City Highlights & Outdoor Adventures in Argentina & Uruguay - 14 Days

Highlights

• Become an honorary Argentine grill master during a cooking class in Buenos Aires
• Travel by boat up to the Paraná Delta to the charming river town of Tigre
• Fish the rushing rivers of Patagonia and trek across the surface of massive glaciers
• Go hiking and river rafting in the unspoiled Lake District of northern Patagonia
• Relax on the beaches of Punta del Este and enjoy city tours in this fine resort town

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires (Argentina), Asado Experience

Welcome to Argentina! You've heard the stories about its Eurocentric culture, the passion for futból (soccer), the endless nightlife, and the mind-blowing cuisine exemplified by its world-class beef. And you know what?—it's all true. You'll arrive in the best place to experience all these virtues, the capital of Buenos Aires. At the EZE Airport terminal, a driver will pick you up at the terminal for the hour-long ride into this massive metropolis, which is home to around 15 million people.

After settling in, you can stretch your legs on a self-guided tour. Begin at the famous Obelisco monument. Located in the city center, it sits in the middle of 9 de Julio Ave, the world's widest city street (it spans a whopping 16 lanes). From there, you can walk to the Teatro Colón. This neoclassical opera house has been one of the most handsome buildings in Buenos Aires since its opening in 1908. Head east from the opera house to the historic Plaza de Mayo, home to the pink-hued Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace). Further south are the cobbled streets of romantic San Telmo, the oldest neighborhood in the city.

For dinner, transfer to the sophisticated Belgrano neighborhood for a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure. The three-hour "Asado Experience" kicks off at a century-old manor home where you'll indulge in that most Argentine of traditions, the asado (barbecue). Argentines have a passion for grilling, and most households have an asado at least once a week. Experience it firsthand under the tutelage of a grill master as you learn the art of cooking over an open flame. Then, sit down for a six-course meal, drizzling your succulent beef with the famous chimichurri sauce and washing it down with a robust malbec.

Day 2: Boat Trip to Paraña River Delta

Get ready for a boat trip! This morning, you'll transfer to the port and board a swank wooden riverboat for a ride up to the Paraña River Delta. This charming region, located about an hour north of Buenos Aires, is comprised of a series of islands and riverine communities filled with elegant old manor homes lining the waterfront. This half-day tour takes place mostly on the boat as you cruise the tranquil channels, admire the scenery, and enjoy refreshments and an onboard lunch. There will also be stops for swimming in the river and at the colorful river town of Tigre to browse its shops.

You'll return to Buenos Aires in the afternoon and have the rest of the day free. When the sun goes down, meet a local guide for a fun city tour during the time when night-owl Porteños (the nickname for Buenos Aires' locals) are at their most active. It begins around Plaza de Mayo, where you'll visit iconic landmarks like the 16th-century Cabildo (government house), the Casa Rosada, and the neoclassical Metropolitan Cathedral with its grand columns. Continue to San Telmo, where the city's most famous dance is alive and well—you can see it performed in a traditional milonga or even outdoors on the cobbled streets.

Then, head north to the upscale waterfront enclave of Puerto Madero and stroll across the eye-catching Puente de Mujer (Women's Bridge). Named after its sleek lines, which evoke the feminine form, it looks particularly dazzling when lit up at night. Other highlights of the tour include visits to the north, where you'll visit the old-money barrio (neighborhood) of Recoleta and trendy Palermo, with its handsome parks designed by legendary landscape architect Charles Thays.

Day 3: Fly to El Calafate, Dinner at Mako Fuegos y Vinos

Rise and shine because you're off to Patagonia this morning! Your driver will pick you up for the ride to the airport for the 3.5-hour flight south to El Calafate. Sitting on the southern shore of Lago Argentino, this town is the gateway to the massive Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Here, you'll find Los Glaciares National Park and Perito Moreno, a 96-square-mile (250 sq km) ice formation that is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world. Upon arrival, a driver will transfer you to your hotel, where you can unwind after the flight.

In the evening, get ready for a dining experience for the ages because you've snagged a table at one of the best restaurants in town. Mako Fuegos y Vinos celebrates the hearty cuisine of Argentine with a focus on regional Patagonian fare. Their artistic and dazzling plates are served in a space that's at once inviting and upscale, cozy yet elegant. Must-try dishes include roast Patagonian lamb done the Argentine way—grilled over an open flame and served hot and sizzling on a tabla (board) to be enjoyed family style. 

Day 4: Perito Moreno Glacier Hike

Get ready for a hiking experience unlike any other, as today, you'll be trekking across the surface of Perito Moreno, perhaps the most famous glacier in the world. It begins after breakfast when you hop in a car and transfer west along the lake into Los Glaciares National Park. Upon arrival at the glacier, your group will meet with certified bilingual guides for safety instructions and receive your ice ax, crampons, and other gear. Then, it's time to ascend the glacier.

Not to worry, as this is a perfectly safe activity. More than that, this is the best way to experience the glacier up close, as you'll be treated to views and vantage points regular tourists don't get to see. Plus, it's the thrill of a lifetime traversing deep blue ice crevices and hiking over meltwater streams.

After your expedition, you'll transfer to a nearby network of walkways running along the lakeshore. Here, you can enjoy wide, sweeping views of the glacier and snap plenty of highly Instagrammable pics. Afterward, you'll transfer back to your hotel in El Calafate.

Day 5: Fishing Day in Patagonia

Anglers rejoice because today, you'll grab a pole for a full-day (or half-day) fishing trip in Patagonia. An expert local guide will meet you early for the transfer to one of the lagoons, streams or rivers near El Calafate. The drive takes about an hour, and along the way, there will be stops to snap pics of the delightful Patagonian scenery.

Upon arrival at the fishing site, you'll cast a line and try to bring in one or more of the region's prized fish. These include perch and various types of trout, including brown, river, and rainbow trout. Get lucky, and you might even reel in a wild Atlantic salmon. Lunch and drinks are included in the excursion.

Day 6: Fly to Bariloche, Circuito Chico Trek

This morning, you'll transfer to the airport for the connecting flight to San Carlos de Bariloche, a dazzling waterfront city in Argentine Patagonia's Lake District, near the border with Chile. Located within the vast Nahuel Huapi National Park, the region is known for its incredible mountain scenery, azure lakes, thick lenga beech forests, and rich Indigenous heritage. The city of Bariloche sits on the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi and is famous for it's charming Alpine architecture.

Once you've settled in, explore the central plaza, home to the historic Civic Center with its beautiful clock tower, taste decadent chocolates at several shops (it's the "chocolate capital" of Argentina, after all), or visit the Museo del Chocolate, which showcases the history and culture of chocolate in the region, which was brought by German-Swiss immigrants when they founded Bariloche in 1902.

Day 7: Full-Day Rafting Trip on the Río Manso 

After an early breakfast, meet your group and transfer by van to the town of Steffen, where you'll embark on a day-long rafting trip down the mighty Río Manso. After a brief safety talk from your guides, you'll be ready to ride the rapids! The beginning part of the river is calm and crystalline, providing plenty of opportunities to take in the scenery and spot wildlife, such as different varieties of trout.

Stop at a small beach for a relaxing lunch and some, then get back on the water and gear up for the next phase of your journey, which follows an exciting stretch of Class II/III whitewater rapids. You'll disembark the raft in the Lower Manso Valley, where a van will be waiting to take you back to Bariloche for the afternoon. This is a great activity if you're traveling with family, as it's a thrilling adventure suitable for most ages.

Day 8: Day Trip to San Martín de los Andes

In the morning, you'll meet your driver for a full-day road trip to experience the majesty of the Lake District. You'll follow the scenic Seven Lakes Road: a 66-mile (107 km) road that connects the lake towns of San Martin de Los Andes and Villa La Angostura. On this jaw-dropping route, you'll see magnificent landscapes as you pass through two national parks. These include rich coihue forests and azure lakes like Falkner, Escondido, and Nahuel Huapi.

As you pass one such lake, Correntoso, you'll arrive in the small town of Ruca Malén. Then, continue on to San Martín de los Andes, a charming town located on the shores of Lago Lácar. After visiting the town and snapping photos around the impressive waterfront, you'll return to Bariloche in the afternoon.

Day 9: Bariloche Brewery Tour & Tasting, Fly to Montevideo (Uruguay)

Your last day in Bariloche is a tasty one as you head over to a local brewery this morning. Like with the chocolate experience, you'll learn all about the brewing traditions brought over from Germany at the turn of the 20th century. A local expert will guide you through this experience as you tour the production area and learn the particulars of the brewing process. Of course, the tour concludes with a tasting of delicious local beers ranging from light to dark.

Then, say farewell to Bariloche and transfer to the airport, where you'll fly to Buenos Aires. Once you land, a driver will take you to the port, where you'll take a ferry to Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. This fascinating city is known for its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and coastal beauty.

Founded in the early 18th century by the Spanish, Montevideo has a rich history shaped by colonial rule, independence struggles, and waves of immigration. It also enjoys a scenic coastal location on the estuary of the Río de la Plata. (Think of it as a smaller, more laid-back version of Buenos Aires—one that features a gorgeous waterfront.) Upon arrival, a driver will take you to your hotel, and you can spend the rest of the day relaxing or on a self-guided tour. The best place to start is Ciudad Vieja (Old City). It abounds with colonial-era buildings, Art Deco, Beaux-Arts, and eclectic architectural gems.

Day 10: Carnival "Tablado" Experience

Like in most places in Latin America, Indigenous/folkloric music and religious festivals are a central part of Uruguay's cultural heritage, particularly the famed Carnival celebration. Experience it for yourself when you attend a Carnival tablado (Carnival show).

This event showcases the colors and flavors of Carnival—held before the fasting period of Lent and which is famous for its colorful costumes, parades, music, dancing, and revelry. Learn about the deep meaning this epic annual party holds for the Uruguayans as your English-speaking guide leads the way into this world of music, rhythms, and customs.

Day 11: Montevideo City Tour, Transfer to Punta del Este

Discover the famous sites of Montevideo today on a comprehensive, citywide tour. Admire historic buildings like the Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral, stop at charming squares like Plaza Matriz, and take a stroll through the traditional Prado neighborhood. Stop at the famous Mercado del Puerto to refuel and sample fine Uruguayan beef at one of the famous grills.

Afterward, a driver will pick you up for the two-ride along the coast to the beautiful beach resort town of Punta del Este, located on a peninsula on the southern tip of Uruguay. Once you've settled into your hotel, head out and visit the highlights in and around town. These include Playa Brava, known for the iconic La Mano (The Hand) sculpture emerging from the sand, and the former fisherman's village of La Barra with its laid-back bars, beach views, and fancy houses.

Day 12: Day Trip to José Ignacio & Fishing Villages

Time for a tour of the peninsula's highlights and hidden gems. This morning, meet your guide, hop in the car, and set off on a day trip 25 miles (40 km) northeast from Punta del Este to the fishing village turned resort town of José Ignacio. You'll visit several small towns and villages on the way, including Mantaniales, La Barra, and El Chorro. Eventually, you'll arrive in José Ignacio, home to world-class beaches. The crowd here is a fun mix of locals rubbing shoulders with the jet-set crowd. 

After relaxing on the famous Bikini Beach, continue to the picturesque José Ignacio Lighthouse to enjoy the southern Atlantic views, or go kitesurfing on Laguna Garzón. Pause for a fresh seafood lunch on the terrace of one of the waterfront grills, like the rustic Parador La Huella, and enjoy fresh seafood, then head to the Museo del Mar (Museum of the Sea), dedicated to the region's marine natural history. Toward the end of the afternoon, you'll transfer back to your hotel in Punta del Este. 

Day 13: Day Trip to Piriapolis

Get ready for another epic coastal road trip as you and your driver head 30 miles (45 km) southeast of Punta del Este to the charming hamlet of Piriápolis. This area, which is set on a crescent section of coastline backed by rolling hills, is famous for its sandy beaches. While here, you can wander the waterfront promenade of Rambla de los Argentinos to Piriápolis Beach. Then, take the chairlift from the harbor up Cerro San Antonio to visit the small chapel and enjoy the incredible views.

While there, climb up to the arms of the tall cross crowning the hill. See the local wildlife, such as capybaras and Amazon parrots, at the nature reserve, Parque Cerro Pan de Azúcar, and visit the castle-esque Hotel Colón. Walk to the Piriápolis Port and snack on seafood empanadas, then marvel at the sunset before returning to Punta del Este.

Day 14: Punta del Este City Tour, Transfer to Montevideo, Depart

You've hit the beaches and the cool towns and fishing villages around Punta del Este. Now it's time to see the highlights of the city itself. For your final day in Uruguay, you'll meet a local guide in the morning and embark on a four-hour tour. Start in the Peninsula area, where you'll visit the port, central plazas, the Playa Brava waterfront, and the iconic lighthouse, Faro de Punta del Este.

You'll also get to stroll through impressive neighborhoods—get this, Punta del Este has its own Beverly Hills neighborhood, complete with mansions to give the Los Angeles chapter a run for its money. Afterward, you'll transfer to the airport in time to catch your flight home. Until next time!

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