A 90-day South America itinerary offers ample time to explore the continent’s diverse cultures, landscapes, and attractions. You’ll be able to visit iconic cities, hike through stunning natural wonders, and experience the richness of the region’s history and biodiversity. Here’s a suggested 90-day itinerary that spans multiple countries and highlights the best of South America.

Week 1-2: Brazil (Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, Pantanal)Days 1-4: Rio de Janeiro

• Arrive in Rio de Janeiro. Spend a few days exploring the city's iconic attractions like Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana Beach, and Ipanema Beach.
• Explore the vibrant Santa Teresa neighborhood and take a walking tour of Lapa to experience Rio’s nightlife.
• Visit Selarón Steps, and take a boat tour around Guanabara Bay.

Days 5-7: Iguazu Falls

• Fly from Rio to Iguazu Falls (approx. 2 hours).
• Spend a day exploring the Brazilian side of the falls, and the next day, cross over to Argentina to see the Argentine side.
• Take a boat tour close to the falls and enjoy the surrounding national parks.

Days 8-10: Pantanal

• Fly from Iguazu Falls to Cuiabá, then drive to the Pantanal region (known for its wildlife).
• Spend several days in the Pantanal on guided wildlife safaris, where you may spot jaguars, capybaras, caimans, and hundreds of bird species.

Week 3-4: Bolivia (Salar de Uyuni, La Paz, Lake Titicaca)Days 11-14: Salar de Uyuni

• Fly from Cuiabá to La Paz (via Santa Cruz). Then travel to Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat.
• Take a 3-day jeep tour across the salt flats, visiting Eduardo Avaroa National Park, Laguna Colorada, and Laguna Verde. Don’t miss the surreal sunrise and sunset views over the salt flats.

Days 15-17: La Paz

• Return to La Paz and spend a couple of days acclimatizing to the altitude. Explore the Witches’ Market, take a cable car ride across the city, and visit Moon Valley.

Days 18-21: Lake Titicaca

• Take a bus or train from La Paz to Copacabana on Lake Titicaca.
• Visit the Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna, two islands with ancient ruins and stunning views.
• Spend some time hiking, kayaking, and experiencing the indigenous culture around the lake.

Week 5-6: Peru (Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Nazca, Cusco, Sacred Valley)Days 22-24: Arequipa & Colca Canyon

• Fly from La Paz to Arequipa, Peru (approx. 1 hour).
• Explore Arequipa’s beautiful colonial architecture, including the Santa Catalina Monastery.
• Take a 2-day trip to Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, and enjoy views of the Andean condors.

Days 25-27: Nazca Lines

• Travel by bus to Nazca (about 9-10 hours).
• Take a flight over the Nazca Lines, mysterious ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert floor.

Days 28-31: Cusco & Sacred Valley

• Fly to Cusco (approx. 1 hour from Arequipa).
• Spend time acclimatizing to the altitude and exploring the Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), and Sacsayhuamán ruins.
• Take a day trip to the Sacred Valley, visiting Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and the Moray ruins. Stay in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo for easy access to Machu Picchu.

Week 7-8: Peru (Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, Lima)Days 32-35: Machu Picchu

• Hike the Inca Trail (4 days, 3 nights) or take the train to Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu.
• Spend a day exploring the incredible Incan citadel, and enjoy the stunning scenery around it.

Days 36-38: Lima

• Fly to Lima, the capital of Peru (approx. 1 hour from Cusco).
• Explore Miraflores, Barranco, and the Plaza Mayor. Visit Lima’s historic center, the Larco Museum, and try ceviche.

Week 9-10: Ecuador (Quito, Galápagos Islands)Days 39-41: Quito

• Fly from Lima to Quito, Ecuador (approx. 2 hours).
• Explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit La Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World Monument).

Days 42-46: Galápagos Islands

• Fly from Quito to the Galápagos Islands (approx. 2.5 hours).
• Spend 5 days island hopping and exploring the wildlife and beaches of Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, and Isabela. Snorkel with sea lions, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, and hike to the Sierra Negra Volcano.

Week 11: Colombia (Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena)Days 47-49: Bogotá

• Fly from Quito to Bogotá (approx. 1.5 hours).
• Explore La Candelaria (historic center), Gold Museum, and take the cable car to Monserrate for panoramic views.

Days 50-52: Medellín

• Fly to Medellín (approx. 1 hour).
• Explore Comuna 13, Plaza Botero, and take a cable car to Arví Park. Discover the transformation of Medellín from the days of Pablo Escobar to a modern, innovative city.

Days 53-55: Cartagena

• Fly to Cartagena (approx. 1 hour).
• Wander through the historic Old Town, explore Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, and relax on the beautiful beaches of Bocagrande.

Week 12: Venezuela, Guyana & Suriname (Optional)If you're feeling adventurous and have more time, you can take a detour to Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname to explore places like Angel Falls in Venezuela or Kaieteur Falls in Guyana.

Week 13-14: Argentina (Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Patagonia)Days 56-58: Buenos Aires

• Fly to Buenos Aires (approx. 4 hours from Cartagena).
• Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Recoleta, San Telmo, Palermo, and La Boca. Don’t miss the Casa Rosada, Teatro Colón, and a tango show.

Days 59-62: Mendoza

• Fly to Mendoza, Argentina’s wine capital (approx. 1.5 hours).
• Take wine tours and visit vineyards to taste the world-renowned Malbec wines.

Days 63-66: Patagonia (El Calafate & El Chaltén)

• Fly to El Calafate (approx. 3 hours).
• Visit the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier and take a boat ride or ice trek.
• Travel to El Chaltén (2 hours by bus) for hiking in Los Glaciares National Park and to see Mount Fitz Roy.

Week 15: Chile (Santiago, Atacama Desert)Days 67-70: Santiago

• Fly to Santiago, Chile (approx. 3 hours from Buenos Aires).
• Explore the capital city and take day trips to Valparaíso (the coastal city with colorful buildings) and the Andes Mountains.

Days 71-74: Atacama Desert

• Fly from Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama (approx. 2 hours).
• Visit the Valle de la Luna, Geysers del Tatio, and Laguna Cejar. Enjoy stargazing in one of the clearest skies in the world.

Week 16: Return to Brazil (Salvador, Rio de Janeiro)Days 75-78: Salvador

• Fly to Salvador (approx. 3 hours).
• Explore this Afro-Brazilian city’s colonial architecture, historic center, and vibrant music scene. Try bahian cuisine like acarajé and moqueca.

Days 79-83: Rio de Janeiro (Final Return)

• Return to Rio de Janeiro for some final relaxation and exploration.
• Spend your last days in Brazil visiting places you may have missed earlier or just unwind on the beaches.

Day 90: Departure

• Fly out from Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo depending on your international flight connection.

Notes:

• Flights: Internal flights are essential due to the large distances in South America. Book in advance to secure better rates.
• Visas: Be sure to check the visa requirements for each country before your trip.
• Health: Make sure to get any necessary vaccinations and bring insect repellent, especially for areas like the Amazon.
• Safety: South America is generally safe for travelers, but always stay aware of your surroundings and follow local advice, especially in big cities.

This itinerary covers a wide range of experiences across South America, balancing cultural, historical, and natural highlights with time to relax and enjoy.