7-Day South America Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day South America itineraries

Compiled by

NinaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Day Argentina & Brazil Itinerary, incl. Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro

  Buenos Aires' historic districts, UNESCO-listed Iguazu Falls, and Rio's iconic landmarks create an unforgettable week. Visit 4 major destinations with expert guides and comfortable accommodations throughout.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Visit Plaza de Mayo early to avoid the midday heat. Take a morning tour of Recoleta Cemetery - as one visitor noted: "The Recoleta Cemetery tour was fascinating - try to go in the morning when it's cooler and less crowded." Your afternoons are perfect for exploring San Telmo's antique markets and the colorful streets of La Boca's Caminito. Remember that local restaurants typically open at 8:30 PM for dinner.

    
  • Day 3

    Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls

    Take a 2-hour morning flight to Puerto Iguazu. Cross into Brazil for the best panoramic views of the falls. Bring your passport and allow about 30 minutes for border crossing. Stay overnight in Foz do Iguacu on the Brazilian side to save time the next day.

    
  • Day 4

    Iguazu Falls (Argentine Side)

    Get an early start to avoid crowds and heat. Wear shoes with good grip since walkways get slippery from mist. Pack a light raincoat instead of an umbrella. A recent visitor shared: "The Devil's Throat walkway was incredible but completely soaking - bring dry clothes if you plan to do the boat ride afterward."

    
  • Days 5-6

    Rio de Janeiro

    Fly to Rio (2 hours) and go straight to Christ the Redeemer for the clearest morning views before clouds appear. Visit Sugarloaf Mountain later for sunset. A helpful tip from a traveler: "Book your cable car tickets online to avoid the long queues, and aim for 4 PM to catch both daytime and sunset views."

    
  • Day 7

    Rio de Janeiro

    Start your last day in the charming Santa Teresa neighborhood. Take the historic tram at 8 AM before tourist crowds arrive. Visit the Selaron Steps in the morning light before the midday heat. For beach time, choose Ipanema over Copacabana - it's quieter and offers better facilities for your belongings.

    

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• 7 Days in Patagonia, incl. El Calafate and Torres del Paine

  Patagonia's most dramatic landscapes come alive over seven days. Tour Perito Moreno Glacier, trek Torres del Paine, and cross from Argentina to Chile. Accommodations at Hotel Las Dunas in El Calafate and Hotel Factoria in Puerto Natales while visiting five major Patagonian destinations.

  

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  • Day 1

    El Calafate, Argentina

    Arrive in El Calafate, your gateway to Patagonia's glaciers. Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon walking through the town center. End your day with a welcome dinner featuring local Patagonian dishes and Argentine wines. Book an afternoon flight if possible since morning fog often delays landings at El Calafate's airport.

    
  • Day 2

    Perito Moreno Glacier

    Spend today at the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier. Drive 80km to Los Glaciares National Park early in the morning. Start your visit at the viewing platforms before taking a catamaran ride on Lago Rico to see the 240ft ice wall up close. Plan your photos between 10am-2pm when sunlight hits the glacier face best. You can also book a mini-trekking experience to walk on the glacier but book this ahead of time.

    
  • Day 3

    El Calafate / Optional El Chaltén

    Choose between exploring El Calafate or taking a day trip to El Chaltén (3 hours each way). If you pick El Chaltén, leave at 7am to get enough hiking time near Mount Fitz Roy. Stop for coffee at the historic La Leona roadhouse during your drive. One visitor noted: "El Chaltén is a destination that everyone should visit in Argentina, though the full day tour is a great option if you don't have many days to stay in the area."

    
  • Day 4

    El Calafate to Puerto Natales

    Take the morning bus from El Calafate to Puerto Natales in Chile (5-6 hours including border crossing). Pack some snacks since food options are limited. Border crossing times vary from 1-2 hours. You'll reach Puerto Natales by late afternoon. Consider staying at the Weskar Lodge for great views of the Última Esperanza Sound.

    
  • Day 5

    Torres del Paine National Park

    Start early for a full day in Torres del Paine. The drive takes about 2 hours from Puerto Natales. Visit Lake Sarmiento viewpoint, Salto Grande waterfall and see the famous Cuernos del Paine peaks. Bring layered clothing for changing weather. If you're an experienced hiker, try the Base Torres viewpoint trek (7-8 hours round trip) but only in good weather conditions.

    
  • Day 6

    Puerto Natales

    Use this free day to explore Puerto Natales or take a boat trip to Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers. The boat tour shows you Patagonia's fjords and glaciers from the water, plus you might spot cormorants and sea lions. Try some local king crab at a waterfront restaurant for dinner.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure from Punta Arenas

    Transfer to Punta Arenas airport in the morning (3-hour drive). Book a later departure if you want to visit the Nao Victoria Museum on the way, which displays replicas of historic ships. You can also fly out of Puerto Natales airport if it works better with your connections.

    

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• 7 Days in South America, incl. Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires

  The iconic Christ the Redeemer, Tijuca Forest, and Buenos Aires' historic districts await on this South American adventure. Luxury accommodations, private guides, and daily breakfast included, with optional cultural excursions available.

  

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  • Day 1

    Rio de Janeiro Arrival

    Arrive at Galeão International Airport and head to your hotel in Copacabana or Ipanema. The trip takes 45-60 minutes. Try to schedule a late afternoon arrival to skip Rio's busy rush hour traffic. First-time visitors will find the beachfront areas of Copacabana and Ipanema offer the best balance of safety and easy access to attractions.

    
  • Day 2

    Corcovado Mountain & Christ the Redeemer

    Get an early start at 8 AM to avoid crowds and the midday heat at Corcovado Mountain. Take the cog-wheel train through Tijuca Forest. The ride takes about 20 minutes and the best views are on the right side. Plan to spend 1-2 hours at Christ the Redeemer. The morning fog usually lifts by 10 AM giving you perfect photo opportunities. A recent visitor shared: "Go early and bring a light jacket - the mountain top can be surprisingly chilly in the morning despite Rio's heat."

    
  • Day 3

    Rio de Janeiro Exploration

    Head to Sugar Loaf Mountain in the morning. The first cable car starts at 8:30 AM when the morning light is perfect for photos. Spend your afternoon exploring the artsy Santa Teresa neighborhood or relaxing at Copacabana Beach. Be careful after dark and stick to registered taxis or ride-share apps for nighttime travel.

    
  • Day 4

    Rio to Buenos Aires Transfer

    Catch a morning flight to Buenos Aires. The flight takes about 3 hours. You'll likely land at Ezeiza International Airport. The trip to central Buenos Aires takes 45-60 minutes. Look for accommodation in Palermo or Recoleta. These neighborhoods have plenty of cafes and make it easy to reach the main sites.

    
  • Day 5

    Buenos Aires City Tour

    Visit the historic center first including Plaza de Mayo and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Spend your afternoon in colorful La Boca but stay within the main tourist area of Caminito and leave before dark. A recent visitor noted: "The street art in La Boca is incredible but visit between 11 AM-4 PM when it's safest and most lively."

    
  • Day 6

    Buenos Aires Culture Day

    Visit Recoleta Cemetery in the morning when it opens at 8 AM. Pick up a map at the entrance to locate Eva Perón's grave. In the evening see a tango show in San Telmo. The 8:30 PM shows include dinner and run about 2.5 hours.

    
  • Day 7

    Final Morning & Departure

    Use your last morning to browse Palermo's boutiques or visit the Sunday San Telmo antique market if you're there on the right day. For Ezeiza flights leave your hotel 4 hours before departure. Buenos Aires traffic can be unpredictable.

    

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