Visa in Hand, Bags Packed: A 16-Day South America Itinerary Through Argentina, Uruguay, Chile & Peru
From Iguazu Falls to Machu Picchu – A Journey Across Cultures, Glaciers, and Ancient Wonders
This 16-day route takes you through 4 incredible countries—Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Peru—featuring world heritage towns, thundering waterfalls, icy glaciers, jaw-dropping national parks, and, of course, the legendary Machu Picchu.
Here’s how to make the most of each day:
Day 1 – Arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Touch down and settle into one of South America’s most vibrant capitals.
Day 2 – Explore Buenos Aires
Wander through colorful neighborhoods like La Boca, enjoy tango in San Telmo, and feast on Argentine steak.
Day 3 – Day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Hop across the river by ferry to this charming UNESCO World Heritage town.
Day 4 – Fly to Puerto Iguazú
Explore the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls, one of the most breathtaking natural wonders on the planet.
Day 5 – Travel to El Calafate
Return via Buenos Aires, then fly south to Patagonia.
Day 6 – Day trip to Perito Moreno Glacier
Walk alongside the mighty glacier and witness nature in motion.
Day 7 – Overland to Puerto Natales, Chile
For fellow travelers like Summer who love crossing borders by land—this leg is for you!
Day 8 – Day tour of Torres del Paine National Park
Explore one of the world’s most iconic national parks with its rugged peaks, turquoise lakes, and guanacos.
Day 9 – Boat trip to Grey Glacier
Cruise across Lago Grey to see this towering river of ice up close.
Day 10 – Fly to Santiago, Chile
Say goodbye to Patagonia and hello to the Chilean capital.
Day 11 – Day trip to Valparaíso & Viña del Mar
Colorful hills, street art, and coastal vibes await.
Day 12 – Fly to Cusco, Peru (via Lima)
Altitude kicks in—get ready for Inca country!
Day 13 – Sacred Valley tour, overnight in Aguas Calientes
Visit Pisac and Ollantaytambo, then catch the train to the base of Machu Picchu.
Day 14 – Visit Machu Picchu, return to Cusco
One of the most unforgettable days of the trip.
Day 15 – Fly to Lima, Peru
Spend your final afternoon soaking in Peru’s capital—maybe try some ceviche while you’re at it.
Day 16 – Depart or continue your adventure!
Head home or explore more of South America—Bolivia or Ecuador, anyone?
Adding Argentina to the Mix? Suddenly, Everything Just Clicks
Once Argentina is on the table, the entire route feels so much smoother, doesn’t it?
You can finally visit Iguazu Falls—no need to skip that bucket list wonder!
You can explore the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia—ice trekking, anyone?
And if you’ve been dreaming about hiking in Torres del Paine, guess what? You no longer have to fly all the way from Santiago and back just to get to Puerto Natales. Instead, you can simply cross the border overland from El Calafate to Puerto Natales. It’s scenic, direct, and way more efficient.
Once you’re in Puerto Natales, you’re already at the gateway to Torres del Paine—no detours needed. Lace up your boots and start your trek straight from there!
Why Does Summer Always Recommend Adding Bolivia to Your South America Itinerary?
Because it turns an amazing trip into an unforgettable one.
Imagine this: You start in Chile’s Atacama Desert, then cross into Bolivia to witness the otherworldly beauty of Uyuni’s Salt Flats—yes, that Mirror of the Sky.
From there, the journey continues to the serene, high-altitude shores of Lake Titicaca, where legend and landscape meet. And just when you think it can’t get better, you follow the breathtaking Sun Route all the way into Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
This route? It’s the best of the best—raw, remote, and ridiculously beautiful. That’s why Summer always says: don’t skip Bolivia.
What Does a Spontaneous South America Adventure Look Like With Bolivia in the Mix?
Argentina + Uruguay + Chile + Bolivia + Peru | 26 Days of Pure Magic
Iguazu Falls, Glaciers, Torres del Paine, Atacama Desert, Uyuni Salt Flats, Machu Picchu
When you add Bolivia to your South American adventure, the journey transforms into something extraordinary. This 26-day itinerary covers five incredible countries, stitching together some of the continent’s most iconic landscapes—from waterfalls and glaciers to deserts, salt flats, and ancient ruins.
Here’s what this epic route looks like, step by step:
Day 1 – Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Welcome to the city of tango, steak, and culture.
Day 2 – Explore Buenos Aires
Colorful neighborhoods, grand architecture, and a dash of European flair.
Day 3 – Day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Cross the river for a stroll through this charming UNESCO-listed town.
Day 4 – Fly to Puerto Iguazú, visit Iguazu Falls (Argentinian side)
Prepare to get drenched in awe.
Day 5 – Travel to El Calafate (via Buenos Aires)
Fly south to Patagonia.
Day 6 – Day trip to Perito Moreno Glacier
Towering ice walls, deep blue crevasses—absolutely unforgettable.
Day 7 – Cross the border to Puerto Natales, Chile
Road trippers and border-crossing fans, this one’s for you!
Day 8 – Day tour of Torres del Paine National Park
Lakes, mountains, guanacos—an outdoor dreamscape.
Day 9 – Boat ride to Grey Glacier
Sail through icy waters to another Patagonia gem.
Day 10 – Fly to Santiago, Chile
Recharge in the buzzing capital.
Day 11 – Day trip to Valparaíso & Viña del Mar
Street art, hills, and a bit of beach.
Day 12 – Fly to Calama, transfer to San Pedro de Atacama
Welcome to the driest desert on Earth.
Day 13 – Atacama Desert, Day 1
Salt flats, moon-like valleys, and Mars-worthy landscapes.
Day 14 – Atacama Desert, Day 2
Geothermal fields, flamingos, and stargazing galore.
Days 15–17 – 3-Day Atacama to Uyuni Overland Tour
Cross into Bolivia via surreal landscapes: red lagoons, flamingos, geysers, and finally, the Uyuni Salt Flats.
Day 18 – Catch sunset at the Mirror of the Sky, night bus to La Paz
One of the most magical moments of the trip.
Day 19 – Explore La Paz: Witch Market & Cable Cars
A city like no other—bizarre, bold, and buzzing.
Day 20 – Travel to Puno, Peru
Goodbye Bolivia, hello Peru!
Day 21 – Day tour of Lake Titicaca
Visit floating islands and soak up high-altitude serenity.
Day 22 – Follow the Sun Route to Cusco
A scenic road to the Inca heartland.
Day 23 – Sacred Valley tour, overnight in Aguas Calientes
Step into the world of the Incas.
Day 24 – Machu Picchu, return to Cusco
An ancient wonder, revealed.
Day 25 – Fly to Lima, explore the city
Colonial charm and culinary delights.
Day 26 – Depart from Lima or continue your South America journey
Ecuador? Colombia? Patagonia round two?
From Waterfalls to Deserts, Glaciers to Salt Flats — This South America Route Has It All
This journey begins in the vibrant heart of Buenos Aires, then sweeps you away to the lush, misty power of Iguazu Falls. From there, you head south—deep into the raw, windswept beauty of Patagonia, where the landscapes are wild, remote, and absolutely breathtaking.
And just when you think you’ve seen it all, the route turns north again. You arrive in the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth where some spots haven’t seen rain in centuries. But surprise—it’s rainy season by the time you reach Uyuni, and the salt flats have transformed into a giant, sky-reflecting mirror.
That’s the real magic of traveling through South America: as you move through latitudes and altitudes, seasons and climates shift around you. It’s like traveling through multiple worlds on a single continent.
And that’s exactly why I always encourage fellow travelers to cross borders overland whenever possible. You feel the continent—its contrasts, its rhythms, its wild soul.
One moment, you’re cruising across Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, and the next you’re thinking, How is this serene highland sea on the same continent as the untamed vastness of Patagonia?
For more inspiration on multi-country South America routes, or help crafting your own adventure, feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to share!
Hi, I’m Summer—an outdoor-loving backpacker who lives for the thrill of the journey.
I only recommend the most epic places—the ones worth going far for.
Follow me, and let’s talk South America. Let’s talk travel. 🌎✈️
