Argentina Classic - The Essentials Tour

The Destination background

Buenos Aires is the most cosmopolitan city in South America and evokes a European sentiment thanks in part to its French style architecture. With glamorous shops, fine dining and a vibrant culture, this modern city is regarded as the finest in Latin America.

Iguazu Falls, the most voluminous waterfalls on the planet are 4 times the size of the Niagara Falls and visits to both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides are necessary to fully appreciate this most incredible site.

El Calafate is the site of the most impressive Glacier in the world, Perito Moreno. Although it has not advanced for some years, its sheer size, with huge chunks dropping into the lake water below is an impressive sight.

Full Itinerary

• Day 1. Buenos Aires

  Arrival, reception and transfer to your hotel, for three night’s accommodation.

• Day 2. Buenos Aires (B)

  After breakfast, a private city tour of the city, reminiscent of Paris. It is situated on the Rio de la Plata, and as its name suggests, it is the city of good winds. The tour will include a visit to the Plaza de Mayo, the hub of the city centre and where many public buildings such as the Catedral Metropolitana can be found. At the east end, you will find the Casa Rosada presidential palace with the famous balcony from which Juan and Evita Peron greeted the masses. You shall also visit La Boca, Buenos Aires’ most colourful neighbourhood. San Telmo, just a few blocks south of Plaza de Mayo is the artist’s quarter, what some believe to be Buenos Aires’ most interesting feature. Return to your hotel.

• Day 3. Buenos Aires (B & L)

  Full day Fiesta Gaucha Excursion, visiting a typical "estancia" in the pampas. This is a visit to a typical "estancia" or Ranch, in the one of the most fertile and natural prairies of the world, the Argentine. It is most famous for its meat and cereal production. Return to your hotel.

• Day 4. Buenos Aires – Iguazu - Argentina Side (B)

  After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Puerto Iguazu. Transfer to your hotel.

  A visit to the fabulous UNESCO World Heritage Iguazu falls, the most voluminous falls in the world and more than three times the width of the Niagara Falls. The Argentinean side of Iguazu allows for a close appreciation. Set in a subtropical rain forest reserve of over 180,000 hectares, Iguazu is home to jaguar, puma, caiman and over 400 species of bird. The tour will include the Aventura ride, an exhilarating boat ride on the Parana River, heading towards the Iguazu falls themselves. Return to your hotel.

• Day 5. Iguazu - Brazil Side (B)

  Today you will cross the border into Brazil for an excursion to appreciate a wider view of the falls. The falls lie on the three borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Return to your hotel in Argentina. Please note that all US citizens require a Brazilian visa for this excursion.

• Day 6. Iguazu – Buenos Aires – El Calafate (B)

  After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires and connecting flight to El Calafate. Arrival at approximately 6pm, reception and transfer to your hotel.

• Day 7. El Calafate (B)

  After breakfast, excursion to the site of the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most dramatic natural sites left on earth. The Perito Moreno Glacier of Santa Cruz is a 60m (197ft) high river of rising, toppling and exploding ice, though it hasn't advanced for several years. Excursion to the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier, walking along footpaths and balconies to reach this incredible phenomenon. Afternoon choice of excursions. Return to your hotel for accommodation.

• Day 8. El Calafate – Upsala Glacier (B & BL)

  After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and travel for approximately 30 minutes to Puerto Bandera, 50 km to the west of El Calafate, from where the boat will depart. The Upsala Glacier is famous for its rapid retreat and is actually larger than Perito Moreno. Further on you will arrive at Onelli Bay and continue through forests that cover the area up to the lake. The lake is covered with blue icebergs, each with different hues of blue indicating their different ages. Boxed lunch included before returning to El Calafate. Return to your hotel.

• Day 9. El Calafate – Buenos Aires (B)

  After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Buenos Aires and your connecting flight home.

End of our services.

Tour Prices

• US$2760.00 - based on two people sharing.
• Single supplement US$700.00

Additional days and tours available upon request.

Tour Price Includes:

• 8 night's accommodation in twin/double rooms at quality hotels with private bathroom and breakfast.
• All transfers, tours and excursions as per itinerary in private service (except Upsala cruise) with English speaking guides.
• All meals as per itinerary denoted by B, L and D.

Tour Price Does Not Include:

• International air tickets and associated taxes.
• Meals not specified on the itinerary.
• Personal expenses such as telephone bills, laundry expenses, beverages, etc.
• Insurance against theft, loss, illness and/or accident.
• Baggage porterage and other extras not specified.

Hotels

Buenos Aires

Regent Palace Hotel. (Subject to availability.)

Iguazu

Sheraton Iguazu. (Subject to availability.)

El Calafate

Elan Calafate. (Subject to availability.)