Argentina: Landscapes and Traditions of the North

Explore the pulsating Argentine capital on this tour of the city’s iconic destinations. Set off from your hotel in the company of your guide, enjoying a leisurely tour of Buenos Aires. Visit the chic French residential neighborhood of Recoleta, teeming with classy art galleries and cultural centers. If you’re lucky, you could even catch an exhibition or two while visiting the district. Also visit the Recoleta Cemetery, to find the graves of notable people, including Eva Perón. Continue with the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Colon Theater, the National Congress, and the Presidential Palace, before returning to your hotel. (Half Day; Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring comfortable walking shoes, and don’t forget your camera).

A totally unique and interactive culinary activity, The Argentine Experience incorporates what we feel many travelers are looking for on an evening out in Buenos Aires: great food, fun, laughs and social interaction with people from all different backgrounds. Combining delicious traditional Argentinean food with both local and international perspective, the night includes an empanada making competition with appetizers and later what we believe is the best steak in town. Led by passionate local and expat hosts, the evening quickly turns to shared laughter and joy as you take a unique look at some curious quirks and customs that make Argentineans some of the most interesting and passionate people of Latin America. (19:00 to 23:00, group activity, dinner with wine included, private transfers included)

Explore the San Telmo neighborhood in Buenos Aires and sample some of Argentina’s iconic dishes on this walking tour. Your expert guide will lead you through the cobbled streets of San Telmo and introduce you to the city’s food history and culture. Take a mini-masterclass on how to make Mate, the South American herbal tea, and learn what it takes to become a ‘cebador’ – the person who brews Mate. Pair your Mate with dulce de leche-filled alfajores, a traditional confection. Try empanadas, a picada of cheese and cured meats, and Argentine cocktails. Visit a neo-bodegon, where the city’s youth are reinventing grandma’s cuisine. The dishes change according to the seasons. Depending on when you visit, you may sample mushroom and chimichurri croquettes, blue cheese and pineapple palmerita, or milanesa. Along the way, stop to see the San Telmo Church and Dorrego Square. Then wander through Argentina’s most iconic market, the centennial San Telmo Market. Meet some of the locals behind the stalls and learn about their food histories and traditions. (Duration: 4 hrs; Time: 1100 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: tastings & drinks; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

Gain a deep perspective of the breathtaking waterfalls, recently named one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Three sets of trails and walkways allow you to explore the natural beauty of the falls and the surrounding jungle as you walk through the national park. On the lower circuit take in a view of the falls from below, feeling part of the natural surroundings, and sensing their great magnitude. The upper circuit takes you above the falls where you get a different perspective of the same waterfalls you just saw on the lower circuit. Hop on one of the open-top carriages of the Jungle Ecological Train and enjoy a 15-20 minute ride through the forest to the start of the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat) trail, where you stand just feet from the thundering cascades of water tumbling to depths below. (From 09:00 to 15:00. Timing can vary and will be reconfirmed on the ground. Private Activity. Devils Throat may be closed due to flooding during your visit, this is a yearly occurrence that can happen within rainy season. Access to Devils Throat will be assessed closer to arrival date)

Enhance your visit to the Argentina side of the Iguazu Waterfalls with an exciting boat ride up the Iguazu River. Begin your adventure in the heart of the national park with a ride by truck through the subtropical rainforest to the launch point on the river. Embark on a thirty minute navigation up the Iguazu River. End this fun-filled adventure by going up under the waterfalls themselves, getting a stunning view, and also nice and wet. (Duration around 2:15 hours, Group Activity, Maximum 45 people in the boat, Combined with the Visit to the Argentine Side of Iguazu Waterfalls Activity. Important: you will get wet, please bring a rain poncho and/or extra clothes)

On this half day tour, take in the incredible panoramic view of Iguazu Waterfalls. From the amazing vantage points in Brazil, marvel at the sheer beauty and amazing magnitude of this natural wonder. (Duration: Half day, if you have a preference for timing, please tell your travel consultant at the time of booking, otherwise our team will schedule the tour at the best available time. Travel time to activity 1-2 hrs, depending on border crossing for Brazil; Private Activity)

On day one leave Salta early in the morning and travel north to the town of Tilcara. Explore the rich indeginous history of the town before continuing on to the Quebrada de Humahuaca. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Humahuaca Ravine is a geological wonder with stunning views and amazing landscapes. On day two set out early in the morning for the Salinas Grandes salt flats. Walk out onto the salt deposits for unique and astonishing views. Return to Purmamarca in the afternoon and visit the Hill of Seven Colors in Purmamarca and tour the historical town. On Day three return to Salta mid day taking the scenic route to take in the all of the rich landscapes. (09:00 to 17:30 on Day One; 09:00 to 17:00 on Day Two, 10:00 to 16:00 on Day Three. Private Activity)

Explore the colonial heritage of Salta, the city with the best preserved colonial architecture in all of Argentina! Visit the popular landmarks of Plaza 9 de Julio, San Francisco Church, the Cabildo, among others, as you learn about the city’s rich cultural heritage of local, Spanish and European immigrants. Accompanied by your guide, set off from your hotel and make your way past iconic monuments. Admire the sedate town square of Plaza 9 de Julio, helmed in by a host of historical buildings. The Cathedral standing by the town square, houses the Sanctuary of El Señor and La Virgen del Milagro, or the Miracle Lord and the Virgin. The Town Hall, or the Cabildo, is just next door. What used to house important Government quarters during the colonial era, has now been converted into the Northern Historical Museum. Look out for the beautiful San Francisco Church, which also stands by the town square. Visit the magnificent San Bernardo Convent, the oldest building in town, before driving up the pretty San Bernardo Hill. (Duration: 3 hrs; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring comfortable walking shoes, and don’t forget your camera; Note: The itinerary may vary, subject to weather conditions and your interests).

Tonight there will be dancing! Live the experience of an authentic peña with live folkloric music, local charm, hearty food, dancing and joy late into the night. A perfect way to end your time in the Northwest. (Evening activity, dinner with soft drinks and transfers included)

Featuring Argentina’s oldest vines and home to a unique mix of traditional bodegas and modern producers, this region is famed for bringing Argentina’s wines from the common table to the international stage. On this full day privately guided tour, visit three different wineries; one at which you will enjoy lunch and discover why Mendoza is quickly gaining notoriety amongst foodies. Learn the process of Argentine winemaking and sample the various vintages while enjoying a splendid day amongst the vines at the feet of the Andes. (09:00 to 15:00. Private Activity with 2 wine tastings. Lunch Included at one of the wineries)

Explore the stunning Andean landscape on this panoramic mountain tour, taking in pretty little highland villages and brief hikes along the way. Set off early from your hotel, right after breakfast, in the company of your local guide. Drive along the Pan Americana route, passing by the breathtakingly beautiful highland landscapes at Cacheuta, Potrerillos and Uspallata. Stop by the historical sites of Puente de Picheuta, Polvaredas, Paramillos, and Punta de Vacas, before driving over to the Los Penitentes ski center and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Puente del Inca. Explore the fascinating geology of this region and and perhaps also put your feets in the hot spring waters. Driving onwards, reach the Aconcagua Park. Take a short hike to the Los Horcones lagoon for the best views and photographs of the spectacular Aconcagua Mountain, the highest peak of the Americas. (Full Day; Duration: 9 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Lunch is not included; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please bring comfortable hiking boots and don’t forget your camera or binoculars; Note: Redeeming Christ can only be visited during Dec–Feb).

Enjoy horse rides, join the gauchos in their daily ranch work, a cooking class, play a round of paddle-tennis or simply relax by the pool.

While staying at La Bamba de Areco, guests can enjoy horseback riding trail rides with a gaucho, relax by the swimming pool, head out mountain biking, try your hand at the Argentina ball game of pétanque, or go on a memorable carriage ride with a gaucho.