Ever Feel Like This? If You’re Going All the Way to South America, You Might As Well Go Big!
One of our travel buddies recently dropped a great question in the group chat:
“Hey Summer, if I want to hit Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Peru, Bolivia, and Chile, what’s the smartest way to plan the route? How do I make it efficient—no backtracking?”
Say no more, fam! I’ve got you covered.
Here comes the ultimate 7-country South America itinerary—logical, streamlined, and border-hopping made easy.
Just grab the route and go. You’re welcome!
Option 1: Colombia + Brazil + Argentina + Uruguay + Chile + Bolivia + Peru
Day 1: Arrive in Bogotá, Colombia
Day 2: Day trip to the famous Salt Cathedral from Bogotá
Day 3: Visit the Gold Museum in the morning, then fly to Medellín in the afternoon
Day 4: Full-day trip to the iconic Guatapé & El Peñol Rock
Day 5: Explore Medellín’s vibrant Comuna 13, then catch an afternoon flight to Cartagena
Day 6: Wander through the charming Old Town of Cartagena
Day 7: Fly from Cartagena to Manaus, Brazil (with a quick connection in Bogotá)
Surprise! Did you know there’s a direct flight from Bogotá to Manaus?
Yep—no need to detour through São Paulo. If you’re heading to explore the Brazilian Amazon, Manaus is the perfect next stop after Colombia.
Wondering about the Peruvian Amazon instead?
Stay tuned—I’ll cover that route in the next post!
Day 8: Begin your 3-day, 2-night Amazon jungle adventure in Brazil
Day 9: Deep in the Amazon – full day of wildlife, river excursions, and jungle trekking
Day 10: Final morning in the Amazon, then fly to São Paulo in the afternoon
Day 11: Explore the bustling streets and hidden gems of São Paulo
Day 12: Fly to Rio de Janeiro, spend the afternoon exploring the city’s vibrant culture
Day 13: Iconic sights day: Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf Mountain—unmissable!
Day 14: Fly to Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil – visit the Brazilian side of the mighty Iguazu Falls
Day 15: Cross the border into Argentina to experience the dramatic Argentine side of Iguazu Falls
Day 16: Fly from Puerto Iguazú to Buenos Aires – enjoy a relaxed half-day in the city
Day 17: Take a full-day trip from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay – a charming UNESCO World Heritage site
Day 18: Fly south to El Calafate, gateway to Patagonia
Day 19: Full-day at Los Glaciares National Park – come face to face with the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier
Day 20: Fly from El Calafate to Ushuaia – the southernmost city in the world
Day 21: End of the world vibes – full-day adventure in Tierra del Fuego National Park, Ushuaia
Day 22: Travel back to El Calafate, then cross the border into Chile, arriving in Puerto Natales
Day 23: Full-day scenic drive through Torres del Paine National Park – a feast for the eyes!
Day 24: Glacier day! Boat tour to the stunning Grey Glacier inside Torres del Paine
Day 25: Fly from Puerto Natales to Santiago, Chile
Day 26: Day trip from Santiago to colorful Valparaíso and the beach town of Viña del Mar
Day 27: Fly from Santiago to Calama, then transfer by road to the desert town of San Pedro de Atacama
Day 28: Day 1 in Atacama – surreal landscapes, salt flats, and flamingos
Day 29: Day 2 in Atacama – geysers at sunrise, moon valley at sunset
Day 30: Cross into Bolivia and begin the 3-day Uyuni Salt Flats tour – Day 1 of the high-altitude adventure
Day 31: Uyuni Salt Flats Tour – Day 2 of the epic Bolivian overland adventure
Day 32: Final day of the tour – arrive in Uyuni by late morning, then spend the afternoon chasing reflections at the famous “Mirror of the Sky”
Day 33: Sunset at Salar de Uyuni, then catch the overnight bus to La Paz
Day 34: Full day in La Paz – ride the cable cars, explore the Witches’ Market, and soak up the Andean vibe
Day 35: Cross into Peru and arrive in Puno, gateway to Lake Titicaca
Day 36: Full-day Lake Titicaca tour – visit the floating Uros Islands and Taquile
Day 37: Travel the scenic “Route of the Sun” from Puno to Cusco
Day 38: Rest day in Cusco with a relaxed half-day city tour
Day 39: Sacred Valley tour, ending in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town)
Day 40: Machu Picchu day! Explore the ancient wonder and return to Cusco
Day 41: Fly from Cusco to Lima, enjoy a half-day exploring Peru’s capital
Day 42: Depart from Lima – your grand South American journey comes to an unforgettable end!
Thinking of heading straight from Colombia to the Amazon? You’re in luck!
Colombia borders the Amazon basin, making it the perfect springboard into the rainforest.
As mentioned earlier, Bogotá offers direct flights to Manaus, Brazil—no need to detour through São Paulo, saving you both time and miles.
As always, Summer’s got your back with some super convenient overland border crossings to make your South America journey smoother and more affordable:
- Iguazu Falls – cross easily from Brazil to Argentina
- El Calafate to Torres del Paine – overland from Argentina to Chile
- San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni Salt Flats – cross from Chile to Bolivia
- La Paz to Puno – scenic route from Bolivia to Peru
Yes, I’ve personally tested every one of these border crossings for you.
They’re not only doable—they’re budget-friendly compared to flying.
No need to stress over flight schedules or limited departure times.
Whether you’re hopping on a bus, joining a tour, or booking a private transfer, these land borders are open daily—go whenever you’re ready!
Need more tips on crafting your 7-country South America route or figuring out land crossings?
DM me anytime—I’m happy to help.
I’m Summer – a backpacker with a passion for the outdoors.
I only recommend the best hidden corners and unforgettable journeys.
Follow me, and let’s talk South America. Let’s talk travel. 🌎✈️
