31 days in South America Itinerary

With 21 lush islands scattered among pristine waters in the Atlantic Ocean, a Fernando de Noronha holiday is well worth the effort it takes to get there.

Fernando de Noronha is known for beaches, wildlife, and sightseeing. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: enjoy the sand and surf at Baia do Sancho, tour the pleasant surroundings at Baia dos Porcos, look and learn at Aulas de Energia – Espaco Usina Solar Fernando de Noronha, and examine the collection at Fundacao Projeto Tamar - Fernando de Noronha.

For photos, maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read Fernando de Noronha trip planner.

Lisbon, Portugal to Fernando de Noronha is an approximately 18-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 2 hours traveling from Lisbon to Fernando de Noronha. Traveling from Lisbon in August, Fernando de Noronha is a bit warmer at night with lows of 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Sun) so you can fly 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.

Rio de Janeiro is known for sightseeing, beaches, and nightlife. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: don't miss a visit to Corcovado - Christ the Redeemer, brush up on your military savvy at Museu Historico do Exercito e Forte de Copacabana, take in nature's colorful creations at Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, and enjoy the sand and surf at Praia de Ipanema.

To see maps, more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Rio de Janeiro trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by flight from Fernando de Noronha to Rio de Janeiro takes 7 hours. The time zone difference when traveling from Fernando de Noronha to Rio de Janeiro is minus 1 hour. Traveling from Fernando de Noronha in August, Rio de Janeiro is little chillier at night with lows of 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Thu) early enough to fly to Foz do Iguacu.

A gateway to the world-renowned Iguacu Falls, which spectacularly divide Brazil and Argentina, the modern, high-rise city of Foz do Iguacu can't help but play second fiddle to the natural wonder in its vicinity.

Kick off your visit on the 11th (Fri): admire the sheer force of Iguazu Falls. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Buddhist Temple, get to know the resident critters at Parque das Aves Bird Park, and then admire the engineering at Itaipu Dam.

To find where to stay, ratings, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Foz do Iguacu day trip app.

Fly from Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguacu in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Rio de Janeiro in August, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be little chillier in Foz do Iguacu, with lows of 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Iguazu National Park.

Iguazu National Park contains 672 sq km (259 sq mi) of fertile subtropical forests, but its main attraction is the majestic Iguazu Falls.

Kick off your visit on the 13th (Sun): take in the dramatic scenery at Iguazu Falls. On your second day here, head off the coast to Isla San Martin, take in the dramatic scenery at Salto San Martin, and then identify plant and animal life at Salto Bernabe Mendez.

To see ratings, where to stay, maps, and tourist information, read Iguazu National Park route planner.

Traveling by car from Foz do Iguacu to Iguazu National Park takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In August, daytime highs in Iguazu National Park are 30°C, while nighttime lows are 14°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 14th (Mon) so you can catch the flight to Buenos Aires.

Cultural capital of South America, Buenos Aires remains one of the largest cities on the continent, serving as a point of departure for exploring the rest of the country.

Buenos Aires is known for historic sites, sightseeing, and nightlife. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: take a stroll through Puerto Madero, shop like a local with El Ateneo Grand Splendid, admire the masterpieces at Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, and admire the natural beauty at Parque 3 de Febrero.

For reviews, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Buenos Aires route builder tool.

Traveling by flight from Iguazu National Park to Buenos Aires takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. While traveling from Iguazu National Park, expect little chillier days and about the same nights in Buenos Aires, ranging from highs of 20°C to lows of 12°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 19th (Sat) so you can catch the flight 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.

Go for a jaunt from Santiago to Valle Nevado to see Valle Nevado - Ski Resort Chile about 1h 35 min away. There's much more to do: take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at San Cristóbal Hill, explore the world behind art at Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino, walk around Cerro Santa Lucia, and admire the landmark architecture of Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana).

For photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Santiago road trip website.

Getting from Buenos Aires to Santiago by flight takes about 5.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Buenos Aires to Santiago due to the time zone difference. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Thu) to allow enough time to fly to Cusco.

Capital of the Inca Empire for three centuries, World Heritage-listed Cusco is now a major tourist destination, drawing nearly 2 million annual tourists with its well-preserved colonial architecture and proximity to Machu Picchu.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Cusco: Maras (Moray & Salinas de Maras). The adventure continues: contemplate the long history of Sacsayhuaman, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Cusco Cathedral, wander the streets of San Blas, and explore the ancient world of Tambomachay.

Plan my Cusco trip by asking Inspirock to come up with tips and suggestions.

You can fly from Santiago to Cusco in 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Santiago to Cusco. In August, plan for daily highs up to 24°C, and evening lows to 2°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Machu Picchu.

A symbol of the Incan civilization, the abandoned city of Machu Picchu represents a must-see on a Peru vacation.

Kick off your visit on the 29th (Tue): contemplate the long history of Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu. Here are some ideas for day two: explore the ancient world of Winay Wayna.

For maps, other places to visit, photos, and tourist information, use the Machu Picchu trip itinerary planner.

Getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu by car takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus and train; or take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Wed) to allow time to fly back home.