Experience Buenos Aires & Pampas + Classic El Calafate 

Departures: valid thru March 2020

Places Visited:

Buenos Aires, San Antonio de Areco and Argentina’s southern Patagonia: El Calafate

Highlights

 

Discover the diverse city of Buenos Aires. Feel the passion of the tango, wander the grand avenidas, relive history at the Plaza de Mayo and discover Argentinean fine art and artists. Unleash your inner-gaucho and experience life on an estancia while enjoying refined comfort and colonial elegance. Visit Patagonia’s most magnificent glaciers and experience the breathtaking and awe-inspiring rugged scenery of southern Argentina. See the mighty condors in their natural habitat and enjoy spectacular views over the El Calafate region and Argentino Lake. Travel by boat for a close-up look at the Perito Moreno, Upsala Glacier and Spegazzini glaciers and hear the creaking and squealing of the slow moving massive rivers of ice.  

 

PRICE: 

From $ TBA.00 USD per person including international flights departing from NY (JFK) connecting with the domestic flights with LAN Airlines.

Please inquire for a custom quote. Prices vary based on final hotel choices, travel dates, and other custom preferences. Prices are per person based on DBL room, subject to availability and may change without notice. Gratuities not included. Please read terms and conditions. Insurance is highly recommended.

 

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

3 nights of accommodation in Buenos Aires

2 nights of accommodation at Estancia La Bamba

Full board and soft drinks (during meals and activities) at Estancia La Bamba

Daily breakfast and local taxes

Half Day private guided city tour in Buenos Aires, including visit to the Tortoni Café and the Colón Theatre

1 Half Day Porteño Art Tour

1 Dinner & Show at Rojo Tango

3 nights of accommodation in El Calafate

Daily breakfast and local taxes

1 Half Day Calafate Balcony

1 Full day MarPatag Navigation

1 Full day Perito Moreno Glacier

 

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Meals and drinks other than those mentioned

Tips and personal expenses

Travel insurance

Optional tours and experiences

Any items not mentioned

 

Itinerary

 

Day 01: BUENOS AIRES.

Upon arrival, private transfer to Caesar Park Buenos Aires (soon to be MGallery)

 

Day 02: BUENOS AIRES: 

Half Day City Tour with visit to Colón Theatre

 

Enjoy a three-hour sightseeing tour of Buenos Aires, a cosmopolitan city that reflects the rich heritage of the numerous immigrants that shaped Argentina’s capital. The tour starts at the historic Plaza de Mayo Square, the scene of influential political manifestations. The square is flanked by the Government House, better known as the "Pink House”; the Cabildo (the old City Hall) and the Cathedral. Further south, visit the picturesque port neighborhood of La Boca. One of the highlights is the famous colorful street "Caminito"; its unique architecture and customs reflect the influence of the European immigrants, especially Genoese sailors, who settled along these shores at the end of the 19th century. The tour continues towards San Telmo, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. Settled by immigrants, the neighborhood has preserved most of its architectonic heritage and boasts lovely cobblestone streets lined with colonial houses. Stop at the traditional café Tortoni for a freshly roasted coffee with a crispy ‘medialuna’ (Argentinian croissant). Next visit the modern, well-heeled district of Puerto Madero and Palermo neighborhood with its elegant residences set among large green spaces. Explore Recoleta, Buenos Aires’ most sophisticated and upscale neighborhood; one of its most famous landmarks is the Recoleta cemetery, the final resting place of Evita Perón. The last stop on the tour is the Colón Theatre, Buenos Aires’ main opera house; its acoustics makes it one of the five best concert houses in the world. The Colón Theatre has its own Ballet and Dance School, and is home to the Buenos Aires Philharmonic Orchestra.

Day 03: BUENOS AIRES:

Day to spend at leisure + Dinner & Show Rojo Tango

Buenos Aires offers some of the best shopping in the world. The eclectic Palermo district is filled with exclusive designer boutiques. The Bohemian San Telmo is the place to shop for antiques and silver, often at bargain prices. Upscale Recoleta features the very exclusive shopping mall Patio Bullrich. Browse for classic souvenirs at the Feria de Mataderos, a weekly fair on Saturday nights and Sundays.

 

 At night, sit back and enjoy one of the best dinners and tango shows in the city, Rojo Tango at the Faena Hotel + Universe. Rojo Tango takes the audience through the history of tango, with all of its love, passion, madness and glamour.

 

 

Day 04: BUENOS AIRES:  

 

At appropriate time transfer to Estancia LA BAMBA at San Antonio de Areco

La Bamba is one of the oldest colonial style estancias in Argentina, less than 2 hours outside of Buenos Aires. Its origins date back to 1830 when it served as one of the post houses on the "Camino Real" (Royal Road) that linked Buenos Aires to the north of the country. The former stables, “La Pulperia”, are the oldest buildings on the property, dating back to the 18th century when they gave shelter to the gauchos and their horses. Now, it is a unique retreat to relax or sip a glass of wine.

 

At the beginning of the 20th century, the property was converted into a luxurious and comfortable ranch. In 2009, the estancia was completely renovated while preserving its colonial features. Today, La Bamba combines luxurious comfort with colonial elegance.

 

 

Activities

La Bamba offers many activities, including excursions on horseback, by carriage, or mountain bike. There is also an Argentina bowling lawn. Relax with a hot stone massage or take a dip in the large swimming pool. La Bamba de Areco also serves as the base for the international La Bama de Areco Polo team. The property includes two polo fields; during polo season, watch a game or even join a training session!

The estancia lies only 13 km (8 mi) from San Antonio de Areco, one of the oldest towns in Argentina. It is the birthplace of the gaucho tradition and traditional leather and silver craftsmanship. Breathe in the gaucho spirit in this 18th century town with narrow colonial streets, church, bars and museums.

Explore the soul and character of the gaucho at the Ricardo Guiraldes Gaucho Museum. Guiraldes is a famous Argentine writer and rancher who brought the gaucho to life in his cult novel Don Segundo Sombra (1926).

Admire master silversmiths at work in their workshop and marvel at the skills of leather craftsmen.  

DAY 05: BUENOS AIRES PROVINCE: Day to spend at leisure at the Ranch.

 

Enjoy a delicious traditional Argentinean ‘asado’ barbecue or watch the horse taming and training sessions. Indulge in luxurious body treatments at the spa or unwind in one of the comfortable loungers by the swimming pool.

DAY 06: BUENOS AIRES PROVINCE: At appropriate time private transfer to the airport

 

Day 07: EL CALAFATE. Upon arrival private transfer to Design Suites El Calafate

 

Half day El Calafate Balcony (3 hours; departure times vary)

Pick-up at the hotel for the 9 mi (15 km) drive by 4-wheel drive vehicle up the eastern slope of the Huyliche range, approx. 2800 ft/850m above sea level to a natural ‘balcony’ for panoramic views of the town and the eastern part of Argentino Lake. A short descent leads to a terrace where one can often observe condors in flight. Relax with a cup of traditional mate tea or sip a regular tea. The return to El Calafate follows the northern slope of the same mountain range, offering sweeping views of Argentino Lake. Return to the hotel.

 

 

Day 08: EL CALAFATE:

Full day MarPatag Navigation

 

The Crucero Leal offers the best full day boat tour for travelers who wish to visit the Spegazzini and Upsala glaciers (ice floes currently block close access to Upsala glacier). This full day program aboard the Crucero Leal offers an exclusive small group tour to Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (maximum of 28 passengers).

 

Pick-up at hotel in El Calafate and transfer to Paraje Punta Bandera. Board the boat at 9:00 a.m. at the company’s private dock “La Soledad” (Bahía Tranquila, Paraje Punta Bandera). The boat will set course towards the northwest, crossing Punta Avellaneda and Boca del Diablo, the narrowest passage in the lake (800 meters/2400 feet wide).

 

After two hours of sailing, the boat approaches Upsala Glacier. In this area the lake is packed with ice floes in a dazzling array of colors and shapes. The boat will stop in front of the barrier of ice floes that currently blocks the entrance to Canal Upsala. Weather permitting, observe the Upsala glacier from a distance.

 

Continue navigation on Lago Argentino towards the south, passing through the Spegazzini Canal to reach the Spegazzini glacier. Get a close-up look at this glacier that rises 80 to 135 meters (262 – 443 feet) above the lake. Lunch is served amidst this stunning landscape. In the afternoon, the Crucero Leal will arrive at Puesto de Las Vacas (a quiet and remote bay in the Spegazzini Canal). Disembark for a guided walking tour with panoramic views of Spegazzini glacier.

Once onboard, the boat returns via the Brazo Norte and will be back at the dock around 6:00 p.m.

Note: the itinerary is subject to change based on the captain’s criteria to guarantee passenger safety.

The MarPatag tour includes:

- Boat tour across Lago Argentino and visit to the barrier of ice floes in the Upsala Canal (the barrier currently blocks close access to the Upsala glacier) and the spectacular Spegazzini glacier.

- Lunch onboard overlooking the Spegazzini glacier (alcoholic beverages and soft drinks included).

- Landing in Puesto de Las Vacas.

- Tea, coffee and soft drinks during navigation.

- On-board activities conducted by a bilingual guide (English/Spanish).

- Transfers FROM and TO El Calafate.

- Entrance fee to Parque Nacional los Glaciares.

  

Day 09: EL CALAFATE. Breakfast.

Full day Perito Moreno Glacier

 

Departure from the hotel towards Perito Moreno Glacier situated within Los Glaciares National Park, 80 km/50 mi from El Calafate (partially along a gravel road). The first half of the drive goes through a typical Patagonian steppe landscape, with broom sedges (a hard and thorny type of grass) and 'calafates' (bushes of the barberry family, known for their yellow flowers and violet fruits). Shortly after leaving El Calafate, Argentino Lake with its Bahía Redonda (Round Bay) will appear on the right hand side; keep an eye out for a variety of interesting bird species. Closer to the national park entrance, the landscape changes dramatically. The vegetation becomes much thicker, dominated by species from the Andine-Patagonian Forest such as beech trees and shrubs. Perito Moreno Glacier is an imposing ice river 30 km (19 mi) long and 5 km (3 mi) wide. The glacier’s walls tower 30 to 60 meters (100-195 feet) above the lake. In the central part of the glacier the ice reaches a depth of 250 to 350 meters (800-1150 feet). This frozen river slowly descends from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. The impressive creaking and squealing, with the occasional thunderous roars, is a stark reminder of the glacier’s constant movement. The glacier’s breathtaking beauty and magnificent scenery have earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Designation. Take a walk on the trails by the western wall to admire this impressive wonder of nature from different points of view. Return to the hotel. (National Park entrance fee not included)

 

Day 10: EL CALAFATE: At appropriate time private transfer to the airport.

 

Tour descriptions and approximate times are for informational purposes only.
Some places described may be substituted and/or approximate times may be subject to change, due to unexpected circumstances or weather conditions.
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