I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for a 10-12 day trip in South America in December. I was wanting to go to Machu Picchu, Buenos Aires, and Rio de Janiero....or a combination of 2. Any suggestions would be appreciated!!
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I meant Brazil, not just rio de janiero
That is three countries in 10-12 days. Too much, I think. You could spend three days each in BA and Rio, but Machu Picchu will require more time. You will have to fly into Lima and then on to Cusco. It isn't an area to be rushed, as much for adapting to the altitude as seeing what there is to see. Between destinations you will also lose days.
Absolutely no more than two destinations, even if you are the "if this is Tuesday it must be Machu Picchu" type.
not bad fully consist proram! good luck!
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As helpful as Katherine's suggestion is, I really don't think this is doable. Flights in South America always go via the capital / main city of a country. Every time you fly that is a day gone, maybe more in some case. Don't do it to yourself is my advice.
Pick on eo fthe three countries and focus on a segment of it that you like to see in 12 days. For exmaple:
Peru: Lima, Cuzco, Lares Trek, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicac if you have time.
Argentina: BA, Iguazu, Salta.
Brazil: Rio, Ilha Grande, Paraty.
I would also add the Colca Canyon and Arequipa to your Peru travel if you decide to focus in on only Peru!
Also if you decide to focus on Argentina and are in the Salta area, you could cross over into Bolivia and visit the Uyuni Salt Flats.However if it came down to going to the Iguazu Falls or Uyuni i would suggest the falls, which are out of this world!
I would definitely do more research about what each country offers and what you really want to see, and what you feel is manageable.
Happy travel planning!
Katherine