10-Day South America Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day South America tour itineraries

Compiled by

NinaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Day South America Itinerary, incl. Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro

  Five major cities reveal their secrets over 10 days. Stroll Buenos Aires' Avenida de Mayo, wander Colonia's historic quarter, immerse in ranch life near Tacuarembo, witness both sides of Iguazu Falls, and savor Rio's attractions from Copacabana to Christ the Redeemer. Includes 8 breakfasts and guided activities.

  

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  • Day 1

    Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Visit Buenos Aires' historic Microcentro district. Walk down Avenida de Mayo to see the Casa Rosada around 1 PM to avoid the morning business crowds. Head to San Telmo's cobblestone streets after 3 PM when the antique markets are fully operational. A recent visitor shared: "The afternoon wandering through San Telmo's markets was perfect timing – fewer tourists and better bargaining opportunities."

    
  • Day 2

    Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

    Take the morning ferry across the Rio de la Plata to Colonia (1.5 hours). You can easily explore the UNESCO-listed Old Quarter in one day. Visit the lighthouse after 2 PM when it's less crowded. Get your money exchanged in Buenos Aires where rates are more favorable than at the ferry terminal.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Uruguayan Estancia Stay

    Get ready for a long travel day: 3 hours to Montevideo followed by 5 hours to Tacuarembo. Pack snacks since the bus doesn't make stops. The ranch experience includes optional early morning farm work with the gauchos. A previous guest noted: "Watching the gauchos work with the cattle at sunrise was incredible – but be prepared for basic accommodations and sometimes brown water."

    
  • Days 6-8

    Iguazu Falls

    Take the overnight bus to Puerto Iguazu (12 hours). Visit both sides of the falls: Brazilian side offers panoramic views (2-3 hours needed) while the Argentine side gets you closer to the action (full day). Arrive at the Argentine side before 9 AM to avoid crowds. Bring rain gear and shoes with good grip. The boat ride to the falls' base is worth it but pack spare clothes.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Rio de Janeiro

    Fly to Rio in the morning. Visit Copacabana Beach in late afternoon when it's cooler and more locals are out. Plan your Christ the Redeemer visit after 11 AM when morning fog typically clears. Use official taxis or rideshare apps for safety. On your last day you might want to start early with Sugarloaf Mountain to beat the crowds.

    

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• 10 Days in Argentina & Bolivia, incl. Salta and La Paz

  The flavors and landscapes of 6 distinct cities unfold over 10 days. Taste Salta's wine country, marvel at San Pedro's Moon Valley, and cross Uyuni's salt flats. Highlights include Cafayate vineyards and La Paz's cable car rides. Includes 9 nights accommodation and most meals.

  

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  • Day 1

    Salta, Argentina

    Begin your adventure in Salta, a colonial city in northern Argentina. Find accommodation near Plaza 9 de Julio in the historic center. Travel tip: Plan to arrive in the afternoon to avoid morning airport traffic that can add 30+ minutes to your transfer.

    
  • Day 2

    Cafayate Wine Region

    Take a full-day trip to Cafayate through the Lerma Valley (3 hours each way). The morning drive through Quebrada de las Conchas offers stunning rock formations. Stop at the Devil's Throat viewpoint for photos. Visit the Torrontés wineries in the afternoon when they're less busy. Pack a light jacket for the valley's cool temperatures.

    
  • Day 3

    Salta to San Pedro de Atacama

    Cross the border from Argentina to Chile by bus (6-7 hours). You'll climb from 1,152m in Salta to 2,408m in San Pedro. Take it slow and stay hydrated. A previous traveler shared: "The altitude hit me harder than expected in San Pedro. Wish I'd started taking altitude medication a day earlier."

    
  • Day 4

    San Pedro de Atacama

    Visit Moon Valley in the afternoon for the best photo lighting. Wear grip shoes for the slippery salt caves. Watch sunset at Stone of the Coyote viewpoint but bring warm clothes. The temperature drops quickly after dark.

    
  • Day 5

    Atacama to Uyuni

    Leave at 7 AM for Bolivia. You'll reach 4,400m altitude. The day includes Green and White lagoons, hot springs, and Sol de Mañana geysers. Expect basic accommodation tonight in this remote high-altitude area.

    
  • Day 6

    Bolivian Desert

    Spend the day exploring high-altitude lagoons and Siloli Desert. Bring a windproof jacket and protect your camera from sand. Look for flamingos but bring binoculars as they often stay far from visitors.

    
  • Day 7

    Uyuni Salt Flats

    Start early at 5 AM to see sunrise on the salt flats. Visit during rainy season (December-April) to catch the mirror effect. See Incahuasi Island's giant cacti in mid-morning. Take an evening bus to La Paz (8 hours). Pack snacks and warm clothes for the overnight journey.

    
  • Day 8

    La Paz

    Reach La Paz (3,640m) early morning. Take it easy today due to the altitude. Stay in Sopocachi for easy access to good restaurants. Use the cable car system to see city views without tackling the steep streets.

    
  • Day 9

    La Paz Exploration

    Take a morning city tour of the Witches' Market (before tourist crowds) and colonial Jaen Street. Ride the cable car for views of the city with Mount Illimani in the background. Watch your step at Moon Valley's clay formations.

    
  • Day 10

    Departure from La Paz

    Allow 1 hour for airport transfer due to unpredictable traffic. El Alto airport is at 4,000m, one of the world's highest, so keep altitude medication handy until you leave.

    

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• 10 Days in South America, incl. Atacama Desert and Uyuni Salt Flats

  10-day South American adventure covering 3 countries and iconic sites like Uyuni Salt Flats and Valle de la Luna. Journey through high-altitude lagoons, spot flamingos at Laguna Colorada, and explore colonial Salta. Stay at Campo Base Hostel and salt refuges while discovering remote Andean landscapes.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Salta, Argentina

    Your journey starts in historic Salta. Visit the High Mountain Museum when you arrive to get familiar with the region's geography. On your second day choose between trips to Quebrada de Cafayate or Humahuaca. Book wine tours for the morning when it's cooler. Get some rest at your hostel before the 1 AM overnight bus to Chile.

    
  • Days 3-5

    San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

    The bus ride takes about 10.5 hours. Once you arrive take the Valle de la Luna tour but remember to pack a windbreaker for the strong afternoon winds. You'll have two more days to explore. Book a stargazing tour for your first night in case of bad weather. If you want to visit the hot springs go early to beat the crowds and the heat.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Uyuni Salt Flats Expedition, Bolivia

    Get ready for the trip highlight. The quick climb of 2,000 meters means altitude sickness is possible so bring medication. A recent visitor shared: "The altitude hit harder than expected at the geysers – take it slow and drink coca tea when offered." Important items to pack: a good camera that can handle weather, a headlamp and warm clothes for the cold nights. Your three-day tour includes: - Laguna Blanca and Verde - Salvador Dalí Desert - Polques hot springs (bring quick-dry towel) - Morning Sun Geysers - Laguna Colorada - Salt flat photography spots - Incahuasi Island - Train Cemetery

    
  • Day 9

    Return to San Pedro

    Back in Chile you'll have time to relax and sort through your photos.

    
  • Day 10

    Departure

    Head to Calama airport. Try to book afternoon flights since morning fog can cause delays.

    

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