Treasures of Argentina

Welcome to Buenos Aires, the “Paris of the South”. Meet your A&K representative who will accompany you on your private journey to your superb boutique accommodation situated in the heart of trendy Palermo Soho. Step out on your own, wander the narrow streets for your first taste of the capital, explore the restaurants, cafés and boutiques in one of the city’s best neighbourhoods.

Legado Mitico Buenos Aires

Spend your morning discovering the many sides to this passion-filled city during a privately guided excursion. Start in the high-class hustle of Recoleta where mansions take you back in time to a grander Argentina. Wander the vast, surprisingly romantic Recoleta Cemetery and find the tomb of Argentina’s first lady, Eva Peron. Then, step inside the dazzling opulence of the Teatro Colon opera house to discover a seven-storey labyrinth of stages, chandelier-lit hallways and dressing rooms.

Later uncover vibrant street graffiti which makes Buenos Aires one of the best cities in the world for its urban art. From its fiery political origins to the more modern context appreciate an in-depth view into this intriguing art form dotted throughout the city. Enjoy an evening in the seductive embrace of Argentina’s most evocative dance at Phillippe Starck designed hotel where Rojo Tango’s live band and sensuous performers will leave you breathless, while the gastronomic offering teams aromas and textures with Argentinean wines.

Legado Mitico Buenos Aires | Meals: BD

Heading north today, fly to Puerto Iguazú, a tiny town on the border of Brazil and Argentina. Privately transfer to your hotel on the Argentine side. Later, discover why the mighty Iguazú Falls is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Appreciate the views of the falls from your accommodation, the only hotel located in the heart of the Iguazú National Park in Argentina.

Gran Meliá Iguazú | Meals: B

Explore the Argentine side of the falls, surrounded by lush tropical forest that’s home to more than 2,000 species of flora and over 500 bird species. Wander along the network of pathways and gaze at the endless sheath of water — some 275 thundering cascades covering a three-kilometre stretch. Venture by train for a close-up tour of Devil’s Gorge, the most dramatic of the falls, before embarking on a jeep ride through riverside jungle following the Yacaratiá trail to Port Macuco. Here, a motorboat awaits to take you up the Lower Iguazú River, through rapids into the roaring Garganta del Diablo canyon in the heart of the falls.

Later, your dinner at The Argentine Experience promises more than exquisitely cooked steak paired with free-flowing malbec. Try your hand at making empanadas and dulce de leche filled biscuits while feasting on a wonderful meal.

Gran Meliá Iguazú | Meals: BD

Spend time on the Brazil side of the falls. Descend into the canyon and soak up the vista of some 275 falls, before taking a glass elevator back to the top. Take a helicopter flight (additional charge) over the Iguazú National Park for an unrivalled view of the waterfalls, Três Fronteiras (the meeting point of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay) and the Itaipú Dam and reservoir. Return to the Argentine side, your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Gran Meliá Iguazú | Meals: B

Fly west to Salta, considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Argentina, renowned for its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and rich Andean heritage. Spend your day discovering some of the many highlights of Salta. Meander through narrow streets and plazas steeped in Andean tradition. Marvel at the mountains that stand guard protectively over the city. Look for the ornate cathedral in dazzling pink and cream and the stop off at the MAAM, Museum of High Altitude Archaeology. Right on the main plaza, this beautiful historic building houses the world-famous Llullaillaco Children, three immaculately preserved Inca mummies who were sacrificed on top of a nearby volcano some 500 years ago. Later, you may choose to dine at one of the many parrillas, with plenty of local wine and dancing.

Legado Mitico Salta | Meals: B

Take to the high road through rugged mountain scapes and startling red rock formations into the province of Jujuy and the winding Lipan Slope road to the extraordinary salt flats. Continue the road trip to the sleepy little village of Purmamarca, which sits famously at the base of the Hill of Seven Colours whose mineral pigments swirl in colourful layers across the slope. Arrive at your charming locally inspired hotel in the late afternoon. This evening, visit Tilcara, the archaeological capital of the region, and explore the rich history of this town with its low adobe houses, narrow streets and fascinating museum.

La Comarca | Meals: B

Venture to the Salinas Grandes salt desert, the third largest in the world. Drive through the high-altitude salt plains soaking in the magnificent vista of Mt Chani soaring to 6,200 metres. As you head west from Humahuaca Gorge, you are suddenly surrounded by white stretching as far as the eye can see. Stop awhile to dine on a picnic lunch in this otherworldly expanse of crystalline flatlands and witness how the salt is extracted for local artisans to create figures in white stone. Return to your hotel late afternoon where you may choose to enjoy sundowners in the shade of your hotel courtyard.

La Comarca | Meals: BL

Step back in time as you hike alongside a pack of llamas through valleys and along mountain trails with the backdrop of some of Argentina’s most dramatic mountain scenery. Used to convey goods throughout the Andean countries since time immemorial, llamas are still bred by the people of the Andes for their meat, wool and as beasts of burden. Today, you can recreate that ancestral activity as you walk along the different paths to old ruins, salt deposits, valleys, ravines and volcanoes. This afternoon return overland to Salta where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Legado Mitico Salta | Meals: BL

After a relaxing morning in Salta, fly south to leafy, laid-back Mendoza — in the heart of Argentina’s wine country. Journey to your luxury boutique accommodation, set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the snow-capped Andes and acres of vines, drop your bags and settle in with the rest of your day free to spend at your leisure.

Casa de Uco Vineyard & Eco Resort | Meals: B

Head out amongst the vines to explore the foremost wineries in the Uco Valley. The Clos de los Siete is an ambitious project bringing together some of the most famous names in French wine to produce Argentina’s best wines across five state-of-the-art wineries. During the day visit three of these prestigious estates to discover their unique approaches and sample their premium wines and limited editions. Indulge in a vineyard lunch of local delicacies accompanied by perfectly paired wines. Later, join the resident sommelier for an exclusive tasting in the hotel’s own bodega, followed by a traditional Argentine asado (barbecue).

Casa de Uco Vineyard & Eco Resort | Meals: BLD

Step into the winery kitchen to learn how to create local delicacies in a private cooking class with the resort chef. Master the art of Argentine cuisine using seasonal produce from the organic vegetable garden, before feasting on your creations among the vines. Following lunch you may like to connect with the environment and walk around the entire estate along winding paths and discover hidden nooks and experience life on a vineyard.

Casa de Uco Vineyard & Eco Resort | Meals: BL

Spend your morning at leisure, before transferring to the airport for your onward journey.

Meals: B