Your Perfect South America Travel Itinerary for 2 Weeks

Planning a trip to South America can be an exhilarating yet daunting task, given the continent’s immense size and incredible diversity. With so much to see and do, choosing where to spend your limited time is often the biggest challenge. If you have exactly two weeks for your adventure, you’re in luck! While South America warrants much longer exploration, a well-planned South America Travel Itinerary 2 Weeks allows you to experience some of its most iconic highlights or delve into specific interests like gastronomy, adventure, or nature.

Forget the stress of trying to cram too much in or missing out on must-see spots. We’ve curated three distinct 14-day itinerary ideas designed to offer unforgettable experiences tailored to different travel styles. To make the most of your two weeks, we highly recommend focusing on no more than three countries to minimize travel time and maximize your enjoyment of each destination.

Three Curated South America Itinerary Ideas for 2 Weeks

Here are three suggested approaches to planning your two-week journey through South America, each offering a unique perspective on this captivating continent.

Itinerary 1: The Classic South America Highlights

This is the quintessential South America Travel Itinerary 2 Weeks for first-time visitors who want to tick off the most famous landmarks. It combines vibrant culture, breathtaking natural wonders, and ancient history.

Top destinations: Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Iguazu Falls (Brazil/Argentina), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu (Peru).

This itinerary is perfect for experiencing the highlights: the stunning vistas of Rio, the immense power of Iguazu Falls, the rich cultural tapestry of Buenos Aires, and the awe-inspiring ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. A two-week timeframe allows for a balanced visit to these iconic locations.

Suggested Day-by-Day Itinerary:

• DAY 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
• DAY 2: Visit Corcovado Mountain and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.
• DAY 3: Explore Sugarloaf Mountain and experience a Samba School.
• DAY 4: Fly to Iguazu and visit the Brazilian side of the falls.
• DAY 5: Explore the Argentine side of the falls.
• DAY 6: Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• DAY 7: Discover the key sights of Buenos Aires.
• DAY 8: Take a day trip to explore the Buenos Aires countryside.
• DAY 9: Fly to Cusco, Peru.
• DAY 10: Tour the Sacred Valley.
• DAY 11: Take the train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and visit the Machu Picchu Ruins.
• DAY 12: Return by train to Cusco.
• DAY 13: Explore Cusco city and fly to Lima.
• DAY 14: Visit Lima’s highlights.
• DAY 15: Depart from Lima.

Itinerary 2: Luxury South America for Foodies and Wine Lovers

If your idea of a perfect trip involves world-class cuisine, exquisite wines, and luxurious experiences, this itinerary focuses on the gastronomic and vinicultural delights of South America.

Top destinations: Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Iguazu Falls (Argentina), Buenos Aires and Mendoza (Argentina), Santiago and the wine valleys (Chile).

This trip caters to travelers with a passion for fine dining and wine, exploring culinary hotspots and renowned wine regions. It includes unique food experiences, stays at eco-lodges, and visits to celebrated wineries.

Suggested Day-by-Day Itinerary:

• DAY 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
• DAY 2: Visit Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf.
• DAY 3: Discover hidden treasures of Rio and enjoy a memorable food experience.
• DAY 4: Fly to Iguazu Falls, Argentina, and check into a luxury eco-lodge like Awasi.
• DAY 5: Enjoy the Awasi eco-retreat experience near the falls.
• DAY 6: Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• DAY 7: Explore Buenos Aires and indulge in a traditional barbecue experience.
• DAY 8: Experience Buenos Aires’ food, art, and Tango scene.
• DAY 9: Fly to Mendoza and enjoy a wine lodge experience.
• DAY 10: Visit vineyards, be a winemaker for a day, and take a cooking class.
• DAY 11: Explore the best wineries of Valle de Uco, potentially including a Francis Malmann 7 fires dinner experience.
• DAY 12: Undertake a land crossing to Santiago de Chile.
• DAY 13: Explore Chile’s wine route, such as the Viña Vik Experience, complete with cocktails and barbecue.
• DAY 14: Further vineyard visits and Vik Experience.
• DAY 15: Depart from Santiago.

Itinerary 3: Exclusive Adventure & Expedition to the End of the World

For the adventurous traveler seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, this itinerary combines vibrant city exploration with a unique expedition cruise to the southernmost tip of the continent and treks in breathtaking Patagonia.

Panoramic view of a cruise ship in the Beagle Channel near Ushuaia

Top destinations: Buenos Aires (Argentina), Ushuaia (Argentina), Australis Expedition Cruise (Chile/Argentina), Torres del Paine National Park (Chile), Santiago (Chile).

This journey is ideal for those who dream of exploring remote landscapes and experiencing the raw beauty of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, including a unique expedition cruise and adventure activities.

Suggested Day-by-Day Itinerary:

• DAY 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• DAY 2: Explore Buenos Aires city.
• DAY 3: Visit the Buenos Aires countryside.
• DAY 4: Fly to Ushuaia, Argentina, the “End of the World” city.
• DAY 5: Explore Ushuaia and its surroundings, perhaps with a 4×4 tour.
• DAY 6: Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park and embark on the Australis Expedition Cruise.
• DAY 7: Cruise the Chilean fjords between Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay.
• DAY 8: Australis Cruise: Explore Pía Glacier and Garibaldi Glacier.
• DAY 9: Australis Cruise: Visit Agostini Sound and Águila Glacier.
• DAY 10: Australis Cruise: Visit Magdalena Island, disembark in Punta Arenas, and transfer to Puerto Natales in Chile.
• DAY 11: Exploring Torres del Paine: Adventure spa experience.
• DAY 12: Exploring Torres del Paine: Continue adventure spa experience or trekking.
• DAY 13: Fly to Santiago de Chile.
• DAY 14: Explore Santiago de Chile.
• DAY 15: Depart from Chile.

Planning Your 2-Week South America Trip by Season

The best time to visit South America depends heavily on which region you plan to explore, as the continent spans diverse climates and hemispheres. Seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere.

• Summer: December to March
• Autumn: April to June
• Winter: July to September
• Spring: September to November

Understanding the wet and dry seasons is also vital, especially for places like the Amazon or high-altitude deserts.

Summer (December to March)

Colorful Carnival festival celebration in Rio de Janeiro

Perfect for: Beaches in Uruguay, hiking in Patagonia (Fitz Roy, Torres del Paine), wildlife viewing in Patagonia and Antarctica (penguins in Peninsula Valdes and Ushuaia, marine fauna), and experiencing the vibrant Carnival and New Year’s Eve celebrations in Rio de Janeiro.

Aerial view of the Iguazu Falls system

Summer offers peak season for many popular destinations, leading to lively atmospheres but also larger crowds and higher prices. It’s the ideal time for exploring the southern extremes.

Autumn (April to June)

Scenic vineyard landscape in Mendoza during autumn

Perfect for: Exploring cities like Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro as temperatures become more pleasant and crowds thin. It’s a shoulder season in Patagonia, offering beautiful scenery with fewer trekkers. It’s also an ideal time for visiting Iguazu Falls and the Galapagos Islands (cooler temperatures, clear skies in June). March and April are particularly charming months for visiting Mendoza’s wine country during harvest season.

This period offers a comfortable travel experience in many regions, balancing good weather with fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months. If you are looking to optimize your travel agency’s performance, consider investing in seo services for travel agency to reach clients planning trips during these shoulder seasons.

Winter (July to September)

Historic ruins of Machu Picchu under a sunny sky

Perfect for: Wildlife viewing in the Pantanal (Brazil) during the dry season. Enjoying winter sports in Argentina and Chile (skiing in Las Leñas, Bariloche, Ushuaia, or Valle Nevado). Visiting Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail during the dry season with warm days and cool nights. Experiencing the Tango World Festival in Buenos Aires in August. Attending the Pachamama Festival in Salta, Argentina.

Couple dancing tango in Buenos Aires

While southern Patagonia can be very cold with snow, regions further north, particularly in the Andes, offer dry and sunny conditions, making them ideal for visiting.

Springtime (September to November)

People playing beach volleyball on Copacabana beach

Perfect for: Exceptional wildlife viewing in Peninsula Valdes (whales, sea lions) and the Amazon (low water season allows for jungle exploration on foot with fewer mosquitoes). It’s a pleasant time to visit cities like Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro with fewer crowds and lower prices than summer. Patagonia opens up again for trekking and hiking as winter recedes. You can also experience the Polo Open in Buenos Aires (November-December).

Spring is an excellent shoulder season that offers a blend of improving weather in southern regions and still comfortable conditions elsewhere, often with the benefit of fewer tourists.

Exploring South America by Experience Type

Beyond traditional itineraries, South America offers incredible opportunities for niche travel experiences. If you have a specific interest, consider centering your two-week trip around one of these unique ideas.

Countryside Experiences in Argentina & Uruguay

Staying at an Estancia (traditional ranch) provides a deep dive into the unique gaucho culture. Activities can include horse riding, cattle herding, hiking, fly fishing, and birdwatching. Estancias are also renowned for their excellent food, particularly traditional “asado” barbecues, and fine wines. This offers a relaxing escape amidst stunning landscapes, perfect for unwinding and connecting with nature and local traditions.

Wine and Gourmet Journeys in Argentina, Chile & Uruguay

South America’s Winelands are a paradise for oenophiles. Staying at charming vineyard hotels in regions like Mendoza (Argentina), Chile’s wine valleys (e.g., Colchagua, Maipo), or Uruguay provides an immersive experience. You can tour wineries, participate in tastings, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy gourmet meals paired with local vintages against beautiful backdrops. This is a luxurious way to explore the continent’s culinary landscape. Planning travel with pets can sometimes be complicated, but some lodges are becoming more pet-friendly, though always check policies beforehand, just like when considering air france travel with pets.

Variety of cheeses and fruits with wine

Amazon Wildlife and Eco-Lodge Experience (Ecuador)

While the Amazon spans many countries, Ecuador offers a particularly accessible and rewarding Amazon experience, often combined with a visit to the Galapagos Islands. Staying at an eco-lodge provides an opportunity for unique wildlife viewing, guided jungle walks, canoe trips, and learning about the diverse ecosystem from naturalist guides. This is an unparalleled experience for nature enthusiasts. For travelers looking for similar nature-focused trips but perhaps closer to home in the US, exploring options like places to travel in us in march could offer diverse natural landscapes depending on the season.

Glamping Experience in Patagonia

Glamping in destinations like Torres del Paine, Chile, offers the best of both worlds: immersion in stunning natural beauty without sacrificing comfort. Imagine waking up to panoramic mountain views from a luxurious tent, enjoying gourmet meals, and having easy access to hiking trails. It’s a modern twist on camping, providing connection with nature alongside luxury amenities, perfect for reconnecting and finding inspiration.

Luxury tent glamping setup in a Patagonian landscape

Ibera Wetlands Off the Beaten Path Experience (Argentina)

For passionate wildlife lovers seeking a less-crowded destination, the Ibera Wetlands in Argentina are a natural wonder. This vast network of lagoons, swamps, and floating islands is teeming with unique wildlife, including capybaras, caimans, marsh deer, and hundreds of bird species. Exploring the wetlands by boat or on foot with local guides offers incredible opportunities for close encounters with nature, providing an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience. If you’re interested in contrasting ecosystems, comparing the wildlife opportunities here with a destination like Peru, for example, the rich biodiversity in Peru is a significant draw for many visitors planning a peru travel itinerary 2 weeks.

Ready to Plan Your Custom South America Trip?

While these suggested itineraries provide a fantastic starting point, planning a two-week adventure across South America’s vast and varied landscapes can still feel overwhelming. With so many incredible places and experiences, fitting everything into a seamless journey requires expert knowledge.

We understand the complexities involved – from navigating flights between countries to selecting the perfect accommodations and ensuring you don’t miss out on key experiences tailored to your interests. Unlike a simple vietnam travel itinerary 3 weeks which focuses on a single country, South America involves multi-country logistics that benefit greatly from local insights.

With our expertise, we aim to take the guesswork out of planning. We can create a personalized, custom itinerary tailored precisely to your travel style, interests, and budget for your south america travel itinerary 2 weeks. Let us handle the details, leveraging our deep understanding of South America, so you can fully immerse yourself in the excitement of your upcoming journey.

Ready to turn your dream South America trip into a reality? Let’s chat about how we can help you plan an unforgettable 14-day adventure.

In conclusion, a two-week trip to South America, while brief for such a large continent, offers ample time to experience incredible highlights or pursue specific passions like food, wine, or adventure. By choosing a focused itinerary and considering the best time to visit based on your interests, you can craft a memorable journey. Whether you opt for the classic route, a luxury escape, or an adventurous expedition, South America promises breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures, and unforgettable experiences within a 14-day timeframe.