Best of Argentina

Best of Argentina

Highlights: Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Wine Country & Patagonia
From bustling city streets to the high plains of the Pampas, Argentina offers something for everyone — whether you’re a nature lover, a shopaholic, a gourmand, a gaucho, or a glacier climber. You’ll revel in the smells of Buenos Aires parrillas, the sounds of Iguazu’s ceaseless falls, and the sight of the sun setting over the Andes. It’s all here — this, and so much more.

Argentino Lake, El Calafate, Patagonia, Argentina

Day 1: Arrival in Argentina
You’ll begin your adventure in beautiful and bountiful Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina and one of the great cities of the Western Hemisphere.

Upon arrival, a private car will meet you and will take you to your elegant boutique hotel in the heart of Recoleta, a barrio of Buenos Aires famed for its elegant French-style edifices, expansive swaths of public parks, delicious restaurants, and the incredible homes of Argentina’s elite. Spend some time perambulating around this enchanting neighborhood, or relax at one of the local cafes before hitting one of the area’s famous dinner spots, where the beef is fresh, the wine delectable, and the atmosphere filled with the boisterous joy of life in Argentina.

Day 2: Tour of Brilliant Buenos Aires
Spend your first day in Argentina getting accustomed to the numerous cultural offerings of this unparalleled city, where Latin America’s charismatic passion meets the refined sophistication of Europe, where brightly colored bodegas coexist with the polished granite of high-end apartments towering above wide and hurried streets, and where romance seems to linger in the air at every turn.

Explore the Old World trappings of Retiro and Recoleta, where the city’s Parisian influence is tastefully and graciously celebrated and remembered. These neighborhoods hark back to the unpredictable days and fervid nights at the turn of the 20th Century, when Buenos Aires experienced a population boom that brought a rich cultural fusion to its streets and avenues. You’ll also get a chance to walk by some of the most important and noteworthy landmarks of Buenos Aires’s grand and glorious past, from Plaza de Mayo and the nation’s political heart, to the cobblestone streets of San Telmo, where Buenos Aires’s colonial past mixes with her thriving nightlife to produce one of the most unique neighbourhoods in this fascinating metropolis. From the rich and varied past to the fast-paced, exhilarating present, Buenos Aires is truly a city that is always on the move and always ready to take you along for the ride.
After your 2-hour guided tour, so you’ll have time to rest or continue exploring the city at your own pace.

Day 3: From City Lights to the Plains of the Pampas
Today, step away from big city life and embrace the tranquility of the countryside. You’ll get the chance to see how Argentina’s gauchos have lived for centuries on the fertile lowlands, herding cattle and maintaining the culture and traditions of this fascinating profession, which has shaped much of the country’s identity.

Visit a local estancia — an expansive livestock estate, akin to an Argentinian ranch, and experience a day in the life of a gaucho. Experience the thrill of  leading cattle on horseback and savor the fruits of your labor with a delicious asado. As evening falls, enjoy a lively performance of song and dance, showcasing the folklore of this unique and adventurous people, bold in spirit and action, and warm and welcoming to even complete strangers. This is a side of Argentina that few get to experience, offering a rare glimpse into the heart of the country’s culture and traditions.

Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital.

Day 4: Learning the Art of the Argentine Tango
After a delicious breakfast at your Recoleta hotel, you’ll head to the private studio of one of the city’s top dance instructors for a lesson on one of the world’s most famous partner dances: the tango. Forged in the fiery atmosphere of the lower-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, the tango blends European and Argentinian musical traditions, and has become an integral part of Argentina’s identity since the 1950s, when it first became a source of fierce national pride. You’ll experience the powerful and colorful history of this captivating dance as your instructor fills you in on its subtle cues, deep emotions, and the irrepressible desire that drives its steps. This will prepare you well for an incredible evening show at a Buenos Aires tango club, where you’ll enjoy a tasty, authentic meal while watching the movements of some of the country’s finest dancers.

Day 5: Turning North to the Border
After an unforgettable evening at the tango clubs of Buenos Aires, today you’ll fly north to the region where Argentina meets Paraguay and mighty Brazil, home to one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders: Iguazu Falls. Upon arriving at this isolated and incredible outpost, you’ll be transferred to your elegant and comfortable hotel, located mere minutes from the entrance to Iguazu National Park. Take the rest of the day to relax and take in the unbelievable scenery that fills your vision at every turn. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll around this spectacular area or indulge in the spa services offered by the hotel before setting down to enjoy the fantastic fare at the exquisite on-site restaurant.

Day 6: Incomparable Iguazu
Prepare to be awe-struck by the majesty of Iguazu Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and arguably the greatest waterfall system on the planet. Accompanied by a knowledgeable and experienced ornithologist, you’ll explore this extraordinary national formation, learning about the diverse wildlife and ecosystems that thrive here. You’ll come across any number of smaller cascades before boarding a train to get an unobstructed view of the Devil’s Throat – a long and narrow chasm more than 80 meters high, where nearly half of the falls’ water flow is concentrated, making it the most dramatic and splendid cataract of Iguazu. For those who might want to avoid the heights of the major falls, you can explore the lower reaches on the Great Adventure boat ride, offering a unique perspective of the falls, or enjoy bird-watching and hiking trails along the jungle floor.

Day 7: Welcome to Wine Country
Today, you’ll fly south-west from Iguazu to Mendoza, one of the great capitals of wine and the heart of Latin America’s largest wine-producing region. It’s home to scenic parks, impressive statues, world-class cuisine culinary, and has rapidly gained recognition as a top destination for wine tourism. While often under appreciated, Mendoza is a wonderful city and is home to several museums, a number of attractive city parks, and the Casa de Fader. This historic house was once the domicile of artist Fernando Fader and now houses the majority of the artist’s oeuvre, as well as a myriad of historical artefacts. In 2008, National Geographic named Mendoza one of the top ten historic travel destinations in the world. Upon landing in Mendoza, you’ll be shuttled to your cozy and comfortable luxury hotel, nestled deep in the pulsing heart of wine country. Complete with a posh spa and a highly regarded restaurant, if is the perfect base for your travels to the region’s rich wine heritage.

Day 8: A Guided Excursion Through Malbec Country
Today is your chance to live like a true bon vivant, with a private, full-day tour of one of Argentina’s most renowned wine regions. Whether you venture out into the world-famous Primera Zona, one of the finest viticulture areas in all of Argentina, or the up-and-coming Valle de Uco, you’ll enjoy some of the finest wines in the hemisphere. Along the way,  you’ll learn more about the unique aspects that make Argentina’s wine-growing regions — and the products they produce —  truly exceptional. Sample premium varietals and blends while you enjoy a specially prepared wine-pairing lunch. You’ll listen to some of the regions top oenologists share insights into the various characteristics of the grapes, how they’re grown and harvested, what makes a good wine, and how to know which wines are worth their price tag. And of course, the incredible setting rivals that of even the world’s best-known wine regions, from Burgundy to Napa, with friendly, welcoming locals to help you enjoy Mendoza’s beautiful surroundings to the fullest.

hiking on the Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia, Argentina

Day 9: Trekking Through the Spine of the Americas
Today, head out to the rising crags and sharp ridges of the Andes, one of the longest mountain chains in the world. Stretching virtually unbroken along the  eastern side of South America and trailing up into Canada, the Andes ultimately merge into the Rockies. Your destination today is one of the majestic Seven Summits: the towering peak of Aconcagua, that is not only the tallest mountain in the Americas but also the highest point in the world outside of Asia.

Known as the “Stone Sentinel,” Aconcagua looms large and will watch your every move in her sky-bound domain, daring even the boldest mountaineers with a gently sloping north face and a frightening south face that is among the most dangerous climbing routes on the planet. Content to watch, you can gaze upon those souls who aim to reach the mountain’s summit, and keep an eye out for some of the more elusive species of Andean wildlife.

Day 10: Deep in the Heart of Patagonia
Today, you’ll leave the high hills of Mendoza behind and head into the legendary region of Patagonia, the region named by Magellan on his travels after the mythical giants he believed made the mountains their domain. While you won’t encounter any mythical monsters or creatures, you will have the chance to experience the allure of El Calafate, originally established as a shelter for wool traders. Now a vibrant hub for Patagonia exploration, El Calafate is located near Los Glaciares National Park and the imposing and jagged massifs of Cerro Torre and Cerro Chalten – two of the most challenging climbs on Earth. After your flight south, our luxurious and sophisticated lodge awaits you, where you can unwind in the splendid comfort of your accommodation, all the while soaking up the truly remarkable scenery that surrounds you.

Day 11: Walking on Ice at Perito Moreno
Today promises to be unforgettable as your travels take you deeper into Patagonia’s national parks to explore the Perito Moreno Glacier – a stunning sheet of ice of more than 100 square miles in size, and one of the centerpieces of Los Glaciares National Park. You’ll have the chance to walk along this magnificent glacier, marveling at the striking blue surfaces of ice that give way to the rippling surface below, the glacier caves that form on the edge of the lake, and the climbing panorama of the Andes beyond. Your adventure continues with a boat ride across the narrow channel leading to the glacier, where you’ll slip on some crampons for a jaunt across Perito Moreno’s icy expanse. You’ll marvel at the slow power of this natural wonder, shaped over thousands of years by the relentless forces of nature and time. The serene and dramatic scenery all around you is a testament to the glacier’s profound impact on the region.

Day 12: A Visit to an Argentine Estancia
Today, you’ll journey to the grounds of a Patagonian estancia, where the scenery and history of this magnificent land will inspire you like nowhere else on Earth. Set amongst climbing cliffs of timeless granite, the deep sapphire hues of mountain lakes, and the pale blue of nearby glaciers, you will be captivated by the resilient people who call this rugged terrain home, continuing the customs and culture passed down through the generations. Explore the small museum here, or take part in a number of outdoor activities, from hiking to horseback riding. As your final day in the untamed wilderness of southern Argentina unfolds, you’ll have the freedom to roam and discover the unparalleled beauty of this unforgettable landscape, making it one of the highlights of your entire trip.

Ranch in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Day 13: A Return to the Capital
You’ll catch your flight from El Calafate back to Buenos Aires and the headwaters of the Rio de La Plata, where the gleaming buildings and smooth streets of the capital await you. Enjoy one final night of Argentinian excitement at one of Buenos Aires famous parrillas, before hitting the hotspots for one last hurrah.

Day 14: Heading Home
Today you leave the passionate charm and ceaseless beauty of Argentina, filled with stories and songs, the sights of the Andes, the sounds of Iguazu, the smells of Mendoza and the feelings of warmth and welcome from all over this wonderful country — memories that will cherish for life. By the time you return home, you’ll no doubt be brushing up on your Spanish, ready for your next trip down South America way.