Discover the True Argentina
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Discover a wonderful world of contrasts in Argentina. From laidback estancias in the rural heartland to the sensuous vibe of Buenos Aires; the roaring spectacle of Iguazú Falls to the winemaking prowess of Mendoza and the rainbow lunar landscape of northwest Argentina. Sample mouth-watering cuisine and wines that make each region unique, and even learn how to create your own delicacies. Wild, raw and always surprising: this is the true Argentina.
This is an Abercrombie & Kent private journey and can be tailor-made to fit with your travel dates and built around your desires.
Highlights
- Be swept away by live music, sensuous tango and world-class wine in Buenos Aires
- Uncover barrel room secrets to blend your own wine in Mendoza
- Venture into the roaring Garganta del Diablo canyon in Iguazú Falls
- Learn the secrets of Argentinian cuisine in a hands-on cooking class
- Experience the true essence of Argentinian life at a typical estancia
- Earn 1 Qantas Point* per $1 spent on this itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Buenos Aires.
Welcome to Buenos Aires, the “Paris of the South”. Meet your A&K representative who will accompany you on your private journey to your superb boutique accommodation situated in the heart of trendy Palermo Soho. Step out on your own, wander the narrow streets for your first taste of the capital, explore the restaurants, cafés and boutiques in one of the city’s best neighbourhoods.
Accommodation: Legado Mitico Buenos Aires (Mythical Superior)
Day 2
Buenos Aires.
Spend your morning discovering the many sides to this passion-filled city during a privately guided excursion. Start in the high-class hustle of Recoleta where mansions take you back in time to a grander Argentina. Wander the vast, surprisingly romantic Recoleta Cemetery and find the tomb of Argentina’s first lady, Eva Peron. Then, step inside the dazzling opulence of the Teatro Colon opera house to discover a seven-storey labyrinth of stages, chandelier-lit hallways and dressing rooms.
Later uncover vibrant street graffiti which makes Buenos Aires one of the best cities in the world for its urban art. From its fiery political origins to the more modern context appreciate an in-depth view into this intriguing art form dotted throughout the city. Enjoy an evening in the seductive embrace of Argentina’s most sensuous dance at Phillippe Starck designed hotel where Rojo Tango’s live band and sensuous performers will leave you breathless, while the gastronomic offering teams’ aromas and textures with Argentinean wines.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Legado Mitico Buenos Aires (Mythical Superior)
Day 3
Buenos Aires – Iguazú Falls.
Heading east today, fly to Puerto Iguazú, a tiny town on the border of Brazil and Argentina. Privately transfer to your hotel on the Argentine side. Later, discover why the mighty Iguazú Falls is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Appreciate the views of the falls from your accommodation, the only hotel located in the heart of the Iguazú National Park in Argentina.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Gran Meliá Iguazú (Deluxe Room Falls View)
Day 4
Iguazú Falls.
Explore the Argentine side of the falls, surrounded by lush tropical forest that’s home to more than 2,000 species of flora and over 500 bird species. Wander along the network of pathways and gaze at the endless sheath of water – some 275 thundering cascades covering a three-kilometre stretch. Venture by train for a close-up tour of Devil’s Gorge, the most dramatic of the falls, before embarking on a jeep ride through riverside jungle following the Yacaratiá trail to Port Macuco. Here, a motorboat awaits to take you up the Lower Iguazú River, through rapids into the roaring Garganta del Diablo canyon in the heart of the falls.
Later, your dinner at The Argentine Experience promises more than exquisitely cooked steak paired with free-flowing malbec. Try your hand at making empanadas and dulce de leche filled biscuits while feasting on a wonderful meal.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Gran Meliá Iguazú (Deluxe Room Falls View)
Day 5
Iguazú Falls.
Spend time on the Brazil side of the falls. Descend into the canyon and soak up the vista of some 275 falls, before taking a glass elevator back to the top. Take a helicopter flight (additional charge) over the Iguazú National Park for an unrivalled view of the waterfalls, Três Fronteiras (the meeting point of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay) and the Itaipú Dam and reservoir. Return to the Argentine side, your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Gran Meliá Iguazú (Deluxe Room Falls View)
Day 6
Iguazu – Cordoba.
Fly to Cordoba, Argentina’s second largest city. Here, you will be met by your private guide for a tour of Cordoba’s gems. Wander amongst colonial and Jesuit buildings the historical centre where the Plaza San Martin, Cabildo and Cathedral await. Roam the student district to arrive at the oldest university of Argentina, then cross to the Manzana Jesuitica de Cordoba, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Later, transfer to a 6,000-acre working cattle farm perched atop the Sierras Chicas, 1,000 metres above sea level. Here, nestled between the pampas and the Andes, you’ll discover a whole other side to Argentina. In the hands of one Anglo-Argentine family for four generations, the estancia is steeped in family history, surrounded by pioneering work of the Jesuits who set up farming in the area. Settle into your accommodation ready for an unforgettable experience of Argentina’s rural traditions.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Estancia los Potreros (Estancia Room)
Day 7
Cordoba, Estancia Los Potreros.
Immerse yourself in life at the estancia today with your choice of included activity. Learn how to ride “gaucho style” as you canter along grassy hilltops and visit local villages. Explore solo or take a guided hike along cattle and horse trails through colourful wildflowers to hidden waterfalls. Work alongside the gauchos to help round-up the young horses to protect them from the elusive puma, learn how to lasso, or have a go at the sport of kings: Polo. At the end of your action-packed day, enjoy the best of Argentine food and wine surrounded by the serene landscape.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Estancia los Potreros (Estancia Room)
Day 8
Cordoba – Mendoza.
Begin with a flight across the country to Mendoza, in the heart of Argentina’s wine country which is dotted with over 1,500 wineries, and journey to your luxury boutique accommodation set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the snow-capped Andes and acres of vines. Apart from the verdant vineyards and wineries, Mendoza is also receiving acclaim for its olive oil production as you will discover with a private tasting. Later, join the house sommelier for an exclusive tasting of some of the best wines of the region. Try out varietals, blends or something ageing in a barrel, followed by a traditional Argentine Asado (barbecue).
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Casa de Uco Vineyard & Eco Resort (Cordon del Plata Room)
Day 9
Mendoza.
Try your hand at creating your own signature wine blend. Step into the wine cellar to learn the art of wine blending alongside an acclaimed winemaker. Taste different styles and components to develop your “Wine Plan”. Then, put your new knowledge to work to create your one-of-a-kind blend, which you can take home to enjoy. Spend the afternoon relaxing and soaking in the extraordinary views of the incredible landscape.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Casa de Uco Vineyard & Eco Resort (Cordon del Plata Room)
Day 10
Mendoza.
Step into the winery kitchen to learn how to create local delicacies in a private cooking class with the resort chef. Master the art of Argentine cuisine using seasonal produce from the organic vegetable garden, before feasting on your creations among the vines. Following lunch you may like to connect with the environment and walk around the entire estate along winding paths and discover hidden nooks and experience life on a vineyard.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Casa de Uco Vineyard & Eco Resort (Cordon del Plata Room)
Day 11
Mendoza – Salta.
Leave the wine country behind for your northbound flight to Salta. Spend your day discovering why Salta is a world apart from the rest of the country. Meander through narrow streets and plazas steeped in Andean tradition. Marvel at the mountains that stand guard protectively over the city. Look for the ornate cathedral in dazzling pink and cream and the stop off at the MAAM, Museum of High Altitude Archaeology. Right on the main plaza, this beautiful historic building houses the world-famous Llullaillaco Children, three immaculately preserved Inca mummies who were sacrificed on top of a nearby volcano some 500 years ago. Later, you may choose to dine at one of the many parrillas, with plenty of local wine and dancing.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Legado Mitico Salta (Mythical Superior)
Day 12
Salta – Purmamarca.
Take to the high road through rugged mountain scapes and startling red rock formations into the province of Jujuy and the winding Lipan Slope road to the extraordinary salt flats. Continue the road trip to the sleepy little village of Purmamarca, which sits famously at the base of the Hill of Seven Colours whose mineral pigments swirl in colourful layers across the slope. Arrive at your charming locally inspired hotel in the late afternoon. This evening, visit Tilcara, the archaeological capital of the region, and explore the rich history of this town with its low adobe houses, narrow streets and fascinating museum.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: La Comarca (Cabin)
Day 13
Purmamarca.
Venture to the Salinas Grandes salt desert, the third largest in the world. Drive through the high-altitude salt plains soaking in the magnificent vista of Mt Chani soaring to 6,200 metres. As you head west from Humahuaca Gorge, you are suddenly surrounded by white stretching as far as the eye can see. Stop awhile to dine on a picnic lunch in this otherworldly expanse of crystalline flatlands and witness how the salt is extracted for local artisans to create figures in white stone. Return to your hotel late afternoon where you may choose to enjoy sundowners in the shade of your hotel courtyard.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: La Comarca (Cabin)
Day 14
Purmamarca – Salta.
Step back in time as you hike alongside a pack of llamas through valleys and along mountain trails with the backdrop of some of Argentina’s most dramatic mountain scenery. Used to convey goods throughout the Andean countries since time immemorial, llamas are still bred by the people of the Andes for their meat, wool and as beasts of burden. Today, you can recreate that ancestral activity as you walk along the different paths to old ruins, salt deposits, valleys, ravines and volcanoes. This afternoon return overland to Salta where the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Legado Mitico Salta (Mythical Superior)
Day 15
Depart Salta.
Spend your morning at leisure, before transferring to the airport for your onward journey.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departures & Rates
Twin Share Per Person: From $13,995
Solo Traveller on request
This is an Abercrombie & Kent private journey and can be tailor-made to fit with your travel dates and built around your desires.
Ask one of our Travel Specialists about Packaging Flights with your Tour and Save
Important Terms
- Terms & Conditions apply.
*Rates are subject to availability and seasonality and may change without notice. Rates are based on two adults sharing. For solo travellers or single person occupancy rates or further information on terms and conditions, please contact our Travel Specialists at time of booking.
Accommodation
Legado Mitico Buenos Aires
This hotel is a wonderful combination of old and new, ideal for those with an eye for the urbane. The Legado is hidden behind mahogany-paneled doors off the cobbled streets of Palermo and is a haven of sophistication where every detail has clearly been pored over in creation of superb interiors. Despite all the refinement, the hotel still manages to create a friendly, homely atmosphere.
The Legodo’s eleven rooms, all en suite, are individually decorated and furnished. All take neutral décor and polished hard wood floors as their starting points, adding splashes of colour with woven rugs, bedspreads and paintings. They are the very definition of elegant chic.
The same could be said of the rest of the interior, which is a blend of gentlemen’s club and seriously upscale apartment. Wood panelling and leather chairs abound, but so do more modern pieces, whilst there seem to be books in almost every corner. Finally, the enclosed terrace is a wonderfully relaxed and private space, where the bustle of the city seems worlds away.
Meliá Iguazú, Puerto Iguazú
The comfortable, modern Meliá Iguazú (formerly the Sheraton) unquestionably has the pick of the views of all the lodges and hotels in this area with a location right in the national park delivering breathtaking views over the falls themselves. Hotel guests also enjoy privileged access to the falls before the crowds arrive.
Estancia Los Potreros, Córdoba
Estancia Los Potreros is a charming working farm located in the off-the-beaten track destination of Sierras Chicas. This little-visited range of hills has been popular with celebrities looking to escape for decades. Jackie Kennedy Onassis used to come to the area to horse-ride. Che Guevara grew up nearby. The estancia has been in the Begg family since the early 20th century. It was opened to paying guests in the early 1940s. Still run by the Begg family, guests (limited to 12 at a time) will enjoy the warm ambience and their personalised service whilst experiencing authentic Argentine life. As a working estancia, no two days are the same. Guests can join in on farm drives, round-up the ponies (to protect them from puma) and even learn how to lasso. For those who enjoy horse riding, there are over 140 exceptional horses. There’s a mount for every level of riding ability. Guests can explore the beautiful surroundings with hikes incorporating swimming holes, condor-spotting points or even waterfalls. Or just relax on the porch or by the pool with a book and a G&T. Meal times are the perfect opportunity to socialise. They are eaten at the ‘family’ table while enjoying the estancia’s ‘own label’ wine and a variety of homemade dishes.
Casa de Uco Vineyard & Wine Resort, Mendoza
The beautiful retreat of Casa de Uco is arguably the best way to explore life on a vineyard. Located in an ecological reserve surrounded by the foothills of the Andes, the stunning remoteness of this property is all part of its charm. Each of the 16 rooms offer supreme comfort and have enormous glass windows framing views to the snow-capped mountains and beyond. All of the rooms have their own private terrace, walk in shower and spa bathtub with a view. The resort also has a cosy living area with wood-fire chimney, a games rooms and the outdoor deck is ideal for al fresco dining or simply lounging beneath the sun or stars.
Dining at Casa de Uco is an absolute treat for the senses and Mendozan chef, Pablo Torres has created a menu that best reflects the flavours of the region. Most of his ingredients are fresh from the organic vegetable garden or local farmers.The Uco Valley is renowned for Argentina’s best Malbec grape and in light of the estate grounds are also home to an exclusive boutique winery. Their expert sommelier, Juan Pablo Nieva, can introduce you to some of the region’s best with a tasting in the underground wine cave. But it’s not all about the grape, Mendoza is also famous for creating some of the world’s best olive oils.
Casa de Uco’s stunning location is ideal for exploring the wonders of the Mendoza. Fill your days with soft treks, horse riding and cooking classes, or adrenalin junkies may prefer paragliding, net fishing, white water rafting, and mountain biking in the Andes. After, unwind at the Uco Spa with a unique range of vinotherapy and hydrotherapy treatments designed to nourish both body and mind. Spa facilities include a sauna, steam room and deep soaking hydrotherapy baths while outside you’ll find the infinity pool, Jacuzzi, solarium and peaceful lagoon.
Legado Mitico Salta
This chic hotel has the air of a discreet private club – from the elegant grey townhouse façade to the restored antique furniture and Persian rugs it is inspired by the history and culture of Salta and the surrounding area.
Once home to a wealthy Salteno family, the building fell into disrepair until rescued and transformed into a boutique hotel. A wonderful combination of old and new, local and national, Legado Mitico is ideal for those seeking a mix of authentic charm and chic sophistication, along with with a warm and friendly service.
The rooms and suites are, without exception, huge and luxurious. Each is named after a revered local literary or historical figure, and has a subtle decorative theme to match – a small library of relevant books here, a painting or a framed poem there.
