Stroll through Buenos Aires' eclectic neighborhoods before visiting the breathtaking Iguazú Falls National Park in this short but sweet itinerary that balances culture with nature. This is the perfect short trip for active travelers who are short on time but hoping to catch some of Argentina's most famous highlights.

Highlights

  • Explore the cafes, shops, and cuisine of downtown Buenos Aires
  • Enjoy a glass of Malbec while witnessing world-class tango dancing
  • Cross hidden paths and walkways to get the best views of the Iguazú Falls
  • Sail in front of the 3,000 ft. tall Devil's Throat, the largest waterfall in the group

Brief Itinerary

Day Destination Overnight
Day 1 Welcome to Buenos Aires Buenos Aires
Day 2 Buenos Aires City Tour & Tango Show Buenos Aires
Day 3 Travel from Buenos Aires to Iguazú Falls Puerto Iguazú
Day 4 Iguazu Falls National Park: Argentine Side Puerto Iguazú
Day 5 Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls and Return to Buenos Aires Buenos Aires
Day 6 Goodbye Buenos Aires  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Buenos Aires

The streets of Buenos Aires
The streets of Buenos Aires

Welcome to Buenos Aires! Once you arrive, a representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your private hotel room. You will then get the rest of the day to explore your new surroundings. Just grab a cup of coffee and head to any one of the historic neighborhoods nearby.

The capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires is often called the "Paris of South America" and it's not hard to see why. With plenty of traditional European architecture, cobblestone streets, and rustic outdoor cafes, Argentina's cultural center will not disappoint. Get a chance to wander through the local antique and artisanal markets, where you can bargain for goods while the aroma of sizzling Argentine beef parrilla (barbeque) fills the air. Find the perfect leather jacket, pair of boots, or handbag from any of the acclaimed local designers. Whatever you end up doing, there will always be more to see on tomorrow's formal tour.

Day 2: Buenos Aires City Tour and Tango Show

Music and Tango
Music and Tango

In the morning, get picked up from your hotel through a shared service and begin an extensive city tour of Buenos Aires. Over the course of a half day, you will have the chance to visit San Telmo, the city's historic political center; La Boca, where locals tango on the streets; and Recoleta, a district with an aristocratic past and a series of lavish palaces. After the three to four-hour tour, return to your hotel to rest a bit in preparation for tonight's experience.

In the evening, you will be driven to a local venue to witness one of Buenos Aires' most iconic cultural highlights: tango. For the next four hours, enjoy fine dining complete with unlimited Malbec, soak in the lively music, and watch world-class dancers show off their moves.

Day 3: Travel to Iguazú Falls

The Iguazu Falls from above
The Iguazú Falls seen from above

Today, you will fly to Iguazú Fall. Your driver will give you a private ride to the airport at whatever time is most convenient for you, and after a short flight, you will land and be driven to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to explore the quaint town near the waterfalls. Tomorrow, you will get to see the full splendor of the Iguazú Falls.

Day 4: Iguazú Falls National Park from the Argentine Side

Walkway near the Iguazu Falls
Walkway near Iguazú Falls

After breakfast, you will depart on a full-day tour of the Argentine side of the Iguazú Falls. Your guide will reveal the best-hidden vantage points off the park's beaten path, where you will get close up views of the rushing Iguazú River. Both the lower and upper walkways allow for up-close contact with nature, and a collection of trails provide access to the entire 210 square mile reserve.

The highlight of the tour is the Devil's Throat, the largest waterfall in the series that plummets down almost 3,000 ft (700m). If you seek even more adventure, you can pay an additional cost to attend the Gran Aventura side tour and sail right in front of the falls. Keep in mind that you will get soaked, so bring a change of clothes if you embark on this excursion! Finish your day with an eco-tour aboard a local train, and return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Day 5: Iguazú Falls from the Brazilian side and Return to Buenos Aires

Vantage point on the other side of the falls
A vantage point on the other side of the falls

After breakfast, spend the first half of your day on a trip to the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls. Here, you will be able to see a full panoramic view of the entire waterfall system, with multiple cascades of various sizes blanketing the lush surrounding cliffs. After experiencing your last unforgettable sight of the falls, head back to Buenos Aires in the afternoon. Land at the airport and transfer to your hotel for the night.

Day 6: Back in Buenos Aires

The architecture of Palermo Soho
The architecture of Palermo Soho

Make the most of your last day in Argentina and explore the tree-lined streets of Buenos Aires' Palermo Soho neighborhood. You can browse a variety of shops offering fashionable, European-inspired Porteño clothing, enjoy a glass of Argentina's signature aged Malbec wine, or try some yerba mate from a gourd while people watching in the parks of the Bosques de Palermo. Once the day comes to an end, it will be time to say goodbye to Buenos Aires and you will be driven to the airport for your international trip back home.

Map

Map of Buenos Aires & Iguazu Falls - 6 Days
Map of Buenos Aires & Iguazu Falls - 6 Days