Peru and Argentina have long embodied the spirit of Latin America, boasting the continent’s finest food, wine and spectacular ancient history which flows into its modern culture and artwork. Often a bucket list destination, the magic of Machu Picchu is every travellers dream, but few are able to experience its wonder in the same luxury that Abercrombie and Kent adventurers can. Staying in the countries’ most stylish and idiosyncratic hotels, one experiences the tastes of South American cuisine, fine wines, and the beauty of its ancient sites in a tailored tour designed to immerse you fully into the culture of these dream travel destinations in a holiday to Argentina and Peru.

To begin your tailor-made holiday to Peru, you touch down in the country’s bustling coastal capital, Lima. Wandering through the city’s streets, the baroque architecture and bohemian atmosphere can almost make one forget that Lima was built on the ruined pyramids and temples of ancient civilisations, giving the place an enchanting feel. What you realise when visiting Lima is that it is the ultimate city of contrast: ancient and modern; rich and poor; practical and elegant. The bursting colour of buildings’ façades and the taste of salty sea air combine to make this contrasting metropolis a haven for travellers looking for the perfect balance between relaxation and cultural immersion.

Hotel B, an elegant arts-Boutique hotel in a beautifully restored mansion, is the place to stay in Lima. Situated in the Bohemian Barranco district, this Relais and Châteaux member boasts over 300 works of art within its walls. Hotel B oozes class and knows how to put the fatigued traveller in holiday mode right away with a much-welcomed glass of champagne upon arrival. Fitting in with the hotel’s arts ethos, you are given an intricate hand-drawn map showing the many things to do in Lima. This helps you navigate your way through the Bajada de los Baños and over the iconic Bridge of Sighs, a legendary place of forbidden romance between a wealthy girl and a handsome street sweeper, emphasising the contrasting nature of the city.

Another of the most interesting things to do in Lima is to explore the sandy steps of Huaca Pucllana, a grand place of ceremony and sacrifice built over 1500 years ago, as you imagine yourself as one of the original Lima people overlooking what would become the greatest metropolis in Peru. Food is always essential after a day of exploring, and so Abercrombie and Kent treat you to a unique culinary experience with local chef Penelope Alzamora, who teaches you how to make Peru’s delicious signature dish: ceviche, which is enjoyed overlooking the sea, bringing a satisfying end to your stay in Lima before moving out of the metropolis and into the wonders of the Sacred Valley.

Iconic for its stunning landscapes and rich ancient history, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is magnetic to backpackers and jetsetters alike, and no holiday to Peru would be complete without a visit. Staying in Sol y Luna, another member of Relais and Châteaux, makes one’s stay in the Sacred Valley all the more magical. Created to raise money to provide education and care to over 250 disadvantaged local children, this hotel is truly unique. Its flower filled gardens and open fires create an atmosphere that welcomes and makes you feel at one with the surrounding valley, while raising money for a heart-warming cause.

Of course no holiday to Peru would be complete without seeing the Sacred Valley’s iconic llamas and alpacas, and so the tour stops off at Awanakancha, a museum, workshop and camelid farm which allows you to get up close with the soft animals and take a look at some vibrantly coloured woven textiles. Then, starting in the rustic picturesque town of Maras, you take a guided hike along the Sacred Valley, witnessing in awe the salt mines and ancient history of the magnificent site of Moray, where perfectly circular terraced carvings made by the Incan Empire have remained intact for centuries.

Having explored the Sacred Valley, this tour takes you to Machu Picchu in true style. Boarding the luxury Hiram Bingham train, adorned with polished wooden tables, you are given unobstructed views of the valley on your way to the awe-inspiring citadel. Upon the dizzyingly high mountain edge, one visualises the powerful civilisation that once filled the now tranquil pathways of the intricate stone-built ruins. For those hoping to try some Andean spirits, staying at Sumaq hotel is ideal. Situated at the foot of Machu Picchu, Sumaq offers you the finest Peruvian cuisine with their six course ‘Taste of the Andes’ menu, served with sweet Caña Alta spirits and traditional chichas. Moreover, the hotel offers a fascinating experience with a shaman, who teaches you about the spiritual significance of the Pachamama, or ‘Earth Mother’, whose influence is still very much relevant in Peru, and strongly felt among the ruins. After experiencing Machu Picchu, like a portal back to the modern world you will take the train to Cusco, where a walk through the vibrant and busy San Pedro market allows you to absorb the aromas of Peruvian spices before making the journey to Argentina.

Mendoza holds a special place in the hearts of wine enthusiasts, and the region produces roughly 80 percent of Argentina’s wine each year. Inky purple grapes fill row upon row of neatly planted vineyards that sit beneath the soaring Andes mountains – the iconic vision of a holiday to Argentina. Staying in Casa de Uco Vineyard and Wine Resort provides the ultimate tranquil getaway in the valley, where you get to see up close the magic of Malbec.

Mixing food, wine and nature, owners Juan and Florencia encourage trips into the glorious Andes on horseback or bike, and host intimate barbeques in the hills and vineyards, where guests mingle at tables delicately decorated with wildflowers. With 70 hectares of vineyards, the hotel allows even beginner wine enthusiasts the freedom to explore winemaking, inviting you to make your own organic wine from a selected blend of components. Executive chef of Casa de Uco, Pablo Torres, also takes you on a superb culinary journey to complement sommelier Juan Pablo Nieva’s carefully chosen wines, leaving one’s taste buds most satisfied by the end of the stay.

Bustling Buenos Aires is the final stop of your holiday to Argentina, and also where your culinary journey peaks. The Argentine Experience is part cookery class, part dinner party and brings a total feast for the senses. In this fun and relaxed atmosphere, you learn how to make your own empanadas and alfajores, as well as steak cooked the Argentinian way in delicious Malbec, which by this point you’ll feel like an expert on. Buenos Aires stands out for its vast array of colours, which light up the façades of its buildings in a rainbow assortment and walking around its collage-like La Boca district is a haven for those wanting to take photographs, or simply soak in the vibrancy of their surroundings. This truly is an unforgettable end to a trip that wows the modern traveller in every sense, from taste to sight to smell.

With travel commencing once again, and avid travellers desperate to find their next sunny destination, a holiday to Argentina and Peru should definitely be top of the list. Abercrombie and Kent wholly unique tour leave one brimming with wine recommendations and mouth-watering snaps of food, as well as an immense appreciation for a culture that has made its mark globally for its fun, flavour and fascinating history.