12-Day Tour of Chile, Argentina, and Peru

Twelve days are enough to go from the urban rhythm of Santiago to the vibrant energy of Buenos Aires and the Inca heritage of Cusco. A 12-day tour of Chile, Argentina, and Peru requires careful planning of your stops and the acceptance that there will be domestic flights, but it rewards you with three very different ways to experience South America: vineyards and mountain ranges, historic neighborhoods and tango, and the Andes and Machu Picchu.

The key is not to try to see everything. Atacama, Patagonia, Iguazú, Lima, the Sacred Valley, and Cusco each deserve their own dedicated time. For this timeframe, the most balanced itinerary combines the essential capital cities with the Cusco region, avoiding overly long overland trips and allowing time to acclimate to the altitude.

How to Fit Chile, Argentina, and Peru into 12 Days

This itinerary works especially well for couples, families with children who are used to traveling, and small groups looking for their first multi-destination experience. We recommend starting in Santiago, continuing on to Buenos Aires, and then flying to Lima and Cusco. This way, the flights are direct or have reasonable layovers, and you’ll reach high altitudes only after several days of travel.

The ideal itinerary includes three nights in Santiago, three in Buenos Aires, one in Lima, and four in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. The last night can be spent in Cusco or Lima, depending on international flight schedules. It’s an intense itinerary, though not rushed: it includes guided tours, time to explore on your own, and a full day at Machu Picchu.

Days 1–3: Santiago, the Andes, the City, and Wine

The trip begins in Santiago, Chile—a capital city surrounded by the Andes mountain range, with a wide variety of attractions just a short distance away. It’s best to set aside the first day for arrival, the transfer to the hotel, and a leisurely stroll through Lastarria, Bellavista, or the historic center, depending on your arrival time.

The second day is perfect for a sightseeing tour featuring the Plaza de Armas, La Moneda Palace, the París-Londres neighborhood, Cerro San Cristóbal, and city viewpoints. Santiago is best understood by contrasting its traditional neighborhoods with the contemporary areas of Providencia and Las Condes. A dinner featuring Chilean cuisine and local wines is a great way to wrap up the first leg of your trip.

For the third day, there are two options depending on your interests and the season. A day trip to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar offers color, street art, and the Pacific coastline. If you prefer a culinary experience, a visit to the Casablanca or Maipo valleys allows you to explore wineries and taste Chilean wines. In winter, a trip to the snow is also an option, though you’ll need to check the conditions at the mountain resorts.

12-Day Chile-Argentina-Peru Tour: Recommended Itinerary

The itinerary is designed to take advantage of regional flights and minimize unnecessary hotel changes. Flight schedules may alter the order of some activities, so it’s best to confirm the final itinerary before booking restaurants, shows, or private experiences.

• Day 1: Arrival in Santiago, Chile; transfer and check-in.
• Day 2: Tour of Santiago with a local guide and free afternoon.
• Day 3: Excursion to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, or a wine tour in Casablanca or Maipo.
• Day 4: Flight from Santiago to Buenos Aires, transfer, and first tour of Puerto Madero or Recoleta.
• Day 5: Tour of Buenos Aires: Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo, La Boca, Palermo, and Recoleta.
• Day 6: Free day for museums, shopping, a dining experience, or a tango show with dinner.
• Day 7: Flight to Lima. Check-in and tour of Miraflores or Barranco, depending on arrival time.
• Day 8: Flight from Lima to Cusco and transfer to the Sacred Valley for a more comfortable acclimatization.
• Day 9: Tour of the Sacred Valley: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, markets, terraces, and Andean communities.
• Day 10: Train to Machu Picchu, guided tour of the citadel, and return to Cusco.
• Day 11: Tour of Cusco: Qoricancha, the Cathedral, Sacsayhuamán, and historic neighborhoods.
• Day 12: Transfer to the Cusco airport or flight via Lima for your international connection.

Days 4–6: Buenos Aires at your own pace

Buenos Aires adds a cultural and gastronomic dimension to the itinerary that’s hard to replicate. After the flight from Santiago, a leisurely afternoon allows you to get a feel for the city without rushing through the transfer. Puerto Madero, Recoleta, and the historic cafés are good first options.

The guided tour the following day should include Plaza de Mayo, Avenida de Mayo, San Telmo, La Boca, Palermo, and Recoleta. These neighborhoods each have their own distinct identities, ranging from European architecture and large parks to colorful facades and local traditions. It’s best to take this tour with a guide who can help you understand the city’s contrasts, rather than just photographing its most famous landmarks.

The third day in Buenos Aires is open-ended because not all travelers are looking for the same things. Some prefer the Museum of Latin American Art, a visit to the Teatro Colón, or iconic bookstores. Others will choose a cooking class, a soccer game if the schedule allows, or dinner with a tango show. For families, an afternoon in the parks of Palermo or around the Rosedal usually works better than adding another sightseeing tour.

Days 7–12: Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Cusco

Lima is a brief stopover, but one with a personality all its own. Miraflores offers walks along the Pacific Ocean, while Barranco is home to galleries, traditional houses, and a vibrant culinary scene. If your flight arrives early, a dinner featuring Peruvian cuisine is a wonderful introduction to the country. With only one night, it’s not realistic to include an extensive tour of the city and its culinary scene, so it’s worth prioritizing.

The flight to Cusco marks a change in scenery and pace. The city sits at an altitude of over 3,300 meters, and the best advice is to avoid planning strenuous physical activity on the first day. Spending the first night in the Sacred Valley, at a lower elevation than Cusco, makes for a smoother acclimatization. Staying hydrated, eating light meals, and keeping a relaxed schedule are much more helpful than trying to make the most of every hour.

The Sacred Valley combines villages, markets, archaeological sites, and agricultural landscapes of extraordinary beauty. Pisac stands out for its terraces and surroundings; Ollantaytambo, for its fortress and streets laid out in the Inca style. Staying near Ollantaytambo makes it easier to catch the train to Machu Picchu the next day and avoids having to get up unnecessarily early.

Visits to Machu Picchu must be booked in advance, especially between May and September and during holidays. Admission is organized by tour routes and time slots, so not all of them allow you to explore the same areas. A guide provides context on the architecture, ceremonial functions, and the citadel’s relationship with the landscape. Anyone wishing to hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain should check availability and assess their physical fitness before finalizing their itinerary.

The last full day in Cusco offers the chance to explore the Qoricancha, the Cathedral, and the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. Here, it’s best to maintain a moderate pace: the cobblestone slopes and the altitude can take a toll even on active travelers.

What Makes a Good Multi-Destination Tour

On a tour spanning three countries, coordination is just as important as the quality of each excursion. A well-designed itinerary should include domestic flights, airport-to-hotel-to-airport transfers, accommodations in convenient locations, tickets to Machu Picchu, train tickets, and tours with local guides. It’s also advisable to have on-the-go assistance in case of schedule changes or operational needs.

Not all services need to be identical for every traveler. A couple might prefer boutique hotels and a special dinner in Buenos Aires; a family might value connecting rooms, more flexible schedules, and private activities. TravelAndes can adjust hotel categories, add nights, or transform shared tours into private experiences, all while maintaining a single regional coordination point.

Before confirming your trip, check the documentation requirements based on your nationality, baggage allowances for domestic flights, and travel insurance coverage. It’s also a good idea to pack in layers: temperatures in Santiago and Buenos Aires fluctuate throughout the day, while Cusco can alternate between intense sun, cold, and rain within a few hours.

Leave at least a little free time in each city. Sometimes, the best memory of a tour through Chile, Argentina, and Peru isn’t on the itinerary: it’s a coffee overlooking the mountains, a conversation at an Andean market, or a shared table that extends the Buenos Aires night.