South America 5-Country 22-Day Group Tour Guide 2026

1. What problem does this 22-day South America five-country loop solve, and who is it for?

Brazil - São Paulo

It bundles the intra-country segment flights between the five countries, four-star accommodation, first admission tickets to attractions, and full-time Chinese-English speaking guides into one package, at 11,096 USD per person based on double occupancy (approximately 74,232 CNY, converted at 1 USD ≈ 6.69 CNY as of November 5, 2026). What it saves you is precisely the most exhausting part of traveling in South America—repeatedly rebooking, changing hotels, and queuing for tickets across five countries.

Linking Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Peru into one route—the hard part has never been choosing attractions, but connecting them. São Paulo to Rio, Iguazu to Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires to Calafate, Santiago to Lima, Lima to Iquitos—each segment requires buying new domestic flights, recalculating baggage allowances, and finding new transfers. The In-Depth South America Five Countries 22-Day sold by USITrip is a product designed for exactly this pain point: 22 days and 21 nights, arriving and departing from São Paulo, including economy-class flights for all South America intra-country segments (including airport taxes and fuel surcharges), local 4-star and specialty hotels (2 persons per room), first admission tickets to attractions listed in the itinerary, air-conditioned touring vehicles during sightseeing, and, for Route A, daily Western breakfast at hotels plus lunch and dinner (Chinese six-dish-one-soup or local meals, specialty meals). International flights and visa fees are not included (as of November 2026, source: USITrip product page).

In-depth South American Five Countries on the 22nd

Sao Paulo + Monte Jesus + Iguazu Falls across two countries + Buyi + Glacier National Park + Ushuaia + Santiago + Easter Island / Winery Wine Tasting Cultural Tour + Lima + Machu Picchu + Amazon + Nazca Land Painting + Full South American flight ticket included + Full stay at local 4-star and specialty hotels + Full local Chinese and English tour guide service

$11,096from

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The base price corresponds to [Route A: Winery Tasting Cultural Journey], with Days 11–12 covering Chilean wineries and a Santiago day tour; the Easter Island direction listed separately in the product name is [Route B] under the same product. To select a route, you must check the option in the itinerary options and confirm the price difference on the product page.

Who it suits: Travelers who can take 22+ days of vacation at once, can handle international flights and five-country visas on their own, accept changing cities every 1–2 days, and want to see both sides of Iguazu, the Great Glacier, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon in one trip.

Not suitable for: Those with less than 15 days of vacation; those who only want to explore Brazil in depth; or those who assume the tour price already includes international flights. This itinerary has a high travel frequency, requiring luggage to be packed four or five times a week—travelers who dislike moving luggage will be worn down by the pace.

2. How the 22 Days Unfold: Enter and Exit via São Paulo, Which City Each Day?

The 22 days begin with entry in São Paulo. From Day 2 onward, the route passes in sequence through Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu (Brazilian side and Argentine side), Buenos Aires, Colonia, El Calafate, Ushuaia, Santiago, Lima, Cusco and Urubamba, Aguas Calientes, Pisco, and Iquitos, finally returning via Lima to São Paulo for departure—a complete loop.

The table lists only the breakfasts explicitly indicated on the product page; lunches and dinners on Route A are included per the product page standards (Chinese six-dish one-soup meals or local meals, specialty meals), and are not included during flight connections, waiting periods, and free time. The itinerary, hotels, and tour fee structure are subject to the Usitrip product page and the tour departure notice (as of November 2026).

The entire route includes multiple South American intra-regional flights (the exact number of segments is subject to the day-by-day itinerary), plus several long-distance bus rides and one ferry crossing, alternating between air and ground travel. Three experience points deserve special mention: On Day 4, you visit both the Brazilian and Argentine sides of Iguazu Falls in one day—the Brazilian side offers panoramic views, while the Argentine side takes you along walkways deep into the falls cluster; a single side only shows you one perspective. On Day 7, take a boat tour for a close-up view of the Perito Moreno Glacier (a complimentary inclusion; no refund if unable to board due to force majeure such as flight disruptions). On Day 16, take the scenic train to Machu Picchu.

Here's the trade-off—most travel guides treat Iguazu as "see the falls once." If your interest lies only in grand panoramas and your energy is limited that day, the Argentine side involves significantly more walking along the walkways, so you can discuss with your guide to allocate more停留 time to the Brazilian side. Conversely, if you're willing to walk more and want the sound of water filling your ears, visiting both sides is the real differentiator of this itinerary.

3. What does the 11,096 USD tour fee include and exclude?

11,096 USD (approximately 74,232 CNY) is the per-person land arrangement price based on double occupancy, including South American intra-regional flights, 4-star accommodation, first admission tickets to all attractions listed in the itinerary, and full-time transportation throughout. It does not include international flights, visas, driver/guide service fees, or optional activities outside the itinerary.

The tour fee structure and inclusions are subject to the USITrip product page and the tour departure notice (as of November 2026; source: USITrip product page).

In addition to the tour fee, each adult participant must budget a fixed 299 USD (approx. 2,000 CNY) for the tour director/driver service fee, plus international airfare and visa fees. If all 7 optional activities are selected, an additional 975 USD (approx. 6,523 CNY) is required — this is the upper limit, not a fixed expense for every traveler. Optional activity prices are subject to the guide's quotation (as of November 2026; source: USITrip product page).

One judgment call: The Pisco small aircraft flight is the most expensive of these optional activities at 295 USD, and it is not included in Route A. If you purchased Route A and particularly want to see the Nazca Lines, this expense is essentially a "make-up ticket"; if you just want a general impression, the Nazca Lines park arranged on Day 13 in Lima lets you see the main figures presented to scale on the ground at no extra cost. For those who truly want to see the full extent of the lines and their relationship to the desert landscape, a ground replica won't suffice — the money still has to be spent on the flight.

Iguazu Falls park admission is already included in the primary ticket. The 2026 full-price ticket (including a voluntary BRL 3 donation to the Iguaçu Fund) is BRL 134 (about US$24.6 / 165 CNY), covering the in-park shuttle bus, waterfall trails, elevator, and scenic boardwalks. Children aged 6 and under are free with photo ID. The park offers no half-price tickets for students or seniors (as of November 2026; source: official website of Iguaçu National Park, Brazil — Urbia+Cataratas). Entry requires a reserved time slot. Entry windows are 9:00–16:00 Monday to Friday and 8:30–16:00 Saturday and Sunday; after entry, visitors may stay until 17:30.

4. Can I place an order directly? How do I confirm departure dates, Route A/Route B, and the single supplement?

You cannot place an order directly. This product is marked as requiring secondary confirmation and seat inquiry; the itinerary, price, and departure date are subject to final confirmation (as of November 2026; source: Zousifang product page).

The correct order is to inquire about seats first, then issue tickets. After submitting your travel date, wait for customer service to confirm that seats are available for that departure date before purchasing international round-trip air tickets. If you do the reverse — issue tickets first and then wait for seats — and the departure date fills up, you will bear the cost of changing the international segment yourself. This is the step in this entire guide that should least be skipped.

The difference between Route A and Route B is concentrated in Days 11–12. Route A features a Chilean winery wine-tasting cultural tour and a one-day tour of Santiago (Cerro San Cristóbal, Costanera Centre mall); Route B switches to Easter Island, raises the meal standard to tables of 10–12 people with eight dishes and one soup, increases special meals from 9 to 10, and includes the Nazca Lines small-aircraft flight as a complimentary item. The base price of US$11,096 corresponds to Route A; to choose Route B, you must check the itinerary option and confirm the price difference, with the amount subject to the product page and customer service. When booking, it is recommended to confirm in writing which route you are taking; do not assume the transaction will proceed at the base price.

The rule for solo travelers is: by default, you will share a twin room with a same-sex group member or tour leader; only if room-sharing cannot be arranged will you need to pay the single supplement, with the amount subject to customer service confirmation. If spouses, mothers and sons, or fathers and daughters wish to stay in the same room, inform the company in advance at booking.

Regarding cancellation and rescheduling, South America-related products apply tiered penalties: cancellation 56–42 days before departure incurs 40% of the total tour fee, 41–27 days incurs 60%, 26–13 days incurs 80%, and within 12 days incurs 100% (as of November 2026; source: Zousifang product page). In addition, travelers aged over 70 or guests with special medical conditions must fill out a participation waiver when booking.

5. How should I use the half day before or after the São Paulo meeting point, and is the Football Museum worth adding?

Museu Paulista

Day 1 of the itinerary already includes a half-day in downtown São Paulo, and Days 21–22 wrap up in São Paulo. If flight times allow, the only time truly at your own disposal is the day before the meeting day or the day of your return flight. The Football Museum is not part of this product's itinerary, so it can only be arranged during this free time on your own.

Day 1 covers the Ipiranga Palace Gardens and the Palace Museum (exterior), São Paulo Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Latin American Parliament Building and Folklore Exhibition Hall (exterior) — a route focused on history. The cathedral stands on Sé Square, the city's point of origin. Tickets: cathedral admission is free; the crypt is 5 BRL, free for children under 5; guided tours including the tower and dome cost about 60 BRL. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 08:00–19:00; Saturday 08:00–17:00; Sunday 08:00–13:00 and 14:00–18:00 (some areas are restricted during Mass). Sé Square is fine to stroll during the day but not suitable for walking alone at night (as of November 2026; sources: São Paulo Turismo official tourism materials and Visitando São Paulo guide materials).

For accommodation, the area along Avenida Paulista is more reliable than the old town: direct metro access, shops still open in the evening, and easy to hail a taxi to attractions. If your international flight arrives on the morning of Day 1 and you join the tour directly, there is no need to book an extra room; only if you arrive the night before will you need to arrange one night on your own.

The Football Museum sits beneath the stands of Pacaembu Stadium and covers the history of Brazilian football and the national team's five World Cup titles, with interactive exhibits such as shooting drills that are great for kids. Tickets: adults 25 BRL; half price 12.50 BRL for students, low-income youth aged 15–29, retirees, and those over 60; children under 7 free; free for everyone every Tuesday. Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 09:00–18:00 (last entry 17:00), closed Mondays; extended to 21:00 on the first Tuesday of each month (last entry 20:00); closed December 24, 25, and 31 and January 1 (as of November 2026, source: Museu do Futebol official website). A taxi from the Avenida Paulista area will get you there, with the exact travel time depending on traffic.

Is it worth a dedicated trip: The museum itself takes 1.5–2 hours, and with round-trip travel it effectively eats up half a day. Only travelers with a clear interest in Brazilian football history, or whose return flight is in the afternoon or later, are worth making the trip; casual sightseers can skip it and save the time for Avenida Paulista and the São Paulo Museum of Art. Tickets: adults 85 BRL; half price 42 BRL for students, teachers, and those over 60; children 10 and under free; free all day every Tuesday (sponsored by Nubank), and free Friday 18:00–21:00 (entry after 18:00, last entry 20:00); whether reservations are required is subject to the official website. Hours: Tuesday 10:00–20:00 (last entry 19:00); Wednesday and Thursday 10:00–18:00 (last entry 17:00); Friday 10:00–21:00 (last entry 20:00); Saturday and Sunday 10:00–18:00 (last entry 17:00); closed Mondays (as of November 2026, source: MASP official website).

If you want to eat, go to Mercado Municipal. The mortadella sandwiches are large, and one portion is usually enough for two people; some stalls only accept cash or local payment methods. Admission: free entry. Open: Monday to Saturday 06:00–18:00, Sunday 06:00–16:00. There are fewer people in the morning, and safety in the surrounding old town is average, so do not walk alone at night (as of November 2026, sources: Prefeitura de São Paulo (opening hours) and Viator (admission information)).

6. Taking parents to the Amazon and Machu Picchu—can they handle the physical demands?

Most travelers over 60 with a decent baseline of health can complete the trip. The real threshold is not age, but the combined strain of the high-altitude and hot-humid sections, plus changing hotels almost every 1–2 days over 22 days.

The high-altitude section is concentrated on days 14–17. Cusco is above 3,000 meters, and the product page notes that the highest point can reach 3,800 meters. The Machu Picchu ruins themselves are between 2,350 and 2,430 meters, which is more comfortable than Cusco. The product page's suggested approach is: after arrival, prioritize sleep, slow down your movements, do not drink alcohol or overeat, and avoid showers that are too hot; the airport and major hotels have oxygen available for those with obvious symptoms of altitude sickness. Those with organic disease, severe neurasthenia, or respiratory infections should ask a doctor for an assessment before departure.

The rainforest section is on days 19–20. Iquitos is hot and humid with many mosquitoes, and requires taking small boats into the rainforest, watching dolphins, and fishing for piranhas. People sensitive to seasickness and long periods of outdoor sun exposure will find it strenuous. The large glacier section is instead easier; day 7 is mainly viewing platforms and a boat cruise, with little walking. Tierra del Fuego has high latitude, large temperature differences, and strong winds, so bring enough jackets.

There is also a detail that is easy to overlook: on the night in Pisco, there is no local four-star hotel, and a local three-star hotel is actually used, with relatively simple conditions. Before traveling with parents, it is best to make expectations about accommodation clear to avoid discovering the gap in standards only on site.

Trade-off advice: If parents have obvious concerns about heat, humidity, and long boat rides, rather than forcing the full 22 days, it is better to choose a shorter segment that does not include the rainforest. Conversely, if they are fit and have experience with long-distance travel, the Amazon section is precisely the hardest part of this route to replace, and cutting it would be a pity. Applicants over 70 need to fill out a liability waiver; do not leave this until just before departure.

7. How should visas for the five countries and the seasons be arranged, and how much money should be prepared in total?

Visas for the five countries are not included in the tour price; you must obtain them yourself according to your passport nationality or entrust an agency to handle them. Budget-wise, beyond the tour price of 11,096 USD (approximately 74,232 CNY), fixed expenses include at least the full-journey driver-guide service fee of 299 USD (approximately 2,000 CNY), plus international airfare and visas.

There is one visa rule that can save considerable hassle: the product page notes that holders of a valid U.S. visa can apply for an Argentine electronic visa and can enter Peru and Chile visa-free (U.S. visa valid for six months or more) and Uruguay (U.S. visa valid for one year or more). Without a U.S. visa, visas for all five countries must be applied for one by one according to each country's respective consular district (as of November 2026, source: Usitrips product page; visa policies of each country are subject to the latest official announcements).

Don't overlook the quarantine requirement: the product page notes that entering Brazil from Peru requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow book), and vaccination must be completed at least 10 days before arrival in Brazil. Vaccination can be done at local epidemic prevention stations or international travel health centers. On Day 20 of the itinerary, the flight from Iquitos to Lima, and on Day 21, Lima to São Paulo, fall exactly under this rule—please double-check the latest official announcements before departure.

Regarding seasons, the Southern Hemisphere is opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. During the local summer, i.e., November to March, the Patagonia segment (Perito Moreno Glacier, Ushuaia) has long daylight hours and relatively mild conditions; the Amazon segment is hot and humid year-round, so prepare for the rainy season whenever you go. When choosing a month, first check the departure dates on the product page, then weigh the difference in comfort between Patagonia and the Amazon—no single month can optimize both segments at the same time.

A practical order: Start preparing visa documents before confirming your booking. The processing time for visas to the five countries is usually longer than for conventional destinations. If you wait until the tour date is confirmed to start, you may easily end up in a situation where "a spot is available but you can't go"—which is more frustrating than no spot at all.

Prepare your budget in four separate parts: tour price, international airfare, visa and notarization fees, and personal spending and tips. The first three are fixed; the fourth fluctuates the most, covering optional activities and shopping.

8. If I don't have enough vacation time or my budget is different, are there shorter South America itineraries?

Avenida Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil

Yes. There are three alternatives for the same destinations; they differ in the countries covered, the team language, and whether the Amazon is included. Simply choose based on your vacation length and budget.

Brazil · High-End Chinese Private Small Group 5-Day Tour, 1,455 USD (approx. 9,734 CNY): São Paulo plus Rio de Janeiro, Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain, both sides of Iguazu Falls,全程 Chinese private car service, including Corcovado train tickets and Sugarloaf cable car tickets, four-star hotels, and breakfast throughout. Suitable for those with holidays under 7 days who only want to visit Brazil; does not include the Big Glacier, Machu Picchu, or the Amazon segment.

5 days

Brazil - High-End Chinese Private Small Group 5-Day Tour

Sao Paulo + Rio + Corcovado + Sugarloaf + Both Sides Iguazu Falls | Including Corcovado Train Ticket | Including Sugarloaf Cable Car Ticket (Whole Chinese Charter)

$1,455from

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5 South American Countries · Panoramic Discovery 20-Day Tour, 6,712 USD (approx. 44,903 CNY): Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, and Uruguay; Brazil is a Chinese private group, Peru and Bolivia are English private groups, including breakfast throughout, 4 specialty lunches, scenic train tickets, and tickets to popular attractions. Suitable for budget-sensitive travelers who can accept English private groups in some countries; the product description does not list a Chile segment, nor an Amazon segment.

20 days

South America 5-Country Grand Tour: Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay - 4-Star Hotels, Daily Breakfast, Chinese-Guided Brazil & English-Guided Peru/Bolivia

$6,712from

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5 South American Countries 21-Day Tour, 9,792 USD (approx. 65,508 CNY): Brazil is a Chinese private small group, the remaining countries are English groups, including first-gate admission tickets to attractions, four-star hotels, and breakfast throughout, explicitly including Machu Picchu and the Amazon rainforest. Suitable for those who want to keep these two segments and hope the total price is lower than this product.

21 days

21-Day Tour of 5 South American Countries

Brazil + Argentina + Uruguay + Chile + Peru | Brazilian Chinese Private Small Group | Includes first ticket to attractions | Four-star hotel | Breakfast included throughout the trip (English group)

$9,792from

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The prices and terms of the three alternatives are as of November 2026; source: Usitrip product pages.

How to choose: For holidays under 7 days and only wanting the two Brazilian cities plus Iguazu, choose the 5-day private small group; if budget-sensitive to the 6,700 USD level, insist on visiting five countries, and can accept English private groups, choose the 20-day route; if you want to keep Machu Picchu and the Amazon and do not want to pay 11,096 USD, look at the 21-day route. None of the three includes the complete 22-day combination of this product—the kind of density that has both sides of Iguazu, the Big Glacier, Tierra del Fuego, Easter Island or a winery (choose one), Nazca, and the Amazon all on one route.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is 11,096 USD all-inclusive?

A: No. It is only the per-person South America land-arrangement portion based on double occupancy, including internal segment air tickets, four-star accommodation, first-gate admission tickets to attractions listed in the itinerary, and vehicle usage. International round-trip air tickets, five-country visas, and full-tour driver-guide service fees are all outside the tour price and must be calculated separately.

Q2: Does this route include international air tickets? Which city do we fly to for joining the group?

A: International round-trip air tickets and ground transportation are not included. You need to purchase them yourself and fly to São Paulo to join the group. The group is received in São Paulo on Day 1 of the itinerary and disbands in São Paulo on Day 22. South America internal segment air tickets are already included in the tour price; the specific number of segments is subject to the day-by-day itinerary, and no separate purchase is required.

Q3: If I sign up alone, will I be charged a single supplement?

A: When signing up alone, you will by default share a double room with a same-sex group member or the tour leader. Only if the room-sharing arrangement cannot be successfully matched will you need to pay a single supplement; the exact amount is subject to confirmation by customer service. If a married couple, mother and daughter, or father and son wish to share one room, they should state this in advance at the time of registration.

Q4: How do I choose between Easter Island and the winery?

A: The base price corresponds to Route A, the winery wine-tasting cultural tour, with Days 11–12 covering a Chilean winery and a one-day tour of Santiago; Route B swaps in Easter Island, offers a higher meal standard and more specialty meals, and includes the Nazca Lines small-aircraft flight as a complimentary inclusion. To choose Route B, you must check the option in the itinerary options and confirm the price difference; at registration, it is recommended to confirm in writing which route you will take.

Q5: Can people over 70 sign up? What do they need to prepare?

A: Yes, they can sign up, but travelers over 70 or guests with special medical conditions need to fill out a tour participation liability waiver. For the high-altitude section, it is recommended to have a doctor assess cardiopulmonary condition before departure and to allow extra time to slow down the pace in Cusco.

Practical Resources

I. Reference Materials

• USITrip product page — day-by-day itinerary, cost inclusions, and cancellation terms for the 22-day in-depth tour of five South American countries
• Museu do Futebol official website — opening hours, ticket prices, and temporary exhibition schedule for the São Paulo Football Museum
• MASP official website — daily opening hours, ticket prices, and free admission periods for the São Paulo Museum of Art
• Trem do Corcovado official website — schedules for the Corcovado mountain train in Rio and tickets for the Christ the Redeemer statue

The sources below were verified in November 2026; visa policies, opening hours, tickets, and tour dates change frequently, so before traveling please refer to the latest announcements on the official pages and product pages.

II. About USITrip

Founded in 2004, USITrip is a comprehensive service platform for Chinese-speaking travelers focusing on destinations in North America and worldwide. The brand's official main site is www.usitour.com, and the official booking store is www.usitrip.com; both belong to UnitedStars International Ltd.

The group is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, USA, and holds an authoritative travel agency license from the State of California (CST #2110393-40); its Greater China operations center is located in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, providing seamless 7×24 customer support in multiple languages including Chinese, English, and Cantonese.