13-Day Ultimate Luxury Argentina Itinerary: Wine, Waterfalls & Glaciers
Argentina is a land of dramatic contrasts, where European-style sophistication meets the raw, untamed beauty of the Southern Hemisphere. This 13-day luxury itinerary is designed for travelers who seek the finest things in life, blending the cultural richness of Buenos Aires with the world-class vineyards of Mendoza and the breathtaking glaciers of El Calafate.
Throughout this journey, you will experience the height of Argentine hospitality. Expect private chauffeured transfers, domestic flights in premium cabins where available, and stays at some of the world's most renowned luxury lodges and boutique hotels. Prepare to indulge in exquisite Malbecs, witness the power of Iguazú, and walk upon ancient ice, all while returning to the comfort of elite accommodations each evening.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Arrival & European Elegance
Private Transfer to the Four Seasons
Arrive at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and meet your private chauffeur for a seamless transfer to the historic La Mansión wing of the Four Seasons Buenos Aires.
Gourmet Lunch at Elena
Dine at one of Latin America's top-rated restaurants, located within your hotel, known for its selection of dry-aged meats and exceptional wine list.
Stroll through Recoleta Cemetery
Explore the stunning architecture of this famous necropolis, visiting the final resting place of Eva Perón with a private historian guide.
Rojo Tango Dinner Show
Experience the most exclusive and intimate tango performance in the city, held at the Faena Hotel’s glamorous cabaret theater.
Day 2: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Cultural Grandeur
Teatro Colón Behind-the-Scenes
Enjoy a private tour of one of the world's most acoustically perfect opera houses, visiting the workshops and the golden main hall.
Art Walk in MALBA
Visit the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires (MALBA) to see iconic works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera with a private art curator.
Palermo Soho Boutique Shopping
Browse high-end leather goods and local designer fashion in the trendy tree-lined streets of Palermo Soho.
Don Julio Parrilla Experience
Secure a coveted reservation at the world-famous Don Julio for an authentic Argentine steakhouse experience that redefines the 'asado'.
Day 3: Buenos Aires, Argentina - History & The River Plate
San Telmo Antiques & History
Wander through the oldest neighborhood in the city, exploring Plaza Dorrego and the ornate San Telmo Market.
Puerto Madero Waterfront Lunch
Enjoy a modern seafood lunch overlooking the iconic Puente de la Mujer bridge in the city's sleekest refurbished dock district.
Private Yacht Charter on the Delta
Escape the city for a sunset cruise through the Tigre Delta, sipping champagne among the lush islands and stilt houses.
Speakeasy Cocktails in Palermo
Conclude your Buenos Aires stay with a visit to 'Florería Atlántico', a hidden bar accessed through a flower shop, ranked among the world's best.
Day 4: Iguazú Falls, Argentina - The Devil's Throat
Flight to Puerto Iguazú
Take a morning domestic flight from Aeroparque (AEP) to Iguazú (IGR), where a private driver will whisk you to the Gran Meliá Iguazú.
Upper Circuit Private Walk
Walk the elevated walkways through the rainforest, getting your first panoramic views of the cascading waterfalls without the crowds.
The Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo)
Board the ecological train to the park’s most powerful viewpoint, where the river plunges into a 260-foot deep abyss.
Dinner at The Argentine Experience
Participate in an interactive culinary workshop where you learn to make empanadas and alfajores while enjoying top-tier steak.
Day 5: Iguazú Falls, Argentina - Water & Jungle
Gran Aventura Boat Tour
Speed into the heart of the falls on a high-powered boat for a literal 'shower' under the cascades—a thrilling luxury adventure.
Helicopter Flight Over the Falls
Take off from the Brazilian side for a breathtaking aerial perspective of all 275 waterfalls spanning the border.
Parque das Aves Visit
Enter giant aviaries to see exotic toucans and macaws in this world-class bird sanctuary on the edge of the falls.
Stargazing at the Falls
Enjoy a quiet evening at your hotel, listening to the roar of the falls under the southern stars.
Day 6: Mendoza, Argentina - The Wine Country
Travel to Mendoza
Private transfer to IGR for your flight to Mendoza (usually via AEP). Your chauffeur will meet you for the drive to the Uco Valley.
Check-in at The Vines Resort & Spa
Nestle into your luxury villa surrounded by 1,500 acres of private vineyards at the foot of the Andes Mountains.
Sundowners in the Vineyards
Enjoy a private tasting of the resort's own small-batch blends as the sun sets behind the snow-capped Andes.
Dinner at Siete Fuegos
Savor the 'Seven Fires' open-flame cooking technique of legendary chef Francis Mallmann, paired with world-class Malbecs.
Day 7: Mendoza, Argentina - Uco Valley Terroir
Bodega Catena Zapata Visit
Tour the pyramid-shaped winery of the pioneers of Argentine Malbec, including an exclusive tasting of their 'Adrianna Vineyard' cru.
Long Lunch at Casa de Uco
Indulge in a 5-course seasonal lunch overlooking the lagoon and the sprawling vineyards of the southern Uco Valley.
Private Blending Session
Learn the art of winemaking by creating your own custom blend under the guidance of a professional sommelier.
Asado Under the Stars
Enjoy a traditional Argentine barbecue prepared by a private chef in a remote corner of the vineyard estate.
Day 8: Mendoza, Argentina - Luján de Cuyo Heritage
Historic Winery Tour at Bodega El Enemigo
Inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy, this boutique winery offers a surreal and deeply personal look at modern winemaking.
Gourmet Picnic at Bodega Lagarde
Relax under century-old trees for a sophisticated picnic featuring artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and chilled Rosé.
Spa Ritual at Park Hyatt
Head to the city center for a luxury red-wine-based spa treatment (vinotherapy) to rejuvenate after days of exploration.
Fine Dining at Azafrán
Experience an intimate dinner in the cellar of one of Mendoza's most acclaimed restaurants, focusing on hyper-local ingredients.
Day 9: El Calafate, Argentina - Gateway to Glaciers
Flight to Southern Patagonia
Board your flight from Mendoza to El Calafate (FTE). A private 4x4 vehicle will transfer you to the exclusive EOLO Lodge.
Patagonian Steppe Horseback Ride
Explore the vast landscapes surrounding your lodge on horseback, taking in views of Lake Argentino and the distant peaks.
Tea Time at EOLO
Enjoy a refined high tea with homemade Patagonian pastries while watching the shifting light over the valley.
Dinner at the Lodge
Dine on Patagonian lamb and locally sourced trout, prepared with contemporary culinary techniques.
Day 10: El Calafate, Argentina - Perito Moreno Glacier
Private Glacier Walkway Tour
Beat the crowds with an early morning private visit to the walkways facing the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier.
'Big Ice' Trekking Adventure
Don your crampons for a private, guided trek across the top of the glacier, exploring blue lagoons and deep crevasses.
Whiskey with Glacial Ice
Celebrate your trek with a glass of whiskey or Scotch served over 1,000-year-old ice harvested directly from the glacier.
Dinner at La Zaina
Head into El Calafate town for a cozy, upscale meal at this wine bar and restaurant known for its exceptional Patagonian stew.
Day 11: El Calafate, Argentina - Estancia Cristina
Upsala Glacier Navigation
Board a private VIP cabin on a catamaran to navigate Lake Argentino, weaving between massive icebergs to reach the Upsala Glacier.
Estancia Cristina Discovery
Disembark at this historic and remote ranch, accessible only by boat, for a 4x4 journey to the Continental Ice Field lookout.
Patagonian Lunch at the Estancia
Enjoy a rustic yet refined lunch in the Estancia's dining room, featuring traditional recipes and incredible views.
Return to El Calafate
Sail back across the lake as the evening light paints the mountains in shades of gold and purple.
Day 12: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Final Indulgences
Return Flight to the Capital
Fly back to Buenos Aires for one final night. Check into the Alvear Palace Hotel, the pinnacle of Argentine luxury.
Personal Shopping Assistant
Engage a personal shopper to find the highest quality custom-made leather boots and jackets in the exclusive boutiques of Recoleta.
Afternoon Tea at L'Orangerie
Experience the legendary tea service at the Alvear Palace, a social staple for the Buenos Aires elite.
Farewell Dinner at Aramburu
Celebrate the end of your journey at this 2-Michelin-starred restaurant offering an 18-course tasting menu that showcases Argentine ingredients.
Day 13: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Departure
Leisurely Breakfast & Last Walk
Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel followed by a morning stroll through the beautiful parks of Palermo.
Lunch at Casa Cavia
Dine in one of the most beautiful courtyards in the city, located in a restored 1920s residence that blends a restaurant, bookstore, and florist.
Private Transfer to EZE
Your chauffeur will collect you and your luggage for the comfortable drive to Ezeiza International Airport for your flight home.
Airport VIP Lounge Access
Relax in the Star Alliance or American Express Centurion lounge before your international departure.
Best Time to Visit Argentina
The best time to embark on this luxury route is during the Argentine spring (October to November) or autumn (March to April). During these months, the weather in Buenos Aires is mild and the Jacaranda trees are in bloom. In Mendoza, autumn marks the harvest season (Vendimia), providing a vibrant atmosphere. For Patagonia, these shoulder seasons offer manageable temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months of December and January.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Argentine Peso (ARS). However, the economy is highly 'dollarized'. For luxury travelers, credit cards are widely accepted in all major hotels, wineries, and high-end restaurants. It is advisable to use the 'MEP dollar' rate, which is automatically applied to foreign credit card transactions, offering a much better exchange rate than the official one. Tipping is standard at around 10% in restaurants, and small cash tips in USD or Pesos are greatly appreciated by private drivers and guides.
Getting Around Argentina
Given the vast distances, domestic flights are the only practical way to cover this itinerary in 13 days. Aerolineas Argentinas and FlyBondi serve most routes, but for a luxury experience, always book the highest class available. Within cities, private chauffeured transfers are the gold standard for safety and comfort. In wine regions like Mendoza and the glacial areas of Patagonia, having a pre-booked private driver is essential to navigate the spread-out attractions and allow for wine consumption during tastings.
