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Home > Destinations > South
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Best of Argentina
Based from upscale, well-located lodges and boutique hotels, discover the diversity of Argentina, a land of towering waterfalls, enormous ice fields, fantastic wines and a most-enchanting capital city! From the calving glaciers of Los Glacieres National Park in southern Patagonia to the steamy jungles of Iguazu Falls National Park in the subtropical region north of Buenos Aires, local expert guides lead us on nature-based forest hikes and glacier treks. Three days in sunny and temperate Mendoza permits us ample time to explore the city with its vibrant central market, enjoy wine tastings at several small, family-owned vineyards in the charming Lujan de Cuyo region and revel in an exciting day of adventure with white water rafting and horseback riding in the foothills of the Andes. Geared towards first-time travelers to Argentina, this itinerary is a wonderful introduction to the country?s highlights and is designed to include the weekly San Telmo Antiques Market in Buenos Aires.
DAY 1 : BUENOS AIRES
Buenos Aires airport reception and transfer to overnight at the Moreno Hotel. In the afternoon, our local guide escorts us to the center of San Telmo to soak in the scene at the weekly antiques market - a lively event held every Sunday. Browse the stalls for every piece of treasure (or junk!) imaginable and enjoy the spectacle - from food vendors to couples dancing tango in the streets. Overnight at the Moreno Hotel.
DAY 2 : EL CALAFATE - GLACIER MUSEUM
Fly to El Calafate, the base for explorations of the Patagonian Continental Ice Cap and Los Glaciares National Park. The ice cap runs 560 miles from North to South between the 48 and 51 parallels. It is the origin of 47 major glaciers, including the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Upon arrival, there is an optional stop in town for a quick lunch (not included) then continue to the newly-opened Glaciarium Museum to gain an understanding of the geology of the region and brush up on your glaciology. The information about Argentina?s major glaciers and the exhibits on Perito Moreno and global warming are particularly interesting. Continue on to EOLO Lodge, a luxurious estancia 30 minutes from El Calafate and strategically located on a vast Patagonian landscape from which one can observe Lake Argentina towards the north, La Anita Valley towards the east, and the massif of Torres del Paine to the south. Overnight at EOLO. [BD]
DAY 3 : PERITO MORENO GLACIER WALK
Drive to a spectacular lookout of Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. Permanently advancing along its 3-mile-front, columns of ice over 20 stories high peel off the face and crash into Lago Argentino creating massive icebergs. We cross Lago Argentino along the front wall of the glacier to the edge of the Patagonian Ice Cap. Watch and listen as the glacier calves enormous shards of ice into the lake. Disembark, and after a safety briefing, strap on crampons for an easy two hour walk over the uneven glacial landscape of streams, lagoons, gullies, crevasses and deep blue ice formations! Watch for Andean condor and Buff-necked Ibis. Overnight at the EOLO Lodge. [BL]
Note: The 'Moreno Glacier Walk' is a group excursion of up to 20 persons conducted by a local park concession for ages 12-60 (exceptions may be granted in Calafate). Ask about our 'Big Ice Exploration', an alternative, longer, 6-hour hike with a smaller group that ventures deeper into the depths of the glacier for ages 18-50.
DAY 4 : LAGO ROCA & HORSEBACK RIDING AT NIBEPO AIKE
Drive along a winding gravel road, passing Patagonian estancias and massive mountains until reaching Nibepo Aike. Set within Los Glaciares National Park and dating from the beginning of the 20th century, this estancia overlooks the south margin of the Lake Argentino. Observe the activities of cattle handling and herding or simply enjoy how the specialty of the area - lamb roasted on a stake - is prepared. After a delicious and traditional lunch we will be able to hike along the coast of the lake, opt for a horseback ride through the vast property, climb the Crystal Mount lookout point or visit the organic garden. Overnight at Eolo Lodge. [BLD]
DAY 5 : IGUAZU FALLS
Transfer to the airport for flight to Iguazu Falls via Buenos Aires. Upon arrival at the Iguazu Falls you'll be met and taken to your hotel. The Sheraton Iguazu is located inside the National Park, giving you the opportunity to spend this afternoon on your own viewing the falls. Walk on the extensive trail system that features numerous view points of the Falls. Overnight in a Falls View Room at the Sheraton Iguazu Resort and Spa. [BD]
DAY 6 : GUIDED EXPLORATION OF THE ARGENTINE FALLS
Today we explore the tropical rain forests and multiple waterfalls of Iguazu National Park with a naturalist guide. Iguazu Falls consists of 275 separate waterfalls spanning a nearly two mile long fall line of the Iguazu River on the border between Argentina and Brazil. Spectacular falls plunge 260 feet in a thunderous roar of mist and rainbows among giant ferns, vines and orchids. Today will be our introduction to the rainforest ecosystem full of butterflies, monkeys, caiman, peccary, deer and abundant birdlife especially parrots, toucans, hummingbirds and guan. There are miles of trails, a train to the Devil's Throat overlook, walkways with foot bridges, and a boat crossing to more trails, all providing strategic access for unlimited photographic opportunities.
On your own you can join a local excursion including a naturalist led bird watching hike, or a wet and wild boat trip up to the base of the falls (local tours not included). Overnight in a falls view room at the Sheraton Iguazu Resort and Spa. [BD]
DAY 7 : FLY TO MENDOZA , CITY TOUR
Transfer to the airport for flight to Mendoza via Buenos Aires. Upon arrival in Mendoza, meet our local guide and transfer in to commence your city tour. Founded in 1561, the architecture of Mendoza goes back even further as acequias (water channels lining the major streets) engineered by the Huarpe Indians and then expanded by the Incas still supply the city's fountains with water today. We visit the foundations of the city and Independence Park, the New City with its main squares and San Martin Park at Cerro de la Gloria, which offers a panoramic view of the city and surrounding valley. The Mercado Central is a bustling homage to artisan cheeses, meats, olives and other local produce and should not be missed.
Travel out of Mendoza city to overnight at Robles de Besares. This country house is 15 km outside of Mendoza in Chacras de Coria and within walking distance of several good restaurants where you can enjoy dinner. [B]
DAY 8 : WINE TASTING IN LUJAN DE CUYO
Explore the heart of Malbec country with a full day of guided wine tastings in Lujan de Cuyo, located 40 minutes from Mendoza city and considered to be the birthplace of the quality movement that catapulted Argentine wine to the international stage.
The first visit will be to Achaval Ferrer, the first Argentine winery to score 96 points in Wine Spectator. Their wines continue to blaze a trail and prove to the skeptics that Argentine wine is a force to be dealt with. Private visits are difficult to secure (unless you are in the know!) and tasting sessions cellar include a sampling of varietals from the barrel of the Altamira blend.
Belasco de Baquedano is a larger, modern facility and here we use our noses in their unique 'Hall of Aromas' to identify up to 46 different notes that we?ll find in wine.
We lunch at Cava de Cano, a true garage bodega where the entire wine production process takes place in a garage sized room. Set in a beautiful colonial style building this is an atmospheric step back in time. Lunch is a spectacular buffet with every type of delicacy.
Our day concludes with a visit to Carmelo Patti. Given that all winemakers are artists, this man is the personification. He does not advertise his boutique winery in any way, shape or form and makes only what his devoted customers actually ask for. Sr Patti has been doing this quite successfully for a cult-like following for over 36 years.
*Prefer to taste wine on two wheels? Ask about our cycling and wine tasting options.
Return to Robles de Besares for overnight. [BL]
DAY 9 : HORSEBACK RIDING AND RAFTING
Depart your hotel in the morning and travel to the Mendoza River near Potrerillos, one of the best rivers in Argentina to enjoy a safe whitewater experience that is exciting but equally good for beginners. After a safety and instructional briefing, we board our rafts and head downstream for approximately 40 minutes, navigating our way through rapids ranging from Class II-V. You?ll definitely want to bring a change of dry clothes for later! Lunch is at a local restaurant near the river. In the afternoon, we travel to Alto Potrerillos for a gaucho-guided horseback ride through the stunning country side. At nearly 10,000? in elevation, the mountain tops seem much closer and from the saddle we are treated to views of the Cordon del Plata Mountain Range and the Mendoza River below. Return to Robles de Besares in the late afternoon for overnight at Robles de Besares. [BL]
DAY 10 : FLY TO BUENOS AIRES, TANGO SHOW
Transfer to the Mendoza airport for your early afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, you?ll be escorted to the Nuss Hotel in the trendy and bohemian Palermo neighborhood. Evening transfer (shared) to Esquina Carlos Gardel tango show at a restored theater reminiscent of 1950?s Buenos Aires tango ballrooms. Our VIP service includes reserved seating with a guaranteed excellent view of the stage and gourmet dinner with select wines of South America. Overnight at the luxury Nuss Hotel. [BD]
DAY 11 : DEPARTURE
Enjoy the day exploring Buenos Aires on our 'Four Balconies of Buenos Aires' half-day city tour. Join a local porteno guide who uses four parks and plazas to introduce visitors to the city, its history, its style, and the peculiar psychology of 'Porteno' residents. You visit historical sites such as the Barrio Norte with its splendid old homes; San Telmo where the artist and musicians live and work; La Boca, a neighborhood of brightly painted Italian family homes and restaurants; and the Avenida 9 de Julio with its towering obelisk as much a symbol to Buenos Aires as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. Evening airport transfer for departure. [B]
| - Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services - |
Days: 10 | Grade: I-II, "Easy Hiking and Glacier Trekking" (click for grades definition) | 2012 Price: From $4675 per person. Land cost based on Group Size | Group Size | 2-3 | 4-5 | 6+ | Land Cost | $5250 | $4825 | $4675 | Internal Airfare | $900 | $900 | $900 |
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| Single Supplement: $1275 (click for info) | *Internal airfare cost subject to change until ticketed. | | | | | 2012 Departure Dates | | | Feb 25 - Mar 6, 2012
Mar 17 - Mar 27, 2012
Apr 7 - Apr 17, 2012
Apr 14 - Apr 24, 2012
(and on request) |
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| | | Included: Services as specified in the itinerary above include excellent lodging and accommodations; English-speaking naturalist guides; guided tours and excursions; airport-hotel transfers and land transportation; meals as specified [B-Breakfast, BL-box lunch, L-Lunch, D-Dinner]; services of in-bound land operator for airline reconfirmation, and tour operations; and Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services. | | | Not Included: Services unless specified otherwise in the itinerary above such as international air transportation and local flights within Argentina. Domestic airfare estimated subject to availability based on coach class. Airport taxes; tips and gratuities; optional or suggested services that are on your own; insurance of any kind; personal expenses; extra beverages and alcoholic drinks; medical costs; and hospitalization and evacuation and any other extra expenses due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond control. You will need to carry about $500 extra cash (must be in US dollars cash, not travelers checks nor credit cards) to cover the fees, taxes, tips and meals not included in your itinerary. Meals, souvenirs and other local and personal expenses not specified in the above itinerary are also not included. | | | Trip Notes: The Perito Moreno Glacier glacier trekking is shared with other travelers and operated by a local national park glacier guide service concession. Glacier trekking requires a minimum age of 10 years.
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