Day 1: Iguazu Falls
Today, you will undoubtedly be arriving at one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986, Iguazu Falls are a mammoth series of waterfalls cascade over a precipice 3km (1.8 miles) wide, sending up an unending wall of spray that keeps the sky decorated by rainbows.
Iguassu is part of a national park of the same name that is divided between Brazil and Argentina. Are the falls best seen from Brazil or Argentina? The falls should really be viewed from both Brazilian and the Argentinean sides of the river, but today, after your check in, our private guide will take you for a walk through the Brazilian side of the Falls. The view from this side is panoramic, where fourteen falls drop 350 feet with such force that there is always a 100 feet cloud of spray overhead. Concrete walks start in front of the Hotel Das Cataratas and zig zag their way down until coming to the boardwalk that takes you to the end of Devil's Throat for a view back into the "throat". Watch for the rainbow!
After viewing the falls from land, you can also view it from air. There is a 10 minute helicopter tour on the Brazilian side, you can take a helicopter ride to have the most spectacular of all views of these falls.
Day 2: Iguazu Falls
For more detailed views, and greater opportunities to experience the local flora and fauna at close range, your private guide will meet you for a day at the Argentine side of the Falls. Crossing the frontier to see both sides is easy, and if you’re of a nationality that normally requires a visa to visit either Argentina or Brazil you won’t need one just for a day-trip.
After that, prepare yourself to embark in one of the most adventurous part of your trip. In the Iguazu National Park (Argentina), big trucks specially adapted to this tour will take visitors to explore 6 kilometers in the humid subtropical forest as far as the banks of the Iguazu River, downstream from the Falls. From here participants will board special boats that will take them, at high speed, to enjoy one of the most unforgettable experience in the region: the direct and wet contact with the mighty Iguazu Falls! After this incredible emotion participants will get off the boat at the base of the Falls, on catwalk that connects to the lower visitation circuit of the Falls. This tour can be started in the reverse direction, from this catwalk downwards ending with the jungle truck ride.
Day 3: Iguazu Falls & Buenos Aires
Check out of your hotel and meet your guide for your private transfer to the airport. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be met and chauffeured to your hotel. The elegance of Europe and the spirit of South America live side by side here. With its wide boulevards, leafy parks, grand buildings and varied culture and nightlife, the city is reminiscent of Paris or Barcelona. Today, take a walk through neighborhoods like Recoleta and Belgrano, try visiting a café terrace, and stroll around some of the parks and plazas. At night you’ll be met at your hotel for a night of tango complemented by an exquisite dinner at one of the many famous tango houses.
Day 4: Buenos Aires
After breakfast you’ll go on a three and a half hour sightseeing tour in this bustling city. Departing from the Hotel to get to 9 de Julio Ave. the widest in the world, past the famous Colon Opera house, the Obelisk commemorating the first founding of the city in 1536 to get to Plaza de Mayo (May Square), and the buildings surrounding it: Government House, Metropolitan Cathedral with the Mausoleum of General San Martin, Argentina's greatest national hero and the Cabildo, the colonia town hall built in 1751. The tour continues to La Boca, and the brightly painted housesof 'Caminito' street. The tour continues to Buenos Aires port area, past San Mart’n Square towards Palermo Chico residential district and Palermo Park with its jacaranda and palo borracho trees which flower in the spring and late summer. The ride continues to the elegant district of Recoleta. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 5: Buenos Aires & Pampas
We visit the traditional “gaucho” town of San Antonio de Areco in the Pampas, 123 km from Buenos Aires, learning about the Gaucho´s history and traditions. We would visit a famous silversmith workshop, whose work is sought after by kings and collectors worldwide, to see the “behind the scenes” life of a precious gift and know-how still passed from father to sons. We meet the artist most of the times. We then continue to a private estancia, where we savor a typical Argentine barbecue of fine beef and wines, and relax in the soothing views of the endless plains… A wonderful way to see and enjoy the countryside immersed in an ambience of nature, history, and tradition, activities include horse back riding and riding a “sulky” or chariot.
Note: This is not a “touristy show” but simply a wonderful day away of the city, to experience estancia life at its best.
Day 6: Bariloche
Upon check out, your private driver will take you to the airport for a flight to Bariloche. Bariloche is a quaint Swiss like town and is often considered the cradle of South American skiing during the winter (June-Aug). Located in the heart of Argentina's Patagonia, it is the gateway to the ski area called "Gran Catedral". No other Argentinean mountain area can beat Bariloche in nightlife, dining, cinemas, theater, discos and casinos. It is now possible to stay at the base of the Mountain, but for better night life and town atmosphere, stay at hotels in downtown.
Day 7: Bariloche
Full day tour of Gourmet Islands. Victoria Island has a universe of natural attractions and spots. Gliding across crystal clear waters we reach the island of Centennial Cypresses, Coigues woodland and native and exotic fauna. Navigate across the cold waters of Nahuel Huapi Lake up to the millenary island. There you will step into the woodland, to observe its varied flora and fauna. Internal trails take you to isolated beaches and exclusive coasts and provide you with the possibility to contemplate various unique trees such as the ancient Arrayán, with its ever-cold cinnamon-colored bark and its white flowers. Being quiet and a little lucky, you might spot some deer or pheasant.
Day 8: Bariloche
Open day at leisure to explore the wilderness of Northern Patagonia.
Day 9: Bariloche
Breakfast and a last leisurely morning. Afternoon transfer to the airport for your return flight.
