Patagonia Luxury Tours, Argentina & Chile
The Land of the Giants - from the Perito Moreno Glacier to Torres del Paine
Buenos Aires | El Calafate | Torres del Paine
While Argentina is best known for its Malbec wines, high-quality steaks, and the passionate tango, there are many other reasons to visit this regionally diverse country. In fact, one might feel as though they have traveled to several different countries after a luxury journey through Argentina. Begin your luxury tour in the uniquely European capital of Buenos Aires, where the heavy Italian and Spanish influence can be felt in everything from the cuisine to the distinct vocabulary and lively hand gestures of the animated porteños. Traveling to the northwestern provinces of Salta and Jujuy, one will encounter the imposing Andes mountains, a much drier but striking climate, and a mix of indigenous and Spanish colonial culture. Continuing south along the Andes, Mendoza and its Malbec producing vineyards are not to be missed. North of Buenos Aires, at the border with Brazil, lies the wildly different sub-Atlantic rainforest and the majestic Iguazu Falls. Southwest of Buenos Aires, in northern Patagonia, or the Lake District, the tranquil alpine scenery and architecture will have visitors feeling as though they may have actually traveled to central Europe. Even further south in Patagonia, one comes to the spectacular Land of the Giants with glaciers, rugged mountains, and the departure point for Antarctica.
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Famously referred to as the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires is strikingly different from most other South American cities. Strolling through the elegant neighborhoods of Recoleta and Retiro with their Parisian-style former palaces, it’s obvious the nickname is fitting. In trendy Palermo, enjoy a visit to MALBA to see Latin American works of art, shop at chic local boutiques, bike through the neighborhood’s beautiful parks and charming streets. In the center of bustling Buenos Aires, tour the stately Teatro Colon, one of the best opera houses in the world, from behind the scenes with private, VIP access. On Sundays, visitors can’t miss the markets on the cobblestone streets of San Telmo, the oldest neighborhood in the city. Not far from San Telmo, one can find the Casa Rosada, the presidential palace, and the historic Plaza de Mayo. In the evenings, dine on famed Argentine steak and wine before taking in an iconic tango show.
The stunning alpine Lake District in Northern Patagonia is a true playground for the outdoor enthusiast! Active travelers can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, or even white water rafting among the snowcapped Andes mountains and crystalline alpine lakes. Explore the largest lake in the area, Lago Nahuel Huapi, on your own private yacht and personal captain who will take you to Victoria Island, where you can take in the local flora and fauna and savor a gourmet picnic lunch. After playing hard in the area’s natural beauty, travelers can relax and take in the striking lake views at their luxury lodge or choose to be pampered to their heart’s content with a variety of spa treatments. In the evening, enjoy local culinary specialties influenced by central and eastern European immigrants who populated this area that is sometimes called “Little Switzerland.”
In Southern Patagonia, the Land of the Giants, the terrain shifts into rougher landscapes featuring piercing blue glaciers, emerald lakes, and towering snow-covered mountain peaks near the continent’s end. For an unforgettable experience in El Calafate, head to Glacier National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here travelers can see the park’s many glaciers up close and even trek across the ice of the majestic Perito Moreno glacier with an expert guide. In El Chaltén, travelers up for a challenge have the opportunity to hike Mount Fitz Roy. After completing this 12-mile trek, hikers are rewarded with dramatic views of glaciers, the unforgettable towers of Cerro Torre, and the turquoise waters of Lago de los Tres. Continue to the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, where one can hike through Tierra del Fuego National Park or navigate the famed Beagle Channel by boat.
Upon seeing the spectacular Iguazu Falls, it is said former first lady Elenor Roosevelt exclaimed, “Poor Niagara!” An understandable reaction considering that Iguazu Falls is almost three times as wide and about 100 feet taller! Feel the power of these monumental falls from the water on a private boat tour or enjoy a birds-eye view of the tumbling waters via a private helicopter flyover as part of this luxury tour. Because of its location within the sub-Atlantic rainforest, this UNESCO World Heritage site also offers the opportunity to enjoy colorful rainforest flora and fauna, including howler monkeys, toucans, caiman, mischievous coatis, and possibly even the elusive jaguar. Interestingly, the name of these mighty falls is not a Spanish name. It comes from the language of the local indigenous population, the Guaraní, and many locals who live in the area still have Guaraní heritage today.
With the dramatic Andes mountains as an incredible backdrop, visitors to Mendoza, the heart of Argentina’s wine country, have the opportunity to visit some of the best vineyards in South America and the world. Although best known for Malbec, the vineyards in Lujan de Cuyo and Uco Valley produce grapes of different varieties as well, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and more. Blue Parallel can arrange private culinary experiences and wine tastings with a sommelier at both iconic and smaller boutique vineyards as part of a luxury tour in Mendoza. The natural beauty of the wine region is also the perfect setting for outdoor adventures like mountain biking or horseback riding.
Travelers will find spectacular natural landscapes in the northwestern provinces of Salta and Jujuy. From the small but proud colonial city of Salta, this luxury tour will take travelers to the hidden gem of Cafayate, a tiny town famous for its exceptionally high-altitude vineyards. On the way, pass fascinating, lunar-like sandstone rock formations before arriving at the boutique vineyards to sample excellent wines, including the local signature white, Torrontés. In Jujuy, observe the surviving remnants of Argentina's indigenous cultures and the area's unusual geography. Stay in the quaint village of Purmamarca at the foot of the majestic Mountain of Seven Colors, part of UNESCO World Heritage site Quebrada de Humahuaca. From there, journey to the perspective-shifting Salina Grandes and pre-Incan fortification Pucará outside the mountain town of Tilcara.