How to Plan a Multi-Destination Trip to South America: A Guide for UK Travellers

✈️ Suggested Itinerary: Five Must-See Destinations

1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
3. Santiago, Chile
4. Cusco & Machu Picchu, Peru
5. Cartagena, Colombia

🧭 Step-by-Step Planning Guide

1. Start with Flights from the UK

Multi-destination flights require smart planning. Fortunately, most major UK airports, such as London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), and Manchester (MAN), offer routes to South America, either directly or with a layover.

We suggest starting your trip in Rio de Janeiro and ending in Cartagena. Both cities are well-connected internationally.

• Outbound Flight: London Heathrow (LHR) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG) — via LATAM, British Airways or Iberia.
• Return Flight: Cartagena (CTG) to London Heathrow (LHR) — often via Bogotá and Madrid.

Booking through a reputable travel agency or using a multi-city flight search (like SkyScanner or Google Flights) can help you save money and avoid complex or long layovers.

2. Visa and Entry Requirements

Each South American country has its own entry rules. UK passport holders enjoy visa-free access for tourism in many cases, but it’s crucial to check official government guidance before you travel:

• Brazil: No visa required for UK tourists (up to 90 days). GOV.UK Brazil Entry Advice
• Argentina: Visa-free for up to 90 days. GOV.UK Argentina Entry Advice
• Chile: Visa-free for 90 days. GOV.UK Chile Entry Advice
• Peru: Visa-free for 90 days. GOV.UK Peru Entry Advice
• Colombia: Visa-free for up to 90 days. GOV.UK Colombia Entry Advice

Always double-check for vaccination or health requirements. For example, yellow fever vaccinations are recommended (and sometimes required) for travel between countries like Brazil and Colombia.

3. Sample Itinerary Breakdown

Soak up the iconic cityscape of Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer, relax on Copacabana beach, and enjoy samba nightlife in Lapa.

Local transport: Rio’s Metro and bus systems are reliable. Consider purchasing a Bilhete Único travel card.

Fly from Rio (GIG) to Buenos Aires (EZE). Flights take approximately 3.5 hours.

In Buenos Aires, dive into tango culture in San Telmo, explore the historic Recoleta Cemetery, and indulge in Argentina’s famous steak and wine.

Local transport: The Subte (metro) is cheap and efficient, supplemented by local buses and taxis.

Fly from Buenos Aires (AEP or EZE) to Santiago (SCL). Flight time: approx. 2 hours.

Set against the Andes, Santiago offers a blend of modern culture and colonial charm. Take a day trip to nearby Valparaíso or the vineyards of the Maipo Valley.

Local transport: Santiago’s Metro is excellent. Get a Bip! card for ease.

Fly from Santiago to Cusco (CUZ) with a layover in Lima. Total travel time: 6–8 hours.

Acclimatise in Cusco before venturing to Machu Picchu via the scenic PeruRail or Inca Rail from Ollantaytambo. Consider a guided trek for the full experience (Salkantay or Inca Trail).

Train bookings: Reserve in advance via PeruRail or Inca Rail.

Local tip: Allow 1–2 days to adjust to the altitude in Cusco before major hikes.

Fly from Cusco to Cartagena (via Lima or Bogotá). Flight duration: approx. 6–8 hours.

Cartagena is a vibrant colonial city on the Caribbean coast. Enjoy the walled city, colourful architecture, and nearby beaches like Playa Blanca or Rosario Islands.

Local transport: Mostly by taxi or walking within the old town. Buses are available but may be tricky for tourists.

🕒 Time Allocation & Buffer Planning

Planning a multi-stop journey requires realistic time buffers:

• Flight delays: Leave at least 3 hours between connecting flights (especially when changing airlines).
• Acclimatisation: Altitude in Peru is no joke. Schedule rest time before strenuous activities.
• Transport windows: Trains to Machu Picchu are often early and require time to reach stations like Ollantaytambo (~2 hours from Cusco).
• Rest days: Build in 1–2 “free” days across your itinerary to recharge or recover from the unexpected.

Using a digital itinerary planner like TripIt or Google Trips helps consolidate bookings and spot any overlaps or gaps in your plan.

🚂 Getting Around: Transport Tips

Flights

• Use LATAM, Avianca, Sky Airline or Aerolineas Argentinas for reliable intra-South America travel.
• Book flexible fares where possible.
• Check luggage policies — many low-cost airlines charge for checked bags.

Trains & Buses

• In Peru, trains are essential for Machu Picchu.
• Chile and Argentina offer reliable long-distance buses (look for Cama Ejecutivo class for comfort).
• Brazil and Colombia are more flight-dependent due to distances and terrain.

😬 What to Do When One Leg Goes Wrong

Even the best-laid plans can go awry. Here’s how to handle common travel hiccups:

✈️ Flight Cancelled or Missed

• Always book with travel insurance.
• Use apps like AirHelp or contact your airline’s customer service immediately.
• Contact your travel agency (like Forte Travel Management) to help with rebooking or rerouting.

🧳 Luggage Lost

• Report it before leaving the airport.
• You will need the paperwork and a police report number if it is unrecovered to make a claim.
• Keep essentials in carry-on and have copies of your travel documents digitally.

🧭 Missed Train or Bus

• PeruRail and Inca Rail sometimes allow rescheduling with a fee.
• Use your buffer days flexibly to rearrange excursions.

📱 Local Help

• Download Google Translate offline for language barriers.
• Carry a local SIM or international eSIM with data to access maps, apps, and bookings.

💡 Final Tips for Multi-Destination Travel

1. Stay Organised: Keep physical and digital copies of passports, bookings, insurance, and entry forms.
2. Travel Insurance: Comprehensive coverage is a must, including trip interruption and medical emergencies.
3. Currency: Have a mix of local cash and cards. Use travel money cards to avoid hefty fees.
4. Health & Safety: Register with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) alerts: FCDO Travel Advice
5. Local Etiquette: Respect cultural norms, learn some basic local phrases, and tip appropriately.

🌎 Ready to Explore South America?

South America is vast, diverse, and absolutely worth the effort. With good planning, a realistic pace, and the right support, your multi-destination adventure will be seamless and unforgettable.

At Forte Travel Management, we specialise in crafting bespoke travel experiences. Let us handle the bookings, connections, and planning — so you can focus on the journey.

Contact us today to begin designing your South American escape.

Viva la aventura!