Argentina Triangle: Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and Patagonia

Itinerary Highlights

Argentina, its dazzling and glamorous capital, vast pampas, lush jungles, stunning mountains and glaciers, is a land set for adventure. It is quite challenging, however, knowing where to begin and where to visit for a week-long journey. This itinerary takes you to Argentina's top destinations in the country's most renowned hotels for unmatched luxury and personalized service in three distinct regions: city, mountains and jungle.

Begin in Buenos Aires and learn about where all of the cliches hold true. Beef is phenomenal, tango is by far one of the most seductive forms of dance, and futbol (soccer) is a religion. Spend a day visiting one of the oldest, yet most elegant, estancias outside of Buenos Aires for an authentic experience with the gauchos (local cowboys). Then venture to southern Patagonia's snow-capped mountains, ice blue glaciers, crystal green lakes, for ice trekking, horseback riding, or simply relaxing in one of the most spectacular destinations in the world. End your days to relax at Eolo Lodge, part of the Relais & Chateaux collection, set on 10,000 acres of untouched beauty and breathtaking views of the Patagonian steppe, its lakes, mountains and glaciers. End your journey in the lush jungle rainforest at Iguazu Falls, a truly magnificent display of nature.

Hotels and lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be privately transferred to your hotel for check-in. After resting, your guide will meet you at the hotel for your private city tour. This in-depth tour begins in Plaza de Mayo, the historical, political and cultural center of the city. In its surrounding areas you can see Casa Rosada the actual seat of Presidential Palace, the Cabinet and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Continue to the famous neighborhood of San Telmo, one of the oldest in the city, settled at the end of the nineteenth century by aristocratic families and currently home to a lively nightlife and a weekly Sunday antiques fair. Going further south, you will arrive at the picturesque and colorful port neighborhood of La Boca (with its famous street “Caminito”) before moving onto the trendy modern neighborhood of Puerto Madero, the seaside neighborhood set on Rio de la Plata. The tour concludes with a visit to the city´s two most upscale and European-esque neighborhoods of Palermo and La Recoleta. You will return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Overnight at Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires (no meals)

Enjoy your day of leisure, exploring the corners of the city that you have not yet visited, or immersing yourself in those you have.

In the evening, dress up for Argentina's Rojo Tango show, known as Argentina's best dancers, singers and musicians. Tango is the musical art form in Buenos Aires, originating in the 1880 ghettos, then populated by Italian and Spanish immigrants, Africans and gauchos. Each song has a story to tell about the city, its history and its people. In spite of its growing popularity in ghettos and brothels of the 1920s, tango rose to the salons of the upper class. In the spirit of its history,  you will be transferred to the chic Faena Hotel to witness the sultry musical art form of Argentina. Dinner at the show can be included, but we do recommend dining at a local parrilla (steakhouse) in the area of Puerto Madero for a more local and authentic experience. Transfers can be rearranged accordingly. 

Overnight at Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires (Breakfast & Dinner)

After breakfast, venture outside of Buenos Aires for 120 km to the heart of the Pampa, at one of the oldest estancias in Argentina now recognized as a Relain & Chataeux boutique hotel. The feeling of being welcomed into a private home, into a property steeped in history and tradition makes this hotel a special and timeless place for relaxation. Exquisite cuisine, refined service, gaucho traditions and equestrian sports add to the unique magic of La Bamba. Enjoy one of the excursions included during your stay, such as horseback riding or the large swimming pool as well as numerous relaxation areas.

You will be privately transferred back to Buenos Aires for an evening at leisure.

Overnight at Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires (Breakfast & Lunch)

Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to El Calafate. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide who will take you to your hotel , Eolo, for check-in. The hotel is conveniently located halfway between the city of El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park, yet far from the commotion of the tourist activity in the area. Enjoy the activities including during your stay on 10,000 acres of property, which is a paradise for horseback riding, mountain biking, trekking, bird watching and, of course, to fully enjoy the subtle elegance of the installations. As the only Relais & Chateaux property in the Patagonia, you will witness the magnificence of a scenery that is almost untouched.

Overnight at Eolo Hotel (Breakfast)

Following breakfast, depart from the hotel for an unforgettable trip. Your driver will take you towards Perito Moreno Glacier which is situated within the breathtaking Los Glaciares National Park. Because of its beauty, it was officially declared a Mankind Heritage by UNESCO and is the only glacier that is still growing. There are many activities to enjoy at Perito Moreno, such as walking on the sidewalks mesmerized by the walls of ice, or kayaking near the glaciers for a closer view and thrilling experience. Another unique experience is boarding an elegant cruiser for a full day to explore the vastness of this area as well as the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, a perfect combination of nature and gourmet cuisine.

One of Craft Travel’s favorite excursion is ice-trekking, which can be either a soft adventure or more adventurous for the physically active traveler. Starting at Bajo las Sombras Bay port, we will sail for 20 minutes to reach Los Témpanos canal and the southern wall of the glacier. In small groups, conducted by experienced guides, we will walk by the lake shore to reach the glacier itself. Here we will put on crampons that will allow us to walk over the glacier. In an unforgettable 1-hour route (longer routes are available) we will appreciate different ice formations, cracks, seracs, drains, and small pools. On our way back, we will cross the heavy Magellan forest, visit Canal de los Tempanos, and to stop at a glacier viewpoint.

Restrictions: ice trekking is a physically demanding excursion and is restricted for travelers suffering from any physical condition that may impede their ability to complete the trek. The Argentinean government does not allow travelers older than 65 to participate in ice trekking, regardless of physical condition.

Overnight at Eolo Hotel (Breakfast)

This morning a transfer from your hotel will take you to Punta Bandera port, 40 minutes away, where you will embark a boat to take you across Lake Argentino to Estancia Cristina. You will ferry to the northern arm of Lake Argentino up to the last permitted point of navigation on the Upsala Channel, where stunning views of the Upsala Glacier await.

After disembarking at Estancia Cristina, you will continue with the group to the Fossil Canyon Trek. This trek begins with ascending to the top of the Feruglio cordon for 9.5km where you will reach a looking point to view the impressive Upsala Glacier.  You will then begin your 14km trek over Fossil Canyon, an area with a great concentration of unique marine fossils, geological treasures left uncovered after the passage of the oceans long ago. This trek is a gradual downhill climb, but challenging as well. During the journey there will be a break for lunch (optional) and then walk down to Estancia Valley and to the boarding pier. You will then take a boat back to Punta Bandera and a transfer will be waiting for you to transfer you to the hotel.

Overnight at Eolo Hotel (Breakfast and Lunch)

Following breakfast, you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Iguazu Falls on the Argentinian side. Upon arrival in Iguazu, you will be transferred to your hotel located right in Iguazu National Park. After check-in, meet with your private guide to explore the Brazilian side of the falls. We will drive through the lush, subtropical vegetation of the park. After arrival, we will take a descending trail of the canyon, from where we can enjoy panoramic views of more than 240 falls. We will board a glass elevator, which takes us to a platform where more exquisite views will be revealed. You will be transferred back to your hotel for an evening of leisure.

Overnight at Gran Melia Iguazu (Breakfast)

Your driver will meet you at your hotel and begin your adventure for the day! Upon arrival at the park, we will take the ecological train to reach the Devil's Throat Station. We will walk to the highest point of the falls and, among the abundant nature filled with orchids, bromeliads, colorful birds, and other wildlife, enjoy the spectacularly unique views of the ‘Cataratas’. The highlight of the trip is a visit to the suspended platform at the very brink of the Devil’s Throat – largest of the waterfalls with a height of 80m. 

Continuing the visit, we will join the Great Adventure on a boat, a unique tour and testifies the essence of the 240 waterfalls and the surrounding Jungle of the Iguassu National Park.  The tour, led by experienced and knowledgeable guides, starts by entering the jungle from the “Sendero Yacaratía” trail. An especially build truck allows for a panoramic view of the surrounding nature. At the end of 5 km ride, we will arrive at the floating platform at the Puerto Macuco Base, where the second part of the tour begins. In motorboats, we will head out on a 6 km ride through the Canyon of the Iguassu River, through the rapids and up to the falls. After enjoying the view from the calm side of the San Martin Island, we will move on to the Three Musketeers Waterfall, where the Brazilian and Argentinian sides of the Devil’s Throat waterfall can be clearly appreciated. Afterward, we will sail along the shore of the island until we get to the wonderful and unforgettable San Martin waterfall, the most exciting part of the tour! It’s the largest waterfall any motor-boat can approach safely where we are going to experience the force of nature as we stop underneath for a quick and refreshing "shower". We will return to the base to disembark and follow the trail back to the park. Your driver will meet you to take you back to your hotel. 

Overnight at Gran Melia Iguazu (Breakfast)

You will be transferred to either the IGR or IGU airports for your departing flight home.

(Breakfast)

• 8 nights accommodation (based on double/twin occupancy)

• Daily breakfast

• Private guided excursions in Buenos Aires & Iguazu/Iguassu Falls

• Shared excursion with Gran Boat Aventura

• All ground transfers between airports and accommodations

• *Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international and internal flights, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature

• Patagonia is shared by both Chile and Argentina, making it a perfect excuse to continue the adventure to the Chilean Patagonian region. The Argentine side features arid steppes and grasslands, while the Chilean side has glacial fjords and temperate rainforest. Just a few hours away and crossing the border by car, visit the iconic towering granite peaks of Torres del Paine.

• For those that truly want to “get away from it all” and be surrounded by raw nature, consider a 1-2 night stay at Estancia Cristina, away from all of the tourism crows of El Calafate and the Perito Moreno Glacier. The variety of terrain here for hiking is incredible, from thick native forests, viewpoints of the Upsala Glaciers, dozens of other glaciers, waterfalls, canyons full of prehistoric fossils, rivers, creeks and lakes. For people that love history, the story at Estancia Cristina is incredible and very well told through the onsite museum which chronicles the history of the area from early explorers. For fishermen, Estancia Cristina is an ‘under the radar” gem for catching world record chinook and rainbow trout.