Planning a 2 weeks in South America is like embarking on a thrilling expedition filled with diverse landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. This article will guide you through the best destinations, activities, and tips to make the most of your 2-week journey in this captivating continent.
2 weeks in South America
Day 1 – Arrival in Lima, PeruLima
 The capital city of Peru, is a great starting point for your 2 weeks in South America adventure. Upon arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to your hotel. It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
After checking in, you can start exploring the city. Lima is known for its rich history and culture, and there are plenty of things to see and do. Here are some suggestions for your first day in Lima:
- Visit the historic center of Lima, also known as the Plaza de Armas. This is the main square of the city and is surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings, including the Government Palace and the Cathedral of Lima.
- Take a walk along the Malecón, a scenic coastal promenade that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Visit the Larco Museum, which houses a vast collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts.
- Try some of the local cuisine, such as ceviche, a popular seafood dish, or lomo saltado, a stir-fry dish made with beef, onions, and tomatoes.
Lima is a bustling city with a lot to offer, and you can easily spend a few days exploring it. However, if you’re short on time, you can move on to your next destination the following day.
Day 2 – Discovering Cusco
located in southeastern Peru, is a city known for its rich history and culture. Formerly the epicenter of the mighty Inca Empire, this city has since achieved the distinguished status of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To get to Cusco from Lima, you can take a flight or a bus. The flight takes about an hour and a half, while the bus takes around 20 hours.
Once you arrive in Cusco, you can start exploring the city. Here are some suggestions for your first day in Cusco:
- Visit the Plaza de Armas, the main square of the city. It is surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings, including the Cathedral of Cusco and the Church of the Society of Jesus.
- Take a walk along the narrow streets of San Blas, a bohemian neighborhood known for its art galleries and handicraft shops.
- Visit the Qorikancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun. It was once the most important temple in the Inca Empire and is now a museum.
- Try some of the local cuisine, such as cuy (guinea pig) or alpaca steak.
Cusco is also a great starting point for exploring the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. You can take a train or a bus to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu, and then hike or take a bus up to the ruins.
Day 3 – Sacred Valley Adventure
The Sacred Valley, located near Cusco, is a must-visit destination in Peru. It is home to many Inca ruins and offers stunning views of the Andes Mountains. Here are some suggestions for your day trip to the Sacred Valley:
- Visit the Pisac Ruins, an Inca archaeological site that features terraces, temples, and a cemetery. It is located on a hilltop and offers breathtaking views of the valley.
- Explore the town of Pisac, which is known for its handicraft market. You can find a variety of souvenirs, such as textiles, ceramics, and jewelry.
- Visit the Ollantaytambo Ruins, another Inca archaeological site that features a fortress and a temple. It is located on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the valley.
- Take a train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. The train ride offers beautiful views of the Andes Mountains and the Urubamba River.
Day 4 – Majestic Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu stands out as a top-tier tourist attraction in South America, and this distinction is well-deserved. It is a stunning archaeological site that offers breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains. Here are some things to do during your visit to Machu Picchu:
- Take a guided tour: A guided tour is a great way to learn about the history and significance of Machu Picchu. You can hire a local guide or join a group tour.
- Hike Huayna Picchu: Huayna Picchu is a mountain located next to Machu Picchu. It offers stunning views of the ruins and the surrounding mountains. The hike is challenging but rewarding.
- Visit the Sun Gate: The Sun Gate is an Inca ruin located at the entrance of Machu Picchu. It offers stunning views of the ruins and the surrounding mountains.
- Explore the ruins: Machu Picchu is a vast complex of ruins, temples, and terraces. Take your time to explore the site and appreciate its beauty and significance.
It is important to note that Machu Picchu is a fragile site, and visitors are required to follow certain rules and regulations to preserve it. For example, you are not allowed to touch or climb on the ruins, and you must stay on the designated paths.
The Sacred Valley is a great place to learn about the Inca culture and history. You can also enjoy the beautiful scenery and take part in outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking.
Day 5 – Return to Cusco
After spending a magical day at Machu Picchu, it’s time to head back to Cusco. You can take a train or a bus from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, and then take a taxi or a bus to Cusco. The journey takes about four hours.
Once you arrive in Cusco, you can take some time to relax and reflect on your trip. Cusco is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture, and there are plenty of things to see and do. Here are some suggestions for your last day in Cusco:
- Visit the San Pedro Market, a bustling market that offers a variety of local products, such as fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts.
- Take a walk along the Sacsayhuaman, an Inca fortress located on a hilltop overlooking the city. It offers stunning views of Cusco and the surrounding mountains.
- Visit the Cusco Cathedral, a beautiful colonial building located in the Plaza de Armas. It houses a vast collection of religious art and artifacts.
- Try some of the local cuisine, such as rocoto relleno, a spicy stuffed pepper dish, or chicha morada, a refreshing purple corn drink.
Cusco is a great place to end your two-week South American adventure.
It provides an impeccable fusion of history, culture, and the splendor of nature.
Day 6 – Lake Titicaca Experience
Situated on the border of Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca claims the title of the world’s highest navigable lake. It is a beautiful destination that offers stunning views of the Andes Mountains and the surrounding landscape. Here are some things to do during your visit to Lake Titicaca:
- Visit the Uros Islands, a group of man-made islands made of reeds. The Uros people have been living on these islands for centuries and offer tours to visitors.
- Explore Taquile Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its traditional textiles and handicrafts. You can take a boat tour from Puno to Taquile Island.
- Take a boat tour of the lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You can see the snow-capped peaks of the Andes Mountains and the clear blue waters of the lake.
- Try some of the local cuisine, such as trucha (trout) or quinoa soup.
Lake Titicaca is a unique destination that offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the Andean people. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
Day 7 – Journey to La Paz
La Paz, the capital city of Bolivia, is a vibrant and bustling city located in the Andes Mountains. To get to La Paz from Lake Titicaca, you can take a bus or a taxi. The journey takes about four hours.
Once you arrive in La Paz, you can start exploring the city. Here are some suggestions for your first day in La Paz:
- Visit the Witches’ Market, a colorful market that offers a variety of traditional products, such as herbs, potions, and amulets.
- Take a cable car ride to El Alto, a neighboring city that offers stunning views of La Paz and the surrounding mountains.
- Visit the Plaza Murillo, the main square of the city. It is surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings, including the Presidential Palace and the Cathedral of La Paz.
- Try some of the local cuisine, such as salteñas, a type of empanada filled with meat, vegetables, and spices.
La Paz is a unique and fascinating city that offers a blend of traditional and modern culture. It is a great place to explore and learn about the history and culture of Bolivia.
2 weeks in South America Day 8 – Amazon Rainforest
Fly from La Paz to Rurrenabaque and venture into the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. From Rurrenabaque, you have the choice of a trip into the jungle or the pampas. The jungle excursion delves deep into the rainforest, emphasizing jungle treks and educational insights into the indigenous flora and fauna thriving in this environment.
On the other hand, the pampas tour involves traveling on a boat and having a look for different types of animals that can be seen along the riverbed. Whichever tour you choose, you’ll discover diverse wildlife on a jungle trek.
Day 9 – Pampas Adventure
Embark on a boat tour through the Pampas, where you’ll spot pink river dolphins and capybaras. While the pampas isn’t technically real jungle, it offers better wildlife spotting opportunities as the animals aren’t hidden by dense trees. You can also try your hand at fishing for piranhas and take a night walk to spot caimans. The Pampas tour is a unique and unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into the natural beauty of the Amazon Rainforest.
Day 10 – Return to La Paz
Fly back to La Paz and have a free day to explore more of this fascinating city. You can visit some of the attractions you missed on your first visit, such as the Valle de la Luna or the Cholitas wrestling show. Alternatively, you can relax and enjoy the local cuisine, such as salteñas or chicha morada.
Day 11 – Vibrant Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is a vibrant and colorful city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and history. On your first day in Rio, you can take in the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain. The Christ the Redeemer statue is one of the most famous landmarks in the world and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Sugarloaf Mountain is a natural wonder that offers panoramic views of the city and the bay.
In addition to these landmarks, you can take a stroll along the famous Copacabana Beach and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city. You can also try some of the local cuisine, such as feijoada or churrasco, and enjoy the lively beach culture.Rio de Janeiro is a city that is full of life and energy. It is a great place to explore and learn about the history and culture of Brazil.
Day 12 – Beach Paradise
Rio de Janeiro is known for its beautiful beaches, and on your second day in the city, you can relax on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, savoring the sun, sea, and Brazilian delicacies. These beaches are some of the most famous in the world and offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. You can try some of the local snacks, such as coxinha or pão de queijo, and enjoy the lively beach culture.
In addition to the beaches, you can also explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, such as Santa Teresa. This bohemian neighborhood is known for its art galleries and colonial architecture. You can also visit the Selarón Steps, a colorful staircase made of tiles from all over the world. In the evening, you can samba the night away in Lapa, a lively neighborhood known for its nightlife and samba clubs.
Rio de Janeiro is a city that offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. It is a great place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Brazil while also experiencing the vibrant culture of the city.
Day 13 – Explore the Marvelous City
Rio de Janeiro is a city that is full of life and energy, and on your third day in the city, you can explore some of its most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks. Start your day by visiting the historic neighborhood of Santa Teresa, known for its art galleries and colonial architecture. You can take a stroll through the narrow streets and admire the colorful houses and buildings.
Next, visit the Selarón Steps, a colorful staircase made of tiles from all over the world. The steps are a work of art and offer a unique photo opportunity. From there, head to Lapa, a lively neighborhood known for its nightlife and samba clubs. You can samba the night away and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Rio de Janeiro is a city that offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. It is a great place to explore and learn about the history and culture of Brazil.
Day 14 – Farewell
Your South American adventure comes to an end. Take time to reflect on your experiences and cherish the memories. You can also do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs or try some of the local cuisine one last time.
In wrapping up this exhilarating journey of “2 weeks in South America,” it’s clear that this diverse continent offers an abundance of experiences. From the Andean wonders of Peru to the lush Amazon Rainforest and the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro, every day is a new adventure. South America is a land where history and natural beauty converge, where culture and landscapes entwine. So, plan your two weeks wisely, embrace the unique encounters, and create memories that will last a lifetime. This continent truly offers a remarkable two-week journey of a lifetime.
FAQ
01. Is it safe to travel to South America?
South America is generally safe for travelers, but it’s essential to take precautions, such as avoiding risky areas and securing your belongings. Research your destinations and stay informed about local conditions.
02 . Do I need a visa to visit South America?
Visa requirements vary by country. Many South American countries offer visa-free entry to tourists for a specified duration. Check the requirements for each country you plan to visit well in advance.
03. What vaccinations are necessary for traveling to the Amazon Rainforest?
Yellow fever and typhoid vaccinations are recommended for those visiting the Amazon Rainforest. Consult a healthcare professional to ensure you have the necessary vaccinations and medications.
