South American Adventure: Lima, Buenos Aires & Iguazú (Oct 2‑16)

Day 1: Arrival & Historic Center of Lima

Morning: After checking into your hotel in Miraflores, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and stroll along the Malecón for stunning ocean views.

Afternoon: Explore the Historic Center of Lima, visiting the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, and the Government Palace while learning about the city’s colonial roots.

Evening: Dine at a traditional restaurant in the Barranco district and admire the vibrant street art as the sun sets over the Pacific.

Day 2: Museums & Pre‑Columbian Heritage

Morning: Tour the impressive Larco Museum, home to an extensive collection of pre‑Columbian ceramics and gold artifacts.

Afternoon: Visit the San Francisco Monastery to admire its catacombs and baroque library, then wander the nearby San Francisco Square market.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner in Miraflores, perhaps trying ceviche at a seaside terrace.

Day 3: Coastal Nature & Parks

Morning: Walk through the lush Parque del Amor and watch the waves crash against the cliffs.

Afternoon: Rent bicycles and ride along the Miraflores Boardwalk, stopping at the iconic “Huaca Pucllana” archaeological site for a quick exploration.

Evening: Relax at a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the Pacific, sipping a Pisco Sour.

Day 4: Artistic Barranco & Sunset

Morning: Discover the bohemian vibe of Barranco, visiting the Bridge of Sighs and local galleries.

Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the Mario Testino Museum (MATE) to see contemporary photography alongside historic portraits.

Evening: Head to the “Parque de las Luces” for a sunset picnic with views of the city lights.

Day 5: Free Day & Culinary Exploration

Morning: Browse the bustling Mercado de Surquillo for fresh fruit, local snacks, and cooking inspiration.

Afternoon: Join a short cooking class to learn how to prepare authentic Peruvian dishes like lomo saltado.

Evening: Enjoy your creations paired with a glass of Peruvian wine at the cooking school.

Day 6: Arrival in Buenos Aires

Morning: Fly to Buenos Aires, settle into your boutique hotel in Palermo.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk through the tree‑lined streets of Palermo Soho, admiring street art and boutique shops.

Evening: Experience a welcome dinner with a live tango show in the historic San Telmo neighborhood.

Day 7: Historic Downtown & Plaza de Mayo

Morning: Visit the iconic Plaza de Mayo, the Casa Rosada, and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Afternoon: Tour the ornate Recoleta Cemetery, home to Eva Perón’s tomb and impressive mausoleums.

Evening: Stroll through the illuminated Jardín Japonés in Palermo, enjoying its serene ponds and bridges.

Day 8: Parks & Ecological Reserve

Morning: Rent a kayak or paddleboard on the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur, spotting local birdlife.

Afternoon: Relax in the expansive Bosques de Palermo, visiting the Rose Garden and the lake.

Evening: Dine at a parrilla (steakhouse) in Palermo Hollywood, sampling Argentina’s famous beef.

Day 9: Travel to Puerto Iguazú

Morning: Fly to Puerto Iguazú and check into a jungle‑edge lodge.

Afternoon: Take a short orientation walk to the Guaraní Village, learning about local indigenous culture.

Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner by the river, listening to the distant roar of the falls.

Day 10: Iguazú Falls – Upper Circuit

Morning: Enter the Iguazú National Park (Argentinian side) and hike the Upper Circuit for panoramic views of the cascades.

Afternoon: Continue to the Lower Circuit, getting up close to the thunderous waterfalls and misty spray.

Evening: Relax at the lodge’s spa and enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties.

Day 11: Iguazú Falls – Devil’s Throat & Jungle Trail

Morning: Board a speedboat to the spectacular Devil’s Throat, feeling the power of the main waterfall up close.

Afternoon: Explore the Rainforest Trail, spotting toucans, monkeys, and exotic orchids.

Evening: Sunset viewpoint at the “Garganta del Diablo” lookout, followed by a hearty lodge dinner.

Day 12: Bird Park & Cultural Experience

Morning: Visit the nearby Parque das Aves (Bird Park) to see colorful macaws, flamingos, and rescued wildlife.

Afternoon: Participate in a traditional Guaraní craft workshop, creating handmade jewelry.

Evening: Night walk in the lodge’s surrounding forest, listening for nocturnal animal calls.

Day 13: Itaipu Dam Excursion

Morning: Cross into Brazil for a guided tour of the massive Itaipu Dam, learning about its engineering marvel.

Afternoon: Return to Puerto Iguazú and enjoy free time exploring the town’s market for souvenirs.

Evening: Farewell dinner featuring a fusion of Argentine and Paraguayan flavors.

Day 14: Relaxation & Departure Prep

Morning: Take a gentle walk along the Puerto Iguazú River trail, absorbing the tranquil jungle atmosphere.

Afternoon: Pack, enjoy a final lunch at the lodge, and perhaps revisit a favorite spot from earlier in the trip.

Evening: Transfer to the airport for your flight home on October 17.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Historic Center of Lima – 3 hrs, $15
• Larco Museum – 2 hrs, $12
• San Francisco Monastery – 2 hrs, $10
• Huaca Pucllana – 1.5 hrs, $5
• Plaza de Mayo & Casa Rosada – 2 hrs, $5
• Recoleta Cemetery – 2 hrs, $6
• Jardín Japonés – 1.5 hrs, $8
• Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur – 2 hrs, $4
• Iguazú National Park (Entry) – 5 hrs, $24
• Devil’s Throat Boat Ride – 1 hr, included
• Guaraní Village Experience – 2 hrs, $15
• Parque das Aves – 3 hrs, $15
• Itaipu Dam Tour – 4 hrs, $25
• Miscellaneous meals & transport – – , $70
• Total Estimated Cost – $144

Tips

If you wish to extend your stay, consider adding a day trip from Lima to the coastal town of Paracas and the Ballestas Islands for marine wildlife, or a weekend in Mendoza for wine tasting. To shorten the itinerary, you could combine the Buenos Aires museum visits into a single half‑day and skip the Itaipu Dam excursion, focusing instead on extra time at Iguazú Falls for a more relaxed pace.