South America is incredibly beautiful, rich with so many breathtaking destinations that it can be quite difficult to choose where to go for a 3-4 week trip. You’d need months to explore all the stunning spots across the continent, but 3-4 weeks can definitely be enough time to see many wonderful places throughout several countries and have a fantastic adventure.
Here are the most popular South America travel routes to help you plan your trip and have an unforgettable travel experience.
3 Weeks in Ecuador
This South America travel route is perfect if you’d like to explore the most beautiful spots in Ecuador and leave other countries for your next trip.
Start your route at the colorful port city of Guayaquil, before going to Montanita, where you can have some real fun catching the waves, partying, and enjoying the bohemian vibe.
Then, head to Bahía de Caráquez and Canoa to enjoy tourist-free beaches, before heading to Quito, rich with lots of cultural and historical beauties, including the ancient city of Inca. After several days in Quito, proceed to Latacunga. If you want to take an epic hike, don’t miss the Quilotoa Loop trail near the Cotopaxi Volcano.
Continue towards Baños for lush forests, stunning waterfalls, and exciting treks through the Andes and the Amazon.
Lastly, if you want to visit the Galápagos Islands, plan spending about a week there to explore all its wonderful spots.
3 Weeks in Brazil
Brazil is massive, but you can definitely cover its highlights in three weeks. Start your route at Rio de Janeiro, before visiting the lush Atlantic Forest.
Continue towards the vibrant São Paulo for some exciting nightlife, before heading to Curitiba, and then Florianópolis, where you can recharge your batteries on the city’s marvelous beaches.
Take a trip to Iguazu Falls, and then head to Mato Grosso do Sul and the tropical Pantanal, before finishing your trip in enchanting Bonito.
4 Weeks in Peru, Bolivia, and Chile
The most popular South America tour packages include visits to Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. Starting in Peru, head to Lima for a few days, before visiting the mysterious Nazca Lines. Head to Cusco, where you can hike the Inca Trail and visit the breathtaking Machu Picchu.
From Cusco, go to La Paz in Bolivia, where you can ride in an aerial cable car for spectacular views of the city. Take a trip to the archeological site Tiwanaku and hike the mesmerizing Valley of the Souls and Palca Canyon. Then, go to Sucre, a colonial heritage city with beautiful architecture, before visiting the world’s largest salt flats in Uyuni.
Next stop: Chile. Spend a day or two in Santiago, and then head over to Easter Island, full of wonderful archeological sites. It’s the perfect spot to end an unforgettable trip.
Feeling excited yet? Choose one of our South America travel packages right now and set sail for the best adventure of your life!