Is 10 Weeks Enough To See South America?
Yes – 10 weeks is enough to see the majority of South America’s highlights 🗺️. With smart planning, you can visit 5–7 countries, from Colombia’s Caribbean coast to Patagonia’s glaciers.
The key is pace. ✈️ You’ll need to mix flights and overnight buses, and focus on the top destinations in each country rather than trying to see everything. I followed a similar route on my own trip, and while it was busy, it gave me an amazing overview of the continent.
With 10 weeks, you’ll still get a once-in-a-lifetime South America adventure.
Ten Week South America Itinerary
👉 As a South America travel planner who’s helped dozens of travellers map out their dream trip. I know that 10 weeks is the sweet spot for covering the highlights without burning out. This route balances must-see icons like Machu Picchu and Iguazú Falls with time to breathe in cities and smaller towns.
Ten Week South America Itinerary Overview
- 📍 Route: Colombia → Ecuador → Peru → Bolivia → Chile → Argentina → Brazil
- 💰 Budget: 🥿 Budget: $4,500 – 🎒 Realistic: $6,250 – ✨ High-End: $9,000+
- ⚡ Pace: Fast — 1–2 weeks in each country, lots of overnight buses & flights.
- 🛫 Transport: Flights between countries, long-distance buses in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia, and internal flights in Chile, Argentina & Brazil.
- ☀️ Best Time to Visit: Sept-Dec will catch the end of the dry season in the Andes and then the start of summer in Patagonia. Or Mar-May if you reverse the route and start in Brazil.
Ten Week South America Route & Map
| Week | Country | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Colombia |
Bogota, Medellin, Santa Marta |
|
2 |
Ecuador |
Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa, Banos |
|
3-4 |
Peru |
Lima, Paracas, Huacachina, Cusco, Machu Picchu |
|
5 |
Bolivia |
Lake Titicaca, La Paz, Uyuni Salt Flats |
|
6-7 |
Chile |
Atacama Desert, Santiago, Valpariso, Torres Del Paine National Park |
|
8-9 |
Argentina |
Perito Moreno Glacier, El Chalten, Bariloche, Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls |
|
10 |
Brazil |
Florianopolis, Rio De Janeiro |
👉 I’ve personally travelled this route and now help others do the same through my South America trip planning service. If you want a stress-free trip with an itinerary tailored to your style, I can help you customise this 10-week plan to your travel style and preferences.
“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.
Week 1 - Colombia
| Day | City | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
1-2 |
Bogota |
Walking Tour, Cerro Monserrate |
|
3-5 |
Santa Marta |
Minca, Tayrona National Park, Palomino |
|
6-7 |
Medellin |
Walking Tour, Guatape |
Day 1-2 - Bogota
Bogata is a hub for international flights from the US and Europe so it makes sense to start your two and a half month South America journey here.
Find a free walking tour to help you explore the city. Then in the evening, walk to the top of Cerro Monserrate for an incredible viewpoint of sprawling Bogotá.
Day 3-5 - Santa Marta
From Bogota, you want to take a short 2-hour flight to the Caribbean Coast in the north.
You can then use Santa Marta as a base for exploring for the next few days.
- Spend one day in exploring the cloud forests and coffee farms in Minca.
- Trek into Tayrona National Park known for its palm-shaded coves, coastal lagoons, rainforest, and rich biodiversity.
- Make sure you have a beach day whilst here too. Palomino beach, with its white sands fringed with huge palms trees, is empty most of the time and you can enjoy peaceful walks up and down it without coming across another person.
Palomino is one of my favourite beaches in South America, for more, head to the list post below:
Day 6-7 - Medellin
For more on why Medellin is such a great city to visit, head to the post below:
Week 2 - Ecuador
| Day | City | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
8-9 |
Quito |
Walking Tour, Teleferico, Pichincha Summit |
|
10-11 |
Cotopaxi |
Secret Garden, Cotopaxi Volcano |
|
12 |
Quilotoa |
Quilotoa Crater |
|
13-14 |
Banos |
Thermal Baths, Route of Waterfalls |
Day 8-9 - Quito
The easiest and cheapest thing to do in Quito is to explore the city on the free walking tour.
A walking tour takes you to the main sights in the historical centre including Plaza Grande – the main square which includes the presidential palace, and La Ronda – the popular tourist street filled with galleries, craft shops, and restaurants.
For great views, ride the Teleferico – Quito’s cable car that takes you up to 3495m above sea level to the summit of Volcano Pichincha. At the top you will have unobstructed views of the city.
For more great things to do in Quito including chocolate tasing, museums, and visiting the equator, head to the guide below:
Day 10-11 - Cotopaxi Secret Garden
Time to get treated to one of the best hostel experiences in all South America.
Booking a two-night stay at Secret Garden Cotopaxi is the best way to see the National Park and experience the stunning Cotopaxi Volcano. For $96 you get a two night stay, two guided treks and all your meals included.
The hostel sits directly opposite the volcano and the views are unrivalled. They also run tours into the park such as trekking to Cotopaxi Glacier, horse riding and mountain biking.
Everything you need to know about booking and staying at Secret Garden Cotopaxi can be found here:
Day 12 - Quilotoa
The next town to visit after Cotopaxi is Quilotoa and one of the most impressive sights in Ecuador – the Quilotoa Crater.
You only need 1 day here as there’s only one thing to do. Hike around the edge of the this extinct volcano and marvel at the jaw dropping scenery.
All you need to know about visiting the crater in a single day can be found in the post linked below:
Day 11-12 - Baños
After almost two weeks into this ten week itinerary, why not start with a spa and massage day. The treatments on offer in Banos are fuelled by the volcanic activity surrounding the valley.
Another great day out is a visit to Pailon del Diablo, an insanely powerful waterfall that plunges 61 metres into a pool of powerful rapids.
For more information on all these activities in Baños including the best restaurants, hostels and transport tips, head to the full guide below:
“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.
Week 3/4 - Peru
| Day | City | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
15 |
Lima |
Miraflores, Barranco |
|
16-17 |
Paracas |
Paracas National Reserve, Ballestas Islands |
|
18 |
Huacachina |
Dune Buggy Tour, Sandboarding |
|
19-21 |
Cusco |
Walking Tour, Rainbow Mountain |
|
22-26 |
Salkantay Trek |
Laguna Humantay, Salkantay Pass, Machu Picchu |
|
27-28 |
Cusco |
Rest Day |
Day 15 - Lima
Start by exploring Miraflores and walking along the boardwalk where you will get some beautiful views of the ocean.
If you carry on following the boardwalk south, you will eventually reach the bohemian district of Barranco. This is the best place to find an authentic local restaurant to try some amazing regional dishes like ceviche.
For more great things to do in Lima including chocolate tasing, museums, and learning to surf, head to the guide below:
Day 15-16 - Paracas
Paracas National Park is an untouched natural desert perfect for exploration and adventure.
You can navigate the park by tour, bicycle, ATV, or dune buggy. Whatever mode of transport you choose, make sure you are in the park as the sun is going down for some epic sunset views.
Check out my complete guide to Paracas for more info:
Day 18 - Huacachina
Huacachina is a town geared towards adventure. One day here is enough.
Book onto a dune buggy tour and you’ll tick off two of the best activities to do here. You’ll fly across the desert in buggies and go sandboarding down the tallest sand dunes.
For more information on this unique place, head to the link below:
Day 19-21 - Cusco
Once in Cusco you have one rest day, one day to exploring the city and one day to explore its surroundings.
I recommend you take a day trip out of the city to see the beautiful Andean countryside. You can visit the popular Rainbow Mountain or one of the many other natural wonders in the Sacred Valley.
If you think a trip to Rainbow Mountain is for you, then head to the full guide below so you know what to expect:
Day 22-28 - Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu / Rest in Cusco
One of the best ways to see Machu Picchu is via a multi-day trek.
With the Salkantay Trek you will see many more incredible sights along the way
Laguna Humantay and Salkantay Mountain are just two of the incredible places you will visit on this 5-day trek
For everything you need to know on planning and preparing for the Salkantay Trek:
“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.
Week 5 - Bolivia
| Day | City | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
29 |
Copacabana |
Cerro Calvario, Isla Del Sol |
|
30-31 |
La Paz |
City Day, Death Road |
|
32-35 |
Uyuni |
Salt Flat Tour |
Day 29 - Copacabana
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world at 3,810 metres above sea level.
Fun activities include walking up to the summit of Cerro Calvario to get beautiful views of the lake and taking a boat tour to Isla del Sol which is the largest island on the lake.
Day 30-31 - La Paz
Once you reach La Paz you have an endless list of activities to choose from such as biking down Death Road, trekking in the ‘Valley of the Moon’, or climbing Huayna Potosi (known as the easiest 6000m mountain to climb in the world).
Head to my complete La Paz guide to help you plan further:
Day 32-35 - Uyuni / Salt Flat Tour
The three-day/two-night salt flat tour will take you exploring on one of the most surreal landscapes in the world.
This is one of best tours in the whole of South America and shouldn’t be missed.
Only have a month for your South America trip? Here’s 4 great routes for a 1-month itinerary crafted by a travel planner.
“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
Planning a trip to
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.
Week 6/7 - Chile
| Day | City | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
36-38 |
Atacama |
Valle De La Luna, Salt Lagoons, Star Watching |
|
39-42 |
Santiago |
Walking Tour, Sky Costerna, Day trips to Valparaiso |
|
43-48 |
Torres Del Paine National Park |
Lago Grey, Grey Glacier, Cerro Paine |
|
49 |
Puerto Natales |
Rest Day |
Day 36-38 - Atacama Desert
Your mind may have just been blown with volcanoes, high-altitude lagoons, and surreal landscapes but there’s more to come in Atacama.
Driving around the Atacama desert means you can visit so many different parts on your own time.
You can drive north to see the fields of geysers, then south to float in the salt lagoons before ending the day at ‘Valle de la Luna’ to see strange rock formations eroded over millions of years.
Day 39-42 - Santiago / Valparaiso
You will need to fly from the Atacama Desert to Santiago. Chile is a big country!
Then once you land in , you have one day to explore Chile’s capital. In the evening, head up to the top of the Sky Costerna, Santiago’s tallest building, to find the best views of the city.
Don’t have ten weeks? This 6-week itinerary through the highlights of South America is a more compact option.”
Day 43-49 - Torres Del Paine National Park
Time to end your time in Chile with one of the best multi-day treks in the world – the W-trek in Torres Del Paine National Park.
I recommend a day either side in the town of Puerto Natales to rest up and recover.
For more on this incredible place and why it’s a must-visit, head to the post below:
“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.
Week 8/9 - Argentina
| Day | City | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
50-51 |
El Calafate |
Perito Moreno Glacier |
|
52-54 |
El Chatlen |
Laguna De Los Tres Hike, Cerro Torre Hike |
|
55-58 |
Bariloche |
Refugio Frey Hike, Circuito Chico |
|
59-61 |
Buenos Aires |
Walking Tour, Tango Show, La Boca |
|
62-63 |
Iguazu |
Iguazu Falls |
Day 50-51 - El Calafate
You are a 5-hour bus and border crossing away from Argentina and the town of El Calafate.
Take an early morning bus from Puerto Natales so you arrive early afternoon. From here you explore the town and plan your visit to Parque Nacional Los Glaciares and the epic Perito Moreno Glacier.
You can take in the views of this huge chunk of ice from the visitor centre or take a boat to get a up close and personal. If you are lucky, you may catch a chunk of ice falling off and crashing into the water below.
To see some alternative itineraries for this region, head to the post below:
Day 52-54- El Chalten
El Chalten is known as the “Trekking Capital of Argentina”.
One of the most iconic single day hikes is the Laguna de los Tres hike, popular for the sublime panoramic views it offers of Glaciar de Los Tres and Mount Fitz Roy.
You can hike out-and-back to Laguna de Los Tres from El Chaltén in one day, but a popular option is to camp overnight near the lagoon and witness a fantastic sunrise the following morning.
If you are interested in spending more time in Chile and Argentina, check out the post below:
Day 55-58- Bariloche
Nestled amidst the picturesque Andes Mountains, Bariloche offers snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes and lush forests.
For more on why this is such a fantastic place to visit and spend time in, head to the post below:
Day 59-61 - Buenos Aires
You are nearly at the end of this ten week South America itinerary but there’s still so much fun to be had.
Now it’s time for 3 days in one of the best capitals on the continent. Buenos Aires is known as the “Paris of South America,” as it feels like your visiting a European capital.
For more reasons why this is such a great city to spend time in, head to the posts below:
Day 62-63 – Iguazu Falls
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.
The most famous part of the falls is known as ‘The Devil’s Throat’, a U-shaped waterfall that is over 82 meters high and 150 meters wide.
Week 10 - Brazil
| Day | City | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
64-67 |
Florianopolis |
Beach, Surfing |
|
68-70 |
Rio De Janeiro |
Sugar Loaf Mountain, Christ The Redeemer |
Day 64-67 - Florianopolis
Florianópolis has it all. Pristine beaches, lush jungle landscapes, vibrant culture and some of the best surf in Brazil.
This island paradise is worth visiting for many reasons. Explore the sandy shores of Praia Mole, surf the Atlantic waves, or bask in the tranquility of Campeche Beach.
For more on this island paradise, head to the post below:
Day 68-70 - Rio De Janeiro
You made it. You’ve completed an incredible ten weeks in South America!
For your last three days, enjoy 3 days in Brazil’s capital. This is more than enough time to see the best sights and enjoy the iconic beaches.
If you want to see what a longer itinerary in Brazil looks like, check out this month long route:
“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.
