Classic Argentina: Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Mendoza & Salta - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Tour the City

Welcome to Argentina! Your adventure starts in the capital city of Buenos Aires, nicknamed the "Paris of South America." Transfer from the airport to your hotel and take some time to get settled before heading off on an afternoon tour. Your guide will start by showing you Plaza de Mayo, home to the national government palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral. See the famous Obelisco and continue to nearby San Telmo, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods; it's renowned for its bohemian atmosphere, street tango performances, antique shops, and cobblestoned streets.

La Boca is known for its brightly-painted houses, and Puerto Madero is on the riverside, with former industrial warehouses turned into elegant bars, restaurants, and offices. Palermo is home to many of the city's best bars, restaurants, and clubs, as well as picturesque parks and gardens. Recoleta is famous for its cemetery, where some of Argentina's most famous residents are buried—including Eva Perón, also known as Evita. After the tour, have dinner near your hotel—try an Argentine parrilla, or steakhouse—and get some rest.

Day 3: Ride Around Buenos Aires on a Bicycle Tour

Today you'll experience the city on two wheels. But your mode of transportation isn't a standard bicycle—you'll be riding a bambucicleta, an eco-friendly bike made of bamboo! In the morning, you'll meet your guide on the south end of Plaza San Martín. The first neighborhood you'll visit is Puerto Madero, pedaling through the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve, a large waterfront nature reserve. Continue south to the La Boca neighborhood, home to the famous La Bombonera stadium and colorful Caminito Street.

Pedal to San Telmo for lunch, then ride to the upper-class neighborhoods of Recoleta and Retiro, famous for its ornate buildings and Baroque architecture. Finish the cycling tour with a ride through the expansive parks of Palermo, designed by legendary Argentine/French landscape architect Charles Thays. You'll have the evening free to relax, have dinner, and join in the city's famous nightlife. 

Day 4: Fly to Bariloche & Discover the Lake District

This morning, you'll catch a two-hour flight to San Carlos de Bariloche, located in Argentina's Lake District. Bariloche was founded in 1902 on the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi, part of the larger Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi. After getting settled at your hotel, get out and explore the city's charming chalet-style buildings and alpine architecture on a brisk walk. Stroll Mitre Street with its waterfront plazas, chocolate shops, and upscale restaurants.

In the afternoon, visit the elegant five-star Hotel Llao Llao for an afternoon tea service with dazzling lake views. Or ride the cable car to the top of Cerro Campanario. Located just outside town, the view from atop this 3,444-foot (1,050 m) mountain is breathtaking. Take in panoramic vistas of Lago Nahuel Huapi and the snow-covered mountains while enjoying a coffee or a glass of wine at the restaurant and lounge at the summit. Return to town and sample regional cuisine for dinner, like wild boar and freshly caught trout. 

Day 6: Kayak or Bike in the National Park 

Today you can choose between two exciting excursions around Bariloche. One option is to go kayaking on Lago Mascardi, a V-shaped lake with tranquil, glassy waters and pebble beaches. In the morning, transfer from your hotel along National Route 40 to enter Nahuel Huapi National Park. Arrive on the shores of Lago Mascardi, where it meets the Río Manso. This is your starting point for a moderate kayaking excursion. Paddle through turquoise waters flanked by evergreen forest, then stop at a remote beach to have lunch and relax before paddling back.

Another option is to go off-road mountain biking in the foothills of the Andes. Starting from your hotel, transfer to the base of Cerro Catedral to begin the ride. Cycle through beautiful scenery, taking in views of lakes, mountains, and Colonia Suiza, a traditional village founded by Swiss pioneers in the late 19th century. The ride finishes with a refreshing beer tasting at a traditional microbrewery. Both the kayaking and mountain biking excursions last about three hours. You'll have the rest of the day to enjoy at leisure. 

Day 11: Quebrada de Humahuaca & Salt Flats Excursion

Argentina has few more mystic, historical, and evocative areas than the Quebrada de Humahuaca. This arid desert valley starts in the high-altitude Andean plateaus before running into Jujuy Province and meeting the Río Grande, forming a 96-mile (155 km) corridor. This valley gorge runs from north to south and has been populated and used by humans for over 10,000 years, starting with the earliest hunter-gatherers. It became an important Inca trading route in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Your first stop will be the small town of Campo Quijano and the impressive Quebrada del Toro gorge. Then you'll visit Santa Rosa de Tastil, a pre-Inca settlement dating back to the eighth century. After a visit to one of the smallest villages in the region, San Antonio de los Cobres, you'll arrive at the Salinas Grandes Salt Flats. Explore this unique landscape before continuing to Purmamarca, where you'll spend the night. This picturesque village, filled with adobe houses and craft markets, is at the base of the iconic Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of the Seven Colors).

Day 12: Scenic Return Trip to Salta, Wine Tasting

After breakfast, begin the return trip to Salta. Stop at a regional winery along the way for a tour and tasting. The most popular varietal grown here is the fragrant white wine torrontés, but you'll also sample malbecs and other reds. Then continue the journey to Salta via a beautiful drive along the bright red mountains of Quebrada de las Conchas.

Wind and rain erosion have created some fascinating natural rock formations in this remote region. Many of these protrusions are so wildly shaped that they've earned colorful nicknames, like Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat). There's also a natural amphitheater here which has excellent acoustics. Arrive at your hotel in Salta and enjoy a free evening.

Day 13: Fly to Buenos Aires, Transfer to a Traditional Argentine Estancia 

This morning, you'll board a morning flight to Buenos Aires. After the two-hour trip, you'll immediately transfer to the nearby countryside to a working estancia (ranch) near the town of San Antonio de Areco. The drive takes about 1.5 hours each way, and you'll notice how the landscape shifts to vast grasslands filled with cattle as you transfer out of the city. When you arrive at the ranch, you'll tour the grounds before choosing between hiking or horseback riding around the property. You could also go for a ride in a rustic horse-drawn carriage!

The outdoor activity will work up your appetite for a hearty lunch that begins with freshly baked empanadas and a glass of wine. Sit back and relax as your hosts prepare a traditional asado (barbecue), grilling a variety of meats and vegetables served with salads and more wine. Later, you'll sample classic desserts made with dulce de leche, Argentina's favorite sweet condiment. Enjoy folkloric dancing and more food and wine in the evening, and take in a sky full of stars before resting for the night at the ranch. 

Day 14: Depart Buenos Aires

This morning, your epic two-week tour of Argentina draws to a close. Transfer to the airport in Buenos Aires for your return flight home. Safe travels!