Argentina, Patagonia Wonders

Day 1: Arrive Buenos Aires (City Tour)

Welcome to Argentina’s capital, often referred to as the Paris of South America, a mosaic as varied and diverse as its culture. Built in the 19th Century, an era of plenty for the wealthy gaucho land barons of Argentina, this city of 10 million is a kaleidoscope of intimate places, events and interactions, each with a slightly different shade, shape, and character. More European than South American in flavor, Buenos Aires boasts bustling streets, grand avenues, old-time cafes and stylish restaurants. It's a city of tragedy and elation; a vibrant, cosmopolitan capital where locals are renowned for their flair and cockiness, even in times of adversity. The city's neighborhoods are small and highly individualized each with its own characteristic colors and forms. Meeting services upon arrival and transfer to the hotel.

This afternoon introductory city tour takes us along the 9th of July Avenue (Avenida 9 de Julio), considered the widest in the world, boasting eight lanes. We pass Plaza de la Republica with Buenos Aires’ signature Obelisk projecting upwards as a symbol of the city. Continue our drive passing the Plaza de Mayo square where we also view the Government Building referred to as "Casa Rosada" (Pink House). Next we visit the picturesque and colorful port section of La Boca, a picturesque neighborhood at the mouth of the Riachuelo River where the city’s first settlers landed. The tour continues towards San Telmo, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, the bohemian side of the city with its colonial houses, cobbled stone streets. In contrast, next we visit the modern district of Puerto Madero; Palermo with its elegant residences ending at Recoleta, the most chic neighborhood in Buenos Aires with its sidewalk cafes and boutique shops. Next we tour the famous cemetery, a necropolis of elaborate mausoleums, including that of Eva Peron. Return to the hotel for overnight.
Overnight at Buenos Aires hotel. (B)

Day 2: Buenos Aires (San Telmo, Tortoni Café, Dinner & Tango Show)

Today is Sunday, a grand opportunity to visit San Telmo to experience the famous San Telmo Antique Market, a favorite pastime of the Portenos (as the residents of the city are called) and tourists alike. First stop is at the famous Café Tortoni, the oldest Café house in Argentina and home to the artistic and intellectual capital of Buenos Aires since 1858. After coffee and delicious deserts we continue to San Telmo, widely hailed as the most picturesque part of Buenos Aires, birthplace of the sultry tango. Cobblestone streets and colonial buildings set the atmosphere for an array of shops and boutiques, tango parlors and cafes. In a departure from the sophistication that is Buenos Aires, here you’ll experience the bohemian side of the city with its mimes, impersonators, musicians and the ubiquitous tango dancers offering free lessons to the least inhibited passersby. Return to the hotel for preparation of tonight’s activities.

Afternoon its time for tango lessons at El Querandi. If tango is Argentina's melancholy soul then the seat of that soul is the San Telmo district of Buenos Aires. In the heart of all this faded charisma you will be treated to a tango lesson before tonight’s dinner & show.

What differentiates El Querandi from other tango shows and diner in the city is that this is an amazing Restaurant with a great tango show. Here you will witness a sample of the most authentic Argentine artistic expression of the national dance, the Tango, in the heart of the traditional neighborhood of San Telmo. The stage is strategically located so you will always get a top view of the show, regardless where you are seated. Return to hotel for overnight.
Overnight at Buenos Aires hotel. (B,D)

Day 3: Buenos Aires

Free day
Optional Tigre Excursion: Full day excursion to the suburbs and the Delta of the Parana River. The Tigre and the Delta islands is a unique region just 15 or so miles outside the hustle and bustle of the big city. We travel along the northern residential districts of the city and the suburbs for views of luxurious homes and mansions overlooking the River Plate. Continue to the Tigre district, home to summer residences, yacht clubs and rowing clubs, a weekend getaway for “porteños” (local residents of Buenos Aires). The islands of Paraná River Delta Tigre is the starting point for hundreds of islands forming up the Paraná River Delta at the mouth of Río de la Plata (River Plate). Tours along the Delta and to Martín García Island, a natural and historical reserve, start from the river port of Tigre. We enjoy a relaxing lunch and later afternoon return to Buenos Aires to get ready for this evenings festivity.
Overnight Buenos Aires hotel. (B)

Day 4: Buenos Aires / Bariloche (Walking Tour Bariloche)

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Bariloche; the main city in the Argentine Lake District, popularly known as the “Switzerland of South America”. The District truly evokes the Alpine country with its turquoise alpine lakes, clean, fresh air, towering snow-capped peaks and nearly unbroken, primeval forest. Meeting services upon arrival and transfer to the Design Suites Hotel, a boutique style hotel located along the Nahuel Huapis Lake and 5 minutes from Downtown Bariloche.

San Carlos de Bariloche is a small but striking Alpine city set at the foot of Lake Nahuel Huapi and surrounded by dramatic landscapes. A year-round resort, during the summer one can fish for trout; fly-fishing and sports recreation (especially hiking, river rafting and walks around ancient forests, as well as climbing most of the peaks surrounding the city) are some of the activities enjoyed by visitors to this great city. During the winter (opposite season from North America) this is a winter wonderland, featuring winter sports, including skiing.

This afternoon a relaxed stroll across the charming streets packed with old and charming stone and wood houses where, at each corner, beautiful sights and landscapes abound. We pass along the Cathedral Nuestra Señora del Nahuel Huapi. We arrive at the Civic Center, the most representative spot in the city. With its Swiss style, arcades and horseshoe shapes facing the lake dating back to 1940 and houses the City Council, the Tourism Secretariat, the Police, the Patagonia Museum, the Library and the Emilio Frey Venue where cultural events and art exhibitions take place.
Overnight at Lloa Llao or Design Suites Hotel. (B)

Day 5: Bariloche (Short Circuit Excursion)

Today a circuit excursion from Bariloche to the Southwest skirting Lake Nahuel Huapi driving along winding paved road. Crossing the residential district we make our way to Playa Bonita located near Huemul Island . Continuing along scenic landscape to visit Campanario Mountain and the chair-lift that will take us to the summit at an altitude of about 3,465 feet (optional) from where breathtaking views of lakes Nahuel Huapi and Moreno , St Peter peninsula, Llao-Llao , Victoria Island and Otto, Lopez and Cathedral mountains as well as Bariloche. We make our way back passing the post-card setting of Llao-Llao peninsula and Puerto Pañuelo with stops for picture taking before returning to our hotel for overnight.
Overnight at Lloa Llao or Design Suites Hotel. (B) Day 6: Bariloche (Victoria Island Excursion) Full-day lake excursion commencing with transfer to the pier for your motor-launch transfer to Victoria Island situated amid the Nahuel Huapi Lake. This is a charming island with varied coasts, cliffs, beaches and forests with a variety of flora and fauna, including 500-year old rupestrian paintings. Continue to the Peninsula de Quetrihue and the Arrayanes Woods (Myrtle wood), profoundly unique and therefore a national monument. Here, scrub-like species resemble trees as they reach up to 18-25 meters and are over 300 years old.
Overnight at Lloa Llao or Design Suites Hotel. (B,L)

Day 7: Bariloche / Calafate

Transfer to the airport for the flight to El Calafate, Argentina’s coastal wildlife sanctuaries to a region of extreme natural beauty famed for pristine glaciers and alpine lakes in the high Andes. Meeting services upon arrival and transfer to the Los Notros Hotel. Afternoon free to get acquainted with the region or maybe sign up for an easy horseback ride in El Calafate’s environs.
Overnight either Los Notros or Design Suites. (B) [All meals included at Los Notros]

Day 8: Calafate (Perito Moreno Glacier)

Full day visit to Perito Moreno Glacier (tour or trek), located along the southern arm of Lago Argentino. The advancing (still growing) glacier spans an area of 20 miles over a total surface of 160 square miles and towering 240 feet above sea level. As the world's largest active glacier, it is one of the most significant natural attractions of Argentina. Lunch box is included during your visit and afternoon return to the hotel for overnight.
Overnight either Los Notros or Design Suites. (B,L) [All meals included at Los Notros]

Day 9: Calafate

Day is free and in case of Los Notros you can select from a menu of activities – but not Upsala & Onelli Glaciers

Optional Upsala & Onelli Glaciers Excursion: Full day adventure making our way to Punta Bandera Port to board a catamaran that will take you to Upsala and Onelli Glaciers. Sail along the Northern Arm of the Argentino Lake towards Upsala, the largest continental glacier in the Southern Hemisphere (80 miles long and 16 miles wide) to view icebergs separated from the Glacier as we sail along the Glacier towards Onelli Bay where we disembark for a walk through the lenga forest to reach Onelli Lagoon where Bolado, Onelli and Agassiz Glaciers converge down into the waters. (If icebergs prevent disembarking at Onelli Bay you will stop at Puesto de Vacas). Lunch at a typical restaurant of the region, and then we will return to our hotel for overnight.

Note: we can change this tour to a 4X4 adventure if preferred.

Overnight either Los Notros or Design Suites. (B,L) [All meals included at Los Notros]

Day 10: Depart Calafate

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Buenos Aires where we transfer you to the International Airport for your overnight flight home. (B)

Remarks

Special Terms & Conditions apply to this program. Please inquire.

3 days / 2 nights Ushuaia:

Highlights
Visit the southernmost city on earth and add a 3D/2N visit to Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego National Park. Ushuaia Extension includes accommodation, tours, expert guides, some meals and all transfers.

Day 1 : Arrive Ushuaia
Day 2 : Penguin Island, Gable Island & Estancia Harberton
Day 3 : Trek and Paddle Tierra del Fuego National Park
Day 4 : Continue to your next destination!