Highlights
- Tour the colorful, cobbled streets of historic Buenos Aires with a local expert
- Spend a day at a working ranch and learn about life as a gaúcho
- Let the family dive into authentic Argentine cuisine with a kids' cooking class
- Take a high-flying zipline ride through the treetops of Villavicencio Park
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Buenos Aires, Walking Tour | Buenos Aires |
| Day 2 | Fiesta Gaucha Experience | Buenos Aires |
| Day 3 | Cruise the Río de la Plata Delta | Buenos Aires |
| Day 4 | Fly to Mendoza, Walking Tour | Mendoza |
| Day 5 | Children's Cooking Class, Wine & Olive Oil Production Tour | Mendoza |
| Day 6 | Villavicencio Park Adventure, Visit the Cacheuta Thermal Pools | Mendoza |
| Day 7 | Depart Mendoza |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Walking Tour
Welcome to Argentina! Your flight lands in Buenos Aires, the nation's vibrant capital. Initially founded in the 1500s, the city has a rich history and culture and is considered a significant epicenter for commerce, industry, politics, and technology. After your driver collects you and your family from the airport and you check in at your hotel, get a head start on your immersion into the city with a guided tour.
Your guide will collect you from your hotel, and you'll set off to explore the local neighborhoods and historical landmarks. Start at the Plaza de Mayo, home to the National Government Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral. Learn about the history of these important landmarks, then head to Plaza de la República and see the Obelisco (Obelisk), a 221-foot (67 m) monument built by architect Alberto Prebisch. You'll also visit the Cabildo (Old City Hall) and Nine de Julio Avenue, one of the city's main streets, named in honor of Argentina's Independence Day.
Afterward, make your way to La Boca, an artsy district known for its brightly-painted houses. Soccer fans in the family will be thrilled to know that this is the location for the legendary Boca Juniors Football Club, where the great Diego Maradona played. Pass through Puerto Madero, a former port area that is now one of the most exclusive residential areas in the city, then finish in the neighborhood of Recoleta, where the star attraction is the Recoleta Cemetery. See the extravagant mausoleums where Argentina's most famous residents are buried, including actress and former first lady Eva "Evita" Perón.
Day 2: Fiesta Gaucha Experience
After breakfast at your hotel, this morning's excursion takes you to an estancia (ranch) called Santa Susana, located an hour outside of Buenos Aires. This is where you'll learn the lifestyle and history of the Argentine gaúcho (cowboy) as you spend the day at a working ranch that includes live horseback riding demonstrations, music shows, and dance performances of the tango and malambo. The kids will get a chance to meet the horses and other farm animals, and you can take a family horseback tour or ride in a sulky (horse-drawn cart) around the property.
Lunch will be served in the early afternoon with empanadas, barbecue, soft drinks for the kids, and local wines for the adults. After the fiesta gaucha (gaucho party), you'll be transferred back to your hotel, where you can rest and explore your neighborhood's family-friendly eateries for dinner.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Cruise the Río de la Plata Delta
Spend today away from the hustle and bustle of the city with a tour that takes you along the Río de la Plata, the estuary of the Paraná and Uruguay rivers. An important trade route between Argentina and Uruguay, this is also the widest river in the world, reaching an impressive 140 miles (220 km) at its largest width. Cruise along the river delta for views of the city's waterfront sights, such as San Isidro's Cathedral, Vincente López Park, and Tres Bocas, the point where the city's Río Sarmiento and Arroyo Abra Vieja meet.
Day 4: Fly to Mendoza, Walking Tour
Your next destination is Mendoza, a beautiful city in western Argentina that is known for wine, outdoor activities, and stunning scenery against the foothills of the Andes mountain range. Your driver will collect you from your hotel in the morning and transport you to the airport, where you'll catch your two-hour flight. Upon arrival, a driver will transfer you to your hotel, where you can relax before joining a city walking tour.
You'll start in the historic Foundation Area, where you'll visit a museum that houses the archaeological remains of the town council, slaughterhouse, and markets that were all destroyed in the 1861 earthquake. From here, you'll stroll the beautiful squares of the New City area, see the Government House, and stop by the Memorial Flag of the Liberation Army. The tour continues along the prestigious Emilio Civit Street and to General San Martín Park. This 971-acre (370 ha) oasis is considered the "lung of the city" and has a large artificial lake, rose gardens, a museum, and play areas for the kids.
Finish in the El Challao neighborhood, home to the sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin of Lourdes, and enjoy views of the Precordillera and the foothills of Mendoza. Tonight, check out one of the many local restaurants in the city for traditional foods such as locro (a hearty stew) and asado (barbecue)—and be sure to let the kids sample alfajores (caramel cookies) or torta balcarce (layered cake) for dessert.
Day 5: Children's Cooking Class, Wine & Olive Oil Production Tour
Let the little ones don aprons and learn the ins and outs of Argentine cooking with a children's cooking class at Santa Julia Winery. This is where they'll take a course on preparing simple, traditional foods with their own hands. The chefs will share stories about the recipes and ingredients, and the kids will have a chance to knead bread and prepare food in a fun and educational atmosphere. At the end of the class, each child gets their own apron and a loaf of handmade bread to take with them. During the class, the adults will enjoy lunch and a wine tasting at the nearby cellar.
In the afternoon, you'll get out and tour some of the local vineyards and olive orchards. While Mendoza is world-famous for its wine production, it is also known for its exquisite olive oils. Your tour starts with a tasting at a winery (juices and soft drinks are available for the kids), where you'll sample the various wines of the region. Then, visit an olivícola (olive growing farm) to sample different olive oils, accompanied by homemade olive pastes and bread. The tour ends with a meal at a local bodega before you travel back to your hotel in Mendoza.
Day 6: Villavicencio Park Adventure, Visit the Cacheuta Thermal Pools
Make the most of your last full day in Argentina with a trip to Villavicencio Park, an outdoor entertainment center that is part of Villavicencio Natural Reserve. Located just outside of the city, the park offers everything from trail walks, treetop tours, wildlife viewing, and even ziplining! Older kids can try the "zipline extreme," which, at nearly 5,000 feet (1,500 m), is the longest descent in South America. Don't worry about smaller children feeling left out—there's also a "mini park" with tree climbing and games for younger adventurers.
If you prefer something less adrenaline-fueled, you can also head to the foothills of Cacheuta and spend time at the Hotel Termas de Cacheuta's thermal pools. There are both indoor and outdoor pools, a natural vaporarium, waterfalls, and a cold spring water pool—all surrounded by the stunning Andes mountains and the Río Mendoza. Nearby, you'll also find a kid-friendly complex with more pools and slides. Enjoy lunch at the hotel, where a full buffet awaits, featuring grilled meats, vegetables, and desserts.
Day 7: Depart Mendoza
It's time for you and the family to say goodbye to Argentina! Enjoy any extra free time this morning to take a last walk around Mendoza, relax at a café, or do some last-minute souvenir shopping with your kids. At the appointed hour, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!
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