Our 7 Best Latin America Itineraries for First-Timers
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Untouched wilderness, distinctive culture, and a range of landscapes that take you from pristine glaciers to white-sand beaches are yours to explore in Central and South America, and these seven Latin America itineraries for first-timers are the perfect place to start.
Whether eager to search rainforests for scarlet macaws or trek through the ruins of Machu Picchu, travel between the volcanic islands of the Galapagos or search for jaguars in Brazil’s Pantanal, the world’s biggest wetlands, Central and South America are rich with ancient culture, natural history, and indelible beauty.
The right trip for you in this timeless and compelling region depends on your preferences, goals, and interests.
1. Argentina Tour: Culture, Wine, and Patagonia
Los Glaciares National Park in Patagonia, Argentina
Length: 13 days
Places Visited: Puerto Iguazú, Mendoza, El Calafate, Buenos Aires
Why we recommend this sample itinerary:
Argentina is a country of captivating culture and expansive landscapes, and the 12-Day Argentina Tour: Culture, Wine, and the Southern Patagonian Scenery tour unveils where you can dance the tango, sail past a soaring ice wall, stroll through vineyards, or witness the power of a thundering waterfall.
With the alluring hum of Buenos Aires, the idyllic Mendoza scenery accentuated by a private cooking class, the shimmering cliffs and peaks of the glacial ice sheet, and panoramas of the renowned Iguazu Falls, you can experience adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and the thrill of exploration.
Learn more: Argentina Tours & Vacations • Argentina Travel Guide
2. Brazil Tour: Rio, Iguazu, Salvador & More
The coast of Bahia Brazil
Length: 13 days
Places Visited: Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguaçu, Salvador, Ilhéus, Itacaré
Why we recommend this sample itinerary:
Interested in vibrant Rio de Janeiro or the clear waters of Salvador de Bahia, the Classic 13-Day Brazil Tour of Rio, Iguazu, Salvador & More encompasses heritage and natural scenery.
From the dramatic Iguazu Falls to the intricate design of the Sao Bento Monastery in Rio, the renowned Christ the Redeemer Statue to trekking through the Fazenda Juerana forest, the combination of nature, history, and culture creates an unforgettable experience.
Learn more: Brazil Tours & Vacations • Brazil Travel Guide
3. Chile Tour: Diverse and Photogenic Landscapes
Torres del Paine, Chile
Length: 12 days
Places Visited: Santiago (City), Torres del Paine National Park, San Pedro de Atacama
Why we recommend this sample itinerary:
The picturesque scenery of Chile is priceless and yours to discover on the 12-Day Exploration of Chile's Diverse and Photogenic Landscapes. Experience the Atacama Desert’s pure-white sands that resemble snow and the glinting hanging glaciers of Torres del Paine National Park.
Sample the dynamic layers and characteristics of the winelands to find your preferred flavor and trek through the untouched corners of Patagonia to find panoramic views of the Towers of Paine, Grey Glacier, and wildlife. Stargaze at the open sky, embrace the allure of a lunar valley, and enjoy Chile’s unique wonder.
Learn more: Chile Tours & Vacations • Chile Travel Guide
4. Galapagos and Peru Tour: Trip of a Lifetime
Machu Picchu, Peru
Length: 18 days
Places Visited: Galapagos, Quito, Lima, Cusco, Maras, Moray, Machu Picchu and the Inca, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Pisac, Ollantaytambo
Why we recommend this sample itinerary:
The 18-day Exceptional Galapagos and Peru Tour of a Lifetime brings the wonder and majesty of Ecuador and Peru into the spotlight. Experience the Spanish colonial streets of Quito, the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, and the floating islands of Lake Titicaca.
Witness the boulders that established dramatic fortresses in the Andean mountains and search for sea turtles along volcanic beaches. From natural history to cultural heritage, you can experience true wonder and luxury in Ecuador and Peru.
Learn more: Galapagos Islands Vacations & Tours • Peru Vacations & Tours
5. Colombia Tour: Cultural Immersion in Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena
Rock of Guatapé and Peno Lake in Colombia
Length: 9 days
Places Visited: Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena
Why we recommend this sample itinerary:
Enjoy iconic Colombian cities and distinctive heritage when on the Colombia Cultural Immersion: Nine-Day Tour of Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena. From the Andes to the Caribbean Sea, each new destination has its own distinct personality, offering new ways to explore the beauty and cultural charms of the country.
Visit historic landmarks in the capital, Bogota, to find golden relics and masterworks by Botero. Bask in the Eternal Spring of Medellin to find lush landscapes and vibrant local culture. Indulge in the tropical climate and colonial architecture of Cartagena to find a different rhythm of life.
Learn more: Colombia Vacations & Tours • Colombia Travel Guide
6. Costa Rica Tour: Choose Your Own Adventures
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Length: 9 days
Places Visited: San Jose, Arenal, Limon, Puntarenas
Why we recommend this sample itinerary:
Costa Rica can be as thrilling or relaxing as you like, and Costa Rica for Couples: Choose Your Own Adventures allows you to embrace the romance and excitement of the biodiversity and microclimates found across the country.
Wander through blossoming gardens, search the treetops for rare signs of exotic birdlife, and venture through the romantic wilderness on horseback to reach a rushing waterfall.
Whether looking at the glow of the bioluminescent sea or lounging in thermal pools, rafting down the Pacuare River or dining by candlelight under the forest canopy, you can discover the magic of Costa Rica as you prefer.
Learn more: Costa Rica Tours & Vacation Packages • Costa Rica Travel Guide
7. Belize Tour: Tropical Beaches to Lush Jungle
South Water Caye, Belize
Length: 8 days
Places Visited: Belize, Toledo District, Placencia Peninsula, Belize Barrier Reef
Why we recommend this sample itinerary:
With remarkable natural beauty that can have you exploring exotic jungle or the second-largest barrier reef in the world, the Tropical Beaches to Lush Jungle: Beautiful Belize Escape is the perfect blend of luxury, adventure, and exploration in a tropical paradise.
Climb Mayan ruins and learn to cook with ingredients used during the height of the empire. Travel across the glinting Five Blue Lakes. Uncover secluded swimming holes and embrace the welcoming view of a relaxing seaside resort.
From freshly-made chocolate to rainforest luxuries, Belize is a destination in which you can truly indulge.
Learn more: Belize Vacations & Tours • Belize Travel Guide
Plan Your Latin America Itinerary for First-Timers with a Travel Specialist
Cartagena, Colombia
Glamour, natural beauty, and unforgettable heritage establish South America’s endless allure. From trekking through Patagonia to exploring Brazil’s Amazon region, visiting Andean villages in Peru to lounging in a colonial Caribbean town in Colombia, each country possesses its own splendor and personality.
Find more inspiration on ways to enjoy the scenery, cuisine, traditions, and culture with more of our sample Latin America tours and vacations, or explore our Latin America travel guide.
