1-Month+ South America Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 1-month+ South America tour itineraries

Compiled by

NinaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar

• 35 Day South America Itinerary, incl. Lima and Buenos Aires

  South America's iconic landscapes unfold over 35 days, visiting 18 cities. The 4-day Inca Trail leads to Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca's floating islands welcome visitors, and Salar de Uyuni offers a 3-day expedition. Accommodations vary from camping to community lodges.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Lima & Huacachina, Peru

    Begin your trip in Lima's colorful Barranco district. "The contrast between modern Lima and the historic center really struck me. Don't miss the sunset over the Pacific from Miraflores cliff walk." On day 2 take a 5-hour bus to Huacachina for sandboarding. Book afternoon sessions when winds are calmer and the sand isn't too hot.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Nazca & Arequipa Region

    Drive 3 hours to Nazca. You can take an early morning flight over the Nazca Lines if you book ahead. Stop for a traditional pachamanca lunch where meat and vegetables are cooked underground. Take an overnight bus to Arequipa. "The Nazca Lines flight can be bumpy - take motion sickness pills if you're sensitive."

    
  • Days 5-8

    Arequipa & Colca Canyon

    Visit "The White City" and stunning Colca Canyon. Take a day trip to see Andean condors. Get to Cruz del Condor by 8AM for the best views. "Get to Cruz del Condor viewpoint early before tourist buses arrive." Back in Arequipa you can explore Santa Catalina Monastery and try local spicy rocoto relleno.

    
  • Days 9-15

    Cusco & Machu Picchu

    Take an overnight bus to Cusco. Spend two days getting used to the altitude before starting the 4-day Inca Trail. Important tip: "Pack light for the trail - porters have strict weight limits. Bring hiking poles for steep descents." Visit the Sacred Valley including a women's weaving cooperative in Ccaccaccollo. The trail ends at Machu Picchu where you can catch sunrise at the Sun Gate.

    
  • Days 16-20

    Lake Titicaca & La Paz

    Take a 7.5-hour bus to Puno. Spend two days at Lake Titicaca with an overnight stay on Taquile Island. "Pack warm layers for the homestay - nights get very cold." Head to La Paz in Bolivia where you can bike the Death Road or browse the Witches' Market.

    
  • Days 21-27

    Sucre, Potosí & Uyuni

    Take an overnight bus to Sucre and explore Bolivia's constitutional capital. You can visit the silver mines in Potosí if interested. Next up is a 3-day tour of the Uyuni salt flats. Good advice: "Bring protective gear for electronics - salt dust gets everywhere."

    
  • Days 28-31

    Atacama & Northern Argentina

    Cross into Chile's Atacama Desert. From San Pedro you can visit Valley of the Moon or join stargazing tours. Continue to Salta Argentina. "Try the local empanadas salteñas - best to eat them at small local spots rather than tourist restaurants."

    
  • Days 32-35

    Final Stretch to Buenos Aires

    Explore Salta before flying to Buenos Aires. Spend your final days discovering the capital's neighborhoods. "Skip the touristy tango shows in favor of authentic milongas where locals dance."

    

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• 31 Days in South America, incl. La Paz and Rio de Janeiro

  A stunning 31-day route covers 15 South American cities across 5 countries. Three days at Salar de Uyuni, 2 days at Iguazu Falls from both sides, and stays in colonial gems like Sucre and Paraty complement beach time in Ilha Grande.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    La Paz, Bolivia

    At 11,900ft, La Paz requires careful acclimation. Spend your first day on gentle walks around Plaza Murillo and the Witches' Market. "The altitude hit me harder than expected - definitely worth spending that first day just wandering the markets slowly and drinking coca tea," one traveler shared. On day 2, explore more of the city before taking the overnight bus to Sucre (14 hours).

    
  • Days 3-4

    Sucre, Bolivia

    Sucre, the "White City," has perfect weather for exploring. Start with a morning hike in the valleys for city views. Visit the Textile Cooperative to see traditional weaving. Book the dinosaur tracks tour early since spots fill up quickly.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Potosí, Bolivia

    A 2.5-hour bus takes you to the world's highest city at 13,420ft. Visit Casa de la Moneda before 10am to beat the crowds. The silver mine tour is interesting but challenging. Skip it if you're claustrophobic or not physically fit.

    
  • Days 7-10

    Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia

    Most travelers consider this a highlight. Take a 4-hour private transfer to Uyuni, then spend 3 days exploring the salt flats and desert by 4x4. Pack warm clothes for freezing nights. "The salt hotel was surprisingly comfortable, but bring a power bank - electricity only runs certain hours," notes one reviewer.

    
  • Days 11-12

    San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

    Cross into Chile's Atacama Desert. Take the Valley of the Moon tour at sunset for the best views. Night astronomy tours are popular but book up fast. Reserve 2-3 days ahead.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Salta, Argentina

    After a 10-hour bus ride, you'll reach this colonial city. Try a wine tour to Cafayate to taste unique high-altitude Torrontés wines. Book the Peña folklore show for your second night. Past travelers rate it as an authentic local experience.

    

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

  South America's diversity shines over 39 days across 15 major destinations. The path leads from Lima through Cusco's ancient streets, across Bolivia's salt flats to Chile's Atacama Desert. Machu Picchu trekking, Amazon jungle exploration, and Iguazu Falls precede the finale in vibrant Rio de Janeiro.

  

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  • Days 1-5

    Peru's Highlights

    Start your journey in Lima. The city's traffic gets heavy from 7-9am and 5-7pm, so plan your airport transfer outside these times. Spend time in the Miraflores district and try local ceviche at San Pedro market. A quick flight takes you to Puerto Maldonado for 2 nights in the Amazon. Pack quick-dry clothes and strong mosquito repellent. The humidity often hits 90%. A recent visitor said: "The jungle lodge was basic but watching caimans on night patrol was unforgettable. Bring a headlamp!"

    
  • Days 6-9

    Machu Picchu Trek

    You can pick the classic Inca Trail (4 days), Quarry Trail, or take the train. If you're hiking, spend 2 days in Cusco first to adjust to the altitude. Many people get sick above 3,000m. Pack for all weather. Nights can be freezing while days get hot. Dead Woman's Pass (4,215m) is a tough 5-6 hour climb. Book your Machu Picchu permits 6 months early before they run out.

    
  • Days 10-14

    Lake Titicaca & La Paz

    The morning bus from Cusco to Puno takes 6-7 hours. Visit the floating islands and stay with a local family on Lake Titicaca. Bring warm clothes for the cold nights. Head into Bolivia and take time to adjust in La Paz (3,640m). One traveler noted: "The Witches Market was fascinating but take it slow. The steep streets combined with thin air left me winded."

    
  • Days 15-21

    Bolivian Salt Flats to Argentina

    Pack very warm clothes for the 3-day Salar de Uyuni tour. Nights can hit -20°C. Travel through the Atacama Desert to San Pedro, Chile, then take a bus to Salta, Argentina. The roads are rough and the days are long. The bright white salt flats need good sun protection and quality sunglasses.

    
  • Days 22-32

    Buenos Aires & Uruguay

    Walk through BA's neighborhoods like San Telmo and La Boca. Take a 1-hour ferry to Colonia del Sacramento, then a 2.5-hour bus to Montevideo. Experience ranch life at an estancia. Get ready for early mornings and simple living. A guest shared: "The homestay was rustic but sharing mate tea with the family was a highlight."

    
  • Days 33-39

    Iguazu & Brazil Finale

    Visit both sides of Iguazu Falls. Brazil offers the big picture views, Argentina gets you closer. Book the falls boat ride early. Finish in Rio. The Paraty bus takes 4 hours. Stay in Copacabana or Ipanema for good beach access and better safety. Visit Christ the Redeemer early to beat the crowds.

    

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