2-Month South America Itinerary: Budget vs Highlights Tour

Explore South America with this 2-month itinerary, featuring both a budget-friendly route and a highlights tour that showcases the continent’s must-see destinations.

Is 2 Months Enough In South America?

2 months in South America is a great amount of time. However, you won’t be able to see it all. You have two options:

• Spend around two weeks in four different countries and focus on slow travel
• Aim for over a week in each country, see 6 in total and focus on a tour of the highlights

Both options are great and it really depends on your personal preferences and budget.

What’s The Best Way To Spend 2 Months In South America?

2 Month South America Itinerary	Pace	Budget	Countries	Highlights
#1 On A Budget	Slow	Low	Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia	Lost City Trek, Machu Picchu and the Salt Flats
#2 The Highlights	Fast	High	Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador	Iguazu Falls, Patagonia, Atacama Desert, Salt Flats, Machu Picchu, Galapagos Islands

The variety of travel routes you can take through South America is endless. The best route really depends on your goals and budget:

• Budget Travel – the best travel route would be one that goes through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia as they are cheap compared to places like Chile and Brazil.
• Highlights Tour – if you want to see the very best of South America then a faster paced itinerary from Brazil, down to Patagonia and then up to see the highlights of the Andes is best. 

Or if you’re already feeling like 2 months is too much for you, this 1-month South America itinerary guide compares four routes to help you choose the right one for your travel style and budget.

#1 On A Budget: 2-Month South America Itinerary

Here is a the complete 2-month South America itinerary for budget travellers:

Week	Country	Highlights
1-2	Colombia	Bogota, Santa Marta, Cartagena, Medellin
3-4	Ecuador	Quito, Cotopaxi, Banos
5-6	Peru	Lima, Paracas, Arequipa, Cusco
7-8	Bolivia	Lake Titicaca, La Paz, The Amazon and the Salt Flats

Week 1-2 – Colombia

Two weeks in Colombia allows you to enjoy the Caribbean coast at a leisurely pace. Here are the recommended stops:

• Stop 1 – Bogota – most international flight will land in Bogota so this is a great place to start your two month adventure.

• Stop 2 – The Caribbean Coast – there are multiple stops along Colombia’s beautiful coastline worth checking out. I recommend a few days in Cartagena before heading along to Santa Marta. Here you can find two of South America’s best highlights – Tayrona National Park and the Lost City Trek.

• Stop 3 – Medellin – enjoy few days in the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ before your next leg of this adventure

Weeks 3-4 – Ecuador

Two weeks in Ecuador lets you experience a blend of vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and adventure spots.

Here are the recommended stops:

• Stop 1 – Quito – Most flights will land in Quito, making it the ideal place to start your journey. Spend time exploring the UNESCO-listed Old Town, visit La Compañía Church, and take in city views from El Panecillo.

• Stop 2 – Cotopaxi – Head to Cotopaxi National Park to see one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Enjoy hiking around the area, visit Limpiopungo Lagoon, and spot local wildlife.

• Stop 3 – Quilotoa – Hike around the famous Quilotoa Crater Lake. You can also kayak on the lake or explore nearby indigenous villages to learn about the local culture.

• Stop 4 – Baños – Known for adventure activities, Baños offers waterfall tours along the Ruta de las Cascadas, zip-lining, and canyoning. Don’t miss relaxing in the town’s hot springs.

• Stop 5 – Montañita – End your trip on the coast in Montañita, famous for its beaches, surfing, and lively nightlife. If you’re looking for something quieter, take a day trip to nearby Olón beach.

Weeks 3-4 – Peru

Spend less time in Lima and the coast, and dedicate your two weeks to in and around Cusco:

• Stop 1 – Lima – you’ll need to fly into the capital. Enjoy it for a day or two before moving on. 

• Stop 2 – Paracas – Take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions, penguins, and various bird species. Then explore Paracas National Reserve’s unique desert landscapes and stunning ocean views.

• Stop 3 – Huacachina – Go sandboarding or take a thrilling dune buggy ride across the massive sand dunes. Relax by the Huacachina oasis and enjoy the scenic desert sunset.

• Stop 4 – Arequipa – Peru’s ‘White City’ is the perfect stop off on your way to Cusco. Here is where you’ll find the epic Colca Canyon trek. 

• Stop 5 – Cusco / Machu Picchu – I would recommend at least a week in and around Cusco. As you are on an Andean adventure, I highly recommend the Salkantay Trek. This is a 5-day trek that takes you over snow-capped mountains and through thick jungle to reach Machu Picchu on the final day. 

Weeks 7-8 – Bolivia

Your route through Bolivia is a simple one. Start by taking the overnight bus from Cusco to Copacabana:

• Stop 1 – Lake Titicaca – Copacabana is home to the highest navigable lake in the world. 
• Stop 2 – La Paz – a short bus journey will take you to Bolivia’s capital. Here you can go trekking in the Andes, explore the city using the cable car system or ride down Death Road. 
• Stop 3 – The Amazon – epic adventures into the jungle  from the town of Rurrenabaque is just a 20-minute flight away from La Paz. Here you can embark on to find capybara, anacondas and pink river dolphins. 
• Stop 4 – Uyuni – the final stop on this six week adventure is the town of Uyuni. This is where Salt Flat tours start from. This 2-day tour is the perfect way to end your time in South America.

Not ready to commit to two full months? This six week South America travel plan covers all the major highlights.

How Much Money Do You Need For 2 Months In South America?

Based on the itinerary I’ve outlined, to travel South America on a budget for 2 months you need between $2500-$3000.

These table below shows you a simple breakdown:

Week/Country	Daily Budget	Two Week Budget
Week 1-2 – Colombia	$45	$630
Week 3-4 – Ecuador	$35	$490
Week 5-6 – Peru	$45	$630
Week 7-8 – Bolivia	$35	$490
	Total	$2240

However, this daily budget only includes accommodation, food and transport. 

You will also need to factor in paid activities, tours and emergencies. Therefore, I suggest taking an extra $750 just incase!

That’s why I recommend somewhere between $2500-3000 for 2 months in South America. 

#2 Highlights Tour: 2-Month South America Itinerary

Here is a the complete 2-month South America itinerary for those of you who want to see as much as possible:

Week	Country	Highlights
1	Brazil	Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls
2-3	Argentina	Ushuaia, El Calafate, El Chalten
4-5	Chile	Torres Del Paine, Atacama Desert
6	Bolivia	Salt Flats, La Paz
7	Peru	Cusco, Machu Picchu
8	Ecuador	Quito, Galapagos Islands

Week 1 – Brazil

A week in Brazil lets you experience vibrant cities, beautiful islands, and breathtaking waterfalls.

Here are the recommended stops:

• Stop 1 – Rio de Janeiro – Begin your trip in Rio, where you can visit iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer, take a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain, and relax on the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. 

• Stop 2 – Ilha Grande – Head to this island paradise known for its lush forests, crystal-clear waters, and scenic hikes. Relax on Lopes Mendes Beach, one of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches.

• Stop 3 – Iguazu Falls – End your week with a visit to one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls. 

Week 2-3 – Argentina

Journey through Argentina’s diverse landscapes, from the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the breathtaking wilderness of Patagonia.

I recommend these stops:

• Stop 1 – Buenos Aires – Discover the vibrant culture of Argentina’s capital with a tango show and explore colorful neighborhoods like La Boca and San Telmo.

• Stop 2 – Ushuaia – Visit the “End of the World” and explore Tierra del Fuego National Park or take a boat tour on the Beagle Channel.

• Stop 3 – El Calafate – Witness the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier, a massive ice formation you can view from boardwalks or on a boat tour.

• Stop 4 – El Chaltén – Hike to Laguna de los Tres for incredible views of Mount Fitz Roy and surrounding peaks.

Week 4-5 – Chile

Explore Chile’s striking natural beauty, from towering mountains to surreal deserts and vibrant cities. My favourite stops are:

• Stop 1 – Torres del Paine  – Hike the famous trails of Torres del Paine National Park and take in stunning views of its iconic granite towers and glacial lakes.

• Stop 2 – Santiago – Discover the capital’s rich history and culture with a visit to Plaza de Armas, the lively Bellavista neighborhood, and panoramic views from Cerro San Cristóbal.

• Stop 3 – Atacama Desert – Marvel at otherworldly landscapes, from the salt flats and geysers to Valle de la Luna’s dramatic rock formations and colorful sunsets.

Week 6 – Bolivia

Experience Bolivia’s unique landscapes and high-altitude cities, offering unforgettable adventures and cultural immersion.

• Stop 1 – Uyuni – Explore the surreal Salar de Uyuni salt flats, where endless white landscapes and mirror-like reflections create a breathtaking experience.

• Stop 2 – La Paz – Discover the world’s highest capital city, with highlights like the Witches’ Market, the cable car system, and views of the Andes from the city’s unique valley setting.

Week 7 – Peru

Dive into Peru’s rich history and awe-inspiring Inca heritage, surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes.

With just one week I recommend: 

• Stop 1 – Cusco – Wander through the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, visiting sites like the Sacsayhuamán ruins and the bustling San Pedro Market.

• Stop 2 – Machu Picchu – Journey to the iconic Inca citadel, set high in the Andes, and marvel at one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Week 8 – Ecuador

Wrap up your 2-month South American adventure with Ecuador’s incredible wildlife and historic charm.

• Stop 1 – Galapagos Islands – Discover unique wildlife like giant tortoises, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies on these iconic islands, with opportunities for snorkeling and guided nature walks.

• Stop 2 – Quito – End your journey in Ecuador’s capital by exploring its well-preserved colonial Old Town, visiting the Mitad del Mundo, and taking in panoramic views from El Panecillo.

How Much Money Do You Need For A 2 Months Highlights Tour Around South America?

Based on the above itinerary, I would recommend a $4000-5000 budget for 2 months in South America.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to spend:

Week/Country	Daily Budget	Total Spend
Week 1 – Brazil	$70	$490
Week 2-3 – Argentina	$70	$980
Week 4-5 – Chile	$70	$980
Week 6 – Bolivia	$35	$245
Week 7 – Peru	$45	$315
Week 8 – Ecuador	$70	$490
	Total	$3500

However, this daily budget only includes accommodation, food and transport. 

You will also need to factor in paid activities, tours and emergencies. This itinerary also includes several internal flights as well as flights between countries.

Therefore, I recommend budgeting another $1500 on top o this.

So overall, for a 2 month tour of the highlights in South America, I recommend a budget of $5000

If you don’t have 2 months to spare, see how you can explore South America in 7 weeks instead:

7-Week South America Itinerary