All,

I am going very soon to South America. I will be there in total 1 month from which 17 days on holidays. I will visit Sao Paulo (Brasil), Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Santiago (Chile).

What do you recommend to see having on mind the limitations:
1. Sao Paulo - only 1 free day
2. Buenos Aires (EZE) - 6,5 days but I would like to spend 3 days in Iguzau (IGR))
3. Santiago - max. 11 days. I think if I should not go to Machu Picchu.

I would be grateful for any help, tips and tricks, route and connection suggestions, budget hotels, hostels recommendations.
Thanks!

I would spend way more time in BA than Santiago.

yeah but unfortunatley I already booked a fliht. And I would like to go from Santiago to Machu Picchu. Therefore I will have app. 5 days in Santiago.

Or just spend more time in Argentina, then pop over to Santiago via Mendoza or cross over from Villa La Angostura or Junin de los Andes, then head north to Santiago.

You could probably go from Sao Paulo to the Brazilian side of Iguazu by plane, see that side of the falls, then cross over to Argentina and see the other side. From there fly to BA. There is lots to see and do in BA, including a day-trip to Uruguay if you wanted. From BA, you could fly (about 2 hours) to Santiago. The bus route from Mendoza to Santiago is probably closed in the winter, if thats when you're going. From Santiago, you will have to fly to Lima, then connect to Cusco to get to Machu Picchu. Depending on your schedule, Lima is worth some time as well, but spend the most of your time left in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and MP.

IF I were you I would not go to Santiago and would go throughout Bolivia to Machu Pichu watching what there is in between!!!!! I would go from Iguazu by plane to Salta take two days for Cafayate, and two days to reach the border, probably in a tour finishing in LA QUIACA (if skipping th e salt fats, probably one day!), the border. From there a tour (five days through Volcanos, desert and lagoons in the magnific bolivian altiplano finishing in UYUNI, from UYUNI to Oruro by bus, from Oruro to La Paz by bus (3 hrs) and from la Paz to Copacabana, Copacabana - Puno - Puno Cuzco.... But believe, veeeeeeery beautiful and interesting... if you feel you do not have enoughtime to go on a 5-day tour just take a train from the border to ORURO (15 hrs, but very comfy) and from there La PAZ in only 3 more hours, about 4 hours to Copacabna,...
Here some info about trains in Bolivia
http://www.fca.com.bo/Servicios_arch...itinerario.jpg
I am sure you will really enjoy this trip!
Flintstones

Thanks for all tips and suggestions.
I cannot plan certain routs as you suggest. I am on business trip and after that my boss gave me 2,5 weeks of holidays.
So these 3 cities are compulsory . The only thing I was able to change was the midstop for 6,5 days in BA while being back to Europe.
I know I cannot see everything, but anyway this trip was very unexpected for me so even if it is not effectively planned due to short time I really hope enjoy it.

For you one day in São Paulo if you are interesting in art there are a number of great museums: MASP, MAM, MAC, the Pinacoteca. The buffet lunch in MAM is particularly good.

The central food market is also amazing--more tropical fruit than I've ever seen. Going to the lookout on top of the Banespa Building is also highly recommended to see the astounding scale of the city.

In Buenos Aires you should take a city tour (if it's a private one better) so you can see the main spots of the city and if you have free time you can go back to the ones you liked most. I said a private one because the guide will assist you exclusively and not 20 others more. I would recommend you see a tango show and you can take daytrips to an estancia or to the Delta in Tigre.
Iguazú: 2 nights should be enough, you spend the hole day exploring Argentina's side, and half day in Brazil.

From Santiago you can take a day trip over to Valparaiso, "the San Francisco of SA", and Vina del Mar, supposedly a hip place these days, although not as colorful as other places.

Sorry if this a bit of a late post but sounds like a great trip! I HIGHLY recommend seeing a River Plate or Boca Juniors game if you can while you're in Buenos Aires (Schedule: http://www.bocajuniors.com.ar/english/). I saw one while I was visiting there and it was awesome, nothing like seeing a game in America or even many places in Europe.

If you have enough time (I think you said you did) definitely go to Machu Picchu, it's amazing. I recommend these guys: http://bit.ly/RvyjC because they take a different route than other groups do (the main trail can get pretty crowded especially during vacation months.