Classic Argentina: Highlights of Argentina
Example Itinerary
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Overview
Sandwiched between the Andes and the Atlantic Ocean, the large natural playground that is Argentina spans a breathtaking richness of landscapes and cultural treasures that would take a lifetime to explore. This fantastic journey provides the opportunity to experience some of its remarkable highlights, beginning in the vibrant and exciting capital.
After a chance to explore some of Buenos Aires’s iconic sights, you’ll fly on to El Calafate to visit one of the country’...
Sandwiched between the Andes and the Atlantic Ocean, the large natural playground that is Argentina spans a breathtaking richness of landscapes and cultural treasures that would take a lifetime to explore. This fantastic journey provides the opportunity to experience some of its remarkable highlights, beginning in the vibrant and exciting capital.
After a chance to explore some of Buenos Aires’s iconic sights, you’ll fly on to El Calafate to visit one of the country’s oldest national parks and see the spectacular Perito Moreno and Upsala glaciers up close. From here you will then travel to northern Patagonia to the town of Bariloche and the forests around Lake Nahuel Huapi. After a couple of days enjoying the striking Lake District, you then find yourself amongst the vineyards of Mendoza to tour some renowned Argentine wineries and sample the region’s world-famous products.
The trip concludes amongst the magnificent waterfalls of Iguazu, listed as one of the natural wonders of the world, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit the hair-raising ‘Devil’s Throat’ and appreciate views of the falls from both the Argentinean and Brazilian sides.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
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Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Arrive Buenos Aires
Upon arrival to Buenos Aires, your private guide will be waiting at the airport to meet and welcome you to the country before taking you to your hotel in the city centre and helping you to settle in. You’ll have the rest of today to rest up after your international flight.
Day 2 Buenos Aires: Neighbourhood Walking Tour
Your first day of sightseeing begins with a private walking tour of the charismatic and upbeat immigrant neighbourhoods of San Telmo and La Boca, the cradle of the country’s popular culture. Skipping facts and figures about government buildings you’ll instead hear stories of tango, art, football and food that fill the cobbled streets of San Telmo and its bustling market, and the colourful La Boca port and neighbourhood home to impromptu street tango and the Junior Bocas football club. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure to explore more of the city’s sights at your own pace and sample some of Buenos Aires’s lively restaurants, bars and cafes.
Day 3 Buenos Aires: Tango Fever
A free day in the capital provides the opportunity for a bit of hedonism, making full use of the boutique shops and eateries in the Palermo neighbourhood or perhaps having a stroll through some of the city’s buzzing markets, galleries and museums. Then, get ready for an evening of fun as you’ll be picked up and taken to our new favourite tango club in the city. After first getting some basic steps under your belt during an hour-long tango lesson with local Porteños (people from Buenos Aires), you’ll then sit down to a dinner and a passionate performance by the professionals. A highly enjoyable way to swing straight into the culture at a local haunt.
Day 4 Buenos Aires - El Calafate
Head to the airport after breakfast for a flight down to Patagonia – the land of glaciers, lakes and mountains. Upon arrival to the town of El Calafate, your Patagonian guide will be waiting at the airport ready to take you to your family-run hotel quietly perched on the edge of this popular tourist town.
Day 5 El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier
Today, you’ll take the somewhat obligatory visit to Argentina’s most iconic natural landmark, Perito Moreno Glacier. Though the crowds are unavoidable, Perito Moreno draws them in for good reason and is considered a must for any first-time visit to Argentine Patagonia. Heading out to the Los Glaciares National Park this morning, you’ll have a full day to walk through the park’s boardwalks and circuits with your private guide appreciating the showstopper from different angles. The day concludes with a boat tour for the chance to get up close and personal to the towering, blue block of ice’s south wall. Catching the ice calving, and the resulting seismic waves from this distance is a special treat indeed. Head back to your hotel before dinner, perhaps taking the opportunity to try a mouth-watering Patagonian barbecue with a glass of Argentinean red.
*For the more active, switching the boat tour for a kayak is highly recommended. Watching the ripples from a fallen chunk of glacier extend towards you as you sit above the water’s surface in your kayak is a thrill bar none!
Day 6 El Calafate: Estancia Lunch & Secret Glacier
Away from the mass of tourists at Perito Moreno, today you’ll navigate around floating icebergs across Lake Argentino to a remote estancia in a small, peaceful corner of the national park. Though the region is famous for its epic scenery, its farming traditions and gaucho culture are just as important to the fabric of Patagonia as its mountain peaks and glacial lakes. So upon arrival, you’ll first tour the early 20th-century farm, before a wonderful estancia lunch using ingredients from sourced from these remote lands. After, jump into 4x4s traversing the rugged land - until recently covered by glaciers - to an isolated viewpoint of the jaw-dropping Upsala Glacier, one of many in the national park. A very different experience to the day before, you’ll have the undivided attention of Upsala Glacier in front of you, Lake William below, and the southern Patagonian ice field and Andes as far as the eye can see. After some time to take in the majesty of the sight before you, begin the journey back to the estancia and your hotel in El Calafate.
Day 7 El Calafate - Bariloche
Heading back to the airport after breakfast, you’ll take a direct flight to Bariloche, located in the country’s Lake District in northern Patagonia, where you’ll be met by your local guide. During the arrival transfer, you’ll simultaneously have an introductory tour of the town, sometimes likened to Switzerland for its chocolatiers and alpine architecture, as you drive through. A stop at Campanario Hill - long after the morning tourist groups have left - is the perfect introduction to the area’s renowned beauty.
Day 8 Bariloche: Enchanted Valley
Hugging the stunningly blue Lake Nahuel Huapi, this morning you’ll drive against the flow of the usual tour circuit, to explore the beautiful Enchanted Valley in another part of the Lake District. During the drive, a boat river crossing over the Limay River brings you to the valley’s beautiful formations, volcanic rock caves and azure lakes and rivers. Lunch will be enjoyed at a ranch in a secret corner of these stunning landscapes, an ideal way to digest northern Patagonia’s natural beauty.
Day 9 Bariloche - Mendoza
A short flight this morning brings you to Mendoza, the country’s most famous wine region, arriving in time to settle into your Argentine country house and winery for a relaxing afternoon and evening at leisure. As well as enjoying some downtime by the picturesque pool surrounded by vineyards, you may want to take a tour of the grounds, before a enjoying a glass of wine handpicked from the hotel’s bodega and a sumptuous dinner this evening.
Day 10 Bariloche: Vineyard Cycle & Wine Tasting
Following a big breakfast this morning, head out for a peacefully picturesque cycle through the quaint vineyards of Chacras de Coria, stopping off at some of most prestigious wineries in the country to learn about the production process. Accompanied by your guide you’ll head south towards Luján de Cuyo, a region known as the ‘Cradle of Malbec’. Set amongst gentle hills and overlooked by some of the Americas’s highest mountains in the distance, the area is known for its country houses, tree-lined streets, fine restaurants and world-renowned wineries. The tour ends with a wine tasting and a lunch by a renowned chef.
Day 11 Mendoza - Iguazu
Heading back to the airport, you’ll fly to Iguazu for your final stop on this classic tour of Argentina. Upon arrival, you’ll be driven through the steamy forests to your lodge nestled within dense tropical trees. The rest of the day is set aside to relax in your cabin, unwind by the pool and make use of the facilities at your rainforest lodge, as you draw closer to the end of the trip.
Day 12 Iguazu: Waterfall Walks
A full day on the Argentinean side of the falls begins with an early start and, hopefully, the first train to La Garganta del Diablo (The Devil's Throat) to experience the thrill of standing above this section where the largest volume of water roars over the edge. The day is spent navigating some of the 1,400m of walkways in and around the colossal falls with your guide for more spectacular views, including over the entire Devil’s Gorge. Whether exploring the upper or lower circuits, the richness of the area’s biodiversity can be felt, and your guide’s training comes in handy here to offer insightful knowledge of the flora and fauna you are seeing.
*A popular, optional extra is to get closer to the falls and feel its refreshing spray via a boat trip, highly recommended to cool off after hiking the trails.
Day 13 Depart Iguazu
Heading over the border this morning, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore the short but scenic trail along the Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls. Though lacking the extensive network of trails that the Argentinian side boasts, it is inarguably blessed with the best panoramas, perfect for those final photos of one of South America’s most iconic landmarks. After the last, relaxed stroll by this natural wonder of the world, you’ll be taken to cross back over to the airport in Argentina in time for your departure flight back to the capital.
*Depending on the timing of your international flight back home, extra tours and hotel nights can easily be added to this trip.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Peninsula Petit Hotel, Bariloche
Benefitting from its location, close to arguably one of the most beautiful towns in Patagonia, the charming Peninsula Petit Hotel has wonderfully peaceful views of Bariloche’s natural beauty whilst being 30 minutes from its tourist atmosphere. Rooms at the family-run property are very cosy with warm, carpeted floors; stylish, homely furniture; and views of the surrounding forest, hills and Lake Nahuel Huapi. All rooms feature a bathtub, on hand for a good soak after a day’s exploration. Guests can enjoy the breathtaking views sat in front of the fireplace in the alpine-style lounge area and dine on healthy, European and Patagonian fare at the restaurant. This is a recommend stay for stunning views and a bit of peace and quiet whilst being a ride away from town.
Mine Hotel Boutique, Buenos Aires
Located in the heart of Palermo Soho, the eco-friendly Mine Hotel Boutique offers easy access to some the area's best restaurants and sights, as well as La Viruta, a great place to watch the traditional Argentine Tango. The upper mid-range hotel has just 20 rooms, maintaining an intimate home-away-from-home atmosphere with excellent service, and the beautiful little patio garden and outdoor pool add to the charming oasis feel of the property. The en suite rooms are light and spacious and tastefully decorated using natural materials, chic pastel colours and a modern design - echoing the artsy style of the area which is home to a plethora of boutique shops and galleries. Guests can enjoy a filling breakfast each morning before easily accessing many of the city's best cafes and restaurants nearby for lunch and dinner.
Kau Yatún, El Calafate
Located around a 20-minute walk outside the centre of El Calafate town, this is an authentic Patagonian estancia. Unlike the hotels in the centre of town, Kau Yatún has ample space; the big open farm has plenty of green spaces to relax in whilst, inside, the spacious rooms are split over Standard, Superior and Suite categories with bright airy décor and touches of classic country style. For those who don’t want to venture out to one of the town’s many restaurants, the El Alambique restaurant at the hotel serves Patagonian fare using ingredients from the 25 de Mayo ranch where the hotel is found, and where guests can also learn about its workings. After a day of sightseeing, a nightcap from the well-stocked bar goes down a treat.
La Aldea De La Selva Lodge & Spa, Iguazu
This rustic ecolodge, immersed in the Paraná Rainforest, sits around 20km between the falls and the local airport. It’s construction from local wood creates a natural, rustic atmosphere finished to a high standard. The cabin-like rooms are comfortably spacious and have private balconies looking through the rainforest. Some fun, local excursions, such as zip-ling in the forest, can be arranged through the hotel. However, its tranquil setting and leisure facilities, including a tropical outdoor pool and a scenic restaurant, make the lodge perfect for simply relaxing. For those not keen on too much downtime, the restaurants and atmosphere of Puerto Iguazu town are a short 10-minute taxi ride away.
Finca Adalgisa, Mendoza
Finca Adalgisa is a charming property set in two large houses containing 11 rooms and suites. Rooms come in a range of categories with different décor, from country-house chic and rustic, stone suites, to contemporary rooms with vineyard views. Surrounding the house, the beautiful gardens are filled with fruit trees and the vineyard, centred around a stylish outdoor pool. Every evening guests are invited to gather at the estate’s charming bodega to taste the delicious Malbec produced and handpicked exclusively for Finca Adalgisa guests to try, alongside a delicious tapas.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
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Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Richard
Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Richard by calling
1(833) 200-4640
OTHER ITINERARIES IN ARGENTINA
Check out our group tours in Argentina
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Argentina. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Argentina