Last updated: February 2026

Two Weeks in South America itinerary searches usually start with logistics:
how many countries, how many flights, how much you can “fit in.”

We get it — that’s how travel on the internet has trained us to think.

But after nearly 20 years designing journeys across this continent, we’ve learned something simple:
the most meaningful trips don’t come from squeezing more in.
They come from choosing what actually matters to you.

When travelers come to us asking for two weeks in South America, they’re rarely just planning a vacation. They’re marking a moment — a second chapter, a long-awaited reunion, a celebration, or a pause after a busy season of life. Our job isn’t to hand you a template. It’s to listen carefully, read between the lines, and design a journey that flows, feels human, and leaves space for the unexpected.

As one traveler told us after returning home,
“We never felt rushed. Everything made sense. It felt like the trip was built around us.”

This guide isn’t about doing South America “right.”
It’s about designing two weeks that feel like they were made for you — because they were.

What You’ll Find in This Two Weeks South America Guide

• Three thoughtfully designed two-week itineraries based on different travel styles
• How to combine destinations without rushing or overloading your days
• Real-world guidance on distances, flow, and what actually works in two weeks
• Ideas for balancing culture, nature, food, and rest
• Common planning mistakes we see — and how to avoid them

This isn’t a checklist.
It’s a framework to help you choose well.

Choose Your Rhythm

The best two-week South America itineraries aren’t about how much ground you cover.
They’re about how the journey flows — and how it feels while you’re in it.

Before you dive into routes and destinations, take a moment to consider how you like to travel.
The right two-week South America itinerary depends less on where you go — and more on what you want your days to feel like.

Food, Wine & Culture Travelers

For couples who value depth, beauty, and unhurried experiences.
This rhythm is about longer stays, meaningful cultural moments, local tables, wine regions, and time to simply be present.

Family Reunion Travelers

For families planning meaningful time together across generations.
Think shared experiences that work for different ages, balanced pacing, and moments that naturally bring everyone together.

Intimate Celebration Travelers

For honeymoons, anniversaries, and milestone moments worth honoring.
This rhythm blends privacy, beautiful settings, and seamless logistics — so you can focus on each other, not the details

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Our 3 Curated South America Itineraries (Perfect for 2 Weeks)

Each itinerary is designed around a different way of traveling — because the right two-week journey depends less on where you go, and more on how you want your days to feel.

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Three Itineraries. Three Ways to Travel.

We believe that every traveler deserves a journey that speaks to their passions — whether you’re dreaming of iconic landmarks, gourmet escapes, or wild, untouched landscapes.

So, we’ve created three expertly crafted two-week South America itineraries, each designed around a different type of experience — and fully customizable to match your travel style, from honeymooners to families to foodies and adventure lovers.

#1 Two Weeks in South America Highlights: Our Charming South America Itinerary — a perfect introduction to the continent’s must-sees: Rio, Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls, and Machu Picchu.

#2 Luxury South America for Foodies & Wine Lovers — ideal for those who crave top culinary moments, boutique wine lodges, and slow-travel indulgence.

#3 South America Adventure & Spa Trip with Australis Expedition Cruise — an immersive journey to the wild south, combining Patagonia’s rugged beauty with luxury cruises and spa retreats.

Choose the one that inspires you most — and let’s make it personal. 💫

#1 Two Weeks in South America Highlights: Our Charming South America Itinerary

For a first trip to South America, seeing less — but seeing it well — creates a much more memorable experience.

Over two unforgettable weeks, you’ll experience three of our favorite countries — Brazil, Argentina, and Peru — in one seamless, fully curated itinerary that blends culture, nature, and iconic landmarks with handpicked local touches.

We’ve designed this itinerary for travelers who want to see the must-sees — yes, you’ll visit Christ the Redeemer, Iguazú Falls, Buenos Aires, and of course, Machu Picchu — but also experience them in a more meaningful way. Think: local samba culture in Rio, a private barbecue in the Pampas, and our favorite views of the Sacred Valley few tourists get to see.

Every step of this trip is tailored with care — from the boutique hotels we trust, to the local guides who’ll welcome you like friends.

👉 If this is your first journey to South America, this is a beautiful place to begin.

🌍 What Makes This Trip Special

✔️ 3 iconic countries in 2 weeks, traveling with ease and expert support
✔️ Includes the essentials — Christ the Redeemer, Iguazú Falls, Machu Picchu — but experienced in a deeper, more personal way
✔️ Our favorite local guides in each destination: storytellers, not just tour leaders
✔️ A celebration of South America’s food culture: from Peruvian haute cuisine to Argentine asado to Brazil’s vibrant street food
✔️ Tailored to you: your pace, your travel style, your moments

Top destinations on this itinerary include Rio de Janeiro in Brazil; Iguazu Falls and Buenos Aires in Argentina; and Peru, Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu.

This is our suggested itinerary for a Classic Two weeks in South America Charming Itinerary.

🔧 Personalize Your Journey

This itinerary is just a starting point. We’ll help you:

• Add an extra night in the jungle or Sacred Valley
• Swap museums for markets, or hiking for art galleries
• Choose between a relaxing or fast-paced flow
• Celebrate a special occasion (we love planning surprises)

🍷 For Food & Culture Lovers: Sip Malbec at a vineyard estate in Argentina, taste Peru’s rich culinary heritage in Lima’s markets and Michelin-starred kitchens, and enjoy a sunset caipirinha with a view of Sugarloaf Mountain. Every meal is a window into local life — and a chance to slow down, connect, and savor.

💕 For Anniversaries & Honeymooners: We’ll add candlelit dinners, spa time in the Sacred Valley, and extra privacy in boutique hotels tucked into nature. Want a night of tango and wine? A private boat ride? We’ll make it effortless.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Family Reunion Trips: Traveling together as a family — across generations — is one of the most meaningful ways to reconnect. This itinerary offers just the right balance: iconic destinations everyone will love, time built in for rest and bonding, and experiences that create shared memories (not just photo ops). Want private guides who work beautifully with mixed ages? Custom kid-friendly activities? Group dinners in unforgettable settings? We’ve got you.

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✈️ Like this itinerary? We’ll tailor it for you based on your travel style and preferences.
👉 Plan Your Custom Trip Here

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#2 Luxury South America for Foodies & Wine Lovers

A journey through flavor, elegance, and connection — across Brazil, Argentina & Chile. Ideal for those who crave top culinary moments, boutique wine lodges, and slow-travel indulgence

If you’re the kind of traveler who connects to a place through its food, stories, and landscapes — this is the itinerary we’ve designed just for you.

This 14-day luxury experience takes you through three of South America’s most exquisite culinary and wine regions: from vibrant Rio de Janeiro, to the lush rainforests of Iguazú Falls, the elegant city of Buenos Aires, the world-renowned Mendoza wine region, and finally the architectural and culinary wonder of Viña Vik in Chile.

But what makes this itinerary truly special isn’t just where you go — it’s how you’ll experience it.

You’ll meet our trusted local hosts, taste from our favorite cellars, and sit at tables where tradition meets innovation. Whether it’s sipping wine under the Andes, cooking with chefs in Mendoza, or discovering the hidden food gems of Rio, each moment is thoughtfully curated and deeply loc

👉 If food, wine, and culture shape how you travel, this itinerary was made for you.

🍷 What Makes This Trip Unique

✔️ A journey through 3 countries, 5 wine regions, and countless local flavors
✔️ Private tastings, chef-led experiences, and insider access to boutique vineyards
✔️ Stay in luxury lodges and wine estates that reflect the culture of each region
✔️ Travel at your own pace, with seamless logistics handled by our team
✔️ Hosted by local guides who bring each destination to life — not just show you around

✨ Personalize it your way

💑 For honeymooners or couples: We’ll add private vineyard dinners, spa experiences, and exclusive tastings at sunset.

🍽️ For serious foodies: Add cooking workshops, market-to-table tours, or a chef’s table in Buenos Aires.

🍇 For wine lovers: We’ll tailor your winery visits to your style — bold reds, biodynamic tastings, or full-day wine safaris in Mendoza and Chile

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Here you have the detailed itinerary of this two weeks South America itinerary: Luxury South America for foodies and wine lovers:

This is more than a luxury itinerary. It’s a flavor-driven journey through South America, carefully crafted by women who live here, love it deeply, and know how to help you discover its most delicious side — your way.

Want more inspiration for your trip to South American wine country? We’ve got you covered! Download HERE our Luxury Food & Wine Travel guide to South America wine country.

#3 South America Adventure & Spa Trip with Australis Expedition Cruise

Patagonia, Glaciers, Wild Fjords & an Unforgettable Expedition Cruise. An immersive journey to the wild south, combining Patagonia’s rugged beauty with luxury cruises and spa retreats.

If you’re craving wide-open landscapes, raw nature, and a sense of awe with every step — this journey is for you.

This exclusive South America itinerary takes you from the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to the fjords of Tierra del Fuego, the legendary Torres del Paine, and the remote beauty of Southern Patagonia — with an Australis expedition cruise connecting the most untouched corners of the continent.

It’s more than just visiting iconic places — it’s about experiencing them in a deeper, more meaningful way. You’ll explore off-the-grid glaciers, walk through wildlife-filled forests, and cruise waters that feel like the edge of the world — all while traveling in comfort and style.

👉 If you’re craving nature, space, and deep restoration, keep reading.

🚢 What Makes This Itinerary Unique

✔️ A luxury expedition cruise through the wild Patagonian fjords, including Cape Horn & Águila Glacier
✔️ A chance to witness Torres del Paine up close with curated hikes and spa downtime
✔️ Seamless travel across Argentina and Chile, with expert guides in every region
✔️ Thoughtfully timed flights, transfers & cruise embarkation — we handle every detail
✔️ Hosted by our handpicked local guides, who bring the magic of Patagonia to life

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🧳 Personalize it your way

🌄 For adventure lovers: Add glacier trekking, kayaking through fjords, or a private hike to the base of Torres del Paine.

🧘 For slow travelers & wellness seekers: Incorporate more spa moments, slow hikes, and boutique lodges that help you recharge in nature.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For family reunions : We’ll arrange adjoining suites, flexible pacing, private naturalist guides, and group dinners in breathtaking settings.

💞 For honeymooners: Add romantic extras like a private toast overlooking the Patagonian steppe, stargazing from your cruise cabin, or couples’ spa rituals in exclusive eco-lodges.

🍷 For food & wine lovers: Pair the rugged adventure with gourmet indulgence — from freshly caught seafood onboard to curated wine tastings in Santiago and intimate chef’s table experiences in Buenos Aires

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How to Plan a Two-Week South America Itinerary (Without Rushing)

Most travelers try to do too much in two weeks.
The trips that actually work focus on fewer destinations, smarter routing, and a pace that leaves room to enjoy each place.

Planning a two-week adventure through South America is exciting — and with just the right timing and logistics, it can be absolutely unforgettable.

The continent is vast, diverse, and full of contrast, which means that how you plan matters just as much as where you go.

Whether you’re dreaming of Patagonia’s glaciers, the tango streets of Buenos Aires, or the lush jungles of Brazil, choosing when and how to travel can make all the difference. Since this vast continent stretches across multiple climates and landscapes, a bit of smart planning goes a long way.

Below, we’re sharing the key planning considerations we walk through with our travelers when designing a two-week journey that actually works.

How to Combine Destinations Without Rushing

Most travelers underestimate distances in South America — and overestimate how much they can fit into two weeks.

The itineraries that actually work are built around flow, not checklists.

Over the years, we’ve learned a few principles that make all the difference:

• Choose 2–3 main bases, not a new hotel every night
• Avoid backtracking — geography matters more than country count
• Leave space after flights and travel days
• Balance culture, nature, food, and rest as a rhythm

When this balance is right, two weeks feels generous. When it’s not, even the most beautiful places feel rushed.

Common Planning Mistakes We See (and How to Avoid Them)

After years of designing two-week journeys across South America, we see the same mistakes come up again and again — especially for first-time travelers.

Not planning far enough in advance for special dates
Travel around New Year’s Eve, Easter, school holidays, or major festivals requires early planning. Flights, boutique hotels, and unique experiences sell out quickly — and waiting too long often means compromising on flow or quality.

Scheduling too much on the day you arrive
We always recommend leaving your first day in a new destination — like Buenos Aires, Rio, or Lima — intentionally light.
If there’s a delay with your international flight, your itinerary stays intact. And even when everything goes smoothly, that slower arrival sets the tone for the entire trip.

Trying to visit too many countries
More borders usually mean more airports — and less time actually enjoying where you are.

Treating travel days like sightseeing days
Flights, transfers, and altitude changes take energy. They need space.

Avoiding these mistakes doesn’t mean doing less.
It means designing a journey that feels calm, well-paced, and enjoyable from start to finish.

✨ Travel timing: choosing the right season

First of all, when thinking about the best time to visit South America, you need to think that the seasons correspond to the southern hemisphere, which means that:

• Summer runs from December to March;
• Autumn from April to June;
• Winter from July to September;
• and then Spring from September until November;

Beyond seasons, understanding wet vs. dry periods is essential — especially for regions like the Amazon, Patagonia, or the Atacama Desert.

If you want a deeper breakdown, you can explore it here:

👉 Read more about the Best Time to Visit South America

Summer in South America (December to March)

Best for: Patagonia, wildlife, beaches, festivals

This is peak season in southern regions and one of the most rewarding times to explore Patagonia — from El Chaltén and Torres del Paine to Perito Moreno Glacier. It’s also ideal for wildlife experiences in places like Peninsula Valdés and Antarctica.

What is it Perfect for, and what to expect?

The beaches in Uruguay – José Ignacio and La Pedrera, are my favorites.

✨At the same time, it’s the best time to visit Patagonia: Hike in Patagonia – Fitz Roy in Chalten or the classic W of Torres del Paine and trek the spectacle that is Perito Moreno glacier.

Wildlife in Patagonia and Antarctica – penguins in Peninsula Valdes and Ushuaia, all the diversity of the marine fauna in Antarctica at its glory.

Carnival festival and New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro – are both massive colorful celebrations.

Autumn in South America (April to June)

Best for: Cities, wine regions, shoulder-season Patagonia

Autumn is the best time to visit South America if you want to explore the cities; temperatures ease slightly from hot summers, and fewer tourists are around. When it comes to Patagonia, this is the best time to go as well; after the summer and high season but not as cold yet as the winter to come, it makes perfect for exploring as it is a shoulder season and hotels are less expensive.

What is it Perfect for, and what to expect?

✨Iguazu Falls is an ideal time to explore this jungle experience; the weather is delightful, so enjoying the fantastic falls is much better.

✨City escapes in Buenos Aires – With more pleasant weather, it’s the perfect time to explore the city and walk its streets in San Telmo, Recoleta, and Palermo.

✨City escapes Rio de Janeiro – the temperature eases from the hot summer, and although you have to expect the rain to continue (10 days per month approximately), it’s a lovely time to see Rio and its natural side with a lot fewer tourists

✨ Galapagos – although any month is excellent for this destination, June, for example, is fantastic because it offers cooler temperatures and clear sunny skies.

✨Mendoza and wine route – If you want to avoid the crowds, March and April are charming months to visit Mendoza. In fall, many vineyards are finishing the harvest and starting the winemaking process, making it an enjoyable time to taste grapes and get into winemaking.

✨Trekking Patagonia – stunning photos while saying goodbye to crowds are the main reasons to choose this time of the year to trek in Patagonia.

Winter in South America (July to September)

Best for: Andes, Machu Picchu, wildlife, cultural festivals

Winters are generally pleasant and warm in the north and cold in the southern parts, especially in Patagonia in Chile and Argentina, experiencing frequent frost and snow.

However, winter weather is not as severe as in the northern hemisphere. In the southern part of South America, temperatures could go a bit below 0 °C (32 °F). On the other hand, the Andes Mountains in Peru and Ecuador offer dry winters, so it’s ideal, for example, to visit Machu Picchu. If you want to visit Galapagos, you can enjoy cooler weather and see more dolphins and whales.

What is it Perfect for, and what to expect?

✨ The Pantanal in Brazil – it’s the best time to see animals since it’s the dry season, running from April/ May to October.

✨Winter sports in Argentina and Chile – from Las Lenas in Mendoza to Bariloche and Ushuaia in Argentina, you can either enjoy skiing at the end of the world or head to Chile’s Valle Nevado ski resort.

✨ Machu Picchu & Inca Trail – Warm days, cool nights, and lowest rainfall of the whole year: the winter months are known as the ‘dry season,’ and you’ve got a very high chance of encountering a sunny day.

✨Tango world festival in Buenos Aires – Tango can be enjoyed throughout the year. However, August is predominantly important since the Tango’s International Festival and Dance World Cup take place this time of the year.

✨ Pachamama Festival in San Antonio de Los Cobres, Salta, this wonderful and local tradition celebrating the “Mother Earth” happens every August at the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a magical place located in the northwest of Argentina.

🌟I love this Itinerary for Winter in South America: Charming South America in 14 days

READ MORE: Best activities to do in Argentina in Winter

Spring in South America (September to November)

Best for: Wildlife, cities, shoulder-season Patagonia

It’s the dry season in the Amazon, making for OK wildlife watching. Fewer crowds and lower prices make visiting Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro a good time. Patagonia is less expensive than summer and also a great time to visit the region since trekking and hiking are now possible thanks to the end of the winter.

What is it Perfect for, and what to expect?

✨ Wildlife in Peninsula Valdes – Sea lions, seals, killer whales, and the Southern Right Whale are the other main characters during this time of the year.

✨Wildlife in Amazon – low water season is from June to November, so the jungle trails are not flooded during winter or spring, which allows the naturalist guides to get deeper into the jungle by foot and also escorted by fewer mosquitoes than during the high water season. ✨ Polo Open Buenos Aires takes place from November until December each year, and Argentina has the greatest players in the world.

✨Copacabana time! Yet not so warm as in the summer months, so it allows enjoying the beach of Rio de Janeiro like a local in Copacabana – gives beach volley a try!

🌟Here is an ideal itinerary for springtime in South America: Taste of South America Trip

Choosing Experiences That Shape Your Journey

When it comes to South America, there are so many places to visit and so many experiences to live. We’ve built a list of 5 unique experiences that I want to share with you, trusting it will inspire you, your family, your partner, or your friends, to look beyond the classic and go a bit off the beaten track. I hope you enjoy it!

Countryside & Estancia Life (Argentina & Uruguay)

Estancias play a massive part in Argentine and Uruguayan culture. To stay on one gives you the opportunity to experience the unique gaucho culture in a tranquil, beautiful setting of untamed countryside.

At an Estancia, you will get the chance to participate in activities with the gauchos, including horse riding, herding, and tending to cattle. Additional activities usually include hiking & fly fishing, and birdwatching, all with the backdrop of stunning countryside.

Estancias are also known for their excellent food and wines, especially the traditional barbecues called “asados.”

If you’re hoping to immerse yourself in nature, relax and unwind, learn about the culture and history, and taste the best wines and food surrounded by the most stunning landscapes, Argentina & Uruguay will offer a unique and unforgettable countryside Experience.

👉 Explore Countryside Experiences in Argentina & Uruguay

Food & Wine Journeys (Argentina, Chile & Uruguay)

There is no doubt that South American Winelands is a must for all wine lovers, and sleeping in a charming vineyard will make this a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Maybe it’s the pleasant climates, wide-open spaces, or the fantastic views — but for whatever reason, there’s nothing quite like a vineyard-hotel getaway in South America!

👉 Discover the Best Wine Lodges to stay in South America

Amazon & Wildlife Lodges (Brazil, Peru & Ecuador)

The Amazon jungle is a giant ecosystem running through 9 countries in South America. Although Brazil accounts for the largest share of it, it’s not the only way to experience the Amazon rainforest. You can also explore the famous Amazon Jungle during your escape to Peru. Combining a visit to Machu Picchu with a Cruise in the Amazon, Peru is a unique experience for wildlife viewing.

👉Explore an Amazon Cruise in Peru: Wildlife & Gourmet Experience

Glamping & Soft Adventure in Patagonia

Glamping in Patagonia, Torres del Paine Combines the best of the outdoors with the best of the indoors of Patagonia. Imagine waking up with the colorful sunrise images of Torres del Paine and enjoying the fresh air and natural beauty. Glamping is a new way of enjoying nature’s beauty without giving up pampering yourself during your vacation. It’s a modern twist on a traditional camping experience; it offers you the chance to combine the best of the outdoors with the best indoor comfort. It’s a mix of natural delights and luxury hotel comforts for anyone wishing to get inspired and reconnect with nature.

👉 Explore glamping experiences in Patagonia

Iberá Wetlands: An Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience

If you are passionate about nature and want to get closer to South America’s most incredible places, begin your South American expedition with a visit to the Ibera Wetlands.

Floating islands of vegetation, unique wildlife, shallow water lagoons, and the fantastic network of lakes will amaze you while you explore this Argentina’s natural wonder. A must-visit for any wildlife enthusiast!

👉 How to visit the Iberá Wetlands

Continue reading More about our suggested Itineraries, experiences, and tips to help you plan your trip. Download Here our South America Luxury Travel Guide.

Do You Want a Custom Trip to South America?

🌟 What’s Next?

We know that Planning a two-week adventure in South America can be overwhelming with so many incredible destinations to choose from.

But that’s where we come in!

We understand the stress of trying to fit everything into one perfect trip—figuring out the best routes, finding the right accommodations, and making sure you don’t miss any must-see spots.

With our expertise, we take the guesswork out of planning and create a seamless, custom itinerary tailored just for you.

These itineraries are a good starting point for designing your South America custom trip. By booking a discovery call with us, you’ll get personalized advice from local experts who know South America inside and out. Let us handle the details so you can focus on the excitement of your upcoming journey.

Ready to make your dream trip a reality? Let’s chat: Book here a day for a Trip Consultation Call with us

If you have any questions regarding your trip to South America, our services, or how we work. Contact us here or send us a message on Instagram; we would love to know about your South America trip plans.

Read Here about our traveler’s testimonials and learn more about how we work 😉

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Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling South America in Two Weeks

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Our South America Travel Guide to Start planning your trip