Essential Argentina: From Buenos Aires to Patagonia in 21 Days
VIP Experiences and Exclusive Excursions

21 days - 20 nights

Day 1 - Arrival in Buenos Aires

We will welcome you at Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza) and transfer you to your hotel in Buenos Aires City.

Day 2 - Private Tour of Buenos Aires City

Breakfast in the hotel. Like many cities, Buenos Aires is split into areas (barrios) that commonly have distinctive features. We begin our tour visiting some of the most classic of these barrios where we will discover some splendid architecture that ranges from the old colonial structures such as the Cabildo, the ostentatious French style palaces and buildings mostly related to the very prosperous early twentieth century, art deco and the modern skyscrapers of the business micro centre and Puerto Madero, the renovated dock area. We go to some of its principal noteworthy sites such as the spectacular, recently renovated, Colón Opera Theatre, the most recognized monument, the Obelisk, the Plaza de Mayo, known especially for its silent protests against the military government and its surrounding buildings such as the Cabildo, the foundation of Buenos Aires, the Metropolitan Cathedral where lies the mausoleum of Don José de San Martin, the 'father' of the Republic, and, of course, the Presidential House, the Casa Rosada.

We discover barrios such as San Telmo, the Antique centre, which was inhabited by the first aristocracy until there was a general movement to Barrio Norte (Recoleta) due to the yellow fever outbreak at the end of the nineteenth century. We visit La Boca, the home of the famous football team, and one of the most picturesque barrios due to its colourful houses and its working class Italian immigrant influences. It is also known for its tango and art and here we take a walk down the artisans' passage and to its gallery as well as a walk to the Port. This is followed by a visit to Puerto Madero, the renovated dockland site, with the new part with its excellent offices and apartments securely separated from the city by bridges. Going further north we reach the very popular parks of Palermo known for their traditional monuments such as the Planetarium, Galileo Galilei and the Magna Carta.

We also visit the elite residential barrio of the City, Recoleta, where we also find the Museum of Fine Arts, the picturesque colonial church of Nuestra Señora del Pilar and the famous cemetery where Eva Peron was buried. These are situated close to the Plaza Francia where every Sunday there are popular artisanal stalls and people take advantage of sunny days relaxing in the beautiful plazas with their incredible trees. In Palermo Chico, a very exclusive residential zone, we can see luxury French style palaces and enjoy the parks designed by the French landscaper, Thays, that have a style different to the rest.

Day 3 - Exclusive Navigation on the Río de Plata & Delta del Tigre

Breakfast in the hotel. In the North Dock in Puerto Madero, in the centre of Buenos Aires, we board a modern launch with state of the art nautical technology, great comfort and available refreshments, in order to make a cruise along the coast of the Río de la Plata and into the Delta del Tigre. We are accompanied by the excellent views of Buenos Aires from the water and pass by the Jorge Newberry Airport, the football stadium home of River Plate, known as the Monument, and the City University. We then cruise by the exclusive residential barrios of Vicente López, Martinez and the elevations of San Isidro, the port of Olivos and various nautical clubs until we enter the Delta of the río Paraná, a fast flowing river that has its source in Brazil.

Especially at weekends and on sunny days there will be a lot of marine activity with an abundance of yachts and cruisers as well as the water taxis that service the houses and restaurants that on the islands in the Tigre Delta. The Delta is like a rural Venice with its houses on the banks and its streets being the waterways. We go to the El Alcázar recreation centre on the Banks of the río Sarmiento and then continue our trip past a number of the islands until we stop close to midday at the bustling water transport station of Tigre, where we can go and have lunch. After lunch we return to Puerto Madero.

Day 4 - Buenos Aires - Departure to Iguazú

We will transfer from the hotel to Jorge Newbery Aeropark in Buenos Aires City to take the flight to Iguazú. Upon arrival, we will be welcomed at Iguazú Airport and transferred to the hotel.

Day 5 - Iguazú Falls: Argentina & Navigation on the Iguazú River

We will do one of the most interesting excursions through the hanging bridges, which will lead us to visit the stunning Falls from the Argentine side. Then we will get to the Devil's Gorge and be dazzled by its rough waters, a nature spectacles at a height of 80 meters. In the Lower Area (Circuito Inferior) we will enjoy the rich wildlife around us, as we go down the flight of steps where we can watch the spectacle offered by this water curtain surrounded by thick vegetation. We will pass by Álvar Núñez Fall, from where we will enjoy the first views of the Devil's Gorge. Following the path, we will find San Martín Island and the homonymous Fall. Finally, at the end of trip we will find Bosetti and Dos Hermanas Falls. We can stay and appreciate this spectacle of waters and get refreshed since the steam from the waves breaking on the rocks will spray us completely.

We will continue our trip, this time in the Upper Area (Circuito Superior), where we will go around the same falls but from a different point of view of the Falls and their surroundings. Besides, we will get close to our next destination, the most stunning, which will guide us through the roaring of the water currents. We will get to the Devil's Gorge's station by train, and start our trip around the islands, and thus, have a wider view of this great nature "mistake" in the middle of the forest created, according to a legend, by the angry God of Iguazú River.

Full Moon (optional in Argentine Falls) We will enjoy this unique trip at night with a full moon, which will allow us to appreciate the sounds and secrets of Misiones forest. We will leave on the Ecologic Train and head for Devil's Gorge Station, where we will capture the first sounds of nature, which creates a magic and mysterious environment. The spectacle offered by the Falls, with the rainbow that appears from the waters with the moon reflection, will completely dazzle us. Besides, once within this overwhelming environment, we will get the movements and sounds of the animals that go for their food. After such a magnificent experience, we will return by train to the travelers' center.

This activity is an extra walk through the hanging bridges, and with this we will start our adventure in which we will sail up to the Canyon of Iguazú River. Then we will sail for about 2 km along the rapids enjoying a beautiful view from San Martín Island. We will go round the island up to the homonymous fall to enjoy a great deal and get sprayed from a close distance. We will get back on off-road vehicles through the thick forest surrounding the National Park.

Day 6 - Iguazú Falls: Brazil & Visit to the Bird Park

Here we will have a very beautiful trip through the only hanging bridge of 1 km to enjoy the view of Iguazú Falls from the other side, the Brazilian region. During this trip we can also learn more about the fauna and flora, enjoy a unique landscape of the falls since the area is more open regarding falls because most of them are on the Argentine side and form a water curtain of 2.700 meters wide. So from this side we will be dazzled by the beauty of the Devil's Gorge to the full.

Besides, this place is home to rare wildlife species, some of them in danger of extinction such as giant otters, anteaters, jaguars, red deer and yellow alligators. We will also see native flowers such as orchids, bromelias and thousands of butterflies.

Note: We have to bear in mind that this trip is available only 5 days per month during the full moon; two days before, two days after, and during that period. We have also to take into consideration that the capacity for this activity is limited and, of course, it depends on the weather conditions that day. If you want to see other excursion options in Iguazu, click here: Tours in Iguazu.

You will visit the Parque de las Aves, a private 4,000-acre zoo open since 1994, which is located in the middle of a forest and close to the Iguazu Falls. In this facility you will see native and exotic birds, such as parrots, macaws, butterflies, reptiles and insects, most of them under risk of extinction. The park is surrounded by lush vegetation, typical of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. There are over 900 birds of 135 species from Brazil and other origins. You can also find different animal species. If you want to see other excursion options in Iguazu, click here: Tours in Iguazu.

Day 7 - From Iguazú to Salta

Breakfast at the hotel. We will transfer from the hotel to Iguazú Airport to take the flight to Salta. Upon arrival at Salta Airport, we will be transferred to the hotel. Free afternoon in Salta City.

Day 8 - Calchaquí Valleys through Cachi

Breakfast at the hotel. We will do the way around through the Calchaquí Valleys, this time through Cachi, driving between extremely lovely landscapes. During our tour to this charming town, we will be able to see beautiful tourist spots in particular, starting in Quebrada del Escoipe, almost a wild region followed by the homonymous river and it crosses several Bridges until getting to Cuesta del Obispo. This last one is also a nature work, as we start the ascent by a twisted and cornice road, where we will be surrounded by impressive green coloured hills, an indescribable view together with the vegetation, in contrast with the sky. The highest point in this way is Piedra del Molino, to 3348 metres above the level of the sea and, from where we will have a unic panoramic of the Quebrada del Escoipe.

Two kilometres before getting to Piedra del Molino, we will be able to appreciate the sign which says that we are in Los Cardones National Park that protects its vegetation, such as Neblina, Monte, Puna and Alta Montaña bushes. Some fauna like the taruca, vicuña, guanaco, puma, red fox, wild cat, Wessel, quirquincho, condor, carpintero de los cardones, ututo lizard, coral, yarara, among others, are preserved in this national park.

After coming through the highest point, Piedra del Molino, we will arrive at Valle Encantado, a place where shapes and colours are mixed and where the action of the wind and water sculpt the landscapes with curious shapes and reliefs. There we will find a small lagoon and cave paintings. Of course, if we are lucky, we will be able to watch condors flying through the sky. Later on, we will get to a small soft mountainside valley covered of bushes, which is eaten by the cattle, that we are surely going to cross during the tour. If we continue a few kilometres more, we will appreciate an enclosed basin and El Hervidero lagoon, the favorite place to graze by the guanacos.  

The Tin Tin Straight Line (Recta de Tin Tin) will be another unforgettable spot in our tour as we will watch it along the way we go, as it is a perfect straight line of 18 kilometres, from where we will be able to watch a great quantity of thistles and looking at our right we will see the Tin Tin Hill and at our left we will see the Negro Hill. We will go through this old inca road so we can get to Payogasta where we will be surprised with the red and reddish pepper plantations, now descending to Cachi town, which is located at the base of Nevado Hill between the homonymous river and Calchaquí. There we will go for a walk along the streets watching its dazzled white buildings, its houses made of adobe and paving streets, but the town stresses more because of its kindness and warm contact that the local people give. We will return to Salta in the afternoon.

Day 9 - Humahuaca Gorge with Hornocal

Today is not just any day. Touring the Quebrada de Humahuaca is discovering a landscape with a diversity of colors and shapes, taking us back to a geological past of over 60 million years. The road to the gorge showcases the pre-Hispanic cultural richness and the coexistence with current cultures, creating an extraordinary heritage. We will depart from the city of Salta to head towards the neighboring province of Jujuy and explore the majestic Quebrada de Humahuaca, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our first stop will be in Purmamarca, a charming village located at the foot of the impressive Cerro de los Siete Colores, where we will visit the main square and explore the artisan stalls displaying typical products of the region.

We will continue our journey through the multi-colored landscapes of the gorge until we reach Humahuaca, at 2,939 meters above sea level, where we will transfer vehicles and ascend to the fascinating Hornocal, known as the Hill of 14 Colors. This incredible massif, located at over 4,300 meters, is considered one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of northern Argentina. Its geological formations, made up of sediments from different eras and minerals, create a unique spectacle of tones that range from green and yellow to intense red and purple. From the viewpoint, we will enjoy an unforgettable view, feeling the vastness of the landscape and capturing photographs that are unlikely to fully reflect its magnitude. It’s a place that conveys a deep connection with the nature and geological history of the region.

Back in Humahuaca, we will take a brief tour of its historic center, visiting the Cathedral of Candelaria, built in 1873, and the imposing Monument to Independence. Due to the length of the excursion, lunch will be quick and self-funded, with simple options available in the village. Finally, we will begin our return journey to Salta, making a final panoramic stop in Maimará to appreciate the Cerro Paleta del Pintor, a mountain formation with multiple hues that marks the end of our tour through the gorge, before returning to the city of Salta or staying in Purmamarca if necessary to connect with another excursion the following day. Tilcara is not included in this tour.

Day 10 - Salinas Grandes & Purmamarca

We depart directly from Purmamarca, at the foot of the famous Hill of Seven Colors, beginning our journey through the Puna region. We start with a brief technical stop to walk a bit and acclimate to the altitude, while enjoying panoramic views of the hill and the town’s typical atmosphere. We continue our trip along the spectacular Cuesta del Lipán, a cliffside road where we’ll make several stops to take photos and relish the experience of being above the clouds, reaching our highest point at 4,170 meters above sea level. From there, we descend to 3,600 meters to arrive at the imposing Salinas Grandes, a dazzling white landscape that invites you to take the most creative photos and videos, living a unique and unforgettable experience.

The Salinas Grandes are one of the most impressive landscapes in northern Argentina, situated at about 3,600 meters above sea level, in the heart of the Puna region. This vast salt flat stretches as far as the eye can see, with its white, gleaming surface formed by millions of years of evaporation of ancient saline lagoons. Walking on the salt is a unique experience, as the horizon merges with the sky creating a sense of vastness and purity. The sunlight constantly transforms the colors and reflections, offering unique opportunities for memorable photos and videos. Furthermore, the Salinas Grandes are not only a visual spectacle but also a place rich in geological and cultural history, where one can feel the connection with the extreme nature and the traditions of the indigenous peoples who inhabit the region.

The return is made by the same route, but with a different landscape: the sun at our backs transforms the colors of the mountains, offering new surprising perspectives and hues. Back in Purmamarca, we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy regional cuisine (optional, not included), walk through the main square, visit the town’s church and stroll along the Paseo de los Colorados, admiring again the Hill of Seven Colors from different angles. We return to Purmamarca or we can head back to Jujuy or Salta.

Day 11 - From Salta to Puerto Madryn

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Salta Airport. Reception and transfer from Trelew Airport to the hotel.

Day 12 - Valdés Peninsula and Whale Watching of the Southern Right Whale

Valdés Peninsula and Whale Watching of the Southern Right Whale

Breakfast at the hotel. We will have great excitement on this day. We will set out first thing in the morning towards Península de Valdés, which was declared Natural and Cultural World Heritage by the UNESCO for being one of the few places in the world where you can watch the Southern right whale in its natural habitat. In this place we can find the biggest concentration of sea animals in the entire Atlantic coastline.

We will visit the Interpretation Center in Carlos Ameghino Isthmus, and then we will head for the ecotouristic village of Puerto Pirámides, which is the only urbanized town in the Peninsula. In Pirámides, we will enjoy a spectacular experience watching the whales in their natural habitat, accompanied by whale specialized guides, biologists, and film and naturalist photography teams.

Before starting our voyage, we will provide travelers with a raincoat and a life jacket. We will set out on a motorboat tour around the crystalline waters of Golfo Nuevo (New Gulf) to see the Southern Right Whale. We will have a unique natural experience when the whales make their appearance moving, swiping their tails, blowing air through their holes and jumping. From the end of May to December, whales from Antarctica reach the coasts of Golfo Nuevo (New Gulf) to breed in the coastline of Puerto Pirámides.

Note about the whale watching: It is performed between July and November. Waterproof clothes and windbreakers are recommended. Before the trip, elemental advice is provided. This adventure is available for adults as well as for children.

Day 13 - Punta Tombo Penguin Colony & Lower Valley

Breakfast at hotel. Today we visit the most important Magellan penguin colony in South America: Punta Tombo, located in the south of the Valle Inferior of the Chubut River. At the beginning (more than 50 years ago), it was a natural reserve, 20 years later it was considered protected area. Punta Tombo has an expanse of almost 3,000m per 500m wide along the Atlantic Ocean. This natural accident is produced by crystalline rocky structures appearance before the Jurassic era which have beared the erosion produced by the ravages of the sea. Key factors for nest creation are the existence of boulder and compact sand. The season is from the beginning of September until April, when penguins emigrate to nest and protect their young.

Depending on the season, all their productive cycle can be observed. First males appear so as to build their nests or rebuild the previous year one, they take advantage of the natural caves for that. One month later, females lay their eggs to sit on them during 40 to 45 days. During that gestation period, males go for food. At the beginning of April, chicks are already good swimmers and feed alone. In the past, this zone was an indigenous cemetery where many Tehuelches also lived and hunted. When walking around the reserve we recommend not to divert the route.

When returning from this adventure with penguins, we go towards the lower valley, to know the industrial and commercial center of the region: Trelew. Then we continue towards Gaiman, the most important Welsh colony in Argentina. There are still traditions and customs such as the Welsh tea with Welsh Black cake, as well as the walnut cake with fruit and homemade bread. If we go back the chacras (eateries), we will observe the different Welsh Chapels and observe the farming-tourist ventures. If you want to see other excursion options in Puerto Madryn, click here: Tours in Puerto Madryn.

Day 14 - From Puerto Madryn to Ushuaia

Breakfast at the hotel. We will transfer to Trelew Airport to board the flight to Ushuaia. Upon arrival, we will be welcomed at Ushuaia Airport and transferred to the hotel.

Day 15 - Classic Navigation on the Beagle Channel & Penguin Watching at Martillo Island - Tierra del Fuego National Park with the End of the World Train

After breakfast we leave during the morning from the port to navigate the icy waters of the Beagle Channel. We visit the Isla de los Pájaros (Bird Island) to see its abundant marine fauna, including skuas, steam ducks and grey seagulls. We can also watch sea lions of one and two hair on the Isla de los Lobos Marinos.

Both Islands are part of the Bridge's Archipelago. On the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse there are Imperial and Rock cormorants. This was the place where the SS Monte Cervantes sank in 1930. We continue our navigation to get to Port Almanza in Argentina and Port Williams in Chile until we disembark in the Martillo Island to appreciate the Magellan and Papúa Penguins.

On our return to Ushuaia it is possible to see the Túnel and Remolino Estancias, which hoard the remains of the Monte Sarmiento steam boat that sank at the beginning of the 20th century. Our return to the city is very inviting due to the presence of the ultimate mountain chain of the Andes. This navigation lasts approximately four hours and a half.

During the afternoon we will go to Tierra del Fuego National Park which highlights for being the only park with sea coast because it is located at the shore of the Beagle Chanel. Outside Ushuaia, we will go through the Valley of Pipo River to get to the entrance. We will get on board the Train of the End of the World which is outside the Tierra del Fuego National Park where we start in the Central Station until getting to the Tierra del Fuego National Park Station. We will have the excellent opportunity to meet the Southern Fueguino Railway which travels along one of the routes that were used in the past by thousands prisoners who obey everyday their routine in those legendary woods. The journey starts over the embankment that the prisoners made a long time ago, going through the Cañadón del Toro so then we can ascend a steep surrounding the Pipo River until getting to the "Cascada de la Macarena" Station where we will hace the possibility to descend to the restoration of a native camp or we can have the option to appreciate the amazing panoramic view of the fall´s source.

The train´s horn give us the signal that we have to continue with the journey to get into the sub-antarctic woods. Surrounding the Pipo river and the "turbales" area where the moss Sphagnum grows, the train ends the journey when it arrives at the Park´s Station where we will descend to continue with the tour. Once we get into into the Tierra del Fuego National Park which was founded in 1960 and it is located in the region of the patagonic woods and the Andean mountain chain. Our tour goes to Ensenada Bay where we will be able to see the Redonda and Estorbo islands and the Montes Nevados in front of them which belong to the Sampaio mountain chain in Chile. Then we get to Roca Lake.

We continue the way while we are surrounded by lengas, ñires and guindos woods until getting to the bridge of the Lapataia river, an ideal area to do trekking as there are many paths such as the Paseo de la Isla, Roca Lake, Black Lagoon, etc. We will go through a winding way where we will find the Green and Black Lagoons, this last one is an impressive "turbal", until flowing in the Beavers´ dike which will guide us to Lapataia Bay.

Day 16 - Off Road 4x4 Adventure at Fagnano & Escondido Lakes

Breakfast at the Hotel. We begin our adventure to the Fueguino Lakes: Fagnano and Escondido. We go to the centre of the Grand Island of Tierra del Fuego where we can see the transition between the Andes Mountain Chain and the end of the rugged Patagonian Plains. We spend some time in the Alto del Valle Ski Centre to see the breeding and training of the Siberian sleigh dogs. We then continue to the north to cross the Andes Mountain Chain by the Luis Garibaldi Pass with its unique views of the Fagnano and Escondido Lakes, the track connects the River Negro and the Estancias of the Island with Ushuaia. This mountain pass is the highest place that reaches until 460 metres high. We get closer to the Escondido Lake where we stop to have our box lunch before we start our off road experience. The Escondido Lake, also called the Escondido Lagoon is surrounded by a forest full of coihues, pines and lengas. It is possible to see what the beavers are doing with the trees: they roll them so that they can use to build their dams which produces floods in the forest. We enter to the forest by the tracks made by the woodcutters, which are covered in mud, the trucks soon look as though they have been painted. Suddenly, the scene changes as we leave behind the forest and arrive at the Fagnano Lake and then we continue until the camp site to eat before return to Ushuaia. If you want to see other excursion options in Ushuaia, click here: Tours in Ushuaia.

Day 17 - Departure to El Calafate

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Ushuaia Airport to take the flight to El Calafate. Reception at El Calafate Airport and transfer to the hotel.

Day 18 - Visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier & Navigation on the Brazo Rico

Early in the morning we make our way to the most famous glacier in the world. It was declared as a Heritage Humanity in 1981 by UNESCO and it is considered unique for many characteristics such as its continuous advance, its comfortable access to its best viewpoints and the possibility to walk over it. The name was given in honour of the great explorer of the Patagonian area, Perito Francisco Moreno.

We walk along the edge of the southern side of the Argentino Lake, before crossing the rivers Centinela and Mitre, at the same time we discover post card views of the pre Andean Mountain Chain. We arrive to Brazo Rico and enter Los Glaciares National Park. While we tour along the Rich Lake we see the huge blocks of ice drifting along and walk until we have a full panoramic view of this giant glacier. If the weather conditions are favourable, we can have the privilege of attending this unique spectacle in the argentinean Patagonia... the ice landslides from the southern falls in which huge ice floes cover the homonym channel as they are accumulated there or in the Brazo Rico.

Here it is possible to get to know the glacier from different panoramic and viewpoints by walking the footbridges whilst we are informed about its history, characteristics and settings. In the afternoon we return to the Hotel.

Day 19 - Sailing on Lago Argentino towards Estancia Cristina

We will start the day navigating among icebergs through the northern arm of Lake Argentino, enjoying the impressive views of the Patagonian landscape until we arrive at the remote Estancia Cristina. Upon disembarking, our expert guide will welcome us and we will begin the first part of the experience: a hike to the Waterfall of the Dogs, ascending along a trail that crosses a semi-arid ecotone, a transition zone between two distinct ecosystems. Along the way, we will be amazed by hidden landscapes and natural viewpoints, from which we can admire an impressive panorama ranging from Lake Argentino to Lake Pearson. Back at the estancia, we will tour the historic site, visiting the museum that narrates the life of pioneers and explore the surrounding area, including the old waterwheel, the Caterina River, and a small chapel. After a lunch break to recharge, the second part of the day will begin: a journey in specially equipped 4x4 vehicles, which will take us through old roads and rugged trails across the native forests of the Feruglio mountain range. During the trip, we will observe the impact that the passage of time and the retreat of the Upsala Glacier have left on the terrain. The adventure will culminate at the only land viewpoint of the Upsala Glacier, a sacred site within the estancia from where we get a majestic view of the glacier and its natural surroundings. Finally, we will return to the estancia to embark on the boat back to El Calafate, closing an unforgettable day in the heart of Patagonia.

Day 20 - Return to Buenos Aires - Tango Dinner Show

We will transfer from the hotel to Calafate Airport to take the flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival at Metropolitan Airport in Buenos Aires, we will transfer you to the hotel.

In the evening we enjoy a dinner and Tango show at one of the best venues of Buenos Aires ( Homero Manzi / Complejo Tango / Señor Tango / La Esquina de Carlos Gardel / Madero Tango). The Tango has a special charm outside of its origin: From New York to Sydney, people that have never visited Argentina are left seduced by its mystique and sensuality. Others stay captivated by the music. This original tour traces in parallel the history of the city and that of the tango journeying by its different stages of development from its birth in the slums, to its consummation in the Avenida Corrientes and its later internationalization.

Day 21 - Ministro Pistarini International Airport

We will transfer you from the hotel to Ministro Pistarini International Airport to bid farewell to this beautiful country. End of our services.