Days 1–3: Discover Buenos Aires, Argentina

Your adventure begins in Buenos Aires, one of South America’s most captivating cities.

Known as the birthplace of tango, Buenos Aires combines grand architecture and leafy boulevards with lively neighbourhoods, cafés, restaurants and an unmistakable Latin American energy.

A guided city tour introduces you to the Argentine capital, while free time allows you to experience the city at your own pace. Explore historic neighbourhoods, browse local markets, enjoy an Argentine steak or simply settle into a pavement café and watch the city go by.

Food is an important part of the experience, too. Argentina is renowned for its beef and asado, while empanadas and other local specialities offer plenty of opportunities to sample the country’s culinary traditions.

For anyone planning a South America trip, Buenos Aires provides an exciting introduction before the journey moves towards one of the continent’s greatest natural wonders.

From Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls

One of the benefits of joining an organised itinerary is having the logistics between destinations taken care of.

For travellers researching Iguazu falls Argentina from Buenos Aires, combining the two destinations makes it possible to experience the sophisticated energy of Buenos Aires before travelling north towards the rainforest and waterfalls of Iguazu.

It is the perfect transition from city life to one of South America’s most spectacular natural environments.

Days 2–4: Experience the Magnificent Iguazu Falls

Few sights can prepare you for the sheer scale and power of Iguazu Falls.

Stretching across the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu is made up of hundreds of individual cascades surrounded by lush rainforest. Experiencing the falls from both countries offers two distinctly different perspectives.

For travellers comparing Iguazu tours, this is a major advantage of the itinerary.

Explore Iguazu from the Argentine Side

The Argentine side brings you closer to the falls, with a network of walkways and viewing platforms providing different perspectives of the cascading water.

The sound of the falls, the rainforest surrounding them and the mist rising from the water create an unforgettable experience.

The Argentine side is ideal for travellers who want to experience the falls up close and appreciate the many different cascades that make up this incredible natural wonder.

See Iguazu Falls from Brazil

Crossing into Brazil provides another perspective entirely.

While the Argentine side allows you to explore the falls more intimately, the Brazilian side is famous for its sweeping panoramic views. Standing in front of the vast curtain of water provides an incredible sense of scale.

For travellers considering Iguazu Falls Brazil tours, combining both sides in one journey means you don’t have to choose between these two extraordinary viewpoints.

Iguazu is undoubtedly one of the highlights of this itinerary and one of the experiences that makes these South America tours so memorable.

Days 4–6: Experience the Energy of Rio de Janeiro

From the natural spectacle of Iguazu, the journey continues to Rio de Janeiro.

Rio is one of the world’s most instantly recognisable cities. Dramatic mountains rise behind sweeping beaches, while music, food and culture create an atmosphere that is uniquely Brazilian.

A guided city tour introduces you to some of Rio’s most famous landmarks, including Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain.

From the summit of Corcovado, you’ll enjoy panoramic views across Rio, while Sugarloaf offers another spectacular perspective over Guanabara Bay.

You’ll also see famous beaches including Copacabana and Ipanema, with time to experience the city beyond its major attractions.

For travellers choosing between south america tours, the combination of natural wonders, cultural experiences and world-famous cities is what makes this itinerary particularly compelling.

Days 7–8: Discover Lima, Peru

The next chapter begins in Peru with a flight to Lima, the country’s coastal capital.

Lima offers a fascinating contrast to the destinations you’ve already experienced. Its historic centre reflects its Spanish colonial heritage, while modern neighbourhoods, museums and one of South America’s most exciting food scenes reveal another side of Peruvian culture.

A guided city tour provides an introduction to the capital before free time allows you to explore further.

For food lovers, Lima is a destination in its own right. Peruvian cuisine draws influences from Indigenous, Spanish, African, Chinese and Japanese traditions, creating a culinary culture that is recognised around the world.

Days 9–11: Into the Peruvian Amazon

From Lima, the journey moves into one of the most extraordinary environments on Earth: the Amazon rainforest.

Rather than simply passing through the region, you’ll spend two nights at an eco-friendly Amazon lodge, allowing you to experience the rainforest at different times of day.

Jungle excursions provide opportunities to observe the region’s extraordinary biodiversity, while a night-time wilderness experience reveals a completely different side of the Amazon.

You’ll also visit Tres Chimbadas Lake, surrounded by the lush vegetation and wildlife of the rainforest.

This is where the diversity of your South America trip really comes to life. Within a matter of days, you’ve moved from Buenos Aires’ grand boulevards and Rio’s beaches to the heart of one of the world’s most important ecosystems.

For travellers researching South Americatours, experiences such as the Amazon are an important reminder that the continent offers so much more than its famous cities and archaeological sites.

Days 12–15: Sacred Valley, Cusco and Machu Picchu

After the Amazon, the journey continues into the Andes.

The Sacred Valley introduces you to the landscapes and history of the Inca civilisation, with a community visit providing insight into local traditions and everyday life.

From Ollantaytambo, you’ll board the scenic train towards Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Discover the Wonder of Machu Picchu

Few travel experiences carry the same sense of anticipation as arriving at Machu Picchu.

Set high among the Andes, the ancient Inca citadel is surrounded by dramatic mountains and lush green landscapes. A guided visit brings the history of this remarkable site to life while allowing you to appreciate its extraordinary setting.

For many travellers, Machu Picchu is the defining moment of their South America  trip.

But the journey doesn’t end there.

You’ll continue to Cusco, where another guided tour reveals a fascinating blend of Inca heritage and Spanish colonial influences. With free time available, you can explore the city’s historic streets, markets and restaurants at your own pace.

Days 16–17: Lake Titicaca and the High Andes

The final major chapter of your trip through south america takes you higher into the Andes and towards Lake Titicaca.

Located more than 3,800 metres above sea level, Lake Titicaca is famous for its spectacular landscapes and the communities that have called the region home for generations.

A boat excursion takes you to the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island, offering an opportunity to learn more about local traditions and Indigenous communities.

This cultural experience provides a fitting contrast to the major landmarks earlier in the journey.

Rather than simply ticking destinations off a list, the itinerary gives you opportunities to connect with the people, traditions and landscapes that make Peru so distinctive.

Days 18–19: Return to Lima

After your time in the highlands, you’ll return to Lima for the final chapter of the journey.

Depending on the itinerary and flight timing, there may also be an opportunity to visit Sillustani, an impressive pre-Incan cemetery near Lake Umayo.

As your journey draws to a close, you’ll have travelled through three countries and experienced an extraordinary range of destinations.

From Argentina’s vibrant capital to the waterfalls of Iguazu, the beaches of Rio, the Amazon rainforest and the ancient landscapes of Peru, it’s easy to understand why South America tours continue to inspire adventurous travellers.