Compare Wow Trip Argentina by Lost World Adventures - CAUTION vs Peru, Iguazu & Rio - 13 day tour by On The Go Tours

Day 1: Buenos Aires

Arrive Ezeiza Pistarini International Airport. You will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the Palermo district.

Overnight at the Home Hotel – Superior Garden view, daily breakfast included – 4 nights.

After settling in at your hotel, set off for a 2-hour walking tour of Palermo. Walk through this up-and-coming neighborhood and get a feel for where you will be staying. Get to know its many cool boutiques, shops, bars and well-known restaurants.

In the afternoon meet your guide for our exclusive ‘Four Balconies of Buenos Aires’ tour. You will visit representative parks or squares as your guide gives you an introduction to Argentina, its history, its contrasts, its contradictions and the particular psychology of the inhabitants of Buenos Aires.  Visiting the four highest parts of the city gives the best panoramic views of the city:

La Boca, birthplace of Tango, the blue collar neighborhood of Buenos Aires where the main street of Caminito shows you the history of this beautiful and original rhythm.

San Telmo, the oldest "barrio" of Buenos Aires, where the city was founded for the first time in 1536. Discover places such as Parque Lezama, Defensa Street, the San Telmo Flea Market, Ezeiza´s family house and the former slave market on San Lorenzo alley. You will learn about the arrival of the great European immigration, literature and the British Invasions to the city during 1806 and 1807.

Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the central part of the city are the next attractions to be discovered. The civic center is where you will understand the different periods in Argentina’s history, politics and religion.

Recoleta, the most aristocratic area of the city, where many of the buildings are decorated with French architecture and surrounded by wide parks. One important spot is the Cemetery, founded in 1822, impressive for its unique architecture and historical value; an interesting place where important figures such as Eva Peron are buried.

Return to Palermo by taxi or on foot for ‘The Argentine Experience’, a culinary event. Start with a welcome drink and an introduction to Argentinean cuisine, its culture and tradition. You will create your own empanadas while sampling red wines followed by a competition for the most creative product. You will be served typical lomo with accompaniments followed by a mate tasting and explanation of how and why Argentineans drink this type of green tea. Dinner is included (beer, wine and/or cocktails also included).

Day 2: San Isidro & Tigre

A full day to discover the surroundings of the city: San Isidro and Tigre. In the past the San Isidro neighbourhood was an area of summer mansions belonging to the traditional families. This is why one of the most characteristic aspects of San Isidro is its important colonial heritage reflected in buildings such as Pueyrredón Farm, Estancia Tres Ombues, San Isidro Cathedral, Victoria Ocampo's Mansion and several other colonial mansions.

The port of Tigre lodges the open market with streets full of colorful rustic fabric, furniture and accessories made of cane and willow, delicious jams and honeys, brilliant flowers, varieties of native fruits. The port has three inner docks: the central docks for the grocer's boats that supply the inhabitants of the islands and the docks where the timbering boats full of poplar and willow logs from the forested islands of the Delta are unloaded.

Optional lunch at a local restaurant in San Isidro or Tigre (not included).

After visiting Tigre you will start the private navigation to discover the incredible Parana Delta. The Parana River delta is a huge forested marshland about 20 miles northeast of Buenos Aires. The delta is one of the world's greatest bird-watching destinations. An aerial view would show the striking contrast between dense forest and wetland marshes, and the deep brown ribbon of the Parana River. You will experience sunset here for best photo in the River! Transfer back to your hotel.

Day 3: Colonia del Sacramento

Pick up at your hotel and transfer to the Buquebus pier to board the hydrofoil for the 1-hour river crossing to Colonia. Upon arrival at the port you will be met by your guide and start your walking tour to discover this magical town. Colonia del Sacramento is a city in southwestern Uruguay, along the Rio de la Plata. It is the oldest town in the country, founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, and later disputed by Spanish and Portuguese for many years. Escorted by your guide you will visit the Historical Quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage site as well as stops at several museums and churches, the lighthouse.

Continue by private transfer to the Rio Ancho Gourmet Lodge (9 km/15 min), an exclusive house on the shores of Rio de la Plata, surrounded by nature with a private white sand beach.

Set menu lunch and gourmet dining experience prepared with quality local-sourced ingredients, alcoholic drinks included. Afternoon to enjoy and relax at the beach or at the house.

Transfer back to the port for the return hydrofoil to Buenos Aires. You will be met at the pier and transferred back to your hotel.

Day 4: Buenos Aires

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby and depart for your Arts & Crafts tour. Galleries, art exhibitions and colorful street fairs are testimony of Buenos Aires cultural life, which can be discovered during this tour. Depending on your personal interests, your guide will customize the visit to be introduce you to the authentic artistic culture and include two of the following places:

Isaac Fernandez Blanco Museum is a superb colonial building which houses spectacular pieces of XVIIIth and 19th-century silverware and other implements of the colonial era.

MALBA - Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires - is the first contemporary (21st-century) museum in Buenos Aires with a rich and valuable collection, modern building, and interesting cultural activities. It houses the Constantini Collection, one of the most important in the world, with 222 pieces which show the development of Latin America paintings and sculptures of the 20th-century.

Fortabat Art Museum- Mrs. Fortabat, appointed President of the National Arts Fund in 1992, purchased a Puerto Madero lot in 1998 for the purpose creating an art museum (including most of her collection). The museum contains an enormous collection of Argentine artists, as well as works by Warhol, Dali, Chagall, the Breughel's, and other well-known painters, as well as a collection of ancient art.

Afternoon at leisure to relax at the hotel or explore the city on your own.

You will be picked-up at your hotel this evening and transferred to the famous Esquina Homero Manzi Tango house for a Dinner & Tango Show. The birth of tango took place around 1880 with the formation of small neighborhoods around the young city of Buenos Aires. More than a million European immigrants (most of them single men) and some disadvantaged "porteños" (born in Buenos Aires), made up a new social class that created cultural expressions and originated this dance rhythm. The relationship between the tango with the brothels were they developed was unacceptable for the Argentine high class of those days. The habits of that time disqualified tango and prohibited this dancing in their homes and in society. However, at the beginning of the 20th-century, tango was carried to Paris where it began as something forbidden. Little by little this new musical expression became fashionable and began to scale to the highest levels in the French society. The tango bacame acceptable and danced in the public salons in Buenos Aires.

Esquina Homero Manzi, a bar built on a corner in 1917, became the symbol of the urban culture of the 1940s. Many of the musicians that played on this stage where the ones who made the Tango the most representative artistic expression in the city. Declared an historical building, it attracts hundreds of tourists daily. It´s the perfect place to see classic tango dancing without big lights and over-complicated choreographies.

Dinner with alcoholic drinks included.

Day 5: Buenos Aires - Ushuaia

Private transfer to the Aeroparque Domestic Airport for your direct flight to Ushuaia.

Upon arrival at the Ushuaia Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at Los Cauquenes – Standard Beagle Channel view, daily breakfast included – 3 nights.

When the first Europeans arrived on this legendary island at the lower tip of Patagonia, it was inhabited by several hunter-fisher-gatherer Indian tribes who built large bonfires to protect themselves from the penetrating cold of these extreme southern reaches. The first Spanish navigators to sight these shores from their boats named the large island “Tierra de los Fuegos”, which means “Land of Fire” in English.

Tierra del Fuego contains many different ecosystems which typify Patagonia on a single island: South Atlantic coast, bushy steppe, Andes surrounded by glaciers, snow, lakes and forests. The island also has a unique sub-Antarctic rainforest with unexpectedly lush beech forests covered with a magic carpet of green mosses and lichens waving in the wind in this enchanted forest. Tierra del Fuego National Park combines sea, mountains and forests, Bahía Lapataia, the coasts of the Beagle Channel, the most incredible flora and fauna with red foxes, woodpeckers, steamer ducks, condors, eagles, beaver dams and peat bogs, all living in the most spectacular setting.

This afternoon you will be transferred to the Ushuaia Port for a navigation of the Beagle Channel, the legendary waterway explored by Darwin and home to varied wildlife such as sea lions, penguins, cormorants, etc. Enjoy a 3-hour navigation through the legendary waters of the Beagle Channel where the Andes plunge into the sea only to reappear on the Antarctic Peninsula. It was first discovered by FitzRoy during an expedition in 1830 and later explored by Darwin in 1833. Anglican missionaries first settled in 1860.

Day 6: Tierra del Fuego National Park - Hike and Canoe

Transfer from your hotel to Tierra del Fuego National Park. Upon arrival, you will begin a seaside hike through forests rich in flora and fauna from Ensenada Bay to a wonderful scenic point overlooking Lake Roca, Lagunas Verde and Negra, the Ovando and Lapataia rivers. Beautiful views of the Beagle Channel and Navarino and Redonda islands. Hike duration – almost 3 hours.

A Patagonian lunch will be served in the middle of the Park (alcoholic drinks included).

After lunch you will set off paddling in duckies along the internal rivers of the park. Your guide will give you basic rowing and safety instructions. After rowing on Lake Roca for around 40 minutes you will enter a small river which flows toward Lapataia Bay. The paddling does not require any previous experience or great effort. It is a different way of experiencing nature, feeling for a moment what native Yamanas communities felt traveling along the same waters with their canoes.

Day 7: Harberton Ranch & Gable Island

You'll be met at your hotel early this morning and begin your scenic drive along National Route 3 and then take the “J” route towards Harberton Ranch, the oldest of the region. The 90 km (56 miles) to the ranch will offer interesting views of the famous "Flag Trees" (exposed to the strong winds). The estancia at Harberton belongs to the descendants of the first British Missionaries to reach the area - Reverend Thomas Bridges - and was managed for many years by Ms. Natalie Goodall, a foremost naturalist in the area.

You'll have time to explore the estancia. From the estancia you will board a small boat and navigate the Beagle Channel to Martillo Island, a Magellan penguin rookery (they can only be seen from December until around February). The unique location of this island makes it an ideal place for an incredible variety of rich sub aquatic life and therefore, an amazing spot for bird watching (petrels, skuas, cormorants, sea gulls and albatross).

The navigation continues to Gable Island, the largest in the Beagle Channel, which belongs to the Harberton Ranch. Formerly, this was the place where they took their sheep during the summer. Today, only a large shearing shed is left. After a short walk, you will reach a refugio. The views over the Beagle Channel from here are breathtaking. After lunch, you will enjoy a 2-3 hour hike, which will lead you into a beech forest with white orchids, wild berries, strawberries and ferns. Return to the refugio and navigate back to the estancia. From there you will transfer back to Ushuaia.

Lunch (with alcoholic drinks) is included.

Day 8: Ushuaia - El Calafate

Transfer to Ushuaia Airport for your direct flight to El Calafate.

You will be upon arrival by your driver and transferred about 1¼ hours to Estancia Nibepo Aike. Driving time – approximately 1¼ hours.

After settling in you will be served a gourmet lunch.

Nibepo Aike retains the essence of the old Patagonian estancias. It is actually within Los Glaciares National Park on the shores of the Southern Arm of Lago Argentino. It covers an area of over 12,000 hectares reaching as far as the border with Chile. Formerly it was devoted to sheep rearing. Nowadays a small flock is kept, its chief production being the breeding of Hereford cattle, of which it has developed a prestigious breeding herd. The main buildings of the estancia are a relic of the typically Patagonian pioneer architecture. Guests at the estancia, which functions in the former main house, experience the authentic life of Patagonian estancias. Its position relative to El Calafate, Puerto Bandera and the Perito Moreno glacier, turn Nibepo Aike into a refuge for travelers visiting the area.

The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to enjoy the estancia, exploring its surroundings by bike or on foot, finding one’s own way along the footpaths and tracks and also taking part in the sheep-shearing demonstration using traditional hand shears.

The Nibepo Aike Plus Program is an exclusive program for guests who prefer having a guide at their disposal rather than exploring the area on their own or taking part in organized activities. Every day personalized activities can be organized, such us hikes, bike rides, horseback riding, all with picnics in spectacular settings.

Overnight at Nibepo Aike, Standard room – 2 nights.

The Plus Program includes:

Lodging with full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner, including picnics with wine and soft drinks during meals), private guided activities within the property, one pair of Alpargatas (traditional Argentine footwear), laundry service, daily shuttle service between the Estancia and El Calafate.

Day 9: Estancia Nibepo Aike

Day at Nibepo Aike with all activities included and organized by Nibepo Aike.

Day 10: Perito Moreno Glacier

This excursion introduces visitors to the history of Estancia Nibepo Aike and the pioneers of the area. The Los Pioneros Way is the old ranchers’ way. It was on these territories that the first pioneers bravely earned a living working the lands. This is an excellent opportunity to understand what it was like to live in these remote places at that time. The tour will take around the ranch to learn how pioneers worked these lands. After a delicious grilled lamb lunch at the ranch, depart on a boat navigation that goes through the Brazo Rico and the South of the Lago Argentino. This navigation provides amazing sights of the Moreno and Adriana sides. The vessel will disembark on Monedas beach, which can only be reached by boat. It is here where the trek across the woods begins. This area remains exactly as was left by the pioneers, so baguales (wild horses) can be found due to the uninterrupted breeding after the area was declared a national park. The pathway enters Lengas woods to the first views of the Perito Moreno Glacier through the trees. The path then descends to the beach where you will have time to take in this privileged landscape that can only be enjoyed by a few. Back on board, the vessel navigates in front of the Glacier to observe the ice slides and the front of the Glacier stepping into the Magallanes peninsula forming a natural dam. The vessel disembarks on Bajo las Sombras pier and from there a van takes passengers to the walkways where you will have excellent photo opportunities from different angles of the Perito Moreno wall. Afterward, you will transfer back to El Calafate (luggage will be at the land transfer waiting for you). Lunch with alcoholic drinks included.

Overnight at Esplendor Boutique Hotel - Concept Room, breakfast included.

Day 11: El Calafate - Viedma Glacier - El Chaltén

You will be met at your hotel by your driver and transferred to Bahia Tunel (driving time – 2-3 hours). Embark for a boat navigation of Viedma Lake. There will be incredible views of Viedma Glacier from the lake as well as icebergs floating on the lake.

Disembark and hike through the rocks to the front of the glacier. You will don crampons and begin the hike over the ice. You will see ice formations such as: cracks, drains, little lagoons, ice caves, with wonderful and unique glacier views along the way. Picnic lunch included.

After returning to Bahia Tunel you will transfer directly to El Chaltén, located north of Lago Viedma at the confluence of the De Las Vueltas and Fitz Roy rivers in Los Glaciares National Park. This landscape combines the magic of glaciers, hidden lagoons, estancias, Lake Viedma and the magnetic presence of Mount FitzRoy.

Overnight at Hosteria El Puma, Standard Room, daily breakfast included – 2 nights.

Day 12: El Chaltén

Optional trekking day. A private trekking guide can be arranged (at additional cost).

CERRO TORRE

Depart Chalten on a full-day hike to the Cerro Torre basecamp at Laguna Capri. You will have spectacular views of Cerro Solo and the Fitzroy Massif along the way. The spires of Cerro Torre and Cerro Egger rise directly across the lake.

FITZROY BASECAMP - LAGUNA DE LOS TRES

From Hosteria El Pilar, you'll hike approximately 3 hours through beech forests to the Poincenot basecamp of Mt. Fitzroy. Along the way, you will have constantly changing views of Piedras Blancas glacier and the N.E. face of Fitzroy. From basecamp, you may attempt the strenuous 1-hour climb to Laguna de los Tres. Here, three glaciers drain into the green lagoon with majestic Mt. Fitzroy towering above. Enjoy breathtaking views of Lago Viedma, the endless Patagonian steppe and Fitzroy itself. You can continue down a steep 1½-mile trail to the lake with a natural balcony overlooking Laguna Sucia, the St. Exupery and Poincenot spires. Return to basecamp and the Rio Blanco. From here, you will either descend the Blanco riverbed to El Pilar or continue past the Lagos Madre y Hija to El Chalten, where you will be transferred back to the lodge. Lunch not included – a boxed-lunch can be arranged at your hotel.

Day 13: El Chalten - El Cafafate - Buenos Aires

Transfer to the El Calafate Airport for your direct flight to Buenos Aires.

You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel in the Recoleta. Overnight at Mio Buenos Aires Hotel, Deluxe Room, breakfast included.

Afternoon at leisure.

Day 14: Int'l Departure

Private transfer from your hotel to the Ezeiza International Airport.

Day 1: Lima

Bienviendos a Peru! Welcome to Peru and the start of your South American adventure. Upon arrival at Lima International Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Lima

Day 2: Half Day Lima City Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Lima has long been considered one of Spanish America's most beautiful cities and today you will take a half day guided sightseeing tour to some of the city's most important sites. Starting with the Historical Centre of Lima you will pass by Plaza San Martin, Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, City Hall, the Cathedral and its religious Art Museum (closed all day Sunday and Saturday afternoon when you will visit the Santo Domingo Convent instead) as well as the San Francisco Monastery, including its underground crypts - the Catacombs.

Your tour continues through the residential districts of Miraflores and San Isidro continuing past the Huaca Pucllana (a mud brick and clay pyramid building which used to be the Ceremonial and Administration centre back in 200AD). You'll also visit a number of Lima's famous parks including El Olivar Park which is full of olive trees that were brought over from Spain in 15th Century, the Central Park of miraflores and the Peruvian Love Park (El Parque del Amor) which overlooks the Pacific Ocean and has some great views across to the Morro Solar in the distance.

Your tour continues with a visit to the Larco Museum which provides a fantastic introduction to Peru's ancient past and holds one of Peru's finest collections of pre-Columbian art. Then travel on to the quiet district of Pueblo Libre to see the stylish Hacienda House, which exhibits hundreds of excellently preserved ceramics before returning to your hotel.

The afternoon is free to further explore Lima at your leisure.

Overnight: Lima

Day 3: Cusco City Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Lima – Cusco. After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport in Lima for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival into Cusco airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the city. In the afternoon enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Cusco taking in highlights such as the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and Koriancha Temple. You'll also explore the ruins of the Kenko Amphitheatre, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara and the Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Afterwards return to your hotel.

Overnight: Cusco

Day 4: The Sacred Valley

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Cusco – Sacred Valley. Departing Cusco start your journey towards the famous Sacred Valley. The first stop of the day will be at Awanacancha - a popular Andean textile centre where you will learn about local dyeing techniques and how these textiles have been made for the past few hundred years. Continuing on you will visit the colourful markets at Pisac, where you can try your hand at haggling for some souvenirs. The final stop of the day is at the Incan citadel and fortress of Ollantaytambo. Constructed to guard the entrance to the valley to protect it from potential invasions from the local tribes in the jungle lowlands. It was the scene of Incan resistance in 1537 when Hernando Pizarro's troops faced Manco Inca's forces. A buffet lunch is included today.

Overnight: Sacred Valley

Day 5: Maras Saltpans & Moray Terraces

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes. Today travel further through the Sacred Valley to the salt fields of Maras and its seemingly never-ending terraces. Founded by the Spanish in 1556 the salt from here has supplied the local area for centuries.

Today's excursion continues with a visit to the Moray terraces. These terraces are believed to have either been a former gigantic agricultural laboratory, a place of worship or an astronomical observatory or possibly all three! Next you are transferred to the train station for an incredibly scenic journey aboard the Vistadome train to the spa town of Aguas Calientes.

Overnight: Aguas Calientes

Day 6: Guided tour of the Machu Picchu

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu – Cusco. The 'Lost City' of Machu Picchu is without doubt the jewel in Peru's crown. Set high up in the Andean Mountains, its location couldn’t be more spectacular. Brilliantly preserved, this classical Inca-style complex of polished dry-stone walls and temples is your destination for this morning. Take the bus from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu where you'll enjoy a guided tour of this incredible site, with plenty of free time to take photographs afterwards.

After your tour of Machu Picchu return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before taking the Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo and an onward transfer back to Cusco.

Overnight: Cusco

Day 7: Cusco to Lima

Meals: Breakfast

Cusco - Lima. Following a leisurely breakfast transfer to Cusco airport for your onward flight back to Lima. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to further explore the capital on your final day in Peru.

Overnight: Lima

Day 8: Iguazu Falls

Meals: Breakfast

Lima - Iguazu Falls. Today you'll be transferred from your hotel to Lima airport for your onward flight to Foz de Iguazu (Brazil). Upon arrival you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in Puerto Iguazu on the the Argentinean side of Iguazu Falls.

Overnight: Iguazu Falls (Argentina)

Day 9: Argentinian Falls Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Discover one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World today on a full day tour of the Argentinean side of beautiful Iguazu Falls. Located in the Iguazu National Park the excursion can be completed via 3 circuits best known as Lower Path, Higher path and the Devil´s Throat Path. The Lower Path winds through verdant jungle offering fantastic views of most of the rapids and falls from a lower point. The Higher Path, as its name suggests follows elevated walkways affording stunning views from a cliff-point lookout. The Devil’s Throat can only be accessed via the Ecological Jungle Train and with 14 cascades tumbling over 260 feet into the frothing water below, the views are simply spectacular.

Overnight: Iguazu Falls (Argentina)

Day 10: Brazilian Falls Tour & Rio

Meals: Breakfast

Iguazu Falls - Rio. After breakfast cross over to the Brazilian side of the falls for a half day tour of the Iguacu National Park, one of the largest vegetation reserves in Brazil. At the visitors centre transfer to a bus for a tour of the park via the boardwalks where you will be met by beautiful views of San Martin Island as well as the waterfalls of Bossetti, San Martin and the Three Muskateers. At the end of the walk there is an observation deck where you take in stunning views of Iguazu's Devil’s Throat, which is just 150m away and enhanced by the constant formation of rainbows.

After the tour transfer to Foz do Iguacu airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel in Rio. the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Rio De Janeiro

Day 11: Rio and Corcovado Mountain

Meals: Breakfast

Marvel at one of the New Seven Wonders of the World on a half day Corcovado Mountain excursion this morning. Take a scenic drive along the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon before arriving at the foot of Corcovado mountain. Here you will board a train which climbs up to the iconic, towering statue of Christ the Redeemer, which stands 2,300 feet above sea level. From the top of the mountain you can also take in the spectacular views over the city, its beautiful beaches and the lush forest. The tour includes a drive along some of Rio's famous beaches before returning to the hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Rio De Janeiro

Days 12-13: Rio De Janeiro

Day 12 is free for you to continue exploring this fascinating city at your own pace. You could take a trip by cable car up to Sugar Loaf Mountain or soak up some sunshine on one of Rio's many famous beaches, likes Copacabana or Ipanema. It's also possible to jump on board the old tram system across the viaduct into the quaint cobblestone neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, or embark on a walking tour of Rio's historic buildings. In the evening you could take in one of the many live Samba dance shows or simply soak up the unique Brazilian atmosphere in a local club.

Day 13:

Is the end of the tour and after breakfast you will be met and transferred to Rio airport for your onward flight.

Breakfast x 2