Argentina: Wine, Wilderness & Waterfalls
Discover the variety of Argentina!
Studded with incredible natural wonders and endowed with one of the world’s most fascinating cities, Argentina is a vast and varied land. From the Tropic of Capricorn towards the tip of Antarctica, it encompasses a vast diversity of terrains. During this tour, visit the arid Medoza region, salt flats and the phenomenal Iguazú waterfalls.
This tour gives travellers the chance to discover central and northern Argentina. The tour begins in Buenos Aires. Dubbed the ‘Paris of America’, Buenos Aires is a fusion of European grandeur and sensual Latin vibes. The home of juicy steaks and the passionate tango, this capital city is pure indulgence. Continue to Mendoza, for panoramas of wine country which intoxicate with their beauty. Taste wines produced in this desert region. Then, approach the Chilean border as you ascend the High Andes, passing through breathtaking scenery and little villages.
Bewitching surroundings greet you in the lake district or bariloche. While you travel through the Enchanted Valley, note the incredible rock formations and colourful vegetation of this dreamscape. The tour continues further through historical towns, down the ancient Inca Road to Humahuaca Gorge. The mountainsides of this harsh scene have been eroded, allowing a palette of creamy whites and deep rich reds to peer out of the formations over a rover-scoured canyon. Another highlight of the tour is a visit to the Iguazú National Park and the Iguazú Falls. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see. Watch as rainbows form in the mist of the thundering falls. This special view will round off your trip to this astounding country perfectly. of the Enchanted Valley in the north of the country.
Dates
Dates on request
Suggested Itinerary by Air
Day 1-2
Depart the UK and travel to Buenos Aires
Depart from London Heathrow or from your regional airport and travel overnight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 3
Buenos Aires
After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Buenos Aires. During this tour you will visit the most iconic places of the “Paris of America” such as the Obelisk, Colon Theatre, Recoleta Cemetery, May Square and many more. You will also visit different neighbourhoods such as La Boca, San Telmo, Recoleta and Puerto Madero, ranging from modern to classical and from lively urban to residential. The evening will be filled with Latin passion as you visit one of the traditional tango houses of Buenos Aires for a tango show dinner.
Day 4
Buenos Aires
Spend a day at leisure in this remarkable capital. Perhaps make an excursion to the Paraná Delta north of Buenos Aires or Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay, which is a short boat ride from the Argentinian capital.
Day 5
Buenos Aires – Mendoza
Following breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Mendoza. In the afternoon, a city tour illustrates the highlights of Mendoza, including the old town, the Civic Centre, the General San Martin Park and the Cerro de la Gloria Hill as well as the Mundialista Stadium and the Frank Romero Day Amphitheatre.
Day 6
Mendoza
Today, indulge in a half day visit to two wineries. Although it is an arid desert region, Mendoza is renowned for its wineries. This tour explains how a desert was transformed into an oasis through canals and irrigation ditches. The original process was created by the Huarpes indigenous people and is now computerised. Participate in a wine tasting session and relish the opportunity to meet oenologists, from whom you can learn about the wine-making process.
Day 7
Mendoza
Today, enjoy an High Andes excursion that will take you to the nearby Chilean border. Along the way, discover many attractions such as the Potrerillos Valley Dam, Uspallata, the local villages of Picheuta, Polvaredas and Punta de Vacas, as well as the Aconcagua Provincial Park or the Cristo Redentor which symbolizes the fraternity between Argentina and Chile.
Day 8
Mendoza – Salta
Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Salta. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure in this city, packed with colonial architecture.
Day 9
Salta – Cachi – Cafayate
After breakfast, journey through the Lerma Valley continuing towards the Quebrada de los Laureles and the Quebrada de Escoipe. Upon reaching Cuesta del Obispo, you will be able to enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the Enchanted Valley. Then head towards Cachi, passing through Los Cardones National Park and down the ancient Inca Road. Upon your arrival in Cachi you will visit the church and Archaeological Museum. Later in the afternoon, continue your journey to Cafayate. Admire the mountainous landscape as you drive alongside the Calchaquí River and through historical towns and villages. Arrive at your hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 10
Cafayate – Salta
Famous for its wineries, you will spend the morning in Cafayate. In the afternoon you will travel back to Salta through the Quebrada de la Conchas alongside the Cafayate River. This scenic road will allow you to observe the curious shaped rocks along the way formed as result of wind and water erosion. Upon arrival in Salta, you will transfer to your hotel and have the evening at leisure.
Day 11
Salta – Purmamarca
After breakfast you will travel to San Antonio de los Cobres where you will have lunch and a short city tour. In the afternoon you will drive through one of the largest desert areas in the country to reach Salinas Grandes (The Great Salt Flat). Journey down the Lipán Cliff and reach Purmamarca which is a picturesque town of the Humahuaca Gorge.
Day 12
Purmamarca – Humahuaca – Salta
Today, travel through the Humahuaca Gorge which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The various stops will include Tilcara and its Pucará, Huacalera, Uquía and Humahuaca. In the afternoon you will head back to Salta, stopping along the way at Maimara and at the colonial town of San Salvador de Jujuy and Vaqueros.
Day 13
Salta – Iguazú
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Iguazú. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 14
Iguazú
After breakfast, you will visit the Iguazú National Park where you will find more than 200 waterfalls ranging from 30 to 80 meters high. The Argentinian side of the falls is divided into 3 trails. The park was declared a Natural World Heritage in 1984 due to its scenic beauty and the great biological diversity of the subtropical jungle. The visit will start at the local museum before continuing with the three trails. Additionally, you can book boat trips that take you closer to the falls and allow you to discover the falls from another perspective.
Day 15
Iguazú
Today you will visit the Brazilian side of the falls. Due to the fact that eighty percent of the falls are located in Argentina, the Brazilian park only offers one walking trail of 1 km length. However, this trails also offers the best panoramic views of the falls from both countries.
Day 16
Iguazú – Buenos Aires
Following breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 17-18
Return to the UK from Buenos Aires
After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your international flight back to the UK.
Argentina springtime (October to mid-December) and autumn (April to mid-June) are generally the best times of year to visit Argentina, avoiding the tourist crowds and peak season prices.