Itinerary

Day 1      Arrive to Buenos Aires

Upon arrival you will be met by a local representative for transfer to your hotel in the Palermo district, a great base from which to explore the city.  Your hotel is a first class small boutique hotel, centrally located.
Hotel Krista (many hotel options available in Buenos Aires)

Day 2      Buenos Aires

Today you have a privately guided tour of Buenos Aires, visiting the historical monuments and getting the lay of the land in this sprawling, fascinating city. Areas visited include Palermo, the Recoleta, the Plaza de Mayo, the Teatro Colon, San Telmo, and La Boca. You will have the end of the day free to explore on your own and eat out at one of the city’s restaurants.
Hotel Krista (B)

Day 3      Free Day in Buenos Aires

Today you have a free day in Buenos Aires to explore some more of the city on your own.  We can also arrange day excursions to nearby sites, such as the town of Colonia, Uruguay (a well preserved 17th century Portuguese colonial town that is a UNESCO World Heritage site), or up to Tigre and the Delta (there are also biking excursions up to Tigre).  Another option you might consider is an excursion (day or overnight) to one of the "estancias" in the area of San Antonio de Areco, about 1.5 hours from Buenos Aires.  This is an area that has preserved gaucho traditions more than any other in Argentina and the estancias provide a more in depth experience in this area of Argentine culture and history.
Hotel Krista (B)

Day 4      Iguazu Falls

In the morning you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Iguazu Falls. After dropping your luggage off at the hotel, you will be able to explore the Argentine side of the falls. The trails are well marked and can be accessed from your hotel which is located inside the national park itself. If you would prefer to have a guide accompany you, we can also arrange that for you.
Sheraton Iguazu, Falls View Room (B) (Alternative hotel option:  Aldea de la Selva, a first class jungle lodge, not far from the National Park; inquire if interested)

Day 5     Visit the Brazilian Side of the Falls

Today you will be picked up from your hotel for your excursion to the Brazilian side of the falls. Each side offers a unique and extraordinary view of the falls; you'll visit the Brazilian side with a private guide. Some hiking options and other excursions such as zodiac boat tours also exist in the area (if interested please let us know). (Please note that you will need a Brazilian tourist visa to visit the Brazilian side of the falls.)
Sheraton Iguazu (B)

Day 6      Fly to El Calafate

In the morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to El Calafate, via Buenose Aires.  When you arrive to El Calafate you will be met at the airport and transferred to your estancia.  Bordering Los Glaciares National Park, this estancia (ranch house) offers a view into traditional Patagonian ranch life and access to some rarely visited and beautiful areas of Argentine Patagonia.
Nibepo Aike (B,D) (Alternative options:  Estancia Helsingfors, Eolo, Hosteria Alta Vista)

Day 7       Perito Moreno Glacier

In the morning you will be picked up for your excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier. Rather than just view the glacier from a distance, you’ll have a “mini-trekking” on the glacier itself; crampons will be provided (this is a non technical and non-strenuous walking excursion on the glacier). Afterwards you will visit the traditional viewing spots before returning back to your estancia for a traditional Patagonian asado dinner. (More challenging and strenuous hiking options exist on the Perito Moreno Glacier; if interested please let us know.)
Nibepo Aike (B,L,D)

Day 8       Free day on the Estancia

Free day at the estancia.  This is an outstanding area for hiking and horseback riding, and the staff at the estancia will take you riding or help you find the best trails to hike. This extra day here is a way to get a deeper perspective on this part of Patagonia and see areas few others have explored.  (An optional full day excursion is the boat excursion to Estancia Cristina, located next to the spectacular Upsala Glacier.)
Nibepo Aike (B,L,D)

Day 9    Fly to Bariloche

In the morning you will be picked up and transferred to the airport for your flight to Bariloche.  Located on the shores of the exceptionally scenic Lake Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche offers a range of activities and excursions, including hiking, rafting, biking, swimming and just relaxing.  Your first class small hotel is located right on the lake.
Hotel Aldebaran (B)

Day 10      Circuito Chico/Lake Nahuel Huapi

Today you have a classic full day, privately guided excursion around Lake Nahuel Huapi, know as the Circuito Chico.  You will be able to discuss with your guide how much or how little hiking and walking you would like to do; we can make it as active as you would like. A great introduction to this part of Argentina.
Hotel Aldebaran (B)

Day 11       Free day in Bariloche

Today you have a free day in Bariloche to explore on your own.  Options include hiking, horseback, rafting, kayaking, fly fishing, and biking excursions in the area.  We can arrange any excursions for you that you would like.  One excursion you might consider is a drive up via the Route of the Seven Lakes to the town of San Martin de los Andes, a classic driving excursion in the area (if you would like to rent a car in this area to explore on your own, we can arrange that for you).  If interested in horseback riding, we can arrange rides with Carol Jones, an Argentinian woman who is a descendant of the area's original settlers; programs can be suited to your interests and activity level.
Hotel Aldebaran (B)

Day 12      Depart for home

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires, where you will connect with your international flight home.  (B)

More information from Vaya Adventures:

• View trip on provider's website
  www.vayaadventures.com/itineraries/buenos-aires-iguazu-patago…
• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips