This thrilling 11-day itinerary around Argentina introduces you to key attractions, like colorful Buenos Aires and the spectacular Iguazú National Park. It also takes you to lesser-visited destinations, including a traditional ranch in the countryside, where you'll ride horses and savor a classic Argentinian barbecue, and the bird watching paradise of the Esteros de Iberá. Learn about tango culture at a club in the capital city, kayak through pristine wetlands, feel the spray of the majestic Iguazú Falls, and so much more as you discover the gorgeous landscapes and fascinating history of Argentina.

Highlights

  • Attend a tango show and visit a locals' tango club in Buenos Aires
  • See some of the world's most spectacular waterfalls at Iguazú National Park
  • Spot an incredible variety of bird life in the Esteros de Iberá
  • Kayak through quiet waterways in Iberá National Park
  • Go horseback riding at a traditional ranch in the countryside

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Buenos Aires & Sightsee Buenos Aires
Day 2 Take a City Tour & Attend a Tango Show Buenos Aires
Day 3 Arrive in Iguazú National Park  Puerto Iguazú
Day 4 Discover the Brazilian Side of the Falls Puerto Iguazú
Day 5 Boat on the Iguazú River Puerto Iguazú
Day 6 Explore the Esteros del Iberá Iberá
Day 7 Discover Iberá National Park Iberá
Day 8 Kayak in the National Park Iberá
Day 9 Visit a Tango Club in Buenos Aires Buenos Aires
Day 10 Go Horseback Riding in the Countryside Buenos Aires
Day 11 Depart Argentina - End of Trip  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires & Sightsee

The Obelisco in Buenos Aires
The Obelisco in Buenos Aires

Welcome to Argentina! The capital city of Buenos Aires is known as the "Paris of South America," thanks to its mix of European architecture and Latin American culture. When you arrive at the airport, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in the city center. Buenos Aires is the birthplace of tango, and you'll have the chance to see tango dancers performing to live music as you explore downtown. Head south into the neighborhood of San Telmo, walking along cobblestoned streets — this is a great area to soak up the city's historic charm, stop in a traditional café, browse through the antiques at the elegant Mercado San Telmo marketplace, and sit down for dinner at a classic parrilla (steakhouse).  

Day 2: Take a City Tour & Attend a Tango Show

El Caminito in the neighborhood of La Boca

After breakfast, you'll begin a guided tour of the city. Along the journey, you'll visit several points of interest, including Plaza de Mayo, home to the Casa Rosada (the national government palace) and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Continue to one of Buenos Aires' oldest neighborhoods, San Telmo, then visit La Boca, a neighborhood famous for its brightly painted houses. It's also home to the legendary Boca Juniors football club where Diego Maradona got his start.

You will also visit the neighborhood of Puerto Madero, located on the former docks along the riverside of the Río de la Plata. With old industrial warehouses converted into elegant bars, eateries, and offices, it's considered one of the most successful urban waterfront restoration projects in the world. Next, you'll see Palermo, a neighborhood known for its huge parks as well as some of Buenos Aires' trendiest bars, clubs, restaurants, and boutiques. Finish the tour in European-style Recoleta. One of its main attractions, the Recoleta Cemetery, is the final resting place for generations of well-known Argentinians, including Evita Perón.

In the evening, you will be picked up from your hotel to enjoy a memorable night out in Buenos Aires and experience the passion of Argentine tango. Enjoy a three-course dinner as you watch a show with live musicians and professional dancers and singers.

Day 3: Arrive in Iguazú National Park 

Bossetti Jump at Iguazú Falls
After a short flight this morning, you'll arrive in Puerto Iguazú, the gateway to Iguazú Falls. The massive cascade straddles the border of two countries – Argentina and Brazil – and is part of one of the largest natural protected areas in South America. After checking in at your hotel, you'll take some time in the afternoon to orient yourself in Argentina's Iguazú National Park. Well-marked paths lead you to different viewpoints around the waterfalls, including the spectacular thundering torrent known as Garganta del Diablo (The Devil's Throat). You'll leave the park at dusk and enjoy a traditional Argentine dinner of empanadas, grilled meats and vegetables, and red wine, followed by a dessert of alfajores (Argentine sandwich cookies made with dulce de leche).

Day 4: Discover the Brazilian Side of the Falls

Morning light on the falls

Today you'll cross the border to explore the falls on the Brazilian side. The tour starts at the visitor's center and leads you across various paths and footbridges to see designed to see spectacular panoramic views of the 275 waterfalls that make up Iguazú. The most important falls on the Brazilian side are Floriano, Deodoro, Benjamín Constant, and Salto Unión. Next, you'll head to the Bird Park to see rare and colorful birds, as well as alligators, anacondas, pythons, marmosets, and butterflies.

Day 5: Boat on the Iguazú River

Boating near the base of Iguazú Falls

Back on the Argentine side of the falls, an adventure awaits. In the morning, you'll go hiking through the rainforest, enjoying more outstanding views of the falls from different viewpoints. After lunch, you'll embark on an adventure tour that departs from the visitor's center. Travel in a 4x4 vehicle into the heart of the jungle until you reach the river port of Puerto Macuco. At the dock, you'll board a boat to sail on the Lower Iguazú River towards the waterfalls. Upon reaching Three Musketeers Fall, you'll be able to see the falls of both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides crowned by the towering Garganta del Diablo. Next, you'll face the incomparable San Martín waterfall, the second largest in the series of cascades. Once back on dry land, you'll have time to hike more in the park or head back to your hotel to relax.

Day 6: Explore the Esteros del Iberá

An otherworldly scene in the wetlands

In the morning, you will have a private transfer from your hotel to the Hotel Puerto Valle. You'll base yourself here while exploring the Iberá Provincial Reserve, a protected natural area within the vast Iberá Wetlands. It comprises swamps, marshes, and lagoons stretching southwest from the city of Ituzaingó to the town of Chavarría. The reserve is home to an abundance of wildlife, including alligators, marsh deer, and hundreds of bird species.

After an excursion into the park, return to the hotel to relax. The manor, built in 1868, features stately rooms and magnificent gardens.

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Day 7: Discover Iberá National Park

A caiman in the national park

On December 5, 2018, the Congress of Argentina passed legislation approving the creation of Iberá National Park in northeastern Argentina, ensuring the region's long-term conservation. Your adventure through the national park starts on 4x4 vehicles towards the northern entryway at Cambyretá Portal, then continues with hikes to discover the typical fauna and flora of the northern Iberá, including birds, capybara, marsh deer, caimans, foxes, and armadillos. Perfect for photographers and nature lovers, the experience doubles as a photo safari. 

Day 8: Kayak in the National Park

A marsh deer in the water

Get out and explore the wetlands today in a kayak! Enjoy a voyage along quiet waterways through the Paranaense Forest, observing wildlife along the way. In the evening, you'll head back to the hotel to have dinner and relax before traveling back to Buenos Aires tomorrow.

Day 9: Visit a Tango Club in Buenos Aires

The dance floor at a milonga

Go to the airport this morning for your flight to Buenos Aires. You'll have the afternoon free to explore or relax. In the evening, you'll have the unique experience of visiting a traditional milonga (tango club). Your guide will accompany you as you arrive at the club and participate in a class to learn the basics of the dance. Then you'll learn more about the history and culture of tango as a live orchestra begins to play and locals begin to move around the dance floor. You can join in the dancing or just enjoy a glass of wine and watch from the sidelines.

Day 10: Go Horseback Riding in the Countryside

A peaceful scene in gaucho country

One more side trip awaits on the last day of the itinerary. You will explore the countryside today in and around San Antonio de Areco, a traditional town in the heart of gaucho country. Your guide will explain a bit of the region's history as you travel, then you'll go on a guided tour around the town. After a coffee break, spend the rest of the day at Estancia El Ombú de Areco, an old-fashioned estancia (ranch). Go horseback riding or explore the grounds in a horsedrawn carriage before a delicious asado (barbecue) lunch and a folkloric show followed by a gaucho demonstration.

Head back to Buenos Aires and enjoy one last night on the town before the trip is over.

Day 11: Depart Argentina - End of Trip

A nighttime view over Buenos Aires

Today the trip comes to an end. Head to the airport to make your way to your next destination. Safe travels!

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