Your 3-week itinerary in Argentina
AN ADVENTUROUS TRIP TO ARGENTINA
In May 2024, Cyrielle Christou, Maîtresse de Maison at our Hôtel AlpenRuitor**** Spa & Restaurants in Méribel, embarked on a trip to Argentina, a land of contrasts and adventure.
A great way to discover our Relais & Châteaux estancias on the other side of the Atlantic: House of Jasmines in Salta and Estancia El Colibrí in Córdoba.
Discover below her itinerary and recommendations for an unforgettable trip to the country of the gauchos.
This 3-week itinerary will introduce you to Argentina’s most beautiful gems: its capital Buenos Aires, the colorful Andes in Salta, the authentic gaucho culture in Cordoba, as well as the spectacular landscapes of Patagonia and Iguazu Falls.
DAY 1 – BUENOS AIRES
We recommend that you spend at least one day in Buenos Aires to immerse yourself in the Argentinean culture and discover the capital’s emblematic monuments: the Plaza de Mayo, the Casa Rosada, the Botanical Gardens, the El Ateneo bookshop, the famous Obelisco, or the colourful La Boca district.
DAY 2 – SALTA
Let’s meet at the foot of the Andes! After an internal flight from Buenos Aires to Salta, you’ll be welcomed at the Estancia House of Jasmines R&C, an elegant and charming estancia over 150 years old.
On-site activities include hiking, biking and horseback riding to discover the flora and fauna surrounding the estancia. Indulge in a local cooking or cocktail-making class, or a yoga session in this place filled with positive energy.
Our romantic estancia also features a swimming pool with views on the Andes, a gym and a 300m2 Spa with sauna, hammam and three massage rooms.
Cyrielle’s tip: “Located in the heart of the NOA, the Argentinean North-West, House of Jasmines is the ideal starting point for a road trip in the Argentinean Andes.”
Accomodation: House of Jasmines R&C, 15 minutes away from Salta city centre.
DAY 3 – Salta to Cachi
Departure for Cachi on the magnificient road 33, lined with cacti and colourful rocks. You will cross Los Cardones National Park, where you will have the chance to see llamas, horses, sheep and maybe even an Andean fox.
DAY 4 – Cachi to Cafayate
This time, you will take the mythical road 40 to Cafayate. Also known as the Wine Route, this stretch of road will take you through vineyards producing some of the finest Argentinean wines.
Cyrielle’s tip: “Do not miss a stop at the Quebrada de las Flechas where you will discover incredible landscapes. Our greatest memory from that day!”
DAY 5 – Cafayate to Salta
Last day of the NOA Soutern circuit, during which you will enjoy breathtaking landscapes in Las Quebradas de Las Conchas, Argentina’s Colorado.
Cyrielle’s tip: “Take time to visit the city of Salta, only 15 minutes from House of Jasmines. A lively city with a colonial style, where you can see some beautiful monuments.”
Accomodation: Back to Estancia House of Jasmines R&C and its views of the Andes.
DAY 6 – Purmamarca
Once you have spent a few days discovering the southern circuit, we recommend you take a trip to the NOA’s northern circuit and its colourful landscapes. After about a 3-hour drive from our Estancia House of Jasmines R&C, interspersed with breaks to enjoy the scenery, you will arrive in Purmamarca, where you can hike and admire the 7-Colour Mountain.
DAY 7 – Humahuaca
From Purmamarca, head for Humahuaca to admire Cerro Hornocal, the famous 14-colours mountain. This unique landscape will undoubtedly be one of your fondest memories of Argentina.
Cyrielle’s tip: “On your way, you can also stop for a 1h30 hike at Las Quebradas de las Señoritas, a sort of narrow Colorado. Mandatory visit with a guide, who taught us a lot about the region and the local cacti.”
DAY 8 – Salina Grandes & Salta
For your last day in Salta area, we recommend a visit to the Salinas Grandes, a vast salt desert surrounded by mountains rising to over 4.000m.
A unique landscape where you can venture out and play with perspective to take original photos.
On the way back to Salta, enjoy the colorful, mountainous landscapes of northwestern Argentina one last time.
You will then return to House of Jasmines R&C, where you can relax by the pool or in our Spa. Other experiences are also available, such as a traditional Argentinean empanadas-making lesson, which you can savor with a typical Argentinean wine.
Accomodation: Estancia House of Jasmines R&C, to recharge your batteries after a week of adventure in the Andes.
DAY 9 – from Salta to Iguazu
It is time to leave the NOA : in just 2 hours flight from Salta, you will arrive in Puerto Iguazu, in the heart of lush green countryside, where you can visit the Iguazu Falls, one of the 7 natural wonders of the world.
Accomodation: Awasi Iguazu Relais & Châteaux, on the Argentinean side
DAY 10 – Iguazu Brazilian side
The first day of your visit of this natural world wonder will be a feast for the eyes: in the heart of lush nature, a tour of several impressive waterfalls awaits you throughout the day.
On the Brazilian side, you can also visit a magnificent bird park, Parque das Aves, to admire all the colors of Brazil’s birds.
DAY 11 – Iguazu Argentinean side
For the 2nd day of your visit to Iguazu, head to the Argentinean side for an unforgettable day. Footbridges take you up close to the falls, in a stunning setting. You will even see the famous Garganta del Diablo, a waterfall of over 80m deep!
Cyrielle’s tip: “At the end of the day, do not miss a visit to the Marco das 3 fronteras, a unique viewpoint overlooking 3 countries at once: Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.”
DAY 12 – from Iguazu to Córdoba
After a short local flight from Puerto Iguazu, you will arrive in Córdoba, in the heart of Argentina. This land of gauchos and our Estancia El Colibrí will introduce you to Argentinean authenticity and hospitality.
Nestled in the heart of 170 hectares of land, our estancia in Córdoba offers all-inclusive stays, including our complete gastronomic offer, as well as numerous experiences, such as rides with our criollo horses, or visits to our ecological farm, vegetable garden and orchard.
Estancia El Colibrí R&C also features a Spa with jacuzzi and sauna, as well as an outdoor swimming pool.
Families are welcome and your children will be delighted to take part in the many activities planned especially for them.
DAY 13 – Estancia El Colibrí in Córdoba
Take a full day to discover all that Estancia El Colibrí has to offer.
The most sportive will enjoy horseback riding, hiking or biking on the trails surrounding our estancia, where you can observe many species of birds. Indulge in a moment of total relaxation in our outdoor swimming pool or surrender to the expert hands of our masseurs at the Spa.
Our gauchos will also invite you to visit our farm and gardens. Soak up nature as you pick fruit and vegetables from our organic garden, collect fresh eggs from our hens or feed our llamas, sheep and goats.
For families, children will surely enjoy milking our cow Margarita with the help of Maxi – our passionated gaucho – or discovering our duck pond.
For lunch, different experiences are offered throughout the week, such as a lunch cooked by our chef Leo Bramajo in our vegetable garden. Enjoy fresh ingredients, transformed right in front of your eyes.
You can also try the famous Argentinean asado, prepared by Leo with 12 types of meat, all produced in an ecologically responsible way in our Don André farm.
Timeless moments to share with your partner, family or friends on your trip to Argentina.
DAY 14 – from Córdoba to El Calafate
This day of transit will take you from the temperate year-round climate of Córdoba to the cold of southern Argentina, but for a good reason: to explore Patagonia, a land of adventure with its wild landscapes and unique wildlife. A true paradise for nature lovers.
Accomodation: Eolo Patagonia’s Spirit Relais & Châteaux in El Calafate
DAY 15 – Glacier Perito Moreno
Off for a first day exploring Patagonia. Head for the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, an ice giant of 5km wide, 14km long and 70m high.
Cyrielle’s tip: “You can also book a boat tour to get as close to the ice as possible. The glacier is just as impressive from below!”
DAY 16 – El Chalten
An adventurous day between El Calafate and El Chalten awaits you, where you can observe the local fauna such as llamas, flamingos and even nandus, a South American ostrich.
In El Chalten, you will discover the legendary Fitz Roy massif, with its sharp peaks and sheer walls.
DAY 17 – from El Calafate to Ushuaia
Departure by plane for your final destination in Patagonia: Ushuaia, also known as the end of the world.
The world’s most southern city, in the heart of the Tierra del Fuego, is surrounded by glaciers and breathtaking scenery.
DAYS 18 & 19 – Ushuaia & the end of the world
Welcome to the end of the world ! Depending on how much time you have, you can book different tours and activities around Ushuaia. We recommend staying at least 2 days in the region to enjoy these unique landscapes.
Cyrielle’s tip: “On our first day, we particularly enjoyed the boat trip on the Beagle Channel – which links the Atlantic to the Pacific – during which we had the chance to see sea lions and condors flying over the rocks.
From Puerto Almanza, another boat trip took us to see penguins closely.”
Cyrielle’s tip: “For our second day in Ushuaia, we took the end of the world train for a 7km trip through the Tierra del Fuego National Park which allowed us to see some magnificent landscapes between mountain, sea and forest.”
DAY 20 – from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires
It is time to go back to the capital with one last local flight. If you have a few more days to discover Argentina, do not hesitate to take the time to visit Buenos Aires better.
Cyrielle’s tip: “Seeing a tango dinner show in Buenos Aires is an experience not to be missed, the dancers and musicians are exceptional!”
DAY 21 – Return flight
Back home after a 3-week road trip in Argentina, with a thousand of new memories.
This itinerary, suitable for families, couples and friends, will allow you to discover the cultural and natural diversity of this fascinating country, while staying in sumptuous hotels combining comfort and authenticity.
Every stage of your journey – from the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires to the breathtaking landscapes of northwest Argentina and the gaucho lands of Cordoba – promises lasting memories and unique experiences.
Our estancias Relais & Châteaux, strategically located, offer you the comfort and tranquillity necessary to revitalize yourself between discoveries. Whether you are a nature lover, passionate about South American culture or simply looking for a change of scenery, this itinerary is designed to meet all your expectations and provide you with an exceptional stay.
We look forward to welcoming you to our establishments and creating unforgettable memories with you.
If this is the trip you have been dreaming of, do not hesitate to contact us to prepare your ideal trip to Argentina together.