Premium Peru, Chile & Argentina

3/5 Based on 1 Review No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Premium Peru, Chile & Argentina
Premium Peru, Chile & Argentina
Premium Peru, Chile & Argentina

Overview

Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 18 Day Premium Peru, Chile & Argentina. Capture the true essence of South America on an 18-day Premium adventure through Peru, Chile and Argentina. This journey showcases the continent’s diversity of natural beauty, historic wonder and world-class cuisine, passing by the Andes and the Amazon, Mendoza and the majestic Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and sultry Santiago, all the way to the Argentinian powerhouse of Buenos Aires. Gain an insight into ancient Inca culture and local communities, indulge in fine food and some of the region’s b read moreest wine, and get to the heart of each destination with expert local knowledge at every step.
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Trip Length
Trip Length

18 Days

Trip Starts
Trip Starts

Buenos Aires

Trip Ends
Trip Ends

Lima

Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Operator
Operator
Intrepid
Trip Reviews
1 Trip Review
Avg. Rating: 3/5
Trip Style
Trip Style

Premium

Accommodation
Accommodation

4 Star

Budget
Budget

Premium

Age Range
Age Range

18-99 Years

Max. Group Size
Max. Group Size

12

Pace
Pace

Moderate

Guide Style
Guiding Style

Fully Guided

Itinerary

Bienvenido! Welcome to Peru. Your adventure begins in Lima, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for a welcome meeting at 2 pm. After, head out to get to know the city on a walking tour of downtown Lima with your leader. Admire the buildings of Plaza Mayor and visit the eerie catacombs of the Saint Francis Monastery, then head away from the tourist trail to Alameda de Chabuca Granda – an area popular with the locals. Stop off at the colourful street food stalls to sample some of Lima’s favourite sweet treats, like Peruvian doughnuts and mazamorra morada (porridge made from purple corn). Lima has one of the world’s most revered culinary scenes, and tonight, you’ll head to one of the city’s best restaurants that boasts stunning views, surrounded by ancient ruins. The creative chef here offers traditional Peruvian dishes with modern twists in a one-of-a-kind environment. (D)

Today, you’ll catch a flight to Puerto Maldonado. When you arrive, take a bus to the port where you’ll board motorised canoes and head into the Amazon rainforest. Keep an eye out for macaws, herons, alligators and capybaras along the way. Here, you’ll find Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion – your Feature Stay for the next two nights. Built in the heart of a 380-hectare private ecological reserve, this unique resort is focused on the conservation of local habitats and features 25 private cabanas plus an on-site team of expert local guides. Enjoy lunch at the lodge, then explore the Concepcion Trails with an expert guide. As darkness begins to fall, join a guided Twilight River boat ride and try to spot some caimans lurking on the riverbanks. Dinner tonight will be a la carte and draws on local Amazon ingredients. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, board a dug-out wooden canoe and glide across Lake Sandoval, keeping an eye out for potential wildlife sightings, like red howler monkeys, giant river otters and colourful macaws. After lunch, you might like to walk along the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway – a 344 m network of suspension bridges that take you high above the forest floor to some of the best places to spot toucans, woodpeckers, monkeys and three-toed sloths. After, join your group for a special amazon experience as you enjoy drinks and snacks around an Amazon bonfire in the company of a local guide who will share stories about the jungle and local legends. Then later this evening enjoy a night walk to discover the nocturnal activity in the surrounding areas or book into the lodge’s spa before you meet your group for dinner. (B/L/D)

This morning, you’ll travel back to Puerto Maldonado, then take a flight to Cusco – the former centre of the Inca Empire. Arrive in the early afternoon before heading out with your leader to discover what the city has to offer. Stop by the stunning Plaza de Armas – the heart of the city, flanked by ornate churches. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cusco Cathedral, built on top of an Inca palace and one of the city's greatest repositories of art. Here, you’ll meet with a local historian guide who will provide expert insight into the building’s art, architecture and history and the surrounding city. Visit the Coricancha Temple – once the most important temple in the Inca Empire. The evening is free for your own discoveries. Cusco offers no shortage of restaurants and as night falls, the city is swept up in a flurry of live music and late-night street food stalls. (B)

Today is free for you to explore at your own pace. Why not head to the San Pedro market, where you can practice your bargaining skills and take photos, then swing by the Plaza de Armas for another look at the cathedral. Speak to your leader about the optional cooking class at a local restaurant using fair trade products, or take the half-day Inkilltambo trek, exploring an archaeologic site on the city’s outskirts. Maybe consider checking out the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, where the massive stone blocks that form the walls provide an impressive picture of how greatly developed Inca engineering was. (B)

This morning, travel through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, passing maize crops and fertile terraces carved into the valley walls. Visit the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba – this cafe provides employment opportunities and job training for single mothers throughout the Sacred Valley. Enjoy a snack and learn how this inclusive enterprise focuses on economic growth, gender equality and the support of vulnerable communities. Then venture further into the Sacred Valley to meet the Willoq community and gain a greater insight into the local lifestyle and visit a local workshop where you’ll learn about traditional textile techniques that are used by the community – you’ll even have the chance to make your own bracelet with the local women. Sit down for a festive pachamanca lunch. Continue to Ollantaytambo – a magnificent example of Inca urban planning and the perfect warm up for Machu Picchu. Explore Ollantaytambo's archaeological site with an expert local guide who will discuss the evidence of the Incas' engineering skills in the ruins of ancient aqueducts, irrigation canals, dams, terraces and centres of worship dedicated to Pachamama (Mother Earth). (B/L)

Today, travel from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes in style, boarding the 360 Machu Picchu Train. High, domed windows offer unbelievable views of the Andes, allowing you to sit back comfortably and take it all in. The train also features an open-air observation carriage to completely immerse yourself in the remarkable landscape. Disembark the train in Aguas Calientes, drop your belongings at your hotel, then take a short bus ride up the winding road to Machu Picchu, where you’ll be joined by a guide who will take you through the ruins and tell you stories of its history. The true purpose behind Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, may always be a mystery since no records of the complex exist. Most archaeologists, however, believe it to be the 15th-century headquarters of Emperor Pachacuti. Later, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. (B)

Rise before the sun and take the winding road back up to the incredible Machu Picchu. On your second visit, explore more of the extraordinary architecture of the temples, palaces and living quarters. Looking at Machu Picchu as it sits against a backdrop of forested mountains is a truly breathtaking experience. Its mortar-free design is particularly earthquake resistant, and the stones are so precisely cut that, to this day, not even a knife fits between them! Take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, then catch a train back to Ollantaytambo. From here, you’ll make the drive back to Cusco for the evening. (B)

In the afternoon, fly from Cusco to Lima, where you'll spend the night. In the morning, you'll depart Peru and head to Chile for the next stage of your adventure.

Today you'll leave Lima and fly on to Santiago, where you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation for another welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe head out and explore the Parque Forestal just steps from your front door. After your meeting, head out for dinner with your leader and group. From baked casserole to razor clams cooked in parmesan cheese,Chilean food is hearty, fresh and delicious. (D)

Get to know the city on a tour with a local guide who’s an expert on all things Santiago. Start in the artistic Lastarria district to explore the charming neighbourhoods, historical landmarks and vibrant public spaces. From here, you will walk to Santa Lucía Hill, where Santiago was founded, for panoramic views of the city. Next, pass by the La Moneda Palace, an ornate neoclassical building and now the Chile’s presidential offices, on the way to Plaza de Armas, the city’s cultural heart. You will also visit Parque Forestal and Bellavista, a blend of natura street art and bohemian flair. Finish with lunch at lunch at Bocanáriz, a top local restaurant, perfect for sipping Chilean wine and reflecting on your walk through the soul of the city. The rest of the day is free for your own explorations. (B/L)

Enjoy a free morning in Santiago. Maybe visit the Mercado Central – Santiago’s celebrated fish market. Then, begin the journey to Valparaiso, stopping off for a wine tasting on the way in the Casablanca Valley. Sitting on a coastal plain between the capital and Valparaiso, Casablanca Valley is Chile’s fastest growing wine region, with rich soil and a perfect climate for chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. Visit a vineyard focused on sustainable and organic viticulture, then continue to Valparaiso, known for its brightly hued houses that spread over the hills overlooking the ocean. Your Feature Stay hotel for the next two nights dates to 1885 during the boom of the shipping port and sits in the historic heart of the city, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Decorated with works by Chilean artists it’s the perfect base from which to explore the city. Enjoy an introduction to pisco on the rooftop and take in the views. (B)

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage centre in 2003, Valparaiso used to be South America’s busiest port before the opening of the Panama Canal. It has since transformed itself into Chile’s most creative city, which you'll learn more about on the walking tour today with a local guide. The hills of Cerro Concepcion and Cerro Alegre are dotted with coloured houses, cobbled streets, galleries, restaurants and shops. Later, visit the Museum of Fine Arts, housed in a beautiful art nouveau chalet. Tonight, maybe visit an iconic local restaurant credited with the invention of chorrillana. This legendary Chilean dish is made up of French fries topped with beef, eggs and fried onions. (B)

Depart Valparaiso and head back to Santiago to catch an international flight to Mendoza. As your plane crosses the Andes, you might catch a glimpse of Mount Aconcagua – the highest mountain in the Americas at 6962 m above sea level. In Mendoza, get to know the lively city with a gentle stroll around its wide, lively streets with your local leader. Technically a desert city, the extensive irrigation system here means Mendoza is remarkably green. Check out the city’s tree-lined spaces – from the sprawling Parque San Martin to Plaza Espana – and get a taste of local life along the bustling street, Peatonal Sarmiento. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner with your group at a local restaurant. (B/D)

Mendoza is Argentina's most significant grape-growing region, producing nearly three-quarters of the country's wine. The climate produces an excellent variety of grapes, with the region's signature being Malbec. Today, you’ll get to experience this internationally renowned wine at its source during tours and tastings at three world-class and innovative wineries, each with its own distinct style and flavour. Meet with a local wine expert and gain inside knowledge on the varieties of grapes and different production methods used at each winery, and sample award winning bottles just as spectacular as the surrounding Andes. After the tastings, settle in for a special closed-door gourmet lunch at one of the wineries. Enjoy several courses paired with wines carefully selected to bring out the flavours in the wonderful food. In the evening, maybe test your palate by attempting to pair the perfect wine with an authentic Argentine asado (barbecue-style food). (B/L)

Today fly from Mendoza to Buenos Aires and then spend the afternoon soaking up the Argentinean capital’s mix of European and Latin culture on an orientation walk with your leader around the fashionable neighbourhood of Palermo. Palermo is a lively area of the city known for fashion, design, green spaces and thriving dining and nightlife scene, and where traditional houses have been converted into boutiques and bars creating a bohemian and atmospheric feel. The evening is free to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit a tango bar, attend a football match, or find a great local eatery and set up shop. (B)

Today, head out of town for a relaxing and enriching day in the northern suburbs of Buenos Aires for insight into life beyond the city limits. Your private guide and transportation will take you to the charming areas of San Isidro and Tigre, where you’ll explore a local artisan market and stroll along the scenic Paseo Victorica, a tree-lined promenade known for its stunning European architecture. Next, board a private boat to navigate the serene waterways of the Paraná Delta, the third largest in the world and discover how local islanders— known as “isleños”—have transformed the swampy terrain into a unique and thriving community. We’ll stop on one of the islands for a homemade lunch featuring regional flavors. Here, swim, kayak or just sit back and soak in the beautiful island surroundings before cruising back to the mainland and returning to the city for a free evening. (B/L)

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you're planning to stay on in Buenos Aires, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise extra accommodation. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Experience Peru's most celebrated sights during an unforgettable day of wildlife activities in the Amazon Jungle and two guided visits to remarkable Machu Picchu – reached by scenic 360 train, this Exclusive Experience allows you to immerse yourself in the landscape.
  • Take your taste buds on a trip with Exclusive Experiences, including bodega tastings in Santiago, an expert-lead winery tour in Mendoza, a restaurant supporting local single mothers, and a traditional Andean lunch in the Sacred Valley.
  • Discover the real Buenos Aires during Exclusive Experiences – a traditional asado feast in the home of a local, and a lively tango lesson with two professional dancers and an insider's day tour of the El Tigre Delta.
  • Get to know local culture during Exclusive Experiences, including interactions with two local communities in Peru, and explore with expert guides in Cusco, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu.

  • Comfortable hotel (13 nights)
  • Feature Stay (2 nights)

  • 15 Breakfasts included
  • 6 Lunches included
  • 5 Dinners included

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
  • Intrepid regularly update their itineraries throughout the year based on feedback and local conditions. Therefore the itinerary you see now may differ from when you booked. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.

Operator

Intrepid
 (166) Reviews
Total No. of Adventures757
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers off the beaten track to discover the world's most amazing places for 30 years. Every trip is designed to truly experience local culture - to meet local people, try local food, take local transport and stay in local accommodation. Led by a local leader, our small group tours offer more a sustainable way to travel off the beaten track, while giving back to the places and people that travellers visit.

Trip Reviews (1)

Intrepid Travel Reviews
Reviews 1 Review
Average Rating 3 out of 5
5 Star
4 Star
3 Star
100%
2 Star
1 Star
Peru, Chile and Argentina 18 Days Premium with Intrepid 2 , Singapore, Singapore, May 2023
I will continue to use Global Journeys as their booking platform as it's easy and efficient to source for the right type of travel objective. Their agent Tracey is helpful and prompt in addressing my querys and concern,s thanks very much. So Global Journeys did well and deserve 5 stars for this.

Using the platform, I went along with Intrepid for read more a 18 days Premium Peru, Chile and Argentina. We (75 yo mum and myself) had great company (in Peru and only ourselves in Chile and Argentina) and guides for each of the countries. Generally, the itinerary was well paced and planned. But the elderly like my 75 yo mum and other fellow travellers may find the trekking up Machu Picchu challenging. However some of accommodation were below expectation for a premium tiered travel hence the 3 stars given.

The below par accommodation included San Augustine Plaza in Cusco where we had stayed for a total of 3 nights where night temperature is at between 2-5 degree celsius in mid May. We slept the first night without heater and not aware there was one until the next morning when we learnt from other travellers. Some travellers caught a cold as a result. Hence we requested for one. Because It’s a very old and dated 4 stared hotel, there is no sound proofing to speak off as a result, besides the bitter cold, our rest were constantly disrupted by noise from closing doors and dragging of chairs from above. The towel smelled musky from inadequate drying too. The breakfast looked like a bed and breakfast. This hotel made us wonder if there is a mistake in the type of package that we had signed up. The only saving grace was the staff who are accommodative and helpful in general.

The next accommodation in Ollantaytambo where we spent 1 night was similarly dungeon style, no heater and no kettle. There was only bottled mineral water and single used shampoo and gel bottles which I feel Intrepid has room to work towards a sustainable tourism. El Mapi accommodation were too near the bar and the music was too loud to allow a restful evening after a 3 hour trek.

Accommodation at Pullman Miraflores at Lima and Hacienda at Maldonado were brilliant.

In Chile, Hotel Altiplanici in Santiago old downtown has no kettle and no lift except for luggages. The check in staff was understanding and reallocated a room on the first floor. In Mendoza, Huentala Hotel is also very old hotel. There is no sound proofing and we can’t get a good rest as we can hear the constant corridor talk and closing of doors. The bed also sag and there is no quilt on the narrow single bed.

Intrepid should select hotels based on substance rather than form. Old hotels may look good and have charm but doesn’t meet the basic requirement of a accommodation which beside being clean is to offer guest a restful and comfortable stay. If we don’t mind such uncomfortable accommodation, we would have chosen backpacker style of travel instead of premium.
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Saturday 07 Mar 2026 07 Mar 26 Lima
Tuesday 24 Mar 2026 24 Mar 26 Buenos Aires
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Saturday 21 Mar 2026 21 Mar 26 Lima
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