10-Day South America Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day South America tour itineraries

Compiled by

NinaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Days in South America, incl. Atacama Desert and Uyuni Salt Flats

  10-day South American adventure covering 3 countries and iconic sites like Uyuni Salt Flats and Valle de la Luna. Journey through high-altitude lagoons, spot flamingos at Laguna Colorada, and explore colonial Salta. Stay at Campo Base Hostel and salt refuges while discovering remote Andean landscapes.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Salta, Argentina

    Your journey starts in historic Salta. Visit the High Mountain Museum when you arrive to get familiar with the region's geography. On your second day choose between trips to Quebrada de Cafayate or Humahuaca. Book wine tours for the morning when it's cooler. Get some rest at your hostel before the 1 AM overnight bus to Chile.

    
  • Days 3-5

    San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

    The bus ride takes about 10.5 hours. Once you arrive take the Valle de la Luna tour but remember to pack a windbreaker for the strong afternoon winds. You'll have two more days to explore. Book a stargazing tour for your first night in case of bad weather. If you want to visit the hot springs go early to beat the crowds and the heat.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Uyuni Salt Flats Expedition, Bolivia

    Get ready for the trip highlight. The quick climb of 2,000 meters means altitude sickness is possible so bring medication. A recent visitor shared: "The altitude hit harder than expected at the geysers – take it slow and drink coca tea when offered." Important items to pack: a good camera that can handle weather, a headlamp and warm clothes for the cold nights. Your three-day tour includes: - Laguna Blanca and Verde - Salvador Dalí Desert - Polques hot springs (bring quick-dry towel) - Morning Sun Geysers - Laguna Colorada - Salt flat photography spots - Incahuasi Island - Train Cemetery

    
  • Day 9

    Return to San Pedro

    Back in Chile you'll have time to relax and sort through your photos.

    
  • Day 10

    Departure

    Head to Calama airport. Try to book afternoon flights since morning fog can cause delays.

    

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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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