Introduction to Argentina & Peru

(12 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Lima, Cusco & Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu

This private luxury tour is perfect for sophisticated travelers wanting an insider’s experience of the best of the cultural highlights, natural wonders and culinary treats in Argentina and Peru, including dynamic Buenos Aires, breathtaking Iguazu Falls, cosmopolitan Lima, cultural Cusco, and the fascinating Inca treasures of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Begin in fascinating Buenos Aires, the dynamic political and cultural capital of Argentina. During private touring with your expert local guide, see the historic Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada, discover hidden secrets in beautiful Recoleta Cemetery, browse select antiques shops in San Telmo, and explore the most interesting parts of the Retiro, La Boca, Palermo and Puerto Madero neighborhoods, including top markets, boutiques, restaurants and museums. One night, enjoy a tango performance at an intimate, upscale dinner theater. One day, take a private excursion to an estancia in the pampas to learn about gaucho culture, experience the traditional estancia lifestyle, dine on succulent Argentine steak grilled on an authentic parrilla, and relax in a park-like setting. Alternatively, visit charming Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay and tour the historic center of this former Portuguese colony and the oldest town in Uruguay. Or, opt to take a private excursion to Tigre and the Parana River Delta to enjoy a relaxing private cruise on the canals of this “rural Venice,” passing gardens and upscale vacation houses. Touring in Buenos Aires is flexible and can be fully customized to accommodate special interests such as art and architecture or Jewish history.

Next, visit Iguazu Falls, one of the most spectacular natural attractions in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a direct view of the falls from your hotel room and private balcony. With your private guide, explore hundreds of waterfalls streaming over high cliffs along the Argentina-Brazil border, travel through the jungle on an open train as butterflies flit about, and gaze into the awe-inspiring horseshoe chasm of Garganta del Diablo, one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls. Also, cruise up the Iguazu River for an unforgettable experience of the force of Iguazu Falls from below.

Next, fly to Lima home to Peru’s best museums, art, shopping and restaurants. Your expert guide will bring Lima’s rich history alive with a private tour of Centro—the old colonial quarter with its narrow streets, grand tree-lined plazas, elegant mansions, and some of the city’s best examples of Baroque and colonial-style architecture. In addition to visiting highlights such as the Convent de San Francisco and catacombs, La Catedral, and the Plaza des Armas, enjoy a private insider’s tour of one the oldest colonial mansions in the Americas. Spend time exploring some of Lima’s most exclusive and interesting neighborhoods such as Miraflores and San Isidro. Browse high-quality craft shops and art galleries, and have lunch at the site of an active archeological dig in the garden district. Explore quaint side streets in the colorful seaside district of Barranco. Enjoy access to private collections and homes of some of Lima’s leading antiques, contemporary folk art, and colonial and pre-Colombian art collectors. Your guide will give you an introduction to Peru’s history and culture with a visit to the country’s leading museums, including an appointment-only museum specializing in ceramics and textiles, if desired.

Next, fly to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca empire and the perfect base for exploring the beautiful Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu—the highlight of Peru. Spend the next few days exploring this stunning region in the Andes Mountains. Touring is with your own private guide, and all details have been arranged to make sure your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possble (for example, oxygen will be provided in your vehicle and hotel rooms to help with acclimatization to the high altitude). In Cusco, explore narrow cobblestone streets, markets, galleries, boutiques and the best artisans workshops. Learn about the fascinating blend of Inca and Spanish cultures evident throughout the city. Private touring also includes a visit to nearby Inca ruins, a private tour of Hotel Monasterio’s art collection, and a Peruvian dance performance. One day will be spent exploring the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas (Urubamba Valley). Experience the local culture and people with visits to indigenous markets and atmospheric villages, gentle hikes to important Inca and pre-Inca sites, a private demonstration by one of Peru’s leading weavers, a visit to a Quechua village for a traditional pachamanca barbecue or a lunch at a colonial hacienda. More active pursuits can also be arranged such as day treks, rafting, hot air ballooning and horseback riding.
  

Board the luxurious Hiram Bingham train for the journey to the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu—one of the most important archeological sites in South America. Spend one night near the ruins. Your private guide will teach you about the fascinating history of the “Lost City of the Incas” and ensure that you have the opportunity to wander around the site after most tourists have left. Spend the following day at leisure at the ruins with the option to hike trails to stunning viewpoints around the site before returning to Cusco by luxury train. Upon request, arrangements can be made to meet a local archeologist to learn more about the restoration of Machu Picchu.

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.
Call us at (800) 214-8144 for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.