17-Day Southern Americas Classic Highlights: Argentina, Uruguay, Chile & Peru in July
Embark on an unforgettable Southern Americas odyssey that traverses four distinct nations, connecting the 'Paris of the South' to the 'Lost City of the Incas.' This 17-day route is meticulously designed for families, blending the sophisticated urban charm of Atlantic capitals with the awe-inspiring heights of the Andes, all while maintaining a comfortable pace and kid-friendly focus.
Traveling in July offers a unique perspective: experience the crisp, invigorating winter air of Buenos Aires and Santiago, perfect for city walking, before heading north to Peru's highlands during their sunny dry season. From high-speed ferries across the Rio de la Plata to scenic flights over the cordillera, this journey prioritizes convenience and iconic landmarks, ensuring a seamless adventure through the heart of South American history.
Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina - The Grand Arrival
Arrival at Ezeiza International Airport
Touch down in Argentina's vibrant capital. Complete immigration and secure a private transfer to your hotel in the leafy Recoleta district.
Lunch at a Traditional Parrilla
Introduce the family to Argentine cuisine with a relaxed lunch at a local steakhouse, featuring kid-friendly empanadas and world-class malbec for the adults.
Recoleta Cemetery Tour
Explore the stunning architecture of this famous 'city of the dead,' visiting the final resting place of Eva Perón.
Walk along Avenida Alvear
Take a gentle evening stroll past the city's most elegant mansions and luxury boutiques as the city lights up.
Day 2: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Parks and Planetariums
Palermo Woods (Bosques de Palermo)
Rent pedal boats on the lake and let the children run free in Buenos Aires' largest green space.
Galileo Galilei Planetarium
Visit this iconic mid-century modern building for an immersive space show that kids of all ages will enjoy.
Malba Museum
Explore modern Latin American art in a building that is an architectural masterpiece itself.
Evening Pizza in Calle Corrientes
Dine at a historic pizzeria like Guerrín, famous for its thick-crust 'muzzarella' and lively atmosphere.
Day 3: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Tango and Tradition
Plaza de Mayo & Casa Rosada
Witness the political heart of Argentina, including the famous balcony where Evita addressed the crowds.
San Telmo Market
Browse through antiques and watch street performers in the city's oldest neighborhood.
La Boca & Caminito
Explore the colorful tin houses and watch tango dancers perform on the cobblestone streets.
Family-Friendly Tango Show
Experience the passion of Tango at a dinner show that caters to families with early start times.
Day 4: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Delta Discovery
Train to Tigre
Take the scenic 'Tren de la Costa' from Retiro station out to the lush Tigre Delta.
Boat Tour of the Islands
Navigate the labyrinth of waterways to see how locals live in stilt houses along the river.
Puerto de Frutos
Lunch and souvenir shopping at this massive open-air craft and furniture market.
Return to the City
Head back to Buenos Aires for a final evening of Argentine gelato.
Day 5: Buenos Aires to Montevideo (Argentina/Uruguay)
Buquebus Ferry Departure
Board the high-speed ferry across the Rio de la Plata, a comfortable 2-hour journey to Uruguay.
Check-in in Ciudad Vieja
Drop your bags at a colonial-style boutique hotel in the heart of Montevideo's historic district.
Mercado del Puerto Lunch
Enjoy an authentic Uruguayan 'asado' at the iron-structured port market.
Plaza Independencia
Walk through the gateway of the old city and see the Artigas Mausoleum.
Day 6: Montevideo, Uruguay - Coastal Calm
The Rambla Walk
Join the locals for a walk or bike ride along the world's longest continuous sidewalk facing the sea.
Pocitos Beach
Relax on the sands of this upscale neighborhood beach, perfect for kids to play even in winter.
Legislative Palace Tour
Visit one of the most beautiful parliament buildings in the world, renowned for its marble interiors.
Uruguayan Wine Tasting
Sample the famous Tannat grape at a local wine bar while the kids enjoy fresh local juices.
Day 7: Montevideo to Santiago (Uruguay/Chile)
Park Rodó Exploration
Visit the amusement park and lake in this central green lung of the city before leaving.
Flight to Santiago, Chile
Board a direct flight over the continent toward the snow-capped Andes.
Sky Costanera
Head straight to the tallest building in South America for 360-degree views of the Andes mountains.
Dinner in Barrio Lastarria
Enjoy a sophisticated meal in this European-style neighborhood full of culture and cafes.
Day 8: Santiago, Chile - Hills and History
Cerro San Cristóbal
Ride the historic funicular up the hill to visit the sanctuary and enjoy the best views of the city.
Metropolitan Park & Zoo
Located on the hillside, this is a perfect stop for families with younger children.
Plaza de Armas
Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and watch the chess players in the city’s central square.
Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
Introduce the family to the ancient cultures of the Americas before heading to Peru.
Day 9: Santiago, Chile - Valparaiso Day Trip
Drive to the Coast
Head through the wine valleys toward the colorful port city of Valparaiso.
Street Art and Ascensores
Explore the hilltop murals and ride the century-old wooden elevators (ascensores).
Lunch at a Hilltop Cafe
Enjoy fresh Pacific seafood with a view of the harbor.
Viña del Mar Flower Clock
A quick stop at the neighboring 'Garden City' to see the famous floral clock.
Day 10: Santiago, Chile - Winter Magic
Andean Foothills Excursion
Since it is July, take a half-day trip to see the snow at a nearby ski resort like Valle Nevado.
Pueblito Los Dominicos
Browse for high-quality lapis lazuli jewelry and traditional Chilean crafts in this simulated village.
Bicentennial Park
Watch the flamingos and koi fish in the ponds of this modern, upscale park in Vitacura.
Farewell Chilean Dinner
Try 'Pastel de Choclo' (corn pie), a hearty local favorite that children usually love.
Day 11: Santiago to Cusco (Chile/Peru)
Morning Flight to Cusco
Fly from Santiago to Cusco (usually via Lima) to begin the Andean leg of the journey.
Acclimatization in Cusco
Check into your hotel and rest. Drink 'mate de coca' to help with the 3,400m altitude.
Gentle Walk to Plaza de Armas
See the stunning Cusco Cathedral and the colonial arcades as the sun sets.
Light Andean Soup Dinner
Keep meals light on the first day at altitude; try a local quinoa soup.
Day 12: Cusco, Peru - Imperial Capital
Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
Marvel at the precision of Incan masonry at this temple upon which a Spanish convent was built.
San Pedro Market
Explore the vibrant stalls of fruits, textiles, and local snacks for an authentic sensory experience.
Sacsayhuaman Fortress
Visit the massive stones above the city where kids can slide down the natural rock formations.
ChocoMuseo Workshop
Take a family chocolate-making class using Peruvian cacao beans.
Day 13: Sacred Valley, Peru - Incan Heartlands
Pisac Market & Ruins
Drive into the Sacred Valley to visit the famous Sunday market and the hilltop Incan terraces.
Lunch in Urubamba
Enjoy an organic buffet lunch at a traditional hacienda in the valley.
Ollantaytambo Fortress
Explore the last living Incan town and the impressive fortress that defended the valley.
Stargazing in the Valley
Enjoy the crystal-clear Andean night sky, far from city lights.
Day 14: Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, Peru
Maras Salt Mines
See the thousands of ancient salt evaporation ponds carved into the hillside.
Moray Agricultural Terraces
Visit the mysterious circular terraces used by the Incas for crop experimentation.
Vistadome Train Journey
Board the scenic glass-walled train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
Arrival in the Cloud Forest
Explore the pedestrian streets of the village at the base of Machu Picchu.
Day 15: Machu Picchu, Peru - The Wonder
Sunrise over the Ruins
Take the shuttle bus up for an early morning guided tour of the world-famous citadel.
Hike to the Sun Gate
For active families, the hike to Intipunku offers a classic postcard view of the ruins.
Return to Aguas Calientes
Enjoy a celebratory lunch in the town before catching the afternoon train back to Cusco.
Check back into Cusco Hotel
Return to the city for a restful night's sleep.
Day 16: Cusco to Lima (Peru)
Final Souvenir Shopping
Grab high-quality alpaca wool sweaters in the San Blas neighborhood of Cusco.
Flight to Lima
Fly to the coastal capital, the culinary epicenter of South America.
Larcomar Shopping Center
Visit this cliffside mall for incredible views of the Pacific Ocean.
Magic Water Circuit
Witness a spectacular Guinness-record fountain show with lights and music—a huge hit for kids.
Day 17: Lima, Peru - Coastal Departure
Miraflores Boardwalk
Walk the 'Malecón' and watch the paragliders soaring over the ocean cliffs.
Farewell Seafood Feast
Enjoy world-famous Peruvian Ceviche (or cooked 'Lomo Saltado' for kids) at a seaside restaurant.
Barranco Arts District
Visit the bohemian district and walk across the 'Bridge of Sighs' before your flight.
Departure Transfer
Head to Jorge Chávez International Airport for your journey home.
Best Time to Visit Americas
July is a fascinating time to visit the southern half of the Americas. In Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile, it is mid-winter, offering crisp blue skies, cool temperatures (averaging 8-15°C), and the peak of the Andean ski season. In Peru, July is the heart of the dry season in the highlands, providing perfectly clear days for exploring Machu Picchu. It is also the month of major national celebrations, such as Peru’s Independence Day on July 28th, which brings vibrant parades and festivals to the streets of Lima and Cusco.
Visas & Border Crossings
For most Western travelers (US, UK, EU, Canada), visas are not required for short-term tourism in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, or Peru. However, always check the current 'reciprocity fee' requirements for your specific nationality. Crossing the border between Argentina and Uruguay by ferry is a seamless process with immigration handled at the port. International flights within South America require at least 2-3 hours for check-in and customs. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
Getting Around Americas
This itinerary relies on a mix of transport methods to maximize time. The high-speed ferry (Buquebus) is the most efficient and scenic way to connect Buenos Aires and Montevideo. For longer stretches like Montevideo to Santiago or Santiago to Cusco, flying is essential; regional carriers like LATAM and Sky Airline offer frequent and reliable services. Within cities, private car services (like Uber or Cabify) are generally safer and more convenient for families than public buses. In Peru, the luxury trains like PeruRail or Inca Rail are the standard for reaching Machu Picchu comfortably.
