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

  • Incas: Machu Picchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley
  • Wine tasting
  • Lake Crossing Through The Andes
  • South America main cities: Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago
  • Brazilian & Argentine sides of Iguassu Falls

Included

  • All 49-Nights accommodations
  • All breakfasts & other meals as mentioned in the itinerary
  • 1 dinner with tango show
  • All tours, transfers and entrance fees
  • First class train transportation Cuzco-Puno
  • Tango lessons
  • English-speaking guides

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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A large, oval-shaped stone with intricate carvings and geometric patterns sits smoothly on a grassy area, surrounded by a circular dirt path—inviting visitors to pause during their trip along the metal fence.

Bill Woods

"Successful trip to Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, and Cuzco, Peru..."
A group of people and a dog stand on a dirt road in a wooded area during their Galapagos tour, watching a large tortoise cross the path. Two vehicles are parked in the background.

Hala Salha Fayyad

"Millions of thanks!..."
Two women kneel on a mountain path beside a brown alpaca, soaking in scenic mountains and a bright sky—capturing an authentic Peruvian experience.

Ana Ortega

"I would like to thank Rebecca for her professionalism and great assistance. She managed to put together in no time the perfect Peruvian experience...."
A grand historic building in Buenos Aires with a large green dome, statues, and a fountain in front, set against a clear blue sky.

Elizabeth

"The trip was very organized, and the programs selected were very appropriate and efficient...."
A scenic view of Iguazu Falls with lush greenery, mist rising from the cascading waterfalls, a rainbow, and people on a walkway—perfect for your itinerary with any top-rated tour company.

Ab. Velasco

"We recently booked a 12-day tour of Peru, Iguazu Falls and Rio de Janeiro with South America Travel and had a fantastic time...."
A person wearing a hat drives a horse-drawn carriage with two brown horses along a dirt road, enjoying the best countryside views surrounded by green fields under a partly cloudy sky.

Anca Simescu

"SouthAmerica.travel is more than yet another travel agency; it is a travel guide..."
A man kneels on a vast, white salt flat during his incredible adventure, holding his hands to make a pink flamingo in the distance appear small enough to fit between his fingers, creating an optical illusion.

Nick Jackets

"I will definitely be making my plans to do the rest of the continent over the next few years..."
Large stone sculptures of five fingers partially buried in sand, resembling a giant hand emerging from the beach, offer unique sightseeing for unforgettable travel experiences under a partly cloudy sky.

Marina Gracias

"Thank you very much for all your help. My husband and I really enjoyed our trip. I do believe it is due to the wonderful arrangements you made...."
A middle-aged couple stands close together, smiling as they enjoy an enjoyable time in front of large waterfalls and lush greenery beneath a blue sky. The woman wears sunglasses and a turquoise top; the man sports a white shirt and shorts.

Ann Chance

"Thank you so much for organizing our trip, and I have had pleasure in recommending SouthAmerica.travel to our friends!..."
Aerial view of ancient terraced ruins surrounded by lush green mountains, showing stone structures and pathways—an archaeological site where guides offer excellent service to visitors exploring its rich history.

Sheila

"She was easy to work with, thorough, efficient. I highly recommend Christina!..."

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.

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Per Person
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Basic
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Superior 👍
From US
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Per Person
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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