Argentina Escape

Half Day City Tour

Today, you will be taken on a private guided half day tour of the city. During this excursion, you will visit the main attractions, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, Government House, Mayo Square, Congress Hall, Colon Opera Theater, San Telmo, La Boca Italian District and Palermo Park. Your guide can also take you to see the famous cemetery in the Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Although the historic cemetery sits in stark contrast to the fashionable nearby streets that are decorated with quaint sidewalk cafes and elegant boutiques, its beauty is worth its own exploration. This tour will last four hours, as you venture through the wonders of this beautiful city! (This service is on a private basis.)

Argentine Experience

Tonight at 6:15 PM*, be ready for an evening you will never forget! A gourmet 3 course meal with a twist, The Argentine Experience serves up the best of Argentine cuisine and culture, with a slice of international perspective. Argentinian culture is very much centered around communal dining, which is exactly what you will see tonight – a warm, inviting space, where you will meet fellow travelers from all around the world, along with local Argentines, who want to show off their rich culture through food!

Choose from a variety of gourmet fillings and start making your own empanada, learning the traditional ‘repulgue’ technique along the way. In addition to your creations, enjoy an Argentine ‘picada’ and choose from grilled provolone cheese, sliced chorizo sausage and homemade chimichurri. Savor what many are claiming to be the best steak in Argentina, cooked to order and accompanied with velvety mash potatoes and oven roasted vegetables. Vegetarian, pescetarian and celiac options are also available on request.

Over the course of the evening, you will also taste unlimited pours of delicious Argentine wines. From the deceptive Torrentes of Salta, to the ruby red Malbec of Mendoza, the specially chosen wines showcase Argentine food the way it is meant to be enjoyed. Your guides will talk you through the distinct Argentine culture, that will have you acting like a local in no time! And don’t be afraid to ask questions! The guides are a mix of locals and expats who know Argentine culture and cuisine like the back of their hand – they love food, they love Argentina and they love to talk!(This service is on a group basis.)

*Please note that you will need to arrange your own transport to/from this activity.

El Federal Cooking Class

Begin your day with Chef Paula Comparatore of El Federal and a morning visit to the large public market! Walk the aisles and get acquainted with the array of fresh ingredients that you will be working with during your Argentina cuisine group cooking class. At the market, you will meet and interact with many of the purveyors of meat, cheese, and vegetables. Then, it's off to her restaurant, where you will be warmly welcomed by her knowledgeable staff and led to your pre-prepared work space. This group cooking class from Chef Paula, will likely be a highlight of your visit to Argentina! The dishes you will prepare represent many different regions of the country, and this is a terrific prelude to continuing your travels. You can enjoy the ease of private transfers to and from your accommodations for this tour.

Half Day Cycling Tour

See two of northern Buenos Aires’ best-known districts – Recoleta and Palermo – on a fun and entertaining four hour bike tour. With a knowledgeable guide to show you the way, you will enjoy easy pedaling to famous city attractions. Some of these sites include the Recoleta Cemetery (where Evita lies), Barrio Norte and Palermo Woods. Admire the city’s many grassy parks, historical architecture and beautiful homes, while you soak in the fresh air and cool breeze! (This service is on a private basis.)

Today, your adventure continues on to Salta. You will be picked up from your hotel in Iguazu this morning after breakfast, and transferred to the airport in good time to board your domestic flight to Salta. Upon arrival at the airport in Salta, you will be greeted at the airport by your driver and transferred the rest of the way to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Check into your room, make yourself at home and enjoy the rest of the day as you wish. We recommend a visit to the MAAM museum, housed in a mid 19th century historical building located on the main square of the city of Salta. The High Mountain Archaeological Museum (MAAM) was opened in 2004. It was created to preserve, study and make public the find of the “Children from the Llullaillaco”, one of the most important archaeological finds in the last years.

Salta

With an enticing mix of historical architecture, picturesque views and sprawling vineyards in the Andean foothills, Salta is the main point of access to explore the culturally rich Northwestern territory of Argentina. Simply wandering through the streets of the central city area will take you past a variety of impressive 18th and 19th century buildings, including the neoclassical Cathedral of Salta, the ornate Church of Saint Francis and the Museum of High Mountain Archaeology – housing a collection of ancient Inca relics. A more hedonistic attraction is the area’s array of wineries, while for panoramic views over the region visitors should head to the top of San Bernardo Hill. The trek will be well worth the effort!

Full Day Humahuaca Tour

Today you will enjoy a private guided visit to the region declared a World Cultural and Natural Heritage by UNESCO site, going through the Humahuaca Gorge, marveling at the magnificent views, villages and fascinating cultures.

Your first destination is Purmamarca, a town which has earned a reputation for its Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors) which can be viewed from the village streets and the handicraft market bordering the main square. Next, we will visit Maimara, a village at the foot of the dreamy Paleta del Pintor (Painter’s Palette). To the surprise of visitors, its cemetery on the hill can be spotted from the route. Tilcara is famous for its local festivities (Carnival and Holy Week), the Archaeological Museum and the Pucara (aborigine stronghold) with its partially rebuilt ruins from the pre-Colombian times.

Within the Purcara (entrance fee not included), which depicts the lifestyle and development of such times, visitors can appreciate a myriad of cacti specimens at the Museo Botanico de Altura (Botanical Garden). Further to the North, at Huacalera, we will go through the Capricorn Tropic, identified by a white monolith. Uquia is famous for its church built in the 17th century, which has an altarpiece laminated in gold. Interestingly, it is one of the two churches in Argentina decorated with nine Cuzco School paintings of Los Angeles Arcabuceros (angels holding guns), a testimony of the colonial architecture.

Humahuaca, the village the Gorge is named after, has the greatest population. It is also the highest point in our entire journey at 2,940 meters above sea level. Main highlights include: the imposing Independence Monument, the Church and the Town Hall with a tower from which San Francisco Solano comes out every day sharply at noon to give his blessing. After this full day excursion, you will be transferred back to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Calchaqui Valley Tour

Today, you will be picked up by your private guide between 7:00 - 7:45 AM and whisked away on a journey that begins in the Lerma Valley, and all the way up to “El Carril”, where you will start heading west. After Chicoana, the trip will continue along the Quebrada de Escoipe. Look out your window to admire the spectacular scenery and many panoramic views, as your vehicle climbs the Cuesta de Obispo. Following the Tin Tin Straight, you will come upon a small and ancient town called Cachi. This charming little village in the Calchaqui Valleys is where traditions and myths are still very much alive. You will have time to explore the town and visit its famous museum, before continuing your journey to the traditional towns of Seclantas & Molinos Village, Moon Valley of Las Flechas Gorge, Angastaco and San Carlos. Your exploration will officially come to an end in Cafayate. Please note that wine tasting at two wineries will be included with today's tour. (This service is on a private basis.)

Journey to Salta

Today, you will return to Salta with a journey crossing the picturesque Quebrada de Las Conchas. On this scenic trip, you can look forward to seeing the fascinating rock formations of The Amphitheater, the Throat of the Devil and many rolling vineyards and dunes. Towards the end of the route, you will pass once more through the beautiful De Lerma Valley, arriving in Salta by this afternoon. (This service is on a private basis.)

Your journey continues onward to the picturesque wine region of Mendoza! You will be transferred back to the airport in good time to board your domestic flight to Mendoza.

Upon arrival in Mendoza, you will be greeted by a local representative and driven to your new hotel, where the rest of the day will be free to spend at your leisure. (This service is on a private basis.)

Mendoza

Mendoza, home to the delicious blends of Malbec wine, is another city that will captivate you. At the base of the Andes Mountains, the climate is well suited to vineyards and the culture is rich and relaxed. Mendoza's tranquil atmosphere allows you to relax and enjoy the beautiful views and charming vineyards. The prestigious vineyards are located in the district of Godoy Cruz, Guaymallén, Luján de Cuyo and Maipú.

Mendoza's Crown Jewel of Wineries

Today, you will have the chance to see for yourself why the Mendoza province of Argentina really is the star of the country’s wine making show. Although there are other wine making provinces in the area, Mendoza is truly the crown jewel. This is because of its incredible diversity of production. The key is the distinctive micro climates and differing terrains of the 3 distinct regions; Lujan de Cuyo, Maipu and the Uco Valley - all in varying proximity to the Andes and ranging between 700-1,100 meters above sea level. Today, you will explore the vineyards of Lujan de Cuyo and Maipu in a circuit that highlights the beauty of the region and some of its most famed vineyards.

On your full day excursion, you will learn the complete wine making process, from grape growing to bottling and labeling of the wines. You will also learn about the history of the region, from the knowledge of your English speaking expert guide. 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 that uses melted water from the snow-capped Andes peaks dotting the horizon, it offers the verdant wine growing oasis that you 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 along the way to enjoy an excellent wine-paired meal taking in Andes views in the sunshine. Please note that the wineries visited today, may vary according to the availability or your specific requests. Tastings and entrances will be included, however lunch is not. (This service is on a private basis.)

Full Day Winery Tour Valle de Uco

Today, you will venture out to a different vineyards of the Uco Valley, for a full day of exploration! It is here, that you will find the vineyards of the highest altitude. Located furthest from Mendoza city, yet closest to the Andes, it is probably one of the prettiest parts of the province. You will be taken on a circuit with spectacular views of the Andes range to discover the beauty of the region and admire some of the most impressive vineyards. The spectacular scenery and state-of-the-art wine making facilities has the Uco Valley truly poised to become Argentina's equivalent to California's Napa Valley. It won't take long of breathing in the delicious aromas and savoring the flavors, to understand why. Please note that the wineries visited today, may vary according to the availability or your specific requests. Tastings and entrances will be included, however lunch is not. (This service is on a private basis.)

Today have been left for you to spend as you please. Head back out to the endless rows of vineyards, savor the flavors and aromas of the wines and have fun together!

Sadly, your journey through Argentina must come to an end today. However, you will be leaving with unforgettable memories and the experience of a lifetime! After checking out of your hotel in Mendoza, you will be met by your driver and transferred to the airport in good time to board your domestic flight back to Buenos Aires. (This service is on a private basis.)

Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you will connect with your international flight home. We hope you had an incredible anniversary celebration and we wish you safe and pleasant travels onward!