17 Days Argentina, Uruguay – Tango & Gauchos
Argentina, Uruguay – Tango & Gauchos
17 Days / 16 Nights
TOUR INCLUDES:
- Accommodation in selected hotels with daily breakfast
- Domestic and regional flights as per itinerary
- Ferry transfer between Buenos Aires and Uruguay (Buquebus)
- Excursions and sightseeing tours as mentioned (shared basis)
- Entrance fees to national parks, ruins, and cultural sites
- Wine route tour with tastings and lunch in Uruguay
- Ground transportation in comfortable vehicles
- Local English-speaking guides throughout
Argentina, Uruguay – Tango & Gauchos
17 Days / 16 Nights
ITINERARY:
Day 1 – Buenos Aires
Arrival in Buenos Aires, the elegant capital of Argentina. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 2 – Buenos Aires
Half-day city tour visiting Buenos Aires’ main sights, including Plaza de Mayo, La Boca, San Telmo, Recoleta, and Palermo. Discover the city’s blend of European architecture and Argentine charm.
Day 3 – Buenos Aires
Day at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. Optional visit to the famous Liniers Cattle Market for an authentic look into Argentina’s ranching traditions.
Day 4 – Buenos Aires → Salta
Fly north to Salta, located in Argentina’s scenic northwest. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a guided city tour through its colonial streets, cathedral, and picturesque main square.
Day 5 – Salta → Purmamarca
Full-day excursion through the UNESCO-listed Quebrada de Humahuaca. Visit Tilcara and its ancient Pucará fortress, stop at Uquía Church, and continue to Humahuaca. Arrive in Purmamarca, famous for its stunning Cerro de los Siete Colores (Seven-Colored Hill). Overnight in Purmamarca.
Day 6 – Purmamarca → Salta
Early departure to the shimmering Salinas Grandes (Salt Flats). Travel along the scenic route of the Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) and reach San Antonio de los Cobres (3,776 m) for lunch. Return to Salta in the afternoon.
Day 7 – Salta → Cafayate
Journey through the Calchaquí Valley and Cuesta del Obispo (3,348 m), crossing Los Cardones National Park and the Recta de Tin Tin. Stop in the charming village of Cachi before continuing to Cafayate, known for its high-altitude vineyards.
Day 8 – Cafayate → Tucumán
Morning visit to the ancient Quilmes Ruins, once home to a fiercely independent indigenous people. Continue to Tafí del Valle (2,000 m) and descend through lush jungle landscapes to Tucumán. Transfer to your hotel.
Day 9 – Tucumán → Buenos Aires
Morning city tour of Tucumán before your flight back to Buenos Aires. Transfer to your hotel and evening at leisure.
Day 10 – Buenos Aires → Montevideo 🇺🇾
Travel by Buquebus ferry across the Río de la Plata to Colonia del Sacramento. Enjoy a guided city walk through this charming UNESCO World Heritage town, then continue by road to Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital.
Day 11 – Montevideo
City tour of Montevideo including Plaza Constitución with its cathedral and colonial town hall, the Teatro Solís, and Plaza Independencia with the Artigas monument and mausoleum.
Day 12 – Montevideo: Wine Route Experience
Explore Uruguay’s Ruta del Vino (Wine Route) with visits to two vineyards. Enjoy wine tastings and a delicious asado uruguayo (traditional barbecue lunch).
Day 13 – Montevideo → Punta del Este
Transfer to Punta del Este, South America’s glamorous seaside resort. En route, visit Piriápolis and Punta Ballena to see Casa Pueblo, the iconic home and studio of artist Carlos Páez Vilaró. In Punta del Este, enjoy a city tour including the Ralli Museum (featuring Salvador Dalí works), La Barra’s rope bridge, and more.
Day 14 – Punta del Este → La Paloma
Visit Laguna de Castillos, a UNESCO-protected nature reserve, and Bosque de Ombúes — home to ancient ombú trees and native wildlife. Continue to Cabo Polonio National Park, accessible only by 4×4 vehicles, and visit the bohemian village of Valizas. End the day in La Paloma, a tranquil fishing village on Uruguay’s coast.
Day 15 – La Paloma → Minas → Montevideo
Travel through scenic countryside with visits to Minas and Villa Serrana, a charming European-style mountain village designed by architect Julio Vilamajó. Stop at Salto del Penitente waterfall and Cerro Arequita, a striking granite formation. Return to Montevideo for overnight.
Day 16 – Montevideo
Day at leisure for independent exploration. On Sundays, visit Tristán Narvaja Market, a bustling bazaar offering antiques, crafts, and local delicacies.
Day 17 – Montevideo / Departure
Transfer to Montevideo Airport for your departure flight.