BEST OF ARGENTINA TOUR

DAY 1 – ARRIVE BUENOS AIRES

Your tour begins in Buenos Aires, the capital of the nation. This romantic city is often referred to as ‘the Paris of South America’ because of its French-style architecture and elegance. Meeting assistance upon arrival and transfer to Hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.  Buenos Aires nightlife provides its own inhabitants and visitors with numerous entertainment possibilities. This evening following a tour briefing you will attend an unforgettable tango show performed by the best dancers and singers, while enjoying a delicious meal. This is the perfect way to live Buenos Aires, the city of tango. Return to the hotel. HOTEL – D

DAY 2 – BUENOS AIRES TOURING

Breakfast at the Hotel. Sightseeing tour of Buenos Aires that allows you to discover the magic of this cosmopolitan city, capital of Argentina.  The magnificence of the Northern Quarters, Palermo and the beauty of its parks and buildings, Recoleta with its French style architecture, bars and cafes; the imposing Colon Theater, one of the five most important opera houses in the world; Plaza de Mayo (May Square), the Government’s House (The Pink House), The Old Cabildo (Town Hall) and the Metropolitan Cathedral; San Telmo, residence of the aristocracy until the turn of the XIX century. The colors of La Boca, picturesque quarter of Italian immigrants; and the fashion area of Port Madero with its many bars & restaurants round off this excursion.

Your afternoon is at leisure to walk around the city.  You may want to spend some time seeing the milongas (tango dances) in San Telmo, gaze at the huge monuments such as the Obelisk on Avenue 9 de Julio and sip fine wines at fancy restaurants in Palermo. HOTEL- B

Day 3 – BUENOS AIRES – Day at lesiure

Breakfast at the Hotel. Rest of your day is free for independent activities or take an optional tour. HOTEL- B

Day 4 – BUENOS AIRES / IGUASSU – Brazilian side of Falls

After breakfast, transfer & fly to Puerto Iguazú in the northeast corner of Argentina today. The mighty Iguazú Falls straddles the border of Argentina and Brazil, and the group will be visiting the falls from both sides. The falls are over 2 km in length and consist of 275 falls in total, some of which stretch up to 80 metres high. This makes them higher than Niagara Falls and wider than Victoria Falls. Head across to Brazil to admire panoramic views of the waterfalls.

This afternoon enjoy a half day guided tour to explore the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. Drive to the Brazilian National Park side of the falls, crossing the Brazilian border. You may want to look at some authentic Brazilian hand-made crafts before starting the short drive through subtropical, lush jungle with spectacular palm trees and lianas until you reach the proper start of the Iguazú Falls Walk. At the beginning take time to marvel at the panoramic view of the enormous Iguazu Falls emerging in front of you in all their spectacular magnificence. Walk the 1,200 meters long footbridge to experience this natural wonder from a different perspective. You will discover that these falls across the river – although they belong to Argentina – can only be seen from the Brazilian side. Take a panoramic elevator to get an even more impressive sight of this amazing scenery. Return back to your hotel in the evening. HOTEL- B.

As of July 1st, 2017, all guests visiting Iguassu Falls are required to pay an eco-tax designed to help fund the preservation of the surrounding region. This tax cannot be prepaid, and is instead collected at your Iguassu Falls hotel upon check-in. This tax applies to all travelers and costs $20 ARS (Argentine Pesos) per person, per night for a maximum of two nights.

OPTIONAL: Helicopter flight over the top of the falls for a more panoramic view.

Day 5 – ARGENTINIAN SIDE OF THE WATERFALLS

After an early breakfast visit to the Argentinean side of Iguazu today allows you to get up close to the waterfalls via a series of boardwalks. According to Guarani legend, Iguazu Falls was created when the serpent god M’Boy, enraged by the betrayal of a chieftain’s daughter who was promised to him, split the river in half. Take a Zodiac boat ride to the base of the falls an exhilarating experience.

Transfer to airport after the tour & fly this afternoon to Trelew connecting via Buenos Aires. Trelew, a name of Welsh origin meaning “people of Lew” in honor of Lewis Jones, a pioneer of Welsh colonization in Chubut.  The city’s history is closely linked to the Welsh settlement in the province, which began in 1865. Meeting assistance upon arrival and Transfer to Hotel. Rest of the evening is free. HOTEL – B

Day 6 – TRELEW / PUERTO MADRYN 

After Breakfast touir Trelew. Visit The Paleontological Museum Egidio Feruglio (MEF). More than 1700 Fossil pieces and 30 specimens of Dinosaurs displayed in the halls are accompanied by scale models and explanatory posters as well as video projection narrating the beginning of life on this planet.  The “MEF” is now one of the most important scientific institutions in the country and an undisputed international reference in paleontology, both for discovery and research as for the samples that are presented. The Celtic origin of the first Welsh immigrants left its mark in the picturesque town of Gaiman. The diversity of creeds of these settlers originated the construction of more than 30 chapels, many of which are still standing. Drive around town to learn about Welsh history. Being populated by people of Welsh origin,  Trelew offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Welsh tea accompanied by many delicacies. The tradition lives on, and it’s now shared with the public: ‘ Casa Gales De Te Ty Te Caerdydd’. The late Princess Diana herself enjoyed tea here in 1995, when she made an official visit. The chair she sat on is displayed inside a lovely house. Enjoy Welsh tea accompanied by specialties such as homemade bread, scones, homemade jams, cream and apple pies, Welsh black cake, lemon pie, chocolate and walnut cake, cake with seasonal fruits, snacks and many temptations. Next visit the Astronomical Observatory and Planetarium before proceeding to Puerto Madryn. The quaint coastal town of Puerto Madryn is the gateway to wonderful Peninsula Valdes and Patagonia’s prime wildlife spotting experiences. HOTEL- BL

DAY 7 – PUERTO MADRYN 

Breakfast at the Hotel. The whale watching trip starts from a small village called Puerto Piramids. Going along the coast on both sides, the first stop is at La Lobería (sea lion colony), which is closer to Puerto Pirámides and has got 2000 specimens of whales. Sail along the coast allows us to watch many cormorant colonies. They build their nests against the cliff and there they also breed and raise their babies. Cruise also offers opportunity to observe and photograph other specimens of the coastal bird fauna.  The engines are stopped when the ship gets far from the coast, silence interrupted only by the sounds of penguins, seagulls, gulls and cormorants. Something silvery and white jumps next to the ship and the strong sound of a body splashing the sea are heard. To complete this feast some dolphins always show up to jump and play in complete freedom along the Whales. Enjoy lunch at the village before returning to Puerto Madryn.  HOTEL- B 

Your afternoon is at leisure or take an optional tour from the following:

1. Snorkeling with sea lions
2. Kayak with sea lions
3. Scuba diving
4. Horse riding along the beach

Note: Advance reservations are required due limited availability.

DAY 8 – PENINSULA OF VALDES EXCURSION

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, we will spend the day exploring the riches of the Valdes Peninsula. A harsh yet spectacular environment, this remote peninsula is a haven for Patagonian marine and terrestrial wildlife including massive colonies of South American Sea Lion and Southern Elephant Seal. The abundance of afterbirth and young pups here attracts the attention of several scavengers and predators, including the striking Killer Whales that are known to beach themselves along this coastline to capture prey, as well as Southern Giant Petrel and unique Snowy Sheathbill that forage through the remains. The rocky coastline may hold Imperial and Rock Shags alongside the commoner Neotropic Cormorants.

Estancia San Lorenzo- Land of Penguins:

San Lorenzo is a sheep farm stretching over 5,000 hectares has a 4600-meter-long coastline on the San Matias Bay. On the property there is an awesome breeding colony of Magellanic penguins with approximately 200,000 penguins including both adults and juveniles.  Together with Magellanic penguins, San Lorenzo offers the possibility of observing elephant seals, guanacos, rheas, owls, cavies and a great diversity of birds. Eventually, also Right whales and orca can be sighted. The activities offered by Estancia San Lorenzo will bring you closer to nature. There are also places to spot fossilized giant oysters.

The Valdés Peninsula is renowned for its large population of marine wildlife but with over 180 different bird species migrating to the peninsula or living here throughout the year, it’s also one of the most important birding destinations in Argentina. Expect to see: South American, royal and sandwich terns, Black-browed albatross, Southern giant petrel, Blackish and American oystercatchers, Magellanic penguin, Brown skua, Variable hawk, Great egret, Turkey vulture & Burrowing parrot.

Return back to Hotel in Puerto Madryn in the evening. HOTEL – B

DAY 9 – PUERTO MADRYN /  USHUAIA

Depart Puerto Madryn for Trelew airport. Board an afternoon flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city of the world. Meet and greet at Ushuaia airport and transfer to hotel. This evening we suggest visiting the Old Prison Museum and walking along the seashore over the Beagle Channel. HOTEL- B

DAY 10- USHUAIA – Tierra del Fuego National Park

Journey outside of Ushuaia to ride `The End of the World Train’ and visit the magnificent Tierra del Fuego National Park. The scenic train ride, venturing deep into southern Patagonia, offers you the chance to soak in the memorable scenery of Tierra del Fuego National Park from the comfort of your seat. As the steam train chugs along, keep an eye out for the national park’s many native birds. Along the journey you’ll stop at a few fascinating places, such as Macarena Waterfall and an abandoned sawmill.

Tierra del Fuego National Park, the only one with maritime coast in the country. Within its 63,000 hectares, we’ll find fire bushes, beech trees, ñires, box-leafed barberries and flowers such as orchids, violets and other species. Bordering the mountains, we’ll follow a road were peat bogs and beaver dams can be appreciated. After crossing the Lapataia River, we will have a magnificent view of Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) and the upland geese and ibis that come here every summer. A walk along the path up to Laguna Negra (Black Lagoon) or the Beavers’ Path will be suggested at that point. At Lapataia Bay (end of National Route Nr.3) we’ll appreciate the testimony of the original inhabitants of the Island (the Yamanas) in an interesting archaeological site: the “concheros”. On the way back to Ushuaia, we’ll make a brief stop at Lake Roca, whose color varies according to the weather. HOTEL – B

BIRD WATCHING: Tierra del Fuego is a desolate, barely inhabited archipelago of islands that stretch down as far as Cape Horn. As a result of its lack of human settlement, Tierra del Fuego is a paradise for birdwatchers. On the lagoons and lakes of Tierra del Fuego, expect to see: Magellanic and two-banded plover, Chilean flamingo, White-rumped sandpiper, Ruddy-headed and upland goose, Great horned owl, Black-necked and coscoroba swans

DAY 11- USHUAIA / EL CALAFATE

After Breakkfast time free until transfer to airport for flight to El Calafate, a town near the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in the Argentine province of Santa Cruz. It’s mainly known as the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, home to the massive Perito Moreno Glacier. Meeting assistance at El Calafate Airport and transfer to hotel. HOTEL– B.

The afternoon is free to explore following on own-

LAKE NIMEZ: A short 15-minute walk from the centre of El Calafate is an ecological reserve, Lake Nimez. The area is protected and is a haven for a great variety of birds, of which the largest and most fascinating is the Chilean flamingo. The reserve is also a microcosm of the Patagonian landscape, encompassing examples of the plants and wildlife of wetlands, desert steppe and the shores of Lake Argentino. There is a self-guided boardwalk which takes visitors around the whole reserve.

CENTRO DE INTERPRETACIÓN HISTÓRICA: Within the town of El Calafate itself, is the history museum, which details the natural history of the surrounding area. It covers the history of Patagonia since the ice age, including useful information on glaciers, as well as dinosaurs, extinct animals, indigenous peoples, and the formation of other geographical landscapes. The exhibits are presented across a range of mediums, such as models, photos and real-life archaeological discoveries. The exhibit information is in both Spanish and English and is accessible for children and adults.

DAY 12- EL CALAFATE 

After Breakfast visit to Perito Moreno Glacier, located within the Glaciers National Park, 80 km from El Calafate. The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the main natural beauties of Argentina. Due to its wonder it has been declared by UNESCO a World Natural Heritage in 1981. Arriving at the Glaciers’ balconies, visitors will spend about 4 hours walking along pathways and admiring it from different viewpoints. Framed by a beautiful landscape of mountains, lakes and forests, the Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most spectacular scenes of nature. It owes its fame to its continuous movement, which produces a cyclical phenomenon of advance and backward motion with amazing ice toppling. Return to the hotel in time for lunch.

DAY 13 – EL CALAFATE/ BUENOS AIRES / HOME

OR TAKE MENDOZA & BARILOCHE TOUR EXTENSION:

Transfer to El Calafate Airport to board flight to Buenos Aires and onward connection to your international flight homewards.