Highlights
- Check out the best sights and neighborhoods in Buenos Aires
- Explore several areas of Iguazú Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world
- Ride Salta's scenic gondola and check out its folkloric music scene
- Drive the historic Humahuaca route, once used by hunter-gatherers
- Visit wineries near Cafayate and enjoy the pleasant year-round climate
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore Buenos Aires | Buenos Aires |
| Day 2 | Fly from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú | Puerto Iguazu |
| Day 3 | Explore Iguazú Falls (Argentine Side) | Puerto Iguazu |
| Day 4 | Fly from Iguazú to Salta | Salta |
| Day 5 | Jujuy Province & Salinas Grandes Excursion | Salta |
| Day 6 | Cafayate Tour & Wine Tasting | Salta |
| Day 7 | Fly from Salta to Buenos Aires - Departure |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Buenos Aires
Welcome to Argentina! Renowned as the "Paris of South America" and the "Queen of El Plata", the capital city of Buenos Aires is famous for its passion. This can be seen in Argentina's rich tango heritage and its citizens' limitless enthusiasm for fútbol (soccer), the country's most popular sport.
When you arrive at the airport, your driver will take you to your hotel where you will have the chance to recharge from the journey. Once you are well-rested, be sure to venture out into the welcoming arms of Buenos Aires and explore. The city center is your best starting point.
Day 2: Fly from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú
After breakfast, you'll transfer to the airport in Buenos Aires for your flight to Puerto Iguazú. This city is home to the Argentinian side of Iguazú falls, the world's second-largest waterfall system after Victoria Falls, in Africa. Upon arrival in Puerto Iguazú, you will transfer to your hotel.
You will have the rest of the day free to relax. Should you choose, you can visit the Three Borders Landmark in the tri-border area between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. The landmark is situated at the confluence of the Iguazú and Parana rivers and there are three obelisks representing the three countries that meet here.
Day 3: Explore Iguazú Falls (Argentine Side)
After breakfast at your hotel, a driver will pick you up and drop you off at the entrance of Iguazú National Park, the Argentine side of the falls. This is where you will begin the day's adventure, a full-day tour that involves walking the three circuits that weave around the falls. Each of these offers different vantage points from which to view the water.
At the end of the tour, the driver will pick you up and take you back to your hotel.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Fly from Iguazú to Salta
After breakfast, you'll be driven to the airport for your flight to Salta where you'll then take a private transfer to your hotel. The city is often referred to as "Salta la Linda" (meaning Salta the beautiful) due to its well-preserved colonial architecture (circa 16th century) and year-round warm climate. In the afternoon you'll take a guided city tour and visit Salta's most important buildings and cathedrals.
Afterward, you will have free time to stroll around the craft market and pick up artisanal products that range from rugs to pottery. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Argentinian dinner at a cozy local restaurant.
Day 5: Jujuy Province & Salinas Grandes Excursion
It's time for another tour of the Salta region. Like yesterday, you'll be picked up from your hotel in the early morning for a full-day tour.
First, you'll visit the ruins of Tastil, once home to the Atacama indigenous people. Next stop is the nearby town of San Antonio de Los Cobres, where you'll stop for lunch. Afterward, it's a scenic trip along Argentina's famous Ruta 40 to Salinas Grandes, the expansive salt flats. You'll have plenty of time to snap photos of the beautiful vastness of the salinas, which are particularly evocative due to the sunlight reflecting off the ground's white surface back into the bright blue sky.
Afterward, it will be time for the descent down Cuesta de Lipán, a section of switchback roads on a steep mountain that features amazing viewpoints—where you might get lucky and spot condors. Then you'll travel to the village of Purmamarca, located in Jujuy province. Here you'll visit its famous Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of the Seven Colors), a hilly landscape overlooking the town that's colored various shades of red.
Day 6: Cafayate Tour & Wine Tasting
Today you'll be visiting the village of Cafayate, located in the middle of the Calchaquí Valley. The optimum growing conditions here rival Mendoza so you're in for some scenic vistas with mountain landscapes and impressive rock formations. Upon arrival you will visit one of the area's famed wineries and, of course, indulge in a tasting.
The excursion begins with a pick up at your hotel and a drive through the Lerma Valley, passing tobacco fields and colonial villages. You'll then enter the Quebrada del Río de las Conchas, where you'll see curious rock formations (the result of erosion caused over time by wind and water). There are many noteworthy sights here, with names as unique as the formations: the dunes, the toad, the bishop, the devil's throat, castles, and amphitheater, among others.
Then, continue along the National Route 68, arriving in the village of Cafayate, which is internationally recognized for its wine production. The most popular varietal grown here is Torrontés, which you'll get a chance to taste when you visit a regional winery. At the end of the day you'll return to Salta by the same route which you arrived; however, with the sun lower in the sky, the high-altitude landscapes will be all the more evocative.
Day 7: Fly from Salta to Buenos Aires - Departure
After breakfast, say goodbye to the city of Salta and transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival you'll head to the international terminal for your return flight home. Buen viaje!
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