Highlights
- Discover the highlights around Buenos Aires by land and river
- Enjoy tango shows and fine dining at world-class restaurants
- Marvel at Iguazú Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world
- Go wine tasting at the most famous vineyards around Mendoza
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Buenos Aires, Sunset Boat Tour | Buenos Aires |
| Day 2 | Buenos Aires Barrios Tour, Dinner & Tango Show | Buenos Aires |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Tigre & San Isidro | Buenos Aires |
| Day 4 | Fly to Iguazú Falls, Argentine Dinner Experience | Iguazú Falls |
| Day 5 | Explore Iguazú Falls (Argentine Side) | Iguazú Falls |
| Day 6 | Explore Iguazú Falls (Brazilian Side), Parque das Aves | Iguazú Falls |
| Day 7 | Fly to Mendoza, Dinner at Trapiche | Mendoza |
| Day 8 | Uco Valley Resort Day & Lunch | Mendoza |
| Day 9 | Lunch at Cavas Wine Lodge, Free Afternoon | Mendoza |
| Day 10 | Morning Spa Session, Fly to Buenos Aires, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Sunset Boat Tour
Welcome to Argentina! Every corner of this beguiling country offers adventure and natural wonders, be it the waterfalls of the north or the famed wine region in the east. You'll hit those highlights soon enough—for now, discover the soul of Argentina on the European-inspired streets of its capital, Buenos Aires.
Upon arrival at Ezeiza Airport, you'll transfer to your accommodation: the Alvear Palace. This 5-star luxury hotel in the city's old-money Recoleta district enjoys a central location close to historic landmarks (like the famous cemetery where Evita is buried). It's also the model of timeless elegance, mixing classic French opulence with modern city style. The grand suites feature crystal chandeliers and Argentine art hanging on the walls, and luxurious amenities include a rooftop heated pool and afternoon tea service. If you're tense after the flight, head to the spa for a massage and/or body exfoliation.
Later, you'll transfer to the port and board a private boat for a sunset tour. Buenos Aires sits on the Río de la Plata, near the Paraña Delta. Here, the Paraña and Uruguay rivers converge, creating a diverse wetland ecosystem just outside the capital. You'll travel around the area on a traditional flatboat (delta vessel) as you explore river islands and enjoy views of the area's wildlife. It's a great area for birding, and you can expect to see egrets, herons, cormorants, and more. After a few hours cruising the waters of the delta, you'll return to Buenos Aires and have the evening free.
Day 2: Buenos Aires Barrios Tour, Dinner & Tango Show
Simply put, a barrio is a neighborhood. And any great neighborhood is defined by its character, culture, and color. Buenos Aires' barrios lack none of these qualities, which you'll discover when you embark this morning on a half-day private city tour. Led by an expert local guide, you'll walk around some of the most famous and historic enclaves in the city. Starting 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. 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 a show" 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 Tigre & San Isidro
Today, you'll travel once again up Río de la Plata, where it converges with the Paraña River Delta. During the boat 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. At the end of the afternoon, you'll transfer back to Buenos Aires by van, stopping in the historic town of San Isidro to visit its grand 18th-century Cathedral.
Day 4: Fly to Iguazú Falls, Argentine Dinner Experience
Say goodbye to Buenos Aires 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.
Upon arrival, your driver will transfer you to Awasi Iguazú. Located just 20 minutes from the falls, this 14-room luxury lodge sits on the banks of the Río Iguazú, surrounded by the lush Paraná rainforest. Guests stay in well-appointed villas with private terraces and plunge pools, and each one is assigned a private guide. This allows you to embark on excursions on your own schedule, at your own pace. A real treat is the restaurant Relais & Chateaux, which serves artful haute cuisine utilizing local ingredients, like tropical fruit, freshwater fish, and even the famous yerba maté tea.
There will be other nights to enjoy Relais & Chateaux; this evening, you'll savor the flavors of Argentina. After checking in, 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 glasses of Argentina's flagship wine: malbec.
Day 5: Explore Iguazú Falls (Argentine Side)
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Iguazú Falls straddles Argentina and Brazil, and this morning, you'll embark on a full-day tour of the Argentine side. Meet your bilingual private 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 the 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 Igauzu'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, your driver will pick you up and take you back to your hotel.
Day 6: Explore Iguazú Falls (Brazilian Side), Parque das Aves
Rise and shine! It's time to venture out and explore the Brazilian side of Iguazú. Get up close and personal with the cascades on a five-hour private tour that begins with a 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 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 Mendoza, Dinner at Trapiche
Enjoy one last sumptuous breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport and departing Puerto Iguazú. After a flight connection, you'll arrive in Mendoza. Located near the border with Chile, this is the country's prized wine region. Here, the bulk of Argentina's most famous grape—malbec—is harvested. Mendoza is also a lovely city in its own right, with tree-lined boulevards, expansive plazas, and a youthful college-town vibe.
From the airport, your driver will transfer you to the Cavas Wine Lodge. Sitting on a 54-acre (22 ha) wine estate at the foot of the Andes, this intimate retreat is a welcoming monument to the joys of wine. Featuring luxury amenities, like a wellness center, and a chic design that includes Moorish-inspired patios, the real joy here (besides the ample suites with private plunge pools) is the myriad activities right on the doorstep. Stroll through the vineyards, enjoy tastings, go horseback riding, or simply relax on the terrace with a glass of malbec as the sun sets over the Andes.
When the sun goes down, you'll head out for a combined wine-tasting/gourmet dinner at Trapiche. Founded in 1883, this winery combines both traditional and modern winemaking techniques. During a brief tour before dinner, you'll visit the Italian-inspired main building and sprawling vineyards. The meal you'll enjoy afterward is a delight for the senses—three courses created by decorated local chef Lucas Bustos using ingredients fresh from the winery's garden. Of course, the meal will be paired with a variety of Trapiche's famous labels.
Day 8: Uco Valley Resort Day & Lunch
Continue discovering Mendoza's world-famous terroir this morning on a wine tour of the Uco Valley. Located about an hour south of Mendoza, this renowned wine region is known for producing some of the world's finest malbecs. See (and taste) for yourself on a visit to Casa de Uco Vineyard & Wine Resort, a haven for wine lovers nestled in the Andes foothills amid vast vineyards.
You'll have the whole day to relax at the resort and enjoy the mesmerizing scenery and natural splendor of the Uco Valley. Around midday, you'll sit down for a traditional Argentine asado (barbecue). The meal features succulent local beef grilled to perfection alongside vegetables grown right at the resort's garden and paired with fine Uco wines. Even better, you'll enjoy this memorable meal with views overlooking the resort's vineyards.
Day 9: Lunch at Cavas Wine Lodge, Free Afternoon
Spend a relaxing morning at the hotel. Then, when lunchtime rolls around, sit down at a table in the impeccable dining room of the Cavas Wine Lodge Restaurant. Chef Matias Aldasoro has created a farm-to-table menu featuring locally sourced beef and organic vegetables grown at the on-site garden. Even better—you can dine al fresco on the terrace with views of the vineyards.
Afterward, spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying activities offered by the hotel. Join a guide for a horseback ride around the winery and surrounding countryside on an Argentine-bred criollo horse, or grab a bike to cycle through the vines on a self-guided exploration. If you really liked the earlier meal, you could also book a private cooking class with the chef to learn some culinary tips and tricks. For a more relaxed afternoon, book a treatment at the on-site spa.
Day 10: Morning Spa Session, Fly to Buenos Aires, Depart
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