23-Day Southern Americas Classic Highlights: Peru, Bolivia, Chile & Argentina in October
Embarking on a cross-border journey through the southern portion of the Americas is a rite of passage for any budget backpacker. This 23-day odyssey focuses on the 'Classic Highlights' of the region, taking you from the coastal mist of Lima to the high-altitude wonders of La Paz, and finally to the European-style boulevards of Buenos Aires. By utilizing overnight buses, staying in social hostels, and indulging in local markets instead of tourist traps, you can experience the soul of the continent on an ultra-lean budget.
October is the perfect time for this route. As the Southern Hemisphere transitions into spring, you'll avoid the winter chill of the Andes and the sweltering humidity of the coastal summer. Expect blooming jacaranda trees in Buenos Aires and crisp, clear days in the highlands, all while benefiting from shoulder-season prices and fewer crowds at major landmarks.
Day 1: Lima, Peru - Arrival & Miraflores Coastal Walk
Arrival at Jorge Chávez International
Touch down in the City of Kings. Skip the expensive taxis and take the official shuttle to the Miraflores district.
Chasing the Malecón View
Walk the cliffside boardwalk in Miraflores for free, stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the surfers below.
Huaca Pucllana Exterior Tour
Admire this ancient adobe pyramid from the outside walkway for free before heading to a local market for a $3 lunch.
Parque de la Reserva
Watch the Magic Water Circuit, a Guinness World Record fountain display that costs only a few dollars to enter.
Day 2: Lima, Peru - Historic Center & Street Food
Plaza de Armas Exploration
Visit the heart of Lima to see the Cathedral and the Presidential Palace. Witness the changing of the guard at noon.
Chifa Lunch in Barrio Chino
Head to the Chinatown district for a massive, budget-friendly 'Chifa' (Peruvian-Chinese fusion) meal.
San Francisco Convent Catacombs
Explore the eerie underground ossuaries for a small entrance fee; it's one of Lima's most famous historic sites.
Barranco Night Walk
Cross the 'Bridge of Sighs' in the bohemian Barranco district and enjoy the free street art and live music.
Day 3: Lima to Paracas, Peru - Coastal Journey
Bus to Paracas
Depart on a reliable budget bus for a 4-hour journey south along the Pan-American Highway.
Paracas Town Stroll
Check into your hostel and walk the small fishing village waterfront to spot local birds and sea lions.
Paracas National Reserve
Rent a bicycle to explore the dramatic red sand beaches and desert landscapes of the reserve for free.
Hostel Social Hour
Join a communal hostel dinner to meet fellow travelers and share costs for the next day's adventures.
Day 4: Paracas to Huacachina, Peru - Desert Oasis
Ballestas Islands Boat Tour
Take a budget-friendly boat tour to the 'Poor Man's Galapagos' to see penguins, boobies, and sea lions.
Bus to Ica/Huacachina
A short 1.5-hour bus ride takes you to the only natural desert oasis in South America.
Dune Sunset Hike
Skip the expensive buggy rides and hike up the massive dunes for a breathtaking free sunset over the lagoon.
Oasis Pisco Sours
Try Peru's national drink at a local bar overlooking the water during happy hour for the best prices.
Day 5: Huacachina to Nazca & Overnight Bus to Cusco
Vineyard Tour in Ica
Visit a local bodega to see how Pisco is made; many offer free tours and small tastings.
Nazca Lines Observation Tower
Take a bus to Nazca and pay a tiny fee to climb the tower and see three of the famous geoglyphs from the ground.
Antonini Museum
Learn about the Nazca culture at this budget-friendly museum before your long travel night.
Overnight Bus to Cusco
Board a 'Cama' (sleeper) bus for the long climb into the Andes, saving one night on accommodation.
Day 6: Cusco, Peru - Acclimatization & Markets
Arrival in the Inca Capital
Check into your hostel and rest. Drink plenty of Coca tea to help with the 3,400m altitude.
San Pedro Market Lunch
Eat like a local at the food stalls for under $2. Try the 'Caldo de Gallina' (chicken soup).
Plaza de Armas Stroll
Visit the main square and the 12-Angled Stone in the nearby Hatunrumiyoc Street for free.
San Blas Artisan District
Hike up the narrow streets of San Blas for great views and to browse local craft shops.
Day 7: Cusco, Peru - Sacsayhuaman & Saqra
Sacsayhuaman Fortress
Explore the massive zig-zagging Inca walls overlooking the city using your tourist ticket.
Cristo Blanco Statue
Walk from the ruins to the white statue of Christ for the most iconic free panoramic view of Cusco.
Q’enqo Zig-Zag Ruins
Visit this ancient sacrificial site nearby, known for its carved limestone tunnels.
Free Salsa Lesson
Many hostels and local bars offer free salsa or bachata lessons for travelers in the evening.
Day 8: Cusco to Puno, Peru - The High Plateau
Tourist Bus to Puno
Travel across the Altiplano, stopping at the 'Sistine Chapel of the Andes' in Andahuaylillas along the way.
Raqchi Ruins Stop
Explore the Temple of Wiracocha, one of the most significant Inca structures outside Cusco.
Arrival in Puno
Settle into a hostel near the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.
Dinner on Jirón Lima
Walk the main pedestrian street for budget-friendly Alpaca steaks and local trout.
Day 9: Puno to La Paz, Bolivia - Border Crossing
Lake Titicaca Floating Islands
Visit the Uros floating islands early in the morning before boarding your bus to the border.
Border Crossing at Copacabana
Cross the border from Peru into Bolivia at Kasani. Enjoy a cheap lake-front lunch in Copacabana.
Arrival in La Paz
Experience the sheer scale of the city as you descend into the valley from the Altiplano.
First Bolivian Salteña
Try Bolivia's version of the empanada, the Salteña, which is incredibly cheap and delicious.
Day 10: La Paz, Bolivia - Teleferico & Witches Market
Mi Teleférico Adventure
Use the world's highest cable car system as a 'hop-on, hop-off' tour for just a few bolivianos.
Witches Market (Mercado de las Brujas)
Browse the bizarre stalls selling llama fetuses, dried herbs, and traditional amulets for free.
Plaza Murillo
Visit the political center of Bolivia and see the Cathedral and the Presidential Palace.
Calle Jaén Street Walk
Explore La Paz's best-preserved colonial street, home to several tiny, inexpensive museums.
Day 11: La Paz, Bolivia - Valley of the Moon
Valle de la Luna Expedition
Take a local bus to the outskirts of the city to hike through this strange, eroded clay landscape.
Local Lunch in Mallasa
Eat a traditional 'Plato Paceño' at a local eatery near the valley for a very low price.
Sopocachi District Views
Head to the Sopocachi neighborhood for a more modern vibe and views from the 'Monticulo' park.
Cholita Wrestling Experience
On certain nights, watch traditional Aymara women wrestle in full costume—a unique La Paz spectacle.
Day 12: La Paz to Uyuni, Bolivia - Salt Flat Prep
San Francisco Basilica
Visit the historic church and its rooftop for a final view over the city center.
Budget Shopping
Stock up on warm alpaca gear and snacks at the El Alto open-air market, one of the world's largest.
Final Bolivian Feast
Enjoy a 'Pique Macho' (a massive plate of meat and fries) meant for sharing.
Overnight Bus to Uyuni
Board a tourist bus for the overnight journey to the gateway of the Salar de Uyuni.
Day 13: Uyuni, Bolivia - Salar de Uyuni (Day 1)
Train Cemetery
Start your 3-day budget tour at the graveyard of 19th-century steam trains—a great free photo op.
Salt Flats Picnic
Drive onto the vast white salt desert and enjoy a simple lunch included in your tour price.
Perspective Photography
Spend hours taking the classic 'optical illusion' photos on the endless white horizon.
Salt Hostel Stay
Sleep in a hostel made entirely of salt blocks, an essential part of the Uyuni experience.
Day 14: Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile - Border Cross
Laguna Colorada
See thousands of pink flamingos in a striking red lagoon high in the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve.
Sol de Mañana Geysers
Walk through steaming volcanic vents and bubbling mud pots at nearly 5,000 meters altitude.
Bolivia-Chile Border Transfer
Switch from a 4x4 jeep to a coach bus at the Hito Cajon border crossing into Chile.
Arrival in San Pedro de Atacama
Feel the temperature rise as you descend into the driest desert on Earth.
Day 15: San Pedro de Atacama to Santiago, Chile - The Big Flight
Valley of the Moon (Chile)
Rent a bike to explore the salt caves and dunes of the Valle de la Luna before your flight.
Shuttle to Calama Airport
Take a 1-hour shuttle to Calama to catch a low-cost flight to the capital.
Flight to Santiago
Skip the 24-hour bus; domestic budget flights in Chile are often cheaper if booked in advance.
Arrival in Santiago
Take the airport bus (Centropuerto) to the Los Heroes metro station in the city center.
Day 16: Santiago, Chile - Cerro San Cristóbal & Bellavista
Cerro San Cristóbal Hike
Walk up the hill for free instead of taking the funicular to see the Virgin Mary statue and city views.
Lunch in Bellavista
Find a 'Menú del Día' in the colorful Bellavista neighborhood for a complete meal at a fixed price.
La Chascona Exterior
View the quirky architecture of Pablo Neruda’s Santiago home from the street.
Drink a 'Terremoto'
Try the famous 'Earthquake' cocktail at the legendary (and cheap) La Piojera bar.
Day 17: Santiago, Chile - Museums & Markets
Museum of Memory and Human Rights
Visit this powerful museum dedicated to the victims of the Pinochet dictatorship. Entry is free.
Mercado Central
Eat fresh seafood empanadas at a counter stall for a fraction of the sit-down restaurant prices.
Santa Lucía Hill
Explore this landscaped hill in the city center with its ornate fountains and small fortress.
Overnight Bus to Mendoza (Preparation)
Rest up for the scenic crossing of the Andes tomorrow morning.
Day 18: Santiago to Mendoza, Argentina - Crossing the Andes
The Los Caracoles Road
Board an international bus to Mendoza. The 'snails' road offers incredible views of the Andes and Aconcagua.
Border Crossing: Los Libertadores
Clear immigration between Chile and Argentina at the high mountain pass tunnel.
Arrival in Mendoza
Enter the wine capital of Argentina. Notice the irrigation ditches (acequias) lining every street.
Arístides Villanueva Street
Walk the main nightlife street for happy hour craft beers and shared pizzas.
Day 19: Mendoza, Argentina - Bikes & Malbec
Maipú Bike Tour
Take a local bus to Maipú, rent a cheap bicycle, and visit 3-4 wineries for low-cost tastings.
Olive Oil Tasting
Stop at an olive oil factory (like Laur) for a tour and tasting that is cheaper than the wine tours.
Park General San Martín
Ride through this massive urban park, designed by the same person who created the parks in Buenos Aires.
Argentine Steak Night
Splurge slightly on a budget parrillada (mixed grill) to share with new hostel friends.
Day 20: Mendoza to Buenos Aires, Argentina - The Pampa Crossing
Museum of Modern Art
Visit the MMAMM in Plaza Independencia, often hosting free or very cheap contemporary exhibitions.
Market Lunch
Grab fresh bread, cheese, and fruit from the Mercado Central for a picnic in the square.
Afternoon Siesta
Adopt the local habit of resting before your long overnight bus ride to the capital.
Overnight Bus to Buenos Aires
Board a 'Coche Cama' for the 14-hour flat ride across the Argentine Pampa.
Day 21: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Recoleta & Culture
Arrival at Retiro Station
Check into your hostel in San Telmo or Microcentro. Get a SUBE card for the metro (Subte).
Recoleta Cemetery
Visit the final resting place of Eva Perón. While there's a small fee for foreigners, the surrounding park is free.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid
Visit one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, housed in a converted grand theater. Entry is free.
Tango in the Street
Watch a free tango performance in Plaza Dorrego, San Telmo, or head to a low-cost 'Milonga'.
Day 22: Buenos Aires, Argentina - La Boca & San Telmo
Caminito in La Boca
Take the bus to the famous colorful houses of La Boca. Stay on the main tourist paths for safety.
San Telmo Market Lunch
Eat world-class Choripán (chorizo sandwich) at the San Telmo Market for just a few dollars.
Puerto Madero Walk
Cross the 'Puente de la Mujer' bridge in the modern docklands district for a scenic stroll.
The Bomba de Tiempo
If it's a Monday, don't miss this high-energy percussion show at Konex—a backpacker favorite.
Day 23: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Plaza de Mayo & Departure
Plaza de Mayo
See the Casa Rosada (Pink House) and the Metropolitan Cathedral where Pope Francis used to serve.
Final Empanada Feast
Grab a dozen empanadas from a local bakery to share for your final lunch.
Souvenir Shopping
Buy a leather belt or some Alfajores (cookies) from a local supermarket as cheap gifts.
Depart for Ezeiza Airport
Take the airport shuttle bus or a budget-friendly Tienda León coach to catch your flight home.
Best Time to Visit Americas
October is arguably the finest month to tackle the Southern Americas route. It is the Southern Hemisphere's spring, meaning the high-altitude Andean regions (Peru and Bolivia) are coming out of the freezing winter but haven't yet entered the peak rainy season of November-March. In Chile and Argentina, the shoulder season brings mild temperatures perfect for city walking tours and valley cycling. You'll avoid the massive summer crowds of January and February, and hostel prices are generally lower during this period.
Visas & Border Crossings
Most Western travelers (USA, EU, UK, Canada, Australia) do not require visas for short-term tourism in Peru, Chile, or Argentina. Bolivia requires a visa for US citizens, which can be obtained at the border or in advance. Always check reciprocity fee requirements, though most have been phased out. Crossing borders by land (Peru-Bolivia, Bolivia-Chile, Chile-Argentina) is straightforward but requires patience; always have your entry/exit stamps checked and keep your immigration slips (PDI in Chile) safe as you will need them to exit the country.
Getting Around Americas
For the budget backpacker, South America is the land of the long-distance bus. Companies like Cruz del Sur in Peru and CATA in Argentina offer 'Cama' seats that are more comfortable than business class on many airlines, often including meals and blankets. To save time on this 23-day route, one or two domestic budget flights (using Sky Airline or JetSmart) are recommended for long distances like Northern Chile to Santiago. Within cities, use the 'Metropolitano' in Lima and the 'Subte' in Buenos Aires for the cheapest and fastest transit.
