DAY 1 • Buenos Aires
Bienvenidos a Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital city and cultural heart of Argentina! On arrival, your local guide will welcome you to Argentina and take you to your boutique hotel in the Palermo neighborhood, where gourmet restaurants mix with laid-back cafés, and fashionable nightclubs mingle with historic theaters and museums. Take the afternoon to relax or begin exploring the unique architecture, beautiful plazas, and colorful culture of this famed city.
- No Meals – Casa Sur Palermo
DAY 2 • Buenos Aires
Delve deep into the distinct and culturally-rich neighborhoods of Buenos Aires as your local guide introduces you to the fascinating history and dynamic culture of Argentina’s capital. Explore elegant Recoleta, the vibrant colors of La Boca, and the architectural wonder of the iconic Teatro Colón. With so much to see, your guide will tailor the day to your interests, from gastronomy and fútbol to art and architecture.
Optional evening experiences could include reservations at a private puerta cerrada restaurant or learning a few tango steps to practice with locals at a milonga.
- B – Casa Sur Palermo
DAY 3 • Buenos Aires – El Calafate
Enjoy the morning at your leisure or explore the city on your own before departing on your flight south to El Calafate. Gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, El Calafate, is situated on the shores of Lake Argentino. Walk along the water’s edge to admire the kaleidoscope of blues with a background of mountain peaks.
Discover town independently, perhaps visiting the Glaciarium to learn about the history and science behind glaciers before stopping for a drink in the on-site Glaciobar, made completely of ice.
- B – Xelena
DAY 4 • Estancia Cristina
Head deep into remote Patagonia to experience the wild nature and rich traditions at historic hacienda Estancia Cristina. Sail on a catamaran alongside icebergs with breathtaking views of the Upsala Glacier to arrive at the port of Estancia Cristina. A 4-wheel-drive vehicle takes you through the mountains to enjoy spectacular views of glaciers and lakes before returning to the estancia, where you can explore the property with a visit to the old shearing shed and the Costumbrista Museum.
You could also arrange to return to the estancia via a guided Patagonia hiking excursion that includes a descent through Fossil Canyon.
- B, L – Xelena
DAY 5 • El Calafate
Marvel at the massive glacier wall of Perito Moreno and admire its vibrant colors ranging from white to turquoise as it descends into Lake Argentino. Spend the day visiting the various scenic overlooks and viewpoint areas around the sprawling glacier, where you will be able to witness the ice calving. You will also take a boat ride to get up close and personal to the face of the glacier.
Alternative experiences, such as a short trek on the Perito Moreno glacier or a more demanding ice hike, are also options.
- B, Box L – Xelena
DAY 6 • El Calafate – Iguazú Falls
Fly north to Iguazú in the subtropical jungle of northern Argentina. Even by Argentine standards – a country full of natural wonders – the Iguazú Falls, are an extraordinary sight.
- B – Loi Suites Iguazú
DAY 7 • Iguazú Falls
Spend the day exploring the Argentine side of Iguazú, walking along a variety of trails and walkways, and taking in the falls from different viewpoints along your route. Witness the broad river tumbling into Devil’s Gorge, surrounded by the emerald colors of the rainforest below. Get up close and personal with the falls on a thrilling safari boat ride that takes you through the waves right up to the rushing waterfalls.
- B – Loi Suites Iguazú
DAY 8 • Iguazú Falls (Brazilian Side) - Onward
In the morning, cross the border into Brazil for an alternative perspective on the breathtaking Iguazú Falls. Enjoy a sweeping, postcard view of more than 270 waterfalls as the Iguazú River flows through a deep horseshoe-shaped canyon. Experience the natural wonder of Iguazú once more before bidding farewell to the falls and returning home.
- B