Compare Landscapes of the North & Falls by Say Hueque vs Independent Rio de Janeiro City Stay with Buenos Aires by Globus

Day 1:  Travel to Northern Argentina - First Stop, Buenos Aires

Transfer from the airport to your hotel – Day at leisure

Upon arrival, we will drive you to the city and you’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy Buenos Aires at your own pace. Buenos Aires is a marvelous, energetic, cosmopolitan city, full of color and different styles of architecture.

The capital of Argentina, and described as the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires proudly embraces its title, and also shows off plenty of its own culture! Argentinians are usually eager to host visitors; if you walk the streets with a map, someone will surely stop and ask if you need directions…that’s just our spirit!

Day 2:  City Tour & Tango Show - Buenos Aires

Half-day city tour through Buenos Aires

In the morning we will pick you up from your hotel to enjoy our 5-hour Buenos Aires city tour—you will be swept away by the highlights of our beloved Buenos Aires! Over the course of a half-day, you will have the chance to visit the historical and political center of the city; Plaza de Mayo, and the Pink House (the presidential house).

Next, we’ll move on to San Telmo, with its cobblestone streets and the oldest residential neighborhood, and then to La Boca where Buenos Aires turns colorful and tango is ever-present. Come walk Caminito Street and dance with the locals. The next stop is the chic and aristocratic Recoleta, where the big palaces remind us why Buenos Aires is called the “Paris of the South”.

Dinner and Tango Show

In the evening we’ll pick you up from your hotel to take you to a mystical place where you’ll discover one of our most ancient traditions. Tango is more than our national dance… tango is our immigrant origins, the talent of our local artists, the sensuality of Argentine women, and our way of dealing with a broken heart; dancing our way through tragic, and yet eternal, love stories.

Tonight you will enjoy a 3-hour professional display of tango and music with a group of local artists on stage immersed in an elegant and alluring place. The manners, ambiance, clothes, and dance steps which tango lovers used to practice 100 years ago will come to life again and you will travel back in time for a night.

This spectacular tango show in Buenos Aires will be accompanied by delicious Argentine and international cuisine. Dinner is all-inclusive, beverages included so you can lose yourself in the ethereal taste of Malbec wine. At the end of the evening, around midnight, you will be driven back to your hotel, fully in love with the bohemian spirit of our incredible city.

Day 3:  Travel to Northern Argentina - Fly to Salta

Transfer from your hotel to Buenos Aires airport

Today, prepare to fly to incredible Northern Argentina! At the appropriate time, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the airport to take your flight to Salta, also called “La Linda” (the beautiful).

Transfer from the airport to your hotel in – Day at leisure

Upon arrival, we’ll meet at the airport and we’ll drive you to your hotel. Take the rest of the afternoon to explore the city. Bear in mind that this is a stress-free hub: la siesta (mid-day nap) is kind of a religious ritual for locals, which means that between 1 pm and 5 pm, shops are usually closed.

Salta is the selected jumping-off point for travelers seeking to explore the North of Argentina. From here, you can visit the most outstanding natural wonders of the area: the Humahuaca Gorge, and the Seven Colors Hill located in Jujuy, a bordering province that is also famous worldwide.

Day 4:  Travel Through Northern Argentina - Salt Flats and Purmamarca

Full-day Safari to the Clouds and Great Salt Flats – Night in Jujuy

Today you’ll travel to the clouds—no exaggeration! We’ll pick you up at your hotel to start a two-day trip to Purmamarca and the Great Salt Flats, a solid ocean of white, 13,100 feet above sea level!

During this 10-hour trip in a 4WD vehicle, we’ll travel along the same route as the famous ‘Train to the Clouds,’ zig-zagging on lonely roads between the blue sky and the high desert plains. On our way, we will visit historic ruins and small scattered villages.

Our first destination is the small town of Campo Quijano, best known as the Gateway to the Puna. Later, we will visit the impressive Quebrada del Toro, a natural wonder where human-sized cacti stand amongst a backdrop of eroded mountain peaks that emerge from the golden sand like giant fingers. Here, we’ll stop for a refreshing coffee break.

We’ll keep on traveling to Santa Rosa de Tastil, a pre-Incan city of the XIII century, and right after, to San Antonio de los Cobres, the headquarters of the Pachamama (Mother Earth) Celebration. The cherry on top will be the surreal landscape of the Great Salt Flats. The natural light and reflections provide the perfect opportunity for endless photo fun. Test your creativity! And be careful where you step; there are artificial water pools around the area.

At the end of your adventure in the Great Salt Flats we’ll take you to your hotel in Purmamarca, located at the base of Jujuy’s famed Seven Color Hill.

Day 5:  Discover Northern Argentina - Humahuaca Gorge

Full-day visit to Humahuaca Gorge – Night in Salta

We’ll pick you up early in the morning to begin your 13-hour trip exploring the Humahuaca Gorge, declared a UNESCO Heritage Site and one of the highlights of your travel itinerary to Northern Argentina. Humahuaca Gorge is home to a bunch of amazing natural monuments like the Seven Color Hill, the Pucará de Tilcara (a ramshackle yet well-restored fortress), and the Paleta del Pintor (Painter Palette) in Maimará village, an impressive multi-colored mountain range.

Our adventurous path will then lead us through the Yungas (the green-tinted jungle of the North), past breathtaking natural monuments until ultimately reaching the picturesque town of Humahuaca. Wander amongst colonial houses and streets, get a feel for the old-world serenity that still survives in this setting, and grab some lunch (not included) in one of the typical taverns; the humita (a traditional corn-based dish) is something you definitely must try!

In the afternoon, we’ll keep on traveling until we get to the little Uquía Church, where you’ll see some peculiar paintings from the colonial period, called Pinturas Cuzqueñas. For the potential astrologists, we’ll pass by the famous Tropic of Capricorn milestone and finally arrive in the city of San Salvador de Jujuy, the second biggest capital of the Argentine North region, after Salta. We’ll visit the cathedral, the main square, and the presidential house of Jujuy, nicknamed Tacita de Plata (silver cup) after the wealthy city, Cadiz, in Spain.

At the end of the day, we’ll drive you back to your hotel in Salta. If you feel like having a particularly nice evening, walk Balcarce Street and choose the bar or peña that suits you the most!

Day 6:  Calchaquí Valley - Excursion in Salta

Full-day Calchaquí Valley excursion – Night in Salta

On this Calchaquí Valley adventure, you’ll immerse yourself directly into the forbidding universe of Las Conchas Gorge, where erosion has carved mysterious red shapes into the rocks.

Get prepared to visit this Natural Reserve for about 5 hours, to enjoy the views of its colorful hills while you go down its red-tinted promontories and discover the most particular rocky highlights: the Frog, the Obelisk, and the Castles.

The highlight of the day will be the Amphitheater and the famous Devil’s Throat. The Amphitheater is a natural semicircular formation (65 feet high) and is home to intimate concerts performed by local artists. Get inside and check out the amazing acoustics by singing your favorite tune! Nearby, the Devil’s Throat awaits, right at the end of Las Conchas Gorge. Going down this particular rocky formation, you’ll feel like you’re right in the belly of a giant!

At the end of the day, we’ll drive you back to Salta. Enjoy the evening going to a peña to mingle with locals and eat the empanada salteña, a special variation of this popular Northern Argentina dish.

Day 7:  Continue Exploring Northern Argentina - Travel to Iguazú Falls

Transfer from your hotel to Salta airport

say goodbye to the awe-inspiring landscapes of this region of Northern Argentina and get ready to continue your journey. In the morning, we’ll pick you up and drive you to the local airport to take your flight to Puerto Iguazú.

Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Puerto Iguazú – Day at leisure 

Upon arrival, we will meet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel in Puerto Iguazú. The small border town of Puerto Iguazú is the gateway to visit the impressive Iguazú Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a must-see destination for any traveler visiting Argentina.

Day 8:  Iguazú Falls - Argentine Side

Wander Iguazú Falls National Park and meet The Devil’s Throat

Today our driver and bilingual guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the National Park, on the Argentinian side. Enjoy a 7-hour tour wandering through the rainforest!

The falls are surrounded by a humid subtropical forest where the exuberant vegetation is home to many different animals and birds. Our guide will help you spot some of them: antbirds, toucans, manakins, parrots, and coatis, just to name a few of the most common birds. Lower and upper walkways weave in and around falls permitting up close and personal experiences with this magnificent spectacle of nature.

The Argentine side of the falls is filled with a myriad of paths walkways and stairways which allow you to have an experience from many different perspectives. You will have the chance to meet “The Devil’s Throat”: the largest of the falls and for many the most spellbinding. To get to the “Devil’s throat” you take the ecological train and then walk out along boardwalks. After walking and taking pictures of animals and plants, you will have some free time to eat lunch in this amazing environment. At the end of the experience, we will drive you back to your hotel.

Day 9: Iguazu Falls - Brazilian side

Visit the Brazilian side of Iguazú National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a 4-hour excursion to the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls. Don’t forget your passport! While Argentina has 80% of the falls on its side, Brazil has the best panoramic view.

On the Argentine side you will have the sensation of being right inside the falls, but only by visiting the Brazilian side will you fully appreciate the immensity of Iguazú Falls. Take your time to enjoy it and feel it, to stroll the different walkways and feel the spray of water on your face.

Take the boardwalk over the Salto Santa María; it feels like walking on the water. Get closer to the “Devil’s Throat” and experience the power of water! We are sure this is a day you will never forget.

Day 10:  Fly Back to Buenos Aires

Transfer from your hotel to Puerto Iguazú airport/Transfer from Buenos Aires airport to your hotel
This is the end of your journey through Northern Argentina, but the. At the appropriate time, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the airport to take your flight back to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, we’ll meet at the airport and drive you to your hotel.

Day 11:  Day at leisure - Buenos Aires

Optional tours – Full-day visit to a traditional ranch in La Pampa
On your free day in Buenos Aires, you can discover the secrets of La Pampa and Argentina’s rural culture. Argentina is world-famous for its fútbol (soccer) players, but also for the vastness of its green-tinted fields, best known as ‘La Pampa’. That endless land at the edge of the horizon is still home to the descendants of the first gauchos (Argentine cowboys), who still care for and work the land as their ancestors taught them to.

There are still some estancias (ranches) that preserve the gaucho traditions, located in picturesque towns within Buenos Aires’ province. One of the most alluring estancias is El Ombú de Areco, a colonial-style working ranch built in 1880 that is located in the town of San Antonio de Areco, where gaucho traditions are ever-present.

Today, we’ll pick you up at your hotel to begin a 9-hour visit to this time-honored ranch. Learn about the gaucho culture and traditions, strolling around the beautiful old streets, museums, and ancient pulperías (grocery stores) in San Antonio de Areco before heading to El Ombú.

Once you’re in the estancia, enjoy a typical asado (barbecue) before either a horseback ride in nature or a relaxing bike ride. For those who like to take things slow while on vacation, there is a peaceful swimming pool (only available in summer) and many sunny relaxation areas where you can take la siesta (an afternoon nap). At the end of the day, we’ll take you back to your hotel in Buenos Aires.

Day 12:  The End of Your Trip to Northern Argentina

Transfer from your hotel to Buenos Aires airport
It’s the last day of your journey to Northern Argentina… we hope to see you back here soon! At the appropriate time, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the international airport to take your flight back home.

Did you know that Patagonia is just 3 hours away by plane from Buenos Aires? If you want to discover these southern natural wonders, we have some trip ideas so you can keep on exploring Argentina.

Day 1: ARRIVE IN RIO DE JANEIRO

Welcome to South America’s capital of glamour—Rio de Janeiro, where your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2: RIO DE JANEIRO

• Today, your private tour takes you to the Cosme Velho district, where you board a cog-wheel train that will take you through the lush tropical vegetation of Tijuca Forest to the top of Corcovado Mountain. This rounded peak rising 2,300 feet from the bay is one of the New7Wonders of the World and home to the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panorama, which affords sweeping views of the city and beaches below.
• The afternoon and evening are at leisure.
• Tonight, you may opt to join an outing to a fun churrascaria for a feast of barbecued meats that are marinated and roasted over charcoal in true Brazilian style.

(Breakfast)

Day 3: RIO DE JANEIRO

• Enjoy a full day at leisure. Your Local Host will suggest some options for your free time.

(Breakfast)

Today’s I-Time Tips
This afternoon, you may elect to discover historic Petropolis, a mountain resort and site of the former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II, or take an optional excursion to visit iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Day 4: RIO DE JANEIRO–BUENOS AIRES

• Fly to Buenos Aires, meet your local guide, and transfer to your hotel.

(Breakfast)

Day 5: BUENOS AIRES

• After breakfast, your private tour takes you along the widest avenue in the world to see the Teatro Colón Opera House, the pride of Buenos Aires. You’ll also visit the Avenida de Mayo and Plaza de Mayo, surrounded by La Casa Rosada (the President’s Pink House), and the Cabildo, which was the first City Hall. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, which houses San Martin’s Mausoleum. Continue to the oldest district in Buenos Aires, San Telmo, then stop by vibrant hues of La Boca and Palermo. Finish your city tour with a visit to Recoleta Cemetery, burial site of Eva Perón and a highlight of the city.
• This evening, you may opt to enjoy dinner and a traditional Tango show—Argentina’s famed passionate dance.

(Breakfast)

Today’s I-Time Tips
The Tango and Argentina go hand in hand. Treat yourself to a visit to a local tango house to see this passionate dance performed in its authentic style, while dining on Argentine cuisine and wine!

Day 6: BUENOS AIRES

• Today is free to explore. Consider an optional excursion to visit a traditional estancia (ranch) to experience the lifestyle of the gauchos, or cruise down the Tigre River surrounded by beautiful landscapes and impressive homes.

(Breakfast)

Today’s I-Time Tips
Estancias date back to the 16th century during Spanish colonization when conquistadors where gifted land to raise and breed cattle. Today, these lands and traditions that go along with them have been passed down from generation to generation. Today, you have the chance to step into the traditional, local life of a gaucho and embrace Argentinean heritage during an optional trip to an estancia.

Day 7: BUENOS AIRES

Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)