Argentina Family Explorer
Seasonal Information
Argentina is a land of contrasts that never ceases to amaze. The many natural wonders are breathtaking and marvellously unspoiled. Subtropical rainforests and spectacular waterfalls in Iguazu, the immense Perito Moreno Glacier, the sparkling lakes and rolling green hills of the Lake District, salt flats and cloud forest jungle near Salta, whales basking in the bay at Peninsula Valdes, and of course the miles of gaucho (cowboy) filled Estancia country for which Argentina is so famous. With the combination of all this natural beauty, together with one of the most buzzing and cosmopolitan capitals in South America, delightful colonial towns, a luxurious wine region and a population of friendly and welcoming people, you really can’t go wrong with a trip to Argentina. It truly has something for everyone.
- Buenos Aires: private walking tour, full-day foodie tour, culinary experience, walking graffiti tour, shared lunch Asado experience, full-day treasure hunt and Dinner & Tango show.
- El Calafate: Glaciarium & Ice Bar visit, Perito Moreno glacier excursion, boat navigation to approach the glacier and full day to an Estancia in Patagonia with activities.
- Iguazú: full-day excursion to watch the falls from the Argentine side, and a half-day tour to visit them from the Brazilian side with boat navigation to approach the falls.
- The Pampas: full board program at an Estancia with ranch and farm activities included.
Buenos Aires
You will begin your trip in the vibrant capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, dubbed the ‘Paris of the South’. Buenos Aires is a thriving, colourful, and bustling city. A blend of old-meets-new architecture, with colonial style and vibrant baroque buildings sat next to contemporary skyscrapers. A chequered history of colonialism and independence has created a city with interesting and enlightening museums, as well as art galleries, independent cafes and restaurants, theatres, and a renowned nightlife.
Los Glaciares National Park/El Calafate
You then fly south to El Calafate on the edge of the stunning Los Glaciares National Park. Los Glaciares National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its outstanding natural beauty and national importance. The park is a beautiful mixture of jagged mountains, towering glaciers, and turquoise lakes. Huge blue icebergs floating on the milky waters, deep cracking sounds reverberate through the mountains as huge pieces of ice fall into the lake. One of the main glaciers, the Perito Moreno Glacier, will leave you breathless.
El Calafate is a small city on the edge of the Los Glaciares National Park, with its own glaciers, gastronomy, climate, and landscape which has made it a key point of Argentine Patagonia in its own right.
Iguazu Waterfalls
Then you will take a flight to one of the new modern wonders of the world, Iguazu Waterfalls. 275 drops stretching almost 3km in width make up the Iguazu Falls. A handful of islands break the river above into many different currents, the tallest of which being the Garganata do Diabo (nicknamed The Devil’s Throat). Protruding ledges break many smaller waterfalls creating a mist which rises almost 500 feet, and resulting in a range of rainbows. The falls are surrounded by rainforests which are home to a breathtaking array of plants, over 400 species of bird, and interesting animals such as anteaters, ocelots, jaguars, and howler monkeys.
You will conclude the trip on the outskirts of Buenos Aires in an Estancia, where you can just relax and enjoy some ranch and farm-related activities.
You will be met at Ezeiza Airport by an English-speaking guide who will escort you in your private car to your hotel in the centre of the city.
Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan, dynamic & generous city. It offers a rich cultural, historic and architectural heritage built by generations of Spanish, Italians, Germans, Russians and many other immigrants. The “porteños” are stylish, urban and friendly people who get the most out of their city. Buenos Aires is a blend of Tango, coffee stores, theatres, antiques, arts & crafts markets, museums, gallery nights, and gastronomic delights.
Walking tour of Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is a dazzling minefield for city lovers. On your first day in the city, your private guide will meet you at the meeting point from where you will begin your city explorations around the downtown area which will last approximately 3 hours.
The tour includes a bottle of water but does not include the transfers from/to the meeting point. It is recommended you wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking, and for the summer: sunscreen and a hat.
Full day Foodie tour Buenos Aires
On Day 2 you will have this private tour with an English speaking guide. One of the best ways of getting to know a culture is by trying their food and learning their customs. Argentina is a large and very developed country that produces and exports many different foods and is particularly famous for its wine and its beef. The Asado, an elaborate meal of grilled meat, is one of the most important culinary traditions in this country.
Argentina’s cuisine is very influenced by Europe and includes many Spanish-style dishes, Italian pasta and pizzas, and French pastries. The Argentinians add their unique style to these dishes, however, making them their own.
In Buenos Aires, one can find a very sophisticated restaurant culture, with foods from around the world. In the more rural parts of Argentina, people still eat a more traditional South American diet.
This is a full day experience lasting around 7 hours.
The Argentine Experience – Culinary experience
In the evening you will enjoy The Argentine Experience, designed to give you an introduction to the best of Argentine cuisine and culture. This is not a cooking class, but a fun and unique experience, where you will meet and dine with people from all over the world. A group of guides are on hand to spoil you and take you through every step of this culinary journey.
The tour includes wine during the meal and does not include transfers from/to the restaurant. It lasts approximately 4 hours.
Walking Graffiti Tour with workshops
On day 3 you will have this private walking tour with an English speaking guide that lasts 4 hours.
The walking tour takes you through the up-and-coming neighbourhood of Colegiales and into the hidden enclaves of Palermo Hollywood. This tour provides fresh insight into the modern movement of Buenos Aires’ street art, with a brief introduction to the country’s fascinating history and the culture of self-expression in the streets.
Stencil workshop – The workshop includes a presentation of the history of the stencil and its background, and a practice where one creates their own work of art guided by artists with more than 10 years of experience.
This tour includes all materials as well as snacks and drinks but does not include transfers from/to the meeting point.
Lunch at Steaks by Luis
This is a closed-door Asado experience shared with a small group, in an exclusive Casona located in the heart of the Palermo neighbourhood. Transfers from/to the restaurant are not included.
This is not your average steak experience. While it is no secret that Argentine beef is beloved around the world, visitors to Buenos Aires do not always get the chance to experience an Argentine Asado and its many rituals and traditions. You will be able to participate in a typical Argentine Asado and feel like you’re at Luis’ home. While sitting around a big family table, you will have the chance to make new friends as well as the option to move freely at the restaurant to see the entire process if you desire to know more.
Full Day Treasure Hunt
After having a traditional city tour, on Day 4 you will unlock Buenos Aires’ character in a thrilling family experience. Find treasure by following an exciting route that will lead you to iconic landmarks while revealing the city’s hidden surprises. Mingle with locals and make the most of your family’s diverse skills to pull off the creative tasks.
This tour does not include lunch and it is a full day experience lasting around 7 hours.
Dinner & Tango Show at La Ventana
In the evening you will enjoy a dinner & tango show with shared transfers included from/to your hotel.
Buenos Aires’ adventures would not be complete without dipping your toe into its beating cultural heart – the Tango. La Ventana is an excellent option to see one of the most traditional Tango shows that the city offers, located in a restored historic conventillo in the San Telmo neighbourhood: the birthplace of tango.
This show merges tango and folklore with 32 artists on stage: two orchestras, four pairs of dancers, two singers, Altiplano music and a boleros show.
The experience will be ending late around midnight.
You will be met at your hotel by your private driver and transported to the airport for your internal flight to El Calafate.
Upon arrival, you will be met and taken by private transfer to your hotel for the next 3 nights.
The town of El Calafate is the starting point for a visit to Los Glaciares National Park. Of all the impressive landscapes of this country, this is the one you will remember most.
Glaciarium & Ice Bar visit
On your first day in El Calafate, you will be visiting with your guide the Glaciarium interpretation centre (one of the few in the world), created to divulge and explain about the Patagonian Ice and its glaciers.
This tour includes an entrance fee but does not include drinks or any expenses inside the bar & museum.
Full day Perito Moreno glacier
On the morning of Day 6, you will have an early start in preparation for a fabulous full-day excursion to the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier. You will be picked up from your hotel in a modern bus with an expert guide and head out of the town towards ‘Parque Nacional Los Glaciares’ where the incredible Perito Moreno is found. It is an 80 km journey but you will have plenty of stops along the way to take pictures. During this time, your guide will explain how this park came to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site and give you an overview of its natural treasures.
Your first sight of the Glacier is a truly spine-tingling moment – after entering the Andean Patagonian forest area, you will stop at ‘Curva de Los Suspiros’ (Sighs Curve), to enjoy the first panoramic view. On reaching the heart of the Park you will be guided through the many platforms and balconies offering fantastic views of the multi-hued Glacier, and if you are lucky you might catch sight of huge shelves of ice ‘calving’ into the milky water accompanied by the other-worldly sounds of creaking and breaking ice. This tour ensures plenty of time to head off for some quiet contemplation with this astounding feat of nature.
This shared tour includes an entrance fee to National Park but does not include lunch. The approximate duration is 7 1/2 hours.
Safari Náutico navigation
This is a 1-hour shared navigation that complements the visit to the Perito Moreno glacier. You set off from ‘Bajo la Sombra’ Bay, which is seven kilometres away from the Perito Moreno glacier. Cruise across the Brazo Rico (one arm of the Argentine Lake) and pass icebergs that used to be part of the Perito Moreno glacier. The boat stops some metres from the glacier’s wall, offering you a unique view, while mighty chunks of ice drop off as the glacier melts and moves relentlessly forward.
Full day Estancia Cristina “Discovery”
On day 7 you will enjoy this full-day tour, shared with a big group for transfers from the hotel until reaching the estancia where you will split into small groups for the activity. It includes land transfers, navigation to approach Upsala Glacier, history about the estancia where you will have free time for lunch (not included – we recommend taking your own box lunch) and a 4×4 all-terrain vehicle trip to a beautiful Upsala Glacier viewpoint with a small trek.
This tour includes an entrance fee to National Park and is a 10-hours experience, starting early in the morning and finishing late in the afternoon.
You will be met at your hotel by your private driver and guide and taken to the airport for your internal flight to Puerto Iguazu.
Upon arrival, you will be met and taken by private transfer to your hotel for the next 3 nights.
The Iguazu Falls are the most breath-taking waterfalls in South America. Perpetual rainbows, hundreds of butterflies, immense green jungle and the energy of the falling water will leave you lost for words. Argentina shares the falls with Brazil, and though you can visit them from either side, they are closer to the Argentine side, whilst you will have the best panoramic view from the Brazilian side. The falls can be visited all year round!
Full day excursion into the Argentinean side of the falls
This private tour with an English speaking guide will be provided on Day 9 of this trip. This tour includes the 3 circuits in Argentina: Lower Circuit, Upper Circuit and Devil’s Throat Gorge. You will enjoy travelling between these points on the Green Train – a circuit of ecological trains snaking through the jungle and along the riverside so you can access the catwalks and different sections of the Park in eco-comfort.
This tour includes an entrance fee to the Argentine side of the park but does not include lunch. The approximate duration of the experience is 7 hours.
Half day excursion into the Brazilian falls
On Day 10, you will experience a private excursion with an English speaking guide. Whilst the Argentine side is about getting up close and personal to the thundering waters, the Brazilian side of the Falls offers a spectacular panoramic view.
This tour includes an entrance fee and it has an approximate duration of 3 hours.
Macuco Safari ticket
The most exciting of all the excursions on the Brazilian side of the park this mini-adventure ensures you get thrillingly up close and personal to the thundering waterfalls.
The adventure starts on jungle ground in carts pulled by an ecologically friendly electric jeep that carries visitors to the river’s edge. As you pass through the native forest you can fully appreciate the jungle in all its splendour, and your native expert guide will point out the startling flora and fauna so you are sure not to miss any jungle treasures; along the way, centennial forests, orchids and many plant species only found in the Atlantic Forest are uncovered.
You will be met at your hotel by your private driver and taken to the airport for your internal flight to Buenos Aires.
Upon arrival, you will be met and taken by private transfer to your Estancia for the next 2 nights.
In the outskirts of Gran Buenos Aires, there are many Estancias, extensive ranches with farmed and cattle land with traditional houses. Most of these Estancias are attended by their owners, who show guests a taste of real traditional Argentine life. Many Estancias offer horse riding, some polo, while others allow participation in activities related to cattle and farming. All of them will surprise you with a delicious and authentic “Asado” (barbecue). Estancias can be visited as a day trip or for a couple of nights’ stay from the entire region.
These are days at leisure to enjoy the experiences provided by the Estancia you are staying.
On Day 13, you will be picked up at the estancia to be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
This program is subject to availability and it is NOT valid for special dates/National Holidays in Argentina. Flight information may affect the rates of the transfers according to the airport they are arriving/departing.
Dates are flexible so please make an enquiry and tell us a range of dates you are considering so we can check availability.
Walking Tour Buenos Aires
This tour will see you braving the widest avenue in the world, Avenida 9 de Julio, and being wowed by the beauty of the famous Teatro Colon Opera House, pottering around the Plaza de Mayo with its iconic pink government house Casa Rosada, and viewing the noble Metropolitan Cathedral. Your next stop is Puerto Madero, the redeveloped dockland area now full of smart restaurants, fabulous apartments and stunning modern architecture.
Make your own way to the starting point of the tour in the Downtown district which is the Panamericano hotel.
Full Day Foodie Tour Buenos Aires
We will start the tour by trying the famous Argentinean mate. On a typical weekend day in Buenos Aires, the city’s parks fill with people. Clusters of friends sit for hours in the sun, talking, playing music, kicking around a football and tanning. But no matter what the activity, nearly every group can be seen passing around mate (pronounced “mah-tay”), a traditional tea. With the mate, you can try Chipà, which is a cheese bread that is very common in the north of Argentina. Then we will visit a traditional Café in Buenos Aires and try some sweet pastries.
The following stop will be the San Telmo Market where we will see how the famous meat of the country is cut and sold to the neighbours. Then we will try one of the most typical dishes in Argentina: the ‘Empanadas’ every region of Argentina has its own special recipe which, the locals will assure you, is better than any other empanada out there. After this nice starter, we will go to La Boca where we will see a traditional ‘Parrilla restaurant’ preparing a nice Asado. We will try the Choripán and provoleta with a local beer or local drink: Fernet with coke.
Argentina cuisine isn’t complete without a nice wine! This country is the fifth largest producer of wine in the world and is very well known for having excellent wines. There are many different varieties of grapes cultivated in Argentina, reflecting the country’s many immigrant groups. The French brought Malbec, which makes most of Argentina’s best-known wines and you will not want to leave without trying it!
Finally, we will try the favourite dessert for all the locals: Ice-cream. This dessert is a serious matter in Buenos Aires. There is a heladeria (ice cream parlour) every few blocks, and a request for a recommendation can provoke impassioned arguments between friends about which place is the best.
We recommend trying the Dulce de Leche flavour, the most popular ice cream flavour in the country (a sweet caramel that Argentines typically spread on toast).
Full day Estancia Cristina “Discovery”
A fantastic history-seeped day awaits you today so you will be picked up early from your hotel to begin your adventure, joining a shared transfer to the port of Punta Bandera (approx. 50 km from Calafate town). Here you will board your comfortable catamaran and set off amongst the icebergs and breath-taking scenery of the Northern channel of Lake Argentino (the largest lake in Argentina) until you look out upon the Western Front of the sparkling Upsala Glacier. At the end of this stunning voyage, you will be dropped at the peer of Estancia Cristina. Founded by the Englishman Joseph Percival Masters in 1914, it is a treasure trove of fascinating history perched in beautiful isolation above the shores of the Lake. You will take a short walk through the desolate lands of the Estancia learning the history of the brave pioneers who settled here raising sheep, cows and horses in its 22,000 hectares.
You will then hop into a 4×4 all-terrain vehicle, following the barren mountainous roads to reach the Continental Ice shelter where you will be rewarded by stunning views of the Upsala Glacier, Lake Guillermo and the mighty Andes mountains. Take a short hike around this area with a chance to capture some fantastic photos. The excursion also includes a guided visit to the Costumbrista Museum (old shearing shed) and a 30-minute guided walk around the Estancia to uncover its unique flora and fauna before heading back to the port for your shared transfer back to the hotel.
Full day excursion into the Argentinean side of the falls
Strike out on a full-day tour to the Argentine side of the thundering Iguazú Falls. You will be met at your hotel after breakfast by your private guide. Our expert guide will accompany you throughout this tour pointing out all the treasures of the jungle and the fabulous flora and fauna found amidst this breathtaking rainbow-soaked landscape.
The Lower Circuit is a group of walkways and stairways cleverly designed to allow fabulous views of the falls and offers an intimate encounter with the cascades found in this enchanting corner of the jungle. The Upper Circuit offers the most magnificent panoramic view of the Iguazú Falls and river.
Finally, you will experience the breathtaking power of the infamous Devil’s Throat Gorge, an intoxicating force field of nature’s energy which is sure to astound with its sound as well as its beauty.
Please note the lower circuit section involves stairs and is the most challenging section of the tour.
Note: when staying in Gran Meliá Iguazú the tour will be a walking tour as the property is located inside the National Park.
Half day excursion into the Brazilian falls
You will be collected after an early breakfast, by your expert guide for your half-day adventure to visit the Brazilian side of the magnificent Iguassu Falls. You will cross the border into Brazil with the help of your guide. You will have 2 hours to experience all the attractions this side offers. Depending on your time it is possible to add on a lunch (not included) with a mind-boggling view of the Devil’s Throat Gorge. Or if you prefer to head into the Paraná Jungle in order to make the circuits of the Iguazú Canyon, Pozo Preto or Bananeiras Path. Please speak to your consultant if you are interested in some adventure activities, rafting, rappelling and some diverse river activities are all available (not included). An expert guide will accompany you throughout this tour pointing out all of the fabulous flora, fauna and natural wonders of this rainbow-flooded landscape.
Note: As you are crossing the border during this tour, you will be asked to take your passport with you.
- Private transfers and tours mentioned in the program
- Accommodation mentioned in the program
- Entrance fees mentioned in the program
- Taxes
- International flights
- Domestic flight
- Travel insurance
- VAT of accommodation with breakfast (passports are required to fulfil this exception)
- Meals not mentioned in the program
- Optional Tours
- Personal expenses
- Tips