Argentina, Land of Contrast

Kick off this incredible South American adventure in Buenos Aires, romantically called the “Paris of South America”. Upon arrival, be escorted by your guide to the capital city’s downtown area. Settle in, unpack the bags and then begin the tour at the iconic Obelisk that stands at the heart of 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest street in the world. Pass by the classic Colon Opera Theater and the Embassy of France. Visit the historic Plaza de Mayo, the elegant Plaza San Martin and the busy financial district. Explore the traditional neighborhoods of La Boca, San Telmo, Montserrat, Recoleta and Palermo. Then cap off the tour at the renovated Puerto Madero featuring the spectacular Woman’s Bridge, designed to resemble a couple dancing the tango.

Stock up on energy with a hearty breakfast this morning and travel around 30km northeast of Buenos Aires. Then step aboard a boat and set sail on the Tigre Delta, a lush, green natural haven inhabited by the isleño people. Learn about their customs and daily routines, including the intriguing barco almacén, a local boat that regularly traverses the river doubling as a fish market.

Afterward, return to Buenos Aires and explore the northern area of the city, famous for the impressive architecture of its residential houses. In the evening, paint the town red and feel the rhythm of Buenos Aires at a dinner and tango dance show. Feast on Argentine cuisine paired with world-famous Argentine wine and applaud the skill and passion of the performers.

This morning, transfer to the airport and take a domestic flight to the breathtaking Puerto Iguazú, one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. Upon arrival at the airport, meet your guide and head to your hotel. Spend a day on the Brazilian side of the Falls and stroll down a catwalk leading out over the water to get a closer look of this fantastic feat of Mother Nature.

Explore each and every corner of the majestic Iguazú National Park on a full-day tour. Head to the Argentine side and stare in awe at the Devil’s Throat waterfall, the grandest cascade in the Park. Listen to the roar of the rushing torrents and see the mist of spray surrounding it. Then cross the Iguazú River on the Gran Aventura boat and experience the splendor of the Falls close up.

Discover the northwest region of Argentina and fly to the city of Salta. Upon arrival, venture out to explore Salta and its surroundings on a 3-hour city tour. Climb the San Bernardo Hill for a panoramic view, then descend to visit the bustling Plaza 9 de Julio, and see the main Cathedral, the Church of Saint Francis, the Town Hall and the Historic Museum of the North. Learn about Native American culture at the artisan market showcasing souvenirs and handicrafts decorated with symbols of ancient Andean civilizations. Check into your hotel in Salta and spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Travel almost 200km south to Cafayate, located in the picturesque Calchaqui Valley and famous for its vineyards. Pass by small, rustic villages and look up to see the impressive sand formations carved out of the mountainsides. Along the way, watch the arid desert gradually transform into a lush, green landscape ideal for growing grapes. Visit a winery and drink a few glasses of the locally-produced wine before returning to Salta in the late afternoon.

Today, journey north to the Jujuy Province until the ravine and mountain valley of Quebrada de Humahuaca. Here, encounter the incredible Hill of Seven Colors, and visit the “Red Heart of the Quebrada” or the town of Purmamarca, that lies at its foot. Then follow the course of the Grande River and head to Tilcara, a nearby town that features a pre-Hispanic fortress called the Pucará, built by indigenous people centuries ago. Return to your hotel in Salta and rest for the remainder of the evening.

Transfer to the Salta airport for your flight to Mendoza, the “Wine Capital of Argentina”. Greet your guide upon arrival at the Mendoza airport and see the sights on a half-day city tour. Visit Mendoza’s main attractions and appreciate the scenic sight of its mountains and valleys. Learn about the city’s origins as a barren desert and its change under Spanish colonization. Understand how irrigation of the area modernized the region and created the winemaking industry. Afterward, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing.

Today, visit prestigious wineries in the region and learn about cultivating, harvesting and processing local grapes into Argentine wine. Taste the famous Malbec, one of the most exquisite wines in the world and the most popular red wine in the country. In the afternoon, sit down to a tantalizing lunch and enjoy an unforgettable gastronomic experience. After the tour, return to the lodge and spend the evening at your leisure.

Say a final farewell to one of the most diverse countries in South America. Depart Argentina from Mendoza and fly home or continue exploring the rest of the continent.