Contrasts of Argentina from north to south

Buenos Aires

Day 1: Touchdown in Argentina

Arrive in Buenos Aires with a warm welcome at the airport and transfer to your hotel in the Argentine capital.

Once you've checked in, the rest of the day is free for you to settle in and explore this buzzing city. 

Buenos Aires

Day 2: Wandering the capital

After breakfast, set off on a half-day guided tour of the endlessly fascinating city of Buenos Aires. Heading first to the centre to see the grand Plaza de Mayo, you’ll learn about the city’s history and architecture. Next, to the port area of La Boca, a colorful neighbourhood with brightly painted houses and a strong Italian heritage. 

Return to your hotel in the afternoon; the rest of the day is free to explore independently!

Buenos Aires - Iguazú National Park

Day 3: Journey north

After breakfast this morning, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight north to Iguazu and its incredible waterfalls.

Your driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer to your local hotel to relax after the journey: settle in, the rest of the day is yours at leisure.

Iguazú National Park

Day 4: First sight of Iguazú Falls

Today, you’ll experience the incredible thundering presence of Iguazu Falls. Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby for a small group tour of the falls, traversing the different pathways and viewpoints, and learning about the mighty rivers that have created this natural spectacle.

There will be some free time for lunch and then an optional boat ride into the Devil’s Throat Canyon can be arranged if you’d like a different perspective on the waterfalls. Afterwards, head back to your hotel for another free evening. 

Iguazú National Park

Day 5: Brazil's view of the falls

After breakfast, cross the border into Brazil to see Iguazu Falls from a new angle. You’ll explore as part of a small group with an expert guide. The viewing opportunities on the Brazilian side are unique, with a long circuit of footbridges offering breathtaking panoramic views culminating in a close-range view of the thundering Devil’s Throat Canyon.

Iguazú National Park - Salta

Day 6: A city tour of Salta

After breakfast this morning, you'll transfer to the airport for your flight to Salta. On arrival, your driver will meet you for your private transfer to your hotel in this charming northern city.

After you've had some time to settle in and have a bite to eat, meet your guide for an afternoon guided tour of Salta. Exploring on foot, you’ll meander through the central plazas admiring the grand buildings and learning about the city’s past and present. The tour will finish at the local market where you can sample some of the typical regional food and produce.

Salta - Cachi - Salta

Day 7: Landscapes of the north

After breakfast, get ready for a full-day excursion through the countryside of Northern Argentina to the colonial town of Cachi.

You’ll travel through dry, rugged and mountainous terrain, stopping to explore small rural villages along the way. Walk beneath the striking giant cacti that grow in this desert-like terrain and reach up to three metres high. The route takes us through the Enchanted Valley and climbs to an altitude of 3348 metres. This is part of the ancient kingdom of the Incas and we’ll be following an old Inca road for part of the journey.

Salta - Purmamarca

Day 8: Off-road adventures

Your journey continues into the northern mountains, as we travel to Purmamarca. After breakfast, set off in a 4x4 on an adventurous route through the Toro River Ravine, passing pre-Inca ruins and the rushing waters of the Toro. Emerge in the town of San Antonio de los Cobres, where you’ll have some free time for a stroll and lunch.

Then it’s back on the road through the Salinas Grandes salt flats and into the Valleys of the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Arrive in the sun-baked town of Purmamarca at the foot of the Rainbow Mountain. Check in at your new hotel and take a stroll around town, exploring your new home for the night.

Purmamarca - Salta

Day 9: The infamous Rainbow Mountain

The early morning is the best time to see the incredible colors of the Rainbow Mountain of Purmamarca. So before (or after) breakfast take some time to experience the colors of the landscape and perhaps snap a few pictures.

After this, you’ll be setting off through the World Heritage Site of the Humahuaca Gorge towards Tilcara. This incredible landscape is filled with different layers of rock sediment, forming multi-hued patterns and stripes in the mountains and hillsides. Everywhere you look there will be a new and colourful view. You’ll make various stops along the journey, including a longer one for lunch in the historic town of Humahuaca.

Salta - El Calafate

Day 10: Journey to Patagonia

Get ready for a huge contrast of climate and landscape, as you fly from the dry north to the cooler climes of Patagonia, way down south.

After breakfast, transfer to your flight for Calafate; on arrival, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel, where it's time to settle into your new surroundings.

El Calafate - Parque Nacional Los Glaciares - El Calafate

Day 11: An icy landscape

Today’s full-day excursion takes you into the UNESCO-protected Glaciers National Park. Set off after breakfast to this incredible icy landscape, with its several large glaciers flowing from the Andes Mountains into the surrounding lakes. The most impressive of all is the Perito Moreno, and this is our destination for the day.

Gaze at the 70-metre-high wall of the glacier as it meets the glassy waters of the lake, breaking off into glowing white and turquoise icebergs that bob across the surface. You’ll also take a one-hour boat trip close to the glacier wall where you’ll see and hear the ice cracking and splashing into the waters below.

El Calafate

Day 12: Glaciers National Park

Today is left free for you to choose the activities you'd like to do in the Glaciers National Park. There are options for sailing and hiking excursions, depending on your preferences.

El Calafate - Buenos Aires

Day 13: Tango show & farewell dinner

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport for a flight to Buenos Aires for your last night in Argentina. As a send-off, a dinner and tango show with a live orchestra and professional dancers will be arranged. Enjoy a classic Argentine meal served with plenty of Malbec and a show to remember. 

Buenos Aires

Day 14: Goodbye, Argentina

After breakfast, it's time to transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. Bid farewell to Argentina and its contrasting climates and landscapes.