Waterfalls, Cities & Beaches in Argentina & Uruguay - 7 Days

Highlights

• View mighty cascades and rainforests on the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls 
• Try delicious local fare on a food tour through Buenos Aires' Palermo district
• See the iconic La Mano (The Hand) sculpture at Punta del Este's Playa Brava
• Say hello to friendly sea lions at Uruguay's Isla de Lobos nature reserve 

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Puerto Iguazú (Argentina), Argentine Food & Wine Tour

Welcome to Argentina! Meet your driver at the Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport for your transfer to your hotel in Puerto Iguazú. The city is the gateway to the Argentine side of Iguazú Falls, the world's second-largest waterfall system. The world-renowned falls are only 11 miles (18 km) from the city, surrounded by the Atlantic Forest, a subtropical forest full of native species like toucans and hummingbirds. After check-in, you can relax for a bit, or head out to explore—consider a visit to the Three Borders Landmark, which marks the tri-border area between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. 

Later today, take part in an Argentine gastronomy and culture tour, where you'll be introduced to a wide variety of typical food and customs, with several opportunities to make certain dishes yourself. Learn how to make your own empanada using the repulge (folding) technique and compete in a novelty empanada-making race.

Practice ordering the perfect steak in Spanish, discovering the intricacies of making traditional maté (tea), and sample the completed empanadas, grilled provoleta cheese, sliced chorizo sausage, and homemade chimichurri. Enjoy "the best steak in Argentina" and famous Argentine wines, such as malbec. For dessert, try your hand at alfajores, Argentina's national sweet, made from biscuits, dulce de leche (caramel sauce), chocolate, and coconut.

Day 2: Discover Iguazú Falls (Argentine Side) 

Take in views on the Argentine side of Iguazú Falls National Park, led by a professional guide. 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 tall (82 m). Start with the park's Lower Circuit, made up of elevated walkways that go directly below and around the falls, right near the base of the falls and the crashing torrents of water (don't forget your rain gear!).

Continue your tour to the Upper Circuit along more elevated walkways designed to protect the delicate jungle floor. This route provides 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 waterfalls.

Day 3: Explore More of Iguazú Falls (Brazilian Side), Fly to Buenos Aires, Tango Show

In the morning, embark on a half-day excursion to Foz do Iguaçu, where you can appreciate Iguazú (known locally as Iguaçu) from the Brazilian side. Enjoy panoramic views of the entire waterfall system at the ideal vantage point to take in the full scope of the mighty falls (don't forget your camera). Walk the footbridge through the rainforest, possibly even seeing wildlife, such as toucans and jaguars, before you reach the spectacular viewing platforms.

Before you head back to Argentina, make the one-hour trip to Parque das Aves, a 40-acre (16 ha) bird sanctuary with immersion aviaries, which is also a haven for caimans, anacondas, and butterflies. Afterward, transfer to the airport for your short flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, your driver will take you to your hotel in the city center. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring the "Paris of South America," with its leafy parks, wide boulevards, and vibrant nightlife. 

For dinner, head to Gala Tango for a tango show with gourmet Argentine steak. Before the show, take your own tango lesson, then relax and let the experts demonstrate tango in its birthplace while sampling excellent wine and other local specialties. 

Day 4: Buenos Aires Tour, Palmero Walking & Food Tour 

Spend the morning on a walking tour through Argentina's beautiful capital. The route begins in the city's northern section, passing through the neighborhoods of Retiro and Recoleta, full of vast green spaces, beautiful French-style mansions, monuments, and natural ravines, then continues toward the city's center, to the emblematic Avenida 9 de Julio, to see El Teatro Colón, the opera house, and the Obelisk. Other highlights include the city's founding site in 1580 at the Plaza de Mayo, the San Telmo Market for shopping and food, and the colorful Caminito Street. 

In the afternoon, take a walking and food tour of the picturesque Palermo neighborhood. Walk through the impressive streets, find vibrant street art, and learn the long history of the borough. Stop at restaurants and cafés to taste specialties at traditional Argentine parrillas (steakhouses), try famous street foods like choripán (sausage with bread), and sample milanesas (breaded steak). End the night with a visit to a wine cellar to taste some locally-produced wine. 

Day 5: Fly to Punta del Este (Uruguay), Explore the Coastal City

Today, you'll fly from Buenos Aires to Uruguay. Once you arrive at the Punta del Este Airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel in the beautiful beach city of Punta del Este. Located on a peninsula on the southern tip of Uruguay, this resort town is known for its sandy beaches, large port, and intriguing architecture. Once you settle in, explore at your leisure. 

Day 6: Punta del Este City Tour: Lighthouses, Neighborhoods & Nature

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

Visit the nature reserve of Isla de Lobos, home to South America's largest colony of sea lions and another picturesque lighthouse. Take a boat back to the city and continue through the Pinares neighborhood to the nearby Punta Ballena. This charming town is known for Casapueblo, the home of artist Carlos Paéz Vilaró, a gorgeous Greek-style villa with 13 floors and many terraces. Catch the spectacular sunset, and return to the city for your last evening in South America. 

Day 7: Beach Day in Punta del Este, Transfer to Montevideo, Depart

Spend your last morning in Uruguay at one of Punta del Este's famous beaches, to swim in the calm waters of Playa Mansa or party at Playa Bikini. When the time comes, you'll check out of your hotel and meet your driver to transfer two hours to Uruguay's capital, Montevideo, and its international airport for your departing flight. Buen viaje, whether you're exploring more of South America or flying home!

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