As Promised in My Last Post: The Perfect 7-Country Counterclockwise South America Itinerary Starting from Colombia
For all the family and friends who’ve been waiting — here it is!
If you’re starting your South American adventure in Colombia and planning to visit Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil, with your trip ending in Brazil after entering Peru early on, here’s how to make the most of it — efficiently and without backtracking.
Let’s dive in!
South America 7-Country Itinerary Option 2: Colombia + Peru + Bolivia + Chile + Argentina + Uruguay + Brazil
Day 1: Arrive in Bogotá, Colombia
Day 2: Day trip to the famous Salt Cathedral from Bogotá
Day 3: Morning at the Gold Museum, afternoon flight to Medellín
Day 4: Day trip from Medellín to the iconic Guatapé and El Peñol Rock
Day 5: Explore Medellín’s Comuna 13 in the morning, fly to Cartagena in the afternoon
Day 6: Wander the colorful streets of Cartagena’s historic old town
Day 7: Fly from Cartagena to Lima, Peru (with a connection in Bogotá)
Day 8: Flight from Lima to Iquitos — Day 1 of a 3-day, 2-night Amazon Rainforest adventure
Calling all future Amazon explorers — here’s what you need to know!
If you’re dreaming of the Amazon, this is where things get interesting. Unlike Brazil’s Manaus, which is often accessed directly from major hubs, Iquitos in Peru doesn’t have direct international flights from Bogotá. That means you’ll need to fly from Cartagena via Bogotá to Lima, then catch another flight from Lima to Iquitos.
Here’s the catch: Lima is actually south of Iquitos, so this detour adds some time and distance. Compared to flying straight from Bogotá to Manaus in Brazil, this route through Lima is a bit of a roundabout — but the Peruvian Amazon has its own wild magic that makes it absolutely worth the detour.
Day 9: Spend a full day deep in the Amazon jungle with guided walks and river excursions.
Day 10: Wrap up the rainforest trip and fly back to Lima in the afternoon.
Day 11: Take a day trip from Lima to the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina desert oasis.
Day 12: Fly from Lima to Cusco and begin adjusting to the altitude.
Day 13: Tour the Sacred Valley and travel to Aguas Calientes by evening.
Day 14: Visit Machu Picchu and return to Cusco at night.
Day 15: Enjoy a relaxed half-day tour of Cusco’s highlights.
Day 16: Take the scenic Route of the Sun bus from Cusco to Puno.
Day 17: Explore Lake Titicaca and visit the Uros and Taquile Islands.
Day 18: Cross the border from Puno, Peru into Bolivia and arrive in La Paz.
Day 19: Explore La Paz by cable car and visit the Witches’ Market before taking an overnight bus to Uyuni.
Day 20: Rest in Uyuni and enjoy a magical sunset and stargazing tour on the Mirror of the Sky.
Day 21: Begin the 3-day overland tour to Chile with a full day exploring Uyuni’s salt flats.
Day 22: Day two of the border-crossing tour through surreal desert landscapes and lagoons.
Day 23: Complete the 3-day tour and arrive in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.
Day 24: Visit high-altitude lagoons and the striking Red Rocks in the Atacama Desert.
Day 25: Witness the El Tatio Geysers at sunrise and explore the Moon Valley by afternoon.
Day 26: Travel from San Pedro to Calama, then fly to Santiago, the capital of Chile.
Day 27: Take a colorful day trip from Santiago to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar.
Day 28: Fly south to Puerto Natales, gateway to Patagonia’s wild landscapes.
Day 29: Take a scenic full-day tour of Torres del Paine National Park by vehicle.
Day 30: Hike the famous Towers Trail (Las Torres) for a full day of trekking.
Day 31: Cross the border by bus into Argentina and arrive in El Calafate.
Day 32: Take a full-day tour of Los Glaciares National Park to witness the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier up close.
Day 33: Fly from El Calafate to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.
Day 34: Explore Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full-day tour at the “End of the World.”
Day 35: Fly from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires and settle into the vibrant capital.
Day 36: Discover Buenos Aires with a full day exploring its historic neighborhoods, plazas, and tango culture.
Day 37: Take a day trip across the Río de la Plata to Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage town in Uruguay.
Day 38: Fly to Puerto Iguazú and explore the breathtaking Iguazú Falls from the Argentine side.
Day 39: Cross into Brazil to see the panoramic views of Iguazu Falls from Foz do Iguaçu.
Day 40: Fly to Rio de Janeiro and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the iconic beaches of Copacabana or Ipanema.
Day 41: Visit Rio’s top landmarks — Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Day 42: Fly to São Paulo and spend the afternoon exploring Brazil’s biggest city.
Day 43: Depart from São Paulo — either heading home or off to your next adventure.
Compared to the previous itinerary, this route features nearly the same destinations — the only real change is swapping out the Brazilian Amazon (Manaus) for the Peruvian Amazon (Iquitos).
But what if you want to visit both? No problem!
Just add an extra 3 days at the end of the itinerary to visit Manaus, then fly back to São Paulo — easy!
As always, when traveling across South America, Summer highly recommends overland border crossings.
You haven’t really done South America until you’ve crossed a border by land!
Here’s where we’ll be crossing on this route:
- Peru to Bolivia (Puno → La Paz)
This route isn’t just more budget-friendly — it also helps you acclimate to high altitude gradually via Cusco and Puno.
By the time you reach La Paz or Uyuni, altitude won’t be a problem anymore! - Bolivia to Chile (Uyuni → San Pedro de Atacama)
- Chile to Argentina (Puerto Natales → El Calafate)
This one’s a Patagonian highlight! Patagonia is one of Summer’s all-time favorite regions in South America — and if there’s a land route, take it! - Argentina to Brazil (Puerto Iguazú → Foz do Iguaçu)
The majestic Iguazú Falls deserve to be seen from both sides — don’t miss out!
Need help planning your own multi-country South America trip or figuring out the best route combinations?
DM Summer for more travel tips and custom itineraries.
I’m Summer — an outdoor-loving backpacker.
I only recommend the most epic destinations for fellow adventurers.
Follow me, and let’s talk South America and all things travel! 🌎🎒
