60 days in South America Itinerary

The capital of French Guiana, Cayenne sits at the mouth of the Cayenne River on the department's Atlantic coast.

Popular historic sites such as Domaine Pascaud and St. Sauveur Cathedral are in your itinerary. Museum-lovers will appreciate Kourou Space Centre (Guiana Space Centre) and Musee Departmental Alexandre-Franconie. Change things up with these side-trips from Cayenne: Roura (Eglise Saint-Dominique de Roura & Le Morpho) and Les Iles du Salut (in Kourou). There's still lots to do: explore the ancient world of Site archeologique Habitation Loyola, head off the coast to Ilet la Mere, meet the residents at Zoo de Guyane, and take in nature's colorful creations at Jardin Botanique.

For maps, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Cayenne trip planning website .

Amsterdam, Holland to Cayenne is an approximately 19.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 4 hours traveling from Amsterdam to Cayenne. Expect much hotter temperatures when traveling from Amsterdam in January; daily highs in Cayenne reach 34°C and lows reach 27°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Sun) early enough to travel to Belem.

With its roots as the first European colony on the Amazon River, Belem has played an important part in the history of northern Brazil.

Museum-lovers will get to explore Museu do Cirio de Nazare and Espaco Cultural Casa das Onze Janelas. Basilica de Nossa Senhora de Nazare and Igreja da Trindade will appeal to history buffs. There's much more to do: make a trip to Estacao das Docas, walk around Mangal das Garcas, pause for some serene contemplation at Church of Sao Joao Batista, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Espaco Sao Jose Liberto.

To see traveler tips, where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Belem trip itinerary builder .

Traveling by flight from Cayenne to Belem takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus, ferry, and car. In January, daytime highs in Belem are 35°C, while nighttime lows are 27°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Thu) so you can travel to Macapa.

The equator cuts right through Macapa, giving the town the playful moniker of "The Capital of the Middle of the World." The city is accessible by air and sea; it sits along the Amazon River very near where it reaches the Atlantic Ocean.

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Fri): don't miss a visit to Jardim Marco Zero, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Sao Jose de Macapa Church, don't miss a visit to Fortaleza de Sao Jose de Macapa, then stroll around Praca Floriano Peixoto, then examine the collection at Museu do Desenvolvimento Sustentavel, and finally examine the collection at Centro de Pesquisas Museologicas Sacaca Museum.

To see reviews, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Macapa trip planner.

You can fly from Belem to Macapa in 2.5 hours. Another option is to ride a ferry. January in Macapa sees daily highs of 38°C and lows of 27°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Fri) so you can travel to Sao Luis.

Located on the island of Ilha Upaon-Acu, state capital Sao Luis represents the largest city in Maranhao.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Centro Histórico and Museu Historico e Artistico do Maranhao. Appreciate the collections at Casa da Festa and Casa de Cultura Huguenote Daniel de La Touche. When in Sao Luis, make a side trip to see Igreja de Sao Jose de Ribamar in Sao Jose de Ribamar, approximately 54 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Igreja da Se, steep yourself in history at Palacio Cristo Rei, explore the historical opulence of Forte Santo Antonio da Barra, and see the interesting displays at Centro Cultural Vale Maranhao - CCVM.

To find other places to visit, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Sao Luis vacation planner .

Fly from Macapa to Sao Luis in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and bus. In January, plan for daily highs up to 36°C, and evening lows to 29°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 14th (Tue) so you can travel to Palmas.

A freshly founded city in the state of Tocantins, Palmas finds itself nestled between Amazon rainforest and seaside savanna, giving the city a varied landscape.

Kick off your visit on the 15th (Wed): immerse yourself in nature at Realize Viagens e Turismo, then admire the sheer force of Cachoeira Ecologica, and then let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour.

To see maps, photos, and tourist information, use the Palmas online trip maker .

You can fly from Sao Luis to Palmas in 7 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of train and bus. In January, plan for daily highs up to 36°C, and evening lows to 26°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Wed) early enough to travel to Cuiaba.

Founded during the 18th-century gold rush, Cuiaba is now a modern state capital boasting an impressive skyline of modern buildings and serving as a major commercial center in this part of Brazil.

Start off your visit on the 16th (Thu): examine the collection at Sesc Casa do Artesao, get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour, pause for some serene contemplation at Our Lady of Bom Despacho Church, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Catedral Basílica do Senhor Bom Jesus de Cuiabá, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Capela Santa Rita de Cassia Centro. On your second day here, explore the striking landscape of Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimaraes, then steep yourself in history at Our Lady of Rosario and Sao Benedito Church, and then pause for some serene contemplation at Igreja Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

For where to stay, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, read our Cuiaba trip planner.

You can fly from Palmas to Cuiaba in 6 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Palmas to Cuiaba, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. In January, daytime highs in Cuiaba are 36°C, while nighttime lows are 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Fri) early enough to travel to Manaus.

It's hard not to get excited when planning a trip to Manaus, capital of the state of Amazonas, and the largest city on the mighty Amazon River.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Museu do Seringal Vila Paraiso and Church of Sao Sebastiao e Sao Francisco de Assis. Museum-lovers will appreciate Museu da Amazonia (MUSA) and Manaus Botanical Garden - MUSA. There's much more to do: identify plant and animal life at Arquipelago de Anavilhanas, see the interesting displays at Museu da Imagem e do Som, explore the activities along Meeting of Waters, and get a taste of the local shopping with Manauara Shopping.

To see more things to do, other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, read our Manaus itinerary planner .

You can fly from Cuiaba to Manaus in 6 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or do a combination of bus and ferry. January in Manaus sees daily highs of 35°C and lows of 28°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Tue) early enough to travel to Boa Vista.

The capital of the state of Roraima, and home to roughly half its population, the planned city of Boa Vista was established in 1890 and designed according to an innovative radial shape.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Wed): see the interesting displays at Espaco Cultural do Forte Sao Joaquim do Rio Branco and then explore the wealth of natural beauty at Parque Nacional do Monte Roraima.

To find maps, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read Boa Vista sightseeing planning tool .

The Route module can help you plan travel from Manaus to Boa Vista. In January, daytime highs in Boa Vista are 38°C, while nighttime lows are 27°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Wed) early enough to travel to Paramaribo.

With the chance to visit a World Heritage-listed inner city, tours of Paramaribo remain among the most culturally enriching things tourists can do in Suriname.

Get some historical perspective at Fort Zeelandia and Arya Dewaker Hindu Temple. Get a sense of the local culture at Saint Peter and Paul Basilica and Fort Nieuw Amsterdam. When in Paramaribo, make a side trip to see Neotropical Butterfly Park in Lelydorp, approximately 42 minutes away. Spend the 23rd (Thu) surrounded by wildlife at Tafelberg Nature Preserve. Next up on the itinerary: walk around Brownsberg Nature Park, steep yourself in history at Historic Inner City of Paramaribo, view the masterpieces at Ready Tex Art Gallery, and see the interesting displays at Stichting Villa Zapakara voor Kind & Cultuur.

To find photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Paramaribo trip maker app .

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Boa Vista to Paramaribo. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Boa Vista to Paramaribo. In January, daily temperatures in Paramaribo can reach 36°C, while at night they dip to 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel to Georgetown.

Guyana's capital and main urban area, Georgetown represents the starting point for many visits to the country.

St. George's Cathedral and St. Andrew's Kirk will appeal to history buffs. Let the collections at Guyana Heritage Museum Demerara and Roy Geddes Steel Pan Museum capture your imagination. Next up on the itinerary: get to know the fascinating history of Independence Square, take in the spiritual surroundings of Vreed-En-Hoop Mosque, examine the collection at Guyana National Museum, and learn about winemaking at Pandama Retreat & Winery.

For more things to do, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Georgetown journey planner.

Traveling by combination of car and flight from Paramaribo to Georgetown takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and flight. Traveling from Paramaribo to Georgetown, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. In January, daily temperatures in Georgetown can reach 34°C, while at night they dip to 29°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Thu) early enough to travel to Margarita Island.

A popular holiday spot for Venezuelans, sunny Margarita Island boasts an exotic Caribbean location, but at the same time is easily accessible from the mainland.

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Fortín La Galera and Catedral Nuestra Senora. And it doesn't end there: explore the striking landscape of Laguna de la Restinga, don't miss a visit to Castillo San Carlos de Borromeo, enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Parguito, and examine the collection at Hacienda El Tanque.

For where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, use the Margarita Island tour itinerary planner.

Getting from Georgetown to Margarita Island by flight takes about 7.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of car and ferry. In January, daytime highs in Margarita Island are 36°C, while nighttime lows are 29°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Sun) to allow enough time to travel to Caracas.

Tropical weather, great food, and memorable jungle surroundings seem like all the ingredients Caracas needs to become a must-see destination.

Museo de Bellas Artes and Casa Natal & Museo Bolivar will appeal to museum buffs. Your inner history buff will appreciate Iglesia de San Francisco and Iglesia Nuestra Senora de Las Mercedes. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Caracas: Sapo (in Canaima National Park) and Saint Martin's Church (La Iglesia de San Martin) (in La Colonia Tovar). And it doesn't end there: take in the dramatic scenery at Salto Kama - Kama Meru, explore the wealth of natural beauty at Salto Agua Fria, explore the activities along Sorowapo, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Iglesia de San Pedro.

For more things to do, photos, reviews, and other tourist information, read Caracas online trip itinerary planner .

Getting from Margarita Island to Caracas by combination of flight and bus takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry and bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Thu) so you can travel to Guayaquil.

Hills dotted with colorful houses and waterfront promenades typify Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city and commercial center.

Get a sense of the local culture at Guayaquil Historical Park and Las Penas. You'll explore and learn at Museum of Anthropology and Contemporary Art and Presley Norton Museum. Change things up with these side-trips from Guayaquil: Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve (in Posorja) and La Loberia (in Salinas). There's much more to do: wander the streets of Cerro Santa Ana, pause for some serene contemplation at Iglesia San Jacinto del Morro, take in the waterfront at Malecon 2000, and relax in the rural setting at Hacienda La Danesa Lodge.

To see reviews, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Guayaquil day trip planner.

Getting from Caracas to Guayaquil by flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Caracas to Guayaquil due to the time zone difference. In February, daily temperatures in Guayaquil can reach 36°C, while at night they dip to 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Mon) so you can travel to Quito.

High in the Andean foothills, Quito remains one of the world's most photogenic capital cities, featuring two dramatic mountain ranges as its backdrop.

Visit Fundacion Iglesia de la Compania and Iglesia Santa Barbara for their historical value. Museo Templo del Sol Pintor Ortega Maila and La Capilla Del Hombre will appeal to museum buffs. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Quito: Cuicocha (in Cotacachi) and Iglesia San Francisco (in Otavalo). Next up on the itinerary: explore the wealth of natural beauty at Cotopaxi National Park, admire the masterpieces at Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Quito, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at San Francisco Church (Iglesia de San Francisco), and examine the collection at Museo Etnohistorico de Artesanias del Ecuador Mindalae.

For maps, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, use the Quito sightseeing planning app .

Traveling by combination of flight and taxi from Guayaquil to Quito takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Traveling from Guayaquil in February, things will get a bit cooler in Quito: highs are around 24°C and lows about 16°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 14th (Fri) early enough to travel to Bogota.

Colombia's heart and soul, Bogota has earned the nickname "Athens of South America" thanks to its abundance of universities, libraries, and lower-level schools.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) and Museo Botero del Banco de la Republica. National Museum of Colombia and Museo Santa Clara will appeal to museum buffs. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Bogota: Laguna de Guatavita (in Tierra Negra) and Zipaquira (Catedral Diocesana & Catedral de Sal de Zipaquira). There's still lots to do: take in the awesome beauty at Monserrate, take in the local highlights with Walking tours, contemplate the long history of Bolivar plaza, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Iglesia La Bordadita.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Bogota holiday planner.

Traveling by combination of taxi and flight from Quito to Bogota takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a bit cooler evenings in Bogota when traveling from Quito in February, with lows around 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Tue) so you can travel to Medellin.

Nestled between rising hills in a narrow valley, Medellin serves as an energetic melting pot of people from all socio-economic classes.

Let the collections at Museo de Antioquia and Cementerio Museo de San Pedro capture your imagination. Basilica Menor Del Senor De Los Milagros and Parroquia Sta Ana Santuario de Maria Auxiliadora .Sabaneta will appeal to history buffs. Get out of town with these interesting Medellin side-trips: Catedral Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes (in Caldas) and Catedral Nuestra Senora del Rosario de Chiquinquira (in Santa Rosa de Osos). Next up on the itinerary: identify plant and animal life at Parque Arvi, take a memorable drive along 2000m Descent and more, explore the activities along Laguna de Guatape, and observe the fascinating underwater world at Parque Explora.

For ratings, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Medellin journey builder .

You can fly from Bogota to Medellin in 1.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of flight and shuttle; or drive. Traveling from Bogota in February, expect Medellin to be a bit warmer, temps between 32°C and 20°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sat) early enough to travel to Cartagena.

The site of the continent's first Spanish colony, Cartagena retains much of its colonial flavor thanks to a World Heritage-listed old town, encircled by old walls and protected by imposing fortresses.

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas and Nature & Wildlife Tours. Appreciate the collections at Museo del Oro Zenu and Museo Historico de Cartagena de Indias. Change things up with a short trip to Playa Blanca in Isla Baru (about 1h 05 min away). The adventure continues: steep yourself in history at Walled City of Cartagena, pause for some serene contemplation at Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver, take in the local highlights with Walking tours, and discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Cartagena trip maker tool .

Traveling by flight from Medellin to Cartagena takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and bus; or drive. Traveling from Medellin in February, expect Cartagena to be a bit warmer, temps between 36°C and 28°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.