Is One Week Enough For South America?
The obvious answer is no. One week isn’t enough time to see South America.
The better question is… what can you do with one week in South America? And to that question, I have two answers:
- Explore one country – the capital city and one other highlight
- Explore two countries – for example, two capital cities that are close together where travel between the two is easy.
How To Spend One Week In South America
A week in South America is a short time but there’s several itineraries that work.
Either stick to one country or if you want to see two, the trick is to stick to areas close to the borders between countries, so you can easily fly and be in another great place without losing too much time on travel.
Here are all the different options I think fit well with one week in South America:
| One Week South America Itinerary | Countries | Highlights | Best Time |
|---|---|---|---|
|
#1 Patagonian Adventure |
Chile & Argentina |
Santiago, Torres Del Paine, El Calafate |
Nov-March |
|
#2 Mystical Machu Picchu |
Peru |
Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu |
May-Oct |
|
#3 Desert Drives |
Chile & Bolivia |
Atacama, Uyuni Salt Flats |
Oct-April |
|
#4 Iguazu Explorer |
Argentina and Brazil |
Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Rio |
Oct-April |
|
#5 Caribbean Calm |
Colombia |
Cartagena, Santa Marta |
Dec-Mar or July-Aug |
|
#6 Galapagos Dreams |
Ecuador |
Quito, Galapagos Islands |
Dec-May |
#1 Patagonia Adventure: One Week South America Itinerary
This is the ideal one-week itinerary for hike enthusiasts and those that want to see the most pristine and untouched nature in all of South America.
| Stop | Where? | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Santiago |
Walking Tour, Sky Costanera |
|
2 |
Torres Del Paine |
Grey Glacier, Mirador Las Torres |
|
3 |
El Calafate |
Perito Moreno Glacier |
- Budget: $1200
- Ideal Time: December-March is the summer
- You'll see two of the best places in South America - Torres Del Paine and Perito Moreno Glacier.
- Expensive compared to other itineraries on this list.
- Summer is the busiest period so book 5-6 months ahead of time
Stop 1 - Santiago
- Recommended Days: 1
- Where To Stay: Providencia
Santiago is the vibrant heart of Chile, where modern skyscrapers stand alongside historic streets, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Andes Mountains. Whilst here:
- Take a walking tour of the historical center
- Head to the top of the Sky Costanera for incredible views of the Andes
Stop 2 - Torres Del Paine National Park
- Recommended Days: 3-4
- Where To Stay: Lago Grey Hotel, Hotel Las Torres
Trekking in Torres Del Paine National Park is a hikers dream and there are so many single day hikes to choose from.
As you only have a couple of days here, I would recommend:
- Lago Grey / Grey Glacier trek – this trek takes its name the large glacial lake located at the southern end of the park.
- Mirador Las Torres – this is the iconic trek that will take you to the base of the towers.
Stop 3 - El Calafate (Argentinian Patagonia)
- Recommended Days: 2
- Where To Stay: Anywhere in town
El Calafate is your gateway to Argentinian Patagonia‘s natural wonders, known for its breathtaking glaciers, sparkling lakes, and the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier.
- Explore the town and visit the Laguna Nimez Bird Santuary
- Visit Parque Nacional Los Glaciares and the epic Perito Moreno Glacier.
“Joe turned our fragmented ideas into a seamless itinerary. His expert advice saved us time, money, and stress – making our 3-month trip feel easy.”
Sam & Amy – 3 Months In South America
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Struggling with any of this?
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#2 Mystical Machu Picchu: One Week South America Itinerary
This is a great one-week itinerary for travellers who want to see one of the best sights in all of South America – Machu Picchu.
| Stop | Where? | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Lima |
Miraflores, Barranco |
|
2 |
Cusco |
Rainbow Mountain |
|
3 |
Aguas Calientes |
Machu Picchu |
- Budget: $800
- Ideal Time: May-October is the dry season
- Peru is an affordable travel destination in South America
- You have several options to choose from to see Machu Picchu
Stop 1 – Lima
- Recommended Days: 1
- Where To Stay: Miraflores
Lima is a bustling coastal city that blends rich history with a thriving culinary scene, offering everything from colonial landmarks to some of the best food in the world.
International flights only go to Lima, so you may want to spend a day in the city exploring. I recommend:
- Wander along the waterfront in Miraflores
- Explore the bohemian district of Barranco and try fresh Ceviche from one of the restaurants
Stop 2 – Cusco
- Recommended Days: 2
- Where To Stay: Anywhere close to Plaza de Armas
Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, is a charming city filled with cobblestone streets, vibrant culture, and serves as the gateway to the legendary Machu Picchu.
- Join a free walking tour is always the best way to explore a new city and I would recommend Inkan Milkyway
- Take a tour to Rainbow Mountain and climb up to 5000m above sea level
Day 3 – Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu
Aguas Calientes is the town closest to Machu Picchu and the main hub for travellers before they start their trek up to the mountain.
The train takes 3 hours from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and I would recommend this as you only have limited time (the bus takes a full day).
Once you are in Aguas Calientes you can explore the town a little, relax and have an early night.
The next day, wake up early and start the climb to Machu Picchu – 1600+ steps!
#3 Desert Drives: One Week South America Itinerary
This is the perfect itinerary for nature lovers who want to explore some of South America’s most unique landscapes. You’ll be treated to some of the best natural wonders in all South America including volcanoes, high altitude lakes and fields of geysers.
| Stop | Where? | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Santiago |
Walking Tour, Sky Costanera |
|
2 |
San Pedro de Atacama |
Salt Lagoons, Star Gazing Tour |
|
3 |
Uyuni |
Salt Flats Tour |
|
4 |
La Paz |
Cable Car Tour |
- Budget: $700
- Ideal Time: September-December
- This is an adventure packed itinerary with lots of options to explore on your own and without a tour
- Flights out of Bolivia aren't great so you may need to come back on yourself
Stop 1 - Santiago
- Recommended Days: 1
- Where To Stay: Providencia
Santiago is the vibrant heart of Chile, where modern skyscrapers stand alongside historic streets, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Andes Mountains. Whilst here:
- Take a walking tour of the historical center
- Head to the top of the Sky Costanera for incredible views of the Andes
Stop 2 - Atacama
- Recommended Days: 2-3
- Where To Stay: Anywhere in town as it’s easily walkable
- Head to Valle de la Luna to see strange rock formations eroded over millions of years
- Float in the tranquil salt lagoons of the desert surrounded by mountains and volcanoes.
Stop 3 – Salt Flat Tour
- Recommended Days: All tours are 2 days in total
- Where To Stay: Accommodation is included with the price of the tour
A Salt Flat tour can be booked in the town of San Pedro. They will take you across the border into Bolivia, finishing in Uyuni.
On the journey, they take you from one unique landscape to the next, starting with the high-altitude desert of the Andes and finally the the white expanse of the salt flat where you can take the popular perspective and reflection photos for the gram.
Stop 4 – La Paz
- Recommended Days: 1
- Where To Stay: Centro
Take a flight from Uyuni up to La Paz for the final stop on this one week adventure. I recommend:
- A cable car tour to explore the city from every angle
- If you can stomach it, ride down the infamous Death Road
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#4 Iguazu Explorer: One Week South America Itinerary
This is the perfect itinerary with a balance of big cities and nature too. Buenos Aires To Iguazu and then on to Rio in Brazil is a popular route with many ways to customise it to fit your needs.
Here is the complete one week South America itinerary that includes Argentina and Brazil:
| Stop | Where? | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Buenos Aires |
Palermo, Recoleta Cemetery, Tango Shows |
|
2 |
Iguazu |
Iguazu Falls |
|
3 |
Rio de Janiero |
Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer |
- Budget: $1000
- Ideal Time: November-March
- This itinerary covers two of the best capital cities in South America
- Requires 3 flights so this itinerary is a bit more expensive
Stop 1 – Buenos Aires
- Recommended Days: 3
- Where To Stay: Palermo or Recoleta
The capital city of Argentina is known as the “Paris of South America,” as it feels like visiting a European capital.
Here some great things to do whilst in BA:
- Tango Show – Visitors can also experience the city’s famous tango dancing and enjoy its delicious cuisine.
- Recoleta Cemetery – this famous cemetery is full of history and a great way to learn more about the country
Stop 2 – Iguazu
- Recommended Days: 1
- Where To Stay: Brazilian side
These breath-taking falls are made up of 275 individual cascades, which stretch over 2 miles and create a stunning natural barrier between Argentina and Brazil.
Spend a day or two exploring both sides of the falls and taking a boat tour underneath them!
Stop 3 – Rio
- Recommended Days: 3
- Where To Stay: Ipanema or Copacabana
There are plenty of exciting things to do in Rio de Janeiro:
- Thee iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer is a must-visit attraction.
- Spend a day relaxing on Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon beach, swimming, and enjoying the local food and drinks.
- Take the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain to enjoy the stunning views of the city, the ocean, and the surrounding mountains.
“Joe saved us so many hours of research and planning. His expertise turned our stress into a clear, custom itinerary we could actually enjoy.”
Maeve & Martin – 6 Weeks In South America
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Struggling with any of this?
✔ Don’t know where to start planning
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spending hours researching… and still feeling stuck
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo.
I help travellers like you plan custom South America trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
#5 Caribbean Calm: One Week South America Itinerary
This is the perfect itinerary for beach lovers looking to get a week of sun, sand and sea!
| Stop | Where? | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Cartagena |
Rosario Islands, Sunset Cruise |
|
2 |
Santa Marta |
Tayrona National Park |
|
3 |
Palomino |
Tubing |
- Budget: $750
- Ideal Time: December-March or July-August
- The Caribbean coast of Colombia is beautiful and easy to travel
- Direct flights to Cartagena are only accessible to travellers from the USA
Stop 1 – Cartagena
- Recommended Days: 2
- Where To Stay: Close to the main plaza
Cartagena is a colorful coastal city that captures the essence of Colombia, with its beautifully preserved colonial architecture and lively Caribbean atmosphere.
- Walk the cobblestone streets of the walled Old Town and explore its historic plazas.
- Take a boat tour to the Rosario Islands for a day of crystal-clear waters and beach relaxation.
Stop 2 – Santa Marta
- Recommended Days: 2
- Where To Stay: Brazilian side
Santa Marta is a laid-back coastal city framed by beautiful beaches and the towering Sierra Nevada mountains, making it a perfect base for adventure and relaxation.
- Visit Tayrona National Park for stunning hikes, secluded beaches, and lush jungle landscapes.
- Take a trip to Minca, a nearby mountain village known for waterfalls and coffee farms.
Stop 3 - Palomino
- Recommended Days: 2
- Where To Stay: It’s a small town so anywhere, but on the beach front is best!
Palomino is a relaxed beach town on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, offering a blend of tranquility, natural beauty, and adventure.
- Float down the Palomino River on an inner tube, enjoying views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- Relax on Palomino’s wide sandy beach, where the jungle meets the sea.
#6 Galapagos Dreams: One Week South America Itinerary
This is the perfect itinerary for those of you who have always dreamed of seeing the Galapagos Islands.
| Stop | Where? | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Quito |
Equator line, Teleferico Cable Car |
|
2 |
Galapagos Islands |
San Cristobal Island |
|
3 |
Galapagos Islands |
Santa Cruz Island |
- Budget: $1500
- Ideal Time: December-May
- One of the mot sought after destinations in South America
- The most expensive itinerary on this list due to the flights and entrance fees for the Galapagos Islands
Stop 1 – Quito
- Recommended Days: 1
- Where To Stay: Plaza Foch
Quito, Ecuador’s high-altitude capital, is a city rich in history, known for its beautifully preserved colonial center and stunning Andean views.
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its historic churches and lively plazas.
- Ride the TelefériQo cable car for sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Stop 2 – Galapagos: San Cristobal Island
- Recommended Days: 2
- Where To Stay: Anywhere in Puerto Basquiero
San Cristóbal Island is full of unique wildlife, beautiful beaches, and fascinating natural landscapes.
- Visit La Lobería beach to spot sea lions, marine iguanas, and snorkel among colorful fish.
- Hike to El Junco Lagoon, the only freshwater lake in the Galápagos, for stunning views and birdwatching.
- Go and see the giant tortoises wandering around in their semi-natural reserve
Stop 3 - Galapagos: Santa Cruz Island
- Recommended Days: 3
- Where To Stay: Anywhere in Puerto Ayora
Santa Cruz Island is the bustling heart of the Galápagos, known for its blend of wildlife encounters, scenic beaches, and the famous Charles Darwin Research Station.
- Visit Tortuga Bay to see marine iguanas, sea turtles, and relax on its pristine white-sand beach.
- Explore the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about giant tortoise conservation efforts.
“We ended up with a better itinerary than anything a travel agent suggested – and without the hefty price tag!
Jerry & Maria – 5 Weeks In South America
Planning a trip to
Struggling with any of this?
✔ Don’t know where to start planning
✔ Spending hours researching… and still feeling stuck
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo.
I help travellers like you plan custom South America trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
How Much Money Do You Need For A Week In South america?
For one week in South America, I would budget between $700-1000.
A standard daily budget is around $50, but because most of these one week itineraries include one or two flights and some of the top activities, you’ll need to factor in more than that.
Internal flights are cheap but if you are flying between countries then flights can cost around $150 a pop.
And as you’ll want to make this one week as effieicne and as packed full of activities as possible, I would budget around $50-75 per activity.
| 1 Week South America Budget | Cost ($) |
|---|---|
|
Daily Budget for food and accommodation (x7) |
$350 |
|
Flights |
$350 |
|
Activities and Tours |
$300 |
|
|
|
|
TOTAL COST |
$1000 |
How To Prepare For A Trip To South America
1. When's The Best Time To Visit South America?
South America is a big place with a variety of landscapes and micro-climates, from misty cloud forests in Ecuador to low lying deserts in Peru.
Due to such variety, there isn’t one specific month that’s optimal for visiting.
However, the best time to visit in general to visit South America is between May-October where most of the countries have their dry seasons.
When's The Best Time To Visit South America?
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2. What Should I Pack For South America?
You need to pack for summer and winter when visiting South America due to the variety of micro-climates.
With the Andes going through seven countries, one day you can be enjoying warm weather and sunny skies at sea level, and the next, you’ll be cold and wet in a high-altitude mountain town.
You’ll need shorts, sandals and vests for when you’re at the beach.
And then base layers, hiking boots, a thermal jumper and a waterproof windbreaker for when you’re in the mountains.
Even if you aren’t into hiking, you’ll still want some decent shoes, trousers, a warm jumper and a rain jacket for when you’re in high altitude cities like La Paz or Quito as they are much colder.
Here’s my hiking loadout that ticks all these boxes:
- Hiking boots – fully waterproof and ankle high are essential for trekking in the Andes. I went into my local Mountain Warehouse and picked up a pair of these and they haven’t let me down since.
- Waterproof windbreaker – much needed when trekking in the Andes to deal with the biting winds and rapidly changing weather. I like to use the Patagonia TorrentShell 3L. Its lightweight, warm and packable. The jacket self-stuffs into one of the handwarmer pockets with carabiner clip-in loop. Mens | Womens
- Hiking Socks – a few pairs of sturdy merino wool socks that don’t rub. There’s nothing worse than getting a blister whilst hiking. If you are from the UK, try these on Amazon.
3. What's The Best Backpack For South America?
The best backpack for South America is the Osprey Farpoint 50-70L.
It’s reasonably priced and perfect for first time backpackers visiting South America.
It also comes with a 15L detachable day pack.
This is great for two reasons:
1) You can attach them together when on the move and check them both as one back for flights.
2) You can then detach the smaller pack when you’re in one place to use it as a day pack when exploring.
For the full breakdown comparison between backpacks, suitcases and hybrids, along with my suggestions for the best options in each category, head to the post below:
4. What Are Some Other Travel Essentials For South America?
Here are 4 travel essentials for South America that I always bring with me:
- Portable Charger – a portable charger always comes in handy on long buses. It’s also useful in hostels as it’s difficult to find a plug socket sometimes, especially if you’re in a big dorm with only one outlet. Anker are my favourites.
- Travel Adapter – this one is my favourite. It’s lightweight and holds firmly into most sockets.
- Extension Lead – taking an extension lead is a great little travel hack. You can use your travel adapter to plug it into the mains and then plug in all your home appliances to the extension lead. This one is is my favourite as it packs better compared to the long ones.
- Hydroflask Trail Series Water Bottle – I always take this water bottle with me when I travel to South America. It’s 20% lighter than their other bottles and my back appreciates it when I’m on a long hike! It’s also durable, easy to clean and keeps drinks cold for 24 hours!
5. What's The Best Way To Get Around South America?
The best way to get around South America if you’re on a budget is by bus.
Buses are cheap and the services are good quality. Some of the distances are long which require an overnight bus but I always found these comfortable and easy to sleep on.
To this day I continue to use Busbud to find the best prices and times.
However, you don’t always need to book online. For most places in South America, you can simply go to the bus station the day of your departure and hop on the next bus.
However, flights won’t break the bank in South America either.
However, they will start to add up if you have to keep flying from country to country.
I’ve been using WayAway Plus to book all my flights whilst travelling around South America.
You get cashback on:
- Flights – finds the cheapeast flights and gives you 5% cashback on all flights booked
- Accommodation – up to 20% cashback on selected deals with Booking.com and 6% with HostelWorld
- Tours – up to 8% cashback with GetYourGuide and 6% with Viator
6. What's The Best Sim Card To Get For South America?
If you are travelling to multiple countries in South America, I would recommend getting an eSIM (digital SIM card) instead of a physical SIM card.
An eSIM is better than a physical SIM card for a couple of reasons:
- Firstly, you can access the Internet from any country in South America without having to pay excessive roaming charges.
- Secondly, you don’t waste time looking for a local physical SIM cards. An eSIM can be activated either immediately after installation or upon arrival at the your destination.
I now use Airalo. Simply download the app, buy the digital sim, and then use the app to switch sims when you reach your destination and you’ll have data on the go.
“Joe turned our fragmented ideas into a seamless itinerary. His expert advice saved us time, money, and stress – making our 3-month trip feel easy.”
Sam & Amy – 3 Months In South America
Planning a trip to
Struggling with any of this?
✔ Don’t know where to start planning
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spent hours researching… and still feeling lost
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo.
I help travellers like you plan custom South America trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
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