Tour Overview
If any country deserves the label ‘land of extremes’, it’s Argentina. This vast country is topographically diverse and infinitely enchanting. From the snow-capped peaks and glaciers of the Andes to the dusty plains of Patagonia, Argentina never fails to amaze. Whether exploring the lush rainforest of Misiones, trekking the turquoise lakes of the Lake District, or exploring remote Ushuaia, the country is full of boundless adventure. At the heart is the capital city - Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is a smart, contemporary city that is full of life and bursting with energy. While the spirit of the tango is alive and well and the gaucho heritage is celebrated, modern Argentina is more cosmopolitan in its outlook than many South American countries. The people of Argentina are warm, friendly and open to visitors. There is never a dull moment and visitors are beginning to discover the opportunities. The tourism industry is booming and deservedly so: the country begs to be explored and experienced.Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Buenos Aires, ArgentinaToday after clearing customs & immigration formalities at Buenos Aires Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Located in the heart of Recoleta, the most refined quarter in Buenos Aires, Etoile Hotel is surrounded by magnificent French architecture, museums, shops and restaurants. The hotel boasts the most incredible view of Iglesia del Pilar, the Gardens of Recoleta, Rio de la Plata and Buenos Aires. The hotel consists of 96 spacious rooms, featuring private balcony, Jacuzzi, mini-bar, and cable TV. This afternoon enjoy a city tour with your bilingual guide. This tour will take you to all the major sights; the Teatro Colón Opera House, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Government Palace (Casa Rosada), the colorful La Boca district, the tough port barrio and colorful working class heart of Buenos Aires, and San Telmo, home and birthplace of the sultry tango.
The legacy of “Peronismo” is not only the subject of books or mere memories. It has left its mark in the very buildings, squares and neighborhoods that grace this fine city. The second part of your tour includes a visit to the Recoleta Cemetery, where Evita Peron is buried. Return to your hotel this evening.
Etoile Hotel- Standard Room Day 2: Buenos Aires
Breakfast at the hotel. Today is at your leisure to explore Buenos Aires on your own. Buenos Aires continues to be a wonderful combination of sleek skyscrapers, ornate friezes and turn-of-the-last-century grandeur - at once ultrachic and tumbledown, up-to-date and firmly planted in the past. Even before the recent financial troubles, there was always a spirit of malaise in B.A., as it is affectionately known locally, which may help explain the devotion to that bittersweet expression of Argentine popular culture, the tango. Performed in the streets, on stages, in cafes, the sorrowful and romantic nature of the dance is integral to the city.
Breakfast
Etoile Hotel- Standard Room Day 3: Buenos Aires- Iguazu
After breakfast at hotel, you will be driven to Buenos Aires Airport for your flight to Iguazú. NOTE: Flight to Iguazú Falls is not included. Arrive Iguazú and pass through Iguazú National Forest and yerba mate plantations en route to the lodge (145 km.) Yacutinga Lodge & Wildlife Refuge, your home for the next two nights, is set in a 750-hectare private ecological reserve. The lodge has been designed to offer guests a relaxing atmosphere in harmony with the environment. Surrounded by more than 300 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and butterflies, it is a nature lovers dream. The main building, made of natural materials, includes a large living room, dining room, and bar. There are 20 tasteful rooms, in five secluded units all with private bathrooms, hot water, and porches where guests can observe the local wildlife. This evening you might visit one of the observation towers and use the scopes, binoculars and spotlights for nighttime game viewing. Alternatively, take a walk to one of the swamps located in the Yacutinga Reserve. Watch the activity at dusk, and listen to the jungle symphony as darkness descends. Be sure to look for toucans nesting at sunset!
Breakfast, Dinner
Yacutinga Lodge- Standard Room Day 4: Iguazu
Enjoy an early morning breakfast. Begin the day with a short hike to the San Francisco River. Enjoy a 3-hour navigation of the San Francisco stream as you float through what is known as the “Forest Gallery”. Make sure to bring your camera for this photo safari session. Return to the lodge for lunch. Enjoy free time to walk around the several self-guided interpretation tracks or take advantage of the lodge facilities such as swimming pool, hanging footbridge, and visitor center. Scattered throughout the nature reserve are a number of observation towers and blinds, allowing you to view animals at close proximity. This afternoon take a guided trek with a specialized bilingual guide who will provide information on the diverse natural environment. Return to the lodge for dinner. This evening you may join a nocturnal outing to observe the forest at night- a terrific experience!
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Yacutinga Lodge- Standard Room Day 5: Iguazu Falls
Private transfer from Yacutinga Lodge to Igauzú City (145km). Check-in to your jungle hotel and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure.
You will be confirmed for three nights at La Aldea de la Selva Lodge & Spa in a Standard Room, including breakfast. No matter what your interests are, La Aldea de la Selva Lodge offers the lifestyle you naturally prefer. Relaxing, hiking down the rainforest trails, being in contact with the wildlife, daring to the adventure of rappelling in the canopies or simply discovering new aspects of cooking hand in hand with our chef. Staying at La Aldea de la Selva Lodge means getting embarked on a memorable voyage through the local culture. All the materials used to build the Lodge have been made by local and regional manpower. The rooms are immersed in the Parana Rainforest, allowing direct contact with nature, surrounded by the highest comfort. All rooms feature a private balcony overlooking the forest. Located near the junction of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, Iguazú Falls (pronounced eeh-gwa-SUE) is a must-see: It may be the greatest waterfall in the world. There are 275 cataracts in all, stretching 2.5 KM from bank to bank and reaching a height of 300 ft. The falls, on the Parana River, are best seen October-December and March-May. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure.
Breakfast
La Aldea de la Selva Lodge- Standard Room Day 6: Iguazu Falls
Enjoy a full day privately guided visit to Iguazú National Park. Walk along the upper and lower trails around the spectacular Iguazú Falls, admiring the whole system of more than 270 different falls. Visit Devil’s Throat, the main fall of the Iguazú system, where you will see many species of wildlife such as toucans, parakeets, coatis, capuchin monkeys and several species of tropical butterflies. Included in your adventure experience is a 4X4 ride through the jungle, following the Yacaratia path to Puerto Macuco- about 4 miles. Navigate three miles through the lower Iguazú River on high-speed inflatable boats, crossing 1 mile of rapids and enjoy the cascades as the boat gets into Devil’s Throat Canyon, approaching the waterfall to finish the adventure in front of San Martin Island. Approximate time: 65 minutes.
Breakfast
La Aldea de la Selva Lodge- Standard Room Day 7: Iguazu Falls
Enjoy a full day jungle tour. Transfer deep into the jungle in 4x4 vehicle. Traverse jungle trails and wind past waterfalls and ancient ferns. Upon arrival, an expert guide will provide safety instructions for the day’s activities. Enjoy the forest from the perspective of birds, monkeys, and other tree dwelling creatures – from the canopy. Glide through the jungle from platform to platform, 650 meters in all on a spectacular Canopy Tour. The more daring will have an option to free-fall from 22 meters. Continue on trek through the jungle along special paths designed for close contact with the flora & fauna. From a tower, you will be able to do some bird watching in the area before continuing on to the hanging bridges, where with the necessary equipment, you can walk above the jungle floor.
Breakfast
La Aldea de la Selva Lodge- Standard Room Day 8: Iguazu- Buenos Aires
The morning is at leisure to enjoy nature and the lodge’s facilities like it’s beautiful swimming pool. Later, you will be taken to Iguazú airport for flight to Buenos Aires. NOTE: Flight to Buenos Aires is not included. When you arrive back in Buenos Aires, you will be met for a transfer to the hotel and enjoy the day at leisure. This evening, meet your driver in the lobby and transfer to a Tango show and dinner at Esquina Carlos Gardel. Return to your hotel.
Breakfast, Dinner
Etoile Hotel Day 9: Buenos Aires- Depart
After breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred to Ezeiza International Airport to board your departing flight.
Breakfast
