Highlights of Argentina

On arrival at Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport (international) or Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (domestic), you are met and transferred to your hotel in the city. Please look for your transfer guide at the airport - they will be holding a sign with your name on it. Once you have checked into the hotel the remainder of your first day is free. In the evening you meet your tour leader and the other members of your group for a pre-tour briefing. Please check the notice board at hotel reception to confirm the exact time and place of your meeting. This is generally followed by an optional group dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Buenos Aires is home to 11 million portenos, a name given to the inhabitants of Buenos Aires that literally means residents of the port. It has been shaped by a history riddled with conflict and struggles. Even the achievement of independence in 1816 did not resolve ongoing disputes between local residents and conservative provincial landowners. However, following a succession of military juntas, Argentina now has a stable, democratic government. Our city tour of the Argentine capital combines bus transportation and walking and takes us to the district of Recoleta, famous for its cemetery often referred to as a miniature city-within-a-city because to its size. This place is also famous as the resting place for Argentinas favourite First Lady, Eva Peron. We also visit Palermo, Plaza San Martin, Plaza de Mayo and the colourful neighbourhood of La Boca, with its colourful wooden buildings. The afternoon is free for us to explore the city further at our leisure, but it may be possible to book on tours to the Costanera Sur Bird Sanctuary, Tigre Delta or Madero Harbour (please note that these additional tours will be at extra costs). Please ask your tour leader for more information. This evening we enjoy a local Tango Show and dinner, what better way to spend an evening in Buenos Aires!

This morning we fly to the Argentinean town of Puerto Iguazu situated on the northern border with Brazil. Once we have checked into our hotel we cross the border and spend the afternoon at the Brazilian side of the stunning Iguazu Falls where we are confronted with fantastic panoramic views. For those who so desire you can also take an optional short helicopter flight over the falls for a birds-eye view of this spectacular setting. In the late afternoon we return to Puerto Iguazu in Argentina. The following day we visit the Argentinean side of the Iguazu Falls where we enjoy an action-packed day, with some great sightseeing and a jungle walk. Later in the day we get to witness the awesome power of the Falls close-up, as we take a power boat ride to the Falls thunderous base. At days end we return to Puerto Iguazu to spend the night. Twenty metres higher than Niagara Falls, Iguazu Falls are without doubt one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world. Located at the confluence of the Rio Iguazu and the Rio Alto Parana, the water cascades over the edge of a 2.5 kilometre-wide plateau in 275 separate falls. Brazilian Visas If you require a visa for Brazil please ensure that you obtain a Multiple Entry Visa as you will be crossing into Brazil twice during your stay at Iguazu.

This morning we fly south to the mountainous lakes district of Bariloche where we have plenty of time to explore. Bariloche has a distinctly alpine feel to it. It is set on the shores of the Nahuel Huapi Lake, the largest lake in Nahuel Huapi National Park, and only 16 kilometres away from Cerro Cathedral. It is also one of the most popular winter ski resort areas in Argentina. On Day 6 We explorer the lakes district on the 'Circuito Chico' which takes us around Nahuel Huapi lake before wetake the chairlifet to the top of the Campanario were we can enjoy fantastic views across the lake and to the mountains and volcanos beyond. On day 7 we have a free day to join one of the may optional excursions available, including a navigation of Nahuel Huapi lake or perhaps a hike to the Neumayer refuge. There are also day trips to nearby volcanos available. Alternatively you may prefer to explorer on our own or visiting the Patagonian Museum or taking a hike to the top of Cerro Otto, located eight kilometres from town. There is a cable car there that takes us to the top for a great view over the lake and town. If you have a sweet tooth, then the chocolate is something that is not to be missed!

Today we fly down the spine of the Andes to El Calafate, the gateway to Argentine Patagonia. This afternoon is free to explore, you might like to take a walk to the Nimes lagoon by Lake Argentina or perhaps visit the fascinating Ice museum. After breakfast on Day 8 we set out on our day trip to Perito Moreno Glacier. We travel 160 kilometres to get there and back, mainly on paved roads and over an area of wide barren plains known as Peninsula Magallanes. If we look up, we may be lucky enough to see condors soaring overhead. Upon arrival, we view arguably the world's most famous glacier from various vantage points. The spectacle we encounter here is not only one of sight, but also of sound. Thunderous cracks are followed by equally tremendous splashes, as great chunks of icebergs from the glacier wall break off intermittently and crash into the waters of the channel. Please pay attention to the signs around the site warning about the dangers of 'flying' ice. We have three to four hours to explore this fabulous region. Those interested can book on an optional mini-trekking excursion where, after being provided with crampons and pick-axes, we get to actually walk on the glacier itself. The additional cost for this optional excursion is approximately US$145. Our local representative can help to arrange this activity for you, but this will need to be arranged on arrival. (Please note lunch can be purchased at the site; alternatively you may like to bring along your own picnic lunches).

Toady we return to Buenos Aires where our adventure ends on arrival at the airport. You may instead decide to fly even further south to Ushuaia, the city at the 'end of the world' to join one of our incredible voyages to Antarctica. The date for this trip are designed to fit in with the sailing dates.