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Excursions in
Argentina

Back to Argentina

Perito Moreno Glacier

Witness the vivid colours and sheer size of Perito Moreno Glacier, the star attraction of Glaciers National Park on Lake Argentino. This is one of very few advancing glaciers in the world that forms a bridge across the lake that periodically crashes into the waters below. You may see chunks of blue ice cracking and calving off into the Tempanos Channel below to thunderous echoes and spot floating icebergs. A two hour drive from El Calafate brings you to the foot of Perito Moreno Glacier which you can view from the walkways directly in front. The glacier is 30km long and equivalent of a 12 storey building in height. To get closer to this remarkable natural phenomenon, take an optional short boat ride to don crampons on your shows and take a short hike on the glacier surface itself. Optional glacier trekking 10-65 years only.

Ranch Day at Nibepo Aike

Head from El Calafate an hour south-west into Los Glaciers National Park to Estancia Nibepo Aike which has preserved the charm and traditions of the original pioneering ranch settlers here. Here you can get a slice of Patagonian rural life. The ranch itself comprises 12,000 hectares extending all the way to the Chilean border, once a sheep rearing facility, now with a small herd still alongside Hereford cattle. Enjoy a half day trip to Nibepo Aike ranch among beautiful mountain scenery, either in the morning or afternoon, to take in a sheep-shearing demonstration, carried out just as it was done over a century ago. Short hikes and horse-back rides are also available. The highlight is of course a traditional Patagonian lamb lunch or dinner, cooked asado-style over an open fire.

Fossil Canyon Trek

Explore a hidden viewpoint to Upsala Glacier today in a breath-taking remote location, accessible only by boat from El Calafate. Cross from Punta Banderas in 1.5 hours to a traditional ranch, navigating the northern arm of Lake Argentino to arrive at Estancia Cristina for the day – a great combination of nature and adventure. Ranch staff will meet you at the port and head by 4wd vehicle along a mountain trail formed by glaciation, arriving at a small refuge. A short walk brings you to a spectacular viewpoint across to Upsala Glacier, the southern icefield and mountain peaks of the Andes. Then take a gradual downhill 14km trek through the Fossil Canyon among dramatic scenery to arrive back at the ranch and head by boat back to Calafate. Drive from Upsala viewpoint also available for non-trekkers.

Glacier Gourmet Cruise

A day trip aboard MarPatag’s Maria Turquesa catamaran (maximum 180 passengers) is a wonderfully relaxing way to experience the best of the Patagonian glaciers from the water in style. The icefields here are one of the largest concentrations of ice on the planet and are best viewed from Lake Argentino in all their glory. Board the Maria Turquesa for a full day exploring the most dramatic and impressive of the glaciers in the national park, Spegazzini, Upsala and Perito Moreno, at a relaxed pace. For a gourmet treat, head to the more private premium deck. With capacity for only 16 people, you can, in between admiring the scenery from the observation deck, also tuck into a delicious gourmet tasting menu with drinks and find out more about the formation of glaciers from your onboard guide.

Perito Moreno Kayaking

A great way to experience the magnificence and beauty of the Glaciers National Park in a unique and adventurous way is to take to the water by kayak. This can be either for a full day with packed lunch or a shorter half day excursion that can be added on to a more traditional visit to Perito Moreno or glacier ice-trekking excursions for a really active day. After a full safety briefing and instruction (no previous experience required), don your lifejacket and helmet and get paddling in these incredible clear glacial waters. Set out on double kayaks along Tempanos Channel and paddle to the front of Perito Moreno Glacier for some incredible photo opportunities. Minimum 14 years of age and subject to weather conditions.

Fitz Roy Trek

The mountain backdrops and unique landscapes around El Chalten on the northern border of the Glaciers National Park are a trekkers paradise. The trek to Fitz Roy and Laguna de los Tres is considered the best one in this area. Not too much climbing, with a drop in ascent of only 500 metres, it is a moderate level hike of 13 km that usually takes around 6-7 hours. Departing from El Pilar just out of El Chalten, follow a wooded path and then the shores of Rio Blanco to come across your first views of the iconic granite pointed peaks of the mountains here, including Fitz Roy. Then ascend through Lenga forest from Rio Blanco base camp to Laguna de los Tres for even more striking views of Fitz Roy, the three (‘Los Tres’) glaciers and their crystal clear lagoons. After soaking up the views, return to El Chalten.

Lakes Crossing to Chile

Take the famous Lakes Crossing from Bariloche to Puerto Varas in Chile or vice versa – it’s a classic with very good reason as the scenery is really dramatic. This spectacular full day crossing of the Andes Mountain Range by road and boat navigates across 3 different lakes and mountain passes of immense natural beauty. From Argentina depart from Puerto Panuelo near the Llao Llao hotel to sail across Lake Nahuel Huapi first towards Puerto Blest. Transfer by road to Alegre for your next water crossing of Frias Lake, crystal clear waters surrounded by mountain ranges. Cross the border and then continue via Peulla to Todos Los Santos Lake and Petrohue Falls before arriving in Puerto Varas on the shores of Lake Llanquihue in the shadow of dramatic volcanic peaks.

Andean Trail

Today head to a beautiful tranquil area in a secluded part of the Lakes for some leisurely hiking with a difference! The Andean Trail tour picks you up from around Bariloche area and takes you to Bahia Lopez, from where a leisurely 30 minute walk brings you deep into woodland and then to some beautiful natural balconies looking out over the Tristeza arm of Lake Nahuel Huapi in the midst of mountains and blue lake. A short half an hour ascent brings you to another viewpoint for great views of Mt Tronador and its seven glaciers. Your efforts are rewarded with a picnic lunch and Argentine wine. For the more adventurous, there are also options to try a 40 metre rappel before lunch or kayaking in the afternoon on the lake, before heading back to your hotel.

Isla Victoria

Isla Victoria is a beautiful little secluded island in the middle of Lake Nahuel Huapi, a hidden gem of sandy beaches and dense green forests so typical of this unbelievably scenic region. Sail across the crystalline lake waters to a unique hideout. The boat ride is a calm 40 minute navigation to this island of centennial cypress and coihue forests with native and exotic flora and fauna. Gentle hiking is the order of the day around beautiful trails on the island as your guide explains the history of the place. The walk is usually around 2 hours, perhaps looking out for deer or pheasant, followed by a well-deserved country style picnic and Argentine wine, another leisurely hike and then return by boat to Bariloche. Stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking or mountain biking can also be arranged on your visit for additional cost.

Bariloche Landscapes

Enjoy the beautiful landscapes in and around Bariloche and its setting on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, exploring some great viewpoints and local landmarks and finding out why this region is so famous for its scenery. Stop first at a panoramic lookout with views to the Llao Llao hotel and Puerto Panuelo, the gateway to sailing trips to visit lake islands and sail across its gentle blue waters. Next, arrive at Cerro Campanario with its cable car ride (optional – let us know if you would like to include it or not) where you can get a true picture of the vast landscape of Andean peaks dotted by lakes. The lake road is dotted with tea houses, artisan breweries and handicraft stores. Then head into the park around Llao Llao to discover gentle paths perfect for walks through forest to hidden beaches - a perfect introduction to the area.

Buenos Aires: North & South

Explore the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires with its diverse mix of traditional, quirky and uber-modern districts from north to south. Start in the leafy chic districts of Palermo and Recoleta, home to designer shopping and elegant palaces and parks. Recoleta Cemetery is worth a visit as another mini city within the city, also the final resting place of Evita, one of the country’s most famous figures. Then explore downtown around Playa de Mayo and the Casa Rosada before heading to the hip Madero port area. Return to more traditional colonial style in San Telmo, famed for its Sunday antiques market and end in colourful and lively La Boca, once popular with immigrants from Europe and now filled with cafes and street dancers. You can even pop into the Boca Juniors stadium, Bombonera.

Tango Lesson & Milonga Visit

Discover the unique passion for and culture that surrounds the mesmerising Tango as you learn some of the basics of this dramatic dance. Your teacher will give you a fun insight into the history of Tango as you pick up some moves. You’ll find the haunting music and rhythm is very addictive. Then head to a traditional local Tango club known as a milonga. This is the place to watch locals dance to the nostalgic sounds of the accordions, where seasoned dancers move side by side with novices. At its heart, Tango is not really a choreographed performance but is what is locally known as “tango de salon” where people who enjoy the dance join together to improvise and enjoy this traditional art form. If you are brave enough, hit the dance floor to practice your new skills and join in or just watch and listen.

Teatro Colon Behind the Scenes

The magnificent Colon Theatre has the most beautiful belle epoque interior and is a well-loved venue in the city for ballet, opera and classical music. Pavarotti once praised its incredible acoustics and it’s a wonderfully striking historic monument. Hiding a secret in every corner of its impressive building, this behind the scenes guided tour of the theatre gives you a chance to discover its hundred year history, the legendary artists who have performed on its stage and the shutdowns it suffered over the years before its glorious re-opening. Explore its back corridors, dressing rooms, sculptures and stained glass windows as well as hearing anecdotes about its history and characters. The tour is of course subject to the theatre schedule, which varies through the year.

Pampas Estancia Tour

Leave the bustle of the city behind as you head to the flat grasslands of the Pampas, home to traditional cattle ranches and the cultural heart of gaucho culture. In the small town of San Antonio de Areco, visit local workshops where artisans craft intricate leatherwork and silver items used by the gauchos. Then head to a beautiful estancia where you will be met by your hosts to feast on one of Argentina’s most famous foodie traditions – the asado barbeque. Locally reared beef is matched with excellent red wine, empanadas (local savoury pastries) and warm hospitality – bring a hearty appetite. Perhaps then take a siesta before a swim, walk, ride or carriage ride around the estate and watch the gauchos at work as they demonstrate their skills with horses.

Local Insider Tour

There is nothing like the inside scoop on a city from someone who lives there. Spend a half day with Vanessa, a journalist and writer who is passionate about her city and loves to share her insights and favourite secret haunts with others. No tour is the same as it depends on you and what interests you – she tailor-makes tours that focus on food, shopping & fashion or architecture. Maybe you would like to discover local specialities in little hole in the wall establishments that locals adore, perhaps you’d like to visit up and coming artists in their ateliers or discover emerging fashion designers in tucked away boutiques. That is where Vanessa comes in – she can open many doors to uncover the beating heart of this vibrant city and its artistic scene.

Buenos Aires by Bike

Exploring the quieter streets and off-road pathways of a city by bicycle is a great way to cover more ground but still feel connected to the people and scenery around you and explore at a leisurely pace. Bike culture is relatively recent here but new bike lanes are opening up all the time and it’s now easy to explore away from busy streets and discover a few hidden city gems along the way. There are a few different areas you can focus on during your 4 hour tour by bike: from the leafy parks of Palermo to quirky city backstreets dedicated to colourful and intricate graffiti street art or the hip warehouses and trendy quarter of docklands, also home to an Ecological Reserve and offering great city skyline views. Try a few street food delicacies enroute and meet a few local characters!

Tigre Delta: El Descanso Island

Escape the city to enter a different world only an hour or so from the city centre, as you arrive in the Tigre Delta, which feels like its caught in a bit of a time warp, its faded glamour still a tranquil oasis for many city dwellers. This was, from the 19th century, a weekend escape for aristocrats and the wealthy. Its gentle canals are lined with big rambling houses and weekend ‘casonas’ and elegant promenades. Arrive at El Descanso, a beautiful private island nestled in the intricate water canals of the Delta. Featuring lagoons, channels and designer gardens dotted with outdoor works of art, it is home to a myriad of bird species. The tour can be tailored to suit a particular interest from bird-watching to contemporary art or studying local flora and fauna and includes lunch.

Rojo Tango Show

Tango is a part of what makes Buenos Aires tick. While locals may head to a milonga or local club to dance it themselves and listen to its distinctive music, a professional show puts the culture and history of the Tango into perspective. Each show and venue is a little different, but the quality of the professional dancing is absolutely breath-taking. Costumes, staging, incredible choreography and live music all come together in a beautiful stage performance. Rojo Tango show at the uber-hip Faena Hotel is one of our favourites as the venue is much smaller and more intimate with a good quality dinner served before the show. This feels closer to the origins of the Tango with a late night evening show and some really dramatic performances.

Tierra del Fuego National Park

Ushuaia and the southernmost reaches of the South American continent offer some breath-taking natural landscapes that are completely uninhabited and unspoilt. A visit to the Tierra del Fuego National Park is a great way to appreciate the region’s outstanding beauty, which is also really accessible, around a 13 mile drive away from the town centre. This natural reserve is a haven for pristine lakes, forests and coastline overlooking the Beagle Channel with a network of easy walking trails for exploring on foot. A leisurely 3.5 hour hike takes you through dense forest of beech, winterbark and firebrush, particularly magnificent of course in autumn as the trees turn to red and yellow. Stop by Laguna Verde’s crystal clear waters to admire a stunning viewpoint and look out at Lapataia Bay for petrels, albatross and steamer ducks.

Beagle Channel Navigation

Arrive at the pier in Ushuaia to board your small motor vessel and set out on a leisurely 2.5 hour cruise of the Beagle Channel that flows past the port city of Ushuaia, an important body of water that offers sheltered sea passage to ships navigating round the tip of South America between Chile and Argentina. Look out for the many species of sea birds that hover over the Beagle Channel as you sail past Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, an iconic red and white edifice, which is still in use today. There are numerous colonies of sealions that swim in the channel and live on Isla de Lobos and you may well see them bobbing about in the water around your boat. You may also spot cormorants and pilot whales before heading back to port.

Ushuaia City Tour

Ushuaia is proud of its title as the southernmost city in the world, although in reality it is pretty compact in size. Explore this laidback city at the end of the continent, once a missionary outpost and prison colony, now also the gateway to expedition cruises through the beagle Channel and to Antarctica. Explore the old Mission neighbourhood with its historic houses such as Beban House and learn about the history of its first settlers. There is a chance to take a chairlift ride to Le Martial Summit for some incredible views over the bay below. Then return to town to explore its small museums depicting the history of its penal colony past and also of its maritime past, as well as the End of the World Museum, which depicts the original indigenous Fueguian community that once inhabited the bay.

Fagnano & Escondido Lakes

Join an exhilarating 4wd road adventure today to head to the beautiful area around Lakes Fagnano and Escondido. Drive from Ushuaia along Ruta 3 that runs along a part of the southern mountain range and leads to Garibaldi Pass. Your first stop is a dramatic look out point over Escondido and Fagnano Lakes. Then descend down the valley and follow an old woodcutters off road trail with the 4wd vehicle able to access remote pristine areas. Arrive at the shores of beautiful Lake Fagnano and enjoy a typical asado (barbeque) lunch after a short hike around the forest. After lunch, the 4wd adventure continues to Lake Escondido or Hidden Lake, another really beautiful natural landscape. Here you have a chance to canoe on the lake if you wish before heading back to the city by road.

Peninsula Valdes & Whale-Watching

Leave Puerto Madryn to cross the Ameghino isthmus to Peninsula Valdes, the land bridge between Golfo San Jose and Golfo Nuevo and home to a remote wildlife haven. Arrive first at Puerto Piramides overlooking Golfo Nuevo to board your boat. Piramides is the hub for all boat trips to look out for marine mammals and especially Southern Right Whales. From July to November, peaking in October, these cetaceans stop here on their migratory route to mate and raise their young, swimming close to the surface and breaching in the deep offshore waters. Then continue on to Caleta Valdes, a natural creek embraced by a long promontory, home to a colony of sea elephants and the natural habitat for storks, guanaco deer, armadillos, Patagonian hares, foxes, eagles and many others.

Punta Norte & San Lorenzo

Head from Puerto Madryn across the Ameghino isthmus that marks the start of the National Park of Peninsula Valdes, A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive at Caleta Valdes, a natural creek embraced by a long promontory, home to a colony of sea elephants who grunt and roar at each other on the sands. The surrounding rocks and dry grasses are also the natural habitat for storks, guanaco deer, armadillos, Patagonian hares, foxes, eagles and many others. Then head further out on the Peninsula to the far shores of Punta Norte, also the habitat of huge colonies of marine mammals. In breeding season Feb-Apr, the Orcas have been known to target the sealion pups, almost beaching themselves to hunt for them. Visit the Magellanic Penguin Colony at Estancia San Lorenzo which is much less visited than Punta Tombo.

Yellow Submarine

This is a really unique tour on a semi-submersible vessel that brings you up close to giant whales from a new perspective! The yellow submarine tour runs from Puerto Piramides from Jun-Dec. As you step down into the lower part of the boat, look out to the ocean around you in a moving aquarium. Appreciate the magnificence and size of the southern right whales that ply the waters of Golfo Nuevo. Forty windows (20 on either side) in the underwater cabin welcome you to life under the sea. On board, you can move freely and choose the ship's upper deck to observe wildlife from the surface of the water as in traditional whale watching excursions or go underwater in the cabin to “dive” into the underwater world. There is also a whale-watching guide onboard on hand to explain the characteristics of these mammals.

Punta Tombo & Gaiman

Explore both local wildlife and local community today as you head to Punta Tombo and Gaiman. Punta Tombo is home to the largest colony of Magellanic penguins in the area where you can view more than a million penguins all in one place. The penguins here are most frequently visited so habituated to human visitors which doesn’t disturb their nesting site and the sight of so many birds all together is quite extraordinary. Then learn about the unique Welsh culture of this corner of Patagonia on a visit to Gaiman where Welsh is still spoken and you can sample Welsh cakes and bara brith! Discover the history of the original settlers in this charming historic town and learn about its continuing traditions. This tour works well either as a day tour from Puerto Madryn or on arrival or departure from Trelew airport.

Falls Tour from Argentina

Arrive in the Iguazu National Park today on the Argentine side of the border. It merits a full day to explore its extensive network of trails through the upper & lower circuits and right to the edge of the roaring Devil’s Throat, the largest single cascade at the falls. Bring swimwear or a poncho as it can get wet closer to the Devil’s Throat. With your guide, explore the vivid flora and fauna from parrots, toucans, lizards and butterflies to orchids, ferns and palms. There is an optional navigation possible to San Martin Island from the lower circuit. Hop on the little train that links to Garganta Station to arrive at the breath-taking lookout point almost hanging out over the Devil’s Throat and see the rainbows that hover over the eternal water spray.

Falls Tour from Brazil

Head into the Iguacu National Park on the Brazilian side of the falls. With the vast majority of the separate 275 falls that make up this natural wonder being located on the Argentine side, the pathways on the Brazilian side offer the perfect viewpoints of all of these. The catwalks along the river shores offer amazing panoramic views across to the many falls leading up to the Devil’s Throat. While from Argentina, you view this largest cascade from above, here you can see it in all its glory from below, a completely different perspective. It is also from here that you can add on a panoramic helicopter tour for a bird-eye view of this amazing landscape. Note that you should check any entry requirements for Brazil needed if crossing the border from Argentina.

Jungle & Falls Adventure

Explore the falls on an exhilarating active adventure tour to delve deep into the rainforest as well as up close to the Falls. First hop on board an open roof truck to explore the Yacaratia Trail, an oasis of endemic flora and fauna, looking out for birds, butterflies and monkeys or possibly a coati or two. Then take to a short forest trail to hike to a sandy beach on the shores of the Iguazu River. Don a life-vest and perhaps a poncho or just wear swimwear for a thrilling speedboat ride along the lower section of the river towards Devil’s Throat Canyon. You can get close (and very wet) at some of the smaller falls and it’s a lot of fun, great for older families (12 years or above). Back on land, dry off and hike a lower trail to get close to the falls in the rainbow of the water spray among birds, butterflies and orchids.

The Falls by Helicopter

Head today to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls to take the chance to see this stunning natural wonder from the air, by helicopter. This is an unforgettable bird's-eye view of the Iguazu falls that takes guests soaring into the sky by helicopter for a 10-minute spin (longer 35-minute flights are also available on request, although inevitably these are rather more expensive). From above, spot the walkways that meander towards the thundering waterfalls that span the Iguazu River that borders Argentina and Brazil. Besides the striking view of the falls, marvel at the height of the spray generated by the force of the huge body of water flowing over the rim, where multiple rainbows hover. Note that this is a shared service that is best combined with a day tour to the Brazilian side of the Falls.

Bird-watching by Boat

The Ibera wetlands is a vast flood plain home to a huge diversity of birdlife and mammals, many of which are unique to South America. The very best way to see all this wildlife up close is by boat. Float along small channels with a local guide and wend your way quietly in among reed islands. Perhaps spot a caiman lying in the sun on the shores or see a family of cabybara nestled among the reeds. The most spectacular spotting of all is the birdlife though – giant Jabiru storks flapping their winds as they take off over the water, for example. Look out for colourful kingfishers and numerous species of owl, ibis and woodpeckers. There are said to be over 350 species inhabiting the wetlands area, making it an important reserve for anyone with a serious interest in bird-watching in particular.

Horse-Riding

The Ibera wetlands is a huge flat plain of savannah like grasslands dotted with trees interspersed with the marshland and floodplains of the wetlands. A great way to explore the landscapes around the waters edge is on horse-back. This has traditionally been cattle-ranching country so the gaucho culture remains deeply rooted here, although farming is now limited to the fringes to help protect the reserve and its wildlife. Explore these remote and beautiful plains at leisurely pace with a native guide, suitable both for beginners or experienced riders. Look out for capybara and marsh deer popping their heads up from the grasses or howler monkeys in small clumps of trees. A great way to explore this off the beaten path region.

Night Tour by 4X4

Explore the Ibera plains by 4wd vehicle as the sun goes down. As with all wildlife rich areas, there are some species that prefer to be nocturnal and can only be spotted after dark. It is at night when predators come out to hunt and mark their territory such as the jacaré, the local name for caiman after spending the day lazing in the sun. Perhaps spot the glittering eyes of a gray fox, spot the shadowy silhouette of a graceful Brocket deer or hear the call of a maned wolf. The tiny chinchilla also comes out at night to forage as do wily raccoons or coatis. Other species you may be lucky enough to spot include owls and armadillos or even a Geoffroy’s cat. Listen to the sound of frogs and cicadas and enjoy the starlit skies, untainted by light pollution.

Kayaking on the Parana River

Kayaking is a perfect way to explore the wetlands and river areas of the Esteros del Ibera. Wildlife is little disturbed by the silence other than the occasional splash of an oar, making it even easier to see wildlife and birdlife in this nature paradise. Take to the water on a comfortable ‘sit-top’ kayak to head out along the Paranaense forest waterways to discover the local flora and fauna. Excursions are available between 1-3 hours, depending on how active you want to be and are suitable for all guests. Paddle along the calm shores of the Parana River and among flooded forest, stopping with your guide to check out birdlife, deer and capybara along the way among the dense water plants. A great way to experience the wildlife at close quarters!

Uco Valley Wineries

Head today an hour south of Mendoza to the Uco Valley, centred around the towns of Tupungato, Tunuyan and San Carlos in the shadow of the striking Cordon del Plata mountain range. This is one of Mendoza’s most imposing as well as fertile landscapes that is covered by thousands of hectares of vines as well a fruit plantations. Explore modern state-of-the-art wineries that have focused on producing premium wines in this area, where production thrives on the higher altitude as well as the unique terroir. Visit two to three wineries and meet the vineyards’ own oenologists or agricultural experts to learn about the different processes of wine-making from harvest to bottle, the art of wine-pairing and, of course, a delicious wine-tasting and lunch to complement your day.

Central Valley Wineries

Take a tour today into the Central Valley of Mendoza region focusing on Luyan de Cuyo, Maipu, Guaymallen and Godoy Cruz which are the areas closer to Mendoza city. This is the home of Malbec and where some of the most prestigious and well-known wineries in Argentina are located. This grape variety, originally from Bordeaux has found in the particular microclimate of Mendoza the ideal place to prosper and has become the iconic grape variety of Argentine wines. Visit two to three wineries and meet the vineyards’ own oenologists or agricultural experts to learn about the different processes of wine-making from harvest to bottle, the art of wine-pairing and, of course, a delicious wine-tasting and lunch to complement your day.

High Andes Crossing to Santiago de Chile

Wine lovers can easily combine explorations of the fertile wine-producing regions of both Argentina from Mendoza and Chile around Santiago. These are closer than you think with a dramatic and scenic drive across the Andes between them that is in itself a great experience. Enjoy striking Andean landscapes and contrasts along the way in around 6-7 hours driving time. The highest point of the route is at 3,900 metres and the crossing is best in the warmer months from September to May. You may spot views of Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Andes and head past the Mendoza River and through meandering valleys of colourful sedimentary rocks around the ancient Inca Bridge before crossing the border and descending an astonishing road of hairpin bends down towards Santiago.

Horseback Riding

The Andes Mountains and its stunning foothills make for some unique natural viewpoints that feature the best panoramic sights of the El Plata Mountain Range, Potrerillos Dam and the entire Potrerillos Valley which is around an hour from the city. The rugged mountain terrain and vast sweeping landscapes are the perfect setting for horse-riding excursions beyond the wide valleys of vineyards closer to Mendoza. Get out into the wild mountain country for an exhilarating excursion. Enjoy not only the stunning scenery as you trot or gallop along the pretty mountain trails but also look out for native wild animals such as guanacos, condors, foxes and hares. Your ride duration and route can be tailored to fit your ability from beginner to advanced.

River Rafting on the Rio Mendoza

Known of course for its famous wine producers and year-round sunshine, Mendoza is a great place for relaxing pursuits. However, if, between sampling gourmet food and wines and lazing by the pool, you want a more adrenalin-packed experience, then river rafting on the Rio Mendoza is an exhilarating tour to try. Head west towards the mountains on the road to Chile to the mountain village of Potrerillos in the heart of the Andes which is a one hour drive. Meet your guides and start with a safety briefing and collecting your equipment. Then join your river guide for a fun rather than challenging grade III section of river that runs 14kms from Pueblo del Rio lasting around 1.5 hours. This is a graded as a moderate level of difficulty and you don’t need any prior experience to give it a go.

Exploring by Bicycle

As you head away from Mendoza city towards the Central and Uco Valleys which are filled with neat rows of vineyards, the main roads give way to quiet dirt roads that are ideal for exploring on two wheels. Pick up a picnic lunch from your lodge and plan a meander around the wineries – you would be advised to use a spittoon though if you want to participate in the wine-tasting. It’s a great relaxing way to explore the region independently and while away a few hours in the year-round sunshine, stopping and admiring the views as you travel at your own leisurely pace. If you are after more of an adrenaline-rush it is possible to arrange more action-packed mountain biking tours in the foothills of the Andes around Potrerillos. Many lodges include use of bicycles or can arrange bike rental for you as well as help you plan your route.

Humahuaca Gorge & Local Villages

Famed for its colourful mountains, geological formations and historical villages, the Quebrada de Humahuaca or Humahuaca Gorge is a spectacular landscape found north of Salta in Jujuy province. The region is famous for its colourful mountains, its geological formations and the historic villages that dot its land. Visit a food market in Humahuaca and take a short hike along a red canyon. Wander amongst a garden of giant cacti and explore the pre-Incan fortress at Pukara de Tilcara. You can also spend time in the pretty colonial towns of Tilcara, Purmamarca and Humahuaca, perfect for checking out the local handicraft markets. Private guided tour by 4wd vehicle. Note that this tour takes you up to 3,000 metres above sea level.

Cachi & Calchaqui Valley

Depart from Salta by private 4wd vehicle from Salta, driving along the most spectacular road as you make your way through four ecosystems from the green jungle of the Yungas to the semi-desert Calchaqui Valley and to the foothills of the Andes at 3,400 metres above sea level as condors soar above. Expect to see guanacos and wild donkeys among thousands of giant cacti and cross red desert landscapes before arriving in the pretty square of colonial Cachi village (although the locals thinks of this as the ’city’ so un-populated is the area), where the sun shines most of the year and it’s a great spot to sit under a shady tree and watch local life unfold in this enchanting true norteño style adobe village backed by snowy mountain peaks and high-altitude wineries.

Salinas Grandes & Purmamarca

Departing Salta, follow the tracks of the ‘Train to the Clouds’ which weaves through the Andes at 4,200 metres to the border with Chile, one of the highest train systems in the world. The views from the train are limited although the engineering is fascinating, so unless you are an avid train buff, better to have the flexibility of a 4wd vehicle for the landscapes. Follow an impressive Gorge and stop at a pre-Inca ruins before arriving at the highland adobe settlement of San Antonio de los Cobres. Cross the breath-taking vast beauty of the Puna to Salinas Grandes, a huge area of salt flats before descending the jaw-dropping Cuesta de Lipan road to arrive in Purmamarca. Admire the striking layers of Seven Coloured Hill and browse the local handicrafts stalls in town.

Cafayate & Wineries

Head south with your private guide by 4wd to Cafayate, wending your way through the Lerma Valley and then following a route through small colonial villages and the stunning Quebrada de las Conchas, a canyon of red sandstone sculpted by wind. Stop at the remarkable natural amphitheatre with its perfect acoustics. Then the rugged terracotta terrain gives way to a lush valley dotted with rows of vines around Cafayate. Here you can try local Torrontes wines with a delicious local empanadas, a local speciality and explore the Spanish colonial-era town of Cafayate itself, a sizeable place with a central plaza and plenty of local stores to explore. Includes a visit to a local winery with tasting where the local grape variety is Torrontes, producing a fruity white wine in one the highest wine-growing areas of the world.

Salta City Tour

Join your private guide to explore the beautiful colonial era city of Salta 'La Linda'. The Museum of the North, beautiful cathedral and the MAAM Museum which houses some fascinating Inca antiquities are all testament to the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Northern region. Explore the leafy central square where most of Salta’s historic buildings are located. The MAAM Museum in particular is really fascinating for its archaeological finds and incredibly well-reserved mummies from high-altitude Inca sacrificial shrines. Its also worth heading to San Bernardo Convent which features the original hand carved wooden door dating back to the 18th century as well as a trip up San Bernardo Hill on the cable car for some glorious views over the city and surrounding valley.

Puna 4X4 Adventure

Venture into Argentina’s remote northwest on a 4x4 journey across the Puna, a high-altitude wilderness of salt flats, towering volcanoes and surreal rock formations. With few roads and even fewer visitors, this is the kind of place where the landscapes do all the talking. Your guide will navigate rugged trails and open expanses, stopping to take in otherworldly viewpoints, ancient geology and glimpses of traditional life in this extraordinary corner of the Andes.

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