From the moment I decided to plan a trip to Argentina, Agustina was by my side (via texts and email) Yes, we could even have spoken on the phone, but each step of the way, she was there to offer ideas, guide and facilitate everything we wanted in our adventure. This was a different way for us to plan and travel as we generally self-drive, cater, and explore independently. However, will all lodgings, transfers, shuttle, excursions planned for us, it was easier to relax and enjoy. Meeting fellow travelers and seeing large groups with touring guides and sometimes hassled fatigued travelers, we were ecstatic that we weren't one of them. At each location, we were met with local companies for our shuttles and transfers and confirmation of tours. Very responsive companies under the umbrella of Agustina and Mater. We had a road book that was updated and confirmed each day.
Our trip included Buenos Aires, Ushuaia (end of the world), El Calafate (Patagonia), and Puerto Iguazu.
Hotel Reviews
Awwa Suites & Spa
Buenos Aires
In a peaceful and safe place in Buenos Aires. Accustomed to English speaking travelers to some extent. No restaurant, but morning delivery of breakfast to your room. While we didn't use, there was a pool, spa, sauna, availability of massage, robes and kitchen set.
Location
Away from bussle of centro - walking distance to many cafes and restaurants, green parks closeby, and the Japanese Rose Garden.
Alto Andino Hotel
Ushuaia
Uphill from town center with magnificent views over the water. Easy walk to the pier for excursions.
Authenticity & Character
Breakfast was served on the 4th floor with spectacular views. Midday coffee and tea with cookies was available.
Location
Although hilly, broken sidewalks, you could reach restaurants and shops easily.
Staff
Welcoming! The hotel was connected to our tours and would inform us of our activities.
Blanca Patagonia Boutique Inn and Cabins
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Although a taxi ride away from town center, this was a spectacular location for view. The main lobby was like being in an elaborate lodge or private home. The restaurant upstairs was small and intimate. The breakfast service was also upstairs and was abundant. We stored our luggage on our last day and relaxed in the environment before our airport shuttle arrived. There was an outdoor spa that we didn't use, but again, a glass enclosure with a spectacular view.
Staff
So friendly, helpful, engaging.
La Reserva Virgin Lodge de Selva by DON
Puerto Iguazú
We were truly in a rainforest, complete with birdlife, and amazing trees. We had a screened porch with table and chairs and hammock to complete the rainforest appeal. Other hotels were in town center and while close to restaurants and shops did not seem to offer the appeal of rainforest.
Staff
Welcoming after our 2 AM arrival. Johann assisted with cart to our room especially since we were on second level.
Activity Reviews
Walking tour: Palermo & Recoleta
Buenos Aires
Wonderful to reconnect with Jessica who first met us at airport and then was our guide to Buenos Aires in our early days of our visit. We visited yet another area full of information. So comfortable to travel with her.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jessica was attentive to both our needs and questions. Flexible, caring, organized, friendly, knowledgeable.
Transport
Jessica was on time, organized our rides
Palermo Food Tour
Buenos Aires
We had to get ourselves to the meeting place (1st restaurant) Walked with a group of 10. We certainly got the flavor of many dishes and different outdoor cafes. We were expected at each location which was welcoming. The one serving steak and sausage was touch and the food dry. Perhaps change this stop.
Food
Variety of food choices at each locale. Ending with gelato and dessert was a treat.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Navigation through the Beagle Channel 2.30 hs
Ushuaia
There was confusion about the time of this tour and our expected arrival. You had to get yourself to the port to check in. We arrived too early, and had to wait too long for an average tour. It was informative to be on the channel that separates Argentina and Chile. Guide spoke in English and Spanish but w/o much enthusiasm,
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
no hotel pick-up; unclear about arrival time and check in was crowded and haphazard
Buenos Aires Walking tour, La Boca & City centre
Buenos Aires
Jessica was the guide that first met us at the airport as we checked into our hotel. We were with her for this walking tour and again when we returned to BA two weeks later. She was super accommodating with some help that we needed and handled everything about our first view of the city so easily - moving from walking, to Uber, to local bus.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Boat trip along the Iguazu River
Puerto Iguazú
Fun experience down a calm river with 18 people. We didn't have to paddle, just enjoy
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Pamela arranged tickets for park entrance, train ride, boat experience and met us each time to keep the tour moving w/o hesitation or interruption - seamless!
Tango & cena show at El Viejo Almacen
Buenos Aires
Having never attended a Tango show, we were warmly greeted and seated. The service was excellent and the show fantastic.
Food
Argentine steak! Malbec wine!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Always felt like we had a guardian angel with us that kept track of times and our location
Estancia Harberton & walk with penguins
Ushuaia
Great experience with penguins for an hour on their island
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide did his best to keep us together as we explored the island paths.
Transport
Well timed, but since you could only travel to island by boat for 20-30 people, you had to wait til they returned from their one hour penguin island tour. The tour could have been shorter with less folks booked.
Trekking & Canoeing in Tierra del Fuego National Park
Ushuaia
Quality of Experience
small group experience
Food
Lunch served in a heated geodeisic dome complete with starter, soup, lunch, dessert and WINE!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Valentine created a team. We bonded and we enjoyed ourselves in the national park. Valentine was always aware of his group, attended to our needs and shared his knowledge of the forest.
Transport
From our first pick-up Valentine was friendly and engaging. Made you eager for a day together
Full day at Glaciares National Park: Perito Moreno
El Calafate
From start to finish, we were guided, transferred and informed about the best way to explore the glacier walkways.
Quality of Experience
Well planned - ample time to explore views of this spectacular glacier
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Explained our schedule, showed us overall map of walkways along with helpful advice.
Transport
well connected from hotel pickup by coach to boat and back
Private tour to the Argentinian side of the falls
Argentina
The most spectacular waterfalls we've ever experienced. We had a private guide that added to both our knowledge and fun experience.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Pamela was amazing. So attentive. Easily kept track of time and us. Paced activities well
Family dinner in Calafate
El Calafate
How special to be greeted by your host in his home. Gabriel prepared his specialties using his mother's recipes. Lively group that melded well.
Quality of Experience
Wonderful food in cozy surroundings
Food
everything from start to finish. Gabriel explained his food and ingredients and allowed the opportunity to share dishes.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Picked up from our hotel and returned seamlessly after dinner.
Discovery Estancia Cristina
El Calafate
From a ride by coach to a boat to a long boat ride to 4x4 transport to return, it was a full day of so many experiences. Luch at the restaurant was wonderful! Full service again complete with wine.
Quality of Experience
Ease of transfer from one activity to another
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We were divided into English and Spanish groups which made it easier for guides to explain w/o having to repeat twice.
Transport
Coach always there, boat always ready, activities at the Estancia ready and organized for us upon our arrival
Such a calm experience (1 1/2 hours) after the crowds of the Falls. Interpretive signage in 3 languages. Extensive areas in protected aviaries so you could experience close hand all the birds.
Quality of Experience
Our guide got us our prepaid tickets and arranged for our taxi pickup to both cross the border and return us to hotel seamlessly.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Bruno was soft spoken and spoke clearly to each traveler always keeping us informed of what we were going to do and how to keep us together
Half day tour to the Iguazú Falls (Brazilian side)
Argentina
Slightly confusing for us travelers as we picked up at hotels and then many stops to facilitate border crossing. Our apprehension was due to our inexperience. We were a large group that made visiting the Falls together hard to manage. Getting lost was a slight concern in the crowds. However, the trip to BOTH sides of the Falls is not to be missed.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Bruno tried his best, but there could have been an easier way to keep us together at various meeting points. A lot of time was wasted at each check point as our group reconnected. Simply giving us a time and location meet would have sufficed.
Transport
While the group crossed the border, 4 of us remained in Brazil to visit Bird Park. Separate arrangements were made for our safe, prompt return with taxi to cross the border and return to our lodge.
Milonga night
Buenos Aires
While we skipped the Tango lesson, we enjoyed going to a local Milonga with our guide Martene. While a late night, it was a wonderful experience and enjoyed our last night in Buenos Aires.
Quality of Experience
Welcomed to Milonga by owner and seated at a reserved table where we could enjoy our drink without participating, but could appreciate the evening.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Martene made us comfortable and explained so much about a Milonga answering all my questions. He joined in the dance on several occasions allowing us to take photos although generally frowned upon
Transport
Prompt pickup, arranged our travel by Uber both to the Milonga and home again to our hotel.
Local specialist: Agustina Gross