Wonders of South America: 20 days Lima to Buenos Aires

Welcome to Lima, the vibrant capital of Peru. This cosmopolitan city is home to an incredible food scene and some of the world’s finest restaurants, as well as compelling museums and contemporary galleries.

Check in for a two-night stay at your stylish, contemporary hotel.

Set out to explore Lima, a city that seamlessly blends history and modernity. From the meticulously restored colonial architecture to the hidden gems tucked away in its bustling streets, your expert local guide will reveal the city's rich tapestry of culture and heritage. On this tour, you’ll discover the charms of colonial and modern Lima. Admire cathedrals and convents, visit San Isidro financial district and tour the famed Larco Museum. Afterwards, enjoy a welcome lunch.

This morning, fly to Cuzco, the gateway to the Sacred Valley. Travel through breathtaking landscapes to the Tambo Del Inka Resort & Spa, enjoy a three-night Scenic Special Stay at this luxurious sanctuary set beside the Urubamba River amidst the majestic Andes.

Your relaxing stay in the Sacred Valley allows you to experience the history, unique lifestyle, culture and majestic scenery of this heartland of the former Inca empire.

Tonight, delight in an unforgettable culinary experience with a tapas dinner accompanied by local performances.

Join your expert local guide for a walking tour of Ollantaytambo, the site where Manco Inca defeated the Spanish conquistadors in 1537. 

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Indulge in an authentic Andean feast at a local hacienda, where tradition comes to life through vibrant weaving demonstrations and stories of local customs.

The afternoon invites you to wander the charming village of Urubamba at your leisure.

With another full day in the Sacred Valley, discover more of its distinctive heritage and culture.

Scenic Freechoice:
Tailor your day to your tastes and pace with one of these excursions:

Pisac Ruins and Markets: Explore the ruins of Pisac, built by the Incas in the 15th century, and its vibrant markets. Peruvians from surrounding villages come to purchase their fruit, vegetables and meat, and you can find authentic crafts and clothing.

Maras and Moray: Discover the agricultural and engineering wonders of the mountains. Explore the mysterious circular terraces of Moray and the mesmerising Incan salt pans of Maras, where thousands of pools are dug into the mountainside.

Later, indulge in a culinary extravaganza featuring five tantalising meats, each prepared in a unique style using ingredients sourced from the hotel's own organic garden.

This morning, embark on one of the world's most spectacular rail journeys on a Vistadome train that climbs through breathtaking landscapes to the legendary Machu Picchu. The most famous archaeological site in South America, this mountaintop citadel was built by the Incas in the 15th century but remained lost to history until it was rediscovered in the early 1900s. Explore the enigmatic ruins with expert guides, delving into the mysteries of this timeless site.  As night falls, retreat to your comfortable hotel in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes.

Continue your journey by train to the charming city of Cuzco, the imperial capital of the Incas. The oldest continually occupied city on the continent, it sits at a soaring 3,399 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest settlements in the world.

You will be welcomed to the luxurious Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Set inside a 500-year-old mansion, enjoy a three-night Scenic Special Stay ensconced in the heart of this storied city, surrounded by opulence and history.

Scenic Freechoice Dining:
Tonight choose to dine a la carte at the elegant Inti Raymi or dine on a menu showcasing delicious fusion cuisine at Cicciolina restaurant.

Unravel the secrets of Cuzco as you wander through its cobblestone streets and past grand architecture. On your walking tour, you will uncover the history of this World Heritage-listed site where ancient Incan ruins sit alongside colonial whitewashed houses and Baroque palaces. Your final stop will be the imposing ruins of Sacsayhuamán fortress, where the carved stone blocks form the shape of a puma’s head.

Experience vibrant local culture as you explore the bustling San Pedro Market, where traditions, aromas and flavours create an authentic cultural encounter at every turn.

Scenic Freechoice: Tailor your day to your tastes and pace with one of the following activities.

Join an immersive culinary experience offering a hands-on introduction to Peruvian cuisine. Including a guided visit to a local market (typically San Pedro), a pisco sour–making session, and a cooking class led by a professional chef.

Alternatively, join a walking tour of Cusco's San Blas neighbourhood and discover charming cobblestone streets, artisan crafts, and Inca masterpieces.

Later, this evening join your fellow travellers for a sumptuous dinner.

Take a flight to Lima and enjoy a convenient and comfortable overnight stay at the Wyndham Grand Costa Del Sol located at Lima Airport. An ideal option to rest, recharge, and avoid the stress of city traffic before your next flight.

Today join your flight to Rio de Janeiro, a city bursting with colour and energy. Here, sweeping golden beaches meet lush rainforest and lively favelas, all watched over by the iconic Christ the Redeemer. Days by the ocean blend into evenings alive with the rhythm of samba. Settle into the refined comfort of the Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana for a three-night Scenic Special stay, where sophisticated design meets exceptional service and world-class amenities.

This evening, enjoy a warm welcome dinner at a distinctive local restaurant, the perfect introduction to Rio’s rich flavours and hospitality.

Today, discover the beating heart of this exotic city. Take a fascinating walking tour through downtown Rio, home to the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Selaron Stairs. Learn about Rio’s history and culture and get a taste of the local lifestyle. Ride the cogwheel railway to the top of Corcovado Mountain to see the famous Christ the Redeemer statue, a national icon of Brazil.

For lunch, savour a mouth-watering Brazilian churrascaria experience, where expertly grilled meats are carved tableside and served in true local style.

Discover more of Rio with another full day in the city.

Scenic Freechoice:
Embrace the diversity of Rio de Janeiro with one of these Scenic Freechoice options:

Botanical Garden: Walk through the World Heritage-listed biosphere reserve Jardim Botânico while learning about its unique history and its vital role in preserving Brazil's unique flora and fauna. Admire thousands of species of plants and look for curious monkeys.

Rio, City of Contrast: Take a fascinating walking tour through downtown Rio to see its most famous sights while hearing stories of the city’s history, culture and local lifestyle. Be immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of bustling marketplaces and feel the dynamic rhythm of daily life in this captivating city.

Scenic Sunset Drinks
Enjoy sunset at Sugarloaf Mountain, sipping drinks and savouring a local tapas dinner while taking in the breathtaking views of Rio at sunset.

Fly southwest across Brazil today to the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls. The world’s largest waterfall system by volume, it stretches for more than 2.7 kilometres across the border of Brazil and Argentina. Enjoy a three-night Scenic Special Stay at the Gran Meliá Iguazú, the only hotel located within the Argentinian side of Iguazú National Park. A luxurious hotel close to the thundering waters.

Wake up early this morning to watch the sun rising over the falls, a truly unforgettable experience. Then enjoy a leisurely tour to discover the Brazilian side of the falls. Stand on the walkway in the middle and take in this vast spectacle with 275 individual cascades spread over a four-kilometre crescent shaped cliff. Enjoy lunch with a beautiful view inside the National Park.

After lunch, embark on an exhilarating jet boat adventure toward the base of the falls, where you’ll feel the refreshing spray on your face and the sheer power of the cascading water up close.

Optional helicopter flight
Take to the skies on an optional helicopter flight and soar above Iguazú Falls for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of this natural wonder. (Additional cost, please book on tour.)

This morning, visit the Argentinian side of the falls before the park gates open to the public. Around 80 per cent of the falls are on this side of the border and the many walkways that thread between the upper and lower falls allow you to get closer into the cliff face. Walk to the lookout where you will see the famous Devil’s Throat, the largest and most formidable waterfall within the entire system. Be awed by the sheer volume of water cascading over the falls.

After one final glorious sunrise, bid farewell to the magnificent Iguazú Falls. This morning, fly south to Argentina’s vibrant capital, Buenos Aires, where you’ll be transferred to your elegant hotel for a three-night stay.

Discover the highlights and the hidden secrets of the famed ‘Paris of the Americas’ with your local guide today. Buenos Aires is an elegant city with pockets of colourful character, like Casa Rosada (the Pink House), the executive mansion and office of the Argentinian President. Explore soulful Recoleta, where leafy streets are lined with stylish boutiques, lavish townhouses and former palaces, as well as the famed Recoleta Cemetery, the resting place of eminent Argentinians like Eva Peron. Discover La Boca’s colourful Caminito, with its multicoloured houses, street stalls and festive atmosphere.

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Discover the true taste of Buenos Aires with an authentic Argentine asado. Gather around the fire and savour premium cuts of beef, expertly grilled over open flames and paired with carefully selected Argentine wines. More than a meal, it’s an intimate shared experience — unhurried, authentic, shaped by fire, conversation, connection and the timeless traditions that make asado a cornerstone of Argentine culture.

Indulge in another delicious breakfast before delving deeper into Buenos Aires.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from these immersive experiences today:

Buenos Aires Street Art: Explore the city’s dynamic urban art scene on a guided tour led by a local artist. Venture beyond the typical tourist routes to uncover hidden murals, underground creativity, and open-air galleries tucked away in unexpected corners of the city.

Buenos Aires Culinary Delight: Discover the rich flavours of Argentine cuisine on a guided culinary tour through the city. Savor authentic dishes at local restaurants, dine at traditional parrillas (steakhouses), and indulge in Argentine wine along the way.

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This evening step into a world of romance, rhythm and flavour. Experience the passion and elegance of Argentine tango at the spectacular Gala Tango show, accompanied by a sumptuous dinner and fine Argentinian wine. An unforgettable evening of music, dance, and authentic Buenos Aires flair awaits.

This morning, bid farewell to your Tour Director and fellow guests as you transfer to the airport for your homebound flight.

The itinerary on this page is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the land journey or the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.  Hotels are indicative and subject to change.