Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Real travelers love South America. Andean peaks, Amazonian rainforest, Patagonian glaciers, Incan ruins, colonial towns, white-sand beaches and vertiginous nightlife: the wonders of South America set the stage for incredible adventures. It is as though the continent was built for travel; a place that excites, thrills, challenges & infuriates.

Landscapes rivalled by few….Beautiful, defiant & intense. It is apparent why Argentina has long held travelers in awe with its streetside tango, wafting grills, fútbol (soccer), gaucho culture & the mighty Andes, Patagonia. It is one formidable cocktail of wanderlust.

And, Buenos Aires combines faded colonial architecture with Latin passion. Sexy & alive, this beautiful city gets under your skin.

Arrive in Buenos Aires which combines faded European grandeur with Latin passion.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Sexy, alive & supremely confident, this beautiful city gets under your skin. Like Europe with a melancholic twist, Buenos Aires is unforgettable.

Steak, Wine & Ice Cream| Art & Architecture| Nightlife |Tango

Arriving in Buenos Aires is like jumping aboard a moving train. The modern metropolis whizzes by, alive with street life from busy sidewalk cafes, to hush parks carpeted in purple jacaranda blooms in springtime. There are heaps of bookstores, creative boutiques & gourmet eats.

BA is an amazing city, an astonishing metropolis that looks a bit like Europe, but with an edgy Latin American twist. Stylish Portenos (as BA residents are called) savor public life – whether it is sharing mate (a tea-like beverage) on Sunday in the park or gelato under handsome early 20^th century stone facades. Portenos are passionate, opinionated & - once you get past their hard-city facade - very friendly. Walk among them along the busy avenues, taking in the street life & often the craziness that goes along with it. This is a very special place, beautiful in its own unique way, resilient & creative. It is the kind of city travelers fall in love with, dream about & then move to!

Look closely: this city is beautiful. Sure, it might look like a concrete jungle from certain angles, but stroll through the streets, paying attention to the magnificent architecture around you, and you will soon be won over. Grand French & Italian-style palaces grab the limelight, but you will see interesting architectural details in the buildings of even low-key, local barrios. These days the beauty of these traditional neighborhoods is further enhanced by colorful murals painted by artists involved in the city's vibrant street-art scene. For these talented individuals, the city is their canvas.

BA's famous dance is possibly the city's greatest contribution to the outside world. Folklore says it began in the bordellos of long-ago Buenos Aires, when men waiting for their 'ladies' passed time by dancing amongst themselves. Today, glamorized tango shows are supremely entertaining with their grand feats of athleticism. You will also find endless venues for perfecting your moves, from salons to milongas (dance events) to cafes. Just realize that some people become addicted - & can spend a lifetime perfecting this sensual dance.

Cultural activities abound here. Tango is possibly Argentina’s greatest contribution to the outside world. The steamy dance has been described as ‘making love in the vertical position.’ And what about futbol (soccer)? Argentines are passionately devoted to this sport & if you are a fan, chanting & stomping alongside other stadium fanatics should definitely be in your plans. Add a distinctive Argentine take on literature, cinema, music & arts, and you have a rich, edgy culture – part Latin American & part European – that you can’t help but fall in love with.

Fancy some Indian, French, Vietnamese, Lebanese, Thai, Scandinavian, Mexican, Brazilian, Peruvian, Armenian or American food during your stay in BA? No problem. But for many travelers, it is the city's carnivorous pleasures that shine. Satisfying that craving for juicy steaks isn't hard to do in the land that has perfected grilling those wonderfully flavorful sides of beef. Parrillas (steakhouses) sit on practically every corner & will offer up myriad cuts, from bife de chorizo (sirloin) to vacio (flank steak) to ojo de bife (rib eye). But leave room for ice cream, if you can – a late-night cone of dulce de leche (caramel) helado can't be topped. Vegetarians, you have been warned!

It is no joke: Buenos Aires is a shopper's paradise. The city is laced with shopping streets lined with heaps of clothing & shoe stores, leather shops & nearly everything else you can think of. Large shopping malls are modern & family-friendly, offering designer goods, food courts & even children's play areas. But perhaps the city's best shopping is in Palermo Viejo, where countless upscale boutiques live; these offer avant-garde clothing, unique housewares & fun souvenirs. And let us not forget San Telmo, where antiques aficionados flock; the Sunday fair here is famous & entertaining, and will easily fill up a long afternoon.

Take a cat nap, down your coffee & be prepared to stay up all night - this is a city that never sleeps! Restaurants open at 9.00 pm, bars at midnight & clubs at 2.00 am - at the very earliest. If you are cool, of course, you will show up after 4.00 am & dance till dawn. International DJs are the rage, spinning electronica & house to legions of hip, trendy & well-dressed crowds. But you can also enjoy live music such as rock, blues, jazz & even folk - just remember that you will be doing it all very late!

Evening around 06.00 pm, you will be met by a Journeys Rep / Driver & proceed for Dinner at Restaurant “Un Aplauso pa’l Asador”, which is not only a roasted grilled dinner but a truly Argentinean experience. You will also see a folk dance & music show, during & after the dinner.

For Argentines, an Asado Criollo is a ritual, a tradition, a good excuse to meet with friends & relatives. That is why we invite you to discover the secrets of cooking a delicious Asado.

The experience commences with lighting the fire, preparing the beef & the right dressing: the “Chimichurri” sauce. We will also get tips on the proper temperature & cooking time. True Asadors master their grill with flare and finesse.

Then you will enjoy more the Asado you just cooked!

You will notice another tradition… if the Asado is really good & tasty one of the guests at the table stands up and says “Un aplauso pa’l asador!” (clap your hands & congratulate the cook!). Wine is also an important part of this experience. A basic principle of food & wine pairing is to match wines with regional dishes, since local flavors tend to have a natural affinity. This becomes evident when enjoying Argentine Malbec with the Asado.

Return to the hotel.

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Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 09:00 am & proceed for a 3 hour sightseeing tour of Buenos Aires, a cosmopolitan city that shows the influence of the numerous waves of immigrants that formed it.

Start at the historic Plaza de Mayo Square, the oldest public Square in BA that has been the scene of many of the most important events in the city's history, from the second founding of the city in 1580, through the revolution of independence, to more recent political demonstrations. Plaza de Mayo is the place where Argentines gather in vehement protest or jubilant celebration.

Its current name commemorates the May Revolution of 1810 that began in what was then called the Plaza de la Victoria. Six years later Argentina won independence from Spain & the Square was given its current name, May Square. At the center is the Piramide de Mayo, a white obelisk built to mark the first anniversary of independence from Spain.

Among the 3 important historic buildings surrounding the Plaza are the pink coloured Casa Rosada (or Casa de Gobierno) - the executive mansion & office of the President of Argentina & considered one of the most emblematic buildings in Buenos Aires which also houses a Museum, which contains objects relating to former presidents of Argentina.

The Town Hall Cabildo, dating back to 1580 which was the site of Spain's colonial administration in the city. Originally constructed from adobe & thatch, the current building was constructed over the second half of the 18th century, witnessed the Argentine Revolution in 1810 & served as an important administrative building during the first century of Argentine independence.

The Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral - the the main Catholic church in the city where Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio used to perform mass before assuming office in the Vatican in 2013 as Pope Francis. In Bergoglio's honour, the Cathedral now houses the Pope Francis Museum, which exhibits some of his personal & liturgical objects.

Every major city in the world has a famous main avenue, for example, New York has 5^th Avenue & Paris has the Champs Elysees. Buenos Aires is no exception & like its steak sizes, the Portenos were generous when constructing the 3km main avenue, Avenida 9 de Julio, a major thoroughfare in the city centre with its 8 lanes divided by small green squares with old leafy trees, enriched by sculptures & fountains. Named after the day of Argentina’s Independence on 9^th July 1816, construction of the imposing Avenue began in the 1930s & was finally completed in 1980, gaining the title of the widest street in the world!

As the traffic lights turn red, jugglers, fire eaters & other street performers begin their short shows in order to make a few pesos. However, within all this noise & energy, you can enjoy the tranquillity of the small tree-lined plazas & gardens which run the length of the avenue.

Find a bench & pass some time soaking up the liveliness of Buenos Aires by watching the street performers, the frenzied traffic, or taking the opportunity to try & fit the whole of the Avenue into one incredible panoramic photograph capturing all aspects of Buenos Aires life.

At the very center of the avenue where it crosses with Avenida de Mayo, is one of Buenos Aires’ most famous & recognized landmarks. The Obelisk, or Obelisco, is a 70m high, white, needle-like structure that was constructed to commemorate Buenos Aires’ 400^th Anniversary. Today, it is the focal point for many Porteno celebrations & the starting point of many of the political demonstrations. There are plenty of other wide avenues with some green patches which attempt to slow down the rhythm of this vertiginous city.

Continue walking south to the picturesque & colorful port neighborhood of La Boca where you will find the famous Caminito street (little path, in Spanish) - a street museum of colourful painted houses typical of the immigrant dwellings that reflects through its architecture & customs, the influence of the European citizens who arrived on these shores in the late 19^th century, especially Genoese sailors.

The place acquired cultural significance because it inspired the music for the famous tango "Caminito", composed by Juan de Dios Filiberto. Today, there are several works by Argentine artists incorporated as part of the street museum & the Caminito has become a favourite with visitors to the city. Several restaurants offer tango & folk dance shows and street fills with artists offering original crafts & paintings.

Continue on towards San Telmo, indoor market (Mercado de San Telmo) built in 1897 in one of Buenos Aires oldest neighborhoods surrounded by colonial houses & cobbled streets in the eponymous neighborhood.

Explore the covered market, which is largely a foodie affair, but has booths of collectables such as antique dolls, second-hand records, vintage jewellery & clothing.

Every Sunday, the area around the market hosts the city’s most famous street fair, the Feria de San Telmo, when hundreds of vendors line the streets surrounding Plaza Dorrego, most of them dealing in one-of-a-kind antiques. What started as a small gathering of about 30 antiques vendors in 1970, when the fair was inaugurated, has expanded to a crowd of nearly 300.

During the rest of the week, locals buy fresh produce & meat at the indoor market, which is said to have some of the best coffee in town.

There is stall upon stall laden with the bright & shiny: used copper kitchenware, vintage buttons, military regalia, toys, magazines, books, posters, records, ancient telephones, lamps, pieces of lace, exquisite art, tortoiseshell spectacle frames, fans, beaded bags, fragile antique clothing, memorabilia from the Peron era & all manner of ornaments that show the South American, Spanish & Italian influences of modern Buenos Aires.

Tango dancers, buskers & other entertainers vie for the attention of the thousands of shoppers who flood the San Telmo neighborhood on Sundays. San Telmo being the oldest neighborhood in BA is one of the best places in the city to experience the passion of the Argentine tango. Visitors are likely to see an impromptu tango performance right out on the street during the weekly Feria de San Telmo.

Then walk towards the modern & well-off district of Puerto Madero; Palermo neighbourhood, with its elegant residences framed by wide green areas; and finally see the tony district of Recoleta, the most sophisticated area where the rich live.

The sightseeing ends & you are transferred back to the hotel (or continue exploring & go back to the hotel on your own).

In the evening, enjoy a memorable night out in Buenos Aires & experience the passion of the Argentine tango at an evening at one of the city’s most unique tango performances.

Around 05.30 pm, you will be met by a Journeys Rep / Driver, who will accompany you to an unforgettable Tango Show performed by the best dancers & singers, while you enjoy a delicious meal. This is the perfect way to discover Buenos Aires, the city of Tango.

Legend has it that Tango developed in the brothels & backstreets of Buenos Aires' port districts. Today, the passionate dance form is on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Head to the cobblestone streets of San Telmo (you were there in the morning during your tour), the birthplace of Tango & the oldest barrio in Buenos Aires. Arrive at a conventillo, a restored historic tenement & now used as a restaurant-theater, where La Ventana takes place. As you stroll through the theater’s preserved architectural interior, travel back in time to the tango grandeur of the early 1900s. The intimate setting of the theater creates a special atmosphere for this intense and sensual live tango show with professional dancers, incredible wardrobe, male and female singers and live tango orchestras.

Throughout the 3 hour dinner & show, taste the flavors of a traditional Argentine meal featuring a wide array of Argentine & international dishes, accompanied by Argentine wines (wines - direct payment) & then watch the choreographed drama unfold before your eyes. The cabaret-style atmosphere allows you to feel like you are right in the middle of the action with the tuxedo-clad performers, honey-voiced vocalists & sensual dancers.

Two tango orchestras & an Argentine folk music group provide live accompaniment to the five smartly costumed couples on stage, who grace the stage with sensuality & breathtaking precision. Listen to both Spanish & indigenous styles of music from the bands as well as vocalists.

Get a glimpse of the gaucho culture, or Argentina’s version of cowboys, through a demonstration of boleadoras, used to wrangle livestock.

After the show closes with a moving tribute to Eva Peron, your Driver takes you back to the hotel,

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Full day at leisure for independent explorations or perhaps enjoy one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

We particularly recommend an excursion to Tigre and / or Gaucho’s Festival which will surely be an unforgettable experience.

Morning, you will be transferred to Buenos Aires Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport for the flight to Mendoza, Argentina’s prime & best known wine growing area, where many leading Argentine &  foreign wineries are located with their vineyards spread all over.

Arrive in Mendoza - a city in Argentina’s Cuyo region & the heart of Argentina's wine country with its multiple acclaimed bodegas (wineries).

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Mendoza El Plumerillo International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in & also discuss the program for the next few days.

Check-in at the hotel & relax for a while.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’. Failing, we will amend the day’s program accordingly. 

All over the country (& in much of the world), the name Mendoza is synonymous with wine & this is the place to base yourself if you are up for touring the vineyards, taking a few dozen bottles home or just looking for a good vintage to accompany the evening’s pizza.

It has over 140 hectares of vineyards (68% of the total surface in Argentina cultivated with grapevines) & the province of Mendoza is the biggest wine producer in Argentina (the other big one is Cafayate, in the Salta Province), and one of the biggest in South America. A most privileged area for high quality wine production due to its location at the foot of the Andean Cordillera which creates the perfect blend of latitude, altitude & soil combined with a superb craftsmanship that makes the best of both modern & traditional winemaking strategies in order to produce top level fine wines.

Most people visit Mendoza for the gorgeous landscapes of vineyards & mountains, to taste all the fabulous Mendoza Wine & the incredible food (this is where you’ will eat some of the best steaks in Argentina) but there is more than just Wineries in Mendoza.

Mendoza is one of the largest cities in Argentina with a population of roughly 2 million people, a university town, which means that the overall vibe is that of a young city, easygoing & not in the least pretentious.

A bustling cosmopolitan city of wide, leafy avenues lined with modern art deco buildings & atmospheric plazas, sunny climate, spas, Malbec wine, world-class restaurants & cafes, Mendoza is a trap. You are bound to end up hanging around, captivated by the laid-back pace while surrounded by every possible comfort. Ostensibly it is a desert town, though you wouldn’t know unless you were told - acequias (irrigation ditches) that run beside every main road & glorious fountains that adorn every main plaza mean you will never be far from the burble of running water.

Lively during the day, the city really comes into its own at night, when the bars, restaurants & cafes along Av Arístides fill up & overflow onto the sidewalks with all the bright young things enjoying a glass of wine (or craft beer, an ever growing trend lately) & having a chat with friends.

The city’s 5 central plazas are arranged like the 5 roll on a dice, with Plaza Independencia in the middle & 4 smaller Plazas lying 2 blocks from each of its corners. Be sure to see the beautifully tiled Plaza Espana. Av San Martín is the main thoroughfare, crossing the city from north to south & Av Las Heras is the principal commercial street. A good place to orient yourself is the Terraza Mirador, which is the rooftop terrace at City Hall, offering panoramic views of the city & the surrounding area.

There are more things to do in Mendoza than you would imagine, if you only decide to spend enough time there. To be fair, Mendoza city itself isn’t that special (though the nightlife is pretty incredible) but it has incredible surroundings.

Later in the afternoon, meet the Tour-guide & proceed for a 4 hour sightseeing tour to get to know more about the people, history & culture of a city founded by the Spaniards more than 4 centuries ago.

The city has few very good Museums & Art Galleries – not necessarily all in the city center, actually. You will visit some of the city's landmarks today.

Start from the foundation area: the historical site where, in 1561 Don Pedro del Castillo founded the city.

Currently, the milestone is remembered with a commemorative square Plaza Independencia - the heart of Mendoza, the largest green space within the city, a cool place to relax & do some people-watching.

At the center of the Square, there is a large, beautiful fountain & you can watch the fountain’s dancing waters show, buy some sweet caramelized peanuts from the vendors and check out the street performers & musicians. Occasionally, there are artisans selling their handicrafts on the sidewalks here. There is also a theater & not far from Plaza Independencia, there are 4 other secondary Plazas worth visiting.

Pass by the Cathedral, the Basilica of St. Francis, the former Banco Hipotecario building (now housing the Ministry of Culture & Tourism), former Bank of Mendoza building (now a contemporary space of art),

Swing by the prestigious street Emilio Civit, a residential area that leads to the huge Parque San Martín designed by Carlos Thays, a famous urban planner & landscape architect in the late 1800s that easily qualifies as the nicest park in Mendoza. Inside there are 34 sculptures, a rose garden & a lake which is a perfect picnic spot (it is possible to rent a bicycle at "Bicis del Parque - not included, direct payment).

There is also a zoo at the north-west corner of the park with animals in small cages. Behind the zoo begins a path leading up to Cerro de la Gloria, a small hill that features a huge memorial monument to General San Martin & his army of the Andes that was commissioned in 1911, as part of the celebrations of the Argentina Centennial of 1910 & inaugurated on February 12, 1914, the anniversary of the Battle of Chacabuco. The monument shows an allegorical representation of Freedom or the Republic with broken chains & an equestrian statue of San Martin, with the inscription "La Patria al Ejercito de los Andes” & is the work of Uruguayan sculptor Juan Manuel Ferrari, assisted by a team of notable Argentine sculptors. The hills offer a panoramic view of the city & the mountains - particularly pleasant at sunset.

Leaving the city centre now, hop on to the vehicle & drive a short distance to El Challao to see the famous Our Lady of Lourdes sanctuary.

Among all the parishes, shrines & churches in general that exist in Mendoza, Nuestra Sennora de Lourdes is the busiest, visited by thousands every week. Not only for the Mass, but also to have a good moment of spiritual reflection.

The Sanctuary is a modern, large building built in the form of a Greek theater. It has an iron structure decorated with the stations of the viacrucis engraved on the glass, with fully glazed spacious & comfortable enclosures to accommodate a large number of people. On one side is the old chapel. On the occasion of celebrating the anniversary of the Apparition of the Virgin Mary to Saint Bernardite in France, every year on 11 February thousands of faithful Mendozans travel (7 km in 3 hours) in a procession to the Parish to venerate Our Lady of Lourdes & to make different requests.

Tour ends here & you are transferred back to the hotel.

Balance of the evening at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  B

Mendoza has over 140 hectares of vineyards (68% of the total surface in Argentina cultivated with grapevines). A most privileged area for high quality wine production due to its location at the foot of the Andean Cordillera which creates the perfect blend of latitude, altitude & soil combined with a superb craftsmanship that makes the best of both modern & traditional winemaking strategies in order to produce top level fine wines.

Wonderful “fincas” surrounded by the magnificent landscape of the Andes Mountain Range welcome visitors to test the excellent varieties of wines, since Mendoza leads the production with 70% % of Argentina wines.

Today is devoted to visiting some of the best wineries in Argentina with guided wine tasting in all of them & you will learn more about harvesting, winemaking process & the viticulture’s history in Mendoza.

You will visit three wineries today, in one of which you will participate in an introductory talk about wine tasting to understand its properties, guided by an expert.

Enjoy Lunch at Familia Zuccardi Restaurant in the middle of the vineyards where you will be able to taste the different varieties of olive oil & enjoy a typical food with magnificent wines!!

Drive back to the hotel.

Balance of the evening at leisure or maybe, just walk around & explore the city.

If you really want to mingle with the locals, one of the ultimate things to do in Mendoza, Argentina, is going for a walk along Peatonal Sarmiento, the long airy pedestrian-only boulevard lined with lots of cafes & shops, where the locals love hanging out.

Mendoza is a fantastic place to fully appreciate Argentinian cuisine. Empanadas, sorrentinos (a stuffed pasta), & delicious meat: there is nothing better than having a fantastic steak or even an asado (Argentine roast / bbq) accompanied by a fantastic wine.

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Early morning, accompanied by the Tour-guide, depart at 07.00 am for an 8 hour excursion to explore nature. Drive towards the Andes Mountain Range through an excellent mountain road near the border with Chile, admiring among other attractions the superb view of Mount Aconcagua - the highest peak in America.

Stop at Chacras de Coria, a small town on the edge of the Argentinean city of Mendoza, near the Andes Mountains, known for its wineries & restaurants, and as a gateway to nearby Ruta del Vino vineyards.

Admired for its micro climate, the characteristics of its dwellers & for having succeeded in maintaining a quiet lifestyle and keeping contact with nature.

Plaza General Espejo, the main Square, is home to the neocolonial Nuestra Senora de Perpetuo Socorro Church.

Wandering around its small semi-circular streets, try to imagine who lived in each of the grand old houses, some of them made of adobe, built by traditional families living in the city who searched for shelter in the chacras (farms) at weekends or in the summer

Many of its streets are named after some first settlers & it was precisely the Corias one of the first families who became established in the area. Little by little, the population increased & a small civic center was formed which today comprises the Square, the Church & the Town Hall. In addition to families from Mendoza, many craftsmen known for their original designs live there & sell their products in the local stores.

A weekly market sells crafts and antiques. South is the Mendoza River, with stretches of whitewater.

One of the main features visible in the streets & in private gardens is vegetation. Huge trees with hanging branches that almost reach the pavement look like plant curtains. Many houses are barely seen behind the green walls of ivy that prevent curious eyes from looking into the yards. Almost all of them have a screened swimming-pool & galleries overlooking the gardens.

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Chacras de Coria has become a well-known gastronomic hub with superb proposals. Restaurants & steak houses lie on Viamonte & Mitre Streets and serve regional specialties as well as sophisticated cuisine.  A mandatory stop for a fast lunch on the Wine Road.

Drive through the Potrerillos Valley, which offers opportunities for adventure sports such as rafting, trekking & horseback riding and nautical sports, mainly sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, sport fishing of various species of trout & silversmelt.

But it is equally famous for its huge Dam located at the Potrerillos village. It dams the water of Mendoza River & was specially created with the purpose of lessening the overflows, modulating the irrigation of North oasis & generating power. Its hydropower plant produces approximately the 60 % of the electricity used by the province & even supplying the excess to other places in the country.

The Reservoir has a surface area of 1500 hectares, 14 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide at its maximum. The majesty of this turquoise water body adds to the beauty of the natural landscape, the pure air, the weather & ambiance of the mountain.

Next stop will be the striking Inca’s Bridge (Puente del Inca) is a natural geological formation made of rock & sulphur (thus its golden color) & carries an interesting story.

The Bridge is about 50 meters long, 28 wide & is suspended 27 meters above the river. Its name refers to the beliefs of the indigenous Inca people, that under the bridge, there are hot mineral springs with healing properties.

By local accounts, the name comes from the legend of an Inca leader who brought his paralysed son to these waters, in order to heal him. He was accompanied by a group of brave warriors. When they could not cross the wildly rushing river, the soldiers formed a human bridge clinging together so the Chief can cross on their backs.  When he turned back, the warriors were petrified & frozen, forming the Puente del Inca.

The scientific explanation is that the bridge was formed by the reaction of mineral waters. Over the centuries, the river flows created a passage between the sediments that were deposited at the bottom of a trough. Then it was cemented by the hot springs, which explains the multi-hued orange, yellow & brown colouring. Anything that is submerged acquires hardness due to the mineral action that gives it a “petrified” appearance. Over time, the water levels decreased & the under-water structure became visible.

Weather & road conditions permitting, we go up to 4,200 meters above sea level, from where you can get a clear view Christ the Redeemer located in Rio de Janeiro.

Final stop will be at the picturesque border village of Las Cuevas, right next to Chile, before driving back to Mendoza.

Return to the hotel by late afternoon.

Balance of the evening at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  B

In time, you will be transferred to Terminal? - Mendoza El Plumerillo International Airport, for the flight to Salta, one of the most attractive cities in the country probably due to the eye-catching contrast of the old colonial buildings & modern urban architecture.

Arrive in Salta, a provincial capital in mountainous northwestern Argentina.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Salta Martín Miguel de Guemes International Airport you will be welcomed by a Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort, discuss the program for the next few days & see you off for a 3 hour sightseeing tour of the city straight from the Airport.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Check-in & relax.

Salta is, beyond any doubt, the Argentine city which has best preserved its colonial heritage, with its one-story houses and its typical balconies and patios. Founded in 1582, it is now one of the focal points to begin exploring the surrounding area in northwest Argentina.

Founded in 1582, sophisticated Salta is a favorite of many, engaging active minds with its outstanding Museums & lighting romantic candles with its plaza  side cafes & the live musica folklorica (folk music) of its popular Penas (folk music clubs). It offers the facilities - and the traffic & noise - of a large town, retains the comfortable vibe of a smaller place & preserves more colonial architecture than most places in Argentina.

Nicknamed Salta la Linda ("Salta the beautiful"), it has become a major tourist destination due to its well-maintained Spanish colonial architecture & Andean heritage, excellent weather, natural scenery of the valleys westward and centers on Plaza 9 de Julio, an elegant, cafe-lined Square bordered by the neoclassical Salta Cathedral & El Cabildo, an 18^th century town hall turned into a historical Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montana (MAAM) which houses Incan artifacts.

Shortly after, meet the Tour-guide at 02.00 pm & embark on a sightseeing tour to have a look at the most precious gems dating back to colonial times.

You will stop by at  the Church & Monastery of San Francisco, rebuilt in the mid18^th  century, declared Minor Main Church by the Vatican in 1997; the ‘Cabildo & Historic Museum of the Northwest’ (old seat of the viceroyalty government and of the provincial government later on), the city’s main attraction, whose construction started the same day as the town’s foundation took place, but whose current building was completely rebuilt in the late 17^th century; the San Bernardo Monastery, dating back to the late 16^th  century, which boasts a carob tree main gate considered a jewel of the local colonial art; and the Main Church - an Italian-styled building, built in the 20^th century, containing the Independence Wars hero General Martín Miguel de Güemes’ mortal remains.

The Tour goes on towards the city’s outskirts, up to San Bernardo Hill, where the Monument to General Martín Miguel de Guemes stands. From the hill you will get a great view of the city and the Lerma Valley.

The sightseeing concludes & you are transferred to the hotel.

Around 07.00 pm, you will be met by a Journeys Rep / Driver & proceed to an integral landmark & highlight of Salta. A Dinner at Folk House “La Vieja Estacion”, where the most traditional groups perform every evening to delight visitors with local music & dances.

In Buenos Aires late night tango milongas are all the rage, whereas up north penas (folk music clubs) are the evening staple, a raucous affair of stark contrast. Yet for the people of Salta these lively folk music parties are more than just entertainment. They are a passionate celebration of the region’s rich cultural history.

Amid a quiet, mountainous corridor in Argentina’s northwest, locals combine traditional dance & Spanish folk music to celebrate the heritage of their ancestors. Much of the traditional music & dance that defines northern Argentine folklore dates back to the 1500s when Spanish colonial forces ruled the lands. Often referred to as criolla, the customs are an eclectic mix of European & indigenous heritage which have morphed into a new fascinating subculture.

Argentine penas revolve around four essential themes - music, dance, food & drink - all of which are enjoyed in abundance. A typical pena is a lively & raucous affair, with traditional music played on drums, guitars & violins. As each song reaches its crescendo, spectators jump to their feet to clap, stomp & yodel in ecstatic appreciation of the music. Rather than sit back & enjoy the melody, the audience are encouraged to get in on the action, which is an integral part of the success of the show.

Center to folklore culture is the guacho, a hardy Argentine cowboy who has traditionally lived off the land. When attending a pena, they traditionally don ponchos & wide brim hats before competing with one another to see who has the most macho dance moves. The gaucho is something of an idolized folk hero in the north. He is a figure that everyday citizens aspire to become & a source of cultural pride.

Of course, no such party could be a success without oodles of food & wine. The local Torrontes is a crowd favorite due to its high availability in the region, although other grape varieties plus beer & basic cocktails are consumed with gusto. Filling local dishes such as humitas (mashed up steamed corn filled with cheese) & empanadas (pastries stuffed with meat, chicken or cheese) ensure participants have the energy to celebrate well into the early hours.

Salta has a number of fine penas where tourists are welcome to get involved. A long time favorite is La Vieja Estacion known for its lively stage shows, particularly popular with the foreign crowd & stage performers prompt members to dance on stage.

A Salta city fixture since its opening in 2000, this late-night restaurant is an ideal place to sample regional dishes such as humitas & enjoy a late-night show. The best-established of the Balcarce penas, this place is a professional operation featuring an atmospheric dining room with twinkling rattan lanterns & some terrific photography on the walls, along with a menu that includes children's, gluten-free & vegetarian options among the mostly Andean fusion fare.  

Come back to the hotel.

Overnight. B D 

Early morning, depart on a full day 10 hour excursion to Humahuaca, with many interesting sites with incredible beauty & rich in history. Multiple stops enroute.

Arrive in San Salvador de Jujuy - the capital of Jujuy province which between 1810 & 1822 was invaded eleven times by royalist troops. Of the trinity of northwestern cities, San Salvador de Jujuy (or simply Jujuy) founded in 1593, lacks Salta's colonial sophistication or Tucuman's urban vibe & is often bypassed by travelers.

Nevertheless, it has a livable feel, enticing restaurants & is the most culturally indigenous of any of Argentina’s cities. The province bore the brunt of conflict during the independence wars, with Spain launching repeated invasions down the Quebrada de Humahuaca from Bolivia; Jujuy was famously evacuated in what is known as the exodo jujeno.

The city’s quarter-million inhabitants, including a large indigenous population, busy themselves with administering the province’s main sources of income (tobacco, mining & sugarcane), although more are beginning to deal with tourism.

Its focal point is Plaza General Belgrano, in the city center between the Río Grande & Río Xibi Xibi. The square is home to a number of key sights, the 18^th century Cathedral & the grand Casa de Gobierno. Just outside town you can ride horses along mountain paths in the jungle or go boating in valley waterways.

You will see some of the highlights on the brief stop.

Plaza General Belgrano surrounded by colonial buildings including the imposing Government House is generally empty during the day, but starts to fill with gossiping jujenos, old & young, by late afternoon. Orange trees & vendors populate the central square & the Plaza has free Wi-Fi.

Pass by the very first building constructed in the city in 1765 - Catedral de Jujuy. It has been augmented & remodeled so many times that it is now a hodgepodge of architectural styles.

The interior contains a Baroque gold-plated pulpit, said to be the finest in South America. Ornately carved in wood by the Indians led by the Jesuits, it reveals an intricate population of carved figures, biblical & otherwise. It was inspired by the Cusquena school of art from Cuzco, Peru, as were the building's ornate Doors & Confessionals. The Museum next door houses a wealth of religious art.

Walk to the Cabildo (old Town Hall) & Casa de Gobierno (Government House) that fronts Plaza General Belgrano. A 1^st floor hall, the Salon de la Bandera, displays the original Argentine flag donated by General Belgrano in 1813, a gift to the city after it cooperated with the Belgrano-headed exodus of Jujuy during the War of Independence.. The flag was replaced a few years later by the current white & sky-blue stripe version, and the one here is now used as the national coat of arms. The building also contains sculptures made by Argentine artist Lola Mora.

Due to a modern expansion, the city has grown beyond the hillsides joining newly built with colonial buildings.

Drive on to the next stop, the Pre-Hispanic origin village of Purmamarca (2274 m above sea level) set at the base of a striking, multi-hued mountain called the Seven Colors Hill. From the village, the Paseo de los Colorados trail leads into the surrounding desert landscapes for views of the mountain. Adobe houses line the streets & 9 de Julio Square hosts a popular crafts market.

The village is postcard-pretty, with adobe houses & ancient algarrobo trees where a dazzling show of reflected light earns the mountains the nickname "Painter's Palette" due to its incredible combination & variety of colors.

There is an old "Algarrobo" (carob tree) with a cusp of more than 30 meters in diameter & estimated to be more than 650 years old which is venerated as the grandfather carob tree of Purmamarca. It is said that General Manuel Belgrano & the troops of his Northern Army rested one afternoon in 1814 under the tree during his Northern Campaign.

In front of the main Square is the Church of Santa Rosa de Lima built in 1648 & declared a National Historic Monument. In the temple the old bell, the wide walls, the Chapel with its cardon wood carpentry stand out. The native style of building with a muddy substance extracted from the marshy lakes, which appears to be splashed on the adobe mud-walls is unique.

An excellent place to shop for woven goods, stop by at the flourishing colorful Handicrafts Market that sets up on the village Plaza every day. Without doubts the village of Purmamarca is the most remarkable in this area,

Continue on to picturesque Tilcara village.

The mixture of local farmers getting on with a centuries-old way of life & arty urban refugees looking for a quieter existence has created an interesting balance on the town’s dusty streets. What emerges is a local scene that is both charming & accessible. Yet, what captivates everyone here - locals & tourists alike - are the mountains that rise on all sides as if to remind all comers that no matter how comfortable they may feel, adventure awaits. The area features dramatic mountainous landscapes & rich aboriginal traditions, which make it a major tourist attraction in northwestern Argentina, with several nearby hiking tracks also attracting visitors.

The picturesque Plaza Alvarez Prado (Main Square) is the heart of Tilcara & is filled with artisans plying their wares, musicians, street performers, restaurants & lively bars. Have a drink while you people watch.

It is artsy yet local & its dusty streets are lined with handicraft stalls as well as reminders that you are in the archaeological capital of Argentina.

Check out the handicraft & souvenir shops & find that affordable llama wool sweater you have been looking for at one of the many craft stalls set up here, or enjoy some regional cuisine while listening to local music in this colorful atmosphere. You will also see Vendors selling fresh produce, meats, baked goods, herbs & prepared foods like fried empanadas.

Across an iron bridge, is the reconstructed pre-Columbian fortification, the Pucara de Tilcara 70 meters above the river Grande, from which the whole region can be admired.  

Built chiefly of sun-baked clay brick, its strategic location commanding the river valley on both sides, was undoubtedly used earlier, although the ruins date from 11^th - 15^th centuries. The 1950s reconstruction has taken liberties; worse yet is the earlier, ridiculous monument to pioneering archaeologists bang where the plaza would have been. There are great views & seemingly, a cardon cactus for every soul that lived & died here. Nevertheless, you can get a feel of what would have been a sizable fortified community. For further succulent stimulation, there’s a botanic garden by the entrance.

If time permits, drop in at the Dr. Eduardo Casanova Archaeological Museum where you will be able to see how this old civilization live, understanding the practices & customs of that time. The well-presented collection of regional artifacts in a striking colonial house has some pieces from the Pucara fortress.  Exhibits offer insight into the life of people living around the time of this fortification (from the 11^th - 15^th centuries). The room dedicated to ceremonial masks is particularly impressive.

Continue on your way & stop at the nearby village of Uquia, old aboriginal settlement notable for its historic church Iglesia San Francisco de Paula.

The church's sober exterior of raw clay-brick walls hides a fine interior with two treasures: a gilded retable dating from 1699 & 9 beautiful paintings depicting the angeles arcabuceros (armed angels).Yes, really. The angels have guns. Magnificent costumes, wings & weapons. The Chapel of Uquia, has been declared National Historical Monument.

And finally, on to the final stop of the day.

Finally arrive at Humahuaca by afternoon.

Quebrada de Humahuaca (a long valley east of the central Andean Altiplano) follows the line of a major cultural route, the Camino Inca, along the spectacular valley of the Rio Grande, from its source in the cold high desert plateau of the High Andean lands to its confluence with the Rio Leone some 150 km to the south. The Quebrada’s largest settlement is also its most handsome, with atmospheric cobblestoned streets, adobe houses & quaint plazas. However, the cobblestone streets buzz with traffic & an agenda that is not oriented toward tourism. Feel the nearby puna here, with chilly nights, sparse air & a quiet indigenous population.

Humahuaca is less altered by tourism than the towns further south, though there are good handicrafts shops and folk musicians strum & sing in the restaurants. One of the attractions popular with the locals & foreign visitors is the annual 8 day Carnival with its colourful costumes, masks & music. The “comparsas” organize the celebrations with food, traditional drinks & dances.

A dusty ranching center surrounded by acres of cactus & spectacularly colorful mountains, the valley shows substantial evidence of its use as a major trade route over the past 10,000 years. The Quebrada de Humahuaca was the first part of Argentina to be explored and settled by the Spaniards, for it provided a connecting route to the more temperate regions further south around Salta & Cordoba where supplies of food & draft animals could be found for the silver mines at Potosi, the gold mines at Oruro & other mining settlements in Upper Peru, now Bolivia. The town was a stopping place along that route before beginning the difficult climb to the Altiplano.

It shows visible traces of prehistoric hunter-gatherer communities & this region in the north of Argentina has been inhabited for thousands of years and was part of the Inca Empire (15^th & 16^th centuries).

Humahuaca is named after the ancient people who lived here - the Omaguacas. Later, Humahuaca was a central place for the revolutionary activity in the 19^th & 20^th centuries that eventually led to the creation of modern Argentina. Humahuaca was also a station on the now defunct railway that connected Bolivia to Buenos Aires & its wild-west aspect will remind many North Americans of some of the towns of Arizona or New Mexico.

Mountains which block rain clouds, green plains, rivers, dream lagoons with beautiful landscapes & nice climate provide the visitors with the chance of enjoying trekking activities, sightseeing, photo safari & cultural tourism. The center of the town is an attractively whitewashed Spanish colonial illustration.

Visit Iglesia de la Candalaria y San Antonio the Cathedral built by Spaniards in 1641. Despite its small size the colonial-era foundation with an altarpiece dating to the late 17th century & adorned with carvings & paintings, is one of the smallest active churches. It has lots of side rooms full of religious items.

See Cabildo Municipal building built in the Spanish Moorish style in the 1940s, famous for its clock tower. When it strikes noon every day, a life-size figure of San Francisco Solano slowly comes out of the cuckoo clock for exactly 1 minute to deliver a benediction to people waiting there.

Next, proceed to Santa Barbara Hill, opposite the main Square where you will find the Monumento a la Independencia, a magnificent work that has turned into a live image of the Town.

The imposing sculpture group was created by local sculptor Ernesto Soto Avendano to pay homage to the Northern Argentinian Army that fought a total of 14 battles in Humahuaca during National Independence War. Made up of 70 tons of bronze, it represents the image of a running native chasqui (Indian courier or messenger) Pedro Socompa who transmits the news of freedom (even though some people from the region say that the image of the protagonist belongs to Diego Viltipoco, an Omaguaca Indian Chief who helped Belgrano in the Independence fight).

The base can be reached by climbing a long flight of steps & the top offers a picturesque panoramic view of the Rio Grande valley & the town center.

Fifty meters to its left, Santa Barbara Tower is situated. It used to be part of a Jesuit Chapel which has been pulled down. There is also an adobe belfry & several cactus plants, perhaps the most photographed site in northern Argentina.

If time ((& Tour-guide) permits, you can also have a look at Ruinas de Coctaca, one of the largest pre-Columbian archaeological site.

The ruins are mainly terraces used for agriculture, but they did produce more than what was needed by its inhabitants. Consequently, they must have been involved in some kind of trade with the neighbouring villages. Until 1593, the place was used by the collas, also called humahuacans or omaguacans. What is very profound about the place, it features a rather complex & advanced ancient watering system.

And finally, it is time to drive back to Salta.

Reach the hotel by late evening.

Balance of the evening at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  B 

Early morning, embark on a full day 8 hour excursion to Cafayate.

You will be driving thru typical villages like Cerrillos, El Carril, Coronel Moldes, Ampascachi, Talampaya, Alemania to reach River Las Conchas Gorge declared “Natural Monument " by the UNESCO due to the strange formations and colors of the hills. The wind & water erosion have carved the mountains creating different formations, such as the Devil's Throat, the Amphitheatre (it receives this name due to the great acoustic, many singers had performed there), the Toad, the Friar...

Another stop is in the Tres Cruces (Three Crosses) vantage point, which will allow you to admire a spectacular panorama. You cannot miss this landscape as it is absolutely amazing!! .

Before arriving in Cafayate, you will travel through some spectacular scenery: winding roads that traverse striated mountains, alongside vast swaths of verdant vegetation, like sagebrush & cacti. Driving south from Salta, stop midway at the village of La Vina’s Posta de Las Cabras (or, “goat post”), a small restaurant / marketplace where you can fuel up on coffee, fresh juice, wine, pastries, empanadas, alfajores, grilled meats &  goat cheese sourced from the on-site herd. From there, it is a higher ascent into the mountains, marked by crisp air & nature sites like El Anfiteatro, a 60,000 year old natural amphitheater in the Reserva Natural Quebrada de Las Conchas, about 30 minutes outside of Cafayate. Soak up the beauty of this natural rock formation with its outstanding acoustics (if you are lucky, you might catch an impromptu concert from a local musician).

Arrive at Cafayate, one of Argentina’s most enchanting Wine Towns & the country’s 2^nd center for quality wine production

This is "the grape growing area", as many vineyards are only three blocks from the main Square. In this quaint 19^th century colonial town sitting at approximately 5,500 feet above sea level in Argentina’s Calchaquí Valley, you will find many industrial scale Wineries that can be visited & others that still make wine with the traditional old fashioned methods.,

Cafayate is one of northwest Argentina’s most seductive destinations in an area known for its reddish rock formations but still has a tranquil small-town feel. It is spectacularly scenic, with the green of the vines backed by soaring mountains beyond.

With several Wineries to visit in & around town anchored on a central public Square, it has beckoned Oenologists for more than a century now to one of the highest grape-growing regions in the world, with certain areas topping out at around 10,200 feet & now entices Wine Connoisseurs to explore the surrounding area.

It is this proximity to the sun, wind & other natural elements that produce richer flavors & deeper colors in the grapes cultivated here, including cabernet sauvignon, tannat, bonarda, syrah & some chardonnay. Today’s vineyards, numbering fewer than 20 in all, predominantly grow hearty, robust & fruit-forward malbec, as well as torrontes, - a grape which produces fragrant, elegant aromatic dry white wines with lovely, crisp fruit that can be a bit round when aged in oak. But the Bodegas (Wineries) here also produce some fine reds from cabernet sauvignon, Malbec, tannat & some dry rose too.

The history-rich town is the perfect base for tasting, while the wide-open expanses of the valley are ideal for horseback riding & golfing. Shoppers will appreciate the artisanal finds while browsing the stalls of local crafts, jewelry & art at Mercado Artesanal on the main Square.

, (Even the on-site Museum cafe features wine tastings).

Most of Cafayate’s Winery options are set within walking distance or a very short drive or even bike ride away from the town center. Closer to the town Square, you can stroll to Bodega Nanni, Bodega Domingo Hermanos, Bodega Tierra Colorada & El Porvenir de Cafayate for vineyard & cellar tours, as well as tastings of elegant local wines like malbec, tannat & torrontes.

You will have the opportunity to visit one of the Bodegas & taste through a variety of wines, including torrontes, chardonnay, Malbec etc. while also indulging in traditional Argentinian lunch fare: empanadas, grilled meats with chimichurri & humitas, or corn cakes with goat cheese & olive oil.

Within the town, you can see the 19^th century local parish Our Lady of the Rosary cathedral, whose special characteristic is that it is one of the few earthquake- proof religious buildings with 5 naves. You may also want to walk into the Museo de la Vid y el Vino (Museum of Vine & Wine) offers a multimedia exhibit on region’s Viticulture & winemaking history & traditions, for more in-depth insights into Viticuture.

Other interesting places are the Handicrafts Market in the Square is the Rodolfo Bravo Regional & Archaeological & Colonial Museum exhibiting objects from local excavations,

Return to Salta City by late afternoon.

Balance of the evening at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  B L 

Morning at leisure to discover a bit more of Salta on your own.

In time, you will be met by a Journeys rep / driver who will transfer you to Salta Martín Miguel de Guemes International Airport to board the flight for Puerto Iguazu.

Arrive in Puerto Iguazu gateway to Iguazu Falls in Iguazu National Park, with hundreds of cascades.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Puerto Iguazu Mayor Carlos Eduardo Krause Airport, you will be welcomed by a Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in and also discuss the program for the day.

Check-in at the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

At the end of the road in Argentina, right next to the rainforest, booming small town of Puerto Iguazu sits at the confluence of the Ríos Parana & Iguazu & borders with Brazil & Paraguay and the cities of Puerto Iguazu (Argentina), Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) & Ciudad del Este (Paraguay) face each other. Tancredo Neves Bridge crosses the River Iguazu to Brazil.

Spanish explorer Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca became, in 1542, the first European to discover what are now called Iguazu Falls. He was drawn by the noise of the water, which can be heard at a distance of several kilometers. When the Spanish arrived in the 16^th century, the Guaraní people were the principal inhabitants of the area.

It doesn’t really feel like Argentina any more. There is no town center & little feeling of community - everyone is here to see the Falls or to make a buck out of them & planning laws seem non-existent as hotels go up on every street.

The UNESCO World Heritage listed world-renowned Iguazu Falls are only 18 km away from the city that share its name & as a result the city has developed much of its infrastructure around tourism.

Iguazu Falls are located within the Iguazu Falls National Park, a protected area over 67,720 hectares on the Northern border of the Province of Misiones, Argentina. The Park comprises a series of 275 waterfalls at the heart of the Paranaense Rainforest.

The towering Garganta del Diablo fall sits in lush, wildlife-rich rain forest. The sight of cascading waters might be the main draw for tourists here, but visitors can easily occupy themselves with several eco-centric & cultural activities as well. Learn about the indigenous Guaraní people & see some of the exotic wildlife that this region is known for.

Overnight.  B 

Morning, accompanied by the Tour-guide, proceed on a full day 10 hour excursion to visit the Iguazu Falls.

Make sure carry your waterproof gear & a change of clothes and prepare to get drenched by these rushing waters in an exhilarating ride through the falls themselves. Some boats provide waterproof storage, be sure to put your electronics away.

One of the planet’s most awe-inspiring sights, the Iguazu Falls are simply astounding. A visit is a jaw-dropping, visceral experience, and the power & noise of the cascades - a chain of hundreds of waterfalls nearly 3 km in extension - live forever in the memory. An added benefit is the setting: the Falls are split between Brazil & Argentina in a large expanse of National Park, much of it rainforest teeming with unique flora & fauna.

Enroute to the Falls, stop at the unique Casa Ecologica de Botellas. The entire house - furniture & all -– has been built from plastic bottles & other recycled materials. Visitors can purchase some rather novel recycled souvenirs which you cannot find anywhere else.

Reach the Visitors Center, a place to know & think about natural environment, its preservation & the problem of endangered species.  

An interpretative building with giant panels showing the importance of the biodiversity of the subtropical humid forest, it is named "Yvyra Reta" (in the native Guarani language it means "the land of the trees"). The Nature Interpretation Center illustrates the general aspects of the preserved area & can be understood clearly on a short self-guided tour with visual aids in large interpretation panels, so you learn all about Iguazu Falls at a glance.

It goes without saying that travelers come to Puerto Iguazu with one thing in mind – to marvel at the spectacular waterfalls of Iguazu. The Argentine side has several well-maintained Walkways that offer unbeatable views of the Fall from various angles, not to mention an action-packed speedboat ride (not included – direct payment) that zooms right through their powerful spray.

To get to the catwalks overlooking the falls, you will board a train at Central Station that will take you to the Upper Falls Circuit & the Devil's Throat.

The Ecological Jungle Train has been designed exclusively for the Iguazu Falls National Park by the British company Alan Keef Ltd. (specialising in leisure locomotives & supplier of major parks in Asia & Europe) & adapts to the climate characteristics & the surrounding deep forest.

Not fully enclosed so that its 250 passengers can have direct contact with the environment & experience the sounds, scents & wetness of the forest, it  runs on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), which does not pollute the environment & the clean combustion thus leave no waste or carbon footprint. Travelling at 12 mph maximum, it has almost no noise impact.

There are 2 main paths - the Circuito Superior (Upper Circuit) & the Circuito Inferior (Lower Circuit) & a couple of smaller trails that will take you around the jungle landscape for views of waterfalls. Walking along, you will see indigenous plants like ferns, orchids, and cacti, plus critters like capybaras, hummingbirds & lizards.

There is also a free boat you can take to Isla San Martin where you can hike more trails & sunbathe on an idyllic beach.

Once at the Devil's Throat Station, you will spend 2 hour walking on a flat catwalk built over the Upper Iguassu River, with an extension of 1100 meters that lead visitors to the balconies for an amazing panoramic view of the magnificent Falls. Walk through the gangways above the edges of the waterfalls, to enjoy fabulous top-down views. There are plenty of lookouts to enjoy wonderful waterfalls like Dos Hermanas, Chico, Ramirez, Bosetti, Adam & Eve, Bernabe Mendez & Mbigua. Snap as many pictures as you want.

After you have gotten as close as you can to the Falls on foot, you may go for an exciting boat trip (not included – direct payment) up the Iguazu River to get even closer. Jet boats leave from the Circuito Inferior (Lower Trail) or Puerto Macuco, taking tourists through the Rapids toward the cascades of water & directly into the San Martín waterfall. You will have an incredibly different view of the Falls from your perspective down in the river below.

The Argentinean side of the Park provides plenty to do, so you can wander around after you have visited the most famous set of cascading waters.

Finally, it is time to walk to Cataratas Station board the train to Central Station. Disembark & hop on to the waiting vehicle to drive back to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to walk around on your own.

Overnight.  B

Alas, like all good things, the wonderful experience comes to an end & it is time to say good-bye to Argentina. But, we sure hope that after this glimpse, you may want to discover a little bit more of the Argentine Culture, practice your Tango & discover Argentina’s vast natural wonderland on your next visit.

Check-out of the hotel by 11:00 am (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the usage of the facilities & to leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

“Travel is like knowledge. The more you see the more you know you have not seen” - Mark Hertsgaard

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & obtain your feedback about the arrangements for the tour. 

The iconic Journey comes to an end and it is time to go home. You will be transferred to Terminal? - Puerto Iguazu Mayor Carlos Eduardo Krause Airport for your onward journey.   B

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