Argentina
Traveller Testimonial:
I have travelled with Adventures Abroad on previous Peru/Bolivia trips and enjoyed them
immensely and I decided to explore another unique corner of South America and signed up for
their Argentina/Chile tour. It was excellent in all respects. The Tour Leaders were
simply outstanding and my favourite parts were the overall scenery, culture and flavour
of Patagonia, the stunning glaciers and wildlife in the national parks, Tierra
del Fuego overall and the town of Ushuaia and the wonderful cameraderie of the group.
-Sue and Sam Black CL3 Argentina & Chile (South American treasures - featuring
Indescribable Iguazu)
Day 1 of Argentina Trips - Arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Nearly 40% of Argentina’s 33 million citizens live in Gran Buenos
Aires (Greater Buenos Aires), which at first makes the city almost
as imposing as New York or London.
However, after a brief orientation you will find that the compact
city centre is accessible and easily explored on foot, by bus, taxi
and underground.
Overnight in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Dinner if required.
Day 2 of Argentina Tours - Buenos Aires: City Tour
Today we will enjoy an exciting excursion to see the sights of this
cosmopolitan city. In the early part of the 20th century, Argentina
was one of the richest countries in the world. The grand public
buildings of Buenos Aires reflect this opulent era. The city is
known as the "Paris of South America" because of its wide boulevards
and European-style architecture. Buenos Aires was founded for the
second time in 1580 by Juan de Garay, just north of Mendoza’s
encampment. In accordance with Spanish law, he laid out the large
Plaza del Fuerte (Fortress Plaza). It acquired its present name of
Plaza de Mayo after the month of revolution in 1810.
Traveller Testimonial:
Torres del Paine was great, Iguazu Falls were spectacular, Buenos Aires
is a great, walkable city and Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia were simply incredible. Our
Tour Leader did a good job of selecting restaurants and the menu options were always varied
and good.
Pat and Al McGeachy Tour CL3 Argentina & Chile (South American treasures featuring Indescribable Iguazu)
It is in Plaza de Mayo that we concentrate our tour of the major public
buildings. Catedral Metropolitana, built on the sight of the
original colonial church was not completed until 1827. Not only is
it considered one of the major religious landmarks in Argentina, but
also a historical site of great importance. Here lies the tomb of
Jose de San Martin, the man who (along with Simon Bolivar) liberated
South America from Spanish rule in the early 1800’s. The Plaza de
Mayo is also home to Museo del Cabildo, the presidential palace
(Casa Rosada), and the national congress (Palacio del Congreso). We
also visit the Recoleta Cemetery where Buenos Aires’ richest
citizens are buried in magnificent marble tombs elaborately
decorated with statues. The most internationally-famous person
buried here is "Evita" Peron. Later this afternoon you may choose to
visit in the artist’s quarter of San Telmo.
Traveller Testimonial:
I wanted to go to Patagonia and since this tour visited spent time in Argentina, Chile
and Patagonia, it was the ideal choice. The tours of the glaciers
were beautiful and I honestly thought that every other place we visited, like Iguazu Falls,
Rio and Tierra del Fuego, was fascinating.
-Rose Taylor Tour CL3: Argentina & Chile (South American treasures featuring Indescribable Iguazu)
Day 3 of Argentina - Buenos Aires: City Tour
Another full day to explore the newest and the largest of the major
Latin American cities. With the entire Metropolitan area spanning a
gigantic 2915 kmē ( 1121 sq miles) and having a population of
approximately 10 million people -- a third of Argentina’s total,
there is much to see in order to get a feel of this vibrant city.
Buenos Aires began with the Plaza de Mayo, today a strikingly
beautiful plaza with tall palm trees, flower gardens and a central
monument set off by the surrounding colonial buildings. The most
eye-catching structure is the Casa Rosada (the Pink House), the seat
of the Government of Argentina with a small museum in the basement
that contains antiques and objects identified with different
Argentinean heroes.
The other historic buildings on the Plaza are the Cabildo (the Town
Council) which has been on this site since the founding of the city
in 1580 and the Metropolitan Cathedral completed in 1827. Browsing
amid these buildings and exploring the lively streets that lead off
from the plaza will occupy the morning hours with the afternoon free
to visit the barrio (district) of La Boca on the southern part of
Buenos Aires. The barrio is famous for sheet-iron houses, some built
from material taken from the interiors of abandoned ships now
painted in bright colours and for its history as a residential area
for Genoese sailors and dock workers in the 19th century.
Overnight in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Breakfast and dinner.
Traveller Testimonial:
I particularly enjoyed Peninsula Valdes, the Beagle Channel, Parc Nacional los
Glaciares and Torres del Paine. Vina del Mar and Valparaiso: I guess I expected quaint
villages but it's hugely crowded. [Tour Leader Keri Montgomery] was exceptionally suited
to her position.
-Mercedes Eiser Tour CL2: Argentina & Chile (South American Treasures)