Inca to Ipanema Trail

From the stone geometry of the Andes to the curves of Copacabana — a journey carved in contrast.

Movement defines this journey — rising through altitude and memory, then drifting into rhythm and release. Begin in Lima, where balconies lean into ocean air and colonial calm meets culinary fire. Then rise into the Sacred Valley, where terraces ripple with memory and the past breathes in stone.

At Machu Picchu, cloud lifts. The citadel appears — deliberate, held, complete. The silence here doesn’t echo. It absorbs. In Cuzco, legacy pulses: gold in walls, rhythm in steps, colour in thread.

Board the train south. Across the altiplano, stillness stretches. Lake Titicaca arrives like a mirror of sky and story. By hydrofoil to La Paz — a city suspended in altitude and tension, ancient and electric.

Then the continent shifts. Buenos Aires brings dusk-lit tables, wide boulevards, and tango in the seams. Iguazú follows — where water becomes theatre. And finally, Rio. Light, curve, surrender. Samba in the blood. Ocean in the breath.

This isn’t a route. It’s a transformation — from sacred hush to sunlit release.

This is where history leans back — and the body takes the lead.

Adorned baby llama nestled in vibrant Andean textiles showcasing Peru's rich cultural spirit.

Day 1

Arrive in Lima — city of quiet courtyards, colonial balconies, and Pacific light. Your introduction is gentle: a walk through dusk-lit streets, the whisper of old churches, a moment to let the air settle. The journey begins not with motion, but with attention.

Day 2

Explore the city’s centre, where stories cling to carved balconies and centuries echo from plaza stones. In Surquillo, the market breathes citrus, chilli, and warmth. Then pause at Bar Cordano, where presidents, poets, and strangers have all lifted a pisco — a ritual older than memory.

Guests enjoy a private cooking demo and wine during a culinary experience in Lima.

Plaza de Armas in Cuzco with cathedral and locals enjoying a sunny day in the Sacred Valley.

Day 3

Fly to the Sacred Valley, where the Andes unfold in silence and scale. En route, pause in Chinchero — a highland village where weaving still honours earth and thread. In Ollantaytambo, walk narrow lanes and sun-warmed terraces. The mountains here don’t rise — they wait.

Day 4

Step aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham — all polished wood, Andean music, and slow ascent. The train winds upward, through cloud and canyon, toward the mist-veiled city of Machu Picchu. Walk softly among the stones. You’re not visiting a place — you’re entering a presence.

Ancient stone terraces at Ollantaytambo showcase Inca engineering in the Sacred Valley.

Aerial view of Machu Picchu’s Inca ruins glowing under a vibrant Andean sunrise.

Day 5

Return at dawn if you wish — to see the citadel in quieter light, or to climb higher still. Later, descend by rail to Cuzco, watching peaks become valleys and mystery settle into memory. The imperial city welcomes with narrow streets, golden echoes, and soft elevation.

Day 6

Begin in San Blas, where artists and stories share the same small squares. Stand at Koricancha — once the sun’s own temple — and gaze across the vast masonry of Sacsayhuaman. Then choose your own rhythm: explore, pause, or let the altitude guide you inward.

Panoramic view of central Cuzco featuring the cathedral and surrounding colonial streets.

Plush train cabin with flower vase and lamp on table aboard Belmond Andean Explorer sleeper train.

Day 7

Board the Belmond Andean Explorer. By day, the windows frame high plains, blue skies, and grazing herds. By night, soft linens and starlight. The train moves slowly across the altiplano — but you are the one who slows.

Day 8

Wake to Lake Titicaca. Sail from Puno to Copacabana, where basilicas rise beside still water. Continue to Huatajata — a quiet hamlet by the lake’s edge — where the modern world fades and Andean myth begins to surface.

Aerial view of Copacabana Bay, Bolivia and Lake Titicaca at dusk with boats along the shoreline.

Airplane landing near Buenos Aires on a clear day with modern high-rise buildings in the background.

Day 9

Glide by hydrofoil to the Uros reed islands, then on to the Quewaya Sustainable Project — a glimpse of resilience, rhythm, and reinvention. Later, ascend into La Paz, where mountains wrap the city like a bowl of stone and sky. The day ends in quiet altitude.

Day 10

Fly to Buenos Aires — where café tables lean into dusk and boulevards stretch wide with old-world grace. The city exhales in rhythm and shadow. Find your place in its pause: a corner café, a leafy square, a window where the light lingers longer than expected.

Ornate mausoleums in Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires, surrounded by city buildings and trees.

Sunlit view of Palacio del Congreso in Buenos Aires with peaceful park and fountain scenery.

Day 11

Let colour and story guide you. Walk into La Boca — where walls shout in paint, and music moves on breeze. Or escape the city for the Pampas, where gauchos ride and lunch is slow. Whether you stay or stray, the day moves on your terms.

Day 12

A final morning in Buenos Aires. Take it slowly. Then fly north to Iguazú, where rainforest thickens and water waits. Your hotel lies within the park — just steps from the falls. The sound is soft now. It grows with you.

Panoramic view of Iguazú Falls with tourists on walkway and lush greenery under a blue sky.

Young boy fishing while girl sits nearby on rocky shore amid forested surroundings in Iguazú.

Day 13

Start on the Brazilian side, where panoramas unfold in thunder and mist. Then cross to the Argentine paths — catwalks, jungle bridges, and that final viewpoint: the Devil’s Throat. Stand there a while. Don’t speak. Just feel the earth move.

Day 14

Arrive in Rio de Janeiro — where coastlines sway in rhythm, granite watches the sea, and movement turns effortlessly to music. From the first step, the city invites you to soften — into sand, into samba, into a pace that moves with the tide.

Plane approaches landing at Rio de Janeiro with blue waters and city skyline in view.

Rio’s famous Christ the Redeemer statue with city, mountains, and harbour in the backdrop.

Day 15

Stand beneath Christ the Redeemer, arms stretched above sky and sprawl. Glide to Sugarloaf for a toast at sunset. Here, forest meets skyline. Samba meets stillness. You see the whole arc now — what it took to reach this calm.

Day 16

This day is yours. Walk colonial lanes downtown, breathe Tijuca’s green hush, or let the surf do the talking. In Rio, joy doesn’t insist — it waits.

Red train ascends through lush Tijuca Forest enroute to Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro.

Airplane soars above Rio de Janeiro with Sugarloaf Mountain and city skyline below.

Day 17

One last morning. A final coffee. A slower breath. From Inca earth to Atlantic shore, your journey was never just movement — it was meaning, made visible.

Inca to Ipanema Trail: A journey through South America

Embark on a meticulously curated private guided luxury tour, Lima to Rio Bliss, that reveals the soul of South America—from the coastal charm of Lima to the rhythmic energy of Rio de Janeiro. This immersive experience, designed by Jetsetters, blends natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and refined indulgence, creating a seamless journey through Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Brazil. Tailored by our expert luxury travel advisors, every detail is thoughtfully crafted to offer a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, rich in authenticity and elegance.

Inca heritage and Andean majesty

Begin your exploration in Lima, where colonial architecture and modern gastronomy set the tone for your adventure. Continue into the Sacred Valley and ascend to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu. There, you’ll stay at the Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, Machu Picchu, the only hotel located at the entrance to the ruins—offering unmatched access and breathtaking sunrise views over the ancient site. From the awe-inspiring terraces of Machu Picchu to the historic temples of Cusco, delve into the legacy of the Inca Empire while enjoying the highest levels of comfort and personalized service.

Cusco in timeless elegance

In Cusco, the cultural heart of the Andes, your stay at Belmond Palacio Nazarenas envelops you in centuries of history and refined luxury. Once a former convent, this exceptional property is a masterpiece of colonial architecture blended with contemporary sophistication. Explore nearby UNESCO-listed treasures and vibrant markets with your private guide, or unwind in the tranquil spa and heated outdoor pool. With every detail attended to, you’ll experience Cusco not just as a traveller—but as an honoured guest.

By rail and lake: A journey through time

Board the opulent Belmond Andean Explorer, South America’s premier luxury sleeper train, and traverse the spectacular altiplano enroute to Lake Titicaca. Witness the vivid landscapes of highland Peru and take part in cultural exchanges with local communities. In Bolivia, visit the Andean Roots Eco Village and meet a traditional Kallawaya healer—an experience that connects you deeply with the spiritual and ancestral roots of the region.

Iguazú Falls: Nature’s grand performance

Fly to the Argentine side of the Iguazú Falls and check in to the iconic Gran Meliá Iguazú, uniquely set within the national park. From the comfort of your stylish accommodations, enjoy uninterrupted views of the mighty falls and direct access to trails and viewpoints. Your private guided tour to the Brazilian side offers panoramic vistas of this natural marvel, ensuring you witness Iguazú’s thundering beauty from all angles.

The grand finale in Rio de Janeiro

Conclude your luxury tour in the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, where golden beaches meet majestic peaks and cultural rhythms come to life. Visit iconic landmarks such as Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain with your expert guide, then relax with a sunset cocktail as the city sparkles below. Whether exploring historic districts or soaking up coastal glamour, Rio provides a vibrant and unforgettable ending to your South American journey.

Tailored travel, the Jetsetters way

This is more than a vacation—it's a private guided luxury tour meticulously designed by Jetsetters for discerning travellers seeking depth, comfort, and connection. With handpicked experiences, exclusive access, and stays at world-renowned properties like Gran Meliá Iguazú, Sanctuary Lodge, and Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, your journey is crafted with the utmost care and sophistication by our dedicated luxury travel advisors. Let us take you beyond the ordinary—into the extraordinary.