Ultimate Adventure-2 weeks South America Itinerary

This 2 weeks South America itinerary begins with your arrival in Rio de Janeiro, where the warm Brazilian sun and the iconic silhouette of Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer dominate the skyline. A visit to Copacabana Beach brings the rhythmic sounds of samba and a refreshing ocean breeze. A leisurely stroll along the shore provides the perfect vantage point to watch the sunset over the Atlantic, or take a guided tour of Rocinha Favela before enjoying a first taste of Brazilian cuisine—perhaps a hearty plate of feijoada, the national stew. The city’s vibrant energy is immediately captivating, with the striking contrast of urban life against lush mountains leaving a lasting impression.

The day begins with an ascent of the famous Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car, offering sweeping panoramic views of Rio—the bay, the beaches, and the sprawling city below. Later, a visit to the world-renowned Christ the Redeemer statue is an awe-inspiring moment, standing beneath its colossal arms and gazing out over the city. In the afternoon, a wander through the Selarón Steps in Santa Teresa reveals a masterpiece of colourful mosaic tiles, before a relaxing evening in the bohemian neighbourhood of Papa with a cold caipirinha in hand.

A flight from Rio to Foz do Iguaçu brings the chance to witness the might of Iguaçu Falls. The thunderous roar of the cascading water grows louder with each step, and standing at the edge, the mist rises to create an unforgettable experience. A hike along the Brazilian side of the falls offers multiple viewpoints, each providing a different perspective of the vast, awe-inspiring waterfalls. By the time the day ends, the echoes of the falls still linger in the mind.

On the Argentine side, a series of walking paths lead even closer to the waterfalls. A boat ride to the base of the falls provides an exhilarating experience, with the powerful spray leaving everyone soaked. The surrounding landscape, lush and tropical, teems with wildlife—colourful butterflies, toucans, and even a few mischievous coatis. The afternoon is spent exploring jungle trails, enveloped by the thunderous roar of the waterfalls and the deep hum of the rainforest.

You continue your 2 weeks South America itinerary by leaving Brazil behind, a flight to Lima, Peru, introduces a new cultural landscape. Take a city tour to enjoy the historic centre, with its colonial architecture, offers a glimpse into the past—Plaza Mayor, the grand Cathedral, and the Government Palace all stand as testaments to the city’s rich history. The blend of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences is evident in the art, food, and music. For dinner, a taste of ceviche, Peru’s famous marinated seafood dish, is best accompanied by a refreshing glass of pisco sour.

A short flight to Cusco, the gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, brings a change in altitude and scenery. You’ll need a couple of days taking it easy to acclimatise, so take a city tour around the historic centre, with its narrow streets, is a blend of Incan and colonial charm. Visits to Plaza de Armas, the magnificent Qorikancha temple, and the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuamán provide insight into the city’s past. As evening falls, a traditional Peruvian meal offers the chance to try local delicacies, perhaps a dish made with quinoa or alpaca meat.

A journey into the Sacred Valley reveals breathtaking scenery and ancient ruins. In Ollantaytambo, the impressive fortress perched above the valley stands as a testament to Incan engineering. The visit continues to Pisac, where the local market is a vibrant display of colourful textiles, pottery, and jewellery. The day concludes with a stop in a nearby village, where locals share traditional weaving and farming techniques before the return to Cusco for a restful evening.

Well this is it, during your 2 weeks South America itinerary, there will be many highlights, but none will beat today. An early morning train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes sets the stage for one of the most iconic sights in the world. A bus ride up winding roads leads to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, its mist-covered peaks creating an unforgettable first impression. Spend the entire day exploring the ruins—walking through the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Inca Bridge—imagining the civilisation that once thrived here. The return journey to Cusco is filled with reflection on the wonder of the day.

A flight to Quito, Ecuador, brings a new adventure in a city perched high in the Andes. The historic centre, with its cobbled streets and grand colonial architecture, evokes the 16th century. Visits to the stunning La Compañía de Jesús church and lively plazas provide a taste of the city’s charm. In the afternoon, a visit to Mitad del Mundo (the Middle of the World) allows for the unique experience of standing on the equator, straddling both hemispheres at once.

A morning trip on the Teleférico cable car ascends Pichincha Volcano, revealing panoramic views of Quito below. Later, a wander through the vibrant markets of La Ronda offers an array of handmade crafts, jewellery, and textiles. As evening falls, a traditional Ecuadorian meal—perhaps hornado (roast pork) or locro (potato soup)—is enjoyed, with the sounds of Andean music filling the air.

Colombia, a vibrant and diverse country, where colonial history, modern innovation and stunning natural landscapes is the next stop on your 2 weeks South America itinerary. A flight to Bogotá, Colombia’s lively capital, introduces a dynamic mix of history and modernity. A walk through the La Candelaria district reveals colonial buildings, vibrant street art, and cultural landmarks such as the Gold Museum. Later, a visit to Monserrate Hill offers a breathtaking view of the sprawling city as the sun sets.

A day trip to the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, an extraordinary subterranean church carved from an old salt mine, provides a unique experience. The scale and beauty of the cathedral’s chambers are truly mesmerising. Returning to Bogotá, the evening is spent strolling through the bustling Andino district, reflecting on the connection between the Andes and the Amazon.

A short flight to Medellín highlights a city transformed. Once notorious, it is now a thriving centre of innovation and culture. A visit to Comuna 13 showcases vibrant street art and community-driven renewal. The city’s energy is palpable, and a ride on the Metrocable offers spectacular views over the Aburrá Valley. The day ends in Plaza Botero, where the oversized sculptures of Fernando Botero add a whimsical touch to the city’s artistic soul.

What a trip! On the final day in Colombia, a return flight to Bogotá offers time to reflect on the diverse landscapes and cultures experienced over the past two weeks. From the jungles of the Amazon to the peaks of the Andes and the vibrant energy of South America’s cities, the journey has been a whirlwind of history, adventure, and discovery. One last meal of Colombian arepas and fresh tropical fruit marks a fitting farewell, before departure, leaving behind unforgettable memories of your 2 weeks South America itinerary.