South America

Beyond Machu Picchu: Discovering the True Magic of Peru

Beyond Machu Picchu: Discovering the True Magic of Peru

Peru was one of the first places I booked when I started my travel business, relying on trusted Virtuoso partners on the ground. Years later, I set off on my own 8-night adventure through Peru, starting solo in Lima, exploring the Sacred Valley, and ending in Cusco. While Machu Picchu is the headline act, Peru’s real charm lies in its unexpected gems: incredible food, stunning landscapes, and rich Incan culture. Just a heads up—Machu Picchu can be crowded, especially during peak season, and Cusco's altitude hits hard at over 11,000 feet. Hydrate, eat light, and sip coca tea to adjust. Peru isn’t just about the iconic sights; it’s the journey that makes it truly unforgettable.

ARGENTINA - Why we need to plan your trip NOW

ARGENTINA - Why we need to plan your trip NOW

Argentina’s Patagonia is the #1 reason to visit. There are lakes to kayak, horses to ride, rivers to raft, mountains to trek, forests to hike, glaciers to trek, and penguins to visit. If you love nature and adventure, this is the country for you. But there’s more to Argentina than its natural wonders.

Dreams Do Come True

Years ago when Michael and I started to envision our lives as empty nesters, he shared with me his dream of traveling through Argentina once he retired, in Che Guevara fashion. I too have been inspired to choose destinations from books or movies and in M’s case, it was “The Motorcycle Diaries.”

Today, we are making his dream come true not on a motorbike like Che did, but in Travels with Tesa’s way. Yes, dreams do come true.

where we’re going

Buenos Aires - for art, culture history and tango

Mendoza - for Malbec

Patagonia - starting in Bariloche to Ushuaia

Bariloche - the Lake District

El Calafate - trekking the Glacier

El Chalten - Trekking Capital of Argentina

Ushuaia - The End of the World

Follow our travels on my IG @travelswithtesa where I plan to share our trip with regularity.

Most travelers from the United States with proof of full COVID-19 vaccination can enter Argentina, but there are restrictions.

  • Proof of negative pre-departure COVID-19 test result - Travelers must have a negative COVID-19 PCR or RT-PCR test result. The test must be taken a maximum of 72 hours before departure to Argentina.

  • Mandatory COVID-19 test after arrival for vaccinated travelers - Fully vaccinated travelers are required to take a COVID-19 PCR test between the 3rd and 5th day after arrival in Argentina.

  • Mandatory proof of vaccination

  • Travelers must fill out a declaration form a maximum of 48 hours before travel. This form should be presented in digital or printed form to the airline during check-in.

  • Travelers must wear masks in public places and on public transportation.