4-Week South America Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 4-week South America itineraries

Compiled by

NinaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar

• 28 Day Antarctica Itinerary, incl. Weddell Sea and South Georgia Island

  A grand 28-day polar expedition through South America takes you to Ushuaia, South Georgia Island, and the Antarctic Peninsula. The voyage includes 9 full days among the Weddell Sea's ice shelves, with visits to Brown Bluff and Kinnes Cove. Expert-led excursions offer prime wildlife viewing opportunities.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Ushuaia and Drake Passage

    Arrive in Ushuaia and plan for an extra day to account for flight delays. The ship sets off through the Beagle Channel into the Drake Passage. Bring motion sickness medication and give yourself time to adjust to the ship's movement.

    
  • Days 4-6

    Journey to South Georgia

    Cross the Antarctic Convergence where cold and warm waters meet, creating prime feeding areas for seabirds and whales. Look for wandering albatross soaring with their 11-foot wingspans. The temperature drops significantly here, so keep warm clothes ready for deck viewing.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Sea Days

    Use these flexible days to adapt to weather and ice conditions. Learn about Antarctic wildlife and Shackleton's expedition through onboard talks. The ship has stabilizers for rough seas, but always use handrails when moving around.

    
  • Day 9

    South Sandwich Islands

    Visit these volcanic islands if weather allows. Take Zodiac rides to see chinstrap penguin colonies. Landing isn't always possible due to conditions, so flexibility is key.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Heading South

    Move through increasing ice into Antarctic waters. The ship breaks through pack ice toward the Weddell Sea. Watch for massive tabular icebergs that can stretch for miles.

    
  • Days 13-14

    New Swabia

    Visit the Antarctic Peninsula's eastern coast. Protect camera equipment in waterproof bags during Zodiac trips. Take in spectacular ice sheet views during the helicopter flight.

    
  • Days 15-23

    Deep Weddell Sea

    Explore the Filchner, Ronne and Larsen ice shelves. Look for Weddell seals breeding in these remote waters. The incredibly clear water offers visibility up to 150 feet. The ship moves carefully through dense ice fields.

  • Day 24

    Brown Bluff & Kinnes Cove

    Stop at Brown Bluff's volcanic cliffs if possible. Watch Adelie penguin colonies and keep your camera ready for nearby whales.

  • Day 25

    Elephant Island

    Visit Point Wild, where Shackleton's crew waited for rescue. While landing is uncommon due to weather, Zodiac rides offer good views of this historic location.

  • Days 26-27

    Drake Passage Return

    Head back through typically calmer Drake Passage waters. Sort photos and attend final lectures.

  • Day 28

    Ushuaia

    Return to Ushuaia early morning. Book afternoon flights to allow for weather delays.

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

  Iconic South American sites unfold over 26 days, visiting 14 cities from Lima to Buenos Aires. The journey includes Sacred Valley trekking to Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca's floating islands, and Salar de Uyuni salt flats. Accommodations vary from Amazon jungle lodges to city hotels, with local expert guides.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Peru's Coast & Amazon

    Begin in Lima and explore the Miraflores district, known for its ocean views at Parque del Amor. On Day 2, fly to Puerto Maldonado for your Amazon adventure. You'll take a motorized canoe to your jungle lodge after storing your main luggage in town. Spend two days looking for wildlife on jungle walks and night boat rides to spot caimans. Pack light, quick-dry clothes and strong insect repellent. The humidity is high and mosquitoes are active.

    
  • Days 4-10

    Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Circuit

    Fly to Cusco at 11,152 feet. Take your first day slow to adjust to the altitude. Visit Plaza de Armas and San Pedro Market in the historic center. Next, visit the Sacred Valley's local communities and markets. Choose your path to Machu Picchu: Classic Inca Trail (4 days): A challenging trek reaching 13,828 feet at Dead Woman's Pass, with tent camping; Quarry Trail: A less busy route with ruins to explore; Train Option: A scenic rail journey to Aguas Calientes. A recent hiker shared: "The altitude was tough but seeing the sunrise over Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate made every step worth it. Pack hiking poles - your knees will thank you on the descent."

    
  • Days 11-13

    Lake Titicaca

    Take a bus to Puno at 12,556 feet. Visit Lake Titicaca and the unique floating Uros Islands by boat. Stay overnight with a local family on Llachon Peninsula. Pack warm clothes for cold nights. You'll learn about local life and help with daily tasks.

    
  • Days 14-16

    La Paz & Salt Flats

    Enter Bolivia and visit La Paz at 11,942 feet. Check out the Witches' Market and historic streets. Take an overnight bus to Uyuni for the salt flats. Spend a day taking photos of the white landscape and islands covered in cacti. Bring good sunglasses and sunscreen. The salt flats are extremely bright.

    
  • Days 17-21

    Atacama & Northern Argentina

    Visit Chile's Atacama Desert and stay in San Pedro. Night tours offer amazing stargazing. Travel to Salta, Argentina to see colonial buildings and try local food. Walk up Cerro San Bernardo for views of the city.

    
  • Days 22-26

    Buenos Aires

    Finish in Buenos Aires. Visit San Telmo and its Sunday market, plus La Boca's colorful streets. Watch tango shows and try the local steakhouses. Remember restaurants often open late, around 8:30 PM.

    

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• 25 Day South America Itinerary, incl. La Paz and Rio de Janeiro

  Rich landscapes unfold over 25 days across 11 destinations from La Paz to Rio. The route encompasses Bolivia's salt flats, Chile's Atacama Desert, Argentina's colonial cities, and Brazil's tropical islands. Guided tours of Iguazu Falls from both countries and traditional estancia stays included.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    La Paz, Bolivia

    Welcome to the world's highest capital city at 3,500m. The fascinating Witches' Market (Mercado de Hechiceria) is a must-see, where local shamans sell traditional remedies and ceremonial items. Pack lots of warm layers since La Paz gets quite cold at night. Take an overnight bus to Uyuni - you'll get blankets and reclining seats for the journey.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Salar de Uyuni & Atacama Desert

    The otherworldly Salar de Uyuni salt flats start with a visit to the Train Cemetery. Next up is Chile's Atacama Desert, where you'll find the red waters of Laguna Colorada full of flamingos. Expect basic facilities and very cold desert nights. One traveler shared: "The salt flats at sunrise were incredible, but bring warm socks and layers - I wasn't prepared for how cold it would be at dawn."

    
  • Days 6-8

    San Pedro de Atacama & Salta

    Take time to explore San Pedro's old town square and try an astronomy tour under the clear desert sky. The drive to Salta, Argentina is long but beautiful. They call it "La Linda" (the beautiful) for good reason. You can climb 1,070 steps up Cerro San Bernardo or take the cable car for amazing valley views.

    
  • Days 9-13

    Buenos Aires & Uruguay

    A quick flight takes you to energetic Buenos Aires. Walk through colorful La Boca and the historic San Telmo market. Take a boat to Uruguay's Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO site. Visit Montevideo before staying at a traditional estancia (ranch) for a real gaucho experience. A past guest wrote: "The estancia stay was a highlight - learning to ride horses and sharing meals with the local family gave us real insight into Uruguayan culture."

    
  • Days 14-17

    Iguazu Falls

    See the world's biggest waterfall system from both sides. Brazil offers wide-open views while Argentina gets you up close to the cascades. You can take a Zodiac boat ride if you don't mind getting wet. Go early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds.

    
  • Days 18-20

    Paraty & Ilha Grande

    Head to historic Paraty then take a ferry to beautiful Ilha Grande. You can hike through rainforest to quiet beaches like Lopes Mendes or take a boat to the Blue Lagoon for snorkeling. Stay in Vila do Abraao where the seafood is fresh and the caipirinhas are perfect at sunset.

    
  • Days 21-25

    Rio de Janeiro

    Your trip ends in stunning Rio. Get to Christ the Redeemer early to avoid crowds and spend time in artsy Santa Teresa. Relax on Copacabana Beach and maybe take a guided walk through Tijuca National Park. Watch your last sunset from Sugarloaf Mountain before dinner in lively Lapa.

    

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