South America in a Week: 2 Recommended 7-day Itineraries to South America
South America 7-day itinerary options
Ready for a week-long South America holiday? Check out our 7-day South America itinerary ideas.
Itinerary #1: Best of Argentina and Brazil
| Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Buenos Aires | Buenos Aires | |
| Day 2 | Explore Buenos Aires and its history, visit Plaza de Mayo, and enjoy a typical tango show | City sightseeing | Buenos Aires |
| Day 3 | Fly to Puerto Iguazu and explore the Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls | Natural landmark sightseeing | Puerto Iguazu |
| Day 4 | Visit the Argentinian side of the falls and learn about the native population's traditions and way of life in the Guarani community | Natural landmark sightseeing | Puerto Iguazu |
| Day 5 | Fly from Foz do Iguaçu to Rio de Janeiro and after settling in head down to the famous white sands of Copacabana or enjoy the nightlife of the city | Leisure | Rio de Janeiro |
| Day 6 | Join a day tour of Rio de Janeiro and discover all the best landmarks of the city | City sightseeing | Rio de Janeiro |
| Day 7 | Head to Rio de Janeiro Airport and get ready for your return flight |
Travel through Argentina and Brazil, seeing some of the most incredible sights in South America. Try a traditional Asado feast in Buenos Aires and immerse yourself in the city's colonial architecture. See the power of the Iguazu Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides, and learn about the local Guarani community. The adventure continues in Rio de Janeiro, where you can tour the iconic Christ the Redeemer and explore the colorful Selaron Steps. From vibrant nightlife to natural wonders and cultural immersion, you’ll get a full picture of South American life in just over a week. See all 7-day South America tours.
Itinerary #2: Machu Picchu, Cusco & the Amazon
| Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Cusco and settle in your accommodation | Cusco | |
| Day 2 | Visit the Sacred Valley and take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes | Culture exploration | |
| Day 3 | Take a tour of Machu Picchu and then enjoy a panoramic Vistadome train ride back to Cusco | Hiking | Cusco |
| Day 4 | Go on a hike to Rainbow Mountain and later in the afternoon get a flight to Lima | Hiking | Lima |
| Day 5 | Fly to Iquitos where you can embark on a boat to the Peruvian Amazon in Monkey Island | Nature exploration | Iquitos |
| Day 6 | Admire a stunning sunrise over the Amazon River and visit the indigenous community to learn more about their lifestyle | Nature exploration | Iquitos |
| Day 7 | Take a boat back to Iquitos and head to Lima Airport for your return flight |
Discover the natural beauty of Peru in this 7-day adventure that takes you from the heights of the Andes to the heart of the Amazon. Start in Cusco, exploring the Sacred Valley's hidden gems like Maras salt mines and Moray terraces. Visit the iconic Machu Picchu before hiking Rainbow Mountain’s unique landscapes. Finally, arrive at Monkey Island, deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, where you can spot pink dolphins swimming in the rivers, piranha fish, and sloths hanging from the trees above. Avoid the crowds and discover the most authentic part of Peru. See all South America holidays.
Planning a one-week South America itinerary?
A one-week trip to South America offers the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and pristine natural beauty. Whether you explore culturally rich cities or immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, this journey will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to the diverse wonders of the continent. If you'd like a personalized 7-day South America itinerary plan, pick out one of our tailor-made South America tours that can be tweaked as per your preference.
More information:
How many days to spend in South America
10 days in South America
14 days in South America