Itinerary

Day 1 Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, located on the southern shore of the Río de la Plata. The city has a spectacular legacy of architecture and parks, and its citizens consider themselves European. It is famous for the tango, superb restaurants, and the best shopping on the continent. The city has numerous museums related to history, and art in its many forms; fine, modern, decorative, popular, sacred and arts and crafts, as well as theatre and popular music. It is also known for its preserved homes of noted art collectors, writers, composers and artists.

Enjoy a private airport (International) transfer with professional driver and English speaking Guide.

Upon arrival by air in to Buenos Aires' International Airport (Ezeiza/EZE), Americans and Canadians are required to pay a reciprocity fee of $131 USD for Americans and $70 USD for Canadians. Other nationalities will vary. Upon payment for Americans, cash (Argentine Pesos or American Dollars), credit card or travelers checks, a receipt will be stapled at the back of your passport and is valid for the duration of the passport. Subject to change without notice. For Canadians, the reciprocity tax will be valid for one entry only. Please consult with the Argentine consulate for full details.

Hotel Madero is placed in the wistful and scenic Puerto Madero area, and is a beautiful hotel to stay in while getting to know the fiery city of Buenos Aires. The 197 rooms offer a vast space in which one can relax and unwind, with great views. The culinary skills of the French chef at Madero's Red Resto & Lounge, are showcased via French specialties fused with international. Spend time at the bars, sipping on cocktails, or drop by the pool for a refreshing swim.

Overnight at Hotel Madero.

Day 2 Buenos Aires

The recently discovered ancient tunnels of Buenos Aires are one of the city’s best kept secrets. Enjoy a private half day city tour including a visit of these ancient passages and get to know Buenos Aires from the ground up! After being met at your hotel by your private vehicle, driver and English speaking guide, you’ll be brought to Plaza de Mayo, the city’s founding site and genuine starting point of Buenos Aires’ urban development. Next is San Telmo, a former enclave for local aristocracy. This charming colonial district, with its cobbled streets, has many artists' studios and is one of the trendiest neighborhoods of the city. Also in San Telmo lies a recently unearthed treasure: the ancient subterranean tunnels. The construction of tunnels started in the colonial era, and continued well into the 19th century. From ancient times, many myths have been created around the tunnels: people said they witnessed secret encounters, disappearances, murders or even political conspiracies.

Enjoy visiting one of these tunnels, a part of a 3,000 square meter labyrinth below the streets of San Telmo, made up of a long corridor with a vaulted ceiling and display cabinets exhibiting many items and utensils recovered during the excavation. Other areas that are included in your tour include La Boca, (which was strongly shaped by the working class Italian immigrants, with its make shift houses made from scrap materials found in local shipyards), Puerto Madero - Buenos Aires’ latest and most sophisticated neighborhood, and La Recoleta, where a short stop is made at the gorgeous Plaza San Martín, the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, (the city’s second oldest church), and the celebrated Recoleta Cemetery, an imposing labyrinth of ornate graves and mausoleums where some of the most important characters of Argentina’s political and cultural life (including Eva Peron) are buried. The last stop on the tour is at the area known as Palermo Woods. Next to the woods lie the splendid palaces built by the wealthy classes in the early 20th century to rival with Paris. Having gained an insightful experience of the city, you will be brought back to your hotel.

Overnight at Hotel Madero.

Day 3 Buenos Aires

What better way to explore the city of Buenos Aires than a private half day guided tour taking in some of the traditional cafes. The city’s cafés have been a traditional gathering place for the artistic and intellectual community, and have inspired a number of famous Tangos and literary pieces. Visit four café’s located in traditional areas of the city. The journey starts at Buenos Aires’ historical quarters, near the Plaza de Mayo where you’ll make a visit of one of the cafes that was founded in 1887 and attracted writers and intellectuals such as Paul Groussac, Arturo Capdevila and Rafael Obligado. Next is London City, a coffee shop that became famous after being mentioned by Julio Cortázar in his novel "Los Premios" (The Prizes). Cortázar is one of Argentina’s best-known writers, and that certainly explains the many allusive obje.

“Rojo Tango” is an invitation to live and feel the tango intensely. It is an embracing and sophisticated show to experience the pleasure of the tango up to its most minimum details, its harmonic melodies, its rhythm and the feelings and colors coming to live in the dance. Witness a professional performance,offered to a reduced audience. Rojo Tango show takes care of every little detail so that you can experience the essence of Tango. Dancers wear unique costumes, a result of thorough research and an updated innovation in fabrics, embroideries and colors. The hairdos are visually important and match every detail of the costumes and dance. The special lighting enhances the dance's different nuances.

Overnight at Hotel Madero.

Day 4 Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls are located on the border of the Brazilian state of Paraná and the Argentine province of Misiones. The waterfall system consists of 275 falls along 2.7 kilometres (1.67 miles) of the Iguazu River. Some of the individual falls are up to 82 metres (269 ft) in height, though the majority are about 64 metres (210 ft). The Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat), a U-shaped 150-metre-wide and 700-metre-long (490 by 2300 feet) cliff, is the most impressive of all, and marks the border between Argentina and Brazil.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver and English speaking Guide.

Fly from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls. The direct flight is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. (Please note that flights are subject to changes based on availability).

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Iguazu in the company of an English speaking Guide, and a private vehicle with a professional driver.

This tour offers an exciting adventure within Iguazú National Park and in Lower Iguazú River. It is divided into 2 parts: firstly, the sailing on the semi-rigid boats to reach the bottom of San Martin, Bosetty, Tres Mosqueteros and Cañon de Garganta del Diablo falls and down the river rapids up to Puerto Macuco (3 kms from the Waterfalls); secondly, an 8 km ride in a special truck along the rainforest, observing the local flora and fauna with the aid of specialized guides. Feel and experience the Waterfalls in this tour! You can start this tour by boat and then walk, or the other way around.

The Sheraton Iguazu enjoys the enviable location of being by the incomparable sight of the Iguazu Falls which can be seen torrential downwards and is in plain view from the hotel rooms and lounging areas. The 180 rooms are attractive, with attentive staff ensuring a great stay. When dining at the hotel, you may well find yourself spellbound by the sheer grandeur of the natural forces surrounding you, as the gardens and water in this region are in such abundance. The international buffet and Argentinean barbeque offered at the hotel are enjoyable and should not be missed. Be sure to also try the hotel's spa treatments and facilities, such as the tennis court and fully-equipped gym.

Overnight at Sheraton Iguazú.

Day 5 Iguazu Falls

Experience the Argentine side of the Iguazu Falls from Misiones, the area which borders Brazil. After being picked up by your private vehicle, professional driver and English speaking Guide, you will be transferred to Iguassu Park to take a train to the walkways. Marvel at the Iguassu Falls as you make your way along the walkway system. Stop by "Devil's Throat" and get up close to the Falls. On the way home, you may like to visit the Argentine shopping district and the 3-borders point where Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay meet before you are dropped back at your hotel.

Overnight at Sheraton Iguazú.

Day 6 El Calafate

El Calafate is a little village in Patagonia, Argentina. It is situated in the southern border of Lake Argentino, in the southwest part of the Santa Cruz Province, about 320 km Northwest from Río Gallegos. The city is an important tourist destination as the hub to visit different parts of the Los Glaciares National Park, including the Perito Moreno Glacier (one of the most visited in the world) and the Cerro Chaltén and Cerro Torre.

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Iguazu in the company of an English speaking Guide, and a private vehicle with a professional driver.

Fly from Iguazu Falls to El Calafate, connecting in Buenos Aires domestic airport. Note flights are subject to changes based on availability. Total travel time is approximately 6 hours.

Includes private airport transfer to/from hotel and airport with private vehicle and driver.

Near the southernmost tip of South America, Argentine Patagonia is a wild and beautiful land of lofty mountains, deep-water lakes, and sprawling glaciers. It begs to be explored - but right now, you're happy to contemplate turquoise Argentino Lake from the in-bedroom bath of your suite at Esplendor El Calafate. Home to 57 rooms and suites, this smartly modern boutique hotel pays homage to its remote setting at the bottom of the world. The furniture and décor combine natural materials such as stone, native-sand plaster, and incense timber with resin, wood veneer, and colorful fiber. All suites at Esplendor El Calafate feature entertainment systems and king-sized beds - touches not lost on weary adventurers returning from a day at nearby Perito Moreno Glacier. Save some energy for Iglú Bar & Restaurant, which serves local cuisine and signature cocktails. Like the rest of the hotel, it's a delightfully refined window on the unspoiled Patagonian landscape.

Overnight at Hotel Esplendor.

Day 7 El Calafate

Your private driver and guide will pick you up at the hotel lobby to take you on a full day guided excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier (this excursion is lead by a guide and shared with other visitors aboard the ship).

Perito Moreno is one of Argentina's prime touristic attractions. Located only 2 hours away from El Calafate, the 30 km (19 mi) long glacier, is one of 48 glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field located in the Andes system shared with Chile, and is the world's third largest reserve of fresh water. The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of only three Patagonian glaciers that are not retreating. A large visitor centre at the site features a walking circuit which allows views of both faces, and the surface of the glacier to be seen. There is also a restaurant at the site, if you feel like stopping and having some lunch (not included). Throughout the day your guide will explain the general features of the glacier and give specific details of Glacier Perito Moreno's flora and fauna, and its particular formation.

The return transfer is with your private vehicle, only with the driver, not a guide. There is the option of including an hour and a half ice trekking on the glacier if you wish. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if this is of interest.

Overnight at Hotel Esplendor.

Day 8 El Calafate

Nestled in the core of the Los Glaciares National Park, estancia Cristina unveils its history and its natural environment. Outdoor activities, high Patagonian cuisine and multiple panoramic vantage points are wisely combined into a stay that is second to none. Its privileged location offers the best land access to the Upsala Glacier and the continental ice fields and turns it into a unique haven.

In order to reach estancia Cristina, it is necessary to get on board a luxurious catamaran which leaves from Paraje de la Cruz, 40 kilometers from El Calafate, at the Punta Bandera harbor at 7:45am. The estancia can only be reached through lake transportation. Before reaching destination, the boat sails amid ice floes and impressive landscapes located off the western shores of the Upsala Glacier. One of the most beautiful views of the glacier is its large ice flows floating adrift to the will of the wind along the Northern Arm and across Lake Argentino. The wind, the sun and the rain give shape to them.

Once at the estancia, visitors' dreams come true as they go on exploration trips on 4 x 4 vehicles, on horseback or hike and climb around the area (guides for activities at an extra cost, to be paid locally).

After an intense tour in the surroundings, where they will discover the history of the estancia and the privileged vantage points will show the best of the glacier, travelers will discover the local flora and fauna and then return to the shelter to have lunch. Chef Lorena Papasergio has wisely created a cuisine style that mingles regional flavors with signature cuisine and her dishes have her unquestionable mark. Ingredients are carefully selected. The best Argentinean meat, the Patagonian lamb and tasty smoked cheese stand out in this unique experience for the palate.

After lunch (not included in tour cost), all activities are resumed in order to discover other nooks of this particular estancia. The scientific base of the Instituto del Hielo Continental Patagónico Argentino, the Upsala, Upsala Glacier, Murallón Glacier, Cono Glacier and Nido de Cóndores refuge is visited. Visitors may access the mountain shelter, where they will see ancient radios. They will be amazed to see the view from the Upsala vantage point with a different perspective of the endless glacier. At sunset, the tour returns to the estancia harbor in order to head for Puerto Bandera once again. A snack is served on the boat and passengers are entertained with chocolates as souvenirs.

This excursion takes all day and finishes about 7:45 pm.

Overnight at Hotel Esplendor.

Day 9 Buenos Aires

Includes private airport transfer to/from hotel and airport with private vehicle and driver.

Fly from El Calafate to Buenos Aires domestic airport. Flights are subject to changes based on availability. The flight duration is approximately 3 hour.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver and English speaking Guide.

Hotel Madero is placed in the wistful and scenic Puerto Madero area, and is a beautiful hotel to stay in while getting to know the fiery city of Buenos Aires. The 197 rooms offer a vast space in which one can relax and unwind, with great views. The culinary skills of the French chef at Madero's Red Resto & Lounge, are showcased via French specialties fused with international. Spend time at the bars, sipping on cocktails, or drop by the pool for a refreshing swim.

Overnight at Hotel Madero.
    
Day 10 Buenos Aires

Enjoy a private airport (International) transfer with professional driver and English speaking Guide.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).

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