Luxury Argentine City & Desert Adventure - 10 Days

Highlights

• Dine at chic restaurants in Buenos Aires' trendy Palermo district
• Explore Buenos Aires' historic neighborhoods and see live tango performances
• Ride bicycles across high-altitude deserts and vast salt flats
• Discover the neoclassical landmarks of Salta on a private tour
• Taste your way around Cafayate, the premier wine region of Argentina's north

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Dinner at Casa Coupage

Welcome to Argentina and its capital of Buenos Aires! This grand metropolis of around 15 million people should be on every traveler's bucket list. This city is many things at once: thrilling and charming, colorful and idiosyncratic, historic and modern—one thing it never is, though, is dull. You'll quickly discover that the capital's wide boulevards and historic cobbled streets are alive with energy day and night. The action kicks off with your arrival at EZE Airport, where a private driver will be waiting to whisk you into the city.

Your destination is the upscale Recoleta neighborhood. Amid its old-money splendor and Baroque buildings is the Four Seasons. Part early-20th-century mansion, part contemporary high-rise, the hotel delivers European elegance with an Argentine twist. The spacious guest rooms and suites feature king beds and marble bathrooms, and there are two world-class restaurants: a French-style brasserie and an Argentine parrilla (barbecue restaurant). If you like, head to the spa and take the edge off the long flight with a "tango massage" or anti-aging body treatment.

Regarding cuisine, you're in luck because tonight, you've scored a table at one of the city's most exclusive restaurants: Casa Coupage. This reservation-only restaurant occupies an intimate space in a historic 19th-century manor home in the trendy Palermo neighborhood. It's famous for serving prime cuts of succulent Argentine beef, lamb, and creatively prepared seafood dishes, all with locally sourced ingredients. There's also an added treat: guiding you through this memorable tasting menu is an expert sommelier who will open your eyes to the breadth and depth of flavor of fine Argentine wines. 

Day 2: Buenos Aires Barrios Tour

Google Translate will tell you that a barrio is simply a neighborhood. But in Latin America, barrios are much more—they're defined by their character, culture, and color. Buenos Aires' barrios lack none of these qualities, which you'll see on this morning's private tour. Led by a local guide, you'll visit the most famous and historic enclaves in the city. Starting downtown, you'll hit landmarks like Plaza de Mayo, home to the Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace). Its famous balcony is where dictator Juan Perón once galvanized the public, helped in no small part by the radiant charm of his wife, Evita.

Continue to San Telmo and La Boca—the two oldest neighborhoods in the city—and walk down colorful Caminito Street, lined with 1920s cafés and milongas (tango clubs). Also here is La Bombonera, the most famous futból (soccer) stadium in the country. It's home to the Boca Juniors, the team where Diego Maradona became a star. Later, pass through the upscale waterfront neighborhood of Puerto Madero, with its gleaming office towers and repurposed waterfront factories. Then head west to Palermo, an uber-trendy district known for its bars, boutiques, and well-manicured parks.

In the evening, you'll transfer by private car back to Puerto Madero and Tango Rojo. Here, you'll enjoy a three-hour, three-course dinner and dining experience with live tango performances. This musical/dance style originated in the ports of La Boca, merging the country dances of rural Spain with other influences from newly arriving immigrants. By the early 20th century, it had become famous worldwide. Experience the passion and artistry of this iconic genre in a cabaret-style atmosphere. 

Day 3: Day Trip to Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay)

You're in for a treat, as this morning, you'll hop the border into neighboring Uruguay, located right across the Río de la Plata from Buenos Aires. The privately-guided day trip starts with a transfer to the river terminal, where you'll board a ferry for the 1.5-hour ride to Colonia del Sacramento. Dating to 1680, it has the distinction of being the only colonial town in the region founded by the Portuguese as opposed to the Spanish. Its history, cobbled streets, and distinctive architecture have been remarkably well preserved, which has led to it being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon arrival at the port, you'll meet your guide for a walking tour around the historic neighborhoods of this charming town. Enjoy the beguiling mixture of Portuguese and post-colonial architectural styles as you stroll its cobbled streets. Stop in at local cafés and restaurants for a coffee or to snack on an empanada, and be sure to take advantage of the great shopping here—Colonia del Sacramento is home to a free-trade zone. At the end of the day, you'll board the ferry for the return trip to Buenos Aires.

Day 4: Flavors of Argentina Cooking Class, Fly to Jujuy & the Northern Deserts

Food is one of the best entry points into a nation's culture, and today, you'll discover the joys of Argentina through its cuisine. This morning, return to the San Telmo neighborhood and Bar El Federal. This icon of the neighborhood has the distinction of being the oldest bar and restaurant in the city, as it's been open for over 150 years.

A local culinary expert will welcome you in and usher you to the kitchen, where you'll participate in a private cooking workshop. Throughout the morning and early afternoon, you'll learn to prepare a four-course meal featuring dishes from throughout the country, which you'll enjoy for lunch. As an added treat, the meal will be paired with four wines from different regions around Argentina.

Afterward, transfer to the airport for the 2.5-hour flight north to Jujuy. This is the capital city of the eponymous province, an Andean region famous for its mountains, valleys, high desert plateaus, and vast salt flats. You'll witness these natural wonders when, from the airport, you transfer northwest out of the city to the Salinas Grandes salt flats. Tucked away on an old salt mine is your accommodation: Pristine Camps. Comprised of four luxury dome tents complete with Jacuzzis and WiFi, the real star is the panoramic view of Salinas Grandes from the domes' wraparound windows.

Day 5: Puna de Atacama Bike Ride & Picnic

Time to explore! Enjoy a lavish buffet breakfast at the camp restaurant, then hop in a 4WD vehicle for the ride to the Puna de Atacama, a remote high-altitude desert. It's an incredible journey along the scenic Cuesta de Lipán, a winding road that will take you from 6,561 feet (2,000 m) higher up into the plateaus at 13,779 feet (4,200 m).

Upon arrival, you'll leave the vehicle and explore the Puno—a vase white desert formed by salt crystals—by bike. This area has a long history of salt mining, and there are whole communities here who work in the industry. Accompanied by a private local guide, you'll tour the pools where salt is extracted by hand and visit Ojos del Sal (Eyes of Salt)—natural lagoons filled with sapphire and turquoise waters that exist across Salinas Grandes.

Around midday, you'll stop for a picnic lunch on the flats, followed by more time to explore. Afterward, you'll return to the vehicle and transfer back to your camp, where you can enjoy another memorable evening in the quiet of the desert.

Day 6: Transfer to Salta, Afternoon Spa Experience

Savor your final morning at your luxury desert camp, then it's time to say goodbye to Salinas Grandes as your private driver picks you up for the 5-6 hour scenic drive south to Salta. Founded in 1582, this provincial capital in north-central Argentina has a well-preserved Spanish colonial center with many historic landmarks around its main square, Plaza 9 de Julio. The city is also a hub for adventures into Argentina's north, as the province includes a mix of mountains, plateaus, and valleys.

Your driver will drop you off just outside the city at the House of Jasmines. More than a hotel, this historic ranch is over 100 years old and is nestled at the foot of the Andes in a river valley lined with eucalyptus groves and jasmine blooms. It's a model of tranquility and exclusivity, featuring just seven impeccably designed and spacious suites with king beds and private terraces. After a dip in the inviting swimming pool backed by Andes peaks, spend the rest of your afternoon in the hotel spa, hopping between the sauna, Turkish bath, and relaxing facial and massage treatments.

Day 7: Salta City Tour, Dinner at La Casona del Molina

This morning, you'll get to discover the most beautiful city in northern Argentina on a private walking tour. This half-day jaunt starts in the main plaza. It's home to gorgeous neoclassical landmarks like the 19th-century Salta Cathedral, the 17th-century Cabildo, and the 18th-century San Bernardo Convent. You'll also visit San Francisco Church, famous for its bell tower, which rises 177 feet (54 m), making it the tallest in South America. There will also be time to stop at the Museum of High Altitude Archaeology (MAAM), one of the finest archaeological museums in the Andes.

Later, go beyond the city center as you hop aboard a cable car for a fun ride to the top of Cerro San Bernardo. The panoramic views atop this 853-foot (260 m) hill are the best in Salta. The tour ends with a trip just outside the city to browse the crafts markets in nearby villages and stop at scenic landmarks like the Río San Lorenzo and its surrounding ravines and gorges. At the end of the experience, you'll return to your hotel, where you can spend the afternoon relaxing.

In the evening, you'll head back into the city for a one-of-a-kind dining experience at La Casona del Molino. This historic eatery is one of Salta's famous peñas—raucous corner bars and restaurants where you can dine and drink amid live folklore (folk) music. La Casona is always bustling with a mixed crowd of locals and foreigners, everyone enjoying good food and tunes along with a few glasses of Argentine wine. It's a must-visit for anyone in Salta who likes to have fun when the sun goes down.

Day 8: Road Trip to Cafayate, Dinner at Bad Brothers

Meet your driver after breakfast and leave Salta, heading south on Route 68 for three hours (121 mi/ 196 km) to the town of Cafayate. One highlight you'll pass on this scenic drive is the Quebrada de las Conchas, a deep valley of red canyons characterized by intense colors and unique rock formations. The names of these geological wonders reflect their characteristics, like the Devil's Throat, the Amphitheater, the Frog, and the Obelisk. With your private driver, you can stop wherever and whenever you like to take a walk around and snap photos.

Then, continue to Cafayate. This tourist town is nestled in the Calchaquí Valley of Salta province and is renowned for its vineyards. In fact, this is the premier wine-growing region of northern Argentina, famous for producing the torrontés varietal, an aromatic white wine. Upon arrival, you'll check into Grace Cafayate, a luxury hotel nestled amid sprawling vineyards. It features residential villas outfitted with mod-cons like flat-screen TVs and private terraces, and the hotel itself features two pools (indoor and outdoor), a day spa, a gourmet restaurant, and a wine bar.

You'll arrive in time for lunch, which you can enjoy at a renowned vineyard paired with fine wines. Then, take the rest of the day to stroll around town and browse the local handicraft markets. In the evening, you'll sit down for dinner at Bad Brothers. More than a restaurant, this is the full Cafayate experience. Take a seat in the central courtyard of a historic colonial building and enjoy a variety of gourmet, tapas-style small plates paired with a selection of stellar wines from the Calchaquí Valley.

Day 9: Cafayate Full-Day Wine Tour

Hit the wine trail today as you continue discovering the limitless joys of Cafayate's terroir. A local guide will meet you at your hotel in the late morning, and from there, you'll embark on a private, full-day tour to visit some of the most renowned wineries in the Calchaquí Valley.

First, you'll stop at Yacochuya, a vineyard whose soil is characterized by the valley's high-altitude microclimate and is a great place to try the famous torrontés. Next up is Piatelli, a vineyard owned by US expats that produces fine blends (like malbec-tannat), among other varietals. Finally, you'll visit Los Cardones, where, during a tasting, you'll see how the intense sunlight and cold mountain nights produce thick-skinned and more robust malbec wines.

At each of these wineries, you'll stroll the vineyards and learn about their histories and production processes. Then, at the end of the day, your driver will transfer you back to the hotel.

Day 10: Day Trip to Quebrada del Toro, Fly Buenos Aires, Depart

No need to rush to the airport, as there's one more desert adventure in store. Leave Cafayate in the morning and travel to the western end of the Lerma Valley, which is dotted with otherworldly desert landscapes. One highlight is the Quebrada del Toro, an awe-inspiring gorge west of Salta. Part of the Andes range, it's characterized by dramatic landscapes with towering mountains, deep valleys, and winding rivers. It's also a plot point on the Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds), a scenic railway journey that traverses the Andes.

After snapping pics and enjoying a relaxing picnic in Quebrada del Toro, you'll transfer back to Salta. On the way, you'll stop at Santa Rosa de Tastil, a pre-Incan settlement dating back to the eighth century, for more photo opportunities. Back in Salta, you'll transfer to the airport and catch a plane to Buenos Aires in time to meet your connecting flight home. Safe travels!

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