2-Week South America Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 2-week South America tour itineraries

Compiled by

NinaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar

• 14 Day South America Itinerary, incl. Santiago and Rio de Janeiro

  South America's iconic landmarks unfold over 14 days: Santiago's historic center, Ushuaia's Beagle Channel, Buenos Aires' cultural landmarks, Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian perspective, and Rio's famous sights. Features 4-star accommodations, 13 breakfasts, and strategic flights.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Santiago

    Begin your trip in Chile's capital. Get to Plaza de Armas around 8 AM to avoid crowds. Take the San Cristobal Hill cable car before 11 AM for clear city views without the afternoon haze. Visit Mercado Central at lunch when you'll find the freshest seafood. A helpful tip from a traveler: "The funicular up Santa Lucia Hill can have long waits—take a taxi to the top and walk down through the gardens instead."

    
  • Days 3-4

    Ushuaia

    Take a 4-hour flight to the world's southernmost city. Dress in layers since even summer can be cold. Book a Beagle Channel catamaran trip to see sea lions and penguins on Martillo Island. The penguins nest here from September to April. If you get seasick easily, bring motion sickness medication. Your camera will need waterproof protection from the sea spray.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Buenos Aires

    Fly 3.5 hours to Argentina's vibrant capital. Visit San Telmo first, but plan for the Sunday market early before it gets packed. Take a morning boat to the peaceful Tigre Delta. For authentic tango, try El Viejo Almacen instead of the typical tourist spots. A local tip: "Skip the overpriced Puerto Madero restaurants—the best steaks are in Palermo at neighborhood parrillas."

    
  • Days 8-9

    Iguazu Falls

    A 2-hour flight takes you to these incredible waterfalls. Stay on the Brazilian side for better views. Get to Devil's Throat right when it opens at 9 AM to beat the crowds. Your electronics will need a dry bag because the viewing platforms get very wet. One visitor notes: "The helicopters tours get booked days ahead in peak season—reserve before arrival if it's a must-do."

    
  • Days 10-14

    Rio de Janeiro

    Reach your final stop with a 2-hour flight. Take the first 8 AM tram to Christ the Redeemer or you'll face long lines. Watch the sunset from Sugarloaf Mountain. Hit Copacabana beach in the morning before the afternoon winds pick up sand. A traveler suggests: "The walk from Copacabana to Ipanema along the beachfront is gorgeous but very hot midday—do it early or near sunset."

    

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

  South America's finest destinations span 6 cities across 3 countries. The route features UNESCO World Heritage sites, from Colonia's Barrio Historico to Iguazu's massive waterfall system. Includes varied accommodations from traditional estancias to modern hotels, suitable for ages 18+.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Buenos Aires

    Start your adventure in Argentina's capital with a walk through the historic Microcentro district. Visit the Palermo neighborhood at 8 PM when locals eat dinner at the city's best steakhouses. The next day, take a morning tour of Teatro Colon to avoid crowds. Set aside 2-3 hours for the magnificent Ateneo Bookshop, a converted theater that ranks among the world's most beautiful bookstores.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Uruguay

    Cross the Rio de la Plata on a 1-hour ferry to Colonia del Sacramento. Visit the historic quarter early morning before other tourists arrive. A climb up the lighthouse offers great city views for a small fee. Take a 3-hour bus to Montevideo and visit Mercado del Puerto at lunchtime for excellent grilled meats.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Uruguayan Estancia

    Experience authentic ranch life inland. Farm work starts at 6 AM, so bring sturdy boots if you plan to participate. You'll stay in basic shared rooms with family-style meals. A recent visitor shared: "Waking up to roosters and helping milk cows gave me a real taste of gaucho life. The home-cooked meals were incredible."

    
  • Days 8-9

    Iguazu Falls

    Visit both the Brazilian and Argentine sides of these spectacular falls. Start in Brazil for the big picture views, then explore Argentina's walkways the next day. Take a waterproof bag because you'll get wet. Photos look best between 10 AM-2 PM when sunlight hits the mist. Book your boat ride early since spots fill up quickly.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Paraty & Ilha Grande

    Fly to São Paulo, then travel 4-5 hours to historic Paraty. Take a 1.5-hour ferry to Ilha Grande, a car-free island paradise. Good walking shoes are essential for reaching the best beaches. The 2-hour hike to Lopes Mendes beach rewards you with pristine sand and surf. Buy supplies in Paraty since everything costs more on the island.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Rio de Janeiro

    Walk through the artistic Santa Teresa neighborhood and Lapa district. Visit the Selaron Steps before 9 AM to avoid crowds. On your final day, take the first 8 AM tram to Christ the Redeemer or relax at Copacabana Beach.

    

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• 14 Day Chile & Argentina Itinerary, incl. Santiago and Buenos Aires

  A thorough 14-day South American expedition winds through 7 cities across Chile, Argentina, and Brazil. The route takes you from Santiago's Metropolitan Park to Bariloche's Circuito Chico, featuring tango at La Ventana in Buenos Aires before reaching the majestic Iguazu Falls.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Santiago and Coast

    Land in Santiago early to skip the heavy airport traffic. The Andes make an impressive backdrop to Chile's capital city. Spend Day 2 exploring Santiago's main attractions but visit Cerro San Cristóbal first thing when the air is clearest. Head to the coast on Day 3 to see Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. Bring a jacket since the Pacific winds can be cool even in good weather.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Puerto Varas

    Fly two hours to Chile's Lake District. A recent visitor shared: "The view of Osorno Volcano from Puerto Varas is breathtaking, especially at sunset when it reflects on Lake Llanquihue." Stay in the German district to be close to good restaurants. Day 5 is open for exploring Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, which is just 45 minutes away.

    
  • Day 6

    Andean Crossing

    The full-day journey from Chile to Argentina runs from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM. Pack layers and rain gear since mountain weather changes quickly. You'll take four boats and three buses across beautiful lakes under snow-topped mountains.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Bariloche

    Welcome to the "Switzerland of South America." Take the Circuito Chico tour early for the best photo light. Get to the Cerro Campanario chairlift before noon to avoid strong afternoon winds. Use Day 8 to hike Cerro Llao Llao trail if you like moderate 4-hour hikes.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Buenos Aires

    After flying in spend your time wisely. Buenos Aires is best at night so rest up during the day. Wear good walking shoes for the city tour. Visit La Boca with a guide during daylight hours only. The tango show includes dinner at 8:30 PM like most Argentinians eat.

    
  • Days 12-14

    Iguazu Falls

    Fly north to see the world's biggest waterfalls. Bring quick-dry clothes and protect your camera from spray. See the Brazilian side in morning light for great views. The Argentine side gets you closer to the falls. Walk the Devil's Throat path early or late to avoid crowds.

    

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