Updated 2026
Answer Capsule
South America combines dramatic landscapes (Andes, Amazon, Atacama) with vibrant cities and strong traveler infrastructure. Expect high-altitude adventures, incredible food, and affordable travel if you skip Brazil and Argentina, where costs have risen.
The South American Circuit
Most RTWers visit 3-5 South American countries on a typical route: Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, and Colombia. The region offers everything from jungle trekking to wine tasting to beach time.
Peru
Peru anchors most RTW routes. Machu Picchu is the headline, but the country offers far more - the Amazon basin, colonial cities like Cusco and Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, and solid budget infrastructure. Plan 3-4 weeks if you want to do it right. Costs run $30-50 daily if you're careful.
Bolivia
Bolivia remains one of South America's cheapest countries for travelers. La Paz sits at extreme altitude (3,640m). The Salar de Uyuni salt flats are spectacular and touristy. The jungle region has excellent language schools if you want to study Spanish. Budget $20-35 daily.
Chile
Chile stretches impossibly long - desert in the north (Atacama), lakes in the south, Patagonia with granite peaks. The infrastructure is excellent but prices reflect it. Northern Chile costs $40-60 daily; southern Chile and Patagonia even more. Consider whether you have the budget and time for the full country.
Argentina
Buenos Aires is the Paris of South America - cultured, expensive, and full of expats. Wine region in Mendoza is world-class. Patagonia rivals Chile's southern regions. Argentina has gotten pricier in recent years. Budget $40-70 daily in most areas, more in Patagonia.
Colombia
Often overlooked by RTWers, Colombia has transformed. Cartagena is a stunning colonial city. Bogotá is a world-class capital. Medellín has reinvented itself. The coffee region is beautiful. It's cheaper than Peru now. Expect $25-45 daily.
Mountains, Jungles, and Coastlines
Low-cost flights between countries have improved significantly since the pandemic. A flight from Lima to La Paz costs $80-150. Use the infrastructure, but don't feel pressured to see everything.
The Amazon is oversold to tourists. If you want genuine jungle experience, go with a local guide, not a tour operator. Many jungle tours in Iquitos repeat the same circuits.
What NOT to Do
Don't feel obligated to summit peaks or trek for days if you don't enjoy hiking. Plenty of travelers skip Machu Picchu - it's often crowded and the real magic is in towns like Ollantaytambo.
Don't assume Argentina and Chile are must-dos. If your budget is tight, focus on Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia where money goes further.
Don't book all your transport ahead. Buses and flights in South America are cheap and easy to book day-of. Lock in your first destination, then play the rest by ear.
The Bottom Line
South America works as a first RTW region because it has excellent traveler infrastructure, a well-worn backpacker trail, affordable accommodation, and incredible geography. You can experience rainforest, mountains, deserts, and cities in a few weeks. Give yourself at least 6-8 weeks to do the region justice and avoid burnout.