Argentina's Patagonia & the Omaguacas

Days 1 – 3: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, often referred to as “the Paris of South America,” is a place of contradictions — a European face and a Latin soul. On Day 3 drive through lovely San Telmo — the best-kept historical neighborhood and the birthplace of the tango. Visit La Boca, a most colorful area. At Avenida de Mayo, we stop at the famous Café Tortoni. Founded in 1858, Café Tortoni is the oldest coffee shop in Argentina, with a rich history and list of past and present patrons including everyone from politicians to artists and entertainers. Jump in and join the tradition by taking a tango class at the café. Then explore the Recoleta area, one of the city’s richest and most glamorous spots. At Esquina Carlos Gardel, enjoy the rhythms of the tango as you dine on traditional and international cuisine. 

Day 4: Punta Delgada & Puerto Pirámide or Puerto Madryn

Early this morning drive to the airport for your flight north to Trelew. October and November departures are met upon arrival and driven to the small village of Puerto Pirámide. Here, board a boat for an exciting whale-watching excursion to view the magnificent Southern Right Whale. Every year, they arrive in Valdés Peninsula in June and stay until December. (Our February departure will instead visit nearby Puerto Madryn. Explore the area’s beautiful beaches and see the local colony of more than 800 seals that live on the sandbank of Punta Loma.) 

Day 5: Puerto Madryn

Depart Punta Delgada this morning and travel along the coast through Punta Cantor to Caleta Valdés, where we stop to visit the elephant seal station. This beach houses a colony of hundreds of the creatures. Next, continue north through Punta Norte, a fauna reserve and natural protected area. Proceed to Estancia San Lorenzo, to see the largest penguin rookery on Peninsula Valdés. The pride of the San Lorenzo Estancia, this colony shelters an average of approximately 200,000 Magellan Penguins. After lunch, drive back south to Puerto Madryn, viewing the steppe which teems with life and is home to a wide variety of animals. 

Days 6 – 8: El Calafate

A small, scenic village located on Lake Argentino, El Calafate sits adjacent to the southern end of the Andes. On Day 7 embark at Punta Bandera for a 3-hour boat ride to Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (Glacier National Park). Travel through Argentino Lake, cruising among icebergs and taking in the stunning mountain scenery overlooking the western front of the upsala Glacier, one of the largest in the park. Disembark at Estancia Cristina and take a guided tour of the Costumbrista Museum. Next, travel in all-terrain vehicles, ascending six miles over mountain roads to the continental ice sheet for a spectacular view revealing the front of the upsala Glacier, Lake Guillermo, the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the Andes Mountains. 

Day 9: Salta

Salta derives its name from the Aymara word sagta meaning “very beautiful”. Founded in 1582, Salta is now the provincial capital, and is a handsome city with some of the best-preserved colonial architecture. Today the city is also known for its wonderful handicrafts. Tonight, enjoy a festive reception and dinner featuring local wine, empanadas and special entertainment — a chorus troupe adorned with local costumes. 

Day 10: Purmamarca

Arrive at the lovely town of Purmamarca in time for lunch. A small and inviting Indian village founded in 1594, little has changed since then. The main attraction of the square is the colorful market, where local craftsmen display their skills. In the afternoon, continue your climb, up the Lipán Slope road to the Salinas Grandes salt flats. Explore this unusual and vital area and learn about the old techniques of salt exploitation. 

Day 11: Tilcara & Salta

Today, visit the Indian ruins at the Pucará de Tilcara National Monument, where evidence of human habitation can be traced back more than 10,000 years. See the partially reconstructed Indian fortification showing living quarters, pens for llamas, trails, terraces and burial sites. Wander through the botanical garden and the archeological museum with its display of more than 5,000 historical pieces from various Indian cultures. After lunch in Tilcara, continue the drive back down to Salta. upon arrival, tour the highlights of the city including the neo-classical cathedral, historic 9-de-Julio Square, Archbishop’s Palace, the 18th-century Cabildo and the lively arts and crafts market. 

Days 12 – 15: Cachi, Cafayate, Buenos Aires & Depart for Home

Set at the confluence of Rio Calchaquí and Rio Cachi, Cachi has preserved its colonial style and has mixed it with the heritage of its primitive inhabitants. Continue exploring the Calchaquí Valley, reaching your last stop, Cafayate, by late afternoon. Cafayate, “land of sun and good wine,” is the most important city in the valley, and is famous for its wine production. Savor the flavors of Cafayate as you visit some of the local wineries and learn about their winemaking methods.