How to plan a trip to South America

Understanding how to organize a trip to South America is the first step to experiencing an unforgettable adventure. The continent is vast, rich in ancient cultures, extreme landscapes, and unique traditions. In this guide, you’ll discover when to go, how to choose destinations, how much to budget, and which must-see stops.

1. Why Plan a Trip to South America?

Planning a trip to South America means immersing yourself in a land brimming with diversity, where you’ll find Andean mountains, arid deserts, vast tropical forests, and modern and historic cities. Perfect for travelers of all kinds.

2. How to Plan a Trip to South America: Choosing Destinations

Select only a few destinations to avoid long journeys.

Suggested Itineraries

• Peru + Bolivia: Machu Picchu, Salar de Uyuni, Andean culture.
• Chile + Argentina: Patagonia, Atacama, glaciers and trekking.
• Argentina + Brazil: Iguazú, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires.
• Colombia + Ecuador: Caribbean beaches, Galápagos, colonial cities.

3. When to Go to South America

• Patagonia: October–April
• Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador (Andes): May–September
• Brazil: All year round, varies by region
• Amazon: Always visitable, dry season recommended
• Northern Chile: All year round

4. How much does it cost to organize a trip to South America

Average budget per day:

• Cheap: €30–50
• Medium: €50–100
• Comfort: €100–200

Main expenses include domestic flights, accommodation and tours.

5. Documents, visas and security

For Europeans, most countries do not require a tourist visa. Check a valid passport, any vaccinations, and travel insurance.

Safety Tips

• Use official taxis or apps like Uber and Cabify.
• Avoid outlying areas at night.
• Don’t display valuables.

6. Plan a realistic itinerary

• Allow at least 2–3 nights for each stop.
• Use domestic flights to cover long distances.
• Take advantage of overnight buses to save time.
• Dedicate 1–2 days to acclimatize to the high altitude.

7. Getting Around South America South

• Airplanes: ideal for long journeys.
• Buses: cheap and very comfortable.
• Rental car: perfect in Patagonia and northern Chile.
• Trains: Limited to a few zones.

8. Where to Stay

Hotels, hostels, apartments, and nature lodges. Book in advance in Patagonia, Atacama, Uyuni, and the Amazon, especially during the high season (December–March).

9. What to see in South America: unmissable destinations

• Peru: Machu Picchu, Cusco, Colca Canyon.
• Bolivia: Salar de Uyuni, La Paz.
• Chile: Atacama, Torres del Paine.
• Argentina: Patagonia, Iguazú, Buenos Aires.
• Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, Amazon, Bahia.
• Colombia: Cartagena, Cocora Valley.
• Ecuador: Galápagos, Cotopaxi, Quito.

10. Useful technology

• international eSIM or local SIM
• Offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me)
• Translation app
• Backup digital documents

11. Travel Insurance

Cover at least medical expenses, theft, cancellations, and outdoor activities for a worry-free trip to South America.