ARGENTINA AT YOUR OWN PACE

Tour Program

Day 0. Arrival in Buenos Aires

Arrival at the international airport of Argentina’s capital and transfer to your hotel. After the long flight, there is time to acclimatise gently and enjoy a well-earned rest.

The first day is deliberately left without a programme: it is there for resting and adjusting to the time difference. Sightseeing begins the following morning..

Day 1. The architectural eras of Buenos Aires

In the morning, a comfortable guided drive takes you through the city’s key districts and eras. You will see the monumental Plaza de Mayo and the Casa Rosada, the pink presidential palace; the brightly coloured houses of La Boca, the artists’ quarter; avenues lined with European architecture; and you will finish in elegant Recoleta. After the tour, your guide will take you to lunch at a fine restaurant, and the afternoon is entirely free for rest.

The group travels between all stops by vehicle with the guide; walking is limited to short strolls along level streets, none of them longer than twenty minutes.

Day 2. A tango evening in San Telmo

The daytime is yours for personal plans, leisurely walks or shopping for souvenirs. In the evening, you will be immersed in Argentina’s great cultural passion: in the old historic quarter of San Telmo, an intimate and atmospheric venue hosts a traditional Argentine tango show with a dinner of national dishes.

The show and dinner take place in the same hall, with table seating; transfers from your hotel and back are included.

Day 3. South to a Patagonian estancia

A morning domestic flight takes you to the south of the continent, to the province of Santa Cruz and the gateway to Argentine Patagonia: the small town of El Calafate on the shore of vast Lake Argentino.

After checking in and resting at your hotel, you will visit a genuine Patagonian estancia for a warm, convivial dinner of traditional Patagonian lamb roasted over an open fire, accompanied by a lively folk show.

The flight takes about three and a half hours, with escorted transfers to the airport and from the airport to your hotel. Time to rest is planned after check-in.

Day 4. The ice giants of Patagonia

This day is devoted entirely to some of the greatest glaciers on Earth. In the morning, a comfortable catamaran sets out across the mirror-like surface of Lake Argentino, sailing past giant azure icebergs towards the monumental sheer walls of the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, which rise dozens of metres above the water.

Back in port, the day continues on land with a visit to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few glaciers in the world that is still growing. Sturdy metal walkways – the pasarelas – with comfortable viewing platforms let you watch for as long as you like as colossal blocks of ice crash thunderously into the turquoise water.

Ice bar in El Calafate – optional

In the evening, you can drop into an unusual bar in town where the walls, the counter and even the glasses are made entirely of ice. A warm cape and gloves are provided at the entrance. Not included in the programme; paid on the spot.

The catamaran has an enclosed cabin with panoramic windows and seating. Several walkways of different lengths lead around the glacier – you choose your own route to suit your energy and mood, and you can return to the coach at any time.

Day 5. To the land of lakes and chocolate

A morning flight takes you west to San Carlos de Bariloche, known as ‘Argentine Switzerland’ for its mountain scenery, conifer forests and Alpine-style architecture. After checking in, you will discover the town’s great culinary pride: its historic chocolate shops in the centre, where you can taste the famous local handmade chocolate over a cup of thick, steaming cocoa.

A day without excursions: after the flight, check-in, rest and a leisurely evening in the town centre. The chocolate shops are a few minutes from the main square.

Day 6. Cerro Campanario and Argentine Switzerland

The day begins with an open chairlift ride to the panoramic summit of Cerro Campanario, which offers one of the grandest and most celebrated views in South America: the endless blue of lakes Nahuel Huapi and Moreno, framed by snow-capped Andean peaks.

After the descent, a smooth minivan ride follows the classic Circuito Chico loop around the Llao Llao peninsula, stopping at viewpoints with picturesque views of forested lakeshores.

Both the ascent and the descent are by chairlift, so there is no walking uphill; at the top there is a café with a terrace. On the Circuito Chico, every viewpoint is just a few steps from the vehicle.

Day 7. Victoria Island and the myrtle forest

Today the route takes to the water. A comfortable boat crosses Lake Nahuel Huapi and docks at Victoria Island, a secluded forested island in the middle of the Patagonian lake, where ancient myrtle trees grow, draped in velvety moss.

Later in the day comes a traditional tea at the legendary Llao Llao Hotel: a panoramic winter-garden lounge, fine delicacies and homemade pastries with views of the mountains.

The island has gentle, signposted trails; you decide how far to walk, and on the boat you can always stay in the warm cabin.

Day 8. Flight to Iguazú and an evening in the jungle

A flight with a connection in the capital takes you to the far north of the country and the hot, humid subtropical climate of Misiones province. After checking in and a short rest, it is time for your first encounter with this remarkable corner of the world.

A leisurely walk takes you to the famous Hito Tres Fronteras: here, on a high bank above the confluence of the Iguazú and Paraná rivers, three countries can be seen from a single spot – Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.

The evening walk follows a well-kept promenade with benches and cafés; whether to join is entirely up to you.

Day 9. Iguazú Falls and a farewell dinner

The day is devoted to Iguazú National Park, home to one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. A special eco train takes you to the start of well-built footbridges laid right over the riverbed. You will walk the upper and lower circuits in turn, admiring hundreds of waterfalls, and finish at the spectacular viewing platform at the mighty Devil’s Throat.

In the evening, a heartfelt farewell dinner on the town’s riverside promenade, with live music on the Paraguayan harp.

An eco-train runs between the park’s viewpoints. The upper circuit is a level walkway over the water with no steps, while the lower circuit descends towards the river and includes stairs. The two circuits are separate: you can walk both or just one.

Day 10. Until next time, Argentina

A calm, unhurried morning in Iguazú, time to pack at leisure, a transfer to the airport and a comfortable daytime flight back to Buenos Aires, where your journey ends or connects with your international flight home.

Behind you are ten days and the whole of Argentina: the boulevards and tango of Buenos Aires, the ice walls of Perito Moreno, the lakes of Bariloche from the heights of Cerro Campanario and the falls of Iguazú. And not a single day that left you needing a holiday from your holiday.

The daytime flight is chosen on purpose: there is no need to get up before dawn, and the group reaches Buenos Aires with plenty of time before evening international departures.