Highlights of Argentina

Trip Length	Trip Code
12 days	PSRG

Maximum Passengers
15 people

Countries Visited
Argentina

Start City	End City
Buenos Aires, Distrito Federal, Argentina	Buenos Aires, Distrito Federal, Argentina

Beginning in the heart of Argentina, we explore the vibrant capital of Buenos Aires; a city heavily influenced by European culture – it is no wonder Buenos Aires is known as the Paris of South America. A local tango show takes us to the soul of this wonderful city before we head north to the famous Iguazu Falls. Here we experience the tremendous force of these unique falls from the top of the Devil's Throat and explore both the Argentinean and Brazilian sides. Flying south to the Lakes District we spend time soaking up the scenery in Bariloche, which has been described as being like Switzerland but with volcanoes, this region is stunning and there is plenty to do and see! Even further south on the shores of Lake Argentina, sits El Calafate, the gateway to Patagonia’s glaciers and we spend time here taking in the one of the world’s most beautiful – the Perito Moreno Glacier. Peritio Moreno is a show of not only sight but sound as this river of ice carves into Lake Argentina. Our Argentine experience ends with a flight to Buenos Aires or down to Ushuaia if you prefer to head further south.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Buenos Aires

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.

Day 2: Buenos Aires, evening dinner and tango show

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner

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!

Day 3-4: Buenos Aires - Iguazu Falls

Meals included: 2 breakfasts

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.

Day 5-8: Iguazu Falls - Bariloche

Meals included: 4 breakfasts

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!

Day 9-11: Bariloche - El Calafate

Meals included: 3 breakfasts

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).

Day 12: El Calafate - Buenos Aires

Meals included: 1 breakfast

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.

Your Trip

What's Included

Peregrine tour leader, local guides, arrival transfer, transport, National Park entrance fees and sightseeing and Tango show with dinner

Summary of accommodation, transport & meals

Transport

Deluxe bus
Mini-van
Plane

Accommodation

11 nights Comfortable hotel

Meals

11 breakfasts
1 dinner

Not Included

Airport departure taxes, visas where required, meals not included in the itinerary, insurance, laundry, any optional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.

The regional flights required for this tour are not included in the tour cost. These can be booked by us or your travel agent and are cheapest when issued in conjunction with your international flight ticket. Please contact us or your agent for the exact flights to be booked for this tour.

Please note the following regional flights are not included in the price:
Buenos Aires - Iguazu falls
Iguazu falls - Bariloche
Bariloche - El Calafate

El Calafate - Buenos Aires

These flights are best booked in conjunction with you International Air Ticket. This is the most economical way to purchase these flights. LAN Chile and Airolineas both offer an Airpass which provides discounted fares within South America and can be booked when your international flights into South America are with Aerolineas, or for the Lan Pass, the following One World Airlines: Lan Chile, Qantas, British Airways, American Airlines, Iberian airlines or any airline who is a member of the One World Alliance. The majority of these flights can be purchased on this airpass.

Please contact us or you travel agent for flight details and costs.

What to know

Vaccinations

Vaccinations may be required for this trip. Talk to your doctor about the up-to-date information for this region.

Visas and Permits

It is your responsibility to ensure you have all required visas for your trip. Rules and regulations governing the issuance of visas are constantly changing, and vary for different nationalities and you should check visa requirements with your travel agent or relevant consular authority well before travel.

Argentina
Australians, Americans, British, Canadians and New Zealanders, do not currently require a visa for Argentina. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent. Please note that when entering Argentine Territory, the following citizens must pay a "reciprocity fee": Australians USD100, Canadians USD75 and Americans USD160. From 20 December 2010, the fee will be valid for multiple re-entries within a period of one year as of the date of first entry. Previously the fee was only collected at Ezeiza International Airport and at Aeroparque Jorge Newbury Airport on arrival but this will now be done entirely ONLINE, effective October 31, 2012 (for arrivals to Aeroparque Jorge Newbury airport) and December 28, 2012 (for arrivals to Ezeiza airport). This fee also needs to be paid online if you are crossing the border into Argentina by land. This price is subject to change and the price on the below website will have the up to date costs.

How to pay the reciprocity fee online:
• Visit www.migraciones.gov.ar or www.provinciapagos.com.ar and register to start the process
• Fill out the form with the corresponding personal and credit card information
• Print the payment receipt
• Present the printed receipt at Immigration Control on arrival in Argentina. The receipt will be scanned by the Immigration officials, the information will be checked, and entry to the country will be registered

Insurance

You are required to have travel insurance before heading off on a Peregrine trip. Insurance can be organised by your Peregrine representative or your travel agent.

Responsible Travel

Our Responsible Travel ethos is at the heart of everything we do, from getting the basics right like respecting local cultures and the environment, to initiating projects that make positive contributions to communities, to our staff’s fundraising efforts and offsetting our carbon emissions.
Please visit our Responsible Travel (http://www.peregrineadventures.com/rt) page for more information.

Customs and Culture

Our Pre Departure Information or Travel Dossier (provided upon booking a trip) provides tips on how you can show respect for the local customs and culture in the country you are travelling in.

The information listed above is a brief description of some things you may need to consider when booking a trip. Once a tour is booked you will be provided with a link to your Travel Dossier which will contain detailed Pre Departure information.

Important Information

Brazilian Visas
If you require a visa for Brazil please ensure that you obtain a 'Multiple Entry' Visa as you will be entering into Brazil twice during your stay at the Iguazu Falls.

Flights
Please note that flights in Latin America are often not at the most convenient hours and connecting flight times can require substantial transit times at airports. We try to minimise the number of early flights and airport waits however in some cases suitable alternatives are either not practical or not available and a degree of patience and understanding is required. Flight timings provided in our trip notes are subject to change.

Public Holiday Inconveniences
Be prepared for the inconvenience of sights such as museums and churches being closed to tourists on public holidays (ie. Christmas Day and New Years Day). Throughout Latin America, quite a few museums are closed on Mondays.

About this Information

The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind when you read it and check with us if you want to be sure about something. The document was correct at time of printing, but you can check online for the most up to date version. If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!

Last Updated

3 May 2013