Highlights
- Pedal through Buenos Aires' scenic parks and gardens on a guided tour
- Get up close to southern right whales and sea lions on a boat excursion
- Watch your kids interact with the world's largest Magellan penguin colony
- Experience jaw-dropping views of the majestic Iguazú Falls in two countries
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Buenos Aires, Explore | Buenos Aires |
| Day 2 | Bike Tour of Buenos Aires' Parks & Gardens | Buenos Aires |
| Day 3 | Fly to Puerto Madryn, El Doradillo Beach Adventure | Puerto Madryn |
| Day 4 | Explore Península Valdés, Visit the San Lorenzo Penguin Colony | Puerto Madryn |
| Day 5 | Whale Watching Experience | Puerto Madryn |
| Day 6 | Fly to Puerto Iguazú, Explore | Puerto Iguazú |
| Day 7 | Tour Iguazú Falls (Brazil Side), Visit a Bird Park | Puerto Iguazú |
| Day 8 | Tour Iguazú Falls (Argentina Side) | Puerto Iguazú |
| Day 9 | Fly to Buenos Aires, Explore | Buenos Aires |
| Day 10 | Depart Buenos Aires |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Explore
Welcome to Buenos Aires, Argentina's vibrant capital! Your private guide will meet your family at the airport and take you to your hotel. Once you've all had some time to rest and settle in, take a tour of the city to discover the most atmospheric areas. You'll be fascinated by the historic and political aspects of Plaza de Mayo, where you can see various monuments, government buildings, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Then head to San Telmo with its entertaining bohemian artists and markets, including Plaza Dorrego, an open-air market held on Sundays.
Next is La Boca, another character-filled quarter, which is home to El Caminito, a famous narrow street with colorful architecture and tango dancers. Meanwhile, football fans are in for a treat as La Boca is also home to the Boca Juniors Football Club, where Diego Maradona made his name. From here, you'll head to Puerto Madero, the city's new gastronomic and business hub. Stroll along the canals and take your pick of family-friendly eateries before heading back to your accommodation.
Day 2: Bike Tour of Buenos Aires' Parks & Gardens
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy some fresh air with a family bike tour of the city's parks and gardens. Starting in the Palermo Woods district, your guide will lead the way through the city's "green lung" on your way to the beautiful Rose Garden of Carlos Thays. Admire the Parisian-style mansions of Palermo Chico and Barrio Parque before you enter the aristocratic Recoleta neighborhood. From here, you'll visit some of the city's most famous points of interest, including the giant Metal Flower, the National Library, Plaza Evita, and Recoleta cemetery, where you can walk around and see Eva Peron's resting place.
By now, you've worked up an appetite, so it's time to dine on the city's best empanadas as you pass through Palermo Soho. Then ride through the beautiful Plaza Guemes and Plaza Serrano before biking back to your meeting point. After some time to rest at your hotel, have dinner at one of the city's casual restaurants offering good-quality pizzas, pasta, and, of course, local specialties, including Argentina's famous and reasonably-priced steaks.
Day 3: Fly to Puerto Madryn, El Doradillo Beach Adventure
This morning, a driver will transport you and your family to the airport for your flight to Puerto Madryn on Península Valdés. Upon arrival, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel, where you'll have time to settle. Then head to El Doradillo Beach, a famous conservation reserve for whales, seals, sea lions, orcas, and penguins. This place is ideal for all the nature lovers and photographers in your family, but in the unlikely event that kids get bored, there's plenty of scope for sandcastles!
Another way to explore this epic beach is by taking a half-day walking tour along the coast. Due to the calm waters and steep surf, you'll generally see southern right whale cows and calves just off the shore, only feet away from you. During the excursion, you'll also enjoy a picnic lunch of pan-fried chicken, bread, a traditional dessert, and drinks. Afterward, continue to hike out along the cliffs for wonderful views of the coast―don't worry, it's easy enough for kids, too.
Day 4: Explore Península Valdés, Visit the San Lorenzo Penguin Colony
Take the family for a full-day exploration of Península Valdés, starting with the Istmo Ameghino Interpretation Center. Here your family will learn about the wildlife that can be found here, so the kids will know just what to look out for. From the lookout tower, you'll get stunning views over the Golfo Nuevo and Golfo San José. Next, continue to Puerto Pirámides for the ocean section of your tour. See who can be the first to spot sea lions, right whales, or orcas. The lighthouse on your way also makes for a great photo opportunity against the rugged coastline.
Next is a lunch break at the Estancia San Lorenzo, a traditional sheep ranch in the area. Enjoy a delicious traditional meal of lamb on a spit and relax in the welcoming atmosphere. Then it's time to see the world's largest Magellan penguin colony, located just around the corner, with an astonishing 600,000 penguins in peak season. You'll walk past the transit and burrowing areas and get a great view over the Golfo San Matias and the wide beach where the penguins make their entry and exit from the water. At sunset, your driver will take you back to your accommodation in Puerto Madryn.
Day 5: Whale Watching Experience
This morning is your family's chance to get even closer to the majestic southern right whales that frequent this coastline. Take a whale watching tour from the village of Puerto Pirámides, where you'll be able to enjoy these magnificent creatures—as well as other sea creatures and Patagonian birds—from a safe distance while you learn all about them from a professional guide. Sit back and enjoy the scenic coastal landscapes that unfold before you. Afterward, head back to Puerto Madryn and relax at the beach. The combination of wildlife, water, sand, and playgrounds should keep the kids entertained for hours!
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 6: Fly to Puerto Iguazú, Explore
Today begins with a trip to the airport, where your family will fly to Puerto Iguazú in the tropical north. Upon arrival, you'll be picked up and transferred to your hotel. Famous for its spectacular waterfalls nearby, there are several other attractions here worth exploring. For families with animal and bird fans, visit the Güirá Oga animal shelter just 3 miles (5 km) down the road. A guided tour will allow you to learn more about the facility while getting up close to over 450 bird species as well as monkeys, anteaters, caimans, and capybaras―all of which are sure to be a hit with the kids.
Afterward, head to El Jardin de los Picaflores to get a close look at more than 20 species of native hummingbirds and many butterflies. For the rare chance to get a panoramic view of three countries at once, go to the viewpoint on the border of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Look for the handicrafts market, which is often held here, and pick up some authentic souvenirs. Afterward, head back into Puerto Iguazú, where you can pick between eateries for a relaxed dinner.
Day 7: Tour Iguazú Falls (Brazil), Visit a Bird Park
Today you'll head over the border into the Brazilian side of Iguazú National Park (be sure to bring your passports). A walkway will lead you to the Floriano Falls, an incredible view of the Río Iguazú, and the Devil's Gorge Canyon, one of the biggest falls of the complex. From this angle, you and the kids have the best view of the constant rainbow that can be seen in the canyons. Make time to take a few photos before you take the elevator up to the shopping and restaurant area.
The rest of your day can be spent at a bird park called Parque das Aves, conveniently located next door to the national park. The kids will love the rare and tropical birds here, such as macaws, toucans, and flamingoes, flying in large subtropical forest nurseries. You can walk inside the enclosures and observe the jewel-colored birds close up―a paradise for any budding ornithologists in the family. You'll also see caimans, anacondas, boas, monkeys, and butterflies. Afterward, you'll be taken back over the border and to your accommodation in Puerto Iguazú.
Day 8: Tour Iguazú Falls (Argentina)
Rise and shine! Wake the family early to beat the crowds this morning and head to the Argentina side of Iguazú National Park. A UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, the park is home to over 165,560 acres (67,000 ha) of protected subtropical flora and flora―including trees, vines, ferns, butterflies, birds, and mammals―but the crowds come mainly to see the spectacular waterfalls at its heart. Make sure you're all wearing comfy clothes and shoes, as there's some hiking (and moisture!) involved to get the best views. There are restaurants on-site, or bring a picnic.
Your tour will be tailored to your needs and the weather, but ideally, the famous Devil's Throat will be your first stop before it gets too busy. This impressive series of falls is considered the centerpiece of Iguazú. If you think the kids might not manage the walk, there's a scenic train that also runs here—perfect for families with younger children. Next, walk the Upper Trail, letting you look down over the major falls on your way to the San Martin Waterfall for fantastic views of the Brazilian side of the falls.
Day 9: Fly to Buenos Aires, Explore
This morning, your driver will pick your family up from your accommodation and take you to catch your flight back to Buenos Aires. When you arrive, enjoy your last full day in the city. Buenos Aires is known as a center of cultural heritage for Argentina, and you'll find several great museums. Top of the list for younger kids is the children's museum, Museo de los Ninos, filled with kid-sized real-life scenarios that involve grocery shopping, banking, working in a TV studio, or trying out several sports.
Another option is the interactive No Tocar Museo, where, to parents' relief, it's prohibited not to touch. Alternatively, learn about Argentina's history, specifically Eva Peron, at the Museo Evita (including a collection of her famous clothing), or visit one of several superb art museums like the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Decorative Arts, and the Latin American Art Museum. Don't forget the city's culinary prowess either―if the sun is shining, grab some empanadas and ice cream at a shop or food truck and head to the park!
Day 10: Depart Buenos Aires
It's time to say goodbye to Buenos Aires! Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, and if there's time, head out for one more stroll around town. Bookworms might want to beeline it to El Ateneo Grand Splendid, a stylish bookstore in a former theater. Although there is a limited selection of books in English, there is a whole floor dedicated to children's picture books and a great café on the old stage. At the appointed hour, a driver will transfer to the airport for your departure. Buen Viaje!
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