The Grand Tour of South America
Four weeks from Rio and Iguazú to Patagonia, the Atacama and Machu Picchu.
This is a suggested itinerary to inspire your plans, not a fixed departure or bookable package. Dates, hotels, pace and destinations are all tailored to you, and pricing is confirmed in your personal proposal.
The journey
For travellers with time to see the continent properly. This four-week route links the Atlantic coast, the great falls, Buenos Aires, Patagonia on both sides of the border, the Atacama Desert and Peru’s Inca heartland, with regular rest days built in.
Highlights
- Rio de Janeiro and Iguazú Falls
- Perito Moreno Glacier and Torres del Paine
- The Atacama Desert’s high lagoons
- Machu Picchu with a private guide
- A pace that leaves room for rest
Suggested itinerary
-
Rio de Janeiro
Days 1–41 / 3Four days in Rio, including Sugarloaf, Corcovado and the beaches.
- Culinary inclusions
- Daily breakfast
- Location
- Rio de Janeiro
- Accommodation
- Beachfront hotel
- Altitude
- Sea level
-
Iguazú Falls
Days 5–61 / 3Both sides of the falls.
- Culinary inclusions
- Daily breakfast
- Location
- Iguazú Falls
- Accommodation
- Hotel beside the national park
- Altitude
- ≈200 m
-
Buenos Aires
Days 7–91 / 3Three days in the capital.
- Culinary inclusions
- Daily breakfast
- Location
- Buenos Aires
- Accommodation
- Boutique hotel
- Altitude
- Sea level
-
El Calafate
Days 10–121 / 3The Perito Moreno Glacier and Lago Argentino.
- Culinary inclusions
- Daily breakfast
- Location
- El Calafate
- Accommodation
- Lakeside lodge
- Altitude
- ≈200 m
-
Torres del Paine
Days 13–151 / 3Cross into Chile for three nights in the national park.
- Culinary inclusions
- Daily breakfast
- Location
- Torres del Paine
- Accommodation
- Lodge in the park
- Altitude
- Low altitude
-
Santiago
Days 16–171 / 3Fly north from Punta Arenas; a vineyard day near the capital.
- Culinary inclusions
- Daily breakfast
- Location
- Santiago
- Accommodation
- Santiago hotel
- Altitude
- ≈570 m
-
San Pedro de Atacama
Days 18–201 / 3Three nights in the desert.
- Culinary inclusions
- Daily breakfast
- Location
- San Pedro de Atacama
- Accommodation
- Desert lodge
- Altitude
- ≈2,400 m
-
Lima
Days 21–221 / 3Fly to Lima for its museums and restaurants.
- Culinary inclusions
- Daily breakfast
- Location
- Lima
- Accommodation
- Clifftop hotel
- Altitude
- ≈150 m
-
The Sacred Valley
Days 23–241 / 3Acclimatise in the valley.
- Culinary inclusions
- Daily breakfast
- Location
- Sacred Valley
- Accommodation
- Valley hotel
- Altitude
- ≈2,870 m
-
Machu Picchu
Day 251 / 3A private guided visit.
- Culinary inclusions
- Breakfast
- Location
- Machu Picchu
- Accommodation
- Hotel near Machu Picchu
- Altitude
- ≈2,430 m
-
Cusco
Days 26–281 / 3Final days in Cusco, then fly home via Lima.
- Culinary inclusions
- Daily breakfast
- Location
- Cusco
- Accommodation
- Historic-centre hotel
- Altitude
- ≈3,400 m
Where you might stay
We select each hotel for your preferences, availability and season. Properties are confirmed in your proposal.
Beachfront hotel
Hotel beside the national park
Boutique hotel
Lakeside lodge
Lodge in the park
Santiago hotel
Desert lodge
Clifftop hotel
Valley hotel
Hotel near Machu Picchu
Historic-centre hotel
What your journey usually includes
- Accommodation in selected four- and five-star hotels and lodges
- Daily breakfast, plus meals noted in your itinerary
- Private airport and station transfers
- Private guided excursions as described
- Domestic flights and rail journeys within the itinerary
- Entrance fees for included visits
- In-country support while you travel
Arranged separately
- International flights
- Comprehensive travel insurance (required)
- Visas and entry fees where applicable
- Meals and drinks not stated
- Gratuities and personal expenses
Final inclusions are confirmed in writing in your personal proposal.
Frequently asked
Is four weeks too much travel?
The route is long, so we build in rest days and avoid early starts where possible. It can also be split into two separate trips.
Can I add Bolivia or the Galápagos?
Yes. Either adds roughly four to five days.
Can I change this itinerary?
Yes, entirely. Add or remove destinations, change the pace or upgrade hotels. This route is simply a starting point.
How do I book?
Send an enquiry and a travel specialist will prepare a personal proposal with confirmed pricing. Nothing is booked until you approve it.
Related journeys
Andes, Altiplano & Atacama
Inca heritage, Lake Titicaca and the salt flats of Uyuni, ending in Chile’s Atacama Desert.
View Journey
Peru & Ecuador with the Galápagos
Machu Picchu and Cusco, colonial Quito and four nights among the wildlife of the Galápagos.
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Patagonia: Glaciers & Granite Towers
Buenos Aires, the Perito Moreno Glacier, Fitz Roy and Torres del Paine, ending in Santiago.
View JourneyMake it yours
Tell us your dates and preferences and we will adapt this route for you, with no obligation.