Travel South America: Three Top Trip Options

The Olympics are just a few days away and the major sporting event, being held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is inspiring us to plan a trip to South America. Here are some of our favorite trip options from Argentina to Peru.

Buenos Aires

Iguazu Falls
 Iguazú Falls

Earlier this year our correspondent Lindsay Lambert journeyed through Argentina and Uruguay. Here are some of her tips for visiting Buenos Aires.

Travelers should give themselves a few days to explore the large city of Buenos Aires. Planning with a private guide is a good idea; the guide can help travelers visit the sites like Recoleta Cemetery and the neighborhoods of La Boca and San Telmo, or Plaza de Mayo. A top site that can’t be missed is Avenida 9 de Julio. This avenue is one of the most stunning in the word and has the famous Teatro Colon and El Obelisco monument.

Adventurers should visit Iguazú Falls, located just 20 minutes away from Buenos Aires. Best part? The view of the falls from Argentina is perhaps the best vantage point of the falling water. Looking for a private tour of the falls? Contact Gisela Ramos ([email protected]; 011-540-375-749-8050, ext. 5000/5001), she’s an expert on local history and wildlife. To get the best experience at Iguazú, remember to line up early, as there are limited numbers of entry tickets and wrap your electronics in plastic bags to protect them from the spray.  Tip: For an extra dose of adrenaline, consider taking a boat to the base of the waterfall.  Want to find out more? Read Lambert’s full piece here.

Tour of the Andes

For travelers planning a trip to Peru next year, Belmond is offering a luxury train tour through Peru on the Belmond Andean Explorer. This luxury three-day excursion will depart from Cusco through the high plains of the Andes. Guests will visit small villages, the floating villages on Lake Titicaca and Colca Canyon, which is known for condors.  Our tip? Book this trip early, as the train only carries 68 guests. The Double Cabins are the most luxe accommodation option and include a seating area and en-suite bathroom.  To plan reservations, contact Daniel Calderon ([email protected]).

Cusco

Photo credit: JW Marriott Cusco

It’s not too late to visit Cusco this year. JW Marriott El Convento Cusco is welcoming guests with a new “Wonder-lust” package.  The package includes:

A three-night stay in in a Courtyard Terrace Room

Guests will be provided an excursion to Machu Picchu, which includes round-trip tickets via Peru Rail Expedition, lunch at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge and entrance tickets to the site.

Another excursion will include a full-day journey excursion to Maras and Moray, including horseback riding.

There will also be a six-course chef’s tasting dinner for two at Pirqa Restaurant.

This package is available for booking through December 31, use code ES7 when booking.