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Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating journey begins as you depart this evening on your overnight flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Day 2: Iguazú. After arrival in Buenos Aires, transfer to the national airport for your flight to the Argentinean side of Iguazú Falls. Check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to rest and take in your beautiful new surroundings. Panoramic Hotel
Day 3: Iguazú Falls. Upon seeing Iguazú, Eleanor Roosevelt exclaimed "Poor Niagara!" You'll soon discover why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the greatest natural wonders of the world! Straddling the border of Argentina and Brazil, the Falls consist of 275 inlets and cataracts cascading down 250 feet, framed by multiple rainbows and mist that rises up to 500 feet in the air. Iguazú boasts the greatest average annual flow of any waterfall in the world.
This morning, you'll get a fantastic close-up view of the falls and their dazzling and awesome display of power. Travel through the rain forest to the most spectacular sight at Iguazú: Devil's Throat, a massive U-shaped cataract that measures 270' high, 490' wide and 2300' long.
Enjoy some free time to explore on your own. Or, take advantage of an optional nautical adventure along the Lower Iguazú River, sailing under the Falls. Later this afternoon, be sure to take time to stroll through the laid-back town of Puerto Iguazú. (B)
Day 4: Bariloche. Enjoy a morning at leisure to take advantage of the facilities at your hotel. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to the stunning lakeside ski resort town of San Carlos de Bariloche. Surrounded by dense forests, alpine lakes, romantic chalets, and snow-capped Andean mountains, Bariloche's idyllic scenery is reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. Check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Cacique Inacayal (B)
Day 5: Bariloche. Experience the unbelieveably beautiful natural splendor of the Andean region on today's excursion along the popular Circuito Chico. Set out westward on Avenida Bustillo to the Península Llao Llao, home to one of Argentina's most famous and picturesque landmarks, the Llao Llao Hotel. Stop at the charming village of Colonia Suiza, where you'll have an opportunity to sample some of the town's renowned pastries at a local café. (Note: Visit to Colonia Suiza is subject to road conditions.)
Spend the afternoon at leisure or take advantage of one of two exciting optional tours. The first takes you to Victoria Island, where you'll have the option hike north up Mount Bella Vista through a narrow path of ancient coihue and cypress trees to the Park Guard School and the Victoria Island Inn. Or, choose to hike south through the forest to view ancient cave paintings. After Victoria Island, continue to the Bosque de Arrayanes National Park, home to the rare and ancient myrtle trees. ($55)
A second optional tour takes you to Cerro Catedral, rising to nearly 8,000 feet and named after its resemblance to a Gothic cathedral. Here you'll find Argentina's world renowned Mount Cathedral ski resort, which boasts 62 miles of ski runs and magnificent views over Bariloche and Nahuel Huapi lake. ($21, not including chair lift)
Day 6: Buenos Aires. Your discovery of Argentina continues today as you transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina's cosmopolitan capital city. Upon arrival transfer to your centrally located hotel for check-in. Dazzler Tower San Martin (B)
Day 7: Buenos Aires. After breakfast this morning, set out on a tour of the city and discover why Buenos Aires is so often referred to as "the Paris of the South."
Your exploration begins at the Plaza del Mayo, the historic and political center of the city. You'll see the Casa Rosada, the presidential palace from which Juan and Eva Perón spoke to throngs of adoring Argentinians. Continue to the Obelisk landmark on the Avenue 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the world.
Then to the crowded Florida Street, a true shopper's paradise. Pass through the colorful neighborhood of La Boca and the charming San Telmo area. Buenos Aires is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own distinctive flavor, but everywhere you go, the people are warm and welcoming.
Admire the French architecture in the exquisite Recoleta neighborhood, including the beautiful Cemetery of La Recoleta, where Evita Perón is buried. It is one of many ironies of this complex city that Evita, heroine of the poor, is buried in the city's most elegant (and expensive) section. (B)
Day 8: Buenos Aires and optional Tigre Excursion. Today is yours at leisure to explore on your own.
Or enjoy an optional tour of nearby Tigre and San Isidro. The beautiful town of Tigre, situated an island in the Paraná Delta, was first settled by Europeans and has become a fashionable weekend spot, with its grand architecture, antiques shops, riverside restaurants and pubs, a casino and a small amusement park.
Enjoy a catamaran ride through the labyrinth of islands and islets along the delta, which is lined with countless marinas and English-style rowing clubs, humble dwellings and elegant mansions from the "Belle Époque", small hotels and upscale lodges, teahouses and picnic sites.
Disembark and board the Tren de la Costa, a light rail train that connects the elegant riverfront areas. Stop at San Isidro, one of the most affluent municipalities in Argentina. Tour the town's neo-gothic Cathedral, built in 1898, and the Plaza Mitre, an historic area with cobbled streets and grand old houses. The plaza slopes down to a popular park on the Río de la Plata and hosts an antiques and crafts fair. ($27)
Tonight, take advantage of an optional dinner, complete with an exciting performance of the tango, Argentina's passionate national dance, which originated in Buenos Aires from Spanish and African influences. ($50) (B)
Day 9: Buenos Aires and optional Estancia Visit. After breakfast this morning, explore Buenos Aires on your own, or embark on a optional full day excursion outside the city to the Argentine Pampas. Visit a traditional estancia (ranch), where you'll discover the life of the Argentine cowboys known as "gauchos." After a sumptuous barbecue lunch including delicious local wine, you'll enjoy a folkloric show with typical Argentine dance, song, and dress. ($57) (B)
Day 10: Depart Buenos Aires. Enjoy your final day in Argentina at leisure for last-minute sightseeing and souvenirs. We recommend a stroll through the colorful streets and shops around your hotel to scout the amazing bargains that will make shopping for souvenirs (and that gorgeous leather bag) a pleasure. Later today, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA. (B)
Day 11: Arrive USA. Your Argentinean adventure ends today as you touch down in the US.
Note: Optional tours are purchased locally from your guide.
Quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Argentina.
This was the best trip ever. The guides were all wonderful, especially Patricia in Patagonia who made sure that we saw all of the flora and fauna in the region. Iguazu Falls, the glaciers, scenery, and boat rides were spectacular. The food was also very special. All told, another great tour with Friendly Planet!
— Joy Wellington, New York, NY
Meena and I immensely enjoyed the tour, guide and the company of many friends. The hotel accommodations and the meals were superb. The Lake Crossings to Argentina and the Iguassu Falls were spectacular views. We plan to take China and Egypt tours with Friendly Planet soon. We have been talking to many of our friends to join us in 2008 vacation adventure with Friendly Planet, who makes exciting excellent arrangements, worry-free. Looking forward to the companionship and friendship during our 2008 vacation.
— Ram & Meena Ramachandran, Richmond, Virginia
Fantastic is an understatement! The experience was a dream come true and Cape Horn lived up to its reputation. We are impressed with [your] service and will certainly use Friendly Planet for upcoming trips.
— Karen & William Rankin
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Tour prices are per person, double occupancy, including airfare. Prices in red reflect an early booking discount if you reserve by March 31, 2010. * Prices do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee for this tour of $110. |
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* As of 1/1/2010, US passport holders are now required to pay an entry fee upon arrival in Argentina. Fee is payable by cash or credit card. |
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Departure Airport: This tour departs from Miami International (MIA).
Coming from somewhere else? Unfortunately, we don't offer departures from other cities for this tour, but you can book your own connecting flights separately.