Luxury Argentina Explorer - Buenos Aires, Iguazu falls, Best of Patagonia
Day 1 Dec 3rd Depart today on your flight for arrival to Buenos Aires on Dec 5th by 0800 am.
Day 2 Dec 4th Arrive to Iguazu
Today you fly from Buenos Aires to Iguazu- scheduled for departure at 2pm from the domestic airport (AEP). Pls be in Buenos Aires by 800 am (or earlier) to make this included flight.
Arrival to Puerto Iguazu and transfer in to your luxury resort.
Set in Puerto Iguazú, The Falls del Iguazu is located on 8 acres of a private reserve featuring spa facilities and two swimming pools. Accommodations boast stylish décor in soft hues and feature a safe, mini bars, and plasma TVs. Free WiFi is available in rooms and common areas.
A buffet breakfast is served daily. Drinks from the bars can be enjoyed in the garden or on the terrace at the pool side bar .
Guavirá Spa has 3 treatment rooms including rooms for couples. Services include hot stone massages, facials, body scrubs, and body treatments. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy. The spa is equipped with a sauna, a spa tub, and a steam room. There is also a fitness center.
Overnight at 4 star hotel The Falls (or similar)
Day 3 Dec 5th Iguazu Falls- Argentine side (B)
Breakfast at hotel. Today, we visit the spectacular Iguazu falls.
Depart from the hotel to visit the Argentine side of the Iguazu Falls, located within the Iguazu National Park.
With an extension of 67.000 hectares, the park has been declared a Natural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO. The Falls are integrated by 275 waterfalls that fall from an average altitude of seventy meters. The starting point is the “Central Station”, from which visitors can choose to take the train that goes to “Falls Station” or the one that goes to “Devil’s Throat Station”. From these points it is possible to carry out diverse excursions:
The upper walk is a walk of 800 meters on footbridges, elevated over the surface of the terrain so as not to obstruct or frighten the fauna. On this walk, visitors can observe the waterfalls from the upper part of the Dos Hermanas, Bosetti, Bernabé Méndez, M´Bigua Falls, among others. It lasts for an hour and there are no stairs.
The lower walk is a 1,600 meters walk on footbridges elevated over the surface of the terrain, where visitors can see the two sisters, Alvar Nuñez, San Martín, and Bosetti falls and the Rock de la Bella Vista. Visitors can also have a panoramic view of the Devil’s Throat and the Río Iguazú Inferior Canyon. This walk lasts for two hours and the range of difficulty is moderate, with stairs.
The Devil’s Throat excursion starts at the “Devil’s Throat Station” and the walk continues through footbridges for about 1,200 meters which allow the visitor to enjoy the view of the most important waterfall of the Falls. The excursion lasts two hours there are no stairs. The return is done by train up to the Visitors Center. Once the excursion ends, return to the hotel.
Evening free. Overnight at 4 star hotel The Falls (or similar)
Day 4 Dec 6th Iguazu- Brazilian side and then to Buenos Aires (B)
Breakfast at hotel. Today, we cross the boarder and visit the falls from the Brazilian side.
Depart from the hotel crossing the Tancredo Neves and Juan D. Perón Bridge that connect the Argentinian city of Puerto Iguazu with the Brazilian city of Foz de Iguazú. The tour continues towards the Iguaçu National Park, one of the largest vegetation reserves in Brazil. Arrive at the visitors’ center where passengers transfer to a bus for a tour inside the park and up to the beginning of the boardwalks located at the edge of the cliffs of the Iguazu River, which extend almost a kilometer.
During the walk, it is possible to see the San Martín Island and be amazed by the sight of the waterfalls of Bossetti, San Martín and Three Musketeers. The observation deck found towards the end of the walk offers a unique view of Devil’s Throat from a distance of just 150 meters away. This amazing scenery is enhanced by the constant formation of rainbows. The visit ends next to the Salto Floriano fall where there is a small store with access to the panoramic elevator. At the end of the tour, a long stairway leads to the area where we are transferred back to the hotel.
In the pm we transfer to the airport for the flight to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina!
Upon arrival, transfer to city center 4 star hotel Libertador (or similar).
Evening at leisure. Sample some of the city's world famous night life and culinary scene. We can provide guidance.
Overnight at 4 star city center hotel in Buenos Aires.
Day 5 Dec 7th Buenos Aires (B,D)
Breakfast at hotel. After we depart on a private tour of the city with a visit to Recoleta´s Cemetery.
Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan city that manifests at each step the influence of the numerous immigrant populations which helped form it. The tour starts from what is the second and most definitive capital of the area named Plaza de Armas in 1581 and today known as Plaza de Mayo, the historical, political and cultural center of the city. The Pyramid de Mayo, which is in the center, was the first national historical monument and was inaugurated in 1811. In its surrounding areas you can see Casa Rosada the actual seat of Executive Power (Presidential Palace), the Cabinet, and the first municipality of the city that dates back to 1754 and still maintains its colonial characteristics, and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
From the Plaza, we start the tour going down Avenida de Mayo, one of the most interesting urban developments of the city with its variety of architectural styles, wide avenues and spacious green areas which balance out the vertiginous rhythm of the city. A good example is Avenida 9 de Julio, with its eight lanes separated by lawns with ancient trees, and embellished by fountains and sculptures. From there you can see the symbol of the city, “The Obelisque.” The tour continues all the way to the neighborhood of San Telmo, one of the oldest in the city, settled at the end of the XIX century by aristocratic families.
This neighborhood, in which every Sunday the antiques fair takes place around Plaza Dorrego, keeps expanding its great architectural heritage. The area is also very active at night as it is the center for most of the tango parlors, “tanguerias”, restaurants and bars.
Going further south you arrive at the picturesque and colorful port neighborhood of La Boca, with its famous street “Caminito” whose buildings and customs reflect the influence of European settlers that arrived at its shores during the XIX century and left their imprint not only in the multicolor houses still being used today but also in the cuisine of the typical “cantinas,” small restaurants.
Followed by this comes the modern neighborhood of Puerto Madero, with its old piers converted into offices, apartments, places for entertainment and elegant restaurants, and its view of Rio de la Plata, a residential neighborhood of Palermo with elegant mansions surrounded by spacious parks and finally arriving at La Recoleta. The cemetery of Recoleta surprises visitors with its rich architecture and with the important social and political personalities that are buried there, among whom is Eva Peron. Next to the cemetery is the church of Our Lady of Pilar, the former convent which today is part of the Cultural Center of Recoleta, the shopping area, Buenos Aires Design, and the exposition center, Palais de Glace.
In the evening, we have a special outing- Dinner and Tango Show at La Ventana
Depart from the hotel to San Telmo, called "the tango district". The tango is the music of Buenos Aires par excellence. Its origins date back to 1880. in the "arrabales", populated by Italian and Spanish immigrants, Afro-descendants and gauchos. From this crossover emerged the "compadritos", whose compositions, lyrics and dance reflected the duel of "cuchilleros" characteristic of their social environment.
The tango emerged as a mixture of Cuban and Spanish rhythms, some polka and, according to some, also a little African music. Its lyrics, difficult to understand and impossible to translate, are deeply poetic. Each one of them has something to tell about the city, about its history and its people. Despite its humble origins, in the 1920s tango left the brothels and the underworld to reach the salons of the upper classes. Tango finally became a finished cultural expression, a set of myths, values, traditions and aspirations. For some, only representative of a bygone era, tango is actually breathed in the air of the city: tango is still alive, and a good way to get into its spirit is to visit one of the restaurants that offer excellent tango shows, to enjoy its sensual magnetism brought to the stage by some of the best dancers, singers and musicians of Buenos Aires.
"La Ventana" is a pleasant atmosphere where the visitor can enjoy some delicious dishes of the local food -especially a good “bife de chorizo”, accompanied by an excellent wine- and then enjoy the passion, the fire and the charm of the tango. In the style of the great orchestras of the 1940s, the place invites you to take part in a luxury tour of the music of Buenos Aires.
Overnight at 4 star city center hotel Libertador (or similar)
Day 6 Dec 8th Buenos Aires (B)
Breakfast at hotel.
Today is a free day to explore Buenos Aires and its world class attractions at your own pace.
There is plenty to do to keep you busy!
In addition, for those interested- we will offer 2 optional excursions out of the city you can choose from (at extra cost, pre booking required):
1. Colonial Uruguay
Discover the UNESCO-world heritage listed Uruguayan town of Colonia del Sacramento on this day trip from Buenos Aires. Leave the cosmopolitan capital behind for a slower pace of life on the other side of the Rio de la Plata. After a ferry ride, take a guided walking tour of Colonia upon arrival. Pause for a meal at your choice of restaurant (own expense), then spend the afternoon discovering Colonia on your own. You'll return to Buenos Aires by ferry after a full day of exploring. Hotel pickup and drop-off included. Take a scenic ferry ride across the Rio de la Plata to Colonia Enjoy a sightseeing city tour and a walking tour to discover top Colonia attractions. Enjoy free time and explore the vibrant historical walking city at your leisure. Dont forget to make time for shopping for Uruguayan crafts and delicacies.
2. Visit an Estancia and experience “Guacho” (cowboy) life
Venture into the wild Argentinian pampas and experience 'gaucho' (cowboy) life on a traditional 'estancia' (ranch) on this full-day tour from Buenos Aires, including lunch. Saddle up for a horseback ride or 'sulky' (horse cart) tour, visit the country town of San Antonio de Areco, enjoy a folklore show and enjoy a fabulous barbecue lunch, while the gauchos entertain you with rope tricks and tales of estancia life.
Overnight at 4 star city center hotel Libertador (or similar)
Day 7 Dec 9th El Calafate and Perito Moreno Glacier- The Pearl of South Patagonia (B)
Breakfast at hotel. Today we fly to El Calafate.
El Calafate is a town on the shores of beautiful Lake Argentina, near the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in the Argentine province of Santa Cruz. It’s known as the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Named for the berry that, once eaten, guarantees your return to Patagonia, El Calafate hooks you with an irresistible attraction: Glaciar Perito Moreno, in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. This magnificent must-see world heritage attraction has converted once-quaint El Calafate into a chic fur-trimmed destination brimming with quality restaurants, fun nightlife, and many choices for exploration and adventure.
Upon arrival, transfer to your 4 star resort.
Posada Los Alamos is located in the heart of El Calafate, close to Argentino Lake. It has spa facilities, an indoor pool and free Wi-Fi in all areas.
The guest rooms at Posada Los Alamos feature heating, as well as a mini-bar and cable TV. Rooms have views over the organic garden and the mountains beyond.
An extensive breakfast buffet offers a choice of American, Argentinean or Patagonian food. La Posta Restaurant serves an a la carte menu of international and regional specialties, including Patagonian lamb. The hotel also features two bars.
Los Alamos provides a full range of modern spa facilities and an indoor pool with ceiling-to-floor windows. The hotel has its own small 18-hole par 3 golf course
Evening at leisure
Overnight at Hotel Posada Los Alamos (or similar)
Day 8 Dec 10th Perito Moreno Glacier Visit (B, D)
Breakfast at hotel. Today we take full day excursion to Perito Moreno.
If you only visit one glacier in your life, Perito Moreno would be a great one to pick. Regarded as one of the most beautiful on earth- It towers above the turquoise glacial water of Patagonia’s Los Glaciares National Park, beaming a blinding white and exuding cold blue hues. Unlike most of earth’s other glaciers, Perito Moreno is still growing.
The Perito Moreno Glacier, named for a 19th-century explorer, is currently 19 miles long and rises an average height of 240 feet above the water. Altogether, the glacier covers about 121 square miles, it became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981.
There are viewing platforms a safe distance from the glacier, overlooking Lake Argentino, the glacier’s terminus. You can get pretty close—to the point that you can basically feeling the glacier breathing cold air on your face.
If you wait for a while, you’ll likely witness huge chunks of the ice mass fracture off and crash into the water, creating a massive, reverberating roar. There are walking paths that allow you to check out the glacier from a few different vantage points, surrounded by the beautiful Patagonian scenery of forests and mountains.
During our visit there will be an optional extra tour available- Perito Moreno Glacier Ice trekking.
The once in a lifetime tour starts as you board on a boat to cross the Lago Rico and arrive at the opposite shore after approximately a 20-minute navigation in front of the southern wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Once you disembark, you will be greeted by mountain guides, who will lead you to a shelter with sanitary facilities. From there, you will begin a brief walk along the shore of the lake, which includes a talk on glaciology in general and the Perito Moreno Glacier in particular. Upon reaching the edge of the glacier, the guides will form subgroups of a maximum 20 people each, and will fit you with crampons and helmets. Once on the ice, you will receive a brief safety talk, and will begin the walk.
Always with the help of our mountain guides, you’ll enjoy this natural ice paradise. The trekking difficulty is moderate and has many ascents and descents, the route on the glacier lasts approximately one and a half hours and, in its course, you will be able to appreciate a variety of typical formations of a glacier like cracks, sumps, seracs, lagoons, etc.
At the end of the walk, you’ll return to the shelter along a walkway crossing the lush Patagonian Andean forest. Shortly afterwards, you’ll board the boat to return to the port.
To cap off the day- After our visit to the Glacier today we will visit a southern Patagonian Estancia located in a secluded place with sweeping vistas of the mountains and lakes for an included Patagionian dinner meal and to learn about ranching (such as sheep shearing, horseback riding)
Overnight at Hotel Posada Los Alamos (or similar)
Day 9 Dec 11th Lago Argentino Scenic Cruise (B,L)
Breakfast at hotel. Today, we transfer to Soledad port for a full day scenic cruise.
The Patagonian ice field is, after Antarctica, the largest concentration of ice on the planet. Its glaciers descend from 1,500 to 200 meters above sea level enabling unique access and viewing of the glaciers.
Los Glaciares National Park offers a magnificent combination of forest, lakes, mountains, ice and steppes with over 200 glaciers. The most renowned being Spegazzini, rising 135 meters above sea level, Upsala covering an entire valley with an approximate extension of 765 Km2 and a length of 53km, and Perito Moreno Glacier, constantly advancing and causing the spectacular rupture of the wall of ice, providing one of Nature’s most impressive sights.
Glaciares Gourmet cruise is a full day journey to one of the most wonderful places in Southern Patagonia. Sailing aboard the exclusive Cruise boat María Turquesa (or similar lake cruise vessel) you will enjoy the highest standard of comfort and gourmet cuisine, for a truly memorable experience.
Our trip starts in Lago Argentino – on a northwest course to Punta Avellaneda and Boca del Diablo. Then onto Spegazzini Glacier, we have a landing at Las Vacas Station, in the Spegazzini Canal Bay. Here our guides coordinate a trek with a view of the old Settlers’ Station identifying flora and fauna.
Visit the Upsala Canal and navigate to Herminita Peninsula – limit of the navigation zone allowed by National Parks – panoramic view of the Upsala Glacier.
Included Lunch served during our navigation. For a special treat - try a whiskey or drink with 2000 year old Glacial Ice cubes!
In the afternoon we navigate to Canal de los Tempanos, then visit Perito Moreno Galcier- the other face not accessible by the viewing platforms on land, and then return to the port and back to the town.
Transfer back to the hotel. Rest of evening at leisure.
Head out later with your trip host and EA host and enjoy a stroll in the city center for a mix of pubs and bars, restaurants, music, and shopping. We can show you some fun spots tonight!
Overnight at Hotel Posada Los Alamos (or similar)
Day 10 Dec 12th- Transfer to Bariloche (B)
Breakfast at hotel and morning at leisure until the transfer to the airport for the domestic flight to Bariloche.
Bariloche is a town in Argentina’s Northern Patagonia region and has one of the most gorgeous settings imaginable. This, combined with a wealth of summer and winter activities in the surrounding countryside, as well the production of Argentina's best chocolate, has helped it become the Lake District’s principal destination. It borders Nahuel Huapi, a large glacial lake surrounded by the Andes Mountains. Bariloche is known for its Swiss alpine-style architecture and its chocolate, sold in shops lining Calle Mitre, the main street. It's also a popular base for hiking and exploring the beautiful and nearby Andes mountains and exploring the surrounding Lake District.
Transfer to your 4 star hotel located right on the lake. The Alma Del Lago Suite offers modern accommodations with panoramic views of Nahuel Huapi Lake and extensive spa facilities. It features a fine dining restaurant and wine bar.
Spa & Relax features an indoor pool with a hot tub. It offers facial and body treatments, massages and sauna facilities.
Rooms at Alma Del Lago Suites & Spa are fitted with a seating area and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. They feature large windows offering views of the lakes and Cerro Catedral Mountain.
Guests can enjoy a Mediterranean-Patagonian cuisine menu at Terra Restaurant. All accompanied by a wine from the restaurant's private collection.
After dinner you may stroll the downtown area of Bariloche and visit one of the many microbreweries or wine bars with your trip host.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at Hotel Alma del Lago
Day 11 Dec 13th- White Water Rafting! (B,D)
Rafting Rio Manso We pick up the passengers at their lodging. We leave Bariloche through Route 258, proceeding to LakeSteffen passing lakes Gutierrez, Mascardi and Guillelmo.
Once at the Steffen, at around midday, while the guides set up the rafting gear, we change into our rafting gear. After a brief put-in safety talk given by the head-guide, we are ready to go down the Río Manso.
Surrounded by high peaks and exuberant forests, our raft drifts downstream while we watch the rich flora of the National Park: coihue, ciprés, arrayán, maitén, radal, colihue cane, chilco, etc. We can also watch birds such as martín pescador (king fisher), bandurria, avutarda and tero. The crystal-clear waters of the Manso will allow us to watch different kinds of trout as well.
After approximately an hour and a half, we stop in a beautiful sandy beach, where our guides will offer lunch boxes with meat sandwiches, dressings, vegetable pies, fruits, something sweet and juice.
Around 3 p.m. we are all set to resume the trip. From here on, the Manso becomes more and more thrilling. Uvasal (Alka Seltzer), Banda de Billar (Billiard Edge), Diente de Hipopótamo (Hippo Tooth), Montaña Rusa (Roller-coaster) and Roca Magnética (Magnetic Rock) are some of the rapids we will run.
In the summertime, the sun invites us to enjoy a plunge in the lukewarm backwaters. After merging with Río Villegas, we run the most exciting rapids. When we arrive in the Lower Manso valley, the trip concludes.
At our private take-out, Puerto Manso the van is going to be waiting for us. We change clothing and enjoy an exquisite snack at the cozy quincho (shed). We then start our trip back to Bariloche, arriving around 7pm.
Includes: Transfers, guides, rafting outfit (with waterproof pants and jackets), lunch and snack.
After the tour we will return to Bariloche. Evening at leisure.
Overnight at hotel Alma del Lago.
Day 12 Dec 14th- Exploring Bariloche and Surrounds – Traditional Argentine Grill (B,D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day to explore Bariloche and the surrounding National Parks at your own pace. There is plenty to do in this beautiful place! Explore the town and go shopping and chocolate tasting or get outdoors!
As an option, there adventure activities and many other tours to choose from (ie horseback riding, zip lines, scenic boat cruises, hiking, etc). These can be set up on site and will be an extra charge.
In the evening we will partake in a special group dinner event at an Argentine Grill. The grill or “parilla” is an Argentine passion. We have more than 35 years of experience and worldwide recognition to offer, in addition to the grill, a unique experience.
Restaurant El Boliche de Alberto (or similar)
Rest of evening free after dinner.
Overnight at hotel Alma del Lago.
Day 13 Dec 15th- Bariloche and Departure (B)
Breakfast at hotel.
After breakfast we head out on a private sightseeing tour of this beautiful region.
The tour starts in Bariloche traveling on Avenida Exeuiel Bustillo, a winding paved road that borders the Nahuel Huapi Lake. Around km.8 is Bonita Beach, with views of Huemul Island. Ten kilometers ahead, after traveling through a variety of scenery, arrive at the foot of Mt. Campanario. Here there is a lift that transports travelers up to the summit, 1,050 meters above sea level. From this point we can see one of the most beautiful and fascinating views of the region.
You will see lakes, Nahuel Huapi, Perito Moreno, Trébol, the San Pedro y Llao Llao peninsulas, Isla Victoria, Mounts Otto, López, Goye and Catedral and the city of Bariloche. Continuing the tour and after passing by the area of the San Pedro Península, Arrive at Llao Llao Peninsula, where the architectural jewels of the region, the great Hotel Llao Llao and the San Eduardo Chapel are located, just above Lake Nahuel Huapi, Puerto Pañuelo.
The tour continues crossing golf courses, the Angostura Bridge, over the river of the same name that links Lakes Moreno and Nahuel Hapi, and the Lopez Bay, located at the foot of the mount of the same name. Further on arrive at Punto Panorámico, a natural balcony formation with views of Lake Moreno and the Llao Llao Peninsula. Then cross over the bridge on the narrow part of Lake Moreno, bordering Lake Trebol and two kilometers down the road, come to Av. Exequiel Bustillo at kilometer 18 where the tour circles back to the city.
In the early afternoon, transfer to the Bariloche airport for a fight back to Buenos Aires. Scheduled arrival to the domestic airport (AEP) in BA is 415 pm. You may then connect with your overnight flight back home. We suggested not to depart before 10pm tonight to make sure you can make your connection.
Day 14 Dec 16th- Arrive back home
Please note- All times for tours, transfers, daily arrival/departure times, etc. are approximate and subject to modification at the guide and/or host’s recommendations. Erik’s Adventures reserves the right to alter or cancel the itinerary if necessary due to safety concerns, circumstances outside its control (i.e. worker strikes, weather, government, etc.). We reserve the right to make changes if needed for passenger safety, changing or new government regulations, and other concerns. Hotels mentioned are subject to availability. We may use hotels similar to the ones mentioned in the itinerary.
