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5-Week South America Adventure Itinerary - September 2025

Viewed by 71 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Bogotá, Colombia

Morning: Arrive in Bogotá and settle into your accommodation in the historic La Candelaria district.

Afternoon: Explore the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) and learn about Colombia's rich heritage.

Evening: Enjoy traditional Colombian cuisine at a local restaurant and stroll around Plaza Bolívar.

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Day 2: Bogotá to Medellín

Morning: Fly to Medellín and check into your hotel in El Poblado.

Afternoon: Visit the Comuna 13 neighborhood to discover stunning street art and vibrant community history.

Evening: Experience Medellín’s nightlife at a salsa club or a cozy bar in Parque Lleras.

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Day 3: Medellín Exploration

Morning: Take the cable car to Arví Park for beautiful nature trails and fresh air.

Afternoon: Visit the Botero Plaza to admire large sculptures by Fernando Botero and explore nearby museums.

Evening: Have dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city lights.

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Day 4: Medellín to Quito, Ecuador

Morning: Fly to Quito and get settled in the colonial center near Plaza Grande.

Afternoon: Tour the La Compañía Church and visit El Panecillo Hill for panoramic city views.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a traditional Ecuadorian restaurant serving ceviche.

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Day 5: Otavalo Market Day Trip

Morning: Head to Otavalo Market to shop for indigenous crafts and textiles.

Afternoon: Visit nearby Cuicocha Lagoon for a boat ride around the crater lake.

Evening: Return to Quito and relax at a café in the old town.

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Day 6: Quito to Lima, Peru

Morning: Fly to Lima and check in near Miraflores district.

Afternoon: Walk the beautiful Malecón cliffs and visit Parque Kennedy.

Evening: Sample Peruvian dishes, including lomo saltado, at a local restaurant.

Days 7-9: Cusco & Machu Picchu Excursion

Day 7 Morning: Fly to Cusco, acclimate and explore Plaza de Armas.

Day 7 Afternoon: Visit the impressive Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun).

Day 7 Evening: Rest and prepare for the Machu Picchu trek.

Day 8: Full day guided visit to Machu Picchu with expert commentary.

Day 9: Return to Cusco, visit Sacsayhuamán ruins and experience local markets.

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Day 10: Cusco to La Paz, Bolivia

Morning: Fly to La Paz and settle in the Zona Sur neighborhood.

Afternoon: Explore the unique Witches’ Market and stroll along Murillo Square.

Evening: Try Bolivian specialties like salteñas at a local eatery.

Days 11-13: Uyuni Salt Flats Adventure

Day 11: Start a 3-day salt flats tour including Incahuasi Island and surreal landscapes.

Day 12: Explore Train Graveyard and vast reflective salt flats.

Day 13: Visit hot springs and high-altitude lagoons before returning to La Paz.

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Day 14: La Paz to Santiago, Chile

Morning: Fly to Santiago and check in near Bellavista.

Afternoon: Visit Cerro San Cristóbal for views and rosario gardens.

Evening: Experience Chilean wine tasting at a local bar.

Days 15-17: Valparaíso and Viña del Mar

Day 15: Day trip to the colorful port city of Valparaíso with its murals and funiculars.

Day 16: Relax on the beaches of Viña del Mar and visit the flower clock.

Day 17: Return to Santiago, visit the National Museum of Fine Arts and explore street markets.

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Day 18: Santiago to Buenos Aires, Argentina

Morning: Fly to Buenos Aires and stay in Palermo.

Afternoon: Explore the colorful La Boca neighborhood and visit Caminito Street.

Evening: Attend a passionate tango show with dinner.

Days 19-21: Buenos Aires Culture and Day Trips

Day 19: Visit Recoleta Cemetery and the famous Floralis Genérica sculpture.

Day 20: Day trip to the Tigre Delta for a boat tour and exploring artisan markets.

Day 21: Explore San Telmo antiques market and try Argentine steak at a parrilla.

Days 22-24: Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil

Day 22: Fly to Puerto Iguazu and settle near Iguazu National Park.

Day 23: Full day exploring Argentine side of Iguazu Falls, including the Devil’s Throat.

Day 24: Visit the Brazilian side for panoramic views and bird watching.

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Day 25: Iguazu to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Morning: Fly to Rio de Janeiro and check into Copacabana.

Afternoon: Relax on Copacabana Beach and stroll the boardwalk.

Evening: Dinner with local seafood and live music.

Days 26-28: Rio de Janeiro Highlights

Day 26: Visit iconic Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain via cable car.

Day 27: Explore the Santa Teresa neighborhood and its vibrant street art.

Day 28: Enjoy the Ipanema Beach vibe and a samba club at night.

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Day 29: Rio to Buenos Aires

Morning: Fly back to Buenos Aires for your last night in South America.

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping and walking through Puerto Madero.

Evening: Farewell dinner with local wine and tango music.

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Day 30: Departure

Morning: Transfer to airport and departure home or onward travel.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Gold Museum, Bogotá: 2 hours, $5
  • Comuna 13 Tour, Medellín: 3 hours, $30
  • Botero Plaza, Medellín: 1.5 hours, Free
  • Otavalo Market Day Trip: Full day, $40
  • Machu Picchu Tour: 2 days, $250 (inc. entrance and guide)
  • Uyuni Salt Flats Tour: 3 days, $350
  • Valparaíso Day Trip: Full day, $60
  • Tango Show, Buenos Aires: 3 hours, $70
  • Iguazu Falls Entrance + Tour: 2 days, $120
  • Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf, Rio: Full day, $50
  • Local Transport & Meals Estimate: 30 days, $600

Total Estimated Cost: $1,575 + flights

Tips

If you want to extend your trip, consider adding visits to Patagonia in Argentina and Chile for unparalleled nature and hiking experiences. Alternatively, to shorten the trip, focus on fewer countries—perhaps Colombia, Peru, and Brazil—to get a deeper cultural experience without the long internal flights. Adjust your pace by choosing either fast city tours or slower nature and cultural immersion depending on your travel style.

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Plan Your I want to got to south america with a friend for 5 weeks from early september Trip