Argentina Highlights: Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls & Mendoza

March 14-23 (9 days, 9 nights)

ALL MEALS INCLUDED IN TRIP PRICE

Detailed Itinerary:

March 14: Buenos Aires-Welcome & City Orientation

-Welcome to Buenos Aires! Upon arrival at the airport, we take private transportation to our well-located, boutique hotel, where we will stay for the next 4 nights. After checking into the hotel, we will have a welcome orientation meeting and lunch.

-Following lunch, we'll take a leisurely walking tour, including the Plaza San Martín, Calle Florida, and the Avenida de Mayo. We'll take a break at one of the classic cafés to perk up with a coffee and alfajores, one of Argentina’s most delectable sweets.

-In the late afternoon we'll visit the famed Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada, which houses Argentina’s government offices.

-Evening time to freshen up at the hotel, enjoy pre-dinner drinks, and dinner together.

March 15: Buenos Aires-Antiques Market & Fine Arts Museum

-Waking up refreshed, we'll enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Next we explore the San Telmo neighborhood, & its famous antiques market for some great shopping, people-watching & souvenirs. After dropping off your purchases at the hotel, we'll enjoy lunch together.

-In the late afternoon we'll visit the Museo Nacional de Buenos Aires (MNBA) to see an impressive collection of art. Highlights include artists such as Renoir, Monet, Gauguin, Cézanne, El Greco, Picasso, Pollock, and Argentine favorites, Xul Solar and Edwardo Sívori.

-You have free time to explore and the choice to eat with the group or have dinner on your own this evening.

March 16: Buenos Aires-Recoleta Cemetery, Street Art Tour, La Boca & Tango Show

-After breakfast we'll visit the nearby Recoleta Cemetery, exploring the final resting place of some of Argentina’s most famous people, including Eva Perón.

-Lunch together, followed by a private, guided street art tour. Next we head to the colorful Caminito in La Boca neighborhood, where you're likely see spontaneous tango dancing in the streets.

-In the late afternoon you’ll have some free time to explore on your own, find a café, or do some shopping.

-In the evening we’ll gather to enjoy an intimate, unforgettable tango show with dinner.

March 17: Day Trip to Gaucho Estate

-Today we have a real treat in store as we take a full-day private excursion to the pampas (plains) town of San Antonio de Areco. Upon arrival in San Antonio de Areco, we enjoy a guided walking tour, learning about the history and culture of the gauchos (cowboys). 

-Next we head to a private estancia (estate) to meet the gauchos. You have the choice to saddle up for a fun horseback ride or take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the estancia.

-We enjoy a traditional ‘asado’ barbecue lunch, including delicious Argentine steak (vegetarian options also available), salads, and dessert, accompanied by Argentine Malbec wine. While we eat, we’ll be entertained by a thrilling folklore show, including live music, folk dancing, and a dramatic horsemanship display by the gauchos. 

-We return to our hotel in Buenos Aires in the early evening for a little down time, drinks, and dinner.

March 18: Welcome to Iguazú Falls; Brazilian Side & Sunset on the River

-After breakfast we take our flight to Iguazú Falls, the breathtaking waterfalls surrounded by tropical forests and incredible biodiversity.

-After checking in to our hotel, we begin our private, guided tour of the Brazilian side of the National Park. From the Brazilian side we will take advantage of the best panoramic view of the waterfalls. We’ll spend several hours exploring and enjoying amazing views including “Salto Santa María” (St. Mary’s Falls) and the “Garganta del Diablo” (Devil’s Throat).

-Finally, we take a private catamaran on a relaxing trip along the Iguazú and Paraná Rivers, leading to where Argentina, Paraguay and Brasil converge, while taking in the beautiful sunset. We enjoy pre-dinner drinks at a local bar and head to dinner together in the evening.

March 19: Iguazú Falls-Argentine Side & Boat Trip

-After breakfast in the hotel, we enjoy a full-day guided visit to the Argentine side of Iguazú Falls. We’ll get to explore the flora and fauna of the rainforest, which is home to hundreds of species of birds, butterflies, flowers, tropical plants, and other animals.

-Today we experience the park on foot and by train, giving us opportunities for up-close views of the falls and the biodiversity of the forest. After lunch in the Park, we take a Gran Aventura boat excursion to see the falls at even closer proximity...prepare to get wet during this thrilling ride. This will be an undeniable highlight of our trip!

-After a full day, we’ll enjoy drinks and dinner back near our hotel.

March 20: Welcome to Mendoza; Orientation & City Highlights

-After breakfast, we take a morning flight to Argentina’s famous wine region, Mendoza. Upon arrival we'll have a private transfer to our hotel, where we'll spend the next three nights.

-We'll take a leisurely stroll through the city to see highlights, including the Plaza Independencia, Plaza España, San Francisco church, monastery and basilica. After lunch we'll walk through the gorgeous San Martín Park and enjoy the view from the Cerro de la Gloria.

-You'll have some free time to explore, rest, swim at the hotel pool, or shop and enjoy dinner on your own tonight if you choose.

March 21 & 22: Mendoza Winery Visits to Valle de Uco & Luján de Cuyo

-For the next two days, we'll take full advantage of the gorgeous terrain and wineries near Mendoza. Each day we will have a guided tour of three vineyards and a gourmet lunch on-site at a vineyard. 

-Valle de Uco & Luján de Cuyo are gorgeous areas right at the foot of the Andes Mountains. Valle’s vineyards are famous for their Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Semillon varieties, while Luján is known for its Malbecs. 

-We’ll head back to Mendoza both evenings to enjoy dinner together, including our farewell dinner on Sunday evening.

March 23: Flights back to the U.S.

-We'll have private transportation to take our flight back to Buenos Aires' Ezeiza airport for connecting flights back to the U.S.

PRICING:

9-day, 9- night trip starts at $4000, double occupancy; Single supplement (limited availability) $650; Final prices determined by number in group.

TRIP INCLUDES:

• Airport transfers and transportation for all included program activities.

• Flights within Argentina, including Buenos Aires to Iguazú, Iguazú to Mendoza & Mendoza to Buenos Aires.

• Full program of activities organized by Travel Grackle.

• Bilingual trip leaders and local guides.

• 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners.

• 1 drink & snack each day of our trip (9 total)

• Entrance fees to museums and activities in itinerary.

• Meals include non-alcoholic beverages and limited alcohol.

• All gratuities for activities in itinerary.

TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Round-trip airfare from the U.S. to Argentina

• Personal items such as laundry, fax or telephone calls, liquor, room service, excess baggage charges, medical expenses and private transfers.

• Activities not included in itinerary.

• Trip cancellation fees.

• Any insurance.

• Unlimited alcohol at meals.

• Any increases in the in-tour airfare (included as part of the program cost), airport taxes, security, or fuel surcharges imposed after the initial pricing of this program are not included.