57 days in South America Itinerary

High in the Andean foothills, Quito remains one of the world's most photogenic capital cities, featuring two dramatic mountain ranges as its backdrop.

Take a break from the city and head to Cotopaxi National Park and Maquipucuna Reserve. Do some cultural sightseeing at La Capilla Del Hombre and Walking tours. Venture out of the city with trips to Termas de Papallacta (in Papallacta), Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve (in Tandayapa) and Laguna de Limpiopungo (in Latacunga). The adventure continues: test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, get engrossed in the history at Museo Templo del Sol Pintor Ortega Maila, walk around Parque La Carolina, and examine the collection at Casa del Alabado.

For photos, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Quito day trip tool.

Medellin, Colombia to Quito is an approximately 8-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Plan for little chillier temperatures traveling from Medellin in September, with highs in Quito at °C and lows at °C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 6th (Sun) early enough to travel to Lima.

Founded in 1535 by Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro, Lima represents an interesting blend of modern attractions and preserved colonial architecture, much of it clustered in the World Heritage-listed city center.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Cathedral of Lima and Nature & Wildlife Tours. MALI - Museo de Arte de Lima and Museo MATE will appeal to museum buffs. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Lima: Reserva Nacional Lomas de Lachay (in Huaral), Castillo de Chancay (in Chancay) and Callao (Fortaleza real felipe, Balneario La Punta, &more). There's much more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Basilica y Monasterio de Santo Domingo, examine the collection at Museo Nacional de Arqueologia, Antropologia e Historia del Peru, test your team's savvy at popular escape rooms, and steep yourself in history at Casa de Aliaga.

To find reviews, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, use the Lima trip maker site.

You can fly from Quito to Lima in 6 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around °C in October, and nighttime lows around °C. You'll set off for Santiago on the 20th (Sun).

Santiago tourism thrives largely thanks to the city's big selection of cultural and entertainment options, including museums, theaters, restaurants, bars, and giant malls.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Santuario de la Inmaculada Concepcion and Paseo Yugoslavo. Appreciate the collections at Palacio Baburizza and La Chascona. Change things up with these side-trips from Santiago: Vina Undurraga (in Talagante), Vina Santa Rita (in Buin) and Casablanca (Emiliana Organic Vineyards, Casablanca Valley, &more). There's much more to do: don't miss a visit to Cerro Concepcion, see the interesting displays at Museo Interactivo Mirador, take in the dramatic natural features at Concon Dunes, and fly down the slopes at Valle Nevado - Ski Resort Chile.

To find ratings, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Santiago trip planner.

Getting from Lima to Santiago by flight takes about 7 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. The time zone difference moving from Peru Standard Time (PET) to Chile Standard Time (CLT) is 1 hour. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Sun) early enough to travel to Rio de Janeiro.

Bustling with samba music and all-night street parties, no city encapsulates the spirit of Brazil better than Rio de Janeiro.

Visit Jerusalem Cultural Center and The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian for their historical value. Let the collections at Forte de Copacabana and Museu Historico Nacional capture your imagination. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Rio de Janeiro: Niteroi (Parque Estadual da Serra da Tiririca, Costao de Itacoatiara, &more), Guapimirim (Dedo de Deus & Pedra do Sino) and Saquarema (Casa de Cultura Walmir Ayala, Praia de Itauna, &more). The adventure continues: kick back and relax at Copacabana Beach, explore the wealth of natural beauty at Parque Nacional Tijuca, get the adrenaline pumping with an extreme tour, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Reserva Beach.

To see maps, traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Rio de Janeiro online sightseeing planner.

Traveling by flight from Santiago to Rio de Janeiro takes 9 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or drive. The time zone changes from Chile Standard Time (CLT) to Brasilia Standard Time (BRT), which is usually a 1 hour difference. In November, plan for daily highs up to °C, and evening lows to °C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 17th (Sun) so you can travel back home.