Inca Soul to Tango Passion: Essence of Peru & Buenos Aires Tour

Llama grazing in the grass above Machu Picchu, Peru

What to expect on this itinerary

The rugged stones of an Incan fortress tower over the mountainside of Machu Picchu as the melodic rhythms of a tango emanate from hidden dance studios in Buenos Aires. Your custom-tailored South America tour immerses you in Incan history and Argentinian culture on a luxurious exploration across mountain slopes and cobblestone streets. Toucans hide in the jungle canopy and staggering waterfalls cause the mist to rise across the sky. From verdant valleys to agricultural terraces, you will discover how heritage shapes culture and how the past has fashioned the present in Peru and Argentina.

Countries Visited

Argentina, Peru

Places Visited

Lima, Machu Picchu, Iguazu, Buenos Aires, Cusco, Sacred Valley

Suggested Duration

12 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Lima – In the Image of Colonial Spain

The city of Lima shimmers with a mixture of colonial facades and high rises, traditional cevicherias (seafood restaurants) and remarkable cliffs ascending above the Pacific Ocean. Remnants of Pre-Columbian temples rise along the sands near chic cafes and 18th-century plazas. Your flight lands at Jorge Chavez International Airport, where your private transfer greets you upon arrival. The remarkable mixture of historic streets and contemporary life spread from the gold-sand beaches to the mesmeric hills rising along the edges of the urban sprawl. You embrace the welcoming semi-sweet aroma of the ocean as you settle into a luxurious hotel in the bohemian neighborhood of Miraflores.

Your introduction to the vibrant city takes you beyond the hints of lemon emanating from the restaurants, dressing the celebrated ceviche. Your guide leads you to the marvelous cathedral in the neighborhood of San Isidro. The structure was first erected in the 1530s upon Spanish arrival to the city. The main portal at the center of the tripartite doorway contains Lima’s coat-of-arms and two slate spires of neoclassical design. The interior contains hints of myrrh drifting through the 14 chapels, connecting to the Square of the Orange Trees. Your guide brings your attention to the sleeping lion statue, demarcating the tomb of Spanish Conquistador Francisco Pizarro, the founder of Lima.

What's Included:

Transfer
Tour
Accommodation
Day 2

Lima – The Vibrant Life of Lima, Past, and Present

Day 3

Cusco – Colonial Vision of an Incan City

Day 4

Cusco – Taking Heart in the Sacred Valley

Day 5

Aguas Calientes – Touching the Hidden Stones

Day 6

Cusco – Hidden Wonder in the Hidden City

Day 7

Iguazu – From Hidden Charm to Visible Power

Day 8

Iguazu – Above and Below the Billowing Waters

Day 9

Buenos Aires – Brazilian View to Colonial Facades

Day 10

Buenos Aires – Before the Tango

Day 11

Buenos Aires – In the Liberty of Buenos Aires

Day 12

Buenos Aires – Morning of Medialunas

Trip Highlights

  • Discover the treasured temples and homes hidden on a high-altitude plateau in the Andes at Machu Picchu
  • Witness the preserved Incan architecture and Andean culture in the town of Pisac
  • Traverse the remarkable walkways of Iguazu National Park for different perspectives of the stunning magnificence of Iguazu Falls
  • Delight in the marvelous neighborhoods of Buenos Aires for an in-depth experience of antique architecture, contemporary life, and timeless tango
  • Step beneath the colorful façade of San Francisco Monastery in Lima to view the unique catacombs of the city’s Spanish colonial history
  • Stroll along the antique walls of Coricancha, the former Incan Temple of the Sun in the remarkable high-altitude city of Cuzco
  • Visit the hidden Temple of the Moon at Machu Picchu, connected to the secluded city by a narrow trail hugging a steep cliff
  • Cruise the canal of the Tigre Delta for a relaxing and refreshing view of the Argentine pampas
  • See the tomb of the legendary Spanish Conquistador Francisco Pizarro, located in the Lima

Detailed Description

South America offers endless cultural exploration for immersive experiences amidst Andean heritage and life on the pampas, colorful textiles, and enthusiastic dances. Your 12-day tour of South American takes you from Peru to Argentina, emphasizing the unique characteristic of Incan history and the contemporary lifestyle of Buenos Aires. The distinctive properties of the landscape help shape tradition, and the exciting scenery captivates and inspires. Your South American tour begins with your arrival in Lima. Contemporary life meets tradition along the streets of Peru’s capital city. Your private transfer meets you at the airport and escorts you to a luxurious hotel in the chic seaside neighborhood of Miraflores. You have an introductory tour of the city that highlights how the past and present blend to form a consolidated representation of the country.

The following day, your guide leads you on a full day tour of the city’s marvelous colonial architecture and into the depths of the catacombs beneath San Francisco Convent. Then, you depart Lima for Cuzco, located in the high-altitude hills of the Andes Mountains. After leaving the airport, you settle into a comfortable hotel near Plaza de Armas and take a tour of the preserved Incan architecture and traditions filling the city. You venture outside the former Incan capital to visit the vibrant town of Pisac, which sits at the center of Andean culture. Visit the thriving market and the surrounding Incan ruins before continuing to the fortress and preserved Incan homes at Ollantaytambo. Next, you board a scenic train through the Sacred Valley to reach the base of Machu Picchu. Relish a guided tour of the once hidden city for spectacular insight into the captivating past of the life lived on the plateau.

Return to the summit of Machu Picchu for a morning amongst the ruins, ascending to the peak of Huayna Picchu or traversing the hidden trails leading to the Temple of the Moon. You return to Cuzco in the afternoon and have the remainder the day at your leisure to stroll along the cobblestone streets or visit the art galleries and museums. Afterward, you have a private transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguazu in Argentina. Rainforest encircles the town known for its proximity to Iguazu Falls. You have the day at leisure to relish the luxury of your secluded jungle hotel or visit one of the bird sanctuaries or botanic gardens around town.

Then, you venture into Iguazu National Park to wander the trails. Each walkway leads to a marvelous view of the cliffs encompassing nearly 300 distinct cascades. Cross the border into Brazil to view the falls from the Brazilian side of the river before taking your flight from Iguazu to Buenos Aires. Your private transfer meets you at the airport in Buenos Aires and escorts you to an elegant hotel in the lush neighborhood of Recoleta. Enjoy an introductory walking tour of the city to gain your bearings of a city often referred to as the “Paris of South America.”

Your guide leads you on a spectacular tour of the neighborhoods of Buenos Aires to view the unique qualities that create the city’s vibrant amalgamation. In the afternoon, you meet a tango instructor to partake in a private dance lesson for which the city is famous. Spend a day at your leisure to relish the rhythm of the city at your desired pace. Continue to bask in the café culture or visit the various art museums and boutique shops. You could also explore the outer reaches of the region by venturing to the Tigre Delta to delight in a canal cruise. On your final day, your private transfer meets you at the hotel and escorts you to the hotel for your flight home, leaving the splendors of Buenos Aires behind. 

Starting Price

$4,600 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 2286 reviews

Darrin G.
Peru Tour Review: Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Amazon Rainforest, Salt Flats, Ruins, Village Visit, Walking Tour, Thermal Baths, 9 Nights

My adult daughter and I had the most wonderful trip planned by Zicasso's travel company. Their team was exceptional; educational, on time, and just a pleasure to be with. Our itinerary was just what we were looking for. From Lima to the Amazon Rainforest, Cusco, and ending with Machu Picchu, it was well planned and well executed. We have memories that will last us forever.

Our travel specialist was a pleasure to work with. She listened to our thoughts and improved our experience with her great knowledge of the country, cities, and historical sites we wanted to visit. The travel company exceeded our expectations on every level. Thank you to our specialist and the team she assembled. We now have fantastic memories that will last us forever!

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Kasha H.
Peru Anniversary Tour Review: Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, Sun Gate, Hiking, Scenery, 11-Day Trip

Zicasso's travel agent is a phenomenal trip planner and advisor, and he helped make my husband's and my 20th wedding anniversary trip exactly what we were hoping for. He listened to what we were interested in exploring, provided multiple options for tours and activities, and was incredibly responsive, even after we booked the trip. He patiently answered all of our questions and provided excellent recommendations for restaurants.

Furthermore, he paired us with an outstanding tour guide for our time at the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. He even left us a surprise at our hotel on the final leg of our journey! When we go back to visit South America, we will definitely reach out to him!

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Marlene A.
Argentina Trip Review: Local Cuisine, Football, 10 Nights

Zicasso's travel specialist was absolutely the best to work with in planning a trip to Argentina for 11 family members, with ages from 10 to 73.

We were not sure if we could take a family trip this summer due to work schedules, but we were able to make something work around the third week in May for an early July trip. In a short period of time, our specialist gained an understanding of what our family was looking for and put together a memorable trip. He was very responsive, open to our ideas, and when we suggested an idea, he made it happen. Throughout our trip, he and his team were just a WhatsApp message away, supporting our trip, including getting our boarding passes for domestic flights.

We saw that his company can arrange trips to other areas in South America and hope to work with him and his team in the future.

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Gary W.
Peru Tour Review: Cusco, Lima, Machu Picchu, Lares Trail, Sacsayhuaman, Huayna Picchu, Sacred Valley, Salt Mines, Hiking, Biking, Local Cuisine, 12 Nights

Zicasso's travel specialist was spectacular in every way. From the inception of communication and planning, through arranging for all of our tickets, hotels, transport, and amazing dining experiences, to the incredible support and guides we enjoyed along the way... they were outstanding and we received five-star service.

We were a demanding group of 13, ranging in ages from 17 to over 60, and we all had an absolute blast! We had an absolutely amazing trip. The Lares Trail and Machu Picchu (and our climb up Huayna Picchu) are by far some of the most memorable experiences we've ever had.

Our guide and driver were awesome... kind, professional, and accommodating, and our guide especially was very knowledgeable, with so much respect and love for the surrounding nature and culture.

Our travel specialist was timely, attentive, and responsive to all of our requests, and helped us collectively achieve one of the greatest vacations we have ever experienced.

They were 100% accurate in terms of how to prepare us for the altitude and allow us enough time to acclimatize in Cusco (and with a great, long, mountain bike ride at high elevation). Our specialist provided excellent recommendations for how to fill some additional time in Cusco while we acclimated. We loved touring Cusco itself, and seeing Sacsayhuaman, several spots in the Sacred Valley, and the Maras Salt Mines were all unforgettable experiences. We also loved the hotel she had us at in Cusco. It was a great spot to be able to explore the city on our own time.

After seeing all of the coordination, especially for the Lares Trail and Machu Picchu, we're so relieved we chose to go through Zicasso for this trip and were connected with our travel specialist and her company. Everything was well planned and thought out, and if anything was not right, they sought to immediately correct it. Our guide was on top of every detail and it was great knowing our agent was just a text or phone call away.

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J L.
Argentina Travel Review: Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Mount Fitz Roy, Iguazu Falls, Glaciers, Boat Tours, Scenery, 10 Nights

When my wife and I first considered a trip to Argentina, there were many unknowns. Neither of us had ever been to South America, so everything from transportation, possible language barriers, and deciding which attractions we would enjoy most felt like a challenge. We then decided to contact several travel agencies, but one quickly stood out. Our Zicasso travel agent made a strong, welcoming first impression.

She was always prompt, helpful, and thoughtful with every interaction. It was abundantly clear how much she cared about her clients and her commitment to creating a truly personalized Argentine experience for them. She was patient, flexible, and attentive with every email and video call exchange in order to create an itinerary that matched our interests and needs. Her support continued well beyond the planning stage. She would regularly check in to make sure we were prepared for the trip. She also connected us with their 24-hour emergency assistance service and made time to meet us in person to welcome us there.

Our trip took us across a broad range of destinations and climates, including Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Mount Fitz Roy, and the Iguazú Falls region. We enjoyed guided tours, scenic hikes, and boat rides near ancient, awe-inspiring glaciers and lush, breathtaking waterfalls. Since these locations are far apart, flying was the most convenient method to travel between them. Along the way, we experienced issues with domestic flights, ranging from significant delays, an overnight reroute due to weather conditions, etc.

During our flight issues, the 24-hour emergency assistance service was incredibly helpful, with a majority of my communications handled by the travel agent's team. They provided timely, reliable guidance that reduced our stress through each event. In a few instances, they helped us avoid long delays with their expertise and local connections. No matter the time of day we messaged or called them, they responded with professionalism, patience, and genuine care. This level of quality service showed us just how dedicated this team is to supporting their travelers every step of the way.

If you are planning a vacation to Argentina, I highly recommend reaching out to them. They are passionate, knowledgeable, and truly committed to making your experience unforgettable. You will not only appreciate the beauty of the country and have a relaxing time, but also gain insight into its diverse culture and rich history during your adventures there.

This travel company made our trip seamless as possible, leaving us feeling heard and cared for throughout our journey. Their high level of professionalism, combined with their personal touch and care, left a lasting impression on us.

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Jody H.
Peru Tour Review: Lima, Machu Picchu, 8 Nights

I wish I could give more than five stars. My husband and I took our two children, ages 16 and 11, on this amazing trip. Zicasso's travel experts made great suggestions to help make the trip one for everybody to remember. They and their vendors were amazingly supportive, beyond what we expected during the trip in-country as well.

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

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