Natural Wonders of Argentina & Uruguay - 14 Days

Day 2: Boating & Hiking in Los Glaciares National Park

You're in for a full day of glacier fun as you leave early to explore Los Glaciares National Park. A car will pick you up from your hotel for the 37-mile (60 km) drive along a dirt road to the southern end of the park, where there's a jetty. Here, you'll board a boat, and after sailing for an hour, you'll disembark and begin a 1-mile (1.5 km) trek to the famous Lago Frías, which is only accessible on foot.

Day 5: Fly to Puerto Iguazú, Food & Culture Tour

Say farewell to Patagonia and catch a flight to the far north and Puerto Iguazú, located at the tri-borders of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. This city is the gateway to Iguazú Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second-largest waterfall system in the world after Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls. Aside from the Patagonian glaciers you've just left, this is one of Argentina's most popular tourist destinations.

At the airport, a driver will pick you up to transfer you to your hotel. Then you'll have the rest of the day free. Be sure to take it easy and acclimate to the warmer weather—temps here top 90°F (32°C) in the summer months. Later, take part in an Argentine culinary and culture tour, where you'll be introduced to a wide variety of traditional foods—plus prepare a few yourself. Learn how to make authentic empanadas from scratch using traditional folding techniques.

You'll also learn to order steak like a local and prepare your own maté, an herbal tea that originated in this region and is the lifeblood of the country. Other goodies you'll sample include grilled provoleta cheese, sliced chorizo sausage, and homemade chimichurri sauce. Of course, throughout this culinary journey, you'll sip on fine Argentine wines, like its famous malbec. For dessert, try your hand at alfajores, delicious Argentine cookies made from biscuits, dulce de leche (caramel sauce), chocolate, and coconut.

Day 6: Discover Iguazú Falls (Argentine Side)

Today, you'll experience the Argentine side of Iguazú Falls National Park on a guided tour. Stretching almost 2 miles (3 km) along the border of Argentina and Brazil, the falls are made up of roughly 275 different cascades, with heights up to 270 feet (82 m). Start at the park's Lower Circuit, which has elevated walkways directly below the base of the falls and features crashing torrents of water (don't forget your rain gear!).

Continue to the Upper Circuit along more elevated walkways featuring dozens of panoramic views of the falls. Follow the last trail to the incredible Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat), the largest of the park's cascades. From a viewing area, you can peer over the edge and see the thundering falls plunge 262 feet (89 m) to the river below (an experience not for the faint of heart).

Later, hop in a truck for a scenic ride through the rainforest to discover the native flora and fauna, which include monkeys, toucans, and coaties. Then, it's a 5-mile (8 km) drive in an all-terrain vehicle to Puerto Macuco. At the dock here, you'll hop in a boat for an exhilarating cruise. You'll ride almost 4 miles (6 km) through the Lower Río Iguazú, braving thrilling rapids as you head to the Garganta del Diablo Canyon, where you'll get an up-close-and-personal view of the falls. 

Day 8: Fly to Buenos Aires (Argentina), Dinner & Tango

It's a change of pace today as you swap the rainforest for one of South America's most dynamic cities. Your destination is Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, and after a two-hour flight, you'll meet your driver and transfer to your city center hotel. There's plenty to explore, with sights ranging from grand cathedrals and Parisian-style plazas to fine museums full of centuries-old artwork and historical relics. Perhaps spend the afternoon strolling the cobbled streets in the historic San Telmo neighborhood before relaxing back at your hotel.

In the evening, combine dinner with one of Argentina's most famous cultural traditions—the tango. You'll join a small group for an evening at Gala Tango, a distinguished dinner and dance club with French architecture and furnishings reminiscent of 1930s Argentina. Start with a tango lesson and master the basic steps with the help of a local expert. Then, sit back and watch the professional dancers while feasting on regional specialties and sampling a glass or two from the club's extensive wine list.

Day 9: Fileteado Workshop in San Telmo, Canoe Trip in Tigre 

This morning, you'll master the art of fileteado, a traditional Argentine style of artistic drawing and lettering specific to Buenos Aires. Meet your guide and a small group in San Telmo, where you'll head to Bar El Federal, one of the city's oldest cafés, dating to 1858. After coffee and a pastry, you'll tour the neighborhood's key sights, including the Parroquia de San Pedro González Telmo, a dual-spired Jesuit church built in 1734, before continuing to a local art studio.

Under the instruction of a master fileteador, you'll hear how fileteado originated in the old wagon factories of the city in the late 1800s and evolved around a set of core features: bright colors, elaborate fonts, and decorative items such as flowers and ribbons in the colors of the Argentine flag. After a demonstration, you'll get to create your own piece to keep and take home as a souvenir. 

Later, you'll head to the pier and board a boat for a one-hour trip up to the Paraña River Delta. Your destination is Tigre, a Venetian-style village whose small-town atmosphere contrasts Buenos Aires' bustling energy. Once there, you'll hop in a wooden canoe for a leisurely paddle around the freshwater canals extending from Tigre. During this three-hour excursion, you'll pass riverine forests and sprawling manor homes overlooking the water. There will also be a stop for refreshments and a bite to eat before returning to Tigre's port and returning to Buenos Aires.

Day 10: Day Trip to Temaikén Ecological Reserve 

Take a break from city life as you enjoy a full-day nature and wildlife tour at the famous Temaikèn Biopark. Located 45 minutes from the capital, in the town of Belén de Escobar, the name "Temaikèn" derives from the Indigenous Tehuelche words tem (earth) and aikèn (life) to mean "land of life."

There's something for everyone here, including an aquarium, cinema, botanical gardens, interactive exhibits, and restaurants. Visit the largest aviary in South America and see endangered animals such as the Patagonia frog, swamp deer, and the jaguar. There are also exhibits dedicated to animals from countries worldwide, including Africa, Asia, and Oceania. In the afternoon, your driver will take you back to Buenos Aires for your final night in the city.

Day 11: Fly to Punta del Este (Uruguay), Beach Time

Today, you'll catch a one-hour flight from Buenos Aires into Uruguay and the coastal city of Punta del Este. From the airport, transfer to your hotel in this resort town, which is a popular getaway for Argentines looking for a beach holiday in summer. Once you settle in, you'll have the rest of the day to laze on Punta del Este's prized stretches of sand.

If it's water sports you're after, head to Playa Brava, with its iconic La Mano (The Hand) sculpture emerging from the sand, or Playa Montoya, known for its excellent surf and relaxed vibe. Meanwhile, Playa Mansa is ideal if a gentle swim and a laid-back afternoon are what the doctor ordered. 

Day 12: Punta del Este Villages & Highlights Tour

Explore the neighborhoods and main attractions of the beautiful Punta del Este peninsula today with the aid of a local guide. Begin at the famous lighthouse for panoramic views across the bay, then head to the waterfront of La Brava. Explore the nearby former fisherman's village of La Barra, known for its laid-back bars, beach views, and fancy houses, and cross the wavy La Barra Bridge.

Continue through the Pinares neighborhood to nearby Punta Ballena. This charming town is known for Casapueblo, the former home of artist Carlos Paéz Vilaró, a gorgeous Greek-style villa with 13 floors and many terraces. Catch the spectacular sunset and return to your hotel, where the rest of the evening is yours to spend at leisure. 

Day 13: Day Trip to José Ignacio & Fishing Villages

Time for a tour of the peninsula's highlights and hidden gems. This morning, meet your guide, hop in the car, and set off on a day trip 25 miles (40 km) northeast from Punta del Este to the fishing village turned resort town of José Ignacio. On the way, you'll visit several small towns and villages, including Mantaniales, La Barra, and El Chorro. Eventually, you'll arrive in José Ignacio, home to world-class beaches. The crowd here is a fun mix of locals rubbing shoulders with the jet-set crowd. 

After relaxing on the famous Bikini Beach, continue to the picturesque José Ignacio Lighthouse to enjoy the southern Atlantic views, or go kitesurfing on Laguna Garzón. Pause for a fresh seafood lunch on the terrace of one of the waterfront grills, like the rustic Parador La Huella, and enjoy fresh seafood, then head to the Museo del Mar (Museum of the Sea), dedicated to the region's marine natural history. Toward the end of the afternoon, you'll transfer back to your hotel in Punta del Este. 

Day 14: Transfer to Montevideo, Depart