54 days in South America Itinerary

Hills dotted with colorful houses and waterfront promenades typify Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city and commercial center.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Thu): stroll through Guayaquil Historical Park, take a leisurely stroll along Malecon 2000, and then enjoy breathtaking views from La Perla. On your second day here, visit Las Penas, visit a coastal fixture at El Faro de Guayaquil, and then take a stroll through Cerro Santa Ana.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Guayaquil vacation planner.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from your home destination to Guayaquil. Expect a daytime high around 36°C in February, and nighttime lows around 28°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sat) so you can go by car to Cuenca.

Packed with impressive colonial architecture and a historic town center, Cuenca stands as perhaps the most charming city in the nation.

Cuenca is known for nature, museums, and historic sites. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: explore the wealth of natural beauty at El Cajas National Park, get engrossed in the history at Museo Pumapungo, contemplate the waterfront views at Rio Tomebamba, and see the interesting displays at Pumapungo Museo.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Cuenca trip itinerary maker app.

You can drive from Guayaquil to Cuenca in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. While traveling from Guayaquil, expect a bit cooler days and cooler nights in Cuenca, ranging from highs of 26°C to lows of 14°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Tue) so you can drive to Guayaquil.

On the 21st (Tue), take a stroll through Cerro Santa Ana, then enjoy the sea views from El Faro de Guayaquil, and then take a stroll through Las Penas.

To see maps, ratings, and more tourist information, read Guayaquil trip builder.

Traveling by car from Cuenca to Guayaquil takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. When traveling from Cuenca in February, plan for somewhat warmer days and warmer nights in Guayaquil: temperatures range from 36°C by day to 28°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Wed) early enough to drive to Piura.

The first Spanish city established in an area now controlled by Peru, Piura was founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1532.

On the 22nd (Wed), tour the pleasant surroundings at Nadando con Tortugas en El Nuro.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Piura visit planner.

Getting from Guayaquil to Piura by car takes about 8 hours. When traveling from Guayaquil in February, plan for somewhat warmer days in Piura, with highs around 39°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 26°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Thu) early enough to catch the flight to Lima.

Founded in 1535 by Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro, Lima represents an interesting blend of modern attractions and preserved colonial architecture, much of it clustered in the World Heritage-listed city center.

On the 24th (Fri), wander the streets of Miraflores, then contemplate the long history of Huaca Pucllana, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Circuito Magico Del Agua. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take an in-depth tour of Museo Larco, then look for gifts at Wica Licoreria Artesanal, then take an in-depth tour of Museo Convento San Francisco y Catacumbas, and finally admire the local landmark of Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor).

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, use the Lima trip itinerary builder tool.

Fly from Piura to Lima in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or drive. Traveling from Piura in February, you will find days in Lima are little chillier (32°C), and nights are about the same (24°C). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Sun) early enough to fly to La Paz.

Take a moment to catch your breath as you commence your holiday in La Paz.

Make the 27th (Mon) an unforgettable day with an extreme tour. Spend the 28th (Tue) exploring the striking scenery along WMDR Yungas Road. The adventure continues: don't miss a visit to Mercado de Las Brujas, stroll around Plaza del Monticulo, brush up on your knowledge of spirits at Andean Culture Distillery, and stop by Green Hands.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, read La Paz online tour itinerary planner.

Getting from Lima to La Paz by flight takes about 5.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. The time zone difference when traveling from Lima to La Paz is 1 hour. Plan for much colder temperatures traveling from Lima in February, with highs in La Paz at 17°C and lows at 4°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Thu) so you can fly to Sucre.

The constitutional capital of Bolivia, Sucre has a well-preserved historic center, with many buildings dating back to the city's founding in the 16th century.

Kick off your visit on the 3rd (Fri): admire the masterpieces at Museum of Indigenous Art ASUR, get engrossed in the history at Museo del Tesoro, make a trip to Plaza 25 de Mayo, then take an in-depth tour of Museo Casa de la Libertad, and finally stop by Casa de Turismo.

To see ratings, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Sucre travel route planner.

You can fly from La Paz to Sucre in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Plan for somewhat warmer temperatures traveling from La Paz in March, with highs in Sucre at 24°C and lows at 11°C. You'll set off for Uyuni on the 4th (Sat).

Emptiness surrounds the desert outpost of Uyuni, the gateway to the world's largest salt flats.

On the next day, examine the collection at Train Cemetery, examine the collection at Museo de la Llama y la Sal, then take in the dramatic natural features at Salar de Uyuni, then get a new perspective on nature at Museo Arquecologia y Antropologico de los Andes Meridionales, and finally don't miss a visit to Plaza Arce.

To find reviews, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Uyuni trip itinerary builder site.

You can drive from Sucre to Uyuni in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a bus. While traveling from Sucre, expect slightly colder days and about the same nights in Uyuni, ranging from highs of 11°C to lows of 9°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Mon) so you can go by car to San Pedro de Atacama.

Major archeological sites and a renowned museum remain the big draws in San Pedro de Atacama tourism, appealing to visitors interested in learning more about South America's pre-Columbian cultures.

San Pedro de Atacama is known for nature, sightseeing, and parks. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: explore the striking landscape at Valle De La Luna, get outside with Outdoor Activities, witness a stunning natural landmark at Termas Banos de Puritama, and don't miss a visit to Tunel.

For other places to visit, reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our San Pedro de Atacama trip planner.

Drive from Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama in 9.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. When traveling from Uyuni in March, plan for warmer days and about the same nights in San Pedro de Atacama: temperatures range from 28°C by day to 7°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Salta.

Salta boasts a vibrant social life and array of informative museums appealing to visitors looking for a memorable cultural experience.

Salta is known for historic sites, museums, and nature. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: get engrossed in the history at MAAM - Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montana de Salta, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Virgen de los Tres Cerritos, take in the awesome beauty at Cuesta del Obispo, and make a trip to Calle Balcarce.

For ratings, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Salta trip itinerary planning website.

You can drive from San Pedro de Atacama to Salta in 8.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from San Pedro de Atacama to Salta. Traveling from San Pedro de Atacama in March, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be somewhat warmer in Salta, with lows of 17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Mon) to allow enough time to fly to Cordoba.

History lives on in the streets of Cordoba, Argentina's second-largest city.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Cordoba: Camino de las Las 100 Curvas (in Villa Carlos Paz) and Alta Gracia (Museo Nacional Estancia Jesuitica Alta Gracia y Casa del Virrey Liniers & Museo Del Che Guevara). There's much more to do: steep yourself in history at Paseo del Buen Pastor, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Iglesia Catedral de Córdoba, examine the collection at Museo Palacio Ferreyra, and don't miss a visit to Plaza San Martin.

To find reviews, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Cordoba trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by flight from Salta to Cordoba takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Salta in March, you will find days in Cordoba are little chillier (19°C), and nights are about the same (18°C). Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 17th (Fri) to allow time for the flight to Mendoza.

Famed for its neat vineyards and thriving wine production, Mendoza remains the place to visit for a pleasant combination of relaxation and recreation.

Kick off your visit on the 18th (Sat): indulge in some culinary diversions at a local gastronomic tour. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: make a trip to Plaza Independencia, walk around Parque General San Martin, then get great views at Cerro de la Gloria, and finally do a tasting at Bodega Tierras Altas.

To see where to stay, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Mendoza trip maker tool.

Fly from Cordoba to Mendoza in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. When traveling from Cordoba in March, plan for somewhat warmer days in Mendoza, with highs around 32°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 17°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Mon) early enough to catch the flight to Santiago.

Santiago tourism thrives largely thanks to the city's big selection of cultural and entertainment options, including museums, theaters, restaurants, bars, and giant malls.

Santiago is known for shopping, sightseeing, and parks. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: walk around Cerro Santa Lucia, stop by Patio Bellavista, get engrossed in the history at Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos, and browse the different shops at Costanera Center.

For where to stay, traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Santiago holiday builder app.

Fly from Mendoza to Santiago in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Mendoza to Santiago due to the time zone difference. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Fri) to allow enough time to fly to Puerto Montt.

Though the city serves as a regional transport and commercial hub, vacations in Puerto Montt rarely focus on the city itself; instead, Southern Chile's volcanoes, glacial lakes, and national parks get most of the attention here.

Step out of Puerto Montt with an excursion to Laguna Verde in Laguna Verde--about 1h 5 min away. And it doesn't end there: explore the striking landscape of Parque Nacional Alerce Andino, browse the different shops at Mall Paseo Costanera, enjoy the sand and surf at Angelmo, and don't miss a visit to Sentados Frente al Mar.

To find ratings, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Puerto Montt trip planning app.

Traveling by flight from Santiago to Puerto Montt takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 20°C in March, and nighttime lows around 8°C. On the 29th (Wed), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to San Carlos de Bariloche.

Nestled against the foothills of the Andes, scenic San Carlos de Bariloche hugs the southern shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake and ranks among Argentina's top destinations for active outdoor vacations.

San Carlos de Bariloche is known for nature, sightseeing, and winter sports. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: explore the wealth of natural beauty at Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, pause for some photo ops at Centro Civico, take a leisurely stroll along Puerto Panuelo, and take some stellar pictures from Cerro Otto.

To see more things to do, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, use the San Carlos de Bariloche trip itinerary maker site.

You can drive from Puerto Montt to San Carlos de Bariloche in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. The time zone difference moving from Chile Standard Time (CLT) to Argentina Standard Time (ART) is 1 hour. Plan for slightly colder nights when traveling from Puerto Montt in March since evenings lows in San Carlos de Bariloche dip to 5°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 31st (Fri) early enough to go by car to Perito Moreno.

Perito Moreno is a town in the northwest of Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, 25 km east of Lake Buenos Aires. Kick off your visit on the 1st (Sat): don't miss a visit to Cave of the Hands and then get a new perspective on nature at Carlos Gradin Museo de Arqueologia. On the next day, look for gifts at Chacra Don Neno and then contemplate the waterfront views at Lago Buenos Aires.

For maps, photos, and other tourist information, read our Perito Moreno road trip planner.

Traveling by car from San Carlos de Bariloche to Perito Moreno takes 10 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of flight and bus. In April, daily temperatures in Perito Moreno can reach 17°C, while at night they dip to 4°C. You'll set off for El Chalten on the 3rd (Mon).

Nestled up against the hills of the Los Glaciares National Park, El Chalten serves as one of the nation's most bustling hubs for hikers and backpackers heading out into the wild landscape of southern Patagonia.

El Chalten is known for nature, sightseeing, and historic sites. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: take in the awesome beauty at Fitz Roy, explore the activities along Laguna Torre, trek along Laguna de los Tres, and stop by Casita style cosas simples.

To see reviews, maps, photos, and more tourist information, read our El Chalten day trip site.

Getting from Perito Moreno to El Chalten by car takes about 9 hours. Other options: take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Thu) to allow enough time to take a bus to El Calafate.

El Calafate tourism thrives mostly thanks to the city's proximity to a World Heritage-listed national park, famed for containing over 40 large glaciers.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around El Calafate: Los Glaciares National Park (Glaciar Spegazzini & Perito Moreno Glacier). The adventure continues: explore the striking landscape at Estacionamiento Pasarelas Glaciar Perito Moreno, see the interesting displays at El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center, take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, and explore the activities along Lago Argentino.

To see maps, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the El Calafate trip app.

Take a bus from El Chalten to El Calafate in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a shuttle. In April, daytime highs in El Calafate are 9°C, while nighttime lows are 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel back home.