Planning a trip to South America can be overwhelming, especially when you only have two weeks to explore.
But don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with a full itinerary that’ll take you through some of the best spots on the continent, covering stunning landscapes, historic cities, and vibrant cultures.
This 2-week adventure will include mornings filled with sightseeing, afternoons packed with exciting activities, and relaxing evenings to wind down. Let’s get started!
South America travel itinerary 2 weeks
Here’s a quick 14-day itinerary that covers some of the most breathtaking destinations in South America. From the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, this journey offers a taste of the continent’s diverse cultures and landscapes.
- Day 1: Arrive in Lima, Peru
- Day 2: Cusco, Peru
- Day 3: Sacred Valley, Peru
- Day 4: Machu Picchu, Peru
- Day 5: Cusco, Peru
- Day 6: La Paz, Bolivia
- Day 7: Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia
- Day 8: Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia
- Day 9: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
- Day 10: Atacama Desert, Chile
- Day 11: Santiago, Chile
- Day 12: Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Day 13: Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Day 14: Buenos Aires, Argentina (Departure)
Planning to visit Peru and Bolivia? Read our 10 day Peru Bolivia Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lima, Peru
- Early Morning: Fly into Lima, the capital of Peru. After arriving at Jorge Chavez International Airport, check into your hotel to rest up from your flight.
- Morning: Head to the Plaza de Armas for a walking tour. Explore Lima Cathedral and the Government Palace, learning about Peru’s colonial past.
- Lunch: Stop by La Mar Cebichería for a taste of fresh ceviche. Cost: $15.
- Afternoon: Take a stroll through Miraflores and visit the Huaca Pucllana ruins.
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset view from Parque del Amor, then grab dinner at Maido, a top-rated restaurant (Cost: $40).
| Day 1 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Lima, Peru |
| Accommodation | Hotel in Miraflores (Cost: $100/night) |
| Activities | Plaza de Armas, Huaca Pucllana |
| Transport | Taxi (Cost: $10) |
| Notes | Carry water and sunscreen |
Day 2: Lima to Cusco
- Early Morning: Take an early flight from Lima to Cusco (1-hour flight, Cost: $70).
- Morning: Once in Cusco, acclimate to the altitude by resting at your hotel. Cusco sits at 11,000 feet above sea level!
- Lunch: Have a light lunch at Pachapapa in the San Blas district (Cost: $10).
- Afternoon: Explore Sacsayhuamán, an impressive ancient fortress.
- Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner at Cicciolina (Cost: $25) and walk through the Plaza de Armas lit up at night.
| Day 2 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Cusco, Peru |
| Accommodation | Boutique hotel in Cusco (Cost: $90) |
| Activities | Visit Sacsayhuamán |
| Transport | Local taxi (Cost: $5) |
| Notes | Dress warmly, Cusco gets chilly |
Day 3: Sacred Valley
- Morning: Start your day with a guided tour of the Sacred Valley, visiting Pisac and its famous market. You’ll get a chance to see incredible Incan ruins and buy some souvenirs.
- Lunch: Lunch at a local market or small restaurant in Pisac (Cost: $8).
- Afternoon: Continue to Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca town, and spend the afternoon exploring its ruins.
- Evening: Head back to Cusco for dinner and rest.
| Day 3 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Sacred Valley, Peru |
| Accommodation | Same as Day 2 |
| Activities | Pisac Market, Ollantaytambo Ruins |
| Transport | Private tour van |
| Notes | Bring cash for markets |
Day 4-5: Machu Picchu Adventure
- Day 4 Morning: Board the Vistadome Train to Machu Picchu (Cost: $120). Arrive and spend the day exploring this iconic site.
- Lunch: Packed lunch or at a small café near the entrance (Cost: $15).
- Afternoon: Continue your tour, visiting famous spots like the Temple of the Sun and the Inca Bridge.
- Evening: Stay overnight in Aguas Calientes, the town near Machu Picchu.
- Day 5 Morning: Option to return to Machu Picchu for a second visit or hike Huayna Picchu for a stunning view (limited tickets available).
- Afternoon: Return to Cusco via train.
| Day 4-5 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Machu Picchu, Peru |
| Accommodation | Hotel in Aguas Calientes |
| Activities | Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu |
| Transport | Vistadome Train |
| Notes | Book Machu Picchu tickets in advance |
Day 6: Cusco to La Paz, Bolivia
- Morning: Fly from Cusco to La Paz, Bolivia (1.5-hour flight, Cost: $100).
- Afternoon: Explore Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), a surreal landscape outside of the city.
- Evening: Walk around Calle Jaén, a picturesque street lined with colorful houses and museums.
| Day 6 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | La Paz, Bolivia |
| Accommodation | Hotel in La Paz (Cost: $80) |
| Activities | Valle de la Luna |
| Transport | Taxi (Cost: $10) |
| Notes | Stay hydrated, altitude is high |
Day 7-8: Uyuni Salt Flats Tour
- Day 7 Morning: Take a flight or bus to Uyuni and begin a 3-day Salt Flats Tour (Cost: $180). Explore the world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni.
- Day 8: Spend the day exploring otherworldly landscapes, from the Salt Hotel to Incahuasi Island, filled with giant cacti.
| Day 7-8 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Uyuni, Bolivia |
| Accommodation | Salt Hotel (Day 7) |
| Activities | Salt Flats Tour |
| Transport | 4×4 vehicle |
| Notes | Bring warm clothes |
Day 9: Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
- Morning: Finish your Uyuni Salt Flats Tour and cross the border into San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. This desert town is famous for its stunning landscapes.
- Lunch: Grab a quick bite in San Pedro (Cost: $10).
- Afternoon: Explore the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), an otherworldly landscape that looks like the surface of the moon. Sunset here is a must!
- Evening: Relax at your hotel or catch a stargazing tour—the Atacama Desert is known for having some of the clearest skies in the world.
| Day 9 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | San Pedro de Atacama, Chile |
| Accommodation | Budget hotel in San Pedro (Cost: $75) |
| Activities | Valle de la Luna, Stargazing |
| Transport | 4×4 transfer from Uyuni |
| Notes | Book stargazing tour in advance |
Day 10: Exploring the Atacama Desert
- Morning: Wake up early and visit the El Tatio Geysers, one of the highest geyser fields in the world (Cost: $40). It’s best to go at sunrise when the steam is most visible.
- Lunch: Return to town and have lunch at a local restaurant (Cost: $12).
- Afternoon: Visit the Laguna Cejar, where you can float in the salty water like the Dead Sea! Don’t forget your sunscreen.
- Evening: Have dinner at Adobe Restaurant, a popular spot in San Pedro (Cost: $20).
| Day 10 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Atacama Desert, Chile |
| Accommodation | Same as Day 9 |
| Activities | El Tatio Geysers, Laguna Cejar |
| Transport | Local tours |
| Notes | Bring warm clothing for the geysers |
Day 11: San Pedro to Santiago, Chile
- Morning: Catch a flight from San Pedro’s nearest airport to Santiago, Chile’s bustling capital (Cost: $100).
- Afternoon: Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take a city walking tour. Don’t miss the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city, and La Moneda Palace.
- Lunch: Have lunch at Bocanáriz, a trendy wine bar with delicious local food (Cost: $25).
- Evening: Spend your evening enjoying the vibrant nightlife in the Bellavista neighborhood.
| Day 11 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Santiago, Chile |
| Accommodation | Hotel in Bellavista (Cost: $85) |
| Activities | City walking tour, Plaza de Armas |
| Transport | Taxi or metro |
| Notes | Santiago’s metro is easy to navigate |
Day 12: Santiago to Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Morning: Take an early flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina (Cost: $120). Check into your hotel and take some time to relax.
- Afternoon: Head to the Recoleta Cemetery, where you can visit Evita Perón’s grave. The cemetery is like a city of ornate mausoleums.
- Lunch: Have a traditional Argentinian steak at Don Julio (Cost: $30).
- Evening: Explore Palermo Soho, a neighborhood known for its boutiques, cafes, and street art.
| Day 12 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Accommodation | Hotel in Palermo (Cost: $90) |
| Activities | Recoleta Cemetery, Palermo Soho |
| Transport | Taxi (Cost: $10) |
| Notes | Buenos Aires is great for walking |
Day 13: Buenos Aires Exploration
- Morning: Visit the iconic Casa Rosada, where Evita once addressed the nation. Then, take a tour of the Teatro Colón, one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world.
- Lunch: Stop by Café Tortoni, the oldest café in the city, for a coffee and snack (Cost: $10).
- Afternoon: Take a tango lesson in San Telmo, the birthplace of tango (Cost: $20).
- Evening: Enjoy a tango show at Esquina Carlos Gardel, where dinner is also served (Cost: $50).
| Day 13 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Accommodation | Same as Day 12 |
| Activities | Casa Rosada, Tango lesson, Tango show |
| Transport | Metro or taxi |
| Notes | Book tango show in advance |
Day 14: Return Home
- Morning: After an amazing 2-week adventure, it’s time to catch your flight home from Buenos Aires. Depending on your flight time, you can visit Puerto Madero for a relaxing last walk by the river before heading to the airport.
- Afternoon/Evening: Depart from Buenos Aires. Reflect on all the unforgettable memories from this two-week South American adventure!
| Day 14 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Buenos Aires to home |
| Accommodation | N/A |
| Activities | Puerto Madero |
| Transport | Taxi to the airport |
| Notes | Check your flight times |
Estimated Budget Overview
Here’s an estimated budget overview for the 14-day South America itinerary:
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Flights (Internal) | $500 – $800 |
| Accommodation | $700 – $1,400 |
| Meals | $300 – $500 |
| Transportation | $150 – $300 |
| Activities & Tours | $600 – $1,000 |
| Entrance Fees | $200 – $300 |
| Miscellaneous (Souvenirs, Tips) | $100 – $200 |
| Travel Insurance | $100 – $150 |
| Total Estimated Budget | $2,650 – $4,650 |
This budget covers a mix of mid-range accommodations, meals, and tours, ensuring a balance between comfort and affordability. Prices may vary based on individual preferences and seasonal changes.
Is 2 weeks enough for South America?
In two weeks, you can cover a lot of ground and see some of the continent’s most famous landmarks, but it’s definitely a whirlwind trip.
To fully appreciate South America’s diverse cultures and landscapes, I’d recommend planning a longer visit if possible.
However, this itinerary gives you a well-rounded taste of the best of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile.
How many days do you need in South America?
The number of days you need depends on how much of South America you want to explore. For this itinerary, 14 days gives you enough time to visit some of the most iconic sites.
If you have more time, consider adding extra days in Argentina or Brazil to see Iguazu Falls or Rio de Janeiro.
What is the best month to go to South America?
The best time to visit South America depends on the regions you’re exploring. For this itinerary, the dry season from April to September is ideal for visiting Machu Picchu and the Salt Flats.
December to March is the wet season, which can affect your plans in the Andean regions.
Which country in South America is the best to visit?
This is a tough one! Peru stands out for its rich history and the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.
Bolivia offers adventure lovers unique landscapes like Salar de Uyuni, while Chile is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts with its Atacama Desert and Patagonia region.
It depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
Conclusion
This South America travel itinerary for 2 weeks takes you through some of the continent’s most stunning and diverse regions.
From the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu to the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, this journey is filled with unforgettable sights, sounds, and flavors. W
hether it’s your first time in South America or you’re returning for more, this trip will leave you wanting to come back for another adventure!