Highlights
- Discover Argentine culture and gastronomy with a tango dinner and dance show
- Kayak between beaches in Argentine Patagonia's Lake District
- Find your groove and delve into Uruguayan culture at the Carnavale Tablado
- Ride the cable car up the hills of Piriápolis for sweeping ocean views
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Buenos Aires (Argentina), Dinner Show at Rojo Tango | Buenos Aires |
| Day 2 | Fly to Bariloche, Circuito Chico Trek | Bariloche |
| Day 3 | Lago Gutiérrez Kayak Excursion | Bariloche |
| Day 4 | All-Day Horseback Ride Around Lago Gutiérrez with Picnic Lunch | Bariloche |
| Day 5 | Beer Tasting in Bariloche, Fly to Buenos Aires, Ferry to Montevideo (Uruguay) | Montevideo |
| Day 6 | Carnaval Tablado Experience | Montevideo |
| Day 7 | Montevideo Tour with Mercado del Puerto, Transfer to Punta del Este | Punta del Este |
| Day 8 | Day Trip to José Ignacio & Surrounding Fishing Villages | Punta del Este |
| Day 9 | Explore the Seaside Town of Piriápolis | Punta del Este |
| Day 10 | Tour the Punta del Este Peninsula, Transfer to Montevideo, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires (Argentina), Dinner Show at Rojo Tango
¡Bienvenidos a Argentina! Your flight lands in Buenos Aires, the country's beautiful capital that's known as the "Paris of South America" for its leafy parks, wide, elegant boulevards, and vibrant nightlife. Meet your driver and transfer to your city-center hotel. After a refresh, you'll find plenty in the city to explore, with sights ranging from grand cathedrals and Parisian-style plazas to sprawling museums full of centuries-old artwork and historical relics.
In the evening, combine dinner with one of Argentina's most famous cultural traditions—the tango. The evening starts with a visit to Rojo Tango in the Faena Hotel, where you'll be greeted with a glass of Champagne. Then, sit back and watch some of the city's best dancers, singers, and musicians while enjoying a delicious three-course Argentine menu. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel.
Day 2: Fly to Bariloche, Circuito Chico Trek
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Today, you'll head to the airport for a 2.5-hour flight to San Carlos de Bariloche, a picturesque city in Argentine Patagonia's Lake District, near the border with Chile. Located within Nahuel Huapi National Park, it's known for the incredible surrounding mountains, lakes, and forests, as well as its charming German-style alpine architecture.
Once you've settled in, explore the central plaza, home to the historic Civic Center with its beautiful clock tower, taste chocolate at several shops (it's the "chocolate capital" of Argentina, after all), or visit the Museo del Chocolate, which showcases the history and culture of chocolate in the region.
In the afternoon, grab your hiking boots for the scenic Circuito Chico Trek, an easy walk to the summit of Cerrito Llao Llao. During the ascent, you'll walk through the native forest for about an hour before reaching the end of the trail, which offers sweeping views of Lago Nahuel Huapi and the nearby hills of López, Capilla, and Millaqueo.
Day 3: Lago Gutiérrez Kayak Excursion
Your guide will pick you up at your hotel in Bariloche for a 20-minute transfer to the shores of Lago Gutiérrez for an up-close look at the beauty of the Argentine Lake District. Once you arrive, learn the basics of paddling and hop into your kayak. Follow your guide around this scenic lake, fringed with beaches, forests, and peaks.
Stop at a deserted beach for tea and homemade alfajores (dulce de leche cookies), then paddle back to the starting point through the shimmering waters, made warm by rainfall. As you go, keep your eyes open for local birds and wildlife, as well as the several waterfalls that cascade into the lake.
Day 4: All-Day Horseback Ride Around Lago Gutiérrez with Picnic Lunch
Early this morning, join a small group for a transfer to the Los Baqueanos Complex on the southern shores of Lago Gutiérrez. Enjoy breakfast on the shores of the lake, then meet your guide at the nearby stable for a quick orientation to your horse (and horseback riding for the inexperienced). Take in the scenery and the sights and sounds of the local wildlife, and after a couple of hours, break for lunch. You'll feast on local specialties, including meat pies, chorizo, freshly made salad, and delicious homemade bread.
There'll be plenty of time to explore the local area on foot and relax over coffee before the two-hour ride back to the stables. Your efforts will be rewarded with hot chocolate and freshly baked cakes. Spend your final evening in Bariloche at one of the town's excellent restaurants.
Day 5: Beer Tasting in Bariloche, Fly to Buenos Aires, Ferry to Montevideo (Uruguay)
Spend your last morning in the Lake District on a brewery tour in Bariloche, and discover the authentic beer tradition of the town with a local expert. Through an exciting excursion to a local brewery, you'll tour the production area and delve into the rich beer history of the region. Then, enjoy a curated selection of local beers ranging from light to robust.
Afterward, you'll say farewell to Bariloche and transfer to the airport, where you'll catch a flight to Buenos Aires. Once you land, a driver will take you to the port, where you'll take a ferry to Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay. This fascinating city is known for its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and coastal beauty.
Day 6: Carnaval Tablado Experience
Day 7: Montevideo Tour with Mercado del Puerto, Transfer to Punta del Este
Discover the famous sites of Montevideo today on a comprehensive, citywide tour. Admire historic buildings like the Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral, stop at the charming Plaza Matriz, and stroll through the traditional Prado neighborhood. Pause at the famous Mercado del Puerto to refuel and sample street food at one of the famous grills.
Later, wander along the Rambla de Montevideo, an extensive promenade stretching along the coast. Relax in the spacious Parque Rodó and taste authentic Uruguayan cuisine at one of the many food stalls at Abasto Market. Other highlights include the oldest theater in South America, the Solís Theater, and the Plaza Virgilio, which has the most spectacular views of the coast.
Afterward, you'll transfer to the beautiful resort town of Punta del Este, located on a peninsula two hours from the capital. Settle in at your hotel and the rest of the evening is yours to spend at leisure.
Day 8: Day Trip to José Ignacio & Surrounding Fishing Villages
Today, you'll head out on a day trip 25 miles (40 km) northeast from Punta del Este to the fishing village turned resort town of José Ignacio. You'll visit several small towns and fishing villages on your way, including Mantaniales, La Barra, and El Chorro, before reaching the laid-back beach resort. The sandy stretches that line the coast here are world-class and filled with locals rubbing shoulders with the jet-set crowd.
After some time relaxing on Bikini Beach, you'll continue to the picturesque José Ignacio Lighthouse to enjoy the southern Atlantic views or kitesurf on the lovely Laguna Garzón. Pause for lunch at one of the terraced grills, such as the rustic Parador La Huella, and enjoy fresh seafood, then head to the Museo del Mar (Museum of the Sea), dedicated to the ocean's natural history. Toward the end of the afternoon, you'll transfer back to your hotel in Punta del Este.
Day 9: Explore the Seaside Town of Piriápolis
Take a day trip 30 miles (45 km) southeast of Punta del Este to the charming hamlet of Piriápolis. This area is known for its natural beauty, surrounded by hills and lined with sandy beaches, all set on a curving sweep of coastline. Wander the waterfront promenade of Rambla de los Argentinos to Piriápolis Beach, and take the chairlift from the harbor up Cerro San Antonio to visit the small chapel and take in the incredible views.
While there, climb up to the arms of the tall cross crowning the hill. See the local wildlife, such as the capybara and Amazon parrot, at the nature reserve, Parque Cerro Pan de Azúcar, and the castle-esque Hotel Colón. Walk to the Piriápolis Port to sample a seafood empanada from a food stand, then take in the sunset before heading back to Punta del Este.
Day 10: Tour the Punta del Este Peninsula, Transfer to Montevideo, Depart
It may be your last day in Uruguay, but there's still time to squeeze in one last tour of the towns and main attractions of the Punta del Este peninsula this morning. Meet your guide and head to the town's famous lighthouse for panoramic views across the bay, then head to the waterfront of La Brava.
Explore the nearby former fisherman's village of La Barra, known for its laid-back bars, beach views, and fancy houses, and cross the wavy La Barra Bridge. Continue through the Pinares neighborhood to nearby Punta Ballena. This charming town is known for Casapueblo, the former home of artist Carlos Paéz Vilaró, a gorgeous Greek-style villa with 13 floors and many terraces.
Afterward, you'll return to your hotel to collect your luggage and transfer back to Montevideo's international airport, where you'll catch your flight home or continue your adventures. Buen viaje!
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