Best Vacations in South America: 7 Trips Across the Continent
Peru and Machu Picchu
A week to ten days in Peru is the single most-visited South American itinerary. Lima for food, Cusco and the Sacred Valley for acclimatization, Machu Picchu for the headline. Dry season is May through October. Pricing runs $1,800 to $5,500 per person for a week with mid-tier hotels; add $500 to $1,500 for the Inca Trail or Salkantay trek option. Book 6 to 12 months ahead for peak dry-season weeks.
Patagonia for landscape
Patagonia (Torres del Paine in Chile) is the biggest-landscape adventure trip in the Americas. Peak season is December through March (Southern Hemisphere summer). A week-long trip with guided treks or eco-lodge stays runs $4,500 to $12,000 per person. The W Trek, Cuernos del Paine, and Grey Glacier are the three signature experiences.
Brazil and Argentina for cities and culture
Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires are the two major South American city trips. Rio runs $1,800 to $5,000 per person for a week; Carnival weeks (February 2027: 12-17) see pricing double or triple. Buenos Aires runs $1,500 to $4,200 per person for a week; tango, steak, and belle époque architecture are the three draws. Both cities pair well with Iguazu Falls (not in this catalog but easily added).
Galapagos and Cartagena
Galapagos cruises run $4,500 to $12,000 per person for a week on small-ship expeditions; wildlife is the entire itinerary and unique species exist nowhere else. Cartagena is the budget pick: $1,200 to $3,800 per person for a week of Caribbean colonial architecture, food, and beach day trips.
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