3-Week Latin America Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Latin America itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaLatin America travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Day South America Itinerary, incl. Lima and Rio de Janeiro

  Latin American culture comes alive across 15 destinations in this 3-week adventure. From Lima's markets to Rio's Christ the Redeemer, visitors encounter UNESCO sites, indigenous communities, and natural wonders. The tour showcases Iguazu Falls from both countries and authentic cultural experiences throughout.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Lima & Paracas, Peru

    Begin your journey in Lima's Miraflores district and explore the historic center's colonial architecture. Visit San Francisco Monastery and Central Market to try Peru's famous ceviche. Travel south to Paracas for marine wildlife watching. To avoid crowds and get the freshest seafood, visit Central Market before 11 AM.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Sacred Peru Circuit

    Take an early morning flight to see the Nazca Lines when visibility is best. Visit Arequipa, the "White City," and its Santa Catalina Monastery for great morning photos. Stop by the Juanita Museum to see the preserved "Ice Maiden" mummy. Since Arequipa sits at 7,660 feet, take your first day slow to adjust to the altitude.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Lake Titicaca Region

    Visit Lake Titicaca's floating islands and meet the Uros people. Take a boat to Taquile Island to see traditional textile making. A recent visitor shares: "The hour-long uphill walk on Taquile was challenging but worth it - bring water and sun protection as there's no shade on the island."

    
  • Days 8-10

    Cusco & Sacred Valley

    Take time to adjust to Cusco's high altitude before visiting Incan sites. Start at San Pedro Market early for the best selection. Visit the Sacred Valley, including the Huilloq community and Ollantaytambo ruins. Stay in San Blas neighborhood for prettier streets and easier walks than the main square.

    
  • Days 11-12

    Machu Picchu Experience

    Take the train to Aguas Calientes. Catch the first bus to Machu Picchu at 5:30 AM to avoid crowds and afternoon rain. A visitor notes: "Getting up at 4 AM was tough but watching the sunrise over Machu Picchu while the morning mist cleared was unforgettable."

    
  • Days 15-16

    Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Visit La Boca's colorful streets, historic San Telmo, and elegant Recoleta. Plan to see La Boca mid-morning before it gets crowded. The area closes around 5 PM.

    
  • Days 17-18

    Iguazu Falls

    See both sides of the falls. Brazil offers wide views while Argentina gets you closer to the water. Bring a waterproof phone case and quick-dry clothes - you'll get wet near Devil's Throat.

    
  • Days 19-21

    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Visit Christ the Redeemer early to beat crowds. Explore artistic Santa Teresa and the Selaron Steps. Head to Copacabana or Ipanema beaches in late afternoon. For the best Sugar Loaf Mountain views, go to Urca Hill at sunset.

    

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• 21 Day South America Itinerary, incl. Rio de Janeiro and Machu Picchu

  A grand 21-day itinerary connects 12 cities across 4 countries, with 5 internal flights and luxury train travel. Marvel at iconic sites from Rio's Christ the Redeemer to Machu Picchu's ancient ruins. The tour provides 20 breakfasts, accommodations in top-rated hotels, and expert-guided tours of Tiwanaku ruins and Sacred Valley.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Base yourself in Copacabana. Visit Sugarloaf Mountain early before lines get long at 9 AM. For Christ the Redeemer take the rack railway through Tijuca National Park. Book an afternoon visit to avoid morning fog that often blocks the views. Santa Teresa neighborhood offers a quiet break from the busy downtown.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Iguazu Falls

    Fly to Foz do Iguacu in the morning. See the falls from both Brazilian and Argentinian sides. Brazil offers wide panoramic views while Argentina's walkways bring you closer to the waterfalls. Start on the Brazilian side to get the big picture first. Bring waterproof gear and protect your cameras.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Fly south to Buenos Aires and walk through its unique neighborhoods. Visit La Boca's colorful houses in morning light for great photos. Book tango shows early. The late shows at 11 PM feel more authentic than earlier ones.

    
  • Days 8-12

    Bolivia (Sucre & La Paz)

    Start in Sucre (2,800m) to adjust to the altitude before going to La Paz (3,500m). Visit the Witches' Market in the morning when it's busiest. Take the Teleférico for city views after you've adjusted to the altitude. Wear good walking shoes for La Paz's steep streets.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Lake Titicaca Region

    Visit both the Bolivian and Peruvian sides of the lake. The altitude here is challenging at 3,800m so drink lots of water and eat light meals. Boat trips to Isla del Sol take about an hour. Bring good sun protection as the high altitude makes the sun stronger.

    
  • Days 15-19

    Cusco & Machu Picchu, Peru

    Take the 10-hour scenic train from Puno to Cusco. Give yourself 2-3 days in Cusco to adjust before visiting Machu Picchu. Take the first bus up at 5:30 AM to avoid crowds and get photos without tourists. Wear shoes with good grip for Machu Picchu's steep steps.

    
  • Days 20-21

    Lima

    Stay in the Miraflores district. Visit the historic center in the morning when traffic is lighter. Lima has amazing restaurants. Book lunch at places like Central or Maido several weeks before your trip.

    

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• 21 Days in South America, incl. Rio de Janeiro and Machu Picchu

  South American treasures await in this 21-day tour visiting 11 cities across Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Ecuador. Notable stays include 3 nights in Rio, views from both sides of Iguassu Falls, Machu Picchu via Vistadome train, and cruising the Galápagos aboard M/V Galápagos Legend. Package includes 20 breakfasts and 15 other meals.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Rio de Janeiro

    Begin your South American adventure in Rio, Brazil's stunning coastal metropolis. Head up Corcovado Mountain by cogwheel train to see Christ the Redeemer before the crowds arrive. Morning fog typically clears around 10am, giving you perfect photo opportunities. Visit Sugarloaf Mountain in the afternoon when the city views shine. Round out your days learning to mix caipirinhas and enjoying dinner at a local churrascaria.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Iguazu Falls

    A quick 2-hour flight brings you to Iguazu Falls. Take time to see both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides. Brazil offers sweeping panoramas, while Argentina puts you right next to the powerful Devil's Throat. Visit the local Guarani community to understand their connection to the rainforest. Bring quick-dry clothes you'll get wet from the spray.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Buenos Aires

    Fly to Argentina's capital for culture and history. Walk through vibrant La Boca and historic Plaza de Mayo. Take a day trip to San Antonio de Areco, just 1.5 hours away, to experience gaucho culture and enjoy authentic asado barbecue at a local ranch. For evening entertainment, catch a tango show in San Telmo. El Viejo Almacen is known for its authentic performances.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Lima

    Discover Peru's capital city. Start early at San Francisco Church to avoid crowds while exploring its catacombs. Get to know Peruvian cuisine through local markets and cooking classes. As one recent traveler noted: "The market tour with Chef Ignacio opened my eyes to ingredients I'd never seen before - he really helps you understand Peru through its food."

    
  • Days 11-14

    Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

    Take a morning flight to Cusco then head to the Sacred Valley. Take time to adjust to the altitude drink water and skip alcohol at first. Visit Ollantaytambo before boarding the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. The early morning mist adds mystery to your first glimpse of the ancient city. Spend your remaining time exploring Cusco's mix of colonial and Incan architecture.

    
  • Days 15-17

    Quito & Middle of the World

    Travel to Ecuador's capital and its UNESCO-listed historic center. Visit the Equator monument and take it slow your first day the altitude here reaches 9,350 feet.

    
  • Days 18-21

    Galapagos Islands

    Complete your journey exploring these unique islands. Watch frigate birds and blue-footed boobies on North Seymour Island, snorkel with sea lions at Bartolome, and meet giant tortoises on San Cristobal. A recent visitor shared: "Nothing prepares you for how close you can get to the wildlife - the animals truly have no fear of humans here."

    

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