Argentina is the eighth largest country in land area in the world (4000 kilometres/2400 miles long and 1000 kilometres/620 miles wide approximately) and is the largest Spanish speaking country. And from a tourism perspective, it is the most visited country in South America with contrasts from large cosmopolitan cities to wild, barren and sparsely populated areas consisting of lakes, mountains and forests.
Start your Argentinean itinerary with 3 nights in the capital, Buenos Aires. It has been called the “Paris of South America” which reflects the well laid out boulevards which criss-cross the city. It is known for its elegant architecture, excellent cuisine, good nightlife and fashionable shopping. It is certainly a sophisticated metropolis.
During your time here, you will have a tour of the highlights including the impressive National Congress, Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Spanish colonial period city hall, the Cabildo.Also view one of the best Opera Houses in the world, the Colon Theatre. You will experience local neighbourhoods such as the traditional and historic San Telmo and La Boca, the first settlement for Italian immigrants and where you will enjoy colourful architecture
Also included is a visit to Palermo the largest residential neighborhood in the city in which you will enjoy the Palermo Parks, City Zoo and the Planetarium. Finally, go to Recoleta, the most elegant neighborhood of the city with its famous cemetery, boutiques, gourmet restaurants and sidewalk cafes.
A free day is set aside to allow you to take in more of the charm of Buenos Aires.
Fly next to El Calafate, a town near the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. El Calafate’s origins date back to the beginning of the 20th century when it was a frontier town catering to a community of remote estancias (ranchers) and wool traders. It is known as the gateway to the Glacier National Park, home to the massive Perito Moreno Glacier. With 2 full days here, you will spend time visiting and experiencing the glacier.
After this, fly to the very northern border of Argentina to Iguazu Falls for a 2 night stay.
It is located on the border of Argentina and Brazil in a large expanse of national park, much of it rainforest teeming with unique flora and fauna.
A full day of touring here includes the visitor centre where you board a train which then travels along the Sendero Verde (Green Trail) finishing at Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) Station. From here, you will start the Upper Trail Walk, a half-hour walk along a 1200 metre/3/4 mile long trail, with a low degree of difficulty and no stairs taking you deep into the jungle and over the precipice of the many falls on the Argentinean side.
