3-Week South America Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week South America tour itineraries

Compiled by

NinaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar

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

  South America's most iconic sites await over 21 days, from Peru's Machu Picchu to Brazil's Copacabana Beach. The Nazca Lines, Lake Titicaca, Iguazu Falls, and Rio's Christ the Redeemer create lasting memories, enhanced by authentic dining and carefully selected accommodations.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Lima & Paracas, Peru

    Begin in Lima's Miraflores district with a walking tour. Explore the Plaza Mayor and San Francisco Monastery in the historic center. Visit the morning market to see local specialties including cuy. Head south to quiet Paracas for your second night.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Nazca & Arequipa, Peru

    Start with a boat trip to Ballestas Islands to watch penguins and sea lions. Head to Nazca where you can take a flight over the ancient lines (book ahead for about $100). Continue to Arequipa, the White City. Visit Santa Catalina Monastery and sample local food at a traditional picanteria.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Lake Titicaca Region

    Stop at the pre-Inca burial towers of Sillustani on your way to Puno. Spend a day on Lake Titicaca visiting the floating reed islands of Uros and Taquile Island. "The hour-long uphill walk on Taquile was challenging but worth it - bring water and take it slow at this altitude."

    
  • Days 8-10

    Cusco & Sacred Valley

    Take time to adjust to Cusco's high altitude with coca tea and gentle walks. Visit San Pedro Market and see the famous 12-angled stone. Visit the Sacred Valley and stop at Huilloq community to see traditional weaving. Explore the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo.

    
  • Days 11-12

    Machu Picchu

    Take the train to Aguas Calientes. Get an early start with the 5:30 AM bus to Machu Picchu to beat the crowds. "Book the afternoon train back to Cusco - morning ones often get delayed by fog."

    
  • Days 13-14

    Cusco & Lima

    Spend time in Cusco exploring museums or try mountain biking. Return to Lima for one more night.

    
  • Days 15-16

    Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Fly to Buenos Aires for a different cultural experience. Tour historic San Telmo and the colorful La Boca area. Visit Recoleta Cemetery in the afternoon for the best photo lighting.

    
  • Days 17-18

    Iguazu Falls

    See the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls first for the best views then explore the Argentine side's walkways. Visit a Guarani community. "The Devil's Throat walkway gets very wet - bring a waterproof phone case and wear sandals with good grip."

    
  • Days 19-21

    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Finish your trip in Rio. Visit Christ the Redeemer early to avoid crowds and heat. Walk through Santa Teresa and see the Selaron Steps. Use your last day to relax at Copacabana Beach or take the Sugarloaf Mountain cable car ($40).

    

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

  A grand 21-day tour spans 12 South American cities, from Copacabana Beach to Machu Picchu. The luxury Titicaca Express train, 5 domestic flights, and visits to Cusco's Q'oricancha Temple await. Premium hotels complement visits to Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires, and Sacred Valley.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Arrive at Galeão Airport before 2 PM to avoid Rio's heavy afternoon traffic. On your first night take a walk along Copacabana Beach's black and white promenade. For the next two days focus on Rio's main attractions early in the day. Get the first cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain at 8 AM for the best city views without crowds. Visit Christ the Redeemer by taking the cog train through Tijuca National Park. Bring a light jacket since mornings at the top can be cooler than you might expect.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Iguazu Falls

    Take a 2-hour flight to Foz do Iguaçu. You'll want to see these falls from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. Start on the Brazilian side for sweeping views then spend a full day exploring the Argentine side's walkways. Bring a waterproof bag to protect your camera from the heavy spray at Devil's Throat. A natural gas train runs to the falls every 30 minutes.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Fly in during the morning and get settled in Argentina's capital. Visit the colorful La Boca district before 5 PM for safety. You can take your time with dinner since most locals eat after 9 PM. Book your tango shows ahead of time as good venues fill up fast. For evening walks stick to the upscale Recoleta area.

    
  • Days 8-12

    Bolivia's Highlights

    Flying to Sucre through Santa Cruz brings your first real altitude change. Take things slow when you arrive. The historic center is easy to walk but you'll need good shoes for the steep cobblestone streets. La Paz sits at 11,942 feet so give yourself a full day to adjust before serious sightseeing. The Witches' Market is interesting but ask before taking photos.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Lake Titicaca Region

    It takes about 4 hours to get from La Paz to Copacabana. Bring warm clothes since the lake area can be cold despite strong sun. If you visit Isla del Sol be ready for some challenging high-altitude hiking. The border crossing into Peru usually takes 1-2 hours.

    
  • Days 15-19

    Cusco & Machu Picchu, Peru

    Take the luxury train from Puno to Cusco for great Andean views but know that rail strikes can happen. Stay in Cusco's San Blas neighborhood for its charm and good location. For Machu Picchu take the first 5:30 AM bus from Aguas Calientes to see the site before the crowds. Book Huayna Picchu permits months ahead since they only allow 400 people daily.

    
  • Days 20-21

    Lima

    Finish your trip in Peru's capital. The Miraflores and Barranco areas are both safe and full of character. Visit the historic center during daylight hours only. Leave time for Lima's amazing restaurants. Top places like Central need lunch reservations weeks in advance.

    

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

  South America's finest destinations shine over 21 days across 11 cities. Rio's Copacabana Beach, Cusco's Sacred Valley, and the Galápagos Islands await. Three-night stays in major cities, Vistadome train to Machu Picchu, and cruise aboard M/V Galápagos Legend create unforgettable memories.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Rio de Janeiro

    Start your journey in Brazil's incredible coastal city. Traffic from GIG airport can be heavy, so head straight to your Copacabana Beach hotel. Visit Sugarloaf Mountain around 3 PM for the best photo opportunities of Guanabara Bay. The next day, take the Corcovado Railway to Christ the Redeemer before 9 AM to avoid the crowds. Spend your final Rio evening learning to make caipirinhas and enjoying dinner at a local churrascaria.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Iguazu Falls

    Take a quick flight to the Brazil-Argentina border. Visit the Brazilian side first for wide-angle views before crossing to Argentina for an up-close look. Bring quick-dry clothes and sturdy water-resistant shoes. The falls create perfect conditions for over 2,000 plant species in the surrounding area.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Buenos Aires

    Fly to Argentina's elegant capital and stay near Plaza San Martin. Visit La Boca in the morning light when tourist numbers are low. Take a trip to San Antonio de Areco to see traditional gaucho culture and working silversmiths. Your Buenos Aires visit should include an evening at an authentic tango show.

    
  • Days 9-15

    Peru (Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco)

    Start in Lima to explore its historic center and food scene. When you reach Cusco, take it easy while adjusting to the high altitude (11,152 ft). Coca tea helps, and skip alcohol on day one. Take an early Vistadome train to Machu Picchu for the best experience. Remember to book your Machu Picchu permits months in advance.

    
  • Days 16-21

    Ecuador & Galapagos

    Start in Quito before heading to the Galapagos Islands. A previous visitor shared: "The wildlife encounters were incredible, but the seas can be rough - especially around Bartolome Island. Having medication on hand made all the difference." Pack motion sickness medication for island-hopping boat trips.

    

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