Argentina: Tango, Gauchos, & Malbec

Overnight flight from the U.S. to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Arrive in Buenos Aires this morning. An afternoon walking tour will introduce you to this grand metropolis on the banks of the River Plate. Gather for a welcome dinner tonight. (3 Nights)

Feel the European influence of this capital city as you tour the major sites. Highlights include the Plaza de Mayo, the National Cathedral, and Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace). See La Boca with its colorful tin houses and soccer stadium. Then, explore bohemian San Telmo, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, and Palermo with its wonderful parks and gardens. In the evening, gather for dinner and then enjoy a tango performance at one of the most authentic tango venues in Buenos Aires.

Spend today immersed in gaucho culture and the vast landscapes of the pampas plains. Visit the charming gaucho town of San Antonio de Areco. Continue to an authentic private estancia (ranch) for a traditional Argentinean asado meal. The amateur gauchos among us will have the opportunity to go for a horseback ride across the pampas.

Fly to Mendoza, the center of Argentina’s wine industry. The flight may offer spectacular views of the Andes mountains. Blessed by rich sunlight and a landscape of snowcapped mountains, Mendoza is one of the most successful wine regions on earth and a gourmet destination in Argentina. Depart on a city tour including its plazas and parks. On the return, visit the studio of a local artist to gain insight into the local art community. (3 Nights)

Head south with the Andes Mountains as a backdrop to the Lujan de Cuyo area, home to many of Argentina’s most famous wineries and best Malbecs. Possible visits include the Achaval Ferrer Winery and Catena Zapata winery known for its pioneering role with the Malbecs.

Depart on a scenic drive from Mendoza to Aconcagua Mountain, one of the famed Seven Summits and the highest point in both the Western and Southern hemispheres (22,841 feet). See breathtaking views of the mountain and the surrounding Andes Mountains during our hike in the Horcones Ravine. Picnic lunch at the base of Aconcagua.

This morning fly to Bariloche, gateway to the Northern Patagonia Lake District. Upon arrival drive along the scenic shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi past forests of southern beech, cedar, and bamboo, to the charming town of Villa La Angostura, a natural sanctuary of pristine land with deep azure lakes, soaring mountains, vast forests, and sprawling estancias. Our hotel location offers opportunities to walk and see incredible panoramic views of Lake Nahuel Huapi, Lake Correntoso, and the Andes Mountains. (3 Nights)

Travel by private boat across Lake Nahuel Huapi, one of the most beautiful lakes in Patagonia. Disembark on Victoria Island for a nature walk through the island’s idyllic forest. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a secluded beach.

Set out on a morning drive along scenic Lake Nahuel Huapi and then trek along the steppe of Valle Encantado (Enchanted Valley), where volcanic rock configurations are created by wind and rain take on unique shapes. If we’re lucky, we may see the Andean condor, which nests in this area. Later, stop for an authentic Patagonian barbecue lunch at a lodge overlooking the Limay River. Farewell dinner.

Enjoy a morning at leisure before boarding a group flight to Buenos Aires, where we connect with overnight flights to the U.S.

Arrive this morning in the U.S. and connect to your home airport.

Roaring out of the jungle and hurtling over cliffs between Brazil and Argentina, Iguazú Falls is one of the natural wonders of the world. This extraordinary place offers ample time to relax and see cataracts surrounded by luxuriant rain forest, exotic birds (toucans, caracas, and parrots), bromeliads, and butterflies. Walk along the upper and lower trails for close-up views of the many different falls. Exploration from the Brazilian side is thrilling. Take a Zodiac boat to see the falls from the lower river, approaching the base of the falls. Fly back to Buenos Aires and overnight there before beginning the main program. (3 Nights)