Ancient stone ruins of Machu Picchu sit on a lush green mountain ridge, surrounded by steep, forested peaks under a blue sky—a travel highlight and iconic wonder of South America.

Highlights of South America

*Example by 4 travelers in 4★ accommodation, low season. Flights priced separately. Get a quote for 1 to 99+ below

Summary - Highlights of South America

The Complete South America - ALL the Highlights!

We’ve put together our ultimate South America itinerary – it’s an extensive list, so be prepared for quite an adventure! If you’ve got 6 weeks to spare, this is the perfect itinerary for you to see all the most important highlights of South America. But if you can’t quite handle a 50 day vacation, don’t fret! This itinerary is just an example of what we can offer; you can customize it to meet your trip plans perfectly.

First we’ll take you on a journey through Peru, to learn about the great Inca empire that thrived here just a few hundred years ago. Continue into Bolivia to see the colorful landscapes and traditional cities of this landlocked country. Then venture into Chile, starting in the Atacama Desert, and make your way towards the central coast. Then cross the Andes into Argentina, where you’ll spend some time in Buenos Aires and then head to the northern tip of Argentina, where the Iguassu Waterfalls pours over the border with Brazil. Once in Brazil, spend some time in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Then delve into the historic gold mining region of Brazil. Finish in Salvador da Bahia, the original capital of Brazil and one of the oldest cities in South America.

After 6 weeks of traveling, you’ll have crossed destinations like Machu Picchu, Buenos Aires, the Iguassu Falls, and Rio de Janeiro off your bucket list!

Highlights

  • Scenic trekking routes in the Andes
  • Mountain lodges with meals included
  • Machu Picchu tour

Included

  • Transfers to and from Cusco, including train
  • All accommodations
  • All meals
  • Required trekking equipment
  • Porters and cooks
  • English-speaking guides
  • Emergency first-aid kit and oxygen bottle

Sample Itinerary

A smiling couple takes a selfie outdoors on their South America Tour, surrounded by colorful buildings and festive decorations. The man wears a hat and green tank top; the woman wears a yellow dress. Two church towers rise in the background.

First explore the culture of the Incas as you travel to Machu Picchu and Cuzco, the great cities of Lima and La Paz in Bolivia. On Lake Titicaca the floating islands await you on this excursion back in time! The second part is from the Bolivian Capital to the wonders of the Atacama Desert! Astounding contrasts as you journey from La Paz to the crystaline Chilean coastal Oasis of Arica, then into the beautifully fascinating Atacama Desert.

Visit Chile's natural wonders: Santiago de Chile a Mediterranean coast, rolling hills, volcanoes and the highest mountain range in the Western Hemisphere, glacial lakes, European traditions and a heaven for lovers of excellent wines and incredible food. Then the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires. Enjoy sights, sounds, shopping in Buenos Aires, and learn to dance Tango in this beautiful city. We show you both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the majestic Iguassu Falls.

Take an unforgettable railway journey over the jutting Atlantic Rainforest Mountains, and view a mix of landscapes through southern Brazil on this special introduction into a fascinating land! The contrasts of Brazil become evident as you travel from natural wonders through high-tech farmlands to the industrial megalopolis of São Paulo. From marvelous Rio de Janeiro you are never far away from the best beaches Brazil has to offer.

Discover where the gold originated to build Europe's great palaces and churches. And discover a few treasures along the way. The Route of Gold rambles along rugged mountains from the beautifully preserved colonial gold mining towns of Ouro Preto and São João del Rei to the ancient seaport of Paraty. This bounty of gold provided the wealth to build the royal colonial seat of Rio de Janeiro as well as the Old World capital, Lisbon. The richest deposits of gold ever found in the Americas even financed England's Industrial Revolution!

Home to one of the most ethnically diverse populations on earth, Brazil mixes Old World charm, new world vitality and African rhythms. Many nations have made a claim to Brazil's soul. Today, these influences spice everyday life, from the most African city in the Americas - Salvador to the former Dutch colonies in Recife.

Highlights of South America
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Dave Wirtes & Julie Piephoff

"All of our guides were OUTSTANDING in every regard...."
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Thea and John Pfeiffer

"The wonderful accommodations were more than we could have hoped for from a travel company...."
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Mary & Jenny

"We enjoyed ourselves immensely and hope to return to see even more someday...."
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Brenda Hickson

"We returned from Brazil yesterday and had a great time!..."
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Michael Galant

"Tye did a fantastic job of tailoring our Peru and Ecuador trip to our needs...."
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Sami Moussa

"The guides in Santiago, Easter Island and Mendoza were particularly excellent and knowledgeable. Thank you again for you efforts and I look forward to organising another tour with you in the future...."
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Stephen Phillips

"The trip was everything I could have hoped for...."
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Anna K.

"All transfers were on time, all hotels (I picked a mix of 3* and 4*) were good, all guides were friendly, knowledgeable and spoke good English...."
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Sue and Bill

"Christina creates the perfect Peru and Bolivia itinerary..."
People walk up stone steps surrounded by ancient ruins at Machu Picchu, with green mountains and cloudy skies in the background—an unforgettable highlight of any Brazil-Peru trip.

Ming Lie Li

"We finished our satisfying itinerary of Brazil-Peru that was my dreaming trip for years..."

Estimated Tour Price Without Flights

Prices vary according to several factors including: season, number of people traveling, shared vs private excursions, when you book and rooming arrangements. These are from prices based on low season.

We can customize anything for any time of year! Contact us for an exact quote for your trip.

⭐⭐ - ⭐⭐⭐
Budget
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person
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Basic
From US
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Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐➕
Superior 👍
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Deluxe
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person

*Budget generally includes excursions in group, Superior & Deluxe private excursions, & Basic is a best mix (varies by itinerary & excurion)

Note: ALL itineraries are 100% customizable to create your perfect trip!

⭐⭐ - ⭐⭐⭐
Budget
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Basic
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐➕
Superior 👍
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Deluxe
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person

*Budget generally includes excursions in group, Superior & Deluxe private excursions, & Basic is a best mix (varies by itinerary & excurion)

Note: ALL itineraries are 100% customizable to create your perfect trip!

⭐⭐ - ⭐⭐⭐
Budget
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Basic
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐➕
Superior 👍
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Deluxe
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person

*Budget generally includes excursions in group, Superior & Deluxe private excursions, & Basic is a best mix (varies by itinerary & excurion)

Note: ALL itineraries are 100% customizable to create your perfect trip!

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South America Travel Guide

Download our FREE South America Travel Guide and get inspired to explore to South America. Browse through 26 pages of travel planning tips and ideas – a great resource for planning your dream vacation.
  • Colorful maps and images
  • Unique hotels within South America
  • Inspiration for cruises, remote lodges and trains
  • Wine, golf and adventure ideas
  • 24 top tours of South America