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.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Cotopaxi National Park and La Capilla Del Hombre. You'll explore and learn at Casa del Alabado and Guayasamin Museum. Explore Quito's surroundings by going to Termas de Papallacta (in Papallacta), Laguna de Limpiopungo (in Latacunga) and Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve (in Tandayapa). Next up on the itinerary: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at San Francisco Church (Iglesia de San Francisco), get the lay of the land with Walking tours, pause for some photo ops at La Virgen del Panecillo, and test your team's savvy at popular escape rooms.

For traveler tips, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Quito road trip app .

Medellin, Colombia to Quito is an approximately 5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of bus and flight; or drive. Traveling from Medellin in September, expect Quito to be little chillier, temps between 26°C and 15°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.

Escape the urban bustle at Parasailing & Paragliding and Reserva Nacional Lomas de Lachay. MALI - Museo de Arte de Lima and Museo Nacional de Arqueologia, Antropologia e Historia del Peru will appeal to museum buffs. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Lima: Callao (Fortaleza real felipe, Balneario La Punta, & more), Castillo de Chancay (in Chancay) and Toboganes de Songos (in San Jeronimo de Surco). And it doesn't end there: take in the spiritual surroundings of Basilica y Monasterio de Santo Domingo, make a trip to Costa Verde, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, and appreciate the extensive heritage of San Isidro.

To see reviews, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Lima trip itinerary planner .

Traveling by flight from Quito to Lima takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In October, daily temperatures in Lima can reach 24°C, while at night they dip to 19°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 20th (Sun) to allow time for travel to Santiago.

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

Take a break from the city and head to San Cristóbal Hill and Concon Dunes. Visit Santuario de la Inmaculada Concepcion and Templo Baha'i for their historical value. Venture out of the city with trips to Vina Undurraga (in Talagante), Casablanca (Emiliana Organic Vineyards, Casablanca Valley, & more) and Vina Santa Rita (in Buin). There's still lots to do: examine the collection at Casa de Isla Negra, explore the world behind art at Palacio Baburizza, get to know the fascinating history of Paseo Gervasoni, and fly down the slopes at El Colorado.

For reviews, traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Santiago trip itinerary planner.

Fly from Lima to Santiago in 7 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. The time zone difference when traveling from Lima to Santiago is 1 hour. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Sun) to allow enough time 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.

Museum-lovers will get to explore Fortaleza de Santa Cruz da Barra and Forte de Copacabana. Your inner history buff will appreciate Jerusalem Cultural Center and Sao Francisco da Penitencia Church. Venture out of the city with trips to Saquarema (Casa de Cultura Walmir Ayala, Praia de Itauna, & more), Niteroi (Parque Estadual da Serra da Tiririca, Costao de Itacoatiara, & more) and Guapimirim (Dedo de Deus & Pedra do Sino). The adventure continues: take in the awesome beauty at Pao de Acucar, take in the dramatic natural features at Pedra do Telegrafo, see the interesting displays at Instituto Moreira Salles, and stroll through Reserva Beach.

To see traveler tips, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, read Rio de Janeiro itinerary builder .

Traveling by flight from Santiago to Rio de Janeiro takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or drive. The time zone difference moving from Chile Time to Brasilia Time is 1 hour. November in Rio de Janeiro sees daily highs of 33°C and lows of 25°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Sun) early enough to travel back home.