Waterfalls, Cities & Beaches in Argentina & Uruguay - 10 Days

Highlights

• Take an exhilarating boat tour around the cascades of the giant Iguazú Falls 
• Trek through the rainforest to visit the Indigenous Mbya-Guaraní community
• Learn how to tango and enjoy a professional dance performance in Buenos Aires
• Explore the world-class beaches of Uruguay's Punta del Este peninsula

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, ready to 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 town, surrounded by the subtropical Atlantic Forest, and full of native bird species like toucans. After check-in, relax, or head out to explore—consider visiting the Three Borders Landmark, which marks the border between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. 

Later today, take part in an Argentine gastronomy and culture tour, where you'll be introduced to various typical foods and customs: sample grilled provoleta cheese, traditional empanadas, sliced chorizo sausage, and homemade chimichurri. Enjoy "the best steak in Argentina" and famous Argentine wines, such as malbec.

Day 2: Discover Iguazú Falls (Argentine Side)

Today, you'll 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 (82 m). Start with the park's Lower Circuit, made up of elevated walkways directly below the base of the falls and the crashing torrents of water (don't forget your rain gear!).

Day 3: Mountain Biking on Yaguarete Trail, Tour Mbya-Guaraní Villages

Starting early in the morning so there are more chances to see wildlife like birds and butterflies, you'll ride a mountain bike along the red dirt Yaguarete Trail inside the national park. After a brief orientation and safety instruction, start at the guard station on National Route 101 and bike for about 3 miles (5 km) until you reach the shores of the Río Iguazu. You'll stop at scenic viewpoints to spot local wildlife, like coatis, sloths, toucans, and hundreds of bird species. 

Cycle back to the guard station, then meet your local guide for a tour into the Iryapú Forest to visit several villages belonging to the Mbya-Guaraní community. During the visit, a native guide will accompany you along the trails, explaining the ancient customs that persist in these tiny hamlets, such as hunting techniques, fishing, dancing, and spiritual rituals. Learn about the current ways of life and the history of the forest and its inhabitants, then head back to Puerto Iguazú.

Day 4: Fly to Buenos Aires, Tango Lesson, Dinner & Dance Show at Gala Tango

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It's a change of pace today as you swap the rainforest for one of South America's most vibrant 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 sprawling museums full of centuries-old artwork and historical relics. Spend the afternoon strolling the artsy neighborhood of San Telmo 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 5: Fileteado Workshop in San Telmo, Argentine Cooking Class

This morning, you'll master the art of fileteado, a traditional Argentine style of artistic drawing and lettering, particular 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 bars, dating back 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 on, you'll take part in a typical Argentine cooking lesson where you'll learn how to use the repulge (folding) technique to make and seal an empanada and discover the blend of herbs and spices that make up an authentic chimichurri sauce. Explore the intricacies of making traditional maté (tea), and round out your culinary adventure with a malbec wine tasting and baking alfajores, the nation's favorite dulce de leche-filled cookie.

Day 6: Tour the Temaikén Ecological Reserve 

Today, you'll take a break from city life and dive into a full-day nature and wildlife tour at the famous Temaikèn Biopark. Located 45 minutes from the city in the town of Belén de Escobar, the name "Temaikèn" holds significance: it derives from the Indigenous Tehuelche words tem (earth) and aikèn (life) to mean "land of life."

Day 7: Fly to Punta del Este (Uruguay), Explore the Coastal City

Today, you'll catch a 1.5-hour flight 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 country's southern tip, this resort town is known for its sandy beaches, large port, and intriguing architecture. Once you settle in, spend the rest of the day exploring the town's great beaches.

If it's water sports you're after, head to Playa Brava, known for 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 sea swim and a relaxed afternoon on the beach are calling.

Day 8: Tour the Villages & Attractions of the Punta del Este Peninsula

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.

Day 9: Day Trip to José Ignacio & Surrounding Fishing Villages

Today, you'll head out on a day trip 25 miles (40 km) northeast from Punta del Este to the fishing village turned resort town of José Ignacio. You'll visit several small towns and fishing villages on your way, including Mantaniales, La Barra, and El Chorro, before reaching the laid-back beach resort. The sandy stretches that line the coast here are world-class and filled with locals rubbing shoulders with the jet-set crowd. 

After some time relaxing on Bikini Beach, continue on to the picturesque José Ignacio Lighthouse to enjoy the southern Atlantic views or kitesurf on the lovely Laguna Garzón. Pause for lunch at one of the terraced grills, such as the rustic Parador La Huella, and enjoy fresh seafood, then head to the Museo del Mar (Museum of the Sea), dedicated to the ocean's natural history. Toward the end of the afternoon, you'll transfer back to your hotel in Punta del Este. 

Day 10: Hike to Laguna de Rocha, Transfer to Montevideo, Depart

Spend your last morning in Uruguay on the coastal path to Laguna de Rocha, a freshwater lagoon home to over 200 species of migratory birds, including flamingoes, swans, herons, and more. The trail begins at La Paloma Lighthouse and takes you through UNESCO-protected wetlands to the lagoon's edge, where a local angler will be waiting to give you a boat tour. Learn about the local anglers' way of life and spot local wildlife and native vegetation. 

After lunch, you'll head back to town and meet your driver for a two-hour transfer to Uruguay's capital, Montevideo, and its international airport. Whether you're exploring more of South America or flying home, Buen viaje!

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