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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• 26 Days in South America, incl. Rio de Janeiro and Machu Picchu

  South America unfolds over 26 days across 13 cities from Manaus to Lima. The route winds through Amazon's Ecopark Lodge, Rio's Sugarloaf Mountain, both sides of Iguassu Falls, Patagonian lakes, and Machu Picchu. Package includes 25 nights' accommodation, 21 meals, and professional guides.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Amazon Experience, Manaus

    Begin your journey in Manaus, the gateway to the Amazon. Take the "Meeting of the Waters" tour to see the dark Rio Negro and yellowish Rio Solimões flow side by side without mixing for 4 miles. Book your stay at the Ecopark Jungle Lodge. "Watching monkeys swing freely during feeding time at the rehabilitation center was incredible - get there early for the best views." The best wildlife viewing happens on early morning nature walks.

    
  • Days 4-7

    Rio de Janeiro

    Start with a morning market visit in Manaus before flying to Rio. Head up Sugarloaf Mountain for sunset views but arrive 30 minutes early to beat the crowds. Get to Christ the Redeemer before 9am to avoid tour buses. Visit Copacabana Beach in the morning when it's quiet. Try authentic Brazilian barbecue at a churrascaria in Lapa.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Iguassu Falls

    See both sides of the falls for two unique experiences. The Brazilian side offers panoramic views while the Argentine side lets you get closer via the ecological train. Pack rain gear for the Devil's Throat walkway.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Buenos Aires

    Get to know the "Paris of South America" through its neighborhoods. Walk through colorful La Boca and historic San Telmo. Learn to make empanadas in a local cooking class. Visit a traditional milonga in San Telmo after 10:30pm. Take a day trip to an estancia to experience horseback riding and gaucho culture.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Bariloche, Patagonia

    Take in this Alpine-style town in Argentina's Lake District. Get the best photos from Cerro Campanario's chairlift in the morning light. Take a scenic drive around Llao Llao peninsula on the Circuito Chico.

    
  • Days 15-16

    Chilean Lake District & Santiago

    Cross the Andes between Argentina and Chile by boat and bus through fjords and past volcanoes. Stop at Puerto Montt's fish market before flying to Santiago. "The Andes crossing was a highlight - bring motion sickness pills if you're prone to seasickness during the lake portions."

    
  • Days 17-18

    Santiago

    Visit Plaza de Armas and the lively Bellavista neighborhood. Take a day trip to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. Watch the sunset from Sky Costanera observatory.

    
  • Days 19-20

    Lima, Peru

    Watch the changing of the guard at the Government Palace at noon. Visit the Larco Museum in the evening. "The museum's garden restaurant is worth booking ahead - try the fresh ceviche."

    
  • Days 21-23

    Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

    Visit Incan sites like Sacsayhuaman and Pisaq. Take the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu and sit on the right side. Stay in Aguas Calientes overnight. Get in line by 5am for the first 5:30am bus to be among the first at Machu Picchu.

    
  • Days 24-26

    Cusco & Lima

    Walk through Cusco's colonial streets and Incan sites. Visit San Pedro Market early for the freshest produce. Spend your last day shopping in Miraflores or eating your way through Barranco.

    

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