14-Day South American City Experience Itinerary

  • Day 1: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
    30 minutes (14.9 km) from Galeao International Airport

    Brazil's second-largest city and hub for unique experiences, kick start your journey with Pão de Açúcar, one of the world's most famous cable cars offering a stunning view of the city. After soaking in the stunning 360-degree view, head to the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer at the Corcovado peak. Before calling it a day, explore Copacabana beach and indulge in a beachside dining experience.

  • Day 2: Buenos Aires, Argentina
    35 minutes (32.6 km) from Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport

    Argentina's vibrant and dynamic capital city offers a mix of European and Latin American charm. Start your day with a guided city tour, including the famous La Boca neighborhood, one of the most photographed places in Buenos Aires. In the afternoon, experience the iconic tango dance in San Telmo before enjoying an Argentinian steak dinner.

  • Day 3: Cusco, Peru
    20 minutes (5 km) from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport

    Known for its role as the historic capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is a blend of indigenous culture and Spanish colonial architecture. Visit the breathtaking Machu Picchu via a scenic train ride from Cusco, which can take up to the entire day, and soak in the beauty of impressive Inca ruins. Return to Cusco for a late evening stroll around Plaza de Armas.

  • Day 4: Santiago, Chile
    20 minutes (17 km) from Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport

    Santiago is a bustling city with a lively atmosphere and a vibrant theater scene. Visit Cerro San Cristobal, one of Santiago's largest urban parks, for a panoramic view of the city. The downtown area has plenty to offer with museums, cafes, restaurants, and malls. End your day with a walking tour of the city center and enjoy the Chilean cuisine.

  • Day 5: Lima, Peru
    30 minutes (17.4 km) from Jorge Chavez International Airport

    The cosmopolitan and food-centric Lima is known for its trendy neighborhoods and top culinary experiences, including the fusion of traditional and modern Peruvian foods. Start your day at the Huaca Pucllana archaeological site, exploring pre-Inca ruins surrounded by city skylines. Continue with a visit to the historic center of Lima and the famous Barranco district's bohemian street art.

  • Day 6: Montevideo, Uruguay
    45 minutes (22.3 km) from Carrasco International Airport

    A coastal city on the Rio de la Plata, Montevideo features stunning beaches, art deco buildings, and Uruguay's cultural hotspots. Visit the Rambla Montevideo, known for its scenic boardwalk, featuring a jogging trail and street performers. Palacio Salvo features 22 floors of Art Deco architecture, a perfect place to express your architectural curiosity. Later, try local delights at the Mercado del Puerto, the city's bustling market that offers traditional Uruguayan BBQ.

  • Day 7: Quito, Ecuador
    30 minutes (12 km) from Mariscal Sucre International Airport

    The capital of Ecuador, Quito is a breathtaking city with picturesque alleyways and colorful markets. Begin your day by visiting the Basilica del Voto Nacional, a neo-gothic architectural masterpiece. Then, stroll along La Ronda and experience Quito's local Bohemian style. End your day with a visit to the incredible Middle of the World monument, standing on both sides of the Equator simultaneously.

  • Day 8: Bogota, Colombia
    25 minutes (11.6 km) from El Dorado International Airport

    Bogota is a vibrant city with a beautiful historic center and stunning natural landscapes. Begin your day with an art and culture tour, including the famous Museo del Oro and The Botero Museum, which showcases Botero's signature fat figures. Moreover, experience the Colombian coffee culture by visiting coffee shops in La Candelaria district. End your day admiring sunset views from Monserrate Mountain with lush green views of the city.

  • Day 9: La Paz, Bolivia
    20 minute (16.8 km) from El Alto International Airport

    The highest constitutional capital in the world, La Paz, is famous for its unique topography and traditional indigenous culture. Begin your day visiting the mysterious Tiwanaku ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site located outside of La Paz. Then, experience the breathtaking views of the city from the cable car. Later, learn more about the Andean culture by strolling through the Witches Market and trying a delicious bowl of local soup at a nearby restaurant.

  • Day 10: Lima, Peru
    30 minutes (17.4 km) from Jorge Chavez International Airport

    Get ready to enjoy the second visit to Lima, with a focus on indulging in the outstanding culinary scene. Visit San Isidro El Olivar Park, a beautiful green oasis and feast on different varieties of ceviche. Later, visit the bohemian district of Barranco known for remarkable coffee shops and ice cream parlors. End your day savoring Peruvian cuisine at one of Lima's top-rated restaurants.

  • Day 11: Cartagena, Colombia
    25 minutes (5.6 km) from Rafael Nunez International Airport

    Cartagena is an elegant, historic city with a unique mix of Caribbean history and Spanish colonial charm. Start your day by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site, the historic walled city or walking along Las Bovedas, a 23-dungeon-style construction that served as storage one and then used as jail cells for many years. Later in the day, explore the Rosario Islands by boat and enjoy the crystal-clear waters.

  • Day 12: Buenos Aires, Argentina
    35 minutes (32.6 km) from Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport

    Experience the artful culture and perhaps one of the finest traditional performances in the world – an opera performance at Teatro Colón. Before that, enjoy some time visit the parklands and embracing the city's greenery. Later, wander and shop for local tango shoes and outfits in the nearby market districts at Barrio Palermo.

  • Day 13: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
    30 minutes (14.9 km) from Galeao International Airport

    Get ready for a combination of natural beauty, stunning architecture, and samba rhythm. Begin your day by visiting the Jardim Botânico, one of Rio's largest and oldest parks rich in biodiversity. Later visit and climb the Escadaria Selarón, a popular tiled staircase, and stop by the iconic Lapa Arches, a monumental size architectural masterpiece. End the day with a lively samba dance experience, live music, and local drinks by the beach.

  • Day 14: Santiago, Chile
    20 minutes (17 km) from Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport

    Before leaving the continent, extend your love for art and architecture by visiting the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and Cerro Santa Lucia, an icon in the history of Santiago's architecture. Later, buy souvenirs at famous markets like Feria Santa Lucía or Los Dominicos, or simply soak in the sights and sounds surrounding the street stalls. End the day appreciating Santiago's beauty from San Cristobal Hill.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Brazil cable car (2 hours, $22)
  • Brazil Christ the Redeemer (3 hours, $48)
  • Copacabana Beach (2 hours, $10)
  • Buenos Aires La Boca Tour (2 hours, $25)
  • Buenos Aires Tango Dance (3 hours, $60)
  • Cusco Machu Picchu (10 hours, $250)
  • Santiago Cerro San Cristobal (2 hours, $15)
  • Lima Huaca Pucllana (2 hours, $10)
  • Lima Mercado del Puerto (2 hours, $25)
  • Quito Basilica del Voto Nacional (2 hours, $5)
  • Bogota Museo del Oro (2 hours, $8)
  • Bogota Botero Museum (2 hours, $8)
  • La Paz Tiwanaku Ruins (4 hours, $75)
  • Cartagena Las Bovedas (2 hours, $10)
  • Buenos Aires Opera Performance (4 hours, $120)
  • Rio de Janeiro Jardim Botânico (2 hours, $10)
  • Rio de Janeiro Lapa Arches (2 hours, $10)
  • Santiago Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (3 hours, $10)
  • Santiago Cerro Santa Lucia (2 hours, $10)
Total Estimated Costs: $713

Transportation

Public transportation such as buses, trains, and metro systems are available in most of the destinations. However, it's essential to consider all transport options, including walking and taxis, before deciding which one to take.

Traveling times for long-distance trips can take up the entire day. It's important to plan ahead and factor in travel time between destinations. Entry fees to markets, museums and heritage sites vary and should be considered in overall travel costs.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, you can consider exploring more cities like Valparaíso in Chile, or visiting the Colombian cultural city of Medellín. Alternatively, if you have less time, we suggest prioritizing two or three countries to explore, so that you can enjoy and experience the essence of each location more thoroughly. Regardless of your travel time, it's best to plan ahead, read reviews and use a reliable travel guide.

Airports

The most common international airports include Brazil's Galeão International Airport (Rio de Janeiro), Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport (Buenos Aires), Jorge Chavez International Airport (Lima), Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (Santiago), Rafael Nunez International Airport (Cartagena), and Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito).

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