From vineyards to snow-capped peaks, mummies to waterfalls, desert canyons to sidewalk cafés, Argentina really is a bucket-list destination!
On this tour, you start in the Chilean capital of Santiago, where you’ll get a guided tour through its cobblestone streets and historic buildings that are cradled by the embracing arms of the high Andes.
Then venture to the Pacific Coast to the historic port of Valparaiso, and the resort of Viña del Mar, where you stop by a Chilean winery. You head to Mendoza — getting a spectacular view as you fly over the Andes Mountains! — a history-filled city that is now a world-famous spot for Argentina’s award-winning wine industry.
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- This photo and above: On the overlook at Iguazu Falls, one of the world’s great natural wonders, on the border of Brazil and Argentina. (Credit: R.M. Nunes/iStock)
From Mendoza, you fly to Salta in the foothills of the Andes. Visit a museum with superbly preserved Incan mummies that were unearthed from a 6,000-metre-high mountain. Then you continue on to Cafayate, where you’ll drive through colourful winding canyons, stop for spectacular views and at yet another vineyard, all before flying to Puerto Iguazu and its famous waterfall.
Iguazu Falls is the largest waterfall system in the world and an awe-inspiring natural wonder. Take your time exploring the lush forest that surrounds the falls, while scanning treetops for toucans and other wildlife.
You finish the tour in Buenos Aires, known as the Paris of South America, where you stroll wide boulevards and visit the tony Recoleta neighbourhood. And blow through memory cards in colourful La Boca, and enjoy a food tour and lunch in Bohemian San Telmo.
Here’s a general trip overview:
DAY 1: Santiago, Chile’s Andean capital city. A guided tour.
DAY 2: Day trip to the city of Valparaiso, where you try wine tasting.
DAY 3: Fly across the Andes Mountains to the city of Mendoza, Argentina.
DAY 4: Tour local vineyards, and again do some wine tasting at three regional vineyards in the Luján de Cuyo or Maipú areas, where you’ll wine taste and enjoy lunch!
DAY 5: Fly to Salta in the foothills of the Andes, explore its historic cathedral and square. Take a cable car uphill for a panoramic view.
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- The stunning, multicoloured landscape on the road from Salta to Cafayate, Argentina. (Credit: Fernando Quevedo/iStock)
DAY 6: Day trip from Salta to the Andean town of Cafayate via a winding road that follows a multi-coloured canyon.
DAY 7: Optional: visit Humahuaca Gorge, explore nearby Andean villages.
DAYs 8 & 9: Fly to Puerto Iguazú in the northeast corner of Argentina. Over two days, you visit the world-famous Iguazú Waterfalls — on both the Brazilian and Argentine sides of the falls.
DAY 10: Get a guided tour of Buenos Aires, Argentina’s classic and bedazzling capital: see the city where the Tango was born!
DAY 11: Food tour of Bohemian San Telmo, a famed foodie hood in Buenos Aires not to be missed.
DAY 12: Final day. Depart for home, or extend your stay (ask JLA for options and ideas on how to do that).
Gaucho: Vintage Argentina | Journey Latin America
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Phone: 011.44.30.9858.9426 (London/UK)
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Length/Depart: 12 days/Feb., May, July, Oct.
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Accommodation: Hotels
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Price: 12 days from approx. £2,995. (British pounds), but verify current pricing.
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Special NOTE: With its unique focus on Latin American travel, in response to the recent pandemic, JLA (a UK-based tour operator) has developed a special program called “TRAILBLAZER HOLIDAYS,” whereby trips/tours have been/are being adapted to keep “health at the heart of our planning.” Find out more about JLA’s Trailblazer Holidays here.
Trip description/details from operator. To learn more about this trip, click here.
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