Buenos Aires & Cusco: A First-Timer’s Taste of South America

Fly into Buenos Aires and transfer by car to your hotel. Drop your bags and take a stroll through the neighborhood’s tree-lined streets, browsing the indie boutiques and street art that give the area its bohemian charm.

For dinner, head to El Preferido de Palermo, a historic tavern turned modern Argentine bistro. The milanesa here is legendary—crispy, tender, and served with a bright tomato salsa. Pair it with a glass of Baron B Brut from Mendoza, a sparkling wine with citrus notes and a fine, persistent mousse.

After dinner, walk a block to Tres Monos, one of the world’s top cocktail bars. The vibe is playful and unpretentious, with graffiti-covered walls, an old-school hip-hop soundtrack, and bartenders who treat mixology like an art form. Let them surprise you with a drink—perhaps a Julep de D10S, a mix of house liqueur, amaros, strawberry miso, and grapefruit, or a riff on a classic with a local twist.

Start your morning with a private city tour, focusing on the grand villas and Parisian-style cafes of Recoleta. Visit the famous cemetery, where Eva Perón’s tomb draws crowds, and wander the shaded paths lined with ornate mausoleums.

For lunch, head to La Boca and try a classic Argentine parrilla (grill) with a view of the colorful Caminito street. The neighborhood’s working-class roots and tango history are palpable, and the street performers add to the lively atmosphere.

In the afternoon, explore San Telmo, Buenos Aires’ oldest neighborhood. The cobblestone streets are filled with antique shops, art galleries, and tango bars. Stop by the Plaza Dorrego for a coffee and people-watching, then visit the Casa Rosada, the iconic pink presidential palace, for a photo op.

As evening falls, make your way to Florería Atlántico, a speakeasy hidden behind a flower shop in Retiro. The entrance is through a refrigerator door, and the descent into the dimly lit bar feels like stepping into another era. The cocktails here are works of art, inspired by Argentina’s immigrant heritage and crafted with local ingredients.

Spend the morning around the Obelisco, Buenos Aires’ most famous landmark. Pop into Posco for handmade leather shoes, a local specialty, then grab a sandwich at Ragni, a classic bakery known for its facturas (sweet pastries) and jamón y queso on fresh baguettes.

Next, explore the Recoleta Market, where vendors sell everything from antiques to handmade jewelry. For a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, head to Verdot Wine Lounge for a glass of sparkling Torrontés, then cross the street to Volta for artisanal ice cream in flavors like dulce de leche and sambayón.

Return to your hotel to freshen up before dinner at Don Julio, consistently ranked among the world’s best steakhouses. The experience starts with a welcome glass of champagne while you wait, followed by impeccable service and—if you're lucky—a tour of the wine cellar, which holds over 15,000 bottles. The steak here is legendary—juicy, perfectly charred, and served with just the right amount of salt.

End the night at Peuteo, a lively gay bar in Palermo Soho. The crowd is friendly, the drinks are strong, and the drag shows are a highlight. It’s the perfect place to let loose and soak up Buenos Aires’ inclusive, vibrant nightlife.

In the morning, explore Puerto Madero, the city’s revitalized docklands. The area is sleek and modern, with high-rise apartments, yacht marinas, and wide pedestrian promenades. Stop for lunch at the Faena Hotel, where the red-velvet interiors and over-the-top decor make every meal feel like a scene from a telenovela.

In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Modern Art for a dose of contemporary Argentine creativity, then head to Palermo for a casual choripán (chorizo sandwich) at a street-side parrilla. Spend the rest of the afternoon browsing the boutiques and art galleries in Palermo Soho.

As the sun sets, make your way to the Four Seasons for cocktails at Pony Line. The bar is inspired by Argentina’s polo culture, and the drinks are inventive and expertly crafted. Try a riff on your favorite classic—the bartenders here are known for their creativity and attention to detail.

Fly to Cusco, then continue by private car to Urubamba in the Sacred Valley. The drive is stunning, winding through mountains and past Inca terraces. Check in at Taypikala Deluxe Valle Sagrado and spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or with a massage. The hotel’s gardens and river views are the perfect backdrop for adjusting to the altitude.

In the late afternoon, visit the Maras Salt Mines, a breathtaking landscape of terraced salt pans that have been harvested since Inca times. Nearby, explore the Moray crop circles, an ancient Inca agricultural experiment station. Both sites offer great photo ops and a glimpse into the region’s ingenious history.

Return to the hotel for dinner, where the menu features local ingredients like quinoa, alpaca, and fresh river trout. The pisco sours here are excellent, and the staff can recommend the best dishes to try.

After breakfast, transfer to the train station for your journey to Machu Picchu. You have two luxury options:

• Belmond Hiram Bingham: This is the ultimate in opulence, with 1920s Pullman-style carriages, a gourmet brunch served on white tablecloths, live music, and an open-air observation car.

• PeruRail Vistadome: A more contemporary choice, with panoramic windows and a menu of local dishes.

Arrive in Aguas Calientes and take the bus up to Machu Picchu. The early morning light is ideal for photos, and the ruins are less crowded before noon. Spend two to three hours exploring the area with a guide.

For lunch, head to the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel located at the entrance to Machu Picchu. The buffet is exceptional, with Peruvian specialties like lomo saltado, ceviche, and quinoa salads. Don’t miss their pisco sour—it’s widely regarded (and approved by me!) as the best in the region.

After lunch, browse the shops in Aguas Calientes for souvenirs like alpaca textiles, silver jewelry, and hand-painted ceramics. Then, board the train back to the Sacred Valley, where your driver will meet you for the return to your hotel.

Start your morning at Taypikala Deluxe Valle Sagrado with a visit to the hotel’s resident llamas and alpacas, who roam the lush gardens along the Urubamba River. The hotel staff can provide food to feed them, and the photo ops with the Andes as your backdrop are unbeatable.

After breakfast, check out and transfer by private car to Cusco. Check in at Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott.

For a late lunch, try the hotel’s Inti Raymi Restaurant, where the buffet features local specialties like quinoa soup, roasted alpaca, and fresh trout. Pair your meal with a pisco sour or a cup of coca tea to further aid acclimatization.

Spend the afternoon indulging in the hotel’s Andes Spirit Spa, where you can enjoy a massage, hydrotherapy circuit, or oxygen therapy to help with altitude adjustment. The spa’s thermal circuit is the only one of its kind in Cusco, and the treatments are designed to relax and rejuvenate after your travels.

For dinner, take a slow stroll to La Bodega 138, a cozy spot with a mix of Peruvian and Italian flavors. The ravioli with huancaína sauce (a creamy, spicy cheese sauce) and the pizza topped with local corn and cheese are both excellent. The cocktails are creative, but go easy on the alcohol to help your body adjust to the elevation.

Start your day with the hotel’s lavish breakfast buffet, then explore the Church of Santo Domingo and the Plaza de Armas.

For lunch, try Ukllay, a restaurant with a rooftop terrace overlooking the Plaza de Armas—the views are unbeatable.

Spend the afternoon wandering the Plaza de Armas, then return to the hotel for another massage (to fight the effects of the altitude) or a nap.

For dinner, head to Morena Peruvian Kitchen, a stylish restaurant just a short walk from the Plaza de Armas. The menu highlights modern takes on traditional Peruvian dishes, with standouts like slow-cooked alpaca in a rich peanut sauce, ceviche with tiger’s milk, and leche de pan (a creamy, spiced dessert). The cocktails are inventive, and the cozy, contemporary atmosphere makes it a great spot for a relaxed evening.

After another indulgent breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey. The views of the Andes as you take off are unforgettable.