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. 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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• Southern Divide

  A cultural immersion from Lima to Santiago spans 21 days. Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca's Uros islands, and the Atacama Desert's Valley of the Moon captivate visitors. Local guesthouses and the unique Jukil Community Lodge provide authentic experiences.

  

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  • Lima Peru

    357 mi

  • Cusco Peru

    51 mi

  • Rainbow Mountain Peru

    51 mi

  • Cusco Peru

    14 mi

  • Sacred Valley Peru

    13 mi

  • Ollantaytambo Peru

    18 mi

  • Aguas Calientes Peru

    5 mi
  • Show 16 more

  • Machu Picchu Peru

    5 mi

  • Aguas Calientes Peru

    5 mi

  • Machu Picchu Peru

    40 mi

  • Cusco Peru

    51 mi

  • Rainbow Mountain Peru

    51 mi

  • Cusco Peru

    207 mi

  • Puno Peru

    42 mi

  • Lake Titicaca Bolivia

    19 mi

  • Taquile Island Peru

    5 mi

  • Uros Reed Islands Peru

    17 mi

  • Puno Peru

    132 mi

  • La Paz Bolivia

    257 mi

  • Sucre Bolivia

    52 mi

  • Potosi Bolivia

    90 mi

  • Uyuni Bolivia

    54 mi

  • Uyuni Salt Flat Bolivia

    142 mi

  • Red Lagoon (Laguna Colorada) Bolivia

    134 mi

  • Uyuni Bolivia

    190 mi

  • San Pedro De Atacama Chile

    5 mi

  • Valle de la Luna Chile

    742 mi

  • Santiago Chile

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

  Rich cultural heritage spans 17 cities across 5 countries over 21 days. UNESCO wonders from Machu Picchu to Iguazu Falls complement natural spectacles at Uyuni Salt Flats and Atacama Desert. Four-star accommodations and guided tours create comfortable adventures.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Lima

    Begin your South American adventure in Peru's capital. Spend time exploring the UNESCO colonial center, including Plaza Mayor and San Francisco's catacombs. Book a hotel in Miraflores, an upscale district with ocean views and safe nighttime walking. Your second day features a Peruvian paso horse show at Hacienda Mamacona.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Cusco & Sacred Valley

    Book a morning flight to Cusco between 9-10am to avoid afternoon mountain winds. Use your first day for gentle acclimatization by exploring the main plaza and Koricancha temple. Next day, visit the Sacred Valley and Pisac market early morning before the crowds arrive. Stay overnight in Ollantaytambo before Machu Picchu.

    
  • Day 5

    Machu Picchu

    Take the 6:30am Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo to beat the crowds. Remember your passport for entry and wear good hiking shoes. The stone steps can get slippery in the morning mist.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Puno & Lake Titicaca

    Take the scenic bus ride to Puno, stopping at colonial churches and Raqchi ruins. The next day, cross to Bolivia through Copacabana and visit the Sun Island. If you get seasick, bring motion sickness pills for the boat ride.

    
  • Days 8-9

    La Paz

    Get around Bolivia's capital using the cable car system for great city views. Visit the Witches' Market early when vendors are setting up. Take your time walking since the city sits at 11,500 feet.

    
  • Days 10-11

    Uyuni Salt Flats

    Fly to Uyuni early. Visit the salt flats at sunset for perfect photos and stay in a salt hotel. Pack warm clothes for the cold nights.

    
  • Days 12-13

    Atacama Desert

    Enter Chile's Atacama Desert. See Moon Valley at sunset for the best colors. A recent visitor shared: "The night sky in Atacama is incredible. Book a stargazing tour even if you're tired. Nothing compares to seeing the Milky Way this clearly."

    
  • Days 14-15

    Santiago & Buenos Aires

    Stop briefly in Santiago before flying to Buenos Aires. Watch a tango show in San Telmo for an authentic experience. Most restaurants open for dinner after 8:30pm.

    
  • Days 16-17

    Iguazu Falls

    Experience both sides of the falls. Start with Argentina for close-up views, then Brazil for the full panorama. Bring a light raincoat for the Devil's Throat walkway.

    
  • Days 18-21

    Rio de Janeiro

    Finish your trip in Rio. Take the first cable car up to Christ the Redeemer to avoid crowds. Visit Sugar Loaf at sunset. Spend time at Copacabana Beach. Stay in Ipanema for better restaurants and quieter beaches.

    

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