7 day itinerary for South America

Itinerary

A week in South America can be a delightful experience, especially if you take it slow and soak in the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. Let’s create a relaxed itinerary that allows you to enjoy the best of this beautiful continent. For this itinerary, I’ll focus on a combination of Peru and Bolivia, as they offer a rich cultural experience and breathtaking scenery.

## Day 1: Arrival in Lima, Peru

Morning: Arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru. Take your time settling into your hotel. Maybe grab a light breakfast at a local café.

Afternoon: Stroll around the historic center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Plaza Mayor, where you can see the Government Palace and the Cathedral of Lima.

Evening: Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a restaurant in the Miraflores district, known for its stunning ocean views. Try some ceviche, a local specialty!

## Day 2: Explore Lima

Morning: After breakfast, visit the Larco Museum, which showcases pre-Columbian art. The museum is set in a beautiful 18th-century vice-royal mansion.

Afternoon: Head to the bohemian district of Barranco. Explore its colorful streets, art galleries, and the famous Bridge of Sighs.

Evening: Have dinner at a local restaurant in Barranco, perhaps trying some Peruvian fusion cuisine.

## Day 3: Fly to Cusco

Morning: Take a morning flight to Cusco (about 1.5 hours). Once you arrive, take it easy to acclimatize to the altitude.

Afternoon: Explore the Plaza de Armas and visit the Cusco Cathedral. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a café with a view of the square.

Evening: Have dinner at a cozy restaurant, and if you’re up for it, try some local dishes like alpaca steak or quinoa soup.

## Day 4: Sacred Valley

Morning: Take a day trip to the Sacred Valley. Start with a visit to Pisac Market, where you can shop for handicrafts and enjoy the local atmosphere.

Afternoon: Visit Ollantaytambo, an ancient Incan town with impressive ruins. Have lunch in Ollantaytambo before heading back to Cusco.

Evening: Return to Cusco and enjoy a relaxed dinner. Perhaps try a pisco sour, Peru’s famous cocktail!

## Day 5: Machu Picchu

Early Morning: Take an early train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Morning: Arrive at Machu Picchu and take your time exploring this incredible site. Consider hiring a guide to learn about its history.

Afternoon: After exploring, have lunch in Aguas Calientes and take a leisurely stroll around the town.

Evening: Return to Cusco by train. Enjoy a quiet evening, perhaps with a light dinner and some rest.

## Day 6: Fly to La Paz, Bolivia

Morning: Take a morning flight from Cusco to La Paz (about 1 hour). Once you arrive, take it easy to adjust to the altitude.

Afternoon: Explore the Witches' Market and the Plaza Murillo. Enjoy lunch at a local café, trying some Bolivian specialties like salteñas.

Evening: Head to the Mirador Killi Killi for stunning views of the city at sunset. Have dinner at a restaurant with a view.

## Day 7: Explore La Paz

Morning: Visit the Valley of the Moon, a unique geological formation just outside the city. Take your time wandering through the surreal landscape.

Afternoon: Return to La Paz and visit the Tiwanaku archaeological site if time permits, or explore more of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods.

Evening: For your last night, enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant, reflecting on your wonderful week in South America.

Tips for a Relaxed Pace:

• Always allow for some downtime in your schedule.
• Drink plenty of water, especially in higher altitudes.
• Embrace the local culture and take your time enjoying meals and interactions with locals.

I hope this itinerary gives you a wonderful taste of South America while allowing you to travel at a relaxed pace! Enjoy your adventure! 🌎✈️