Best of South America for Couples

• Travel to Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu

Your tour to Machu Picchu begins with a train ride to Aguas Calientes in approximately four hours time. This town is also known as “Machu Picchu Pueblo” and is the last stop before entering the remains of the most important archaeological site in Peru. In Aguas Calientes there is a train station, a craft market, restaurants and hotels of different categories for those who prefer to spend the night at the foot of the mountain and climb it early. 

Finally, after a short transfer by bus you will reach Machu Picchu, a masterpiece of engineering and architecture that served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca Pachacutec. Machu Picchu, which means “Old Mountain”, and is considered a World Heritage by UNESCO and one of the new seven wonders of the world. At the end of the tour you will take a bus back to Aguas Calientes and have lunch at ¨Cafe Inkaterra¨ Machu Picchu. The rest of the afternoon will be free. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Say Hueque Tips

• What places can you visit in Machu Picchu?

Some of the places you can visit include the Intipunku, or “Sun Gate”, where the sun rises every day through a stone passageway, or the Inca Bridge, an incredible stone building that served as the entrance and exit of the citadel.

• Optional second day visit to Machu Picchu

In the morning we suggest that you return to Machu Picchu and continue exploring some of the many attractions of the citadel.

In this second visit you can climb the Wayna Picchu (subject to space availability), which means “Young Mountain” as opposed to Machu Picchu, the “Old Mountain”. This ascent takes about an hour and its main attraction is the “Temple of the Moon”, a complex of underground structures likely to have been used by the elite.

• Free activities in Aguas Calientes

If you would prefer a different option, take the day to visit the interesting town of Aguas Calientes, its historic Plaza de Armas, and the many local markets nearby.

In these markets you can find various types of local handcrafts, typical food, and even different potions for finding love or keeping good luck on your side.

• Train to Cuzco

In the afternoon you will head to the train station of Aguas Calientes and take the train to Cuzco where you’ll spend the night.

• Transfer to the airport / Transfer to your hotel in Santiago

Continue your couple getaway in South America and travel to Chile. Today we’ll take you to the airport for your flight to Santiago, the bustling capital of Chile. Upon arrival, you’ll be driven to your accommodation.

Between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this modern city offers all kinds of attractions for curious travelers. From different viewpoints in the city, you can see the natural beauties surrounding Santiago; the snow-capped mountains and the beautiful Valle del Maipo, where the best Chilean wine is produced.

Santiago de Chile is known as the home of Pisco Sour, the delicious Cabernet Sauvignon and the “Sanhattan” district, which is a stylish fusion between Manhattan and Santiago,  and heaven on earth for enthusiastic shoppers.   

Say Hueque Tips

• What can you do on your first day in Santiago de Chile?

Enjoy your first evening in the city by visiting two of the most interesting places in Santiago: the Santa Lucía Hill, a famous downtown garden from where you’ll have the best views over the city. Visit a museum which used to be the home of Pablo Neruda, the famous Chilean writer. Wander the streets of the most bohemian and colorful district in Santiago, passing by its traditional cafes, restaurants and pubs, and take the gondola to reach San Cristobal Hill, another highlight of the city.

• City and wine tour in Valparaiso

Visit Casablanca Valley on the way to Valparaiso and learn about the winemaking process of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, the most famous white wines of this region. After tasting delicious wines, discover the quirky town of Valparaíso and stroll through bohemian neighborhoods that offer spectacular views over the Pacific Ocean. This picturesque city was declared World Heritage by UNESCO. Unwind at Viña del Mar, a jet set resort of yesteryear, visiting the pier and the coastline with some of its beaches.

• Discover the city and taste traditional food

Discover the local flavors of Santiago visiting the most important food markets of the city, ‘Vega Central’ with its vegetables, cheeses, and spices; ‘Tirso Molina’ with its fresh natural juices and the ‘Central Market’ declared a national historic monument where all kind of fish, seafood, and special garnishes are sold. Taste a “Pisco Sour” (national drink) with delicious ‘Machas a la parmesana’ (seafood with cheese). Pass through the Constitution Square and the palace “La Moneda”. Walk to “Plaza de Armas”, the main square, surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Royal High Court and other buildings of historical interest. Visit Santa Lucia hill and San Cristobal hill for amazing views of the city.

• Transfer to the airport/ Transfer to your hotel in Buenos Aires

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport to take your flight to Buenos Aires, one of the highlights in your couples trip. Upon arrival, we’ll pick you up from the airport and drive you to the city where you will have the rest of the day to enjoy at your own pace.

Buenos Aires is a marvelous, furious, cosmopolitan city, full of colors and different kinds of architecture. Capital of Argentina and described as the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires proudly embraces this title, as well as showing off its very own culture.

Argentines are usually eager to host visitors: if you walk the streets with a map, someone will surely stop and ask if you need directions. That’s our spirit! So, for this first day, feel free to wander the cobblestone streets lined with outdoor cafes, enjoy the mouth-watering aroma of prized Argentine beef sizzling on an open parrilla (barbecue), and browse the local antique and artisan markets that offer a wide variety of bargain shopping.

Say Hueque Tips

• Our recommendations for your first day in Buenos Aires 

To travel deeper and have a firm grip of the Argentine spirit, find the perfect leather jacket or handbag -Buenos Aires is home to some excellent local designers- and explore the colorful Palermo Soho neighborhoods or just have some medialunas or another delicious pastry as you marvel around Palermo’s amazing street art.

• Half-day city tour through Buenos Aires

In the morning we will pick you up from your hotel to enjoy our 5-hour Buenos Aires city tour—you will be swept away by the highlights of our beloved Buenos Aires! Over the course of a half-day you will have the chance to visit the historical and political center of the city; Plaza de Mayo and the Pink House (the presidential house).

Next, we’ll move on to San Telmo, with its cobblestone streets and the oldest residential neighborhood, and then to La Boca where Buenos Aires turns colorful and tango is ever-present. Come walk Caminito street and dance with the locals. The next stop is the chic and aristocratic Recoleta, where the big palaces remind us why Buenos Aires is called the “Paris of the South”.

• Dinner and tango show 

In the evening we’ll pick you up from your hotel to take you to a mystical place where you’ll discover one of our most ancient traditions. Tango is more than our national dance… tango is our immigrant origins, the talent of our local artists, the sensuality of Argentine women and our way to deal with a broken heart; dancing our way through tragic, and yet eternal, love stories.

Tonight you will enjoy a 3-hour professional display of tango and music with a group of local artists onstage immersed in an elegant and alluring place. The manners, ambience, clothes and dance steps which tango-lovers used to practice 100 years ago will come to life again and you will travel back in time for a night.

This spectacular tango show in Buenos Aires will be accompanied by delicious Argentine and international cuisine. Dinner is all-inclusive, beverages included so you can lose yourself in the ethereal taste of Malbec wine. At the end of the evening, around midnight, you will be driven back to your hotel, fully in love with the bohemian spirit of our incredible city.

Say Hueque Tips

• What you need to know about tango culture in Buenos Aires

Tango is, all in all, a cultural experience that’s deeply rooted in Argentine hearts. Where do regular people go dancing tango? There is an immense number of dance halls or milongas in Buenos Aires. Some of our favorites are La Viruta -beginners friendly- and Salon Canning -with more advanced clientele- in Palermo neighbourhood. Tango has evolved a big deal in the past years, and now there are also LGBT milongas that encourage a most inclusive practice. 

Take a day to relax in your couples getaway to South America and explore the cobbled, tree lined streets of Palermo Soho in search of one of a kind Porteño fashion, to sit in café and enjoy a perfectly aged glass of malbec, or perhaps to sip yerba mate (local tea) out of your newly purchased mate gourd while people watching in one of the parks that make up the Palermo Bosques.

• Transfer from your hotel to Buenos Aires airport

At the appropriate time you will have a private transfer to the international airport for your next flight to Iguazú.

• Transfer from the airport to Puerto Iguazú – Day at leisure

Upon arrival, we will meet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel in Puerto Iguazú. The small border town of Puerto Iguazú is the gateway to visit the impressive Iguazú Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a must-see destination for any traveler visiting Argentina. 

Say Hueque Tips

Our recommended activities to spend your day in Puerto Iguazú:

• You can visit “Hito tres fronteras”, a viewpoint west of the town center that stands high above the turbulent reddish-brown junction of the Iguazú and Paraná rivers, which also form the Triple Frontera, or Triple Border between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. There is also a craft market!

• Or you may visit Güirá Oga (the house of birds in native Guaraní language), the sanctuary for animals hurt by illegal hunting and trapping.

• If you feel really adventurous, take a bike tour through the rainforest with an specialised guide, and discover the flora and fauna, the sounds of the jungle, the trail of little native mammals and the traditions of the Guaranies.

• Wander Iguazú Falls National Park and meet The Devil’s Throat

Today our driver and bilingual guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the National Park, on the Argentinian side. Enjoy a 7-hour tour wandering through the rainforest!

The falls are surrounded by a humid subtropical forest where the exuberant vegetation is home to many different animals and birds. Our guide will help you spot some of them: ant birds, toucans, manakins, parrots, coatis, just to name a few of the most common birds. Lower and upper walkways weave in and around falls permitting up close and personal experiences with this magnificent spectacle of nature. 

The Argentine side of the falls is filled with a myriad of paths and walkways and stairways which allow you to have an experience from many different perspectives. You will have the chance to meet “The Devil’s throat”: the largest of the falls and for many the most spellbinding. To get to the “Devil’s throat” you take the ecological train and then walk out along boardwalks. After walking and taking pictures of animals and plants, you will have some free time to eat lunch in this amazing environment. At the end of the experience, we will drive you back to your hotel.

Say Hueque Tips

• Would you love to have a “Great Adventure”? 

The “Great Adventure” (gran aventura) is an optional tour you can add on this day. You will take an open air jeep through the rainforest and then a zodiac open air boat ride up the river to the base of the falls (there is a 100% chance that you will get soaking wet on this boat trip, so be sure to take some extra clothes!).

•  Visit the Brazilian side of Iguazú National Park

After breakfast, enjoy a 4-hour excursion to the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls. Don’t forget your passport! While Argentina has 80% of the falls on its side, Brazil has the best panoramic view.

On the Argentine side you will have the sensation of being right inside the falls, but only by visiting the Brazilian side will you fully appreciate the immensity of Iguazú Falls. Take your time to enjoy it and feel it, to stroll the different walkways and feel the spray of water in your face.

Take the boardwalk over the Salto Santa María; it feels like walking on the water. Get closer to the “Devil’s Throat” and experience the power of water! We are sure this is a day you will never forget. At the end of the day, we’ll drive you to your hotel. 

Say Hueque Tips

• What should I bring to the Iguazú Falls Brazilian tour?

For the tour to the Brazilian side of the Iguazú Falls, don’t forget your passport! You will be crossing the border. If you are required to have a visa to enter Brazil, take it with you during the excursion. A good repellent and sun blocking is always a must when you visit the rainforest. 

• Transfer to the airport / Transfer to your hotel in Río

At the appropriate time, we’ll drive you to the airport to take your flight to Río. Upon arrival to Rio’s airport, we’ll be waiting to provide transportation to your hotel. Enjoy your leisure time today exploring this vibrant city — you have just arrived in one of the powerhouses of South America!

• Tour to Corcovado and Sugar Loaf

After breakfast you will depart on a tour to see the two ‘must see’ sites of Rio: Corcovado Mountain, home to the famous Christ the Redeemer statue, and Sugarloaf Mountain, the monolithic peaks of granite and quartz that rise straight from the water’s edge. Make sure to bring your camera as these mountains give you some of the most incredible views of Rio de Janeiro. 

• Day at leisure in Río de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro (‘River of January’ in Portuguese), which was classified as a Cultural Landscape by UNESCO, is a metropolitan gem tucked between the mountains and the sea. Rio is best-known for its bossanova (sultry Brazilian music genre), mouth-watering feijoada (a traditional bean and pork stew), refreshing caipirinhas (classic Brazilian cocktail), and the beaming smiles of its people.

The perfect place to try all these things is the bohemian Lapa neighbourhood which sits at the edge of the historical downtown hub. Enjoy the day mingling with locals in this incredible part of the city — stop by the Aqueduto da Carioca to take a picture with its magnificent white arches, and visit the Escalera de Selaron (Selaron’s stairway), a 215-step stairway decorated with tiles from all around the world. Find the beautiful images and messages hidden throughout its multicolored steps! 

• Dinner  and views to Sugar Loaf

At night you will enjoy a beautiful dinner with sights to amazing Sugar Loaf.

• Transfer to airport.

This is the end of your 18-day couple getaway to explore South America. Hope to see you soon again! At the appropriate time you will be taken to the airport.