Two Weeks in South America: A Luxury Itinerary Through Rio, São Paulo, Buenos Aires and Mendoza

Quick links

• How the route works
• Nights 1–4: Rio de Janeiro
• Nights 5–7: São Paulo
• Nights 8–11: Buenos Aires
• Nights 12–14: Mendoza
• Before you book
• Frequently asked questions

How the route works

This route links four cities with short, frequent direct flights: Rio to São Paulo is about an hour, São Paulo to Buenos Aires under three hours, and Buenos Aires to Mendoza under two hours. Fly into Rio and out of Mendoza (usually via Buenos Aires or Santiago) so you never backtrack.

The best seasons are spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), when Rio is warm but not steamy, Buenos Aires is pleasant for walking and Mendoza is either in bloom or in harvest.

Nights 1–4: Rio de Janeiro

Stay in Ipanema or Leblon. Spend the first day on the beach and at Arpoador for sunset, the second at Christ the Redeemer and in Santa Teresa, the third at the Botanical Garden and Sugarloaf, and keep the fourth for a boat day in the bay or simply doing nothing beautifully.

Nights 5–7: São Paulo

Base yourself in Jardins. See MASP and Ibirapuera, shop Rua Oscar Freire, eat at the Mercadão and book at least one of the city’s great tasting menus. São Paulo is where this trip eats best.

Nights 8–11: Buenos Aires

Choose Recoleta for grand hotels and quiet elegance, or Palermo for boutique stays and nightlife. Walk the Recoleta Cemetery and the Teatro Colón, spend a Sunday at the San Telmo fair, take a private tango class and save one night for a long parrilla dinner.

Nights 12–14: Mendoza

End in wine country with the Andes on the horizon. Stay at a vineyard lodge in the Uco Valley or in Luján de Cuyo, book long winery lunches and leave one afternoon free for a horseback ride or a spa.

Before you book

• Check entry requirements for Brazil and Argentina for your passport.
• Book flights between cities early for the best times.
• Carry a card without foreign transaction fees; cards are widely accepted in both countries.
• Reserve tasting menus and winery lunches weeks ahead.

Frequently asked questions

Is two weeks enough for South America?

Two weeks is enough for a strong first trip if you focus on one region. Rio, São Paulo, Buenos Aires and Mendoza work well together because the flights between them are short and direct.

What is the best order for a Brazil and Argentina trip?

Start in Rio, continue to São Paulo, fly to Buenos Aires and finish in Mendoza. This avoids backtracking and ends the trip at a slower pace in wine country. You can also compare flight options on Skyscanner.

When is the best time for this South America itinerary?

Spring, from September to November, and autumn, from March to May, give the best weather across all four stops.

How many nights should I spend in Buenos Aires?

Four nights gives time for Recoleta, Palermo, San Telmo, the Teatro Colón, a tango class and a long parrilla dinner.

Keep exploring

• 3 Days in Rio de Janeiro
• 3 Days in São Paulo
• Unforgettable Romance in Mendoza: The Ultimate Honeymoon Escape
• 3-Day Luxury Buenos Aires Itinerary
• 3 Days in Santiago, Chile