Argentina Explorer

A 'grand tour' of Argentina, from Iguazu Falls to the deserts and wines of the northwest, through Patagonia to Tierra del Fuego. There's time in Buenos Aires too, and a stay at a gaucho ranch.

from £3885

Customer rating 100%

Outline

'Argentina Explorer'

What makes this trip special?

Waterfalls in the jungle

Iguazú Falls

Dividing Argentina and Brazil this network of 275 individual drops is the largest waterfall system in the world. Walkways enable close up views, whilst trails within the park can also take you to more panoramic vistas. You can visit the falls from both Argentina and Brazil, as each offers a different perspective on the immense power of these falls.

Panorama of Iguaçu

Brazilian Iguaçu

For a panoramic overview of the falls visit the Brazilian Iguaçu National Park. The walkways on this side of the border offer views from above and below the garganta del diablo and other drops. For those wanting to get up close, and don't mind getting wet, the Macuco safari boat trips are an original way to cool off.

Colonial Salta

Salta

Salta is an attractive colonial city that is the main transport hub for exploring the north west region. A cable car runs to the top of the San Bernado hill overlooking the town, offering excellent views over the surrounding countryside.

Red rocks and white wines

Cafayate

Cafayate is a small town in the Valles Calchaquíes and is Argentina's second most well known area for producing wine. Predominantly a white wine producing area, the torrontés grape remains its best known variety and there are a selection of vineyards in and around the town. The journey from Salta is worth the visit alone, as you pass the impressive red rock formations along the ruta 68.

Paris of the Americas

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a truly cosmopolitan city with influences from all over the world. Grand Avenues and 19th century architecture earn Buenos Aires the nickname of the 'Paris of the Americas', but its own identity is just as apparent in each barrio you visit. Buenos Aires' most famous export is the world renowned Tango, and visits to the traditional venues are still possible today.

The Argentine Lake District

Bariloche

On the shore of Lago Nahuel Huapi, San Carlos de Bariloche is the centre of Argentina's lake district and capital of domestic tourism in Argentine Patagonia. The town has an Alpine feel, with timber and local stone buildings making up the historic centre. The town has grown enormously in recent years and now stretches all the way around the lake, but remains an excellent base for exploring this part of the region.

South Patagonian Ice field

Los Glaciares National Park

The Los Glaciares National Park stretches from the south of Perito Moreno and lago Argentino, to the north and the glaciers in the Fitz Roy range on lake Viedma. Each glacier in the park is striking, as some are more rugged with sediment deposits scattering the surfaces, whilst others are pristine white and picture book perfect.

Navigate the Beagle Channel

Beagle Channel cruise

The Beagle Channel runs through Tierra del Fuego and from the water offers the best views back to the city of Ushuaia and the end of the Andes mountain range. From the cruises you can see a good variety of sea birds, and marine life, whilst further down the channel towards Harberton there is a thriving colony of Magellanic Penguins.

Itinerary

  • Day      Overnight
  • 1 Iguazu Falls
  • 2 Iguazu Falls
  • 3 Iguazu Falls
  • 4 Salta
  • 5 Salta
  • 6 Salta
  • 7 Buenos Aires
  • 8 Buenos Aires
  • 9 Bariloche
  • 10 Bariloche
  • 11 Bariloche
  • 12 El Calafate
  • 13 El Calafate
  • 14 Ushuaia
  • 15 Ushuaia
  • 16 Ushuaia
  • 17 San Antonio de Areco
  • 18 San Antonio de Areco
  • For the detail of each day click the ‘Day-by-day’ tab above.

Day-by-day itinerary for 'Argentina Explorer'

DAY 1

Arrive in Puerto Iguazu from the UK

Today you arrive into Argentina, and your first taste of the country is the jungle town of Puerto Iguazu, made famous for one of the world's most awe inspiring set of waterfalls. You are taken to your hotel, with the rest of the afternoon left free for you to recover from your transatlantic flights and acclimatise to the time and termperature changes.

DAY 2
B

Visit to the Argentine side of the falls

Today you visit the Argentine side of the falls. You are driven to the entrance of the park where you board the small Rainforest Ecological Train which winds through the National Park dropping visitors off at the various walkways. Visit both the lower circuit catwalk, a 1.5 km loop offering views of smaller but still impressive falls such as Ramirez and Bosetti and the upper circuit catwalk, a short trail in the forest above the first few waterfalls. You are then taken to visit the spectacular Devil's Throat from a different angle along a flat walkway suspended over the Upper Iguazu river. The lookout point at the end of the catwalk offers stunning views over this side of the falls, and some of the best photo opportunities from this side of the border.

DAY 3
B

Visit to the Brazilian side of the falls

This morning you are collected from your hotel and taken on a tour of the Brazilian side of the falls. You start off at the modern visitors centre at the entrance to the National Park which has a small museum with interactive exhibits, information and facts about the falls. Next head to the start of the ‘Waterfall Trail’, a 1.2 km paved path dotted with superb panoramic viewpoints, culminating in a catwalk that leads you to the base of the almighty Devil’s Throat cascade, a sheer mass of thundering water and undoubtedly the most impressive part of the falls. You have plenty of time to take photographs and enjoy the views, before returning to Argentina and your hotel for a final night in this tropical setting.

DAY 4
B

Fly to Salta in north west Argentina

In the morning transfer to the airport and fly on to Salta in north west Argentina. On arrival you are taken on a sightseeing tour of the city. Salta was founded by the Spanish in 1582 and that displays this heritage in its well preserved colonial architecture making it quite distinct from other large cities in Argentina. The tour gives you an overview of the main sites such as the historic centre, the Plaza 9 de Julio with its monument to the 19th century hero General Arenales, the Cathedral, the San Francisco Church, the San Bernardo convent, and the San Bernardo Hill where you take in a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. Continue to San Lorenzo a pleasant town whose tree lined streets of large houses and lush gardens are surrounded by a verdant nature reserve making it a peaceful residence of choice, just 10 km from the city centre.

DAY 5
B

Lerma Valley and Cafayate with wine tasting

Today you travel through the Lerma Valley and its historic towns before reaching the Quebrada de las Conchas, Shells’ Ravine. Here, impressive rock formations have been whittled by wind and water into an Amphitheater, known as the Devil’s Throat. You continue on to Cafayate where you find some of the world's highest vineyards, characterised by the Torrontés grape. The region’s wine is becoming increasingly celebrated amongst viticulture circles and the town’s Museum of Vine and Wine uses brilliant mod-cons to describe the regions long standing connection to the grape. You return to Salta later in the day, along the same scenic route.

DAY 6
B

Visit to San Antonio de los Cobres and the route to the clouds

Depart from Salta following the route taken by the Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) towards the ruins of Tastil and ascending high into the Andes to arrive at San Antonio de los Cobres after approximately 2 hours. Stop for lunch (payable locally) and a short visit of the town before continuing along Route 40 through some of Argentina’s wildest and most arid landscapes to reach the Salinas Grandes salt plain. Once a high altitude lake, this stunningly beautiful spectacle covers a large area with salt which is at times half a meter thick. Later, continue to the village of Purmamarca passing the fabulous Cuesta (Cliff) de Lipán, famous for its Hill of 7 colours, caused by the concentration of different minerals. Purmamarca is a picturesque settlement of pretty adobe houses and a typical Main Square which hosts a small craft market, and your last stop before returning to Salta.

DAY 7
B

To Buenos Aires

Upon arrival in Buenos Aires you are met and taken to your central hotel for a stay of two nights. After you have checked in to your hotel, head into this elegant cosmopolitan city for an overview of its main sites such as the Obelisk and the historic Plaza de Mayo, and its broad avenues, such as 9 de Julio. Stop in the colourful quarters of San Telmo and La Boca before continuing with a drive through bohemian Palermo with its beautiful parks and gardens, the Recoleta, and the modern neighbourhood of Puerto Madero. The tour introduces you to this city of immigrants and you hear of the politics that swayed emotions, changed lives and became the theme of stories, music and theatre.

DAY 8
B

Day at leisure in Buenos Aires and Evening at the Tango

Today is a free day for independent sight-seeing and depending on what you visited during your walking tour and your interests you might choose to visit one of Buenos Aires many museums and galleries (MALBA collection of modern art, Evita Museum, National History Museum, Bellas Artes Museum). Alternatively you might prefer to visit the city's Costanera Sur Eco-reserve home to a variety of flora and fauna (particularly birds) Or simply marvel at the architecture, stop for a coffee at Argentina's oldest café, the beautifully grand Café Tortoni or wander the San Telmo flea markets. Later in the evening you head to a tango show at one of the cities famous Tango theatres. Dinner is served followed by an unforgettable show, featuring first rate musicians, dancers and singers which revive the original styles and melancholic rhythms of the world renowned tango.

DAY 9
B

Fly to the lake District and San Carlos de Bariloche

You are at leisure in the morning before at the agreed time you are picked up and taken to the airport for your flight to Baricloche. On arrival you are met and taken to your hotel where you stay for 3 nights.

DAY 10
B

Circuito Chico introduction to Bariloche

Today you have a half-day tour in the surrounding area of Bariloche along the shore of the Nahuel Huapi lake. There are wonderful views along the lake where there is a sprinking of old houses built by pioneer settlers, the Yacht Club and the Melipal neighborhood. The further you go from town the more the scenery takes centre stage, the flora and cypress forests, maitenes, coihues and ñires. Take the chair lift up to the top of Cerro Campanario, where at 1,050m there is a stunning view across the landscape. From here you visit a small village built by Swiss settlers before returning to Bariloche. You then have the afternoon free to relax at your hotel or for independent shopping/sightseeing in Bariloche town.

DAY 11
B

Route of the 7 lakes excursion

Depart Bariloche travelling northwards by National Route 237 for 21 Km until you reach Secondary Route F, a road that winds through beautiful scenery bordering Lake Nahuel Huapi. Pass Villa La Angostura and then reach the ‘Road of the Seven Lakes’ (Correntoso, Espejo, Villarino, Falkner, Hermoso, Machónico & Meliquina). Finally arrive in San Martín de los Andes on the shores of Lácar Lake. The return trip to Bariloche can be either through Paso Córdoba or along National Route 40 via Junín de los Andes and La Rinconada.

DAY 12
B

To El Calafate

This morning you are transferred to the airport in time for your flight to El Calafate. You are met on arrival in El Calafate and taken to your hotel where you stay for 2 nights. In the afternoon you are free to explore the town independently, and a good place to start could be the glaciarium ice museum on the outskirts of town. This is a modern structure that offers a good introduction to this glacial region of Argentina, and at the end of your tour head into the unique glacial 'ice bar'.

DAY 13
B

Perito Moreno Glacier

Morning pick-up from your hotel and transfer (80 Km) to the spectacular Perito Moreno glacier located within the Los Glaciares National Park. En route you might have the chance to spot a variety of birds of the Lake Argentino area, such as black-necked swans, flamingos, Magellanic geese and Steamer ducks. For the first 40 Km of your journey you travel across the Patagonic steppe before entering the National Park where more verdant vegetation is to be found, dominated by abundant trees such as Antarctic beech, sour cherry, lenga (Nothofagus pumilio) and notro (Chilean firetree) with its colourful intense red. Arrive at the Perito Moreno glacier, one of the few glaciers in Patagonia that is still growing. You have the chance to view the glacier in all its glory and to walk footbridges for close up views and the chance to enjoy the spectacular crashing sounds of the breaking ice.

DAY 14
B

Spectacular flight to Tierra del Fuego and the end of the world

Today you transfer to El Calafate airport for your flight to Ushuaia, in the Tierra del Fuego province of Argentina. The flight into Ushuaia is spectacular and on clear days you are afforded fantastic views of the southernmost city in the world set between the Andes and the sea, and the gateway to the Beagle Channel and Antartica. Stay here for the next 3 nights, and you have the afternoon to explore independently.

DAY 15
B

Navigation on the Beagle Channel

Today you set sail with others on a catamaran cruising through the Beagle Channel to reach the historic Harberton Ranch. On the water, you pass the Bridges Islands, all named after the six Bridges children, and where it is possible to see South American fur seals, South American seas lions and huge colonies of cormorants. You cruise past the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, the Chilean city of Puerto Williams, then cross the Mackinlay pass to Martillo Island where from the boat there is a chance to observe a 1,000 nest colony of Magellanic Penguins and 9 breeding couples of Gentoo penguins. Harberton Ranch is the oldest farm in Tierra del Fuego and was founded by the Englishan Thomas Bridges. On arrival you visit the homestead's museum and may have time to hike to a viewpoint behind the simple ranch building. You return by road to Ushuaia stopping en route at the Fagnano and Escondido Lake viewpoints.

DAY 16
B

Tierra del Fuego National Park

Depart for your half day tour to the Tierra del Fuego National Park travelling through scenic coastal landscapes before stopping first at the Southern Fuegian Railway station where you have the option to enter the Park on board the famous ‘End of the World Train’. During the tour you can observe the varied flora of the area and see the local fauna of both native and introduced species such as the red fox, beavers, rabbits and numerous types of birds. The Park is home to some beautiful scenery and, once inside, you visit Ensenada Bay and Lake Roca, where you have the chance to see beaver lodges. Finally, at Lapataia Bay, and some 3,063 km from Buenos Aires, you will reach the end of Argentina’s National Route 3 to truly have the sense of being at the end of the world.

DAY 17
B

Fly back to Buenos Aires and transfer to your traditional Argentine Estancia

At the agreed time you are driven to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to San Antonio de Areco (approximately 1½ hours) for a stay of two nights at a traditional Estancia. Estancias in this area provide an insight into the traditions of rural Argentina, and you have two nights to either relax around the pool or take part in excurisons on the ranch, from horse riding to gentle hikes. Some even offer guests the chance to watch or possibly have a lesson in the sport of Polo.

DAY 18
B

Activities from your Estancia

Full day at the Estancia to relax or take advantage of the activities on offer from the ranch.

DAY 19
B

Depart your Estancia for your flight back to the UK

You have another morning at the estancia at leisure, before transferring to Ezeiza international airport for your flight back to the UK.

Guide prices for 'Argentina Explorer'

options based on all year low season mid season high season peak season other season
mid-range hotels 2 people sharing £3,885
mid-plus range hotels 2 people sharing £4,880
upper range hotels 2 people sharing £5,795
top range hotels 2 people sharing £8,875
Prices are per person and include:
  • all accommodation
  • all travel in Argentina
  • meals as indicated (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
  • excursions as described
Prices do not include:
  • transatlantic flights
  • travel insurance
  • items of a personal nature such as drinks, tips, laundry, etc
  • airport and departure taxes

Customer reviews for 'Argentina Explorer'

Recent reviews are shown here from holidays based on this initial design. In each case the itinerary may have been modified (a little or a lot) to suit the individual traveller.

Average customer rating 100%

Trekking north of El Chalten away from the crowds. Would have liked another night at El Chalten with more time for trekking.

Seasonal information for 'Argentina Explorer'

Along this route in January

Day Location Max °C Monthly rainfall
1 Iguazu Falls 32°C 171mm
2 Iguazu Falls 32°C 171mm
3 Iguazu Falls 32°C 171mm
4 Salta 28°C 173mm
5 Salta 28°C 173mm
6 Salta 28°C 173mm
7 Buenos Aires 29°C 100mm
8 Buenos Aires 29°C 100mm
9 Bariloche 22°C 29mm
10 Bariloche 22°C 29mm
11 Bariloche 22°C 29mm
12 El Calafate 17°C 19mm
13 El Calafate 17°C 19mm
14 Ushuaia 12°C 57mm
15 Ushuaia 12°C 57mm
16 Ushuaia 12°C 57mm
17 San Antonio de Areco 32°C 113mm
18 San Antonio de Areco 32°C 113mm

Typical weather for January

Max °C figures are the average daily maximum temperatures for the month. Rainfall is the average precipitation for the month.

Hotels for 'Argentina Explorer'

Days 1 - 3

Hotel Saint George

Iguazu

A comfortable, mid-range hotel located in the centre of Puerto Iguazu 17km from the Iguazu falls. Each of the 100 rooms have private bathrooms, A/C, cable TV, mini-bar and hair-dryers. Facilities include two swimming pools, heated jacuzzi, dry sauna and massage room, gift shop, games room, gym and free Wi-Fi internet access in the lobby and bar. The 'Doña Maria' restaurant serves local and international cuisine whilst there is also a snack bar by the swimming pool.

Pool area
Days 5 - 6

Del Antiguo Convento

Salta

Centrally located in the historic part of the city the Hotel del Antiguo Convento has Standard, Superior and Executive rooms all with en-suite facilities, a/c, heating, TV and Telephone. Additional features of the hotel are the Confitería (Snack bar), a small outdoor pool, a gym and free Wi-Fi.

Outdoor Patio
Days 7 - 8

Pulitzer

Buenos Aires

The Pulitzer is a modern hotel located in the centre of Buenos Aires. Rooms are equipped with safe, minibar, airconditioning and free high speed wifi whlist there is a downstairs bar that serves lights meals and drinks throughout the day. Up on the 7th floor there is a swimming pool and even a gym where it is possible to book in for a massage.

 

 

Hotel exterior
Days 9 - 11

NH Edelweiss

Bariloche

Average rating 5.0 (1 ratings)

This is good option for staying in the centre of Bariloche town. Some rooms offer views of Lake Nahuel Huapi, and there is a spa and indoor swimming pool as well as a Restaurant and bar.

Standard Room
Days 12 - 13

Hotel Sierra Nevada

El Calafate

This is a lakeside hotel with attractive gardens running down towards the shore of Lago Argentino. Rooms are a little dated, but are equipped with cable TV, private bathroom and heating for the colder months, whilst there is wifi in the communal areas, a small gym and bikes which are free to hire.

Hotel gardens
Days 14 - 16

Hotel Fueguino

Ushuaia

Hotel Fuenguino is a good mid-range hotel choice close to the centre of Ushuaia. All the hotel's 53 rooms have a safety deposit box, mini bar, wifi, heating and cable TV. There is a restaurant at the hotel serving Mediterranean and local cuisine.

Hotel exterior
Days 17 - 18

Dazzler Recoleta

Recoleta

Dazzler Recoleta boats 414 modern rooms situated in the Recoleta neighbourhood of Buenos Aires. There is an outdoor pool and sauna, as well as a fitness centre and free wifi throughout the hotel. Classic rooms have air conditioning and heating for cooler months, private bathrooms with bath tubs and an electronic safe.

Swimming pool