Planning a Trip to South America?
Start Here
july 2025
Happy to have you here for a new blog post. This week, I want to talk to you like a travel friend, right at that moment before you’ve booked your trip to South America. You know, when you're looking at the map and thinking:“Where do I even begin? Where should I go? How much time do I need? What should I do?”
That moment when all the questions start to pile up and everything feels a bit too big. I’ve been there too, and that’s exactly why I recorded a podcast to go along with this post, to help you get started, feel a bit more organized, and give you that first little push to start planning your adventure of a lifetime.
A Little Break First: New Drinks at Café del Mundo!
First, I just want to talk about something pretty nice, our drink menu at the Café del Mundo Lounge!
We’ve recently done a fun update with new drinks, fresh names, and exciting ingredients, all inspired by flavors and stories from around the world. In the afternoons, we’ve created our own little “after adventure” moment, not your typical “after work,” but more a time to relax after exploring, enjoy a drink, share stories from the day, and plan tomorrow’s adventures. It’s a great vibe with great deals, and you’ll find even better ones when you subscribe to our newsletter!
One Continent, Endless Options
When you start planning your trip, it’s good to remember that South America is huge, the distances are long, and it’s nothing like jumping between countries in Central America. But that’s also what makes it so interesting. Because of its size, you can find almost everything here, snowy mountains, tropical beaches, big cities, deep jungle, and crazy adventures. No matter who you are or what you’re into, you’ll find something that really fits you.
How Much Time Do You Have?
Time matters when you start planning. South America is not the kind of place where you want to rush through 7 countries in 2 weeks, it’s better to do less, and enjoy more. Here's a simple guide to help you decide how far to go, and how deep to dive.
Option 1: Peru & Bolivia
Hike Machu Picchu, explore La Paz by cable car, and cross the Salt Flats in a 4x4 jeep.
Option 2: Argentina & Brazil
Dance through Buenos Aires, stand in awe at Iguazú Falls, and end with sunsets on Ipanema beach.
1 Month: The Perfect Loop
With a month, you can create an unforgettable loop across 3–4 countries.
Start in Peru, go through Bolivia, then fly to Argentina, pass by Iguazú Falls, and finish in Rio.
.Or start in Colombia, head through Ecuador and Peru, then end in Chile — from jungle to volcanoes to desert skies.
This gives you a mix of mountains, culture, jungle, and beach, without rushing too much.
few favorite long-trip loops:
Andes + Amazon + Coast (Peru–Bolivia–Chile–Argentina–Brazil)
North to South (Colombia to Patagonia)
Deep Dive in Bolivia, Ecuador, or Argentina
2 Months or More: The Big Adventure
If you’re lucky enough to have more time, go slow, get curious, and let the continent surprise you.
You’ll have time for spontaneous detours, local buses, jungle lodges, new friends, and lazy days in hammocks.
🎒 What Kind of Trip Do You Want?
Match your route with your travel style
South America has something for everyone, but knowing what kind of experience you're after makes planning a lot easier. Are you here for adventure, culture, beaches, or food? Pick your vibe!
🏔️ Adventure & Nature
For mountain lovers, adventure people, and nature fans.
Hike the Andes in Peru or Bolivia
Explore the wild beauty of Patagonia in Chile or Argentina
Feel the power of Iguazú Falls from both the Argentina and Brazil sides
Explore the Amazon from Bolivia, Peru, or Brazil
🧙♀️ Culture & History
For curious minds and slow travelers.
Dive into Andean traditions in Bolivia, Peru or Ecuador
Visit ancient ruins like Machu Picchu or Tiwanaku
Learn about colonial cities in Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia
Join local festivals, take a street art tour, or visit a traditional market with a local guide in Ecuador
🌴 Beaches & Relaxation
For sun, sea, and slow days.
Chill on Brazil’s beaches (Ipanema, Bahia, Ilha Grande)
Island hop along Colombia’s Caribbean coast
Watch the sunset over the Pacific in Máncora, Peru or Montañita, Ecuador
🍷 Food & City Life
For café lovers, foodies, and nightlife explorers.
Discover the steak, wine, and tango scene in Buenos Aires
Eat your way through Lima, one of the world’s top food cities
Try salteñas and street food in La Paz
Sip caipirinhas and dance samba in Rio
🧳 My Favorite First-Timer Route (5 Weeks)
A mix of mountains, cities, waterfalls, and beaches, without the stress
If it’s your first time in South America and you’ve got around 5 weeks, this route is one of my absolute favorites. It’s packed with variety, mountains, salt flats, big cities, waterfalls, and beaches, without feeling too rushed.You’ll experience a little bit of everything, and each stop connects easily to the next.
👉 Want the full itinerary with travel tips, times, and must-dos?
[Download it here]
🌟 Ready to Start Your Adventure?
South America is waiting, and your trip doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Contact Travel del Mundo (here) to plan your route, visit us at Café del Mundo in La Paz for tips and travel talks, and subscribe to our newsletter to get a free travel eBook with hidden gems and smart tips.
