Luxury Northern Argentina & Lake District: Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls & Bariloche - 10 Days

Highlights

• See the best of Buenos Aires and take boat trips to nearby river towns
• Explore both the Brazilian and Argentine sides of the massive Iguazú Falls
• Relax after hiking around the gorgeous Lake District with luxurious spa treatments
• Enjoy a gourmet picnic on the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Dinner & Tango Show

Welcome to Argentina! Prepare to be captivated because South America's second-largest nation is nothing if not riveting. You'll arrive in the heart of the action: the capital of Buenos Aires. There's energy and attitude to spare in this riverfront metropolis of around 15 million people—it's in the air and amid the European-inspired buildings and wide boulevards. This luxurious getaway begins when you meet your private driver at the airport for the ride into the city.

Your destination is the upscale Recoleta neighborhood. Amid its old-money splendor is Palacio Duhau. An addition to the Park Hyatt suite of 5-star hotels, Palacio Duhau occupies a historic complex that seamlessly combines classic architecture with modern sophistication and a touch of Belle Époque chic. The opulent rooms and suites deliver the utmost in comfort and amenities, such as king beds and marble baths. They also offer views of the central courtyard and manicured gardens. Other highlights include a spa/wellness center and two world-class restaurants serving haute cuisine.

Take some time to settle in at the hotel. Then, in the evening, you'll transfer by private car to the waterfront Puerto Madero district 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 2: Day Trip to Tigre & Isla El Descanso

You're in for a treat, as this morning, you're off on a private boat tour to visit some charming river towns. Buenos Aires lies on the Río de la Plata, and after breakfast, you'll transfer to the port and board a boat about an hour north to the point it converges with the Paraña River Delta. During the ride, you'll enjoy views of the city skyline as you enter a network of freshwater canals and sail among the islands that make up this unique region. The main port is in Tigre, a Venetian-style village whose small-town and relaxing atmosphere contrasts with Buenos Aires' bustling energy.

On the waterfront, you'll find Puerto de Frutos, a maze of craft markets, produce stalls, and artisanal goods. Also here is the Museo de Arte, which features a grand collection of Argentine art spanning two centuries. The Naval Museum and the Museo de Maté are other highlights worth a visit. The latter offers an overview and tasting of yerba maté, the ubiquitous herbal drink that's ingrained in Argentina's cultural fabric. 

Day 3: Buenos Aires Barrios Tour

In Latin America, a barrio is a neighborhood—but it's also more than that. It's an area that exudes spirit, community, color, and history. Discover Buenos Aires' most famous barrios this morning when you meet a local guide and hit the streets. This half-day private tour will take you to the most famous enclaves in the city.

Starting in downtown, you'll visit 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, home to the beloved Boca Juniors. Later, spend time in upscale Puerto Madero, with its gleaming office towers and repurposed waterfront factories. Finish the tour in Palermo, an uber-trendy district known for its bars, boutiques, and well-manicured parks.

Day 4: Fly to Iguazú Falls, Argentine Dinner Party

Say goodbye to the capital and hello to Argentina's tropical north! It's a two-hour flight from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú in Misiones Province. This city is primarily a hub for excursions to nearby Iguazú Falls, located at the tri-borders of Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina. Apart from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, this is the largest waterfall system in the world.

You'll be staying close to the action, as upon arrival, you'll meet your private driver for the ride into Iguazú Falls National Park and your hotel, Gran Meliá Iguazú. Surrounded by lush tropical forest with panoramic views of the falls, this 5-star hotel offers more than just a prime location. The tastefully decorated rooms feature king beds with high thread-count sheets, and the Merkado restaurant offers a globe-trotting menu of haute cuisine celebrating everything from Argentine beef to Mediterranean pasta. Don't miss the hotel's infinity pool, which is large enough to accommodate a small army.

When dinnertime rolls around, you'll head out to savor the flavors of Argentina. Transfer to a local kitchen for a unique "dinner party," during which you'll not only feast on Argentina's most famous dishes but learn to prepare them too. In a relaxed atmosphere accompanied by like-minded foodies, you'll sample cocktails paired with tapas, learn the tricks to folding the perfect empanada, and make mouthwatering alfajores (Argentine cookies). Of course, throughout the experience, you'll enjoy copious cups of Argentina's flagship wine: malbec.

Day 5: Explore Iguazú Falls (Argentine Side)

Iguazú Falls straddles both Argentina and Brazil, and this morning, you'll embark on a full-day tour of the Argentine side. Meet your bilingual guide and transfer to a forest trail, which you'll hike until you reach the falls. As you go, the guide will point out some exotic animals in the park, including coatis, capuchin monkeys, and various birds like antbirds, toucans, manakins, and parrots.

Continue hiking along two-tiered circuit trails by the falls. The lower trail runs approximately 0.6 miles (1.3 km) and will take you closest to the falls on the Argentine side (prepare to get wet!). One highlight is traversing the boardwalk at the top of Iguazú to the famous Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat), one of the largest of Iguazú's cascades. From a viewing area, you can peer over the edge and see the thundering falls plunge 269 feet (82 m) to the river below (an experience not for the faint of heart). At the end of the tour, a driver will pick you up and take you back to your hotel.

Day 6: Explore Iguazú Falls (Brazilian Side), Parque das Aves

It's time to venture out and explore the Brazilian side of Iguazú (known locally as Iguaçu). Get up close and personal with the cascades on a five-hour tour that begins with a morning stroll along a walkway to the massive Salto Floriano (Floriano Falls). This magnificent wall of plunging water makes quite an impression, as do the vistas of the lower Río Iguazú and the Devil's Throat. There's no shortage of Instagrammable shots here (rainbows are also common sights), so keep your camera handy. Afterward, you can take a break for lunch at the shopping and restaurant area on the Brazilian side.

Later, you'll transfer to another highlight located in the area: Parque das Aves. This 40-acre (16 ha) bird sanctuary is on the Brazilian side of the falls. Its immersive aviaries allow you to admire the more than 1,000 birds comprised of 143 species, including toucans and the vibrant scarlet macaw. There are also habitats for caimans, anacondas, and butterflies. After spending time with the resident wildlife, you'll transfer back to your hotel. 

Day 7: Fly to Bariloche & the Lake District, Spa Day

You've got a big travel day ahead. Transfer to the airport early and catch a connecting flight (likely in Buenos Aires) to the northwestern end of Patagonia and Argentina's famous Lake District. You'll arrive in the alpine city of Bariloche, which was founded by Swiss immigrants in 1902 on the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi. The name, which means "jaguar island," comes from the Mapuche Indigenous people who once inhabited the area.

A driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you just north of the city to a peninsula on the lakeshore. Here, you'll check into the Villa Beluno Hotel & Spa. This 4-star, resort-style hotel occupies an expansive and elegant villa nestled in the peaceful countryside. Ideal for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, the spacious, chalet-style rooms feature hardwood floors, ample natural light, and lake views backed by snowcapped peaks. Amenities include an enticing infinity pool, solarium, and day spa where you can take the edge off your day of traveling with a relaxing massage.

After settling in, it's time to unwind and rejuvenate! Spend the rest of this blissful day being pampered at the hotel spa with first-class treatments like massages and facials. You can also relax by the pool (amid panoramic lake views), sweat out toxins in the sauna, and soak in the Jacuzzi. Complementing the experience will be gourmet meals and fine wines delivered right to you by friendly staff.

Day 8: Day Trip to Brazo Tristeza, Boating & Hiking

This morning, you'll get to explore a beautiful corner of Nahuel Huapi. After an early breakfast, meet your private driver and transfer about 30 minutes outside of Bariloche to the Brazo Tristeza region. This deep glacial fjord occupies an arm of the southwest area of Nahuel Huapi and features all the dazzling scenery that defines the Lake District: snowcapped peaks, dense forests, and glassy waters.

You'll arrive at Bahía Lopez, and from the pier, you'll hop on a private boat for the one-hour ride along the calm, glassy waters of Brazo Tristeza. It's a scenic trip during which you'll pass Valdivian forests on the lakeshore. It's also a great place for birding, as the area is home to exotic avian species like thrushes, woodpeckers, and the Andean condor. 

The boat will stop at a secluded area in Brazo Tristeza, and from a trailhead, you'll set off on a brisk hike to the elegant Arroyo Frey waterfall. Break here for a rustic wilderness lunch amid waterfall scenery before hiking back down the trail to the boat. After returning to Bahía Lopez, you'll transfer back to your hotel.

Day 9: Day Trip to Isla Victoria

It's another splendid day to appreciate the Lake District's natural wonders. In the morning, you'll travel 30 minutes from Bariloche to Puerto Pañuelo, where you'll hop on a catamaran cruise bound for Isla Victoria. This tiny island is located on the northern end of the lake and is filled with unique flora, including an almost mythical arrayán (Chilean myrtle) forest, which is considered the last in the world.

On a self-guided hike around the island, you'll pass other native trees like conifers and Antarctic beeches, some of which are over 600 years old. The nature trails will take you to secluded pebble beaches, where you can gaze out at the glassy, crystalline waters of Nahuel Huapi. After a couple of hours enjoying Isla Victoria, you'll transfer back to Bariloche.

Day 10: Brazo Tristeza Excursion & Lunch, Fly to Buenos Aires, Depart

Spend your last morning in Argentina on a leisurely stroll around Bariloche, browsing the boutiques, sipping maté, and sampling a few decadent chocolates. Then, around 10 am, you'll transfer east of the city once again, returning to the Brazo Tristeza arm of Nahuel Huapi. Enjoy another boat trip and nature hike followed by a gourmet picnic lunch on the lakeshore. Once you've eaten, you'll hop back on the boat and transfer back to Bariloche and the airport, where you'll catch your connecting flight home. Until next time!

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