Itinerary
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Day 1
Buenos Aires Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, located on the southern shore of the Río de la Plata. The city has a spectacular legacy of architecture and parks, and its citizens consider themselves European. It is famous for the tango, superb restaurants, and the best shopping on the continent. The city has numerous museums related to history, and art in its many forms; fine, modern, decorative, popular, sacred and arts and crafts, as well as theatre and popular music. It is also known for its preserved homes of noted art collectors, writers, composers and artists. Upon arrival by air in to Buenos Aires' International Airport (Ezeiza/EZE), Americans and Canadians are required to pay a reciprocity fee of $131 USD for Americans and $70 USD for Canadians. Other nationalities will vary. Upon payment for Americans, cash (Argentine Pesos or American Dollars), credit card or travelers checks, a receipt will be stapled at the back of your passport and is valid for the duration of the passport. Subject to change without notice. For Canadians, the reciprocity tax will be valid for one entry only. Please consult with the Argentine consulate for full details. Enjoy a private airport (International) transfer with professional driver and English speaking Guide. Hotel Madero is placed in the wistful and scenic Puerto Madero area, and is a beautiful hotel to stay in while getting to know the fiery city of Buenos Aires. The 197 rooms offer a vast space in which one can relax and unwind, with great views. The culinary skills of the French chef at Madero's Red Resto & Lounge, are showcased via French specialties fused with international. Spend time at the bars, sipping on cocktails, or drop by the pool for a refreshing swim. Overnight at Hotel Madero. |
 Buenos Aires |
 Sofitel Madero, Buenos Aires |
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Day 2
Buenos Aires The recently discovered ancient tunnels of Buenos Aires are one of the city’s best kept secrets. Enjoy a private half day city tour including a visit of these ancient passages and get to know Buenos Aires from the ground up! After being met at your hotel by your private vehicle, driver and English speaking guide, you’ll be brought to Plaza de Mayo, the city’s founding site and genuine starting point of Buenos Aires’ urban development. Next is San Telmo, a former enclave for local aristocracy. This charming colonial district, with its cobbled streets, has many artists' studios and is one of the trendiest neighborhoods of the city. Also in San Telmo lies a recently unearthed treasure: the ancient subterranean tunnels. The construction of tunnels started in the colonial era, and continued well into the 19th century. From ancient times, many myths have been created around the tunnels: people said they witnessed secret encounters, disappearances, murders or even political conspiracies.
Enjoy visiting one of these tunnels, a part of a 3,000 square meter labyrinth below the streets of San Telmo, made up of a long corridor with a vaulted ceiling and display cabinets exhibiting many items and utensils recovered during the excavation. Other areas that are included in your tour include La Boca, (which was strongly shaped by the working class Italian immigrants, with its make shift houses made from scrap materials found in local shipyards), Puerto Madero - Buenos Aires’ latest and most sophisticated neighborhood, and La Recoleta, where a short stop is made at the gorgeous Plaza San Martín, the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, (the city’s second oldest church), and the celebrated Recoleta Cemetery, an imposing labyrinth of ornate graves and mausoleums where some of the most important characters of Argentina’s political and cultural life (including Eva Peron) are buried. The last stop on the tour is at the area known as Palermo Woods. Next to the woods lie the splendid palaces built by the wealthy classes in the early 20th century to rival with Paris. Having gained an insightful experience of the city, you will be brought back to your hotel. Overnight at Hotel Madero. |
 Ancient Passages |
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Day 3
Buenos Aires Architectonically speaking, Buenos Aires is one of the most fascinating cities in Latin America; its eclecticism is a sign of the cultural synthesis that historically shaped Argentina’s national spirit. This exciting and educational journey will allow us to get a glimpse of the city’s rich history through its buildings.
Our starting point is naturally Plaza de Mayo, where we observe the most conspicuous of Buenos Aires’ Colonial buildings: the Cabildo, primitive town hall. We also admire the neoclassical Metropolitan Cathedral, and our Presidential Palace, known as the Pink House, with its peculiar asymmetrical façade. Finally, we trace the tracks of Monumentalism, a school so dear to Fascism, visible in the Ministry of Economics building.
Next, we walk across Avenida de Mayo, a tree-lined boulevard built in the late 19th century, when Paris was indisputably the center of the world. Alongside the Avenue, many different-styled buildings were erected –Academicist, Borbonic, Italian, Neo-Baroque, Art-Nouveau and Art Déco, among other styles. Some of the buildings we’ll be seeing in more details are, among others, La Prensa, nowadays the House of Culture; the Vera Palace; the traditional Hotel Castelar; and the monumental Barolo Palace, inspired on Dante’s Divine Comedy. At the other end of the avenue lies the Congress, and the traditional El Molino tearoom.
Next, we head for Puerto Madero, a cutting-edge urban renovation project initiated in 1991, which finally integrates the city to the river. First, a series of silos and cereal deposits located in the docks of a huge abandoned port district were recycled into upscale residential buildings, trendy restaurants and VIP nightclubs. Nowadays, Puerto Madero has become a sort of international district, concentrating the most ambitious real estate and hotel investments. Here, we’ll stop at an area known as ‘Little Manhattan’, which concentrates a handful of state-of-the-art, intelligent buildings created by the greatest Argentine architects, such as César Pelli and Mario Roberto Álvarez. Before we leave, we’ll see the Woman’s Bridge, created by Spanish genius Santiago Calatrava.
On our way to Recoleta, we’ll pass along the impressive Tribunales building, a patent example of the early 20th century Academicist style, built by French architect Norbert Maillard, the Colón Theater, one of the city’s greatest attractions, and the Cervantes National Theater, a Renaissance building with Plateresque columns. Then, we’ll visit Plaza San Martín, designed by French-Argentine landscape architect Charles Thays. Around the square lie some of the city’s most conspicuous buildings: the former Palacio Paz, nowadays the Military Society, and the Kavanagh Building, South America’s first skyscraper, among others.
Once in Recoleta, we’ll visit the namesake Cemetery, one of Buenos Aires’ greatest attractions. Inaugurated in 1822, this true labyrinth of funeral monuments commissioned to some of the greatest artists of the last two centuries is the eternal home of the most conspicuous –and wealthy– figures in Argentine history, paradoxically including Eva Perón, who was a known enemy of the upper classes. Next to the Cemetery, we visit the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, a Colonial church built in 1732 that is surprisingly well preserved. We then walk across Alvear Avenue, where we observe the sumptuous palaces built by the Argentine aristocracy to rival with Paris, such as the Ortíz Basualdo palace. After seeing the imposing Neoclassical mass of Buenos Aires Law School, on Figueroa Alcorta Avenue, we’ll visit the peculiar Sanitation building, with its strange majolica facade, built in 1887. This strange French Renaissance palace was built entirely from detachable pieces. A visit to Buenos Aires would be incomplete without a tango show. Watch as professional Tango dancers take the room by storm, whipping feet, hair, dresses and heels along the floor and enchanting the audience with the romance and heat of this dance. The Argentine Tango has drawn its influences from all regions and settings, and is famous for its intermingling of styles and fusions of world dance techniques. Embrace this authentic dance in the place where it originated, as you enjoy dinner and drinks. Enjoy the unique sexual magnetism of the Tango performed by some of the best Tango dancers and singers. Its origins are traced back to the 1880’s, and its birthplace are the suburbs: which accounts for its deep malevolent, sexual, violent and troublemaker contents. Tango is – since its origins – a vital expression mixed up with the particular form of breathing, dressing, talking, and loving of the “porteños” that creates a new style: The Tango Style. Taste the most delightful typical Argentine and international dishes, the specialty is prime beef, with the best local wines in a charming atmosphere with excellent service. A superb orchestra will make you discover the secret of the music of Buenos Aires. At the end of the evening, you will be returned to your hotel. Overnight at Hotel Madero. |
 Teatro Colon |
 Tango Dancers |
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Day 4
Iguazu Falls Iguazu Falls are located on the border of the Brazilian state of Paraná and the Argentine province of Misiones. The waterfall system consists of 275 falls along 2.7 kilometres (1.67 miles) of the Iguazu River. Some of the individual falls are up to 82 metres (269 ft) in height, though the majority are about 64 metres (210 ft). The Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat), a U-shaped 150-metre-wide and 700-metre-long (490 by 2300 feet) cliff, is the most impressive of all, and marks the border between Argentina and Brazil. Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver and English speaking Guide. Fly from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls. The direct flight is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. (Please note that flights are subject to changes based on availability). Enjoy a private airport transfer in Iguazu in the company of an English speaking Guide, and a private vehicle with a professional driver. There are so many things to see and do in the city of Buenos Aires that you will be spoiled for choice. Consider a half day coastal train ride from Buenos Aires, taking in some of the sights of the city before arriving to the city of Tigre which is situated on the Lower Delta of the Paraná River, where a group of islands and streams open up like a fan. Enjoy a sail through this area and see how the complex river branches have formed attractive natural scenery and environmental landscape frequented by local wildlife. Alternatively, avail of one of the great golf courses in the suburbs of the city. Enjoy a shared tour to a traditional Argentine ranch where you can enjoy a bbq meal and see some local dances and watch the gaucho countryman perform riding, taming, and lasso tricks. Or spend the day in nearby Uruguay visiting Colonia and/or Montevideo - both historical towns worth visiting, each of which include a sailing trip from Buenos Aires. If you are interested in art, tango, cooking or exploring the cafe culture of Buenos Aires, consider a themed private tour. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in any of these tour options. Experience the Argentine side of the Iguazu Falls from Misiones, the area which borders Brazil. After being picked up by your private vehicle, professional driver and English speaking Guide, you will be transferred to Iguassu Park to take a train to the walkways. Marvel at the Iguassu Falls as you make your way along the walkway system. Stop by "Devil's Throat" and get up close to the Falls. On the way home, you may like to visit the Argentine shopping district and the 3-borders point where Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay meet before you are dropped back at your hotel. The Sheraton Iguazu enjoys the enviable location of being by the incomparable sight of the Iguazu Falls which can be seen torrential downwards and is in plain view from the hotel rooms and lounging areas. The 180 rooms are attractive, with attentive staff ensuring a great stay. When dining at the hotel, you may well find yourself spellbound by the sheer grandeur of the natural forces surrounding you, as the gardens and water in this region are in such abundance. The international buffet and Argentinean barbeque offered at the hotel are enjoyable and should not be missed. Be sure to also try the hotel's spa treatments and facilities, such as the tennis court and fully-equipped gym. Overnight at Sheraton Iguazú. |
 Iguazu Falls |
 Sailing Buenos Aires |
 Sheraton Iguazú |
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Day 5
Iguazu Falls Enjoy a half day private guided tour to explore the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls. After being picked up at your hotel, you will pass over the border and into the Brazilian National Park side of the falls. You will get the chance to see some handmade products from Brazil before a short drive through a subtropical jungle, with fantastic palm trees and lianas. When you arrive at the beginning of the path, the enormous Iguazú Falls emerge in front of you, with a unique panoramic view that conveys their spectacular magnificence. Walk along the 1,200 meters of the footbridge to a different side of the fallsm, which is an even more incredible view than the first. You will discover that these new falls, although they belong to Argentina, can only be seen from the Brazilian side. Take a panoramic elevator to get a more impressive sight of the Iguazú Falls. At the end of the tour you will be brought back to your hotel. NOTE: A Brazilian Visa is required for all travelers wishing to enjoy the Brazilian side of the falls tour - this visa is the traveler's responsibility. A valid passport is required for all American or Canadian citizens, including children, intending to visit Brazil. It is recommended that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. There have been cases where citizens were refused entry for not having the six-month validity. In addition, all Americans & Canadians are required to have a valid Brazilian Visa prior to their arrival in Brazil, and the visa must be used within 90 days of issuance. Otherwise, they will be refused entry into the country. This tour offers an exciting adventure within Iguazú National Park and in Lower Iguazú River. It is divided into 2 parts: firstly, the sailing on the semi-rigid boats to reach the bottom of San Martin, Bosetty, Tres Mosqueteros and Cañon de Garganta del Diablo falls and down the river rapids up to Puerto Macuco (3 kms from the Waterfalls); secondly, an 8 km ride in a special truck along the rainforest, observing the local flora and fauna with the aid of specialized guides. Feel and experience the Waterfalls in this tour! You can start this tour by boat and then walk, or the other way around. Overnight at Sheraton Iguazú. |
 Brazillian Falls |
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 Gran Aventura Safari |
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Day 6
Buenos Aires Enjoy a private airport transfer in Iguazu in the company of an English speaking Guide, and a private vehicle with a professional driver. Fly from Iguazu Falls to Buenos Aires domestic airport. Note flights are subject to changes based on availability. The flight duration is approximately 2 hour. Enjoy a private transfer with professional driver between Buenos Aires International and Domestic airports (or vice versa) with private driver and English speaking Guide. Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport). |
 Kensington Cares |
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