How to Plan the Perfect Two Week South America Itinerary
Planning a two week South America itinerary can feel overwhelming – the continent is huge, the distances are vast, and the options are endless.
In just 14 days, you want to see iconic sights like Machu Picchu, the Galapagos Islands, Patagonia, or Colombia’s Caribbean coast, without spending all your time in transit.
This guide gives you five expertly curated routes designed for different travel styles, budgets, and seasons. Each itinerary includes must-see highlights, transport tips, and realistic pacing so you can make the most of your two weeks in South America.
Here are the 5 itinerary options:
| 2-Week South America Itinerary | Highlights | Avg. Cost ($) | Best Time |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Colombia & Ecuador |
Caribbean Coast, Quito, Cotopaxi Volcano |
$1000-$1500 |
July – Aug |
|
2. Ecuador & Peru |
Galapagos, Machu Picchu |
$2000-$2500 |
May – Oct |
|
3. Peru & Bolivia |
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Uyuni Salt Flats |
$1000-$1500 |
May-Oct |
|
4. Chile & Argentina |
Patagonia |
$2000-$2500 |
Sept-Apr |
|
5. Brazil & Argentina |
Rio, Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires |
$1500-$2000 |
Nov-Mar |
#1 Two-Week Colombia & Ecuador Itinerary (Beaches, Volcanoes & Coffee)
Here’s the breakdown of this two-week South America itinerary that includes Colombia and Ecuador:
- 🌍 Route: Bogotá → Santa Marta → Cartagena → Medellín → Quito → Cotopaxi → Baños → Guayaquil
- ⭐ Highlights: Caribbean Coast, Tayrona National Park, Coffee region, Cotopaxi Volcano, Route of Waterfalls
- 💵 Avg. Cost: $1,000-$1,500
- 📅 Best Time: July-August or December-March
| Day | Where? | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Bogota |
Walking Tour, Cerro Monserrate |
|
2-3 |
Santa Marta |
Tayrona National Park |
|
4-5 |
Palomino |
Palomino Beach, Tubing |
|
6-8 |
Medellin |
Guatape |
|
9 |
Quito |
Walking Tour, Teleferico |
|
10-11 |
Cotopaxi |
Secret Garden, Cotopaxi Volcano |
|
12-14 |
Baños |
Thermal Baths, Route of Waterfalls |
Day 1 - Bogata
Spend one day in the capital before moving on. There isn’t much here for travellers and the rest of Colombia is much more interesting. You only have 14 days in South America so you have to miss out some things!
On the day you are here, find a free walking tour to help you explore the city with ease. Then walk to the top of Cerro Monserrate for an incredible viewpoint of sprawling Bogotá.
Day 2-3 - Santa Marta
- Flight: Bogota to Santa Marta (1h)
From Bogota, you want to take a short 1-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 in Minca. Here you can also find coffee and chocolate farm tours. On your second day, trek into Tayrona National Park known for its palm-shaded coves, coastal lagoons, rainforest, and rich biodiversity.
For more detail on how to spend your days in Santa Marta, head to the itinerary post below:
Day 4-5 - Palomino
- Bus: Santa Marta to Palomino (2h)
Palomino is a quiet town in the north of the country close to Santa Marta.
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.
Day 6-8 - Medellin
- Flight: Santa Marta to Medellin (1h)
Take some time to explore Medellin, the city of eternal spring. A free walking tour is your best bet so that you stick to the safe areas and learn about the rich history of the city.
Whilst here, take a tour out to the beautiful Guatape to see the colourful town, the beautiful reservoirs and the huge celebrity mansions that back out onto them.
Day 9 - Quito
For one day in Quito, you will want to see as much of the city as you can.
You can start the morning off with a free walking tour to see the Old Town. Then in the afternoon, head up to the top of Cerro Pichincha – the mountain overlooking Quito.
The Teleferico cable car that will take you from 3000m at the edge of the city, all the way up to 3495m and the summit of Volcano Machachi which sits at top this mountain. From here you will get the best view of Quito and the surrounding countryside.
Day 10-11 - Cotopaxi
- Bus: Quito to Cotopaxi (1h 30m)
The picturesque Cotopaxi National Park and its towering volcano is a must-see when in Ecuador and should be on every travellers list.
The park is a beautiful untamed landscape covered in beautiful fields of wildflowers with herds of alpacas wandering aimlessly, all in front of the incredible backdrop of Cotopaxi Volcano.
Day 12-14 – Baños
- Bus: Cotopaxi to Banos (2h)
Baños is set in a lush green valley. It’s full of thermal baths fuelled by underground volcanic springs so why not start with a spa and massage day at one of the several bath houses.
El Refugio is the best choice. Along with thermal baths, they have saunas, steam rooms, and offer a range of spa services such as massages, mud baths, and pedicures.
On your second day, it’s time to ride the ‘Route of Waterfalls’ – a single main road that winds its way through the Baños Valley. This is one of the most scenic bike rides you can take in Ecuador, and you can stop at 7 waterfalls along the way – each one a different shape and size.
The best waterfall is Pailon del Diablo, an insanely powerful waterfall that plunges 61 metres (200ft) into a pool of powerful rapids.
If a two country itinerary is too much for you in two weeks, then why not check out my single country itineraries instead:
“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.
#2 Two-Week Galapagos Islands & Peru Itinerary (Wildlife & Machu Picchu)
Here’s the breakdown of this two-week South America itinerary that includes the Galapagos Islands and Peru:
- 🌍 Route: Quito → Cotopaxi → Quilotoa → Baños → Guayaquil → Lima → Cusco → Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu
- ⭐ Highlights: Andes landscapes, Cotopaxi National Park, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
- 💵 Avg. Cost: $2,000-$2,500
- 📅 Best Time: May-October
| Day | Where? | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
1-2 |
Quito |
Walking Tour, Teleferico |
|
3-7 |
Galapagos Islands |
Interpretation Centre, Giant Tortoise Sanctuary |
|
8-10 |
Cusco |
Rainbow Mountain |
|
11-12 |
Aguas Calientes |
Machu Picchu |
|
13-14 |
Lima |
Miraflores, Barranco |
Day 1-2 - Quito
Quito is the main transport hub of the country and a starting point for most travellers before flying to the Galapagos Islands so it makes sense to spend a day here exploring the city.
Day 3-7 – Galapagos Islands
- Flight: Quito to San Cristobal (2h)
Take 5 days to explore the two main islands on the Galapagos: San Cristobal and Santa Cruz.
You have some many great options for wildlife experiences here from watching sea lions lounging on the beach to walking amongst giant tortoises in the highlands.
Then you can go snorkelling to find fish, baby sharks and turtles.
My Galapagos land-based itinerary has these 5-days laid out in even more detail. Head to the post below for more:
Day 8-10 - Cusco
- Flight: Quito to Cusco (2h) via Lima
Once in Cusco you have three days to exploring the city and its surroundings.
I recommend one day in the city adjusting to the altitude and exploring its rich cultural heritage. A free walking tour is always the best way to do this and I would recommend Inkan Milkyway.
On your second day, 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 such as Laguna Humantay at 4200m above sea level.
Day 11-12 - Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu
- Train: Cusco to Aguas Calientes (3-4h)
On the morning of day 11, either take the bus or train to the town of Aguas Calientes. For a two-week itinerary, I would recommend the train as it only takes 3 hours in comparison to the bus which takes 9.This saves you a lot of time and means you get more time to experience Machu Picchu.
A couple of fun things to do in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the Manuel Chavez Ballon Site Museum and the Butterfly House. But mostly take the day to prepare for your visit to Machu Picchu.
On day 12, visit the ancient Inca capital. You can take the 1600 stairs to the top if you want a challenge or the bus to the top takes 15-minutes.
Day 13-14 - Lima
Unfortunately, Cusco doesn’t have an international airport so you will have to fly back to Lima to take your international flight home.
However, Lima is a great city and definitely worth exploring for one day during this two-week South America itinerary.
If you have enjoyed this two-week itinerary but only have 10 days, check out the post below for a condensed version:
“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.
#3 Two-Week Peru & Bolivia Itinerary (Machu Picchu & Salt Flats)
Here’s the summary of this two-week South America itinerary that includes Peru and Bolivia:
- 🌍 Route: Lima → Paracas → Huacachina → Arequipa → Cusco → Machu Picchu → La Paz → Uyuni Salt Flats
- ⭐ Highlights: Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Salar de Uyuni, Colca Canyon
- 💵 Avg. Cost: $1,000-$1,500
- 📅 Best Time: May-October
| Day | Where? | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Lima |
Miraflores, Barranco |
|
2-4 |
Ica |
Paracas National Reserve, Huacachina Oasis |
|
5-7 |
Arequipa |
Colca Canyon |
|
8-10 |
Cusco |
Machu Picchu |
|
10-11 |
La Paz |
Death Road |
|
12-14 |
Uyuni |
Salt Flats Tour |
Day 1 - Lima
Take one day in Lima to start of this two week adventure.
The Miraflores neighbourhood has an abundance of trendy cafes and great restaurants all situated amongst seafront parks and boardwalks. In the evening, here is where you will find thriving bars, clubs, and live music venues.
Make sure to be by the waterfront for sunset as you are in for a treat. Grab a spot near the edge of the cliffs and watch the sun go down as paragliders circle above and surfers catch the last waves of the day.
Day 2-4 - Ica
- Bus: Lima to Paracas (4h)
Ica has two of Peru’s top highlights to visit.
First is Paracas National Park – an untouched natural desert perfect for exploration and adventure. You can navigate the park by tour, bicycle, ATV, or dune buggy and checking out the park at sunset is a must!
I’d also recommend a day to visit the Huacachina Oasis where you can find dune buggies and go sandboarding!
Check out my full Paracas guide for more information:
Day 5-7 - Arequipa
- Flight: Ica to Arequipa (1h)
Arequipa is an amazing city for travellers, but the real wonder here is a visit to Colca Canyon – the second deepest canyon in the world.
Colca Canyon will take two days out of this two-week South America itinerary but it’s definitely worth it. Trekking down into the second deepest canyon in the world is an experience like no other.
For more information on this incredible city:
Day 8-10 - Cusco and Machu Picchu
- Flight: Arequipa to Cusco (1h)
Use day 8 to relax and explore the city of Cusco before your journey to Machu Picchu.
On day 9, you have two options: taking the train or the bus to Aguas Calientes. The train takes 3 hours from Cusco to Aguas Calientes.
Once you are in Aguas Calientes you can relax and have an early night before visiting Machu Picchu the next day.
Day 10-11 - La Paz
- Flight: Cusco to La Paz (1h 30m)
Once you reach La Paz you have an endless list of things to choose from such as biking down Death Road, trekking in the Valley of the Moon, or climbing Huayna Potosi.
2 days is a good amount of time to cover the city. I would recommend riding down Death Road one day and then using the others to explore in and outside of the city.
Day 12-13 - Uyuni
- Flight: La Paz to Uyuni (1h)
You can either fly or overnight bus down to Uyuni. Once you arrive in Uyuni, it’s time to end this epic two-week trip with probably one of the best tours on the whole continent.
The 3-day Salar De Uyuni tour will take you from one unique landscape to the next, starting with the white expanse of the salt flat on day 1, to the high-altitude desert of the Andes on the next.
Our Uyuni guide has all the information you need for planning this part of the journey:
#4 Two-Week Chile & Argentina Patagonia Itinerary (Hiking & Glaciers)
Here’s the breakdown of this two-week South America itinerary that includes Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia:
- 🌍 Route: Santiago → Puerto Natales → Torres del Paine → El Calafate → El Chaltén → Buenos Aires
- ⭐ Highlights: Patagonia, Torres del Paine W Trek, Perito Moreno Glacier, Mount Fitz Roy
- 💵 Avg. Cost: $2,000-$2,500
- 📅 Best Time: September-April
| Day | Where? | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Santiago |
Walking Tour, Sky Costerna |
|
2-7 |
Torres Del Paine National Park |
Lago Grey, Grey Glacier, Cerro Paine |
|
8-9 |
El Calafate |
Perito Moreno Glacier |
|
10-12 |
El Chatlen |
Glacier National Park |
|
13-14 |
Buenos Aires |
City Day, Fly Home |
Day 1 - Santiago
Once you land in Santiago, you have one day to explore Chile’s capital.
The best thing to do is join a free walking tour. They take you to several places in the city including Santa Lucia Hill to discover where Santiago’s history began, and through the Plaza de Armas to enjoy cosmopolitan Santiago.
In the evening, head up to the to of the Sky Costerna, Santiago’s tallest building, to find the best views of the city.
Day 2-7 - Torres Del Paine National Park
- Flight: Santiago to Puerto Natales (3h 30m)
You can use Puerto Natales as a base to travel into Torres Del Paine for day trips, but I highly recommend the W-trek if you love hiking.
This 5-day self-guided trek takes you in the shape of a W – in, out, and around the beautiful Cordillera Paine mountain range.
The trek is relatively easy with the first two days taking you on an easy 3–4-hour hike past Lago Grey up to the stunning Grey Glacier. Then on the final day, you will trek up to the famous towers of Torres Del Paine.
If you have longer than two weeks, then head to the post below to see how to turn this itinerary into a full month of incredible travel:
Day 8-9 - El Calafate
- Bus: Puerto Natales to El Calafate (5-6h)
You are a short border crossing away from Argentina and the town of El Calafate. From here you can visit Parque Nacional Los Glaciares and the epic Puerto Morena 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.
All hotels and hostels in El Calafate offer tours that include both a boat trip and time at the visitor centre.
To see some alternative itineraries for this region, head to the post below:
Day 11-12 - El Chalten
- Bus: El Calafate to El Chalten (3h)
After a short stay in El Calafate, head north to the small hiking town of El Chalten. From here you can plan more epic hikes into the beautiful Patagonian wilderness and Glacier National Park.
You can do single day hikes to Laguna de Los Tres to see the famous Mount Fitzroy or multi-day hikes combining all the different sights and camping among the mountains.
If you are enjoying this two week South America itinerary so far, you can find an extended version of it here that also includes a third country:
Day 13-14 - Buenos Aires
- Flight: El Calafate to Buenos Aires (3h 30m)
Finish up with a few city days in Buenos Aires before flying home and you are done! Two incredible weeks in Chile and Argentina complete.
Check out more of these great Patagonia itineraries if you want to extend the trip beyond two weeks:
“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.
#5 Two-Week Brazil & Argentina Itinerary (Tropical Beaches)
Here’s the breakdown of this two-week South America itinerary that includes the southern coast of Brazil, ending in Buenos Aires:
- 🌍 Route: Rio de Janeiro → Ilha Grande → Florianópolis → Iguazu Falls → Buenos Aires
- ⭐ Highlights: Copacabana Beach, Sugarloaf Mountain, Lopes Mendes Beach, Iguazu Falls, Tango & Asado in Buenos Aires
- 💵 Avg. Cost: $1,500-$2,000
- 📅 Best Time: November-March
| Day | Where? | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
1-2 |
Rio |
Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer |
|
3-5 |
Ilha Grande |
Blue Lagoon, Praia de Lopes Mendez |
|
6-10 |
Florianopolis |
Surfing, Beach days |
|
11-12 |
Iguazu Falls |
Waterfall Trails, Macuco Boat Safari |
|
13-14 |
Buenos Aires |
City Day, Fly Home |
Day 1-2 - Rio
Start your two-week Brazil and Argentina itinerary in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, where golden beaches meet dramatic mountain peaks and a samba soundtrack fills the air.
Spend your first days soaking up the sun on Copacabana Beach and riding the cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain for one of the best city views in the world.
Day 3-5 - Ilha Grande
- Bus: Rio to Ilha Grande (3-4h with ferry)
After the buzz of Rio, escape to Ilha Grande for two days of pure tropical bliss.
Hike through lush Atlantic rainforest to reach Lopes Mendes Beach, one of Brazil’s most beautiful stretches of sand, and take a boat trip around the island to swim in hidden coves and crystal-clear lagoons.
Day 6-10 - Florianopolis
- Flight: Rio to Florianopolis (2h)
Next, head south to Florianópolis, Brazil’s island city famous for its mix of lively beaches and laid-back surf towns.
Over five days, split your time between the white sands of Praia Mole and Joaquina Beach, and explore the charming historic district of Santo Antônio de Lisboa with its colourful colonial houses and seafood restaurants.
Day 11-12 - Iguazu Falls
- Flight: Florianopolis to Iguazu Falls (2h)
From Florianópolis, make your way inland to the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls, one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world.
Spend your first day exploring the Brazilian side for sweeping panoramic views, then cross into Argentina on day two to walk the boardwalks above the thundering Devil’s Throat and get up close to the cascading water.
If you have more time in Brazil, check out my 1 Month Brazil Itinerary for ideas on how to explore this diverse country in depth.
Day 13-14 - Buenos Aires
- Flight: Iguazu Falls to Buenos Aires (2h)
Finish your trip in Argentina’s vibrant capital, Buenos Aires, a city of grand boulevards, colourful barrios, and irresistible energy.
Over your final two days, wander through the pastel-painted streets of La Boca, catch a live tango performance in San Telmo, and indulge in a traditional asado feast paired with local Malbec — the perfect way to end two unforgettable weeks in Brazil and Argentina.
If you just wanted to focus on a single country, this two-week Argentina itinerary covers the capital and more highlights of the country.
