22-Day Southern Americas Scenic Andean Route: Peru, Chile & Argentina in July
Embarking on a 22-day epic journey across the southern reaches of the Americas is a transformative experience for families. This route focuses on the 'Andean Summer' of Peru and the breathtaking winter landscapes of Chile and Argentina, offering a perfect blend of high-altitude history, scenic fjords, and cozy mountain retreats. Designed with the family in mind, this itinerary balances adventure with comfortable transit and kid-friendly cultural immersions.
Traveling in July allows you to witness Peru's most vibrant festivals and enjoy the world-class ski culture of the southern Andes. This 'Northern-style' scenic route prioritizes nature, mountains, and water, ensuring every window seat provides a view worth remembering. Get ready to traverse borders via spectacular lake crossings and high-altitude flights in this multi-country masterpiece.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Lima, Peru - Arrival & Coastal Views
Arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport
Complete immigration and take a pre-booked transfer to your hotel in Miraflores.
Lunch at Larcomar
Enjoy a family meal overlooking the Pacific Ocean at this cliffside shopping complex.
Huaca Pucllana Tour
Visit this massive adobe pyramid located right in the heart of the city.
Magic Water Circuit
Watch the world's largest fountain complex light up with music and lasers—a kid favorite!
Day 2: Lima, Peru - Gastronomy & History
Historic Center Walk
Explore the Plaza de Armas and the beautiful wooden balconies of the colonial buildings.
ChocoMuseo Workshop
A hands-on chocolate making class that keeps children engaged and entertained.
Barranco District Exploration
Walk across the Bridge of Sighs and admire the colorful street art in this bohemian neighborhood.
Ceviche Dinner
Taste Peru's national dish at a local family-run 'picantería'.
Day 3: Lima to Cusco, Peru - Into the Andes
Flight to Cusco
Take a short flight to the ancient Inca capital and check into your hotel to acclimate.
Coca Tea & Rest
Sip local coca tea to help with altitude adjustment while relaxing in the hotel courtyard.
Plaza de Armas Walk
A gentle stroll around the main square to see the Cusco Cathedral.
Early Dinner
Try some local alpaca steak or quinoa soup at a nearby bistro.
Day 4: Cusco, Peru - Sacsayhuamán & San Blas
Sacsayhuamán Fortress
Marvel at the massive stones of this Inca site; kids love running in the open fields.
Lunch in San Blas
Visit the artisans' quarter for a healthy lunch with panoramic city views.
Qorikancha Temple
Visit the Temple of the Sun, the most important temple in the Inca Empire.
San Pedro Market
Experience the local life, exotic fruits, and colorful textiles.
Day 5: Sacred Valley, Peru - Pisac Market & Ruins
Drive to Pisac
A scenic descent into the Sacred Valley, stopping at viewpoints along the way.
Pisac Archeological Site
Explore the terraced hillsides and ancient water channels.
Pisac Market Shopping
Shop for high-quality alpaca sweaters and handmade jewelry.
Transfer to Ollantaytambo
Check into a charming lodge in this living Inca town.
Day 6: Machu Picchu, Peru - The Lost City
Vistadome Train to Aguas Calientes
Enjoy panoramic windows on the scenic rail journey through the Urubamba River canyon.
Machu Picchu Guided Tour
Explore the world-famous citadel with a private guide to keep the kids engaged.
Lunch in Aguas Calientes
Refuel in the town below the ruins before heading back to the station.
Return Train to Cusco
Relax as you head back to Cusco for your final night in the mountains.
Day 7: Cusco, Peru - Free Day & Relaxation
Llama & Alpaca Farm
Visit Awana Kancha to feed these iconic animals and learn about traditional weaving.
Leisurely Lunch
Enjoy a slow meal in one of Cusco's hidden courtyard cafes.
Planetarium Cusco
A special evening session to learn about Inca astronomy and the southern sky.
Packing & Prep
Prepare for your international flight to Chile tomorrow.
Day 8: Cusco to Santiago (Peru/Chile) - International Transit
Transfer to Airport
Private shuttle from Cusco hotel to the airport.
Flight to Santiago (via Lima)
Board your international flight to the capital of Chile.
Arrival in Santiago
Check into your apartment or hotel in the Lastarria or Providencia neighborhood.
Late Dinner
Experience Chilean hospitality with a classic 'Chorrillana' to share.
Day 9: Santiago, Chile - City Vistas & Parks
Cerro San Cristóbal
Take the funicular up for the best views of the city framed by the snow-capped Andes.
Metropolitan Park Lunch
Enjoy a picnic or a casual cafe meal within the park's green spaces.
Sky Costanera
Visit the tallest building in South America for an incredible 360-degree sunset view.
Patio Bellavista
Dine in this lively complex full of restaurants, live music, and artisan shops.
Day 10: Valparaíso, Chile - Day Trip to the Coast
Bus to Valparaíso
A comfortable 1.5-hour ride to the UNESCO-listed colorful port city.
Walking Tour of the Hills
Explore Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción, famous for street art and quirky architecture.
Seafood Lunch
Enjoy fresh Pacific seafood with a view of the harbor.
Viña del Mar Visit
Briefly stop by the 'Garden City' and see the famous Flower Clock.
Day 11: Santiago, Chile - Museums & Culture
Museum of Memory and Human Rights
An impactful and beautifully designed museum documenting Chile's modern history.
Central Market (Mercado Central)
A bustling market known for its incredible variety of fish and traditional 'Paila Marina'.
Pre-Columbian Art Museum
Discover the rich artistic heritage of the Americas in this world-class institution.
Relax in Parque Forestal
A scenic walk along the Mapocho River to wind down the day.
Day 12: Santiago to Puerto Varas (Chile) - The Lake District
Domestic Flight to Puerto Montt
Fly south into the heart of Chile's scenic Lake District.
Transfer to Puerto Varas
A 30-minute drive to the 'City of Roses' on the shores of Lake Llanquihue.
Lakeside Walk
Enjoy the view of Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes from the pier.
German Heritage Dinner
Try traditional Kuchen or smoked meats reflecting the area's German influence.
Day 13: Puerto Varas, Chile - Volcanos & Waterfalls
Saltos del Petrohué
Visit these turquoise waterfalls flowing over basaltic lava channels.
Emerald Lake (Todos los Santos)
Take a boat tour on the strikingly green water surrounded by rainforest.
Osorno Volcano Base
Drive up the slopes of the volcano for snow activities and breathtaking vistas.
Hot Springs Session
Soak in the nearby Termas de Ralún for a relaxing end to an active day.
Day 14: Chiloé Island, Chile - Myths & Wooden Churches
Ferry to Chiloé
Cross the Chacao Channel to this misty, magical island of myths and legends.
Palafitos of Castro
Photograph the iconic colorful houses built on stilts over the water.
Traditional Curanto Lunch
Try the island's signature dish cooked in a hole in the ground with hot stones.
UNESCO Wooden Churches
Visit the uniquely constructed shingled churches of Chonchi or Castro.
Day 15: Puerto Varas, Chile - Frutillar & Lake Views
Drive to Frutillar
Visit this perfectly preserved German-style town on the western shore of the lake.
Teatro del Lago
Tour this world-class concert hall built right over the water.
German Colonial Museum
Learn about the 19th-century pioneers who settled in this rainy paradise.
Farewell Chile Dinner
Enjoy a final Chilean wine and salmon dinner by the lake.
Day 16: Puerto Varas to Bariloche (Chile/Argentina) - The Lake Crossing
Cruce Andino Departure
Begin the legendary international boat and bus crossing through the Andes.
Peulla Lunch
A stop at a remote mountain lodge accessible only by water for a scenic lunch.
Lake Nahuel Huapi Crossing
Sail across the deep blue waters of Argentina's most famous lake.
Arrival in Bariloche
Check into your alpine-style hotel in the 'Switzerland of South America'.
Day 17: Bariloche, Argentina - Chocolate & Snowy Peaks
Circuito Chico Tour
A half-day scenic drive covering the most famous viewpoints around the Llao Llao Peninsula.
Cerro Campanario Chairlift
National Geographic voted this one of the top 10 views in the world.
Chocolate Street (Mitre)
Sample artisan chocolates at Mamuschka or Rapa Nui—a dream for kids.
Argentine Parrilla
Feast on world-famous Argentine beef at a local steakhouse.
Day 18: Bariloche, Argentina - Cerro Catedral Snow Fun
Cerro Catedral Visit
The largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere; perfect for sledding or ski lessons.
Mountain Hut Lunch
Warm up with a hot chocolate and 'goulash' at a high-altitude refuge.
Ice Skating at Rapa Nui
Head back to town for some indoor skating and ice cream.
Craft Beer Tasting
Bariloche is famous for its microbreweries—many are family-friendly with play areas.
Day 19: Bariloche, Argentina - Seven Lakes Road
Villa La Angostura Trip
Drive to this picturesque village and visit the unique Arrayanes Forest.
Lake Mirror (Lago Espejo)
Stop for photos at the crystal-clear reflections of the surrounding peaks.
Artisan Market
Browse local woodcrafts and knitwear in the village center.
Return to Bariloche
A sunset drive back along the lakeshore.
Day 20: Bariloche to Buenos Aires (Argentina) - To the Capital
Flight to Buenos Aires
Bid farewell to Patagonia and fly to the 'Paris of the South'.
Arrival & Check-in
Settle into a family-sized suite in the upscale Recoleta district.
Recoleta Cemetery
Visit the stunning architecture and the tomb of Eva Perón.
Dinner in Palermo
Explore the trendy restaurants and parks of Palermo Soho.
Day 21: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Tango & Colors
Plaza de Mayo
See the Casa Rosada and the historic heart of Argentine politics.
San Telmo Market
Browse antiques and watch street performers in the city's oldest barrio.
La Boca & Caminito
The colorful houses and tango dancers in the street are a visual feast.
Tango Show & Dinner
A world-class performance to celebrate your final night in South America.
Day 22: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Last Souvenirs & Departure
El Ateneo Grand Splendid
Visit one of the world's most beautiful bookstores, housed in a grand theater.
Puerto Madero Lunch
A final riverside meal in the modernized docklands area.
Last Minute Shopping
Pick up leather goods and Alfajores for the journey home.
Airport Transfer
Take a pre-booked shuttle to Ezeiza International Airport for your flight.
Best Time to Visit Americas
For this Southern Americas route, July is a unique 'shoulder' season. In Peru, it is the peak of the dry season, offering clear blue skies in the Andes and perfect trekking conditions. In Chile and Argentina, July is the heart of winter, meaning the Lake District and Patagonia are transformed into a snowy wonderland with excellent skiing and cozy indoor atmospheres. This contrast makes for a diverse and exciting 22-day journey.
Visas & Border Crossings
Most Western travelers do not require a visa for short stays in Peru, Chile, or Argentina, but always check current reciprocity fees or E-visa requirements. Crossing between Chile and Argentina via the Cruce Andino involves simple customs checks at the mountain border posts. Ensure you have all entry/exit stamps and keep your PDI (Chile) and migration forms safe as they are required for hotel tax exemptions.
Getting Around Americas
The most efficient way to cover these vast distances is a combination of domestic flights and specialized tourist transit. Major carriers like LATAM and Aerolineas Argentinas offer extensive networks. For international legs, like Lima to Santiago, direct flights save precious travel days. In the Lake District, the international boat-and-bus crossing (Cruce Andino) is the most scenic way to traverse the Andes, while within cities, private transfers or apps like Uber/Cabify are recommended for families.
