Embark on a captivating 15-day cultural exploration across Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru, designed for the moderate budget traveler. This immersive journey invites you to delve into rich history at cultural sites and museums, wander vibrant local markets, and enjoy serene nature walks through parks. Capture stunning photography and savor the local atmosphere at relaxing cafes, experiencing the unique heritage of each fascinating country.

Arrive at Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) after your flight from Zagreb.
Transfer to your hotel in the Palermo neighborhood.
Ezeiza airport is about an hour's drive from the city center. Pre-book a taxi or private transfer for convenience. Airport taxis or remis are safe options.
Check into your chosen accommodation in Palermo and take some time to rest after your long journey.
Take a relaxed walk through Palermo Soho, known for its tree-lined streets, boutique shops, street art, and charming cafes.
Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and discover local designers and artisan crafts.
Enjoy your first Argentine dinner at a local restaurant in Palermo.
Try a classic Bife de Chorizo (sirloin steak) and a glass of Malbec wine.
Explore the grand Recoleta Cemetery, an architectural marvel and the resting place of many prominent Argentinians, including Eva Perón.
Consider joining a guided tour to learn about the history and famous residents. Wear comfortable shoes.
Wander through the elegant streets of Recoleta, admiring its Parisian-style architecture, beautiful parks, and the 'Floralis Genérica' sculpture.
Stop for coffee and pastries at a charming café.
Enjoy a casual lunch near the city center before continuing your sightseeing.
Visit the historic heart of Buenos Aires: Plaza de Mayo, surrounded by the Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace), Cabildo, and Metropolitan Cathedral.
Witness the changing of the guard at the Metropolitan Cathedral if timed correctly. Learn about Argentina's history at this iconic square.
Experience the passion of Argentine tango with a traditional dinner and a spectacular live tango show.
Book in advance as popular shows sell out. Many venues offer hotel pickup and drop-off.
Visit the colorful and artistic neighborhood of La Boca, famous for its pedestrian street museum, Caminito, and vibrant street performers.
Be aware of your surroundings, especially outside the main tourist areas. Enjoy the colorful houses and tango dancers.
Enjoy a traditional Argentine lunch at one of the many restaurants in La Boca, often with live music.
Wander through San Telmo, Buenos Aires' oldest neighborhood.
Explore its cobbled streets, antique shops, and historic buildings.
While the main antique market is on Sundays, weekdays still offer charming shops and a historic ambiance.
Visit the historic Corvette Uruguay Museum Ship, offering a glimpse into Argentina's naval history and polar expeditions.
A unique attraction providing a historical perspective. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g312741-d4374530-Reviews-Buque_Museo_Corbeta_Uruguay-Buenos_Aires_Capital_Federal_District.html?m=66827
Dine at a traditional 'bodegón' (local eatery) in San Telmo, known for its authentic Argentine cuisine.
Take a guided tour of the magnificent Teatro Colón, one of the world's most renowned opera houses, admired for its acoustics and architecture.
Tours are available in English and Spanish. Check schedules and book tickets online in advance, especially during peak season.
Stroll down Calle Florida, a popular pedestrian shopping street, and explore Galerías Pacífico, a beautiful Beaux-Arts shopping mall.
A good spot for souvenirs, leather goods, and high-street fashion. Be mindful of street vendors and pickpockets.
Grab a quick lunch in the city center to fuel up for more exploration.
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the modern waterfront district of Puerto Madero, admiring the Puente de la Mujer (Woman's Bridge) and converted brick warehouses.
This area is very pleasant for an afternoon stroll. It's a stark contrast to the older parts of the city.
Indulge in a sophisticated dinner at one of Puerto Madero's upscale restaurants, many offering beautiful waterfront views.
Take a scenic train ride to Tigre, then embark on a boat tour through the Paraná Delta, exploring its unique island communities, stilt houses, and lush vegetation.
You can take a local train (Tren de la Costa) or a bus. The boat tour usually lasts 1-2 hours. Booking: Google Places for Tigre Centro.
Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant in Tigre, sampling local cuisine with views of the delta.
Walk around the charming town of Tigre, visit the Puerto de Frutos market, or explore the Tigre Art Museum.
The Puerto de Frutos is a lively market for local crafts, fresh produce, and unique souvenirs.
Take the train back to Buenos Aires after a relaxing day in Tigre.
The train journey is comfortable and offers scenic views of the northern suburbs.
Enjoy a final dinner in Buenos Aires, perhaps revisiting a favorite Palermo spot or trying a new one, before preparing for your next destination.
Take an early morning ferry across the Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento.
Enjoy scenic views of the river and cityscapes as you cross.
Book ferry tickets in advance, especially for weekend travel, to secure your preferred time and ensure availability.
Wander through the charming cobbled streets of Colonia's UNESCO World Heritage Historic Quarter, admiring the unique blend of Portuguese and Spanish colonial architecture. This area is perfect for leisurely exploration.
Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven cobblestones.
Enjoy a delightful lunch at one of the quaint restaurants nestled within the historic quarter, many of which offer picturesque views of the Rio de la Plata.
Climb the Colonia Lighthouse for panoramic views of the city and river, visit the iconic Portón de Campo (city gate), and explore the atmospheric ruins of the Convent of San Francisco.
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront, soaking in the beautiful sunset views over the river, followed by dinner at a local eatery.
Visit some of Colonia's small but insightful museums, such as the Museo Municipal or the Portuguese Museum, to delve deeper into the city's unique history and heritage.
Some smaller museums might have limited opening hours on Mondays; it's advisable to check in advance.
Take a comfortable and scenic bus ride from Colonia del Sacramento to Uruguay's capital city, Montevideo.
Buses are frequent and offer a reliable way to travel between the cities. Tickets can be purchased at the terminal.
Check into your hotel in Montevideo and then take a refreshing and iconic walk along a section of the Rambla, Montevideo's famous coastal promenade, stretching for over 22 kilometers.
Explore the vibrant Pocitos neighborhood, known for its beautiful beach and diverse dining options.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Discover Montevideo's historic Ciudad Vieja (Old City), exploring landmarks like Plaza Matriz, the impressive Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral, and the bustling pedestrian Sarandí street.
Experience the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the Mercado del Puerto.
Indulge in delicious traditional Uruguayan grilled meats (parrilla) and local specialties.
Visit the grand Plaza Independencia, home to the Artigas Mausoleum, and marvel at the eclectic architecture of the Palacio Salvo, a true Montevideo landmark.
Take a tour of the impressive Legislative Palace (Palacio Legislativo), Uruguay's parliamentary building, and then enjoy a relaxing stroll through the beautiful Prado Park, famous for its Rose Garden.
Guided tours of the Legislative Palace are often available; check schedules in advance.
Immerse yourself in Uruguay's rich cultural heritage by enjoying an authentic tango show, possibly combined with dinner, for a memorable evening.
Booking in advance is highly recommended for tango shows, especially those including dinner.
Immerse yourself in the works of the renowned Uruguayan artist Joaquín Torres García at his namesake museum, a significant cultural highlight in Montevideo.
Enjoy a light and pleasant lunch at one of the charming local cafes in Ciudad Vieja.
Embark on a half-day trip to a prestigious local winery like Bodega Bouza for a guided tour and a tasting session of exquisite Uruguayan wines, especially their famous Tannat varietals.
Requires a taxi or arranged transport. Booking in advance is essential for tours and tastings.
As an alternative to the wine tour, explore Parque Rodó, a large urban park with leisure areas, and visit the Museo del Carnaval (Carnival Museum) to learn about Uruguay's vibrant Carnival traditions.
The Carnival Museum provides fascinating insights into the country's most important cultural festival.
Enjoy dinner in the trendy Punta Carretas neighborhood, known for its modern vibe, shopping mall, and a variety of restaurants.
Enjoy a final leisurely walk along the Rambla, or visit the beautifully restored Mercado Agrícola de Montevideo (MAM) for an authentic experience of local produce and artisan crafts.
Enjoy one last delicious Uruguayan meal at a restaurant of your choice in central Montevideo before heading to the airport.
Arrange for a taxi or an airport shuttle service to take you from your hotel in central Montevideo to Carrasco International Airport (MVD).
Allow ample time for transfer and airport procedures.
Board your flight from Montevideo to Lima, Peru, marking the beginning of the next exciting leg of your South American adventure.
Direct flights are less common; most flights will have one stop. Confirm exact flight times and layovers with your booking.
Depart from Montevideo (MVD) and fly to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, Peru.
This will be a significant travel day, so plan for rest upon arrival.
Book an early morning flight to maximize your time in Lima. Consider airlines like LATAM or Avianca with connections.
Arrive at your hotel in the Miraflores district, known for its scenic coastal views and excellent dining options.
Settle in and freshen up.
Miraflores is a safe and convenient base with many restaurants and amenities.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Malecón, Lima's beautiful clifftop promenade, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Have dinner at a local restaurant in Miraflores.
Discover Lima's UNESCO-listed Historic Centre.
Visit Plaza de Armas, Government Palace, Cathedral of Lima, and the fascinating San Francisco Monastery with its catacombs.
Take a taxi or ride-sharing service from Miraflores to the Historic Centre (approx. 30-45 min depending on traffic).
Head to the bohemian district of Barranco for lunch.
Enjoy the colorful streets, colonial mansions, and the iconic Bridge of Sighs.
Short taxi ride from the Historic Centre to Barranco.
Immerse yourself in pre-Columbian art and history at the private Larco Museum, housed in an 18th-century vice-royal mansion built over a 7th-century pyramid.
It features an impressive collection of Moche, Nazca, and Inca artifacts.
Experience Lima's renowned culinary scene.
Consider trying traditional Peruvian dishes at a highly-rated restaurant.
Lima is a gastronomic capital; reservations are highly recommended for popular spots.
Take an early morning flight from Lima (LIM) to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco.
This flight is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
Book an early flight to maximize acclimatization time in the Sacred Valley. Drink plenty of water and take it easy upon arrival due to altitude.
Upon arrival in Cusco, immediately transfer to a hotel in the Sacred Valley (e.
g., Urubamba or Ollantaytambo). Staying at a lower altitude for the first night helps with acclimatization before visiting Cusco.
Arrange private transfer or shared shuttle in advance. Cost approx. USD 30-50.
After checking into your Sacred Valley accommodation, take a gentle walk around the charming town of Ollantaytambo.
Explore its Inca streets, water channels, and visit the main square.
Avoid strenuous activity today. Stay hydrated and rest.
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley, savoring the peaceful mountain atmosphere.
Take an early morning scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), the base town for Machu Picchu.
The train journey offers stunning views of the Urubamba River and the surrounding mountains.
Book train tickets (PeruRail or Inca Rail) well in advance. Keep your passport handy.
Board a bus from Aguas Calientes up the winding road to the entrance of the Machu Picchu citadel.
Discover the breathtaking ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Explore the terraces, temples, and residential areas.
Hire an official guide at the entrance for an enriching experience (approx. USD 60-80 for a private guide for 2-3 hours). Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Passport required for entry.
Take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, then the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
Ensure your return train and transfer are booked in advance.
Enjoy a well-deserved dinner in Cusco's historic center after your day at Machu Picchu.
Try traditional Andean cuisine.
Discover the highlights of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire.
Visit the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun). Walk through the charming San Blas neighborhood.
Take it easy due to the altitude (3,400m/11,200ft). Coca tea can help with symptoms. Many attractions are within walking distance.
Explore the impressive Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán, located just outside Cusco.
Marvel at its massive stone walls and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Short taxi ride from Cusco city center.
Enjoy a final Peruvian lunch and do some last-minute souvenir shopping in Cusco's artisan markets or boutiques.
Transfer to Cusco airport for your flight back to Lima (LIM).
From Lima, connect to your international flight back to Zagreb (ZAG), concluding your South American adventure.
Ensure ample time between connecting flights, especially for international departures. Check-in for international flights well in advance.
This 15-day itinerary for Buenos Aires can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.