Argentina: Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls & Mendoza

Hola. And welcome to Buenos Aires! Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be transferred to Out Adventures’ joining point hotel. Buenos Aires is a massive, vibrant city with a turbulent past. Feel free to explore a little on your own before a brief 6:00pm welcome meeting. After everyone has gotten acquainted, your group will stroll over to one of the romantic city’s best local haunts for an official Welcome Dinner.

Buenos dias! This morning you’ll hit the streets on a private Buenos Aires city tour. Buenos Aires is unarguably Latin America’s most cosmopolitan and aristocratic capital, mirroring many European destinations. But this sophisticated atmosphere is contrasted by the bohemian, colored houses of La Boca and the passionate tango resonating through San Telmo’s streets. Specifically, you’ll stroll La Boca, Monserrat, San Telmo, Puerto Madero, Palermo, Recoleta and perhaps most interestingly, Barolo Palace. With your appetite worked up you group will enjoy a local lunch in Palermo before returning to your hotel. At this point you’ll have some free time before reconvening for an unmissable tango lesson. Under the guidance of a gay instructor, we’ll learn to sensually shift and sway like a true ballroom dancer. To cap off the experience you’ll watch your gay tango instructors perform before an optional visit to a gay club/bar where you can show off our new moves… or just sit on the sidelines appreciating the classically handsome locals.

After a potentially late night, you’ll be glad to know you have the entire morning and early afternoon at leisure. Your group will meet at your hotel mid-afternoon for a succulent food tour and cooking class. During this experience, an Argentinean chef will meet you at one of the city’s busiest markets where they’ll point out local produce, unique spices, regional cheese and of course, the country’s famous cuts of beef. Afterwards, your group will head to the chef’s house where they’ll teach us the secrets to ageing, marinating, grilling and broiling every cut of beef from the juicy tenderloin to the under-appreciated flank. With their guidance, you’ll then sear and saute your very own dinner to enjoy at the atmospheric house. Vegetarians/vegans fear not! While the country’s cuisine certainly centers around beef, Out Adventures can arrange for the chef to teach you some of the region’s lesser-known veggie specialties. Buen provecho!

This morning you bid farewell to beautiful Buenos Aires and take a domestic flight to one of South America’s most famous attractions – Iguazu Falls. These 275 massive waterfalls are divided between Argentina and Brazil and provide vastly different views and experiences depending on which side they are viewed from. Lucky for you, you’ll experience both sides! You’ll make your way to your centrally located hotel where you’ll have some time to relax before an included dinner this evening.

Please note: Today’s flight, and your Brazil visa are not included in the cost of the tour. Please see Out Adventures’  Important Information for a special note on purchasing domestic airfare, and visas.

After breakfast at your hotel, your group will mosey over to the Argentina side of Iguazu Falls for our first glorious look at this ‘New Seven Natural Wonder of the World’. In total, the waterfalls extend almost 3km/1.8mi. You will have three official trails to explore: lower, mid and upper walkways. Each trail offers a unique view of the falls while also submerging us in the surrounding National Park. Of course, your visit wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Devil’s Throat where you’ll stand just feet from the thundering falls. You’ll grab a couple (read: thousands) of selfies and group photos here before enjoying lunch in the park. After an included lunch, Out Adventures has planned an, um, moist (and bumpy) boat tour into the splash zones of both Devil’s Throat and the San Martin Falls. Tonight, Out Adventures will host an optional group dinner, but you’re welcome to explore the many nearby restaurants on your own if you so choose.

Please note: Today’s jet boat ride may not be suitable for individuals with back or neck injuries.

This morning you’ll take a short transfer across the border to get a uniquely Brazilian perspective of the natural wonder. Most notably from this side of the falls you’ll be granted an unforgettable panoramic view of the entire falls. A simple but nice lunch awaits you nearby before you continue to the Iguazu Falls Parque das Aves (Bird Park). It’s here you’ll meander subtropical forest spotting several native species of birds in their natural habitat. This refuge and sanctuary is home to thousands of birds, not least of which includes macaw, golden parakeet, harpy eagle, and toucan. Your group will then make its way back to your hotel in Argentina for a free evening.

A full day of travel lays ahead as you fly to magnificent Mendoza via Buenos Aires. Once in Mendoza, you’ll take a private transfer directly to your stunning vineyard hotel located outside the city center. To round out our day you’ll enjoy an exceptional Argentinian feast accompanied by a glass of regional wine or beer.

Please note: Today’s flight is not included in the cost of the tour. Please see Out Adventures’ Important Information for a special note on purchasing domestic airfare.

Enjoy a delicious country breakfast before joining your group on our private Mendoza city tour. A local guide will regale you with stories of the desert town while guiding you through the old neighborhood. They’ll point out Independencia Square, Government Building and other important sites.  Your tour concludes under the monument of Cerro de la Gloria before another delicious local lunch. Afterwards, you have the choice to either head back to your luxe hotel to enjoy its many amenities and spa treatments or stay in the city to further explore on your own. If you choose the latter option, a private transfer has been arranged to pick you up at 6pm and take you back to the hotel. Note: while Mendoza is charming and lively during the day, the city really comes alive at night as bar and restaurant patrons along Av Arístides spill out onto the sidewalk. You are welcome to arrange your own transfer in/out of Mendoza this evening to appreciate the atmosphere.

Today you’ll truly learn why Mendoza has become synonymous with wine. The arid landscape is perfect for a wide range of varietals, not least of which being the country’s signature crop of Malbec. In fact, Mendoza produces approximately one-third of all Argentinian wines. Together your group will ride bicycles through the beautiful landscape stopping at boutique wine producers to sip and swirl their vivacious vintages. You’ll even enjoy an al fresco lunch at one of the larger vineyards, complete with (you guessed it) a regional wine pairing. Back at your hotel we’ll have a little free time to freshen up before an extraordinary Farewell Dinner at one of Mendoza’s best restaurants, complete with an entire wine cellar you can peruse alongside the in-house sommelier.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at your leisure. Your local guide will help arrange your included departure transfer to the airport.

Please note: If you’re interested in extending your holiday, Out Adventures Argentina & Chile: Patagonia Gay Hiking tour kicks off just as this tour concludes. Ask us about pairing the two.