Grand Tour of Argentina

For anyone interested in seeing the beauty and diversity that this amazing country has to offer, this tour is a must. From the cosmopolitan capital of Buenos Aires, the ‘Paris of South America’ to the thundering Iguazú Falls on the Brazilian border - one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world, you’ll have a wonderful introduction to Argentina. The tour continues to the wine-lands of Mendoza, followed by an unforgettable 6 nights spent in the beautiful Lake District and Patagonia, regions filled with mountains, lakes, glaciers and stunning natural beauty unlike anywhere else on Earth. This tour is perfect for anyone looking for an unforgettable visit to a truly beautiful country.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Argentina! (-)

Upon arrival at Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza International Airport you will be warmly welcomed by a Blue World Journeyss representative and escorted by private car to your hotel (45-60 mins).

Buenos Aires is the most elegant city in South America. This cosmopolitan city - with great European cultural influence - displays a refined taste in its cooking, in its boutiques and in the casual elegance of its inhabitants. While the city is modern and dynamic, it has managed to preserve old traditions and charming corners. The atmosphere, the individual personality of each of its neighborhoods, the cordiality of its people and the wide selection of its cultural and commercial opportunities are fascinating. You will have the rest of the day to relax from your flight and become familiar with your new surroundings.

Day 2 - Buenos Aires City Tour, Tango Show (B,D)

This morning after a leisurely breakfast, you will be met at your hotel by your guide and escorted on a private half-day tour of the city. During this tour you will visit the famous Casa Rosada (Government House), and the Cabildo (first City Hall, built during Spanish rule). The Metropolitan Cathedral is nearby, where Pope Francis used to celebrate mass when he was Cardinal of Buenos Aires.

Continuing to San Telmo, the oldest district of Buenos Aires, you will have time to stroll around the Plaza Dorrego with its many antique shops. If you’re lucky enough to be here on Sunday, the sprawling antiques market is a must-see. Your next stop is La Boca, a colorful and dynamic neighborhood like no other in the city.

Driving along 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest avenue of the world, you will see the Colon Theater, one of the world's best-known opera houses. Continuing to Palermo you will see its beautiful parks, the City Zoo, Botanical Garden, Argentine Horse Track and National Polo Fields.

At the end of the tour you will visit the glamorous Recoleta area. Here you will find the Municipal Cultural Center, elegant boutiques and many excellent restaurants. At the Recoleta cemetery you can look for the grave of Eva Duarte, known in the whole world as Eva Perón (Evita).

This evening you will enjoy an unforgettable Tango show and dinner at Café de los Angelitos. Located in a traditional Buenos Aires district, this tango house is full of history. Renowned poets and politicians as well as payadores (performers) and malandras (dangerous men) used to meet here. Café de los Angelitos is one of the foremost tango venues Buenos Aires offering a dynamic performance which including orchestra, dancers, musicians, singers, as well as very interesting lighting effects. A full dinner of exquisite international cuisine will be served during the performance.

Day 3 - Fly to Iguazu (B)

This morning you will be met at your hotel by your guide and escorted by private car to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, the city’s domestic airport for your flight to Iguazu. Upon arrival you will check into your hotel for a two-night stay. You will have the rest of the day at your leisure to hike in the rainforest, do some shopping, or simply relax by your hotel’s pool.

Day 4 - Iguazú Falls (B)

This morning your guide will escort you to the Iguazú National Park. Arriving at the Visitors Center you will board a gas-propelled train that will take you to the upper falls circuit and the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), the most prominent and one of the highest falls. One of the planet’s most awe-inspiring sights, the Iguazú Falls are simply astounding. A visit here is a jaw-dropping experience, and the power and noise of the falls - a chain of almost 270 waterfalls stretching over 2 miles is something that will forever live in your memory. You will have the opportunity to walk along the Iguazú river canyon, via the lower circuit and the upper circuit to appreciate the flora and fauna, and seeing the falls up close.

Day 5 - Fly to Mendoza (B)

This morning you will board a flight to the lovely city of Mendoza. Upon arrival you will be escorted to your hotel for a three-night stay. Mendoza is a bustling, captivating city of wide, leafy avenues, delightful plazas, and a thriving cafe culture. This enchanting city, although lively during the day, really comes into its own at night, when the restaurants, bars and clubs along Avenida Arístedes overflow into the sidewalks.

All over the world, Mendoza is famous for wine, and even if you’re not a wine aficionado, the city’s setting on the eastern foothills of the Andes and it’s delightful climate will captivate you.

Day 6 - Mendoza City Tour (B)

Today you will tour the city, learning of the history of its foundation by Spanish colonizers four centuries ago. Your tour includes a visit to the Plaza Independencia, the lovely Parque General San Martin, with its lake and rose garden and the Hill of Glory, a popular spot for a panoramic view Along tree lined streets, you will continue to the Museo Municipal and the ruins of San Francisco Church.

The evening will be at your leisure to explore the lively city center.

Day 7 - Wine Tour (B)

The Mendoza region has 70% of the vineyards of the country is the main oenological center of South America.

Depart the city, you will pass beautiful scenery of the majestic Andes mountains in the distance before arriving at Mendoza's agricultural oasis where you have the opportunity to visit two different vineyards to understand the complete wine making process enjoying a wine tasting.

Your tour today will combine visits to one local craft winery and another of higher quality technology to see the differences in the production of great wines. This tour is a must, even for people who have little interest in wine.

Day 8 - Fly to Bariloche, Lake District (B)

This morning you will be escorted to Mendoza’s airport for your flight to Bariloche. Located in the Andean foothills, Bariloche rivals the Swiss Alps for sheer natural beauty. The town of Bariloche, on the southern shore of Lago Nahuel Huapi is the most important town in the region and will be your base for exploring the nearby Nahuel Huapi National Park. The town is surrounded by lakes and parks and is a favorite resort for skiers and mountaineers. Upon arrival you will check in to your hotel for a three-night stay. The rest of the day will be at your leisure to explore the town.

Day 9 - Nahuel Huapi National Park (B)

This excursion will give you a fine introduction to this beautiful area. Driving through the forests, lakes and mountains surrounding Bariloche, you will enjoy spectacular views of the region. We start the tour from Bariloche, heading to the southeast along Ezequiel Bustillo Avenue, bordering Lake Nahuel Huapi on a winding, scenic road. After passing through some beautiful scenery you will arrive at Campanario Hill. An optional chair lift takes you to the top of the hill (3,445 ft) from where you can enjoy an impressive view over the region. You will see Nahuel Huapi and Moreno lakes, the Trebol lagoon, St Peter’s Peninsula, Llao Llao, Victoria Island and the surrounding mountains of Otto, Lopez, Goye and Catedral, as well as the city of Bariloche. Afterwards, you will travel to the Llao Llao Peninsula, to visit the historic St Edwards Chapel and the Llao Llao Hotel, two architectural jewels, before returning to town.

Day 10 - Puerto Blest (B)

Today’s tour sails the full length of the Blest arm of Lake Nahuel Huapi, on a stable 100-foot long catamaran. From Puerto Pañuelo you will sail through the Patagonian rain forest, and the part of the lake you are sailing on is actually a fjord carved out by glaciers. Along the way the boat will pass close to Centinela Island, where the founder of this National Park and the Argentine Parks system, Francisco P. Moreno lies buried. The scenery on both sides of the fjord is very similar to the famous scenery of Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of the continent. Puerto Blest, at the western end of the fjord, is reputed to be one of the rainiest spots in Argentina, with an annual rain and snowfall of nearly 140 inches, which explains the very lush vegetation you will see here. Here you have the possibility to have lunch at Hotel Blest (not included). Continuing to Puerto Cantaros, a boardwalk follows the scenic Cantaros Falls to Lake Cantaros. This walk, with its seven hundred steps is in beautiful, virgin rain forest, with flora not seen anywhere else in the park. Returning to the dock, you will sail back to Puerto Pañuelo Port, and return to Bariloche.

Day 11 - Fly to El Calafate (B)

The southern part of Patagonia is home to some of the most varied and spectacular landscapes on the planet. Your base for three nights is the pleasant village of El Calafate on Lake Argentino, the southern gateway to the Los Glaciares National Park. Around the village and lake, you’ll see many interesting birds and the majestic Andes Mountains to the west. Upon arrival you’ll check in to your hotel and have the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure.

Day 12 - Perito Moreno Glacier (B)

A must for all visitors to Patagonia is the Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. From Calafate you will drive 50 miles, making stops along the way to take photos of the stunning scenery. After entering the Andean Patagonian forest, you will stop at the “Curva de los Suspiros” (Curve of Sighs), to enjoy the first panoramic view of the Perito Moreno Glacier, then continue to a series of viewing platforms and balconies in front of the glacier.

The Perito Moreno Glacier forms part of the Patagonian Continental Ice Field from which 13 glaciers descend on the Atlantic side to flow into the Viedma and Argentino lakes. The Perito Moreno glacier, 3 miles wide and 250 feet high above Lake Argentino, is one of the few in the world with a continuously advancing wall. Every 4 or 5 years, the water pressure is so strong that it breaks into multiple icicles giving an overwhelming spectacle that is truly impossible to explain. The continuous calving from the glacier’s frozen walls will astonish you at any time throughout the year. The Patagonian Andes lakes, forests and mountains and glaciers stretch from here for another 300 miles to the world’s southernmost seas.

Day 13 - Upsala Glacier and Estancia Cristina (B)

The Upsala Glacier is one of the largest in Los Glaciares National Park. Sailing through Lake Argentino among icebergs and mountains followed by a visit to Estancia Cristina is an wonderful combination of nature, adventure, history and relaxation. Estancia Cristina offers various options depending on whether you prefer a quiet day of touring and history, or a more active experience including trekking and riding in a four wheel drive vehicle. All excursions are conducted in areas of extreme natural beauty of the Andes Mountains, glaciers and Lake Argentino allowing you to get in touch with a natural, unique and remote environment.

Day 14 - Farewell to Argentina (B)

This morning you will be met at your hotel by your guide and escorted to El Calafate’s airport for your flight to Buenos Aires connecting with your international flight home.

Hotels listed below are given as suggestions only to illustrate the standard of hotels used. 

Buenos Aires - Luxury - Fierro Hotel

Right in the heart of the stylish Palermo neighborhood, the Fierro Hotel is within walking distance of the best of Buenos Aires - top restaurants, popular bars and clubs, boutiques and design stores can all be found close to the hotel.

All rooms feature luxurious linens and duvets, Egyptian cotton towels, 32-inch LCD TVs, universal power outlets, iPod/iPhone docking stations, complimentary iPads and Internet access. The bathrooms are equipped with rain showers, hair dryer, robes and an array of amenities.

 

Buenos Aires - Deluxe - Sofitel Buenos Aires

Located right in the heart of Buenos Aires, between the Retiro and Recoleta neighborhoods, surrounded by art galleries and antique stores, the landmark Sofitel is one of the city’s finest hotels. All 140 rooms feature luxurious furnishings, air conditioning, cable TV, mini bar and stylish, modern bathrooms.

Restaurants, bars, fitness center and indoor heated pool are all available with our having to leave the hotel.

 

Iguazú - Luxury - Posada Puerto Bemberg

Located on the left bank of the Paraná River, this is a lovely boutique hotel with 13 rooms. The rooms are spacious, with high ceilings and furnished with native furniture designed by local artists. Each room features a library stocked with books from 20th century Latin American authors, its own patio and large windows with a view of the jungle. The hotel’s main library contains more than 2500 books, as well as a large living room with large picture windows for nature viewing. The hotel’s restaurant offers a unique locally inspired menu.

 

Iguazú - Deluxe - Panoramic Hotel

Set on a hill, with a panoramic view of the Parana and Iguazu rivers as well as the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, this hotel was constructed in 2007.

The 80 rooms, 10 junior suites and one panoramic suite in decorated in a contemporary style and feature flat-screen TV, Jacuzzis, stylish bathrooms, WI-FI and climate control.

The hotel also has two Restaurants, two bars, a swimming pool, a separate children’s pool, solarium, tennis courts, spa & gym and private casino.

 

Mendoza - Luxury - Huentala Boutique Hotel

Located in downtown Mendoza, one block away from San Martin Av, the city’s major thoroughfare, and Sarmiento Street, a pedestrianized road full of restaurants and entertainment right in the heart of the city.

All 81 modern rooms are well furnished and equipped with air conditioning, TV, telephone, internet access, safe, minibar, and feature high quality linens and bedding.

The hotel also has a restaurant, bar, lounge, swimming pool, meeting rooms, business center, express laundry and ironing service, and a gift shop.

 

Mendoza - Deluxe - Park Hyatt, Mendoza

With its beautifully restored 19th-century Spanish colonial façade, this luxury hotel is conveniently located in the main business and banking district in the center of Mendoza and with a prominent position on the Plaza de la Independencia.

Its 186 guestrooms feature modern, minimalist decor, local works of art and king-size beds with plush feather pillows and lavish duvets. Bathrooms feature white marble bath with separate overhead shower, work desk and wireless high-speed Internet. Rooms are also equipped with individual heating and air conditioning control, cable/satellite TV, safe box, minibar, hairdryer, bathrobes, turn down service.

The hotel also has a restaurant, bar, lounge, room service, outdoor pool, garden sun deck, gym, business area and laundry service. The hotel also hosts the Kaua Spa and the Regency Casino Mendoza.

 

Bariloche - Luxury - Edelweiss Hotel

Excellently located in the heart of central Bariloche, overlooking Nahuel Huapi Lake, this luxury hotel offers 100 rooms and suites. All are fully equipped with cable TV, telephone and, mini bar climate control and modern bathrooms. The hotel went through an extensive renovation a few years ago, during which time all rooms were updated and renovated. Guests may benefit from the hotel’s restaurant, bar, heated swimming pool and gym. Room service and laundry service are also available.

 

Bariloche - Deluxe - Hotel Bustillo

Located a mile and a half from the center of town on a from Bariloche city, on private estate, the Hotel Bustillo offers luxury accommodations in a beautiful lakeside setting.

All 50 rooms are equipped with flat screen TV, minibar, hair dryer, digital safe box and central heating with individual control. The resort also offers 12 fully equipped log cabins decorated in mountain style, ideal for families or guests seeking a more private setting. The hotel’s other facilities include a restaurant, lobby bar, room service, meeting rooms, spa with indoor swimming pool, gym and children’s playroom.

 

El Calafate, Patagonia - Luxury - Posada Los Alamos

Centrally located in the town of El Calafate, this luxury hotel offers excellent accommodations in a natural forest environment. The hotel’s 139 deluxe rooms, two suites and two Royal suites all feature air-conditioning, central heating, phone, cable TV, Internet connection, minibar and modern bathrooms.

The hotel’s facilities include a restaurant, lobby bar, meeting room, golf, spa with swimming pool, 5-acre park and gardens, 24-hour room service and laundry service.

 

El Calafate, Patagonia - Deluxe - Los Sauces Casa Patagonica

This is a beautiful hotel whose style recreates the soul of Patagonian estancias of the early 20th century. It‘s located in the city centre, surrounded by gardens and composed of 5 separate buildings of guest rooms and separate public areas with restaurant and spa. Opened in September 2007, it is a member of the distinguished Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand.

The 38 rooms average 400 square feet in size, and equipped with LCD TV, safe-box, minibar, Wi-Fi Internet, bathroom with hydro massage and beautiful garden views.

The hotel’s other facilities include a restaurant, reading room with fire-place, spa, library and room service.

 

Pricing

From $5595 per person (Luxury Hotels), or $6295 per person (Deluxe Hotels), for a private tour based on two people traveling in low season sharing a room.

Hotels listed on the Hotels Tab are given as suggestions only to illustrate the standard of hotels used. 

Price Includes:

All hotels as described in the itinerary
Services of Blue World Journey’s representatives while in Argentina
All transportation and tours as described in the itinerary in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English speaking driver / guide
Domestic Flights Buenos Aires-Iguazú-Mendoza-Bariloche-El Calafate-Buenos Aires
Sightseeing and entrance fees
Meals as described in the itinerary
Bottled water in the vehicle during all transfers

Price Excludes:

International flights
Travel insurance
Meals other than those listed in the itinerary
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Sightseeing other than described in the itinerary
Additional room charges of a personal nature in hotels (eg: room service, laundry, phone calls, etc.)