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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• 9 Day South America Itinerary, incl. Salta and Uyuni Salt Flats

  South America's diverse landscapes unfold over 9 days. Wander through Argentina's Humahuaca Gorge, Chile's Moon Valley, and Bolivia's Uyuni Salt Flats. Stays at selected hotels like La Candela, with daily breakfast and expert guides for approx. $330 per day.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Salta, Argentina

    Spend three days in Salta exploring Argentina's northwest region. The city makes a great base with its colonial architecture and local peñas where you can enjoy folk music. Keep in mind that shops close for siesta from 1-3 PM. Use this break to rest up for your upcoming adventures. Take day trips to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Humahuaca Gorge to see the Hill of Seven Colors in Purmamarca and visit the historic Uquía chapel with its gold-leaf altarpiece. Drive through Las Conchas Gorge to Cafayate, where wind has sculpted impressive rock formations including Devil's Throat and The Amphitheater.

    
  • Days 4-6

    San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

    Take the 12-hour bus ride across one of the world's highest international borders to San Pedro de Atacama. "Be prepared for the bus from Salta—it can be freezing cold and not very comfortable. Bring warm layers," a traveler recommends. Watch the sunset at Moon Valley and visit El Tatio geysers (4,320m) in the early morning. "The El Tatio excursion was great. Early to get up but worth it." Pack warm clothes for the geyser trip (temperatures can drop to -20°C), closed hiking shoes, and swimwear if you want to try the thermal pools.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Uyuni Salt Flats Adventure, Bolivia

    End your trip with a 3-day 4WD expedition across the Bolivian altiplano to Uyuni. You'll spot colorful lagoons, flamingos, and geysers before reaching the world's largest salt flat. "The 4WD trip through Bolivia was amazing—it's like a different planet up there," according to one traveler.

    

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• Essential South America featuring Chile, the Mendoza Wine Region & Buenos Aires (Santiago to Buenos Aires, 2026)

  

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  • Santiago Chile

    113 mi

  • Mendoza Argentina

    11 mi

  • Luján de Cuyo Argentina

    11 mi

  • Mendoza Argentina

    611 mi

  • Buenos Aires Argentina

    34 mi

  • Colonia del sacramento Uruguay

    34 mi

  • Buenos Aires Argentina

    66 mi

  • San Antonio de Areco Argentina

    66 mi

  • Buenos Aires Argentina

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