16-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Argentina
Argentina is a land of dramatic contrasts, where the European sophistication of its cities meets the untamed beauty of its natural frontiers. This 16-day itinerary is designed for the discerning traveler seeking the 'Epic Journey'—a route that spans the subtropics of the north to the glacial south, all while maintaining a high-end standard of living.
You will transition seamlessly from private tango lessons in historic mansions to sunset wine tastings in the shadow of the Andes. Expect premium domestic flights to bridge the vast distances, staying in the country's most iconic 'estancias' and luxury lodges while dining at world-renowned Michelin-recognized establishments.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Buenos Aires - Arrival & Recoleta Elegance
VIP Airport Arrival
Arrive at Ezeiza International Airport and enjoy a private chauffeured transfer to the Recoleta district. Check into your heritage suite at the Alvear Palace Hotel.
Lunch at Fervor
Indulge in a classic Argentine grill experience at Fervor, specializing in dry-aged beef and fresh Atlantic seafood in a refined, vintage setting.
Recoleta Cemetery Private Tour
Explore the 'City of the Dead' with a private historian, visiting the elaborate mausoleums of Argentina's elite, including Eva Perón.
Dinner at Elena
Conclude your first day at Elena, located in the Four Seasons, known for its stunning courtyard and exceptional charcuterie.
Day 2: Buenos Aires - Art, Fashion & Tango
Malba Museum Private Visit
View the finest collection of Latin American modern art, including works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, with an expert curator.
Palermo Soho Shopping
Browse exclusive leather boutiques and independent designer showrooms in the trendy Palermo Soho district.
Private Tango Masterclass
Head to a historic 'milonga' for a private lesson with professional dancers to learn the fundamentals of this passionate art form.
Rojo Tango Experience
Enjoy the most exclusive tango show in the city at the Faena Hotel, featuring a cabaret-style performance and a gourmet three-course meal.
Day 3: Buenos Aires to Iguazu - Subtropical Majesty
Flight to Puerto Iguazu
Take a short flight to the northern tip of Argentina. A private car will meet you to transfer you directly into the National Park.
Check-in at Gran Melia Iguazu
Stay at the only hotel located inside the park, featuring rooms with direct views of the falls spray.
Upper Circuit Private Walk
Explore the upper walkways of the Iguazu Falls for panoramic views of the San Martin and Bosetti falls.
Waterfall Sunset Cocktails
Enjoy a private cocktail setup on the hotel terrace as the sun sets over the rainforest canopy.
Day 4: Iguazu Falls - The Devil's Throat
Devil’s Throat Train & Trail
Board the Rainforest Ecological Train to the Garganta del Diablo station for the most powerful view of the falls.
The Great Adventure Boat Tour
Board a high-powered boat that takes you directly into the mist of the Three Musketeers and San Martin falls.
Gourmet Picnic Lunch
A private guide will arrange a luxury picnic lunch in a secluded area of the park away from the main tourist hubs.
Guarani Community Visit
Visit a local indigenous community to learn about the traditional uses of medicinal plants and ancient jungle crafts.
Day 5: Iguazu to Salta - The High North
Transfer to Airport
Fly from Iguazu to the colonial city of Salta. This flight often connects through Buenos Aires or is available as a direct regional route.
Check-in at House of Jasmines
Arrive at this Relais & Châteaux estancia located at the base of the Andes, surrounded by centuries-old trees.
Salta Colonial Walking Tour
Explore the pink cathedral and the MAAM museum, which houses the remarkably preserved Llullaillaco mummies.
Dinner at El Charrua
Dine at one of Salta’s finest traditional restaurants, known for its impeccable service and local empanadas.
Day 6: Salta - The Painted Mountains of Purmamarca
Quebrada de Humahuaca Journey
Travel north through the UNESCO-listed gorge, stopping at historic towns like Tilcara and Purmamarca.
Hill of Seven Colors
Take a private guided walk around this geological marvel, capturing the vibrant layers of sediment during the morning light.
Lunch at El Manantial del Silencio
Enjoy a high-altitude Andean lunch featuring llama carpaccio and Andean potatoes in a stunning boutique setting.
Artisan Market Shopping
Browse high-quality vicuña wool textiles and handcrafted silver jewelry in the Purmamarca plaza.
Day 7: Salta to Mendoza - The Wine Capital
Flight to Mendoza
Fly south to Mendoza, the heart of Argentina's wine country. A private chauffeur will take you to the Uco Valley.
Check-in at The Vines of Mendoza
Settle into your private villa at one of the world's most prestigious wine resorts, located among the vineyards.
Sunset Vineyard Ride
Explore the estate on horseback with a local gaucho as the sun sets behind the Andes mountains.
Siete Fuegos Dinner
Experience the legendary open-fire cooking of chef Francis Mallmann, paired with the estate's finest Malbecs.
Day 8: Mendoza - The Luján de Cuyo Terroir
Catena Zapata Private Tour
Visit the 'Grand Cru' of Argentina. Tour the pyramid-shaped winery and enjoy an exclusive tasting of the Adrianna Vineyard wines.
Lunch at Bodega El Enemigo
Inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy, this winery offers a unique atmosphere and a farm-to-table lunch pairing.
Finca Decero Decanting
Visit the Remolinos Vineyard for a specialized session on how soil composition affects the decanting process of high-end blends.
In-Villa Spa Treatment
Relax with a signature vinotherapy massage using grape seed extracts in the privacy of your villa.
Day 9: Mendoza - High Altitude Explorations
Andes Private Expedition
Take a 4x4 journey deep into the Andes to see Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere.
Riverside Gourmet Picnic
Enjoy a chef-prepared meal alongside the Mendoza River, featuring local cheeses and charcuterie.
Bodega Salentein Gallery
Visit the 'Killka' art gallery and the underground cathedral-like cellar of Bodega Salentein.
Wine Blending Session
Work with an enologist to create your own custom wine blend to be bottled and shipped to your home.
Day 10: Mendoza to El Calafate - Into the Glaciers
Direct Flight to El Calafate
Depart the vineyards for the rugged landscapes of Southern Patagonia. Transfer to Eolo - Patagonia’s Spirit lodge.
Check-in at Eolo Lodge
Experience 5-star luxury in a lodge inspired by ancient estancias, offering 360-degree views of the steppe.
Lago Argentino Shore Walk
Take a private guided walk along the turquoise shores of the largest lake in Argentina to spot flamingos.
Patagonian Lamb Dinner
Savor the region's famous slow-roasted lamb (Cordero Patagónico) prepared in the lodge’s gourmet kitchen.
Day 11: El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier Exclusive
Private Glacier Walkways
Avoid the crowds with an early arrival at the Perito Moreno Glacier. Walk the extensive balcony system for breathtaking views.
Minitrekking on the Ice
Don your crampons for a guided trek on the glacier itself, exploring blue lagoons and deep crevasses.
Whisky on Glacial Ice
Celebrate the trek with a glass of high-end Scotch served over ancient ice harvested directly from the glacier.
Nautical Safari
Board a private vessel to sail close to the 70-meter-high ice walls of the glacier's southern face.
Day 12: El Calafate - Estancia Cristina & Upsala Glacier
Sailing to Estancia Cristina
Board a luxury catamaran to navigate among massive icebergs toward the remote Upsala Glacier.
4x4 Continental Ice Field Lookout
Take an off-road journey to a viewpoint offering a stunning perspective of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
Historical Estancia Lunch
Dine at the historic Estancia Cristina, learning about the pioneers who settled in this extreme environment.
Fossil Canyon Hike
Take a gentle downhill hike through a canyon filled with marine fossils dating back millions of years.
Day 13: El Calafate - Relaxed Patagonia
Glaciarium Visit
Explore this world-class glacier museum to understand the science and history of the Patagonian ice fields.
Lunch in Town
Enjoy a casual but high-quality lunch at Casimiro Biguá, famous for its extensive wine cellar and grilled meats.
Birdwatching at Laguna Nimez
Use high-end binoculars to observe native birds in this protected reserve on the edge of the city.
Chef’s Table Experience
Enjoy a private tasting menu at the lodge, focusing on foraged ingredients from the Patagonian steppe.
Day 14: El Calafate to Buenos Aires - Return to the City
Fly Back to the Capital
Return to Buenos Aires for your final nights. Check into the Park Hyatt Buenos Aires (Palacio Duhau).
High Tea at Palacio Duhau
Indulge in a sophisticated afternoon tea in the gardens of one of the city's most beautiful palaces.
San Telmo Antique Browsing
Visit the exclusive antique galleries of San Telmo to find unique Argentinian decor and silverwork.
Dinner at Don Julio
Secure a table at the world’s most famous parrillada (steakhouse). Note: Reservations are required months in advance.
Day 15: Buenos Aires - Hidden Gems & Farewells
Teatro Colón Behind-the-Scenes
Enjoy a private tour of one of the world's best opera houses, including the costume workshops and rehearsal halls.
Lunch at Aramburu
Experience a multi-course molecular gastronomy journey at this 2-Michelin-starred restaurant in Recoleta.
Puerto Madero Sunset Walk
Stroll through the modernized docks of Puerto Madero and cross the iconic Puente de la Mujer bridge.
Private Farewell Dinner
Host a private dinner in a 'closed-door' restaurant (Puerta Cerrada) for a personalized and intimate culinary finale.
Day 16: Buenos Aires - Final Shopping & Departure
Leather Custom Fitting
Visit a high-end leather atelier like Rossi & Caruso for a final custom-made jacket or accessory fitting.
Farewell Lunch in Palermo
Enjoy a relaxed outdoor lunch in the leafy streets of Palermo Chico before heading to the airport.
VIP Airport Transfer
Your private driver will take you to Ezeiza (EZE) for your international departure.
Departure
Board your flight home, concluding your epic 16-day luxury journey through Argentina.
Best Time to Visit Argentina
The best time to experience this diverse itinerary is during the Argentinian Spring (October to November) or Autumn (March to April). During these shoulder seasons, the weather is mild in Buenos Aires, the vineyards in Mendoza are either lush or in harvest, and the Patagonian winds are less intense. If you prefer the height of summer (December to February), expect heat in the north and the best trekking conditions in the south, though crowds will be at their peak.
Currency & Money
Argentina uses the Argentine Peso (ARS). Due to economic fluctuations, the 'Blue Dollar' (informal exchange rate) often offers significantly better value for cash. However, as a luxury traveler, most high-end establishments accept international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard). It is advisable to carry some USD in pristine, high-denomination bills for tipping—typically 10% in restaurants—and for small purchases in remote areas like Salta or El Calafate.
Getting Around Argentina
Given the vast distances, domestic flights are the only practical way to complete this 16-day loop. Aerolineas Argentinas and JetSmart operate the majority of routes. Within cities, private chauffeured cars (Remises) are the preferred method for safety and comfort. For a more scenic experience in the North or Mendoza, private 4x4 tours with professional drivers are highly recommended to navigate the rugged Andean terrain without the stress of driving.
