Embark on a captivating journey through Argentina, where urban delights in Buenos Aires meet lakeside serenity in Bariloche. Lose yourself in Buenos Aires’ vibrant tango rhythms, hidden artistic treasures, and culinary delights. Then, immerse yourself in Bariloche’s serene beauty, with shimmering lakes and majestic mountains. Conclude your adventure at Iguazu Falls, a breathtaking natural wonder. Experience Argentina’s warm hospitality, savor local cuisine, and create cherished memories. Join us on this unforgettable expedition where urban allure and lakeside serenity intertwine.
DAY;
2
Morning HD Street Food Tour
Start Time 11:30 AM Meeting Point: Lobby of your hotel Dive into the street food scene of Buenos Aires on this enticing tour, tasting the way through San Telmo to discover three of Argentina's favourite delicacies. With the help of our passionate guides, we'll sample empanadas, a typical pastry from Argentina; choripan, an irresistible little sandwich with chorizo; and Argentina's take on Italian pizza. To finish off we'll have a delicious sweetener: Argentina's own version of Italian Gelato.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Palladio Hotel
Meals B
DAY;
2
Buenos Aires City Tour "Four Balconies"
The Four Balconies of Buenos Aires is an exclusive visit of Buenos Aires which uses 4 parks and plazas of Buenos Aires (Plaza de Mayo, Parque Lezama and La Boca, Plaza San Martin and Recoleta) to introduce you to Argentina, its history, its contrasts, its contradictions and the characteristic psychology of the “porteños”, the inhabitants of Buenos Aires. The tour offers a unique approach to the city with highlights on the way: • Plaza de Mayo, the heart of the city of Buenos Aires both from the historical and political point of view and the site of its foundation. • Parque Lezama & La Boca as the old South. One of the oldest districts in the city, crowded by artists’ ateliers and colorful houses of rambling architecture at La Boca and lots of Antiques shops and cobblestone streets in San Telmo, which showcase the early times of Buenos Aires • Plaza San Martin & Retiro show the link and the passage from the Old South to the New Residential quarters developed at the turn of the 19th Century when Argentina and specially Buenos Aires looked after Europe as a role model. • Recoleta, the sophisticated and stylish district in Buenos Aires with a strong French influence to be noted in its architecture, avenues and barrios. We will include a visit to the world famous Recoleta Cemetery where Evita Peron is buried. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Palladio Hotel
Meals L
DAY;
4
HD Bariloche Vistas Tour
Visit the best panoramic lookouts of Bariloche alternating between short scenic drives and easy hikes. This tour begins by hiking up to the top of a small hill known as Cerro Llao Llao. Only a one-hour hike through native “Nothofagus” forest and Caña Colihue fields, gaining elevation and scenery as we approach a granite dome overlooking the Nahuel Huapi lake. Close encounters with condors are very likely here! After returning to our car we drive to another trailhead. From here, a half hour to 45-minute hike takes us to the Tristeza Inlet lookout to see the glaciated Mount Tronador in the distance. This is also a great lunch spot with a view! Continuing our scenic drive along what is known as “Circuito Chico” road, we stop to enjoy yet another incredible view from the side of the road at “Punto Panorámico”. By now we should be able to get our bearings oriented in this beautiful array of lakes, inlets, and mountains. Our final stop is at “Campanario” to take the chairlift to the top of this iconic Peak. Eager fitness freaks can hike up the steep trail instead. Campanario is considered one of World’s most spectacular views and the ideal spot to get a perspective on the intricate and stunning topography of the Nahuel Huapi National Park.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Aldebaran Hotel & Spa
Meals B
DAY;
7
FD Argentine Side of the Falls
We find three stations: Central Station (where the visitors´ center is located), the Cataratas Station, which gives access to lower and upper trails, and the Devil’s Throat Station, taking us to the main falls. It is a scenic 14km route of around 25 minutes in total. To reach The Devils Throat proper, we either use the train or hike the Green Trail, which passes a swamp, home to multiple bird species, families of butterflies and other native flora and fauna. This trail is a relaxed 15-minute walk and lovely introduction to the area. From Cataratas Station, we find a plaza, the starting point of the slightly longer Upper and Lower Trails. The upper offers great panoramic views at six fantastic lookout points along the 1-hour 30-minute trek, with the pace being steady, and numerous rest areas can be found throughout. The final Lower Trail offers a more intimate approach to the falls from below. From here, one gets a real sense of the immensity of this natural wonder, as the water pounds relentlessly into the rocks at the foot of The Devils Throat. This two-hour pathway has eight perfectly located lookout points; all of which ensure that getting wet sooner or later is almost guaranteed! The Lower route offers a mix of perspectives on the falls, from below, as well as a glimpse of the Brazilian side of Iguacu. Finally, if choosing this extended option to the main falls, we re-board the train for the final Station, The Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo). From here, a concluding 2-hour hike (can be done in isolation if taking the train straight to The Devils Throat station from the plaza), traverses the Iguazú River to its breathtaking climax. Within the park, we will also find various small restaurants, snacks stalls and toilette facilities. Important Notes: *Make sure to get your entrance ticket stamped at the Ticket office, those wishing to return to the park the following day will receive a 50% discount on presentation of the stamped card. *Recommended attire: comfortable walking shoes, plastic bags or rain covers for your backpack, sunscreen, insect repellent and hat.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Loi Suites Iguazu Hotel
Meals B
DAY;
8
Hacienda La Bandada.
Private Transfer to Hacienda La Bandada. La Bandada proposes to enjoy the Argentine countryside with the enhancement of its uses and customs. Right after crossing the gate, guests begin to enjoy the rural air. Flocks of ducks fly cross the sky in their characteristic V-shaped formations, from lagoon to lagoon. After walking through the agricultural pastures, guests arrive at the main house, framed by a magnificent grove of trees: immense banana trees, poplars, pines, as well as ginkgo bilobas that stand out in autumn with their intense yellow leaves. The house is colonial style, with unostentatious elegance. Its pleasant and spacious rooms are an invitation to rest and read. Wide galleries keep the house cool: a perfect place to hang out in the afternoon or, instead, challenge to play a traditional game: the sapo. Besides taking advantage of the swimming pool, riding a bike or hiking, horses are a very important part of life of the farms and here you can ride along a path full of centennials trees until reaching the endless grasslands of the pampas. There are very well trained and easygoing horses, so you can enjoy a ride whether you have any previous experience or not. Dishes bring traditional recipes, very tasty, cooked with fresh ingredients from the vegetable garden. Together with the cook, the guests can pick up their choice for the daily special.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Hacienda La Bandada.
Meals B,D
DAY
2
Quito
This morning, you are picked up for your half-day private guided tour of Quito, including a walking tour of its historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, the afternoon is at your leisure to spend relaxing or exploring the city further on your own.
Optional Activities:
Private tour of Quito’s colonial churches or insider’s look at the country’s finest Pre-Columbian art collection
Spectacular horseback ride in the high Andes near Quito
2-3 hour hike and birdwatching with Naturalist guide through nearby cloud forest to see hummingbirds and flora
Overnight Casa Gangotena, Plaza Grande, or similar
Meals B