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Published: 11-05-2022
2 Week South America Itineraries and Tours
Sometimes, it is hard to appreciate how large South America is. Just to put things in perspective, Brazil is larger than Australia and that’s just one country in South America! Trying to fit in all the major highlights of South America into a 2 week itinerary is virtually impossible and even if you did manage it, you would spend so little time actually enjoying yourself and more time on aeroplanes, never mind getting to know each country and their different cultures.
South America Map
2 Week South America Itinerary
So, generally for people with 2 weeks only available to travel, it would probably be best to concentrate on one or two countries at the most. For example, you could spend the 2 weeks in Peru without running out of things to do. Peru is not just Machu Picchu, the capital Lima is rich in history, as the original conquistador capital for South America. The Southern coast is also often overlooked with some amazing sights like the Ica grape growing region and Huacachina Oasis, the Ballestas Islands, The Nazca Lines, the “White City” of Arequipa and Colca Canyon one of the world’s deepest canyons. The Northern Coast line has one of the world’s largest archaeological ruins in Chan Chan, constructed by the Chimu civilisation as well as the fascinating Kuelap ruins built by the Chachapoya people, Andean towns like Cajamarca, Cusco, Ayacucho one of the most spectacular regions of the Andes in Huaraz and some beautiful beaches in the Mancora. This doesn’t even include traditional areas to visit such as Puno and Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu and The Sacred Valley and the Amazon jungle.
Peruvian Llamas
Activities
If you only have two weeks and want to get a taster for the most places you can in that time frame, it is important to identify your interests. What do you want to see and experience? Here are some pointers:
Travel Planning
Beaches
Colombia has a Caribbean coast with golden beaches. Many travellers rave about the nature around Tayrona National Park. As for Brazil, Rio’s Copacabana may be a symbol of the country, but frankly, take your pick.
Brazilian Beach
Hiking
Peru’s Inca trail may be somewhat of a bucket list item for most people on a trip to South America, but there are other options. How about a trek to Colombia’s Lost City? Or the Takesi Inca Trail in Bolivia?
The Lost City, Colombia
Nature
South America, due to its vast size, possesses an incredible variety of landscapes. There are also some of the most biodiverse regions on the planet in South America with exquiste flora and fauna.
Toucan in The Amazon
Deserts
Northern Chile is home to the Atacama desert, the driest desert on earth. There is the highest sand dune in the world - Cerro Blanco found in the Nazca desert of Peru. Argentina has Duna Federico Kirbus one of the highest dunes in the world. South America is not joking when it comes to deserts!
Huacachina desert, Peru
Rainforest
Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Brazil are among the nine South American countries to share the Amazon, the largest rainforest on the planet. There are jungle trips all through the Amazon region in a number of different countries.
Floating down the Amazon
Wildlife
For the truly ambitious, Ecuador’s Galapagos islands are, by all accounts, a once in a lifetime trip. There are unique wildlife encounters that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world….no wonder Charles Darwin chose to study his theory of evolution here! With everything from high mountains to flat coastal plains, it’s merely a matter of choosing the most suitable experience for you.
Sea Iguana in the Galapagos
History
A mix of European and indigenous influences ensures that history lovers have plenty to choose from in South America. However, Peru, with its rich range of Inca ruins is a standout. If history is your primary interest when travelling, it would be hard to skip Peru, particularly if you only have two weeks in South America.
Plaza de Armas, Lima, Peru
Weather/ Climate
Weather is another factor to consider carefully when planning a trip. Argentina, Chile, Peru, and most of the south of Brazil and Bolivia are in the southern hemisphere. When it’s summer in North America and Europe, it’s winter down there. Also bear in mind the further south you go, the colder it gets, as you get closer to the Antarctic and the South pole. South America has it all, from pristine sunny beaches to the freezing cold of Patagonia so if weather is important to you, do your research!
Sunny days on the road
Urban vs Countryside?
Are you a city slicker? If so, what type of city break do you most enjoy? Here are some ideas:
Lima, Peru
Lima is not the prettiest city in South America. However, it’s got a buzzing food scene and is home to two of the world’s top ten restaurants. There are some excellent museums and the beaches come to life during the summer months.
Miraflores, Lima, Peru
La Paz, Bolivia
The Bolivian capital combines tradition and plenty of possibilities for those who like extreme sports. This really is where the traditional and the modern combine in a huge high-elevation melting pot.
La Paz, Bolivia
Buenos Aires, Argentina
The city of Buenos Aires has a European/ Italian feel- the New World with a taste of the old. A cultural and historical city very proud of its roots and culture.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Medellín, Colombia
This is where South America wears its most progressive face. There are also some great possibilities for day trips such as Guatapé, a town of rainbow colours and peace and quiet.
Guatapé
Quito, Ecuador
A city with a colonial core that must rank as one of the best on the continent. There are not many places where you can stand on both of the world’s hemispheres at the same time!
Quito old town, Ecuador
Santiago, Chile.
This modern metropolis and city sprawl are easily escaped with a tour of the wine regions and valleys close to the center.
Santiago, Chile
In summary, 2 weeks is not a long time to visit South America so if this is the amount of time you have, it is recommended to concentrate on one country. The other countries will still be here to explore when you have your next 2 week vacation!
