Buenos Aires Immersion

Arrive in Buenos Aires and let the adventure begin! Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel and invited to gather for a welcome dinner to sample some of Argentina’s staple dishes. Begin your Spanish immersion as we practice greetings, thank yous, and basic cultural customs. Meet your guide and hear the story of their family.

This morning, join us to hear the rich story of tango, one of Buenos Aires’ cultural icons. Learn about the history of tango and it’s many legends, including stories of Carlos Gardel who was one of the greatest tango singers of all time. Your tour begins at Café Tortoni, one of Gardel’s favorite hangouts. The second floor houses a museum where tango history abounds.

We’ll continue on to the Abasto neighborhood where you will visit the house where Gardel lived. The tour ends at Chacarita Cemetery where he and other tango legends were laid to rest. In this cemetery, you will gather stories of the immigration to Argentina. The cemetery is divided by world regions that can easily be differentiated by surnames.

Tonight, dine while watching a tango show at Compiejo Tango. We’ll return to our hotel located in the heart of San Telmo.

The morning is to be spent at your leisure. Perhaps take a city tour of Palermo, La Boca and Madero. The Don Silvano Ranch is the perfect place to discover new Argentinian food and the beauty of the Gaucho lifestyle.

This afternoon, we’ll embark on a photo journey through the heart of Buenos Aires at the Plaza de Mayo. Historical and current photos help us to understand the social, cultural, and political progress of this dynamic city. Next, we will reconnect with the Tango by visiting Palermo’s famous tango night club, La Viruta Milonga. Join in the dancing! You’ll learn the two styles of tango music and unravel the deeper poetic meaning of the songs.

The day begins with a visit to the local butcher’s shop for a lesson on how to select the highest quality of meat based on color, size, and fat density. An empanada demonstration covers the steps of making the perfect dough, followed by the traditional way to prepare the beef filling. Take a turn at the art of folding of empanadas and enjoy a few of the final product. You’ll also learn how to grill a variety of meats and achuras that constitute the Argentinian asado (barbeque). El Asador demonstrates how to prepare and light the fire, season the meat, tmiing, and serving the “Argentine way”.

Early evening, we’ll say a temporary goodbye to the city and embark on a short flight to Mendoza.

Bike through the small town of Maipu, just south of Mendoza. This region is packed with wineries, olive oil farms, and artisan chocolate makers. Your local guide will lead a leisurely bike ride through Maipu’s vineyard while stopping along the way to sample olive oil and tasty treats.

Tonight, we’ll learn about Argentina’s history in wine making. Immerse yourself in the wine culture and learn how to pair the region’s most popular wines with a variety of delicious foods.

Wake up and get ready for an adventure! This morning, we’ll venture into the Andes Mountains with a breathtaking view of the tallest peak in the Western Hemisphere, Mt Aconcagua, standing tall at 22,831 ft. If you’re up for it, take a hike up the steep mountainside and explore the peaks that border with Chile. If you prefer a leisurely afternoon, discover the intricacies of Las Cuevas and observe the high mountain lifestyle. Las Cuevas marks the end of the Argentine road on Route 7 towards Chile. This mountain town sits at 9.500 feet.

Enjoy your evening exploring Mendoza.

Enjoy a morning full of cultural immersion into Mendoza. We’ll learn how the city was reborn and reconstructed after a devastating earthquake in 1861. Reconstruction of the city included building 74 parks and squares as well as the planting of poplars, elms, and sycamores along the streets. Notice the water that runs along the sidewalks in aqueducts, disappears at intersections, and then appears once again bursting from fountains in the parks. Many aqueducts were built by the Huarpe Indians long before the city of Mendoza was founded in 1561.

Tonight, we’ll take a short flight back to Buenos Aires.

This morning, take an epic boat ride on the Delta River to what looks like the edge of civilization, a remote Delta island. Here you will have breakfast followed by a kayaking lesson. No experience kayaking? That’s okay! These kayaks have exceptional stability and are easy to use. Explore the Delta landscapes from the water.

The rest of the day we’ll explore the island’s parks, trails, forests, and nature reserves.

We’re headed to the ranch! Once again, we’ll enjoy the classic Argentine asado and a variety of other staple dishes. Following a multiple course lunch, we’ll listen to the music of gaucho guitarist, Mosco Pereira. Mosco is the 75-year-old grandchild of local author, Ricardo Guiraldes (1886-1927). Enjoy the entertainment as several gauchos will demonstrate their horse skills. The gauchos put on an impressive display of tricks with their horses, such as handstands on the horses saddle. If you are feeling adventurous, you can join the Gauchos for a horseback ride throughout the pampas. Learn to appreciate the vastness of the pampa with its huge ranches, emptiness, and silence. If you would prefer a more leisure afternoon, join other Gauchos for a horse carriage ride throughout the pampas. Tonight, you will spend the night on the El Ombu Estancia Ranch.

After a traditional regional breakfast, Gauchos lead a horseback ride or horse carriage ride to the town of San Antonio de Areco. Enjoy the 19th century Colonial architecture and the historic ranches. While there, you will participate in a cultural excursion where you will discover and interpret several gaucho items, including a gaucho grocery store, gaucho silversmiths, museums, and a cathedral. Areco is the center of the glorious gaucho culture, but the town itself has a surprisingly strong Irish heritage. Tonight, Visit the oldest gaucho bar in Argentina with an evening full of gaucho music and dancing.

After a traditional breakfast, we’ll visit the galleries of local gaucho painters. Take in the art and stories of these historical galleries. Enjoy the afternoon to discover the Colonial town of San Antonio de Areco at your leisure.

We will head back down the Delta River to Buenos Aires and to the airport for final departure home.