1-Month South America Itinerary: 4 Routes By A Trip Planner

Q: How much does a 1-month trip to South America cost?

I recommend budgeting a minimum of $2500-$4500 per person for a month long trip to South America. However this will change depending on the type of trip. The more internal flights and activities, the more it will cost. Here’s a rough estimate based on types of travel:Budget – $1500-$2000 a monthRealistic – $2500-$3500 a monthHigh-end – $3500-$4500

Q: What's The Best Time Of Year To Go?

May–October: Andes, Galápagos, AmazonNovember–March: Patagonia, Brazil’s beaches

Q: What Else Can I Do With 1 Month in South America?

If you’d prefer a slower-paced itinerary, focusing on two countries is a great option. You can dive deeper into culture, nature, and local experiences without rushing.Explore tropical coastlines and vibrant cities with a Brazil and Argentina itineraryDiscover high-altitude landscapes and ancient sites with this Peru and Bolivia one-month itineraryHike Patagonia and enjoy world-class wine with a Chile and Argentina itineraryThese are perfect if you want more time in fewer places, especially for honeymoons, sabbaticals, or slower travel styles.

Are you planning a trip to South America but overwhelmed by how much there is to see? And how do you fit it all the highlights in just one month?

You’re not alone. For most first-time travellers, building a realistic 30-day route through such a massive continent can feel impossible.

But the good news? With the right itinerary, you can experience the Andes, the Amazon, the Galápagos, Patagonia, or Brazil’s beaches – all in just four weeks.

This guide walks you through four proven 1-month South America itinerary outlines, each designed for mid-range to luxury travellers who want cultural depth, scenic variety, and a smooth, efficient route.

P.S. These aren’t theoretical routes – they’re based on real trips I’ve planned for clients over the past few years.

What Can You Do With A Month In South America?

South America is a big place, so you won’t be able to see every country in one month.

You can comfortably visit 2–3 countries in 30 days, depending on your travel style and interests. If you travel efficiently and focus on one region, you’ll have time to enjoy iconic sights and unique local experiences — without feeling rushed.

Here are the four itineraries outlined in this post that will be suit every type of traveller:

4 Proven 1-Month South America Itineraries

Route Name	Destinations	Cost Estimate	When To Go?
1. Island Escape	Ecuador, Galápagos and Peru	$2500-$3500	May – Oct
2. Andes Explorer	Peru, Bolivia and Chile	$2000-$3000	May – Oct
3. Patagonia Circuit	Chile & Argentina	$3000-$4000	Nov – Mar
4. Tropics to Tundra	Brazil, Argentina and Chile	$3500-$4500	Nov – Mar

All prices exclude international flights. Each route is designed for independent travellers who value depth, comfort, and local experiences.

About Me - Your South America Trip Planner

Hi, I’m Joe – a travel planner who specialises in helping couples, families and solo travellers design custom, meaningful trips to South America.

Every itinerary in this guide has been tested by real clients on honeymoons, sabbaticals, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

I created this resource to make planning easier for independent travellers without the overwhelm or the price tag of a traditional travel agent.

Planning A Trip To South America? Get The Essential Toolkit That’s Helped Thousands Start

Itinerary #1: Island Escape

Explore two of South America’s most iconic natural wonders: the Galápagos Islands and Machu Picchu in one seamless, 4-week itinerary.

This route is ideal for travellers who want rich biodiversity, unique landscapes, and a mix of culture and adventure, all at a comfortable pace.

Route Summary

Day	City	Highlights
1-4	Quito	Old Town Walking Tour, Teleferico, Mindo
5-7	Cotopaxi	Cotopaxi National Park Trails
8-15	Galapagos Islands	Island Hopping, Wildlife Spotting
16-17	Lima	Ceviche Cooking Class, Coastal Walks
18–22	Arequipa	Colca Canyon
23-27	Cusco	Rainbow Mountain, Sacred Valley
28-29	Aguas Calientes	Machu Picchu
30	Cusco / Lima	Departure

Best months to go: May to October (dry season in both Andes & Galápagos)
Estimated budget: $2500–$3500 per person (excluding flights)
Best for: Nature and animal lovers, hikers
Pace: Moderate – 6 locations, 2 domestic flights, 1 inter-country flight

Itinerary Overview

Day 1-4: Quito

Start your adventure in Ecuador’s charming capital of Quito. Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town and stand on the equator at the Mitad del Mundo monument.

Not sure how long to stay? Here’s how many days you need in Quito to explore the capital and nearby volcanoes.

Day 5-7: Cotopaxi

→ Quito to Cotopaxi: Private car or local bus – 1h 30m

Trade city views for volcano peaks. Stay in a scenic lodge and hike around Cotopaxi, one of the tallest active volcanoes in the world.

Heading into the park on your trip? Here’s how to visit Cotopaxi National Park from Quito, including travel time and top hikes.”

Day 8-15: Galapagos Islands

→ Cotopaxi to Galápagos (via Quito): Return to Quito (1.5h), fly to Galápagos (2h–3h flight depending on island)

Fly to the Galápagos and explore its one-of-a-kind wildlife. With a full week here, you can visit all three islands (San Cristobal > Santa Cruz > Isabela). Swim with turtles and sea lions, walk past blue-footed boobies, and cruise between volcanic islands.

Planning your island adventure? Here’s how many days you need in the Galápagos to make it worth the cost.

Day 16-17: Lima

→ Galápagos to Lima (via Quito/Guayaquil): 2h–3h domestic flight + 2h–3h international flight

Arrive in Peru’s coastal capital and indulge in world-famous Peruvian cuisine – don’t miss the ceviche or sunset views from the Malecón in Miraflores.

Get tips on how many days to spend in Lima – Peru’s foodie capital and coastal gateway.”

Day 18-22: Arequipa

→ Lima to Arequipa: 1h 30m domestic flight

Known as the White City, Arequipa offers stunning colonial architecture and serves as a gateway to the Colca Canyon – deeper than the Grand Canyon.

This guide breaks down how many days you need in Arequipa, Peru’s underrated colonial city.

Day 23-29: Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

→ Arequipa to Cusco: 1h flight or 9h overnight bus

Acclimatise in Cusco, once the capital of the Inca empire. Wander through cobbled streets, visit local markets, and explore nearby ruins.

Take a scenic journey through the Sacred Valley, stopping at Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and hidden local spots en route to Machu Picchu.

End on a high, literally. Visit the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, with a guided tour and time to explore this ancient wonder at your own pace.

Before heading to Machu Picchu, find out how many days to spend in Cusco to acclimatise and explore.”

Day 30: Cusco > Lima

Return to Cusco for your final Andean night before returning to Lima for your international flight home.

If this itinerary feels too much for or you’re short on time, check out this 3-week South America itinerary for a faster-paced route.”

💬 Real Traveller Experiences

📌 Quick Itinerary Facts

“This itinerary was the perfect mix of nature, culture, and downtime. Seeing the Galápagos and Machu Picchu in one trip felt like a dream - and the pacing was spot on.”

Jerry & Maria, Jan 2025

🌎 Want A Trip Like This - But Customised To You?

Get a fully personalised South America itinerary designed around your style, pace, and must-see places:

✅ without the stress of planning it all yourself
✅ without the weeks of research
✅ without the expensive travel agent prices

Itinerary 2: Andes Explorer

This one-month route is a deep dive into the dramatic landscapes and high-altitude wonders of the Andes.

From ancient Inca cities to the salt flats, the Andes Explorer is for travellers who want to go hiking in the mountains and see the most unique landscapes in South America.