Argentine Gourmet
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. 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 full day tour, hidden tour of the city, cooking class, half day tour and dinner & wine experience.
- Mendoza: cooking class, full day wine tour and dinner experience.
- Lake district: Hops & beer experience, hikes, dinner experience and half day navigation on a lake.
- Ushuaia: cook demonstration and full day shared lake adventure 4×4.
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 occupation 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.
Mendoza
It is then on to a plane to Mendoza, the land of the wine, to revel in some wine tours near the mountain range of Los Andes. After decades of hard work, the former desert of Mendoza became green, fertile land which is now renowned for its vineyards and wine production. The optimum conditions for grape cultivation are here, and some of the finest Argentine wines are produced here, with many vineyards open for visiting. The Andes mountain range can be seen from the entire Mendoza region, and Mount Aconcagua, which is the highest peak in the Americas, can be seen rising in the distance.
Lake District
You then fly south to the Lake District. Argentina’s Lake District is located on the northwestern edge of Argentine Patagonia. Jagged snow-capped mountains rise on all sides, with areas of dense forest, rolling foothills, and large azure lakes making up the landscape. Bariloche is often described as having a picture-perfect postcard location, and is one of the principal towns in the Lake District. The nature here is as wild and raw as the weather, and the variety of landscapes make it the perfect destination for keen hikers.
Ushuaia/Beagle Channel
You will conclude the trip at the most southern city in the world, Ushuaia, nicknamed the ‘End of the World’, is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities with the mountain range as a landscape. Ushuaia is one of the southernmost settlements in the world and is in the mythical province of Tierra del Fuego. Idyllic mountains and the sweeping Beagle Channel surround the town. The Beagle Channel, named after the HMS Beagle – Charles Darwin’s expedition ship – lies close to the border of Chile, and is only 7km from the city of Ushuaia, Animal species in this area include rare dolphins – endemic only to this area – sea lions, fur seals, porpoise, penguins, geese, herons, and various species of gulls.
You will be met at Ezeiza Airport by one of our great English-speaking guides 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.
Full day city tour of Buenos Aires
During your second day in Buenos Aires you will have a full day, private service with English speaking guide. This 7-hours tour will give you great insight into Buenos Aires and its fascinating and turbulent history. Each “barrio” has its own tales to tell, which you will uncover together with your private guide.
Dinner at “Tegui” restaurant
In the evening you will enjoy dinner at Tegui Restaurant. Germán Martitegui is the chef at Tegui, which was named the second best restaurant in Argentina by S. Pellegrino The World’s 50 best. You will try its 10 step menu which varies depending on seasonal food and is world famous. Definitely a must try in Buenos Aires!
Hidden Buenos Aires
On Day 3, you will visit some of the ‘forgotten’ neighbourhoods, far from the tourist circuit but which preserve stunning buildings and magnificent histories. Magnificent Buenos Aires has so much to offer, you could spend days exploring its most iconic sites. However, for those who really want to delve deeper into its riches this private tour unveils a hidden city beyond the tourist norm. Barracas, Nueva Pompeya, Parque Patricios and Boedo are the urban grounds of old factories, working class project-housings, remarkable churches and pretty local parks. Here you will find street art a plenty and traditional bars where you will uncover histories of some of the city’s most infamous inhabitants and their secret societies. As a journey that grasps both to the past and present of working class Buenos Aires, this tour will teach you stories of the immigrant workers that founded the city, the tramways and railroads they built and the tango and soccer they adored!
Cooking Class at Salú “Argentinean cooking for beginners”
At midday you will enjoy this private cooking class that starts with a ‘mate’ tasting, starter with empanadas of humita or meat + fresh salsa. The main dish is ‘guiso de lentejas’ (lentils stew) along with creole sauce or a ‘milanesa’ (breaded meat). The dessert will be ‘panqueques de dulce de leche’. All paired with wine or soft drinks and water. This tour does not include transfers.
Half day Foodie Tour Buenos Aires
For your fourth day in the city, you will enjoy a private tour with your guide to explore Argentine food.
We believe that the best way 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 including beef, grains, and wine. Argentina 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.
7 steps dinner & Wine tasting at Casa Coupage
In the evening you will experience a shared experience in Casa Coupage. This is a unique place in the heart of Palermo where you can discover & interpret wine paired with delicious regional food created by the in-house chef.
Transfers included for the dinner experience and it lasts approximately 4 hours.
You will be met at your hotel by your private driver and taken to the airport for your internal flight to Mendoza.
Upon arrival you will be met and taken by private transfer to your hotel for the next 3 nights.
The area of Mendoza used to be a desert, but the hands of hard working immigrants and the blessing of water and climate have turned it into a green fertile land. The city of Mendoza is both the capital of -and gateway to- this region, which offers optimum conditions for grape cultivation and wine production. In this area the finest Argentine wines are produced, and many vineyards can be visited to enjoy a wine tasting! The Andes mountain range and the highest peak in the Americas (Mount Aconcagua 6,954m) can be seen from the entire region and can be visited on a full day excursion.
In the afternoon you will enjoy a private cooking class at the property.
Full day wineries
At Day 6 you will enjoy a private full day excursion where you will learn the complete vinification process from grape-growing to bottling and labelling of the wines. You will also learn about the history of the region with your English speaking expert guide. According to the location of the property you will visit wineries in Uco Valley or Maipú and Luján areas.
The tour includes: Entrance fee at 3 standard wineries with standard wine tasting and it lasts 6 hours approximately. Lunch at one of the wineries is included.
Dinner at ‘1884 Francis Mallmann’
In the eventing you will have dinner with wine at “1884 Francis Mallmann” restaurant with private transfers included.
This restaurant is an original idea of Catena Zapata and Francis Mallmann and was formed as a tribute to Mendoza wines and Andean cuisine.
Known as much for his bohemian, nomadic lifestyle as for his talent for cooking; a fascinating and charismatic individual, Mallmann has been known to recite poetry as he cooks. He applies unique skills to the traditional Argentine grilling, famously making use of seven different types of fire for varying effects (techniques he based a book on).
Full day wineries into Uco Valley area
The following day you will enjoy another private wineries tour to visit different wineries.
The mountains and the beautiful views in Uco Valley prepare our senses to experience the aromas and flavors of these high-altitude wines. Not to mention, the wineries you will visit which make world renowned wines from this precious land, complete the tour. This high-end tour is designed for you to share and enjoy an excellent day of wine. You will visit some of the most important and highlighted wineries in the region.
The tour includes: Entrance fee at 3 standard wineries with standard wine tasting and it lasts 6 hours approximately. Lunch is included in one of the wineries.
Dinner at ‘Brindillas’ Restaurant
This evening you will have dinner at “Brindillas” restaurant with private transfers included.
Mariano, the chef, decided to work & travel around the world with his wife, where he got to work at Sant Pau, the 3 Michelin star restaurant in Barcelona, before returning to his land, Mendoza and opening up a restaurant with an amazing menu to taste.
You will be met at your hotel by your private driver and taken to the airport for your internal flight to Bariloche.
Once you arrive, you will be met and taken by private transfer to your hotel for the next 3 nights.
Bariloche is the main access to the Lakes District. Scattered along the shores of sparkling Lago Nahuel Huapi and in the heart of a national park, it is surrounded by some of the most charming landscapes in Argentina; inky lakes, emerald forests and snow-capped mountains. It offers a wealth of outdoor activities year round with excellent skiing opportunities in winter.
Hops & Beer experience
In the afternoon you will enjoy this private tour with your guide which is an ideal sightseeing tour to discover the most beautiful natural areas around Bariloche and to learn all about the local brewery industry. During the tour, reach the top of Campanario Hill for the best Andes and lakes views, taste premium craft beer at Patagonia Brewery, enjoy a brewery tour at Gilbert, talk with expert brew masters and delight a typical brewery lunch.
In the evening you will enjoy dinner at “Anima” restaurant. Transfers are not included.
Wine by the lake
On Day 9 you will enjoy this private soft adventure that includes scenic, hike, kayaking or biking (6 hours), private service with English speaking guide.
Enjoy a soft adventure in the surroundings of Bariloche with impressive views and stunning landscapes. Explore with an expert guide the best of the region; learn about the flora, fauna & history of Nahuel Huapi National Park. Passengers can choose one of these optional activities in advance: Kayak, Hike, or Bike tour. After the activity, enjoy a bespoke gourmet picnic lunch accompanied with Argentinean Malbec wines in a secluded bay.
In the evening you will have dinner at “Quiven” Restaurant. Transfers are included.
Right by the lake with the best view. Pablo Quiven and his wife Mariana are in head of this restaurant, which brings Bariloche’s best recipes to the table with local ingredients.
The following day you will have a tea experience at Llao Llao resort. Transfers are not included.
In the evening dinner will be at Cassis Restaurant. Starting in the garden shared service, the experience starts at the orchard where vegetables will be hand-picked for dinner. Afterwards you’ll dine for the whole experience!
You will be met at your hotel by your private driver and taken on a land transfer to Villa La Angostura.
Villa La Angostura lies on the North-West shore of Lago Nahuel Huapi about 80 km away from her bigger more bustling sister city of Bariloche. This relaxed and pretty town is a great base for excursions into the incredibly diverse Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes – a small península that protrudes 12 kms into the lake. With a pretty residential area, cute places to stay in and fabulous walking and lake cruising opportunities she also marks the start of the breath-taking drive along the Route of the Seven Lakes.
Half day trekking
Day 12 you will see you enjoy a private trekking with your guide. You’ll choose the hike of your preference upon arrival, while speaking with the guide depending on the intensity and views you’d like to experience.
Half day Navigation at Nahuel Huapi Lake on sunset
During day 13 you will have a private service with English speaking guide. It includes chocolate tasting.
You will be met at your hotel by your private driver and taken to the airport for your internal flight to Ushuaia.
Upon arrival you will be met and taken by private transfer to your hotel for the next 2 nights.
Ushuaia, known as the city at the end of the world, is the starting point to discover this region. Whilst there, the national park, the navigation along the Beagle Channel, the Les Eclaireurs lighthouse and the Fganano and Escondido lakes deserve a visit.
This charming town still retains the feel of a pioneer town, isolated and expectant. And the remate and spectacular landscape combines with the intriguing atmosphere of the old prison and the Yamana museum. Ushuaia has become a very important destination as the departing point for the ships going to Antarctica.
Tea during Beagle Channel navigation
As the sun sets behind the Fuegian mountains, it invites you to welcome nightfall from a privileged spot. A shared boat cruise on the Beagle Channel, alongside an exquisite selection of exclusive teas, sets the scene for an evening of relaxation. Dive into a variety of Patagonian delights, from classic flavors to exciting sweet and savory treats that promise a true feast for the senses.
This tour includes shared transfers and the duration is approximately 2 hours.
Cooking demonstration
This is a private class where the chefs will share their recipes and secrets to Fuegian cuisine’s most characteristic ingredients: locally-caught centolla (king crab) from the Beagle Channel and merluza negra (Patagonian toothfish) caught fresh from the icy southern Atlantic Ocean. After the class, we’ll taste everything during a dinner at the hotel’s Reinamora restaurant. It lasts 2 hours approximately.
Lakes Adventure 4×4
The following day you have this shared full day tour with bilingual guide.
An authentic journey where you will cross lengas forests, rivers mighty and disused roads. The first stop will be the Carbajal Valley where we will appreciate a unique panorama. The tour will continue until winter centre to enter the forest where you will have a journey in quadricilos along 9 km of route. The next stop will be the Garibaldi Pass, emblematic viewpoint of the N3 national route. Once arrived at Lake Escondido. The tour will end at Lake Fagnano.
This tours includes lunch and the approximate duration is 8 hours.
On Day 15 you will be picked up to be transferred to the airport and fly to Buenos Aires to connect with your flight back home.
You will be met at your hotel by your private driver and taken to the airport for your internal flight to Ushuaia.
Upon arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel for the next 2 nights.
Ushuaia, known as the city at the end of the world, is the starting point to discover this region. Whilst there, the national park, the navigation along the Beagle Channel, the Les Eclaireurs lighthouse and the Fganano and Escondido lakes deserve a visit.
This charming town still retains the feel of a pioneer town, isolated and expectant. And the remate and spectacular landscape combines with the intriguing atmosphere of the old prison and the Yamana museum. Ushuaia has become a very important destination as the departing point for the ships going to Antarctica.
This property offers a full board accommodation program that includes:
- Daily breakfast and 1 welcome dinner without drinks.
- Shared transfers from/to Ushuaia airport.
- Shuttle service every hour.
- Guided trekkings at Cerro Alarkén Natural Reserve.
- 2 activities to be selected: Beagle Channel navigation with trekking at Bridges Island, Tierra del Fuego National Park tour with the train to the end of the world included, horse-back riding (2 hours), Tierra del Fuego National Park tour with canoeing and trekking included, Full Day Trekking (3 to 8 hours options) with lunch box (minimum 2 passengers) or Lakes Off Road 4×4 tour with lunch at a refuge.
On Day 15 you will be picked up to be transferred to the airport and fly to Buenos Aires to connect with your flight back 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.
Full day city tour of Buenos Aires
You will visit the Plaza de Mayo with its iconic pink government house Casa Rosada and the noble Metropolitan Cathedral. Strike out to San Telmo, the once aristocratic heart of the city tragically hit by a dreadful outbreak of yellow fever it in 1871. The colourful port district of La Boca is your next stop, this vibrant working-class area attracted many Italian immigrants who settled here during the last decades of the 19th century, here the colourful Caminito Street is not to be missed. In heavy contrast your next stop is Puerto Madero, the redeveloped dockland area now full of smart restaurants, fabulous apartments and stunning modern architecture. The grand finale takes you to the Recoleta neighbourhood with its vast cemetery where the great and the good of the country are buried, and finally to trendy, park filled Palermo.
Your expert guide will adapt the tour to your personal interests and if you wish help point you in the direction of your own explorations.
The tour does not include: Lunch.
Duration: 7 hours.
Hidden Buenos Aires
Your expert guide will adapt the tour to your personal interests and this tour is traffic depending however it is likely you will visit Masonic logia house, Hipólito Yrigoyen Station, Barracas, Lanín passageway, Florentino Ameghino park, Parque Patricios and Nueva Pompeya districts, Nuestra Sra. de Pompeya Church, Alsina bridge, Boedo Avenue, Margot and Manzi cafes.
Duration: 4 hours
Half day Foodie tour Buenos Aires
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.
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 will try Chipà, is a cheese bread very common in the north of Argentina. Then we will visit a traditional Café of 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 sell 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 leave without trying it!
Finally, we will try the favorite dessert for all the locals: Ice-cream. This dessert is a serious matter in Buenos Aires. There is an heladaria (ice cream parlor) 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 del Leche flavor that is the most popular flavor in the country (a sweet caramel that Argentines typically spread on toast).
Duration: 5 hours.
7 steps dinner & Wine tasting at Casa Coupage
You are welcomed to the House for a wine tasting. After breaking the ice with informal presentations in the central yard or watching the works of art which are exhibited in the living-room, you will move on to the principal room to start the activity. The participants will be able to draw their own conclusions about the marriages between 3 wines & delicious culinary meals, according to their own palate.
“The wine is a noble beverage that reaches its best expression when shared. That’s why we created a new and exclusive meeting point where a personal relationship with the wine can be developed, together with people who share the same passion”.
Full day wineries into Maipú or Luján de Cuyo areas
Mendoza is famous for its complex and efficient irrigation system developed by the Huarpes Indians over 500 years ago – the province is actually a desert region yet thanks to this ingenious system using melt water from the snow-capped Andes peaks dotting the horizon, it is the verdant wine growing oasis we see today. Some of the country’s most prestigious vineyards are located in these two areas of the province and today you will visit contrasting wineries to see those experimenting with the latest available technology, as well as those using more traditional wine making methods. The region is becoming almost as famous for its fabulous cuisine as its wine and you will stop for lunch in a winery where you can enjoy an excellent wine-paired meal taking in Andes views in the sunshine.
- Private transfers and tours mentioned in the program
- Accommodation mentioned in the program
- Entrance fees mentioned in the program
- Taxes
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- VAT of accommodation with breakfast (passports are required to fulfill this exception)
- Meals not mentioned in the program
- Optional Tours
- Personal expenses
- Tips
