DAY 1

This afternoon your group meets at your Buenos Aires hotel, Loi Suites Recoleta, for a short orientation and a city tour. Loi Suites Recoleta is located in the very heart of the most elegant neighborhood in Buenos Aires. The hotel, just steps away from the Pilar Church, the Recoleta cemetery, art galleries, and hundreds of lively restaurants and bars, is ideally situated to make the most of the city’s varied attractions and nightlife.

Buenos Aires is undoubtedly the Latin American city that most resembles the cosmopolitan and aristocratic atmosphere of European capitals. Beyond this Buenos Aires, however, lies another one: the small, colored houses of La Boca and the tango that you see, live, and feel in the streets of San Telmo. This mixture of the modern and historical makes Buenos Aires an original and irresistible metropolis. The city walking tour includes the Avenida de Julio—arguably the widest avenue in the world, the Plaza de Mayo—home to the presidential building, the Casa Rosada or Pink House, where the mothers of Plaza de Mayo have famously marched for years in protest over the disappearance of their children during the military dictatorship. You will explore the bohemian district of San Telmo and the old port of La Boca—home to La Bombonera, one of Argentina’s most famous soccer stadiums and home stadium of Boca, one of the most revered soccer teams in the country. Exploring the city’s highlights through a cultural perspective culminates with a visit to the famous Recoleta Cemetery, where you discover the “streets” of ornate mausoleums. Exploring the city’s highlights through a cultural perspective culminates with a visit to the famous Recoleta Cemetery, where you explore the “streets” of ornate mausoleums.

You celebrate your first day in Buenos Aires with dinner and drinks at an exclusive tango venue, El Viejo Almacén. It has been said that only in Buenos Aires could the tango be born. Only in this haunting city of immigrants could music of such emotional depth spring forth and take hold of a population. A musical ode to feelings of longing, passion, and love, the sounds of the tango fill the air.
Loi Suites Recoleta, Buenos Aires

DAY 2

You begin the day with a 1½-hour drive to the traditional gaucho town of San Antonio de Areco for un dia de campo, or a day in the country. San Antonio de Areco is located in the pampas, or fertile grasslands, surrounding Buenos Aires. En route, your guide recounts the fascinating history and traditions of the gaucho (loosely translated as cowboy) before stopping for a visit to the gaucho museum. You take in the local life as you walk through the park and small town-famous for its silver, rope, and leather workshops. You may catch a glimpse of the skilled artists at work and stop in for a sip of cortado (espresso cut with a dash of hot milk) at the old general store.

You continue on to a private estancia, or ranch. Dating back to the 1800’s, many ranches in this area were used as posthouses or wayside inns on the Camino Real—the Royal Road—from Buenos Aires to the north of the country. You are welcomed with freshly made empanadas and refreshment as you watch a gaucho demonstration. For lunch you savor a typical Argentine asado, or barbecue/roast of fine beef, and sip wines under a canopy of ancient trees on the lush lawn of the estancia.

Following a leisurely lunch, you have the option of a short but scenic walk through the surrounding pampas on foot, or you can saddle up the well-tempered criollo horses and explore the area in true gaucho style, or you may remain at the estancia to simply relax and absorb the soothing views of the pampas.

Later, dinner is served at a restaurant within walking distance of your Buenos Aires hotel.
Loi Suites Recoleta, Buenos Aires

DAY 3

You rise early this morning and transfer to the domestic airport for an approximately two-hour flight to Mendoza. Upon arrival, you are driven to your hotel for the next three nights, Lares de Chacras, located in a picturesque village called Chacras de Coria, only 20 minutes from the regional capital of Mendoza, a center of wine routes and amazing gastronomic venues. The country-style house reflects the art of combining Andean stone with typical desert wood, bringing out a natural, simple, and modern look. Its swimming pool, set in a garden, promises tranquil afternoons and calm nights. This area of ranches is renowned for its warm microclimate and scenic location at the base of the Andes.

Following time to settle in and a traditional lunch at the hotel, you set off for an introductory walk to get acquainted with your surroundings. In the company of your local Mendocian guide, explore the Plaza de Independencia and Emilio Civil en route to General San Martin City Park. Originally designed as a place to train the Argentine Army, locals and travelers alike now explore its beautiful Rosedal or rose garden and Cerro de la Gloria (Mt Gloria). Atop Mt Gloria, you are afforded sweeping views of Mendoza city and the back-drop of the Andes mountain range.

This afternoon you return to the hotel with time to relax before dinner at a favorite restaurant within walking distance.
Lares de Chacras, Chacras de Coria

DAY 4

Following a good night’s rest, you wake to a satisfying breakfast at your hotel. Mid-morning, you set off for the Bodega Lopez. One of the oldest wineries in Mendoza, Bodega Lopez was established in 1898. A practice that has transferred from father to son for four generations, the winery is still in the hands of the founding family. Today the winery is surrounded by vineyards and stands at the base of the majestic Andes. Following a comprehensive tour, you have the pleasure of sampling some of the many varieties produced here.

You depart Bodega Lopez and make your way through vineyards and down tree-lined roads. Upon arrival to Toso Estate, you meet your guide, Alejandro Toso, an agronomist engineer whose family’s vineyard is one of the oldest in the region. Within the vineyards, he explains in detail the different leaves, grapes, and techniques of cultivation. Walking deep into the vineyard—aromatic with the smell of the earth, the air crisp and fresh as it sweeps down from the mountains in the background—appetites are whetted for the next quintessentially Argentine experience: the Asado. This is a participatory feast, you learn about Argentina’s barbeque tradition as you help prepare it, which is an art in itself! Enjoying the fruits of your labor under the poplar trees of the vineyard, you taste some of Mendoza’s best Cabernet and Malbec wines, while savoring insights from your wine expert.

Dinner this evening is at a celebrated restaurant in the city of Mendoza.
Lares de Chacras, Chacras de Coria

DAY 5

Today you set out early for a two to three hour scenic drive towards the snowcapped Andes Mountains, and the starting point for an invigorating walk. You explore the Horcones Valley at the base of Mount Aconcagua, which, at 22,944 feet, is the highest mountain in South America and, as one of the famed “Seven Summits,” a magnet for devoted mountain climbers worldwide. The drive follows the Rio Mendoza pass through the small town of Potrerillos, through the Uspallata Valley, Mount Penitentes (a local ski area), and the famous bridge of the Incas, a geological and historical site where Incans soaked in the curative hot spring waters.

Today’s walk is a moderate hike in the Horcones Ravine, which encircles Mount Aconcagua. Your extremely accomplished mountain guide—who has summited Mount Aconcagua 32 times!—accompanies you through rolling terrain at over 9,000 feet. Wildflowers flank the path, which leads you toward the south face of Aconcagua and provides spectacular views of the snowcapped peak. A picnic lunch is unpacked in the fresh air, in full view of Mount Aconcagua.

This evening unfolds as you wish as you are on your own for dinner. You may opt to stay in and enjoy a gourmet meal at the hotel or take your guide up on one of his local suggestions within walking distance.
Lares de Chacras, Chacras de Coria

DAY 6

This morning you fly via Buenos Aires to northern Patagonia, better known as the Lakes region. Upon arrival in Bariloche, you proceed to your home for the next three nights—the Hotel Aldebaran. Located on San Pedro Peninsula, the hotel is only 25 minutes from Bariloche City. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery of woods, hills, and crystal lakes, this hotel is an excellent choice to discover Patagonia. Its ten exclusive rooms, overlooking Nahuel Huapi Lake, feature individual balconies and access to the deck.

The incredible views are sure to inspire you to stretch your legs after your journey. So, after settling in, you head out to Llao-Llao Municipal Park, arguably the most photographed area in all of Bariloche. You enjoy an invigorating steady climb to a mirador, or lookout—so be sure to have your camera ready! The wooded path leads past giant Coihue trees, which may be 500 to 600 years old, the colorful Arrayán trees—a variety of Myrtle with twisted branches and smooth red peeling bark, and the ever-present cypress with rich hanging moss. The walk culminates at the edge of Nahuel Huapi Lake, where glacial waters tempt hardy explorers for a brisk swim.

This afternoon, you return to the hotel with time to relax before a lovely dinner. Dinner this evening is at a favorite “pub” style restaurant near the hotel.
Hotel Aldebaran, Bariloche

DAY 7

Today’s excursion begins by navigating across the cold sparkling waters of Nahuel Huapi Lake and up to the millenary Victoria Island, which hosts a universe of natural attractions. Victoria Island was originally named Nahuel Huapi, meaning Tiger Island in the aboriginal Mapuche language, and later this name was applied to the entire lake. Victoria Island is located in Nahuel Huapi National Park, which is the oldest and most important park in Argentina. Gliding across crystal clear waters, you reach the island of Centennial Cypress, native trees, and exotic fauna.

You disembark on the 12-mile-long island and begin the walk. Internal trails take you to isolated beaches and past various unique trees such as the ancient Arrayán, with its ever-cold cinnamon-colored bark and white flowers. Victoria Island is a natural wildlife reserve and home to an amazing diversity of flora and fauna. If you are quiet and a little lucky, you might spot deer or pheasant. You enjoy a delightful picnic lunch on the island during this full-day visit. Dinner this evening is on your own. You may choose to sample the hotel’s fare, specializing in homemade pastas and wood fired pizzas or go out to a nearby restaurant.
Hotel Aldebaran, Bariloche

DAY 8

This morning you rise to the beauty of the surroundings. Early risers may wish to follow the path down to the lakeside dock.

Following breakfast, you depart for Bahia Lopez, the start of a morning walk. The path leads along the rocky beach of Nahuel Huapi Lake, along wide, wooded trails, all the while steadily climbing. Wildflowers along the trail include the purple Mutisia. After a short, steep, rocky, section*, you are rewarded with outstanding views of the surrounding mountains, including the 12,000-foot, glacier-capped Mount Tronador, an extinct volcano that today establishes the frontier between Argentina and Chile. Upon arrival at the walk’s destination, a natural balcony carved out of granite cliffs by glaciers, you can relax and enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared high in the mountains—food for the body and spirit. With luck, you may spot giant condors playing in the wind. Condors are among the largest flying birds in the world, and to see them on the wing is truly breathtaking.

This afternoon, a kayaking option is available for those who wish to enjoy Patagonia from another vantage point. This easy, guided paddle on Nahuel Huapi Lake is a wonderful way to spend a summer afternoon in Bariloche. The waters are generally calm, and the lake is edged with lush vegetation and diverse wildlife.

For those who wish to take the afternoon off to relax at the hotel or perhaps enjoy the spa, the afternoon is free. You may also opt to take a cab to downtown Bariloche for shopping opportunities.

Tonight you celebrate your final evening together in true Argentine style at an exclusive private restaurant featuring local organic gourmet cuisine. *Please note: There is a short section of this walk that requires crossing a wooden bridge with a steep drop-off on one side. If you have any concerns about vertigo, we strongly urge you to phone our office.
Hotel Aldebaran, Bariloche

DAY 9

Following breakfast this morning, you say adios. A transfer to the airport is provided for departures. For some guests, this may mean flying back to Buenos Aires for additional time exploring the city or connecting to an international flight home. For others, the journey may continue on a Southern Patagonia extension.

Itinerary Changes

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Nights 1 & 2

Loi Suites Recoleta
Buenos Aires, Argentina

A deluxe hotel ideally situated in the upscale neighborhood of Recoleta within walking distance of many fine shops, galleries, museums, restaurants, and the Recoleta cemetary. Amenities include a pool, gym, and business center.

Nights 3, 4 & 5

Lares De Chacras
Chacras de Coria, Argentina

Located in a picturesque village with tree lined streets on the outskirts of Mendoza, this family-run, country style house is built in traditional Andean style using local wood and stone. Amenities include a pool, lovely common areas, and a wonderful wine cellar.

Nights 6, 7 & 8

Hotel Aldebaran
Bariloche, Argentina

Located on the sparkling shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake welcomes us each evening with the charm and comfort of an intimate boutique hotel. This hotel boasts luxurious rooms with private balconies and amenities including a spa and gourmet restaurant.

Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Country Walkers adventure, a hotel itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call Country Walkers at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.

Daniel Catania

Born in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires, Daniel earned his guide certification through the Mountain Guides Argentine Association. He now makes his home in the Argentinian province of Tierra del Fuego, where he pursues his love of mountaineering, skiing, and photography.  As a director and instructor for the Andean Club Ushuaia, Daniel is able to share his love of the Argentine landscape. He brings this knowledge of and passion for his country to our Argentina tour!

Martin Begino

Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Martin makes his home in Ushuaia, the capital of the Argentinian province of Tierra del Fuego and claimed as the world’s southernmost city. As a guide for almost twenty years, he brings with him extensive experience and his love for nature.  He is the president of the Ushuaia Mountain and Ski Club and speaks four languages. Walking with Martin through Argentina, guests gain a complete understanding of all things Argentine!