7 Must-See Destinations for a 2-Week Adventure in Peru and Argentina
7 Must-See Destinations for a 2-Week Adventure in Peru and Argentina - Machu Picchu Sunrise Hike and Inca Trail Trek
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu remains one of South America's most iconic treks, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
The Inca Trail trek begins at an elevation of 2,600 meters (8,530 feet) and reaches its highest point at Dead Woman's Pass, soaring to 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) - a vertical ascent equivalent to climbing the Empire State Building 5 times.
Hikers on the Inca Trail traverse approximately 26 miles (42 kilometers) of rugged terrain, crossing three high mountain passes and passing through diverse microclimates ranging from cloud forests to alpine tundra.
The ancient Inca road system, of which the Inca Trail is a small part, once spanned over 39,000 kilometers (24,000 miles) across South America - nearly circumnavigating the Earth at the equator.
The classic 4-day Inca Trail hike allows access to several lesser-known Incan ruins, including Wiñay Wayna, an impressive terraced complex often overlooked by day-trippers to Machu Picchu.
Despite its popularity, the Peruvian government strictly limits Inca Trail access to 500 people per day, including porters and guides, to preserve the integrity of the trail and archaeological sites.
The final approach to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) aligns perfectly with the June solstice sunrise, demonstrating the Inca's advanced understanding of celestial movements and architectural precision.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Must-See Destinations for a 2-Week Adventure in Peru and Argentina - Machu Picchu Sunrise Hike and Inca Trail Trek
- 7 Must-See Destinations for a 2-Week Adventure in Peru and Argentina - Buenos Aires Tango Show and Steak Dinner
- 7 Must-See Destinations for a 2-Week Adventure in Peru and Argentina - Iguazu Falls Boat Ride and Rainforest Walk
- 7 Must-See Destinations for a 2-Week Adventure in Peru and Argentina - Cusco's San Pedro Market and Cooking Class
- 7 Must-See Destinations for a 2-Week Adventure in Peru and Argentina - Mendoza Wine Tour and Vineyard Lunch
- 7 Must-See Destinations for a 2-Week Adventure in Peru and Argentina - Lake Titicaca's Floating Islands and Homestay
- 7 Must-See Destinations for a 2-Week Adventure in Peru and Argentina - Salta's Quebrada de Humahuaca and Salt Flats Drive
7 Must-See Destinations for a 2-Week Adventure in Peru and Argentina - Buenos Aires Tango Show and Steak Dinner
Some of the top-rated tango shows mentioned include Rojo Tango, El Viejo Almacén, and Señor Tango, often featuring optional dinner packages with traditional Argentine steak dishes.
The results suggest that visitors to Buenos Aires should explore the city's history, culture, and gastronomy, with a 3-day itinerary being a good way to experience the highlights.
The tango dance originated in the brothels and bars of the riverside neighborhoods of Buenos Aires in the late 19th century, where it was initially shunned by the upper classes before eventually becoming a celebrated national art form.
The traditional Argentine steak known as "Bife de Chorizo" served at these tango show dinners is made from the short loin of Wagyu-crossbred cattle, resulting in a remarkably tender and flavorful cut of meat.
The tango orchestras that perform live during these shows use a unique instrument called the bandoneon, a type of concertina that was originally developed in Germany but became an integral part of the tango sound in Argentina.
Many of the tango dancers performing in these shows have trained for over a decade, honing their skills in the city's vibrant network of tango academies and social dance clubs.
The custom-designed costumes worn by the tango couples often feature elements inspired by the "Golden Age" of tango in the 1940s, when the dance experienced a surge in mainstream popularity in Argentina.
The steak dinners served alongside the tango performances typically feature the use of a special Argentine cooking technique called "Asado," which involves slow-grilling the meat over an open fire fueled by hardwood charcoal.
7 Must-See Destinations for a 2-Week Adventure in Peru and Argentina - Iguazu Falls Boat Ride and Rainforest Walk
The Iguazu Falls, located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, offer a range of activities for visitors, including boat rides and rainforest walks.
The Brazilian side provides opportunities to marvel at the world-famous waterfalls, with optional boat rides that take visitors close to the intense Devil's Throat section.
These boat tours typically start with a ride along a forest trail, followed by a walk through the jungle to the river bank, where visitors can board a large inflatable boat and ride under the San Martin drop.
The Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls also offers a variety of experiences, such as a boat ride that takes visitors closer to the thunderous cascades, a thrilling jungle-truck tour that immerses them in the heart of the rainforest, and a scenic train ride that unveils breathtaking vistas.
These activities are part of a comprehensive Iguazu Falls experience, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the natural wonder from multiple perspectives.
The Iguazu Falls are located at the triple border point of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, making it an international natural wonder.
The average flow rate of the Iguazu Falls is an astounding 75 million liters per second, making it one of the most voluminous waterfalls in the world.
The boat ride through the Iguazu Falls takes visitors directly into the powerful "Devil's Throat" section, where the water plunges over 80 meters (262 feet) down.
The rainforest surrounding the Iguazu Falls is home to over 2,000 species of vascular plants, including numerous endemic and endangered species.
Iguazu Falls is older than the Niagara Falls, with geological estimates suggesting it formed around 150,000 years ago during the Pleistocene epoch.
The water of the Iguazu Falls originates from the Iguazu River, which has its source in the Serra do Mar mountain range in Brazil, over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) away.
The boat ride through the Iguazu Falls is designed to get visitors completely soaked, with the spray from the falls often reaching a height of over 30 meters (100 feet).
The Iguazu National Park, which encompasses the Argentine side of the falls, is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including jaguars, tapirs, and over 400 species of birds.
7 Must-See Destinations for a 2-Week Adventure in Peru and Argentina - Cusco's San Pedro Market and Cooking Class
Many tours also include a hands-on cooking class, where participants learn to prepare a delectable 4-course Peruvian meal under the guidance of a professional chef.
The San Pedro Market in Cusco is the largest and oldest public market in the city, dating back to the 16th century when it served as a central trading hub for the Inca Empire.
Visitors to the market can find over 3,000 different types of potatoes for sale, showcasing the incredible diversity of this Andean staple crop, which has been cultivated in the region for over 8,000 years.
The market's meat section features a unique type of camelid known as the Alpaca, whose meat is prized for its low fat content and tender texture, often used in traditional Peruvian dishes like Alpaca Lomo Saltado.
During the cooking class, participants learn to prepare the signature Peruvian cocktail, the Pisco Sour, which is made with the high-proof brandy distilled from Quebranta grapes grown in the Ica region of Peru.
The colonial-style home where the cooking class takes place was originally constructed in the 17th century and features intricate Baroque architecture, including ornate wooden carvings and wrought-iron balconies.
The class teaches participants how to make Cuy, a traditional Andean dish consisting of roasted guinea pig, which was a sacred animal to the Inca and remains a culinary delicacy in Peru today.
The vibrant textiles and handicrafts sold at the San Pedro Market are often created using ancient Inca weaving techniques, with some vendors tracing their artistic lineages back over 500 years.
Certain ingredients used in the cooking class, such as the Peruvian chili peppers known as Aji Amarillo, are cultivated at high altitudes in the Andes, taking advantage of the region's unique microclimates.
The cooking class emphasizes the use of traditional Quechua terminology to describe the various ingredients and cooking methods, providing participants with a deeper understanding of Cusco's rich culinary heritage.
7 Must-See Destinations for a 2-Week Adventure in Peru and Argentina - Mendoza Wine Tour and Vineyard Lunch
Small-group wine tours in Mendoza offer visitors the opportunity to explore local vineyards, taste a variety of wines, and enjoy gourmet meals paired with the region's finest vintages.
When planning a wine tour in Mendoza, it is recommended to hire a local guide or driver to navigate the spread-out vineyards and ensure compliance with drinking and driving laws, while also booking tours and tastings in advance to avoid the crowds during peak tourist season.
The Mendoza wine region is situated at an average elevation of 2,300 meters (7,500 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest wine-producing areas in the world.
Mendoza's unique microclimate, with its abundance of sunshine and low rainfall, is ideal for growing Malbec grapes, which thrive in the region's dry, desert-like conditions.
The Zuccardi family, one of the pioneering wine dynasties in Mendoza, has been producing award-winning wines for over 50 years, with their wines consistently ranking among the top 50 in the world.
The winery lunches in Mendoza often feature a traditional Argentine cooking method called "asado," where meats are slow-grilled over open-flame parrillas (grills) fueled by hardwood charcoal.
Trapiche, one of Mendoza's largest and oldest wineries, has its own cooperage where it produces custom oak barrels for aging its premium Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon varietals.
The Mendoza wine region is home to the largest contiguous vineyard in the world, with the Uco Valley alone boasting over 30,000 hectares (74,000 acres) of vineyards.
Mendoza's winemakers have pioneered the use of drip irrigation systems in their vineyards, significantly reducing water usage and improving the sustainability of their operations.
The Mendoza Wine Museum, located in the heart of the city, houses a collection of antique winemaking equipment and artifacts that provide a fascinating glimpse into the region's winemaking history.
7 Must-See Destinations for a 2-Week Adventure in Peru and Argentina - Lake Titicaca's Floating Islands and Homestay
The floating islands of Lake Titicaca, constructed entirely from totora reeds, allow the indigenous Uros people to maintain their traditional subsistence lifestyle.
The Lake Titicaca homestay experience provides travelers with a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the local cultures and way of life, while also supporting the host communities.
Lake Titicaca, situated at an average elevation of 3,812 meters (12,500 feet) above sea level, is the highest navigable lake in the world, making it a truly remarkable natural wonder.
Each Uros island is home to an extended family, with the islands themselves varying in size from just a few hundred square meters to over a hectare, depending on the number of inhabitants.
In addition to the Uros floating islands, visitors can also experience a homestay on Amantani Island, where they can stay with local families and participate in traditional activities like weaving and agricultural work.
The Uros people have developed a unique system of canals and walkways connecting the islands, allowing them to efficiently navigate and move between the individual floating settlements.
The Uros people have a deep-rooted culture and tradition of building their boats, or "balsas," entirely from the same totora reeds used to construct the islands, a skill passed down through generations.
Each Uros island has a small chapel or temple at its center, where the community gathers for religious ceremonies and cultural events, reflecting the importance of spirituality in their way of life.
The Uros people have adapted their traditional subsistence practices, such as fishing and waterfowl hunting, to the unique environment of the floating islands, demonstrating their remarkable resilience and resourcefulness.
Visitors to the Uros islands can participate in demonstrations of traditional Uros handicrafts, including the intricate weaving of textiles, baskets, and other utilitarian items using the totora reeds.
7 Must-See Destinations for a 2-Week Adventure in Peru and Argentina - Salta's Quebrada de Humahuaca and Salt Flats Drive
The Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Jujuy province of Argentina, is known for its dramatic mountain scenery, including the stunning Seven Colors Hill.
Spanning across the Salta and Jujuy provinces, the Salinas Grandes, or the salt flats in Argentina, are a must-see destination, covering an area of around 212 km2 and making them the third-largest salt flats in the world.
A popular way to explore the Quebrada de Humahuaca and the Salinas Grandes is by taking a day trip or a multi-day tour from the city of Salta, which typically includes visits to the charming towns of Purmamarca, Tilcara, and Humahuaca, as well as a stop at the breathtaking Salinas Grandes.
The Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the "Seven Colors Hill," a stunning geological formation created by millions of years of erosion and tectonic activity.
The Salinas Grandes, or the salt flats in Argentina, are the third-largest in the world, covering an area of around 212 km2 across the Salta and Jujuy provinces.
The salt flats of the Salinas Grandes can be seen from space, with the dazzling white surface acting as a natural mirror that reflects sunlight, creating an otherworldly appearance.
The town of Purmamarca, located within the Quebrada de Humahuaca, is known for its picturesque adobe houses and the famous Hill of Seven Colors, which changes hues throughout the day due to the different mineral compositions in the rock layers.
The Tren a las Nubes, or "Train to the Clouds," is a historic railway that climbs to an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,780 feet), making it one of the highest railway lines in the world.
The Cafayate wine region, situated in the Salta province, is known for its production of Torrontés, a unique white wine varietal that thrives in the region's high-altitude, arid climate.
The Quebrada de Humahuaca has been a key trade and cultural route for over 10,000 years, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the pre-Incan era.
The salt crystals in the Salinas Grandes can reach up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) in thickness, creating a surreal, lunar-like landscape.
The indigenous Kolla people, who have inhabited the Quebrada de Humahuaca for centuries, maintain a rich tradition of weaving and pottery-making, with their intricate designs and patterns reflecting their cultural heritage.
The Salinas Grandes are home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the Andean Flamingo, a species of flamingo that thrives in the harsh, saline environment of the salt flats.
The Salinas Grandes are a popular destination for astrophotography, with the vast, reflective salt surface providing the perfect canvas for capturing stunning images of the night sky and the Milky Way.