7-Day South America Tour Packages
What if you soaked up South America in seven days from Rio's Christ the Redeemer statue to Buenos Aires' Plaza de Mayo? You'll get a taste of Iguazu Falls' thunder, Copacabana Beach, tango shows in La Boca, and taste delicious foods while soaking up unique culture. Honestly, it'll make you want to come back for much longer next time.
Insider tips: Recommended 7-day South America tour 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
Wonders of Nature: Rio de Janeiro & Iguazú Falls
Rio's iconic sights and Iguazú's natural wonders shine in this captivating tour. Stays at Hotel Guamini Mision and Hotel Windsor Martinique complement guided tours in English and Spanish, three waterfall circuits, and traditional Brazilian rodizio.
South America 7 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
Best of Argentina & Brazil
Mountains and Glaciers: Perito Moreno and Torres del Paine
Wonders of Nature: Rio de Janeiro & Iguazú Falls
Independent Rio de Janeiro City Stay with Buenos Aires
Overland San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni end in La Paz (7 Days)
Andes in a Glass – Chile & Argentina
Tailor-Made 7 Days Argentina Classic Trip, Daily Start (Private Guide & Driver)
Argentina & Chile: Cave of Hands & Bertrand Port 7 days
7 Days Lake Crossing between Chile and Argentina
Argentina: Salta and Iguazú Falls - 7 days
What people love about 7-day South America tours
- Best of Argentina & Brazil
Good vacation. Good guide. Good organization
The tour was a very good introduction to the highlights of Patagonia. The excursions were excellent with knowledgable English speaking guides and hard working drivers. Hotels were comfortable and good quality. Transfers were efficient and on time.
Mountains and Glaciers: Perito Moreno and Torres del Paine
- Wonders of Nature: Rio de Janeiro & Iguazú Falls
We travelled this last July with my wife and the rest of the family and this trip to SouthAmerica was a trip that we wanted to do for a long time. We loved both destinations. Everything was amazing, very well organized and as my wife mentioned, Mercedes was absolutely incredible with us, she really helped us with all our doubts and questions (and there were a lot, we admit it). She was very patient and kind. Thank you very much
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