Iquitos. Take a boat ride along the Amazon River, hike through the dense jungle, and spot exotic wildlife such as monkeys, colorful birds, and elusive jaguars.

• Lima – 4 nights 
• Cusco – 5 nights 
• Machu Picchu – 2 nights 
• Iquitos – 3 nights 

Top Activities in Peru

Ecuador (1 week).

Next, fly to Ecuador, a country known for its incredible biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Start your Ecuadorian adventure in Quito , the capital city nestled high in the Andes Mountains. Explore the historic center a UNESCO World Heritage site, and take in panoramic views of the city from the TelefériQo cable car. Don’t forget to check off “straddle the equator” from your bucket list! 

From Quito, head to the iconic Galapagos Islands , where you can snorkel with sea turtles, spot unique wildlife like marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies and witness the ongoing process of evolution in action. 

• Quito – 2 nights
• Galapagos Islands – 5 nights

Top Activities in Ecuador

Colombia (1 week).

Finish your South American adventure in Colombia , a country known for its vibrant culture, stunning Caribbean beaches, and colorful cities. Start in Medellín and explore this town, once fraught with violence, now transformed into a vibrant, colorful neighborhood . 

End your journey in Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the Americas. Explore its charming streets, visit the imposing Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, and relax on the white sandy beaches of the nearby Rosario Islands .

• Medellín – 3 nights 
• Cartagena – 4 nights 
• Dive into our full Colombia itinerary!

Top Activities in Colombia

2 month itinerary in south america.

If you have two months to explore South America , you can embark on an incredible journey through diverse and captivating destinations. We’ll be building off our first itinerary for one month in South America by adding a week to Colombia so you can dive even deeper into the local culture and we’ll add two weeks in a new country, Brazil! 

This two-month itinerary will allow you to experience the highlights of Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Brazil, offering a diverse range of landscapes, cultures, and experiences. 

• Colombia – 2 weeks
• Brazil – 2 weeks 

Colombia (1 more week - 2 weeks)

Since you’ll be traveling longer, I recommend slowing down your travel and adding a few more off-the-beaten-path stops to Colombia. From Medellín, you can rent a car (be sure to get an automatic, the hills are crazy!), and drive to both Guatapé and Jardín. In Guatapé, you can try street empanadas , see the most colorful homes, and climb an enormous rock . One of our favorite towns ever is Jardín. You can walk the whole town, enjoy the lively evening atmosphere in the square, and prop up your chair to sip on Colombian coffee or some magical chai tea. 

• Bogotá – 3 nights 
• Guatapé – 2 nights 
• Jardín – 2 nights 
• Cartagena – 5 nights 

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+ Brazil (2 weeks)

Wrap up your two-month adventure in Brazil, a country of immense natural beauty and vibrant energy. Spend two weeks exploring the iconic city of Rio de Janeiro, relaxing on the stunning beaches of Florianópolis, and experiencing the power of Iguazu Falls. Rio is spectacular; be sure to enjoy the beach at Copacabana, see another World Wonder – Christ the Redeemer , and take the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain . 

• Rio de Janeiro – 5 nights 
• Florianópolis – 6 nights 
• Iguazu Falls – 3 nights 

Top Activities in Brazil

3 month itinerary in south america.

If you have three months to explore South America, there is a ton you can see. You’ll want to add a few weeks to countries you are already visiting on your one or two-month itineraries to dive into the culture. And we’ll add a few more countries with even more diverse foods, sights, and people. 

This three-month itinerary will allow you to experience the highlights of Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, offering a diverse range of landscapes, cultures, and experiences. 

• Peru – 3 weeks 
• Argentina – 3 weeks 
• Chile – 1 week 

Peru (1 more week - 3 weeks)

Start your adventure in Peru, but this time we’ll add another week so you have time to explore Huacachina and Arequipa. Peru is such a diverse country and with this three-week itinerary, you’ll get the big city of Lima, the mountains in Cusco, the unforgettable Machu Picchu , a desert oasis in Huacachina , the colonial town of Arequipa, and the Amazon jungle from Iquitos. 

• Lima – 5 nights 
• Huacachina – 2 nights 
• Arequipa – 4 nights 

+ Argentina (3 weeks)

In Argentina, spend a week exploring the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, known for its tango culture and historic architecture. You’ll also get to head out to the grasslands and enjoy a wellness retreat in cowboy country in San Antonio de Areco , just outside of Buenos Aires. Enjoy some southern hemisphere beach time in Cariló and then take a week to explore the magic of Patagonia . 

• Buenos Aires – 7 nights 
• San Antonio de Areco – 3 nights 
• Cariló – 4 nights
• Patagonia – 7 nights 

Top Activities in Argentina

+ chile (1 week).

Somehow, your three months in South America are almost up and last up we have one last country, Chile. This country has so much to offer but after three months of traveling around the continent, we recommend taking your last week to soak up all the magic of the vibrant city of Santiago .

• Santiago – 7 nights 

Top Activities in Chile

This post was all about our recommended itineraries for one to three months on a south america travel itinerary. remember, this is just an outline to give you a general structure for the blog post. feel free to add or modify sections as needed to create a comprehensive travel itinerary for south america..

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2 Weeks In South America: 3 Itineraries

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South America is a must-visit because of its jungles, mountainscapes, beaches, history, food, and activities, among other things. It is a massive continent with many sights and things to discover. That’s why I narrowed the itineraries to one to two countries each so you could maximise your stay here.

There are 12 countries that makeup South America. This includes Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guayana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela, and a French colony of French Guiana.

On my first trip to South America, I only managed to see Brazil, Colombia , and Peru. So, in my second 2 weeks in South America trip, I visited new places such as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile. It was tight, but it was possible. I have more places to see in this region in the future.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING SOUTH AMERICA

Before booking or finalising your travel arrangements, the information below will help you visualise the trip’s look. You can decide when is the most suitable time for you to go, which countries to combine, and cost of a 14-day trip in South America.

You should also check out our packing list for a 2-week trip .

When is the best time to travel to South America

It’s hard to tell the specific perfect time since South America is such a massive region, and many countries sit on the Andes mountain range. But to give you an idea, here are some information:

• Andean Countries (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia) : May to September offers clear skies and milder temperatures, ideal for trekking and exploring the Andes.
• Brazil and the Amazon : June to October is the dry season, providing excellent wildlife spotting opportunities and less humidity.
• Southern Cone (Argentina, Chile, Uruguay) : December to March is summer in the Southern Hemisphere, making it ideal for Patagonia and other southern destinations.
• Beach Destinations : December to February is the peak season for beaches across the continent.

Are 2 weeks enough for South America

Not really, because this continent is really big and many countries sit on top or hillside of the Andes Mountain. This means that land travel takes a long time.

However, if you plan well and choose to correct countries to combine (if you want to see more than one country), you can make enjoyable travel itinerary and make the most out of your time there.

For example, I once spent two weeks in South America and visited northern Brazil and Colombia. It was ideal because the flight between the cities I chose are around 6 hours.

How to get around

Buses are the most affordable way to get around South Africa, but they could also be the slowest since many roads go through the mountainside. The flights are pretty affordable, and many airports in major cities or popular destinations exist. This is an excellent choice for speed and comfort.

Uber is a popular ride-hailing app throughout South America, but in some parts, such as Colombia, it can be sketchy. Other apps include inDriver, Cabify, and Beat.

Language and currency

There are various currencies throughout South America; most countries have their own local currency. But you should be able to exchange or even pay with major currencies such as USD, Euro, and GBP in tourist services such as hotel and tour agencies.

You must carry cash at all times. ATMs are available almost anywhere, but paying at a restaurant or store, usually in cash, is preferred.

When it comes to language, Spanish is the main language, except in Brazil, where Portuguese is the primary language. Communicating in English can be a hit-and-miss. In countries such as Peru and Chile, but in Colombia, Spanish is quite handy.

Visa and Yellow Fever/COVID-19Card

Each country has different visa policies. However, if your passport is from first-world countries such as US, Canada, EU, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, you can receive a visa for free in South America or apply for an evisa or visa on arrival.

The duration also varies between 30 days to 180 days. Please do your research about visas for each country that you’re visiting to make sure you can enter and travel in those places with no hassle.

Many countries in Latin America will lask for a yellow fever card. Make sure you have been vaccinated at least 10 days before you arrive and get your vaccination card. The same applies to the COVID-19 vaccination card. Some countries will ask for it, others won’t – best to have it ready.

What is the average cost for 2 weeks in South America

This can vary a lot, especially if you plan to travel by air from one country to another. Domestic flights cost in South America are pretty decent. But once you fly internationally, the ticket price can spike up.

Plus, each country has massive differences when it comes to cost. For example, Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil are pretty affordable. But then Chile and Argentina are on the pricey side.

On average, though, 2 weeks in South America should cost you around $1,400 . You can make it a bit more affordable if you’re a backpacker and plan to sleep in the dorm rooms. For that shoestring budget, you can bring it down to $900 .

For luxury trip in this region, it’s best to plan to spend $2,500 and up to $4,000 where you can stay in luxury hotels and dine at premium restaurants. These budgets are for a single person. You can save a bit in accommodation if you share it with a travel partner.

Other basic travel tips

When you’re sure of the dates and destinations, book your hotel in advance to enjoy plenty of options and grab the best deals. Domestic flights and buses can be book last minute, unless you’re visiting during peak season which is between November to February, secure your tickets in advance.

PINNED MAP OF TOP THINGS TO SEE IN SOUTH AMERICA

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

2 WEEKS IN SOUTH AMERICA ITINERARY

I created three itineraries for 2 weeks in South America. There are travel plans for first-time visitors to South America, a country full of adventures, and an itinerary for those who want to travel slower. You can also mix and match these countries depending on your trip preference.

The activities each country offers and the best sights to see are mentioned here to decide which ones you want to go to. You can definitely create your own travel itinerary once you have some ideas about which places are near one another and the type of activities you want to d.o

Gringo Trail

The Gringo Trail is a popular travel route in South America frequented by backpackers and tourists, primarily from Western countries. It generally includes must-see destinations such as Cusco and Machu Picchu in Peru, La Paz in Bolivia, and Quito in Ecuador, often extending to Colombia, Chile, and Argentina, encompassing attractions like the Amazon Rainforest, the Salt Flats, and historical Inca sites.

Covering the entirety of the Gringo Trail in two weeks is unrealistic due to its vastness and rich experiences. However, you can choose a section of the trail to explore more thoroughly within this timeframe. For example, focusing on Peru and Bolivia would allow you to experience the Andes, Machu Picchu, and the Salt Flats without being too rushed.

Itinerary #1: First-time (Peru and Brazil)

The first itinerary for your 2 weeks in South America consists of the countries with the most popular tourist attractions in this region; Peru and Brazil.

Peru is a megadiverse country with various habitats, including arid plains, mountain peaks, and rainforests. Because of its rich biodiversity, Peru has many amazing animal species, such as alpacas and llamas.

Conversely, Brazil is the largest country in South America and Latin America and the seventh most populous globally. There are many world-famous landmarks in Brazil, including Christ the Redeemer, located among the most popular destinations in South America, Rio de Janeiro. Aside from that, Brazil is also well-known for its diverse cities, beaches, rainforests, and of course, football, with both Pele and Neymar being born there.

Both of these countries are perfect for people who love nature and history as both of these countries are filled with well-preserved historical structures. They also have tons of activities for adrenaline junkies, which will be tackled in later paragraphs.

If you want to spend time only in Peru or only in Brazil, you can do that too. We have 2 weeks in Peru and 2 weeks in Brazil itineraries.

Lima and Huaraz for 3 days

Lima is the capital and the largest city in Peru. Lima has tons of museums, galleries, and buzzing nightlife. It also has an extensive gastronomy, so there will be something to eat for everyone.

Huaraz is the capital of Peru’s Ancash region and is monikered as the “Switzerland of the South”. Due to the visible mountain peaks, even from the city’s centre. The distance between Lima and Huaraz is 251 miles and must be travelled by land. The most common transportation modes to Huaraz are by bus or driving.

Cusco and Machu Picchu for 4 days

Cusco is a city in Southeastern Peru near the Andes Mountains range. It is the capital of the Inca Empire and is declared a UNESCO world heritage site. It is a must to stay at Cusco first, as there are so many sights to see, and you must acclimate.

Depending on your time, you can either do the Inca Trail hike, which takes 2-4 days, or a day trip to Machu Picchu by train.

Machu Pichu is an Inca citadel in Southern Peru and is often called the Lost City of Incas. It was voted one of the World’s New Seven Wonders in 2007. Unfortunately, there is no direct route from Lima to Machu Pichu. You need to go to Cusco first; you can have multiple options.

From Lima, you can either take a bus to Cusco or board a flight. The bus will take nearly 30 hours, so it’s best to fly. There are non-stop flights between these two cities. It will take 1 hr and 30 minutes, and there are nearly 20 flights a day.

Rio de Janeiro for 4 days

Rio de Janeiro is among the most visited cities in the Southern Hemisphere. Part of the city was also declared a world heritage site. It is well-known for its natural scenic views, biodiversity, samba, bossa nova, beaches, and carnival, perfect for those fond of music, dancing, and festivals.

There are tons of other world-famous tourist spots here aside from Christ the Redeemer, including Sugarloaf, Tijuca National Park, and Jardim Botanico. You’ll find Copacabana, Ipanema, and Prainha Beach for those fond of the beach.

You must fly from Cusco to Rio de Janeiro. The travel time is around 12 hours and usually has two stops.

Sao Paulo for 2 days

Another famous city and the most populous in Brazil is Sao Paolo. It is renowned for its gastronomy, architecture, parks, museums, and skyscrapers. If you stay for two weeks in South America, it would be advisable to stay in Sao Paolo for at least 2 days.

Some tourist attractions here are Museu de Arte, Football Museum, Ibirapuera Park, Avenida Paulista, Teatro Municipal, Museo de Arte Contemporanea, and more.

You can fly between Rio de Janeiro, which will take 1 hr and 15 mins. Flights leave at least 15 times a day between these two cities. You can save some money by taking a 6-hour bus ride.

You can take a flight home or to your net destination from here since Sao Paulo has an international airport.

Itinerary #2: Patagonia Adventure (Argentina)

I first learned about Patagonia when I watched a Korean travel show entitled Traveler, and I was very much elated by what I saw. Picturesque fields and mountains capped with snow that very much look like they are shot straight out of a movie. That’s what interested me in including this place on my bucket list, and you should too when spending 2 weeks in South America.

Patagonia is a geographical region located at the southern end of South America, governed by Chile and Argentina.

Now, we’re going to focus on the part that is located in Argentina. Patagonia is an escape from modern society, perfect for nature lovers, photographers, adventure seekers, and way finders alike.

The cities listed below are the most famous ones, as they have abundant wildlife and numerous hiking trails that vary in difficulty level. You can also camp here and watch the night sky full of stars with your family, friends, or loved ones.

Buenos Aires for 2 days

Buenos Aires is well-known for its rich cultural life and eclectic architecture. Your stay here could be used in preparation for your trip, but there are still a couple of sights to see here, so we’ll never stray far for you to have your needed rest before the challenging hikes.

Some of the city’s tourist attractions include Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, Caminito Street Museum, Recoleta Cemetery and Museums, The Colon Theater, and more.

El Chaltén for 4 days

To start off your adventurous journey during your 2 weeks in South America, you can head straight to the quaint backpacking town of El Chalten. It is actually the trekking capital of Argentina, meaning multiple hikes can be done here in various durations.

One of the most famous hiking trails can be found at Cerro Fitz Roy and Laguna dos Tres. Believe it or not, you can also hike to glaciers here, one of which is Glacier Huemul. Those not fond of trekking also offer river rafting, boat trips, and horseback riding, among others.

Perito Moreno Glacier for 4 days

One of the most famous glaciers here is the Perito Moreno Glacier. I still remember on the show that I watched that there are times when some parts of the glacier fall off, and it’s one of the natural events that the tourists wait for. Aside from that, there are also multiple trails here, and they offer mini trekking sessions that require advanced reservations.

A bus ride to reach Perito Moreno from El Chalten is the most recommended option. The travel duration is more than five hours. You can also drive or ride a taxi.

Itinerary #3: Peru and Bolivia

Peru is home to several cultures from medieval and ancient periods. It has one of the longest histories of civilisation in any country, so it is filled to the brim with historical artefacts and establishments. Aside from that, it is also famous for dune hiking, the Rainbow Mountains, Nazca Lines, and Amazon Jungle.

On the other hand, Bolivia is well-known for its many mountains, alpacas, salt flats, frilly dresses, and bowler hats. These countries are perfect for explorers with an appetite for the historical journey, nature, and adventure.

Check our 2 weeks in Bolivia itinerary if you prefer to only explore that area.

If you stay for 14 days in South America, planning to spend at least three days in Lima and Huaraz is advisable. Aside from the Nazca lines, some of the most exciting things to do in Lima include visiting its historical centre, the Peruvian Catacombs, Huaca Pucllana, and Parque del Amor. They also have tons of surfing spots and offer Mirabus tours.l

A couple of must-visit locations in Huaraz are Laguna 69, Pastouri Glacier, and Nevado Mateo Summit. You can also hike the Santa Cruz trail, but it takes 4 days to do so, and the Huayhuash trail takes 10 days to do so.

Cusco is the oldest consistently inhabited city in the Americas, and the old Inca City’s ruins became the foundation of Spanish architecture. Some must-see places include Sacsayhuaman, Plaza de Amras, and Museo Inca.

Machu Picchu, also known as the sacred valley, is well-known for the House of the High Priest, the Central Gate, Intihuatana, the Inca Drawbridge, Principal Temple, and the Royal Tomb, among others. There are a couple of ways to get to Machu Picchu from Lima, including by plane, by Peru hop bus, or trekking via Ollantaytambo.

Arequipa 2 days

Arequipa has one of the world’s deepest canyons and is dominated by volcanoes. That’s why there are numerous thermal pools here. Aside from that, its cuisine and historical sights are something that you wouldn’t want to leave. Some tourist attractions here include Colca Canyon, Santa Catalina Convent, Arequipa Museums, and Historical Center. They also offer many activities, such as horseback riding, trekking, mountain biking, and walking tours.

Personally, I flew to reach Arequipa from Cusco as it is the fastest and only takes more than two hours. Other options include driving, riding the train and bus, which has a travel time of 10 hours and covers a distance of 501 km.

La Paz for 3 days

La Paz is Bolivia’s capital and the world’s highest capital city, as it sits in a valley in the Andes mountains. This place is filled with museums, churches, and artefacts from the pre-conquest era. Some places to visit here are Urban Rush Bolivia, Mi Teleferico, Valley of the Moon, WMDR Yungas Road, National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore, and more.

They also offer city walking tours, death road biking tours, food, wine, and beer tours. The most recommended option to reach La Paz from Arequipa is by bus, which takes 13 hours. Other options include driving and flying.

Uyuni for 2 days

Uyuni is a town in Southwest Bolivia well-known worldwide for its salt flats and the Incahuasi Island. On its salt flat alone, you could ride a bicycle, make barbecues, stargaze, or wait for the sunrise or sunset, which is a thing that I also always wanted to do. Aside from the activities on the salt flat, you could also climb the Tunupa Volcano.

The most recommended option to reach Uyuni from La Paz is flying, which takes almost three hours. Other options include driving or riding a bus which is the cheapest option and lasts for 9 hours. It covers a distance of 540 km.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

• Christ the Redeemer
• Sugarloaf Mountain
• Tijuca National Park
• Jardim Botanico

Sao Paulo, Brazil

• Museo de Arte
• Parque do Ibirapuera
• Museo de Futbol
• Avenida Paulista
• Beco do Batman
• Mosterio de Sao Bento

La Paz, Bolivia

Uyuni, bolivia, buenos aires, argentina, el chalten, argentina, perito moreno glacier, argentina, must-try south american dishes, drinks, and snacks.

Love to try out different cuisines? South America might share a few things, but when it comes to food, as you travel around you’ll see various versions of empanadas. Here’s a list to of dishes, desserts, and drinks to try while you are exploring South America for two weeks.

• Empanadas – pastry filled with meat, cheese, vegetables
• Humitas – traditional dish from the Andean region made with fresh corn dough
• Churrasco – grilled steak dish that is popular throughout South America
• Arepas – staple food in Colombia and Venezuela
• Lomo saltado – popular Peruvian dish made with stir-fried beef
• Feijoada – hearty stew from Brazil
• Asado – type of barbecue that is popular in Argentina and Uruguay
• Ceviche – popular seafood dish
• Brigadeiro – popular chocolate truffle dessert from Brazil
• Alfajores – traditional dessert from Argentina and Peru made with two shortbread
• Tres leches cake – sponge cake
• Churros – fried pastry dough
• Dulce de leche – caramel-like sauce
• Quesillo – creamy custard
• Cocadas – traditional coconut candy
• Mazamorra morada – sweet purple corn pudding
• Arroz con leche – sweet rice pudding
• Mate – traditional drink from Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay steeped from mate leaves
• Caipirinha – cocktail from Brazil
• Pisco sour – cocktail from Peru and Chile
• Chicha – fermented corn drink
• Horchata – sweet, milky drink made with ground nuts
• Canelazo – warm, spiced drink
• Açai juice – popular antioxidant-rich juice
• Guaraná – carbonated soft drink from Brazil
• Limonada de coco coconut water drink with lime from Colombia

Machu Picchu, Peru

• Affordable: Eco-Art Hostel or Hospedaje La Posada de Olger
• Mid-range: Jaya Suite or Andino Hotel
• Luxury: Tierra Viva or Inti Punku Hotel & Suites
• Affordable: La Posada Del Misti or Hostal Las Begonias
• Mid-range: Los Andes Bed & Breakfast or Ayenda Casa Consuelo
• Luxury: Palla Boutique Hotel or La Hosteria Boutique Hotel

SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN SOUTH AMERICA

14 days in South America isn’t exactly enough to explore everything that it has to offer. You can, however, see the best among the best in each country, and that’s why our itineraries are focused on two countries so that you’ll have a week to explore each country.

In these itineraries, you could explore Machu Picchu, some parts of Patagonia, the remnants of the Incan Empire, and the world-famous salt flats, and even have an Amazon adventure. Two weeks of going through these places will surely be an adventure of a lifetime.

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The genuine south america 3 weeks itinerary short.

• January 6, 2020
• Itinerary , Ressources & Tips , South America , Tips

Introduction: South America 3 weeks itinerary short

Hey Guys! There is a first time to everything. Therefor this post will be the itinerary we made and followed for our first trip in South America. It doesn’t cover the whole continent, but allowed us to visit and experience 3 countries (Peru, Bolivia, Chile) and gave us the will to go back to discover more those countries and the rest of the continent.

Mapping the Itinerary

All our posts on South America

An Amazing 3 Weeks Itinerary Chile

An Amazing 6 Weeks Itinerary in Argentina

AN Amazing 3 Weeks Itinerary in Argentina

An Amazing 2 Weeks Itinerary in Argentina

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An Amazing 2 Weeks Itinerary in Patagonia

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5 Best Places in Uruguay to Visit

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8 Proven Best Hikes in Argentina

The Genuine 5-day Torres del Paine hiking guide (TDP)

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The Authentic W-Trek Day 2 – Torres del Paine

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The Authentic W-Trek Day 1 – Torres del Paine

The Authentic Torres del Paine W-Trek Organisation (5-days) Guide

The Authentic W-Trek food guide – 5-day Torres del Paine

The Authentic Torres del Paine Introduction (5-11 days)

An Authentic 1 bus from El Calafate to Puerto Natales Story

The Amazing Perito Moreno Glacier from El Chalten 1 day Guide

A Easy Traveler’s Mini Guide of El Chalten (3 days)

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An Authentic Bariloche to El Chalten 5h15 Travel Story

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An Easy & Simple San Carlos de Bariloche Guide (5+ days)

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THE AUTHENTIC CURITIBA to Joinville BUS 1-DAY GUIDE

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The Genuine South America 3 weeks itinerary +

The Genuine 5 days Easter Island itinerary

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South America Itinerary For 3 Weeks Travel

I’m sharing how to put together an awesome three week itinerary for travelling around south america including machu picchu, the atacama desert and buenos aires.

My itinerary for three weeks travel in South America will hopefully give you lots of inspiration for your own trip to this awesome continent! But I definitely want to point out, as it was for our three weeks in Southeast Asia , this is definitely not enough time to explore the whole continent. That would be ridiculous! I definitely only touched the beautiful surface of this part of the world. But, if you’re looking for ideas on how to put together a holiday that hopefully you can squeeze into your annual holiday entitlement, there then you best read on!

There are many South America tour packages and even more backpacking South America tours, but they can be restrictive time-wise and honestly it’s not hard to put together a travel itinerary like mine, it just takes a little planning!

By leaving on a Friday and returning on the second May Bank Holiday, we managed to maximise our holiday days. We were actually away for 18 days, so just under 3 weeks but it only cost us 11 days holiday. Although we did make it to 19 days away due to the massive issues with British Airways and our flight being cancelled! Though that meant an extra day drinking Malbec in Buenos Aires, so not all bad I suppose.

The reason for our trip? To trek up to Machu Picchu!

After talking about Machu Picchu many times with some friends, and discussing how much we’d love to go we decided to just do it! We researched the best time to visit Machu Picchu (May is shoulder season which means good weather on the whole and also not full of families and tourists over the Summer months. September is also a great time to go.) and then looked at where else we’d like to travel to in South America.

Our South America itinerary was a mixture of ultimate adventure and city travel, out in the elements with some luxury thrown in. It was a pretty epic trip which I can’t wait to share!

South America Itinerary for 3 weeks travel

As I mentioned, Machu Picchu was the whole reason for our trip to South America and we knew it would be quite intense so we rightly put it at the beginning. British Airways fly direct to Lima from London and then it’s just a short flight to Cusco. Due to time restraints we decided have a 6 hour lay-over in Lima before continuing straight on.

It is highly advised to spend at least two days in Cusco to acclimatise to the altitude before starting your trek. And having experienced the shortness of breath literally as I stepped off the plane I totally agree with this! Also, Cusco is a beautiful city to explore so you definitely won’t get bored. This ancient city is full of beautiful architecture, history and some great places to eat and drink. I do advise not going too strong on the alcohol, though ay least one pisco sour is compulsory!

4 day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu

This was the biggie! Our whole itinerary for South America was centred around the Salkantay trek up to Machu Picchu.

Just wow. I can’t recommend this enough! You will feel on top of the world when you get to the final day after trekking over 70 km over the previous 3 days through sun, rain, wind and snow. Climbing the 1500 plus steps to the top of Machu Picchu, arriving just after sunrise, is truly magical.

There are so many different Machu Picchu tours and trekking companies, book the best you can afford. Things like food and sleeping conditions make a whole world of difference. I was nervous before we began as I don’t exercise regularly and therefore not that fit at all. Although it was definitely a real challenge for me, our guides stopped as much as we needed and it just made me feel the awesome kind of exhausted. The one where you can’t believe what you just achieved, but yes, I would like a shower and to sleep now.

Back to Cusco!

After 4 days of trekking to Machu Picchu and camping in the elements you need a day to rest before moving onto your next destination. It is still a holiday after all!

We decided to book a beautiful luxury boutique hotel in Cusco . I definitely recommend adding a little luxury at this point in your trip! I can still remember the massive cosy bed… it was a dream after camping! Much needed before we started the next leg of our trip.

Having planned our whole itinerary around when was best to go to Machu Picchu (being in the southern hemisphere that means May is going into their winter) we just had to go with the weather elsewhere. Let me tell you, Chile gets COLD. Like real freaking cold.

San Pedro de Atacama

We where here for the stunning Atacama Desert. We stayed for 4 nights so we could get three full days. Being the driest desert in the world we assumed although it may be cold it would still be warm in the day due to all the sunshine… Well, unfortunately we got one day of rain and snow! This is so rare, so it felt like a little bit of bad luck as some of our tours got cancelled. But we did get to see the out-of-this-world  Valle de la luna .

After nearly two weeks of intense travelling and lots of outdoor activities, we needed some comfort and good food! After many recommendations, Buenos Aires was added to our South American itinerary.

Buenos Aires

We stayed in a super cute little boutique hotel in the hipster neighbourhood of San Telmo. Stay here for a more authentic and local experience of Buenos Aires. I ate my body weight in steak and drank a fair few glasses of Malbec, we danced tango with locals and I ate choripan every single day. Man it was good.

Out of the whole of our South America itinerary I think my lowest point was the rainy/snowy day in Chile. It was so frustrating to be rained off our tours for that day. There was so much I wanted to see! Obviously issues with weather can happen at any time – it’s an extreme environment – but it still sucked, hard.

Surviving the 4 day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu! Not only are you presented with one of the wanders of the world, when you get to the top you have such a sense of achievement too. Especially for someone who is not confident with such endurance. As our guide told us, it’s all about your mental state. Mind over matter people, and god does it work.

That was our three week South America itinerary. Take me back! Are you planning a trip soon or do you already have a favourite place in South America?

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10 Comments

This is such a great itinerary, almost everything I want to see in South America! I genuinely think I’d have to go for 4 months to fit it in though ? Such a shame about the weather but hey maybe an excuse to go back and see more!

I think even 4 months would be a push, the stories we heard from travellers we met along the way made me realise how much tis continent has to offer! Where else is on your hit list for South America!?

This is JUST amazing Vicky!

It was such an incredible trip! Such an amazing continent!

It sounds incredible. I’d love to see Machu Picchu! And I know someone who has been travelling for a few months around South America and all of a sudden I have loads of additional places added to my bucket list…

Machu Picchu was amazing – feel very lucky to have been able to see it! Yes, there is just so much to see in South America. I hope to go back one day!

Oh my gosh what a dream itinerary!

It was such a brilliant trip! I hope I get to explore more of the continent one day soon!

What a dreamy trip! I’m getting so excited now!!

IT’s going to be amazing! Will fill you in on all things trek when I see you! x

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2 Weeks in Japan: The Ultimate Itinerary from Coast to Coast

Updated September 19, 2018

Choose your own adventure with 2 weeks of popular spots, day trips, and off-the-beaten-path excursions. Hit the highlights, dig deep into the culture, and put your own spin on the Japanese trip of a lifetime! Any questions? Just ask!

The Essential Destinations

Tokyo: 3 days in japan’s concrete jungle.

One does not simply visit Japan and not explore Tokyo. Made up of 23 wards, Tokyo offers a totally immersive Japanese experience for visitors looking to level up past typical tourists.

Let’s start with the essentials, shall we? Get your toes wet in the metaphorical Japanese water!

Tokyo Tower

• Arguably the most iconic spot in southern Tokyo, the 1,000-foot Tokyo Tower crowns the skyline, lighting up orange in the winter and cool blue in the summer.
• If you buy a Tokyo Tower day pass, you’re welcome to go to the top as many times as you’d like! Totally ideal for getting daytime and sunset views of Tokyo’s urban sprawl–the crowning part of your Tokyo itinerary.
• Pro tip: Send a postcard from the Tower’s Skydeck postbox, where you might meet the Tower’s two mascot brothers (which kind of like highlighters to us.)

Hibiya Park

• Nestled in a small business district, artfully-landscaped Hibiya Park reminds you that Tokyo isn’t all about concrete and billboards.
• Entrance to the park is totally free, so you can wander among flower gardens, lush forests, and elegant bridges to your heart’s content.
• Pro tip: We can help you about Hibiya’s special seasonal celebrations, like the stunning fall colors and Tokyo’s Oktoberfest , or the November flower displays and Christmas markets .

Imperial Palace

• Just a short walk from Tokyo Station and Hibiya Park, the Imperial Palace is fairly young in Japan time (a little over 100 years old) and houses the Imperial Family–Tokyo is Japan’s capital, after all!
• Visiting the Imperial Palace is like taking a time machine back to ancient Japan–the entire palace, complete with moats, bridges, and towers definitely look like lodging for royalty.
• Pro tip: Visitors can only enter the inner courtyards on December 23rd ( Emperor’s birthday ) and January 2nd ( Royal New Year’s greeting ).

Harajuku and Shinjuku

• Forget what you know about shopping–Tokyo’s Harajuku and Shinjuku districts are Japan’s must-see spots that take consumer culture and worldwide trends to a whole new level.
• Only a subway stop away from each other, these districts are packed with only the newest fads, all showcased on brilliant, stories-high billboards. Think Times Square on steroids.
• Pro tip: Very basically, Harajuku is about fashion; Shinjuku is about entertainment. Both have the cutest little cafes and the biggest nightclubs in Tokyo–which one will be your favorite?

Kyoto: 2 days in the world’s geisha capital

Although Kyoto is only about 3 hours southwest of Tokyo, Kyoto’s vibe is substantially more relaxed than Tokyo’s 24/7 hustle. With over 1,600 temples and gardens, Kyoto is the perfect city to see urban life right at home with nature. Here are the can’t-miss spots in Kyoto, Tokyo’s classy sister-city:

Gion district

• If you see nothing else in Kyoto (which would be crazy), the Gion district should be your priority #1. Overlooking the Kamo river, the district’s lantern-lit pathways and teahouses are Japan’s geisha capital .
• The Gion district is at its most stunning around sunset when geisha apprentices (maiko) dress in their full, intricate ensembles for their nightly rounds to local teahouses.
• Pro tip: Don’t be fooled by studio geisha , costumed women who stroll casually around Gion and stop for pictures. Actual geisha don’t stop for pictures–you can take pictures as they pass, but don’t stop them on their way to appointments.

Iwatayama Monkey Park

• One of Kyoto’s hidden gems, the Iwatayama Monkey Park is home to over 100 Japanese snow monkeys, including several fluffy little babies.
• The park sits atop a mountain–bring a water bottle and a handkerchief (actually very trendy in Japan ) because you’re gonna break a sweat here. The 30-minute, slightly intense hike is so worth it when you get to hand-feed monkeys.
• Pro tip: For the love of monkeys, don’t miss the feeding times–you’ll get to see the teeny tiny newborn monkeys up close! Prioritize Japan’s fluffy critters in your personalized itinerary.

Kinkaku-ji (“The Golden Pavilion”)

• A shoo-in for your Kyoto itinerary, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto’s (and Japan’s) most iconic spots.
• The Golden Pavilion overlooks a reflection pool, hemmed in by ancient pine trees and zen gardens. The entire top 2 floors are covered in–you guessed it–gold leaf.

Nishiki Market

• Nishiki Market is a six-block slice of culinary heaven–the perfect taste of Japanese culture, with food to get you out of your comfort zone. (Think crawly, wriggly, and scrumptious.)
• Each market stall offers totally fresh produce, meats, and seafood, most of which are locally produced. Sample your way through this ultimate farmer’s market.
• Pro tip: Spend some time getting to know Nishiki Market , buying food to cook at your hostel or grabbing some seafood ramen from a small market restaurant –the market isn’t fast food by any means.  

Osaka: 2 days in “Japan’s Kitchen”

Japan’s third largest city, glittering Osaka is where Michelin-starred restaurants stand next to family-owned food shacks and street vendors, each with their own twist on Osaka’s culinary creations. Osaka isn’t only about food–the city is also home to iconic sights that only increase your wanderlust. Here’s what you absolutely must do in Osaka:

The Dotonbori

• Bring on the romance (and good eats) as you take a boat ride through Osaka’s Dotonbori district , which glitters under massive billboards and giant (but fake) octopuses and crabs.
• The Dotonbori Canal is 200 years older than the USA, with restaurants that have been around since the canal opened in 1615. These family-owned food stalls have been setting Japan’s food trends before the Mayflower set sail.
• Pro tip: Venture around the Dotonbori in the nighttime, when chefs really rev up their deep fryers and true foodies come out to play.

• It’s hard to single out just one Osakan restaurant, but Ghar Curry is a can’t-miss stop in Osaka. Ghar Curry puts a spicy Japanese twist on this traditionally Indian cuisine. (Just thinking about it makes our own stomachs grumble.)
• Pro tip: As huge fans of traveling Japan on a budget, we’re also in love with Ghar Curry’s low prices. (Only around 800 yen, or $7 USD, per plate.)

Osaka Castle

• Decked out in gold leaf and white-green gables, the five-story splendor of Osaka Castle makes it a must-see on your Japanese itinerary.
• Visitors can opt for a guided tour inside the castle, but if it’s a sunny day, we highly recommend having a picnic on the castle grounds (especially since wandering the parks are totally free).
• Pro tip: For the most awesome off-the-beaten-path tour, take a boat tour around the castle moats–we love the traditional wasen boat style.

Cup Noodles Museum

• Japan is home to some off-the-wall creative museums, and the Cup Noodles Museum in Osaka is no exception! Essentially a shrine to instant ramen, the Cup Noodles Museum is perfect for a rainy day.
• Pro tip: Not only can you make your own Cup Noodles ramen pack, but you can also wander the Instant Noodles Tunnel and make chicken ramen by hand. What more could you wish for on your Japanese adventure?

Ideal day trips

One of the coolest parts about visiting Japan is the incredible public transport–especially the shinkansen (bullet train) that goes up to 200 mph. The shinkansen can get you pretty much anywhere in a reasonable amount of time, so Japan’s best adventures are at your fingertips!

By making Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka your home base, these are the day trips that will make your personalized trip truly unforgettable:

• Mount Osorezan’s “Mouth of Hell”
• Nara’s tame deer
• Iwayama’s underwater caves
• Toyama’s firefly squid

Off-the-beaten-path expeditions

A seaside city with unbeatable mountain views, kagoshima is perfectly situated right next to the nagisa lava trail and its active volcano sakurajima..

• Kagoshima is small and non-touristy–the ideal must-go in Japan for travelers looking to dive into authentic Japanese culture.
• A world-famous pilgrimage site, sacred Mount Koya is home to ancient temples deep in the ancient forest–perfect for an eerie overnight .
• Japan’s dramatic seasons give Mount Koya a brand-new look every few months, especially when the shrines are surrounded by lush summer greenery or coated in deep layers of snow.

Tashirojima / Cat Island

• On Tashirojima, Japan’s “Cat Island ,” nearly 100 cats roam free and are loved beyond belief by the local population–in fact, the cat population is equal to the human population, with an approximate 1:1 ratio!
• Cat Island is only one of the hundreds of places to see Japan’s cute, cuddly creatures–so many must-do Japanese adventures involve fluffy foxes, baby monkeys, and more!

• A favorite day trip for Tokyo locals, Hakone is packed with some of Japan’s must-see destinations, like the Hakone Ropeway ’s panoramic view of Mount Fuji and several active volcanoes.
• Don’t miss off-the-beaten-path spots like the Hakone Glass Museum , an absolutely breathtaking Venetian-style mansion entered via an arched glass bridge.

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Nearly 71 Million People Expected to Travel over July 4th Week

This year’s extended independence day forecast exceeds pre-pandemic numbers, sets new record.

WASHINGTON, DC (June 20, 2024) – AAA projects 70.9 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Independence Day holiday travel period*. For the first time, AAA looked at the entire July 4 th week, plus the Saturday before and the Sunday after the holiday. This year’s projected number of travelers for that time period is a 5% increase compared to 2023 and an 8% increase over 2019.

“With summer vacations in full swing and the flexibility of remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “We anticipate this July 4 th week will be the busiest ever with an additional 5.7 million people traveling compared to 2019.”   

AAA projects a record 60.6 million people will travel by car over Independence Day week – that’s an additional 2.8 million travelers compared to last year. This year’s number also surpasses 2019 when 55.3 million people traveled by car over July 4 th week. AAA car rental partner Hertz says Dallas, Denver, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are the cities displaying the highest rental demand during the holiday week. The busiest pick-up days are projected to be Friday, June 28, Saturday, June 29, and Wednesday, July 3.   

Gas prices are lower than last year when the national average was $3.53. Pump prices will likely continue going down leading up to Independence Day.  At that point, they will likely level off and remain relatively stable until after Labor Day, similar to last year.  An important caveat is hurricane season – underway now – which could affect gas prices should a storm negatively impact Gulf Coast oil production and refining centers.  

The number of air travelers is also expected to set a new record. AAA projects 5.74 million people will fly to their July 4 th destinations. That’s an increase of nearly 7% compared to last year and a 12% increase over 2019. AAA booking data shows domestic airfare is 2% cheaper this Independence Day week compared to last year, and the average price for a domestic roundtrip ticket is $800. Airports will be packed throughout the week. AAA recommends arriving 2 hours early, reserving parking ahead of time, and traveling with carry-on luggage versus checked bags to save time and money.   

More than 4.6 million people are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises, and trains. This category is seeing an increase of 9% compared to last year, but this year’s number is shy of 2019’s figure of 4.79 million. Cruising continues its remarkable post-pandemic comeback. This time of year, Alaska cruises are in high demand, making Seattle and Anchorage top domestic destinations. Cruise travelers are also finding deals this summer. With new ships coming onto the market – and going for a premium – some cruise lines have been offering targeted discounts to fill older inventory for remaining cabins.  

Best/Worst Times to Drive and Peak Congestion by Metro 

INRIX , a provider of transportation data and insights, says the worst times to travel by car before and on July 4 th are between 2pm and 7pm. Drivers should hit the road in the morning, and travelers returning on Monday, July 8 th should avoid rush hour traffic in the morning and afternoon.  

“Drivers in large metro areas can expect the worst traffic delays on Wednesday, July 3 rd , as they leave town, and Sunday, July 7th, as they return,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “R oad trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal. Travelers should monitor 511 services, local news stations, and traffic apps for up-to-the-minute road conditions.”  

Please note that the times listed below are for the time zone in which the metro is located.   

For example, Atlanta routes = ET and Los Angeles routes = PT.  

Source: INRIX  

  Top Destinations 

This July 4 th week, travelers are cooling off in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska – and by the ocean! Seattle, Vancouver, and Anchorage are top destinations because of the popularity of Alaska cruises this time of year. Beaches in South Florida, Honolulu, Punta Cana, and Barcelona are in high demand. Historical sites in European cities like London, Rome, Dublin, Paris, and Athens are also popular. The top 10 domestic and international destinations below are based on AAA booking data.  

Family Road Trip Checklist    

With road trips expected to set a new record this July 4 th week, AAA teamed up with Chicco to share safety tips for families with young children.  

• Check car seat fit. Before you hit the road, check your child’s weight and height to ensure they’re in the right seat and mode of use – especially when it comes to transitioning from rear to forward-facing. Children should remain rear-facing as long as possible for better protection of their head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash. If you are unsure which car seat is best for your child, Chicco offers a car seat comparison guide.    
• Double check car seat installation. Even if your car seat is already installed in the car, it’s worth checking everything is safe and secure. An easy at-home way to do this is with the “inch test.” Simply grab the seat at the car seat belt path and pull side to side and front to back. If it moves more than one inch in any direction, uninstall and start over until a secure fit is achieved. For any questions, utilize the car seat manual, QR codes, or online resources like those offered by Chicco.    
• Secure loose items in the car. Take time to organize and clean up your car before hitting the road. Storage organizers that secure to the back of the driver and passenger seats are simple solutions to make sure everything has a spot, especially loose items that can become projectiles in case of a sudden stop.  
• Be prepared for the unexpected. Pack an emergency kit with first-aid supplies, water, snacks, blankets, jumper cables, and flares. Make sure your phone is fully charged – and keep a charger in the car – to call AAA or request roadside assistance digitally if your battery dies, you lock yourself out, or you need a tow.   
• Map your route. Families with young children should plan for frequent and longer stops along the way. Map out your route ahead of time with AAA TripTik and browse hotels, restaurants, and other activities along the way on AAA Trip Canvas.  
• Bring entertainment. Make sure to place toys and books within reach to keep children entertained. If your kids use tablets or other electronics, make sure the devices are fully charged and pre-downloaded before leaving home. Another fun way to get the whole family excited for the road trip is to create a family playlist of everyone’s favorite songs!   

Holiday Forecast Methodology   

Travel Forecast    

In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence (SPGMI) developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from SPGMI’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices, including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism, including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays. AAA and SPGMI have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000.   

Historical travel volume estimates come from DK SHIFFLET’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM . The PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. DK SHIFFLET contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior, all after the trips have been taken.  

The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and SPGMI forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was prepared the week of May 27, 2024.   

Because AAA forecasts focus on domestic leisure travel only, comparisons to TSA passenger screening numbers should not be made. TSA data includes all passengers traveling on both domestic and international routes. Additionally, TSA screens passengers each time they enter secured areas of the airport, therefore each one-way trip is counted as a passenger tally. AAA focuses on person-trips, which include the full round-trip travel itinerary. As a result, direct comparisons of AAA forecast volumes and daily TSA screenings represent different factors.  

*Independence Day Holiday Travel Period   

For this forecast, the Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as the nine-day period from Saturday, June 29 to Sunday, July 7. Historically, the Independence Day holiday period included only one weekend. This is the first year the Independence Day holiday travel period is a longer timeframe with two weekends included.  

About AAA    

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of 64 million members across North America, including 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA has to offer or to become a member, visit AAA.com.   

About S&P Global   S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) provides essential intelligence. We enable governments, businesses, and individuals with the right data, expertise, and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping our customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, we unlock new opportunities, solve challenges, and accelerate progress for the world. We are widely sought after by many of the world’s leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics, and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity, and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help the world’s leading organizations plan for tomorrow today. For more information, visit  www.spglobal.com .   

About DKSA    

DK SHIFFLET boasts the industry’s most complete database on U.S. resident travel both in the U.S. and worldwide. Data is collected monthly from a U.S. representative sample, adding over 60,000 traveling households annually, and is used daily by leading travel organizations and their strategic planning groups. DK SHIFFLET is an MMGY Global company.   

About INRIX     

Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com.   

• December 30, 2022
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The Ultimate Six Week South America Travel Itinerary & Route

Can you travel south america in six weeks.

Yes, six weeks is an ideal amount of time in South America, and you should be able to tick off a lot of countries.

The variety of travel routes you can take through South America is endless. But for six weeks in South America, I think the best travel route would be one that goes from North to South starting in Colombia and then down to Ecuador , Peru, Bolivia and then ending in Chile .

The benefit of a backpacking route like this is that these countries are cheaper when compared to places like Brazil , close together, and the travel routes between them by bus and air are short and well established meaning you are following the most efficient route.

The Comprehensive Six Week Itinerary For South America

Here’s the breakdown of this six-week South America backpacking itinerary:

Week 1 - Colombia

• Day 1 – Bogata
• Day 2-3 – Santa Marta
• Day 4-5 – Palomino
• Day 6-7 – Medellin

Week 2 - Ecuador

• Day 8 – Quito
• Day 9-10  – Cotopaxi
• Day 11-12  – Banos
• Day 13 – Guyaquil 

Country 3/4 Peru

• Day 14 – Lima
• Day 15-16 – Paracas
• Day 17 – Huacachina
• Day 18-22 – Cusco, Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
• Day 23 – Bus To Copacabana

Week 5 - Bolivia

• Day 24-25 – Copacabana
• Day 26-27 – La Paz
• Day 28-31 – The Amazon
• Day 32 – Uyuni
• Day 33-34 – Salt Flats Tour
• Day 35 – Travel To Chile

Week 6 - Chile

• Day 36 – Atacama Desert
• Day 37 – Santiago
• Day 38 – Puerto Natales
• Day 39-43 – Torres Del Paine National Park

Colombia is the best place to start this six-week South America itinerary. Here’s what you can look forward to your first week: 

Day 1 - Bogata

Bogata is a hub for international flights from the US and Europe and most stop here before connecting to other South America countries.

So it makes perfect sense to start your South America journey here.

However, you can only spend one day in the capital before moving on. There isn’t much here for backpackers and the rest of Colombia is much more interesting so best to get moving.

You only have six weeks in South America, so you will have to miss things every now and then.  

On the day you are here, find a free walking tour to help you explore the city with ease. Beyond Colombia   is my personal favourite and they will give you a good introduction to the city. On top of this they offer a free food tour as well. This is a great deal as you will get fed well and see the highlights of the city.

If you have time in the evening, walk to the top of Cerro Monserrate for an incredible viewpoint of sprawling Bogotá.

Day 2-3 - Santa Marta

From Bogota, you want to take a short 2-hour flight to the Caribbean Coast in the north. You can then use Santa Marta as a base for exploring for the next few days.

Make sure you stay at the Dreamer Hostel. This is one of the best hostels in Colombia and maybe even South America . They allow you to leave your big bags in storage whilst you explore the region.

Spend one day in exploring the cloud forests in Minca . Minca is a tiny town in the mountains, 30 minutes away from Santa Marta.

Here you can find some great coffee and chocolate farm tours that will also let you do tastings, go searching for waterfalls and watch the sunset from one of the many great eco hostels that sit atop the mountain.

On your second day, trek into Tayrona National Park known for its palm-shaded coves, coastal lagoons, rainforest, and rich biodiversity. 

For more detail on how to spend your days in Santa Marta, head to the itinerary post below:

• How Many Days In Santa Marta? 3 Great Itinerary Options

Day 4-5 - Palomino

Palomino is a quiet beach town north of Santa Marta (around 70km away).

It started as an off-the-beaten track town, but has it grown popular in recent years with backpackers. Travellers come here for a few days to enjoy tubing along the jungle rivers or to wander along the endless stretches of empty beach.

Tubing is a fun activity that starts in the jungle foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and ends on the beach in the Caribbean Sea. This can be a relaxing journey or depending on who you go with, it can turn into a party.

If you manage to join a big crew of backpackers, then people will bring alcohol and enjoy floating through the jungle with a few beers as well.

Make sure you have a beach day whilst here too. Palomino beach , with its white sands fringed with huge palms trees, is empty most of the time and you can enjoy peaceful walks up and down it without coming across another person.

Palomino is one of my favourite beaches in South America, for more, head to the list post below:

• The Best Party Beaches In South America

Day 6-7 - Medellin

The only downside of this six-week South America itinerary is that it requires a couple of internal flights in Colombia. The Andes goes through the middle of Colombia and separates a lot of the big cities which means bus journeys take a long time.

You will likely have to fly from Santa Marta to Medellin to avoid a seriously long and bumpy overnight bus.

Whilst here, take a tour out to the beautiful Guatape region to see the colourful town, the beautiful reservoirs and the huge celebrity mansions that back out onto them.

Also take some time to explore the city. Again, a free walking tour is your best bet so that you stick to the safe areas and learn about the rich history of the city.

This is the final part of your Colombia trip and from here you will need to fly from Medellin to Bogota to then reach Quito in Ecuador. This can be booked altogether with a stop over or you can book them separately if you want to spend a bit longer in the capital.

A flight from Medellin to Quito (with a connecting flight in Bogota) should cost around $150.

For more reasons why Medellin is such a great city to visit, head to the post below:

• Is Medellin Worth Visiting? 16 Great Reasons To Visit In 2024

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Ecuador is country two of five in this six-week South America itinerary. Here’s what you can look forward to in week 2: 

Day 8 - Quito

The easiest and cheapest thing to do in Quito is to explore the city on the free walking tour.

A walking tour takes you to the main sights in the historical centre including Plaza Grande – the main square which includes the presidential palace, and La Ronda – the popular tourist street filled with galleries, craft shops, and restaurants.

If you have time, you should also ride the Teleferico – Quito’s cable car that takes you up to 3495m above sea level to the summit of Volcano Pichincha . At the top you will have unobstructed views of the city.

For more great things to do in Quito including chocolate tasing, museums, and visiting the equator, head to the guide below:

• The 19 Best Things To Do In Quito As A Backpacker

Day 9-10 - Cotopaxi Secret Garden

Time to get treated to one of the best hostel experiences in all South America.

Booking a two-night stay at Secret Garden Cotopaxi is the best way to see the National Park and experience the stunning Cotopaxi Volcano. For $96 you get a two night stay, two guided treks and all your meals included.

The hostel sits directly opposite the volcano and the views are unrivalled. They also run tours into the park such as trekking to Cotopaxi Glacier , horse riding and mountain biking.

Everything you need to know about booking and staying at Secret Garden Cotopaxi can be found here:

• Secret Garden Cotopaxi Review 

Day 11-12 - Baños

After 3 days of trekking, why not start with a spa and massage day with treatments fuelled by the volcanic activity around the Baños. 

El Refugio is the best choice of spas in town. Along with thermal baths, they have saunas, steam rooms, and offer a range of services such as massages, mud baths, and pedicures.

On your second day in Banos, it’s time to ride the ‘Route of Waterfalls’ – a single main road that winds its way through the Baños Valley, with waterfalls dotted at almost every corner and bend on the way.

The best stop along the route is Pailon del Diablo, an insanely powerful waterfall that plunges 61 metres into a pool of powerful rapids. With bridges and paths running through the gorge, and multiple platforms and viewpoints, this is an incredible natural wonder not to be missed.

For more information on all these activities in Baños including the best restaurants, hostels and transport tips, head to the full guide below:

• The Essential Baños 4-Day Itinerary

Day 13 – Guayaquil / Travel Day To Lima

Well done! You’ve ticked off your second country on this six-week South America Itinerary. 4 more weeks to go.

On your final day in Ecuador, you will have to make your way to Guayaquil from Banos which is a 8-hour journey. From there you can take a flight to Lima and continue the next part of this epic journey.

To get to Peru from Ecuador, you’ll need to take the bus from Montanita to Guayaquil. From here, you take 2 hour flight to Lima which should cost between $100-150. 

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Week 3/4 - Peru

Peru is country number three out of five on this six week itinerary. You have two weeks here as there’s so much to do, especially around Cusco: 

Day 14 - Lima

One day in the capital of Peru is more than enough. There isn’t much here for backpackers so best to move on and use your limited days on the six-week itinerary for the more exciting places in Peru.

Start by exploring Miraflores and walking along the boardwalk where you will get some beautiful views of the ocean.

If you carry on following the boardwalk south, you will eventually reach the bohemian district of Barranco . This is the best place to find an authentic local restaurant to try some amazing regional dishes like ceviche.

Barranco is also home to some great bars. Head to Ayahuasca bar to try one of the best Pisco Sours in Lima.

For more great things to do in Lima including chocolate tasing, museums, and learning to surf, head to the guide below:

• Is Lima Worth Visiting? 10 Great Reasons To See Peru’s Capital

Day 15-16 - Paracas

Paracas National Park is an untouched natural desert perfect for exploration and adventure.

You can navigate the park by tour, bicycle, ATV, or dune buggy . Whatever mode of transport you choose, make sure you are in the park as the sun is going down for some epic sunset views.

On your second day in Paracas, book a tour to the Ballestas Islands (also known as the Poor Mans Galapagos). This is the perfect tour for wildlife lovers as the islands are full of sea lions, penguins and even dolphins if you are lucky.

Check out the complete backpacker guide to Paracas for more info:

• Paracas City Guide & 2 Day Itinerary 

Day 17 - Huacachina

Then after Paracas, it’s time to swap one desert for another with a visit to the famous oasis at Huacachina .

Huacachina is a town geared more towards the adventure backpackers. It’s here where you can fly across the desert in buggies and go sandboarding down to the tallest sand dunes.

And like most places in Peru, it’s also another great place  watch the sunset .  

If you’re looking for a wild night out, then make sure you check out the famous Wild Rover backpacker hostel.

For more information on this unique place, head to the link below:

• Huacachina Backpacker Guide & 2-Day Itinerary

Day 18-19 - Cusco

You have two options to get to Cusco: flight or overnight bus.

The bus is around 17 hours so I would personally recommend flying. Flights from the town of Ica The cost under $100 and the flight time is 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Once in Cusco you have just one day to exploring the city and one day to explore its surroundings.

On your second day, take a day trip out of the city to see the beautiful Andean countryside. You can visit the popular Rainbow Mountain or one of the many other natural wonders such as Laguna Humantay at 4200m above sea level.

If you think a trip to Rainbow Mountain is for you, then head to the full guide below so you know what to expect:

• Is Rainbow Mountain Worth It? A Guide To Peru’s Best Trek

Day 20-21 - Aguas Calientes & Machu Picchu

On the morning of day 20, either take the bus or train to the town of Aguas Calientes .

For a six-week itinerary, I would recommend the train as it only takes 3 hours in comparison to the bus which takes 9 (meaning you lose an entire day).

The train is more expensive but it saves you a lot of time, it’s a more enjoyable experience and it means you get more time to experience Agua Calientes and Machu Picchu.

Then early on the morning of day 12, it’s finally time to climb the 1,600+ stairs up to Peru’s most popular tourist attraction- Machu Picchu.

When you need to leave depends on what time ticket you purchased. However, I would recommend trying to get a 6:00 AM ticket which is the earliest entry possible. With the early ticket you may be able to get to the top for sunrise and you also miss the large majority of crowds. 

Whether you take the bus or the train to Machu Picchu, it’s a complicated journey and there’s lot you need to know. Luckily the guide linked below has everything you need:

• The 3 Best Ways To Visit Machu Picchu

Day 22 - Cusco

Once you return to Aguas Calientes from Machu Picchu, you can either stay the night there or return to Cusco.  Either way, you should still stay on extra day to rest and recover and plan your next journey on this six week itinerary.

For your final day in Cusco, I would recommend a massage to help those aching legs. Massages in Cusco are cheap and you have several options from Swedish to deep tissue.

In the evening, you should make a reservation at Limbus Resto-bar which has one of the best views in the city. Try to get a booking around sunset and out on the terrace for incredible golden hour views of Cusco.

Head to the Cusco backpackers guide linked below for all the information you need:

• Cusco Backpackers Guide & 13 Best Things To Do

Day 23 - Travel Day To Bolivia

After a relaxing day in Cusco, you can then get the bus to into Bolivia and straight to Copacabana which takes around 8-9 hours.

I used Bus Bud when travelling by bus in South America. It’s the best way to book bus tickets in advance and they have a loyalty programme so you get your 6th booking for free!

That’s country number 3 ticked off from this six-week South America itinerary. We have 2 more weeks to go and two more countries to visit!

Bolivia is country number four out of five on this six week itinerary. You have just 10 days here in total to see some incredible places including the Amazon and the Salt Flats: 

Day 24-25 - Copacabana

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world at 3,810 metres above sea level. Half of it sits in Peru, the other half in Bolivia.

The town of Copacabana on the Bolivian side is a small but pretty place filled with local markets and artisan restaurants, but it’s the lake itself that is the must-see.

Fun activities include walking up to the summit of Cerro Calvario to get beautiful views of the lake and taking a boat tour to Isla del Sol which is the largest island on the lake.

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I love the Osprey Farpoint 50-70L.

It’s reasonably priced and perfect for first timers visiting South America.

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Day 26-27 - La Paz

Once you reach La Paz you have an endless list of activities to choose from such as biking down Death Road , trekking in the ‘Valley of the Moon’, or climbing Huayna Potosi (known as the easiest 6000m mountain to climb in the world).

Aside from all the adventure activities, the city is also an incredible place to explore. When wandering around you will see the impressive cable cars and their lines stretching out to every corner of La Paz.

Some routes will go as high as 4,000m (13,000 ft) above sea level, and it’s a great see more of La Paz and get incredible views of the city.

2 days is a good amount of time to cover it all. I recommend riding down Death Road one day and then using the other day to explore in the city.

Head to the complete La Paz backpacking guide to help you plan further:

• The 13 Best Things To Do In La Paz As A Backpacker

Day 28-31 - Amazon

Visiting the Amazon in Bolivia is much cheaper and easier compared to other countries in South America. You can fly from La Paz to the town of Rurrenabaque , which is where most Amazon tours embark.

The Pampas tour is the most popular among backpackers compared to a jungle tour as you see much more wildlife.

You will spend 2 nights sleeping in a wooden hut next to the river and your days will be spent winding through the tributaries of the Amazon on a longboat searching for caimans, anacondas, and exotic birds. You can even go swimming with pink river dolphins!

This is one of the best tours in Bolivia and it costs a fraction of the price compared to countries like Brazil or Colombia. It was one of the best experiences I had whilst backpacking in South America, and I highly recommend it.

The complete guide to booking an amazon tour in Bolivia can be found here:

• How To Visit The Amazon In Bolivia

Day 32 - Uyuni

On day 31 you will fly back from the Amazon to La Paz. On this day you can either decide to stay in La Paz and relax or carry on with the journey to save time.

The flight back from the Amazon is only 20 minutes so if you prefer to save the day then you can either hop on another flight down to Uyuni or take the overnight bus which takes 8-9 hours.

Either way, once you reach Uyuni you will want to take a day to chill and organise your Salt Flat tour. You can book it online, but I always prefer doing it in person. Booking in person means you will find cheaper deals and you can haggle on the price!

I recommend Salty Desert Adventures for their excellent guides and competitive prices.

For more on the Uyuni Salt Flat Tour including the best tours companies and what to pack, head to the post below:

• The Ultimate Guide To The Uyuni Salt Flat Tour

Day 33-34 - Salt Flat Tour

The three-day/two-night salt flat tour will take you exploring on one of the most surreal landscapes in the world.

The first day of the tour is spent on the actual salt flat taking the popular perspective and reflection photos for the gram. Your tour guide will bring some funny objects for you to take your shots with but why not be original and bring your own.

On the second day, the tour heads out across the high-altitude desert known as the Altiplano to see even wilder landscapes such as volcanoes, geysers, and beautiful high-altitude lakes full of flamingos.

This is one of best tours in the whole of South America and shouldn’t be missed.

For more great reasons on why you can’t miss the Uyuni Salt Flat tour, head to the post below:

• Is The Salt Flats Tour Worth It? 10 Reasons Why You Can’t Miss It

Day 35 - Travel Day To Chile

One of the great things about a Salt Flat tour is that it also includes your transportation to Chile.

The tour ends on the morning of the third day (day 35) and drops you at Chilean border which works perfectly for this six-week itinerary. From the border you take a short 45-minute bus to the town of San Pedro De Atacama where your next adventure awaits in Chile!

Chile is the final stop on this six week itinerary. You have one week here to enjoy Patagonia: 

Day 36 - Atacama

Your mind may have just been blown with volcanoes, high-altitude lagoons, and surreal landscapes but there’s more to come in Atacama.

Instead of booking tours this time, why not rent a car and explore it yourself? Renting a 4×4 for the day should costs somewhere between $60-80 and if there is a group of you then the cost can be split between you.

Driving around the Atacama desert means you can visit so many different parts on your own time. You can drive north to see the fields of geysers , then south to float in the salt lagoons before ending the day at ‘Valle de la Luna’ to see strange rock formations eroded over millions of years.

Check out my 12 reasons why Atacama is a must visit for more information: 

• Is The Atacama Desert Worth Visiting? 12 Great Reasons To Visit Chile’s Desert

Day 37 - Santiago

You will need to fly from the Atacama Desert to Santiago . Chile is a big country!

Then once you land in Santiago, you have one day to explore Chile’s capital.

The best thing to do is join a free walking tour. I’d recommend Strawberry Walking Tours . They take you to several places in the city including Santa Lucia Hill to discover where Santiago’s history began, and through the Plaza de Armas to enjoy cosmopolitan Santiago.

In the evening, head up to the top of the Sky Costerna , Santiago’s tallest building, to find the best views of the city.

Day 38 - Puerto Natales

Again, you will need to take another flight down to Puerto Natales to start the Patagonian part of this six-week itinerary. Puerto Natales is the closest town to Torres Del Paine National Park so it’s best to fly straight here from Santiago.

Take one day here to get your bearings, buy any last-minute gear for hiking, and prepare for the next 5 days of hiking on the W-trek route.

In Puerto Natales, I recommend staying at the Singing Lamb Hostel . They have a huge lounge area with sofas and tables, and the shared dorms had comfortable beds.

If you only have 4 weeks in South America you may want to cut down on the amount of countries you visit. Focussing on Chile and Argentina is always a great shout as they are so beautiful.  Head to the post below to see how to turn this part of the itinerary into a full month of incredible travel in Patagonia:

• 3 Epic 1-Month Chile and Argentina Itineraries: Patagonia, The Lake District and the North

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Day 39-43 - Torres Del Paine National Park

Time to end this epic six-week South America itinerary with one of the best treks in the world – the W-trek in Torres Del Paine National Park.

This 5-day self-guided trek takes you in the shape of a W – in, out, and around the beautiful Cordillera Paine mountain range.

The trek is relatively easy with the first two days taking you on an easy 3–4-hour hike past Lago Grey up to the stunning Grey Glacier. Then on the final day, you will trek up to the famous towers of Torres Del Paine.

A lot of people wake up at 3AM to start trekking to reach the towers for sunrise. If the weather is good then it is definitely worth it, as the three towers are lit up perfectly by the morning sun.

Want to turn this into a 7-week itinerary by crossing the border into Argentina? If you do this you’ll be able to see the epic Perito Moreno Glacier and then you will have truly ticked off the most incredible sights of South America.

To see some alternative itineraries for Argentine Patagonia, head to the post below:

• How Many Days Do You Need For El Calafate and El Chalten? 3 Great Itineraries For Every Traveller

How Much Money Do You Need For Six Weeks In South America?

Here’s a rough estimate of what you should budget daily and weekly for each country on this six week South America itinerary: 

A good rule of thumb for backpacking South America is $500 a week. So, for six weeks of travelling around South America, I would budget a minimum of $3000.

However, this six-week itinerary has you visiting five countries with several internal flights as well as flights between countries. It also includes some of the best tours in South America such as Machu Picchu, the Salt Flats and the W-trek in Torres Del Paine National Park.

These will alll cost extra and add to your budget so therefore, I would recommend budgeting $3300 for this six-week itinerary. That gives you a budget of $550 a week.

In some countries you will spend than $550 a week.

If we take Ecuador as an example, with a budget of $35 a day this is more than enough:

• 1 Day In Quito – $35
• 2 Days In Cotopaxi – $100
• 2 Days in Banos – $100
• Flight to Lima – $100

Total: $350

However, if we were to look at the Chilean part of this itinerary, it is more expensive:

• Atacama Desert with car rental – $100
• Flight to Santiago – $75
• Day In Santiago – $50
• Flight To Puerto Natales – $75
• W-Trek with entrance feeds and camping in park* – $500

Total: $800

*$500 is the mid-range option for trekking in Torres Del Paine which includes renting tents from each campsite rather than bringing your own tent.

These two estimates are a little extreme, but I’ve used them as an example for backpackers who are aiming to do this six week itinerary laid out exactly as it is.

You can easily take your budget down to around $35 a day in most countries if you want. You can take overnight buses instead of flights to save money with the sacrifice of losing a day or two here and there. You don’t need to rent a car in Atacama. There is a lots of ways to cut your spending gown.

An Alternative Budget Friendly Six Week South America Itinerary

If the outlined six-week South America itinerary doesn’t suit your budget, then don’t worry. There are lots of other options to see South America in six weeks.

Here is an alternative option:

Week 1/2 - Ecuador

• Day 1-3 – Quito
• Day 4-5 – Cotopaxi
• Day 6 – 9 – Quilotoa Loop
• Day 11-13 – Banos
• Day 14 – Guayaquil
• Day 26 – Copacabana
• Day 27-28 – La Paz
• Day 29-31 – The Amazon
• Day 33 – 34 – Salt Flats Tour
• Day 15-16 – Lima
• Day 17-18 – Paracas
• Day 19 – Huacachina
• Day 20-21 – Cusco
• Day 22 – 23 – Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
• Day 24 – Cusco
• Day 25 – Bus To Copacabana

Week 6 - Chile / Argentina

• Day 36-37 – Atacama Desert
• Day 38 – Travel to Salta
• Day 38-39 – Salta
• Day 40-42 – Buenos Aires

Avoid Colombia – Colombia has a couple of internal flights that will add to your cost, and it isn’t the most efficient of journeys through the country as you fly from south to north and then back again.

Instead, extend your time in Ecuador. Ecuador is a budget backpackers dream , and you can easily enjoy the country on around $35 a day.

Spend a couple of extra days in Quito and Banos, and include the 3-day Quilotoa Loop into your itinerary as well. This is a 3-day self-guided trek that costs next to nothing.

Avoid Chile – Chile is one of the most expensive countries to travel in South America. The long internal flights and trekking in Patagonia really do increase the cost of your trip.

Instead, you can cut this part of your journey out and visit North Argentina instead.

After seeing the Atacama Desert, you can get a bus across the border into Argentina to the town of Salta . This is the wine region of Argentina. It’s a beautiful place to explore and as the north of Argentina isn’t as well travelled, it’s budget friendly.

You can go south from Salta to see towns like Cafayate which is the second best wine producing region in Argentina after Mendoza.

You can go north to check out the small towns along Route 9 and see the natural wonders on offer such as Argentina’s very own Rainbow Mountain. Or you could head to Buenos Aires to check out the capital and then you are in the perfect spot to fly home.

Backpacking off the beaten track through the northwest of Argentina is one of many great reasons to add Argentina to your South America trip. For more great reasons, head to the post below:

• Is Argentina Worth Visiting? 10 Great Reasons To Visit In 2023

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Joe Bayfield

Hi I'm Joe Bayfield, Bayf for short. I love South America and want people to visit this incredible continent. I’ve travelled through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina and also lived in Lima, Medellin and Buenos Aires. I write detailed South America itineraries to help you plan your next adventure!

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Plan an Epic 2-Week Midwest Road Trip Itinerary to 7 States

O ver the years, we have made a tradition of taking annual mother-daughter road trips. Sometimes our road trips have a theme, like our southern road trip along the Civil Rights Trail . But this time, we just wanted to see more of the middle of the country and visit some National Parks that are hard to get to on their own. So I put together our 2 week midwest road trip itinerary to cover seven states (ok eight if you count a quick detour into Wyoming to see Devil’s Tower.)

As with most of my road trip planning, I started with a time frame and started mapping out driving distances and possible destinations to create an itinerary that allowed us to fit it all in to our two week vacation. Since I found a good deal on Southwest during one of their fare sales, we flew into Chicago, and then we made a giant 3,600 mile loop from there.

Along the way, we had some epic experiences including:

• GermanFest in Milwaukee
• Mall of America in Minneapolis
• Visiting Prince’s Paisley Park in Minneapolis
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota
• Devil’s Tower in Wyoming
• Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota
• Badlands National Park in South Dakota
• Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Nebraska
• Iowa State Fair
• Seeing Hamilton in Chicago
• and that is just a start!

Don’t worry if you don’t have that much time or want to drive that far, you can always adapt this itinerary to choose the destinations most of interest. You can also fly into one city and fly out of another, just keep in mind that this is sometimes more expensive than a round trip flight (which is why we made a loop…and it also allowed us to tick off a few extra states.)

This is what our 2-week midwest road trip itinerary looks like on a map:

This map was created using Google My Maps and covers my suggested Midwest road trip itinerary. You can click on the star next to the title and save this to your Google Maps account or click on the share icon to send it to yourself via email.

This 2 week midwest road trip itinerary covers:

My goal was also to do this trip on a budget — with a few splurges like our glamping experience at Under Canvas by Mount Rushmore . So we used a mix of Airbnbs, hotels booked on points, and affordable hotels.

Luckily, the midwest hotel rates are quite reasonable and I could often find a four-star, boutique hotel for under $200 per night and a more suburban chain hotel for closer to $125 per night. We ended up staying in everything from a glamping tent to a ranch cabin to a five-star hotel booked with points.

There were definitely some lessons learned along the way, and I’ll share these tips at the end of the post. But first, I wanted to provide our itinerary so that you can either pick and choose the pieces that you want to do, or you can use this as a starting point to shorten your planning process. See more USA road trip itineraries here or explore more epic midwest road trips .

2 Week Midwest Road Trip Itinerary

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. Our visits to Milwaukee and Minneapolis were hosted by the tourism boards. All opinions are my own.

Day 1: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Since we found a great Southwest flight deal, we flew into Chicago on a very early morning flight to make the most of our day. We drove from Chicago’s Midway airport approximately two and one-half hours to Milwaukee (including traffic delays due to highway construction.) Our first stop was the Milwaukee Art Museum .

Ever since seeing pictures of this architectural marvel on my friend Brianna’s Instagram feed, I’ve wanted to visit. (Hint, if you are there are noon, the “wings” of the roof flap!)

After checking into our hotel at the Kimpton Journeyman , we walked over to the Milwaukee Public Market for lunch. I love the location of the hotel in the historic Third Ward! This area of this city is so pretty and clean.

Since festivals are always going on in the summer, we then skipped over to the festival grounds to join in on the GermanFest. What a perfect festival for Brew City! It was all about the brats and beer (and strudel and schnitzel too so go hungry!)

After having our fill of festival fun, we took a walk through Lakeshore Park and spent some time sitting by the lake and watching the boats go by.

We went to dinner at Blue Bat Kitchen on the Riverwalk, which is just a short walk from the hotel. The food was great as was the location. It is fun to sit outside and watch the kayakers and party boats cruising up and down the river.

The next morning we had breakfast at the local roaster, Colectivo before starting our five hour drive to Minneapolis. We really enjoyed Milwaukee and wished we had planned at least two days in this city.

Read more: Things to do in Milwaukee in the summer

Day 2-3: Minneapolis, Minnesota

A day and a half is really cutting it short to explore Minneapolis, but we wanted to at least get a taste of the city (in the summer) while moving along on our road trip. We drove from Milwaukee to Minneapolis and arrived in the afternoon and immediately headed downtown.

Our first stop after arriving in Minneapolis was lunch on the patio at Aster Cafe, across from Water Power Park. When then walked through the park out to the Mississippi River to get a great view of St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge.

We then went across the bridge to Mill Ruins Park. Here you can visit the St. Anthony Falls Visitor Center and learn about the lock and dam system, with another great view of the falls. For a great view of the river and skyline, we walked down to the Guthrie Theater building, which is open to the public. If you take the escalator or elevator up to the fourth floor, you can walk out onto the Endless Bridge for a high-up view of the area.

If you have time, you can also visit the Mill City Museum, which I’ve heard from many is fantastic. However since it was a Sunday and they closed early, we didn’t have a chance to go in.

Our next stop was the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden outside of the Walker Art Center. We didn’t really have time to explore the museums in the city, so we will need to save those for a return trip. But it was summer in the land of 1,000 lakes and we wanted to be outside.

After dinner we headed out of town as we were being hosted at the Westin Edina Galleria . Edina is an upscale suburb and the nearby Galleria is perfect for those looking for high-end shopping options.

On our second day in Minneapolis, we spent our time exploring attractions outside of the city. We started off at Prince’s Paisley Park , which is a combination of Prince’s estate and production studio. If you want to visit, tours MUST be booked in advance!

After our VIP Tour of Paisley Park, we headed over to Minnehaha Falls Park.

We then finished off our busy day exploring the Mall of America . Of course you could spend a whole weekend in the largest mall in the United States, but since the budget didn’t allow for much shopping, we focused more on the attractions. After all, how many malls have an amusement park inside??

I wish we had more time to explore Minneapolis and even take the light rail over to St. Paul. I guess there will have to be a next time. And then we will be sure to have breakfast at Hen House Eatery, since my friend who grew up in Minnesota says she always eats there when she returns home.

Read more: Things to do in Minneapolis with kids

Day 4-5: Medora, North Dakota

Our North Dakota road trip was pretty easy. Even though it was a long drive, it was straight, fast, easy driving with plenty of fun roadside attractions to visit along the way.

A few must stop attractions as you are driving across Interstate 94 include:

• Frontier Village in Jamestown, ND (home of the largest Buffalo statue)
• Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Washburn, ND
• Salem Sue (giant cow statue) in North Salem, ND
• Enchanted Highway of giant metal sculptures (which begins at Exit 72 on 1-94)

Just make sure to watch your time to arrive by dinner because restaurants in Medora close early! We stayed at the Amble Inn and was a perfect location. We both fell in love with the adorable town of Medora. It had an authentic Western feel without being cheesy or run down.

Medora is the town just outside of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park . There is both a North Unit and a South Unit. Doing just the Wildlife Loop in the South Unit is 36 miles, so you can really spend two days here.

Since driving took most of the first day, we really just had one full day to spend in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, so we focused on the South Unit. The park is beautiful, with plenty of hiking options and scenic overlooks but what really sold it for us was the lack of crowds and abundance of wildlife.

After spending a full day in the park, we went over to the Medora Musical and Pitchfork Steak Fondue. Tip: kids get in free on Wednesdays and Sundays! I thought for sure this would be hokey but it was very entertaining and a great slice of Americana, which seems in danger of being left behind in our modern world.

Read more: 7 Reasons to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Day 6: Deadwood, South Dakota

From Medora, we drove four hours due south to the town of Deadwood, South Dakota (not far from Sturgis, famous for the motorcycle rally that was taking place around the same time.) Tip: research the dates of the Sturgis Rally before you plan your trip!

Since we were so close to the border with Wyoming, we decided to detour into another state (albeit one we had visited before ) to visit Devil’s Tower National Monument . However, if that doesn’t interest you, instead you could have more time in the historic town of Deadwood, home to gunslingers and gold mines. You may even want to visit a gold mine like the Broken Boot Mine.

On our way from Devil’s Tower to Deadwood, we drove through the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, which was a pretty drive but if you are short on time, you may want to take a more direct route.

We spent the night at the Lodge at Deadwood and since the Sturgis Rally was in town, we also had dinner at the hotel restaurant to avoid the crowds. The Lodge at Deadwood offered a very cute pool for cooling off, especially great for young kids. It was clean and comfortable and even the casino didn’t bother me much.

Day 7-8: Black Hills, South Dakota

The next morning we headed down to the southern Black Hills on the one hour drive to Crazy Horse Memorial . In the afternoon we made our way to Mount Rushmore.

That evening we checked into our Stargazer glamping tent at Under Canvas Mount Rushmore for the splurge stay of the trip. It was so much fun to sleep in a luxury tent with a flush toilet and hot shower, with the ability to gaze up at the stars from the bed at night.

The next day, we spent time exploring Custer State Park. We drove on Needles Highway, which winds between spire-like granite peaks and goes through tunnels bored through granite. The scenic drive runs from Sylvan Lake to Blue Bell Lodge. We also took Wildlife Loop Road from Blue Bell Lodge to Game Lodge, where you can see buffalo herds and begging burros. I have so much to share about this experience but I’ll save that for a separate post.

The park also offers a variety of activities and we had pre-booked a one-hour trail ride from Blue Bell Lodge Stables .

Read more: Things to do in the Black Hills, South Dakota

Day 9: badlands, South Dakota

While you can visit Badlands National Park as a day trip from the Black Hills/Rapid City area, we decided to stay overnight just outside of the park so that we could continue east the next day. I found the Circle View Ranch , and figured a ranch stay would be a lot more fun than a motel.

We started our day with a one hour drive to Wall Drug, which is one of the most famous gift shops and roadside attractions in the area. I had then pre-booked (they sell out in advance) a tour of the Minuteman Missile site . If you can’t get a tour, you can still visit the visitor center.

After our tour we spent the rest of the day in Badlands National Park . We really loved this park as well, especially as we unexpectedly had some fantastic wildlife sightings. Our stay at the ranch was perfect for returning to the park for an evening ranger program. I’m just really bummed that it was cloudy so we didn’t get to do any stargazing.

Read more: Tips for visiting Badlands National Park

Day 10: Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The next morning, we headed out on a South Dakota road trip and drove four hours (losing an hour due to the time change) across South Dakota to Sioux Falls. Along the way, we stopped at the Corn Palace in Mitchell.

Sioux Falls is a cute town to explore. Unlike the rest of the state, this is a very young, liberal city with a cute downtown area of shops and restaurants. We started in Falls Park and then wandered along the Sculpture Walk of public art and visited some of the downtown shops and boutiques.

That evening we had dinner at Parker’s Bistro before spending the night at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown .

Read more: 1 Day in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Day 11: Omaha, Nebraska

We spent just one night in Sioux Falls and then drove three hours down to Omaha, Nebraska, so that I could check off another state. We stayed downtown at the Magnolia Hotel , which had been recommended to me by quite a few locals.

We spent the afternoon walking around downtown and in the Old Market area. However, instead of our planned dinner at the nearby Wilson & Washburn  we decided to stay in and splurge on room service. (If visiting Omaha, check out these must try restaurants in Omaha !)

The next morning, we visited the Omaha Zoo , one of the best zoos in the country, before driving two hours over to Des Moines, Iowa.

Day 12-13: Des Moines, Iowa

In addition to checking off another state, I really wanted to attend the Iowa State Fair , which I had been told is a site to behold with its giant butter cow and dozens of foods on a stick.

Since the Iowa State Fair grand opening was the following day, we decided to stay near the fairgrounds, instead of in downtown Des Moines. We booked at the near Hampton Inn in Altoona .

We had dinner with friends at the unique Fong’s Pizza and spent the entire next day at the fair. If you are looking for other options, Big Steer in Altoona also came highly recommended for steak.

The Iowa State Fair was an absolute blast. I think everyone should experience a midwest state fair at least once. Yes, there were so many fun food options that we got stomachaches and plenty of thrill rides that could make me lose my lunch. But, we especially enjoyed visiting all the various animal barns to see the show chickens, cows, pigs, sheep, and more. And yes, that butter cow is pretty cool too!

Day 14-15: Chicago, Illinois

We completed our loop with a five hour drive back to Chicago. Here we enjoyed our second splurge of the trip — tickets to see Hamilton. Although we had already seen it on Broadway, when I saw how easy it was to get tickets (and how much cheaper they were than NYC), I couldn’t resist because both of us could watch this show again and again.

In Chicago we traded in Marriott Convoy points for a stay at The Gwen , a luxury property near Michigan Avenue.

On our final day in Chicago, we had a late flight out so we were able to squeeze in a little sightseeing. We started off with a walk by the Cloud Gate (Bean), Buckingham Fountain, and visits to the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium .

Pro tip: If you are visiting quite a few attractions, be sure to invest in a Chicago CityPASS .

Read more: 3 Days in Chicago

All in all, it was a marathon trip, slightly more tiring than some of our others because we covered so much ground. Altogether I drove over 3,600 miles in 14 days!

Whether you pick pieces of this itinerary for your own or do the whole thing, I hope you find this info helpful.

Midwest Road Trip Tips

• Pay attention to when you will lose or gain an hour crossing the timezones in North and South Dakota
• It pays to invest in an America the Beautiful National Parks Annual Pass
• Gas up when you can, even on major interstates, because service centers are few and far between
• Pack plenty of water and snacks because finding your next meal may not be simple and eating healthy may be even more challenging!
• Be sure to pack the bug spray and use it liberally! We got eaten alive in South Dakota and had a strong allergic reaction to the bites. We put on bug spray but not quick enough as the flies and mosquitos started biting as soon as I got out of the car.
• Cell phone coverage will be limited in places so it pays to have a paper map and to set your navigation when you are are connected.
• Check the weather before you head out. We were luckily to avoid some of the nasty midwestern storms but I wouldn’t want to be caught on the open highway in one of those storms.
• Download some audiobooks before you leave to give you something to listen to on the road.

Looking for more midwest idea? Read more…

• Oklahoma road trip through Chickasaw Country
• Wichita, Kansas
• Lindsborg, Kansas
• Kansas City, Missouri

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The Ritz-Carlton's Third Superyacht Is Coming Next Year — and It'll Have 10 New Itineraries Across Asia

"Luminara" will be based out of Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo for its inaugural season.

Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

First, there was Evrima . Then there was Ilma . And next? Meet Luminara . The third ship in the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is anticipated to make its debut in December 2025. And it'll be making Asia its home base for its inaugural season, sailing 10 itineraries departing that will visit 28 ports across 10 countries.

First, it'll depart from Singapore on Dec. 30, 2025, for a 14-night journey to Hong Kong, traveling through Thailand and Vietnam and visiting such destinations as Koh Samui, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Hạ Long Bay. What better way to celebrate the new year?

Then Luminara will sail 10- to 14-night voyages across the region, calling at ports like Puerto Princesa, Philippines, and Seoul. Finally, it'll end in Asia with a 10-night voyage around Japan during cherry blossom season, taking guests to some of the most important sites across the country, from the peace memorial of Hiroshima to Osaka Castle.

Throughout these journeys, guests will be able to choose from a variety of excursions, both group and private. Thrill seekers might opt to go kiteboarding in the Philippines or white-water rafting in Malaysia, while gourmands might try a street food tour in Thailand. Custom excursions are possible, too, allowing guests to tailor their trip to their specific needs.

Luminara is an opulent home base for such adventures. The 226-suite, 452-guest vessel has one of the highest staff and space ratios at sea — the largest suites span more than 1,000 square feet. Plus, there are amenities like five restaurants, six bars, a wine vault with rare bottles, and a wellness center with a spa, salon, and gym.

Luminara will undoubtedly be one of the most luxurious ships exploring Asia in 2025. Learn more about the sailings at ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com .

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