South America in 10 Days: 3 Recommended 10-day Itineraries to South America

For more ideas on how to spend 10 days in this incredible region, check out our 10-day South America itinerary suggestions below.

Beautiful Buenos Aires is a great starting point for any South American adventure. Stroll around the colorful streets of La Boca, nibble empanadas in San Telmo and pay your respects to Eva Peron at Cementerio de la Recoleta. Treat yourself to a sumptuous steak dinner and live tango show before crossing the Río de la Plata to Uruguay. Wander the cobbled streets of Colonia del Sacramento and experience gaucho life on a working estancia. Leave behind the pampas of Uruguay and head north to one of the great wonders of the natural world, Iguazú Falls. Explore the falls from the myriad boardwalks and viewpoints; daredevils may want to consider a thrilling (and very wet) boat ride through the falls! Finish your trip in Rio de Janeiro: samba and sip caipirinhas all night long, recover with a day lounging on Copacabana Beach and before you go, sweat it out climbing to the top of Corcovado Mountain for iconic views of the city. See all South America holidays.

A combination of Chile and Argentina makes for a classic South America holiday. Any visit to Argentina should start in Buenos Aires. Explore La Boca's vibrant streets and San Telmo’s European café culture. Visit Cementerio de la Recoleta, where Eva ‘Evita’ Peron rests, and savor a steak dinner with a tango show. Experience the breathtaking Iguazú Falls, spanning the Argentina-Brazil border, and venture into Salta. Discover its vast salt flats and high-altitude wines then journey south through the Lerma Valley to Cafayate’s renowned wineries. Travel to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile to explore its moon-like landscapes before concluding your adventure in Santiago. See all Chile and Argentina holiday packages.

This 10-day South America itinerary plan takes you on an adventure through Peru and Bolivia, where ancient wonders and breathtaking landscapes await. Begin in Lima's Miraflores district, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and stunning coastal views. Journey to Cusco, the ancient Incan capital, to explore its historic heart and marvel at landmarks like Santo Domingo Convent and Plaza de Armas. Traverse to Aguas Calientes and ascend to Machu Picchu, witnessing the sunrise over this legendary Incan citadel. Back in Cusco, immerse yourself in its rich cultural tapestry and cuisine. Cross into Bolivia to explore the bustling markets of La Paz before venturing into the heart of the Amazon. Experience the lush rainforest of Rurrenabaque with canoe tours along the Beni and Tuichi Rivers, spot exotic wildlife at the Macaw Cliff, and enjoy river safaris in Santa Rosa. Conclude with a final wildlife excursion and return to La Paz, reflecting on your unforgettable Andean journey. See all Peru and Bolivia vacation packages.

Less developed and often encompassing vast distances, with terrain ranging from dense jungle to rugged mountains, getting around in South America requires an extra level of planning. Those who love a challenge will enjoy planning and executing a South America trip! For others, we recommend a group tour to South America, forgetting all planning and stress, and allowing you to make the most of your vacation. If you don’t want to share the trip with strangers, Bookmundi also offers private holiday packages to South America!

More information:
How many days to spend in South America
Two weeks in South America
One week in South America
10 days in Argentina
Peru in 10 days
10 days in Chile
10 days in Bolivia
Brazil in 10 days