Exciting Argentina For Families
Tour Introduction
There is so much to keep all ages occupied in this exciting and diverse family tour which takes in Argentina’s best attractions. From Buenos Aires, you will visit a traditional estancia of the pampas to experience the life of the gaucho. Continue to the unspoilt Valdes Peninsula where, depending on season, you’ll see nesting colonies of Magellanic penguins, enormous elephant seals, southern right whales and perhaps hunting orcas. Travel further south into Patagonia to the ice lands of stunning Los Glaciares National Park to walk atop an actual glacier. Next comes the breath-taking scenery of the Argentine Lake District and fun-filled activities such as kayaking and a visit to Mount Tronador. Finally head north-east to enjoy the rich birdlife of the Atlantic rainforest and visit spectacular Iguazu Falls while based at a fabulous, family friendly lodge. When it comes to your last day, you and your family just won’t want to leave.
Full Itinerary
Morning arrival in Buenos Aires. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Staying at Loi Suites. Includes Breakfast.
Travel to the Pampas north of Buenos Aires and spend the day on a typical Estancia. On arrival at the estancia (ranch) watch the gauchos at work rounding up the cattle on horseback followed by a traditional Argentine BBQ (an asado) for lunch. In the afternoon enjoy an exciting horseback excursion across the pampas close to the estancia. Return to Buenos Aires in the evening.
Staying at Loi Suites. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Trelew. Met and transfer to the Valdes Peninsula, designated a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO. This wild 1,545 square mile peninsula protrudes 62 miles eastwards into the South Atlantic. Afternoon excursion to visit the calving site of the enormous southern elephant seal.
Staying at Punta Delgada. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Full day exploration of the Valdes Peninsula. The activities will depend upon the season but could include visiting huge colonies of nesting Magellanic penguins, haul-out sites of southern sea lions, boat trips to see southern right whales, or even orcas hunting sea lions on the beach. There are also armadillos, Patagonian hares and guanacos inland and many seabirds to spot.
Staying at Punta Delgada. Includes All Meals.
Transfer to Trelew airport and fly to El Calafate. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Staying at Hotel Kosten Aike. Includes Breakfast.
Full day exploring the magnificent 18-mile long Perito Moreno glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. Begin with informative walks around the side of glacier and later go on an exhilarating mini ice-trek (age restrictions apply) on the glacier itself. Then take a boat trip along the huge wall of the glacier for a chance to see massive blocks of ice break off with a loud crack and crash into the lake to form icebergs.
Staying at Hotel Kosten Aike. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Full day of exploration in the mountainous landscapes and glaciers at Estancia Cristina. Transfer to a boat landing and board your modern, comfortable boat for an excursion on Upsala Lake, passing icebergs and dramatic landscapes to reach the impressive Upsala Glacier. In the afternoon return to the estancia for a tour of the property including a visit to the old shearing shed which is now the Costumbrista museum. Return to El Calafate in the evening.
Staying at Hotel Kosten Aike. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Bariloche. Transfer to an estancia in the countryside outside the town. The rest of the day is at leisure. The estancia is located in a tranquil wilderness on the shores of Lake Gutierrez at the southern tip of Nahuel Huapi National Park. There is a beautiful wooded valley behind the property with plenty of activities on offer.
Staying at Estancia Peuma Hue. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
A full day of activities at the estancia could include horse-riding in the mountains, exciting walks through the forest, swimming in the lake, kayaking, fishing and birdwatching. Most of the activities can be combined to create a unique action-packed day.
Staying at Estancia Peuma Hue. Includes All Meals.
Full day of activities further afield including a scenic exploration of the inactive volcano Mount Tronador that straddles the border of Chile and Argentina. Activities today could also include rafting or kayaking along nearby rivers.
Staying at Estancia Peuma Hue. Includes All Meals.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Puerto Iguazu via Buenos Aires. Met on arrival and transfer to Yacutinga Lodge. The Lodge is set within its own private reserve of Atlantic rainforest and offers comfortable facilities including a swimming pool and visitor center. Semi-tame capybaras (the world’s largest rodent) feed near the lodge and often allow close approach.
Staying at Yacutinga Lodge. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
A full day of guided activities in the reserve, such as kayaking along the San Francisco stream, treks into the forest to learn about the flora and fauna, and night walks in search of wildlife and to observe the star-filled sky. There will also be plenty of time to relax and enjoy the facilities.
Staying at Yacutinga Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Another day of guided activities in the reserve.
Staying at Yacutinga Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Transfer to Iguazu Falls and visit both sides of the Falls (bring your passport with you), including a boat ride to the base of the impressive Devil’s Throat drop. The collection of falls stretches for over 1.5 miles with over 250 different cascades. There is a mini railway and safe network of walkways and trails enabling visitors to access the best views.
Transfer to Foz do Iguacu on the Brazilian side of the falls and fly to Sao Paulo or Rio to connect your international flight home.
Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Tour Accommodation
Faro Punta Delgada
Overview
Faro Punta Delgada, formerly a lighthouse and training ground for the army, is a simple estancia on the Valdes Peninsula. It has a scenic location on a cliff looking out towards the Atlantic Ocean on the Punta Delgada headland. There are five simple en suite rooms with basic amenities and Wi-Fi is available in the communal areas of the hotel.
There is an attractive restaurant with wide panoramic windows looking out to sea, a well-stocked bar and lounge, games area with dartboard and pool table, and billiards is also available. The food is well-presented and consists of tasty regional dishes: a buffet breakfast is served in the restaurant in the mornings.
The hotel is within walking distance of a huge southern elephant seal breeding colony. Many activities can be undertaken from the hotel and there is a private area of beach to explore.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, bar, lounge, games room, Wi-Fi in the communal areas,
Local Wildlife
Southern elephant seals, sea lions, southern right whales, large seabird colonies, guanacos and possibly orcas and dolphins.
Optional Activities
Horse-riding, walking trails, 4x4 excursions, and bicycles are available to explore on.
Yacutinga Lodge
Overview
Yacutinga Lodge sits within its own private reserve protecting 1,400 acres of severely threatened Misiones Atlantic Rainforest, just two hours from Iguazu Falls. The lodge is dedicated to protecting the natural environment and providing a comfortable, enjoyable and educational experience for its guests while minimising negative environmental impact.
There are 20 rooms in five blocks of four, scattered around the property, all clean and welcoming with hot water, electricity, private bathrooms and comfortable beds. The rooms’ quirky design blends in well with the rainforest and all have a different view of the forest. There is also a beautiful master suite if you really want to spoil yourselves.
The main building has a communal lounge area and bar and a simple dining area where regional dishes sourced from local farms are served. The wildlife filled garden contains a small but inviting swimming pool. There is no air conditioning, TV or telephone: the lodge offers guests a peaceful and exciting experience in the forest with a good level of service.
The extreme diversity of birds and other wildlife in the habitats around the lodge enable sightings of a wide variety of birds including some exciting specialities. Different programmes are offered to suit families, keen birders, natural history enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful and educational experience.
Some of the excursions include walking on a variety of trails of varying difficulty, wildlife spotting, boat and kayak trips along the Iguazu River and interpretative walks, demonstrations and tours of the local Guarani community.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
En suite rooms with hot water showers, dining room, lounge area, bar and swimming pool.
Local Wildlife
There is a high abundance of birds including many Atlantic rainforest specialities. such as spot-billed and saffron toucanets, and the normally shy Azara’s agouti is frequently observed around the lodge As well as Azara’s agouti, black howler and black-striped tufted capuchin monkeys, and coatis are seen quite regularly. There is a fantastic diversity of butterflies in the forest and around the lodge including dazzling morphos, clearwings, metalmarks and heliconias.
Optional Activities
Trail walks, interpretative treks, and visits to local communities, kayaking and boat trips and specialist bird watching.
Estancia Peuma Hue
Overview
Peuma Hue is a working estancia and country guesthouse just 30 minutes from the Andean town of Bariloche in the Argentine skiing region. It occupies a 500-acre site which includes two miles of shoreline on Lake Gutierrez. There is a lounge area with comfy sofas and cosy open fireplace with large windows overlooking the lake, and a dining area where tasty organic meals are served.
The four spacious, well-designed rooms in the main building have comfortable beds and private bathrooms, all with views of the lake. The two superior double rooms downstairs have either king size or twin beds. Upstairs the junior suite has a king-size bed and extra twin or sofa and a beautiful bathroom with a glass ceiling and panoramic views across the lake. The master suite has a king size bed, balcony looking towards the lake and a double Jacuzzi with dressing room.
There are also four individual cabins with different room configurations including Mountain Villa nestling on the wooded mountainside.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
En suite rooms in the main building in addition to Radal Lodge with 4 rooms, Coihue Villa with 2 rooms, Mountain Villa with 2 rooms and a loft, and Creek Cabin with a double room. The main building has open fireplaces, a dining area, bar and lounge. There is free Wi-Fi, a hot tub, laundry service, and organised activities can be arranged.
Optional Activities
Trekking, bird and wildlife watching, horse-riding, kayaking, and yoga classes, massages, fly fishing.
Kosten Aike
Overview
Kosten Aike is a comfortable hotel in downtown El Calafate, the gateway to magnificent Los Glaciares National Park and the impressive Perito Moreno, one of Patagonia’s three advancing glaciers. It is a remarkable sight, especially when large icebergs calve from the main glacier and fall, almost as if in slow motion, into the lake, causing a loud cracking sound and huge splash.
The hotel offers 80 rooms, all with private bathrooms and TV, minibar, telephone, safe, heating and free Wi-Fi. There are two suites, two apartments and special rooms can be provided for those with disabilities.
The hotel has a pleasant restaurant, bar, lounge, sauna, gym and games room and provides laundry, childcare, massage and room services.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, lounge, bar, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, minibar and phone in room, gym, sauna, games room, massage, childcare, laundry and room service.
Optional Activities
Excursions to Los Glaciares National Park.
Loi Suites Recoleta
Overview
This hotel is well-located in the Recoleta district, just minutes from cafes, restaurants, parks and museums, and literally round the corner from Recoleta cemetery where Eva Peron is buried.
The 112 suites are equipped with complimentary high speed Wi-Fi, cable TV, safety deposit box and minibar. Facilities include a small business room with complimentary internet access, lovely winter garden breakfast room with small indoor swimming pool, two restaurants, sauna, small gym and a massage room.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, indoor swimming pool, sauna, gym, massage room, business centre, cable TV, safety deposit box, minibar, private bathrooms, laundry service and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Optional Activities
City tours of Buenos Aires.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
British Airways has direct flights from London Heathrow to Buenos Aires, and from Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro to London Heathrow. There are also flights from the UK on Air France via Paris, Air Europa and Iberia via Madrid, TAM via Sao Paulo and Lufthansa via Frankfurt.
Best Visited:
January to January
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
John Melton
Area Specialist
Orcas carry out beach stranding attacks on the Valdes Peninsula in March and April. Southern right whales can be seen from June to November and Magellanic penguins from September to April. In general the best months to visit Patagonia are from October until the end of March when daytime temperatures can reach the low 20s centigrade.
For a less remote experience at Bariloche, stay at the Llao Llao Hotel.
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
