Buenos Aires, Uruguay, Iguazu Falls - 8 Days

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Argentina boasts a long coastline, tall mountains, cosmopolitan cities, quaint villages, tropical jungles, glistening glaciers and one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. It has a rich and diverse culture, punctuated by both historic and modern events that have shaped its personality. European influences endure still today as Buenos Aires is often called the 'Paris of the South.' Lively nightlife centered around tango contrasts with the farm life on a traditional estancia. We'll even hop across the border into Uruguay to get a feel for its tumultuous colonial past. So come feel the pulsating rhythms of the barrios, feast on succulent beef, feel the spray of the thunderous waterfall and shop for luscious leather products demonstrating how easy it is to stretch your US dollar.

• Colonial architecture and history
• Gauchos on their horses perform over BBQ lunch
• Hydrofoil excursion to colonial Uruguay
• Boat ride down the Tigre & Delta Rivers
• Dinner Show with Tango Lessons
• Train, short walk and boat ride to observe the greatest waterfall from all angles

Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by our local representative who will escort you to your hotel via private coach. The balance of the day you are free to explore this vibrant city on your own. Buenos Aires has a strong subway system, and taxis are plentiful and cheap, though you may just want to stroll along the pedestrian promenades living like a local.

Starting in the sophisticated neighborhood of Recoleta, see the cemetery where Eva Peron is buried and the Church of Our Lady of Pilar. We’ll continue on to Palermo, with its elegant residences and Japanese gardens, then on to the colorful neighborhood of La Boca featuring typical cantinas. The oldest area of San Telmo with cobbled streets is also home to many tango houses. Finally, see the modern side of town showing off its port warehouses converted to chic flats in Puerto Madero.

Our 2-hr drive into the rural countryside reveals a traditional estancia built in the colonial style of the Pampas region. Gauchos on horseback welcome you to a spread of typical empanadas and wine. The gauchos perform in the ring and cuadreras races, followed by the Argentine BBQ lunch and folklore show. The balance of the afternoon is yours to take advantage of the facilities such ride on a sulky, go for a horseback ride or just relax around the pool. Finish the day with a sip of ‘mate‘(green tea) and delicious home-made pastries.

Hop on the hydrofoil to nearby Colonia del Sacramento, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We start in Old Town, with its romantic cobble stone streets and distinguished houses. Special sites include Plaza Mayor, Convento de San Francisco, Calle de los Suspiros and Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento. See the Real de San Carlos bullring and San Benito chapel.

Heading through the San Isidro district, we come to Tigre, situated on the delta of the Parana River. The maze of little rivers and isles harbored smugglers until the end of the 19th century when the upper class favored it as a recreation area. We’ll sail along the delta, admiring the grand old residences contrasting with their neighboring wooden houses built over piles. Enjoy lunch on the patio at Gato Blanco overlooking the Rio Capitan.

This evening’s tango lessons might not turn you into a pro, but the experienced locals put on a show while you enjoy a sumptuous dinner. Its origins trace back to 1880 slums inhabited by Italian and Spanish immigrants, Africans and gauchos. By the 1920’s the tango came out of the shadows and into the high-class ballrooms and is still on display today.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the world famous waterfall. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, this is one of the most stunning falls on earth. It’s over 2 miles long and boasts 275 individual waterfalls cascading down 260 feet into the gorge below. It also features over 200 species of flora and 400 species of birds and wild animals.

In the morning, we’ll take an excursion to the Argentine Falls, walking along the upper and lower paths to get a really close view of the imposing cascading wall of water. The environment is also exquisite due to the amazing variety of ferns, orchids, begonias, birds and butterflies.

In the afternoon, we will take an open train departing from the Visitor Center to the ‘Garganta Station’ where we disembark for a 1 mile walk up to the Devil’s Throat balcony, to share one of the greatest shows on earth. Return by train to the Visitor Center where you’ll experience the ‘Great Adventure’, a brief cruise which will allow you to approach the bottom of the San Martin and Tres Mosqueteros falls with an outstanding view of the Devil’s Throat. Recap your day’s adventure over dinner in the hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport via private coach for your departure flight home.

• Accommodations: Buenos Aires 5 nights, Iguazu Falls 2 nights
• Continental breakfast daily.
• Ground transportation via air conditioned luxury coach
• English speaking assistants and guides
• Admission tickets as outlined in itinerary