10-Day Argentina Luxury Escape: Glaciers, Vineyards, and Tango
Argentina is a land of dramatic contrasts, where the European sophistication of Buenos Aires meets the raw, untamed beauty of the Patagonian wilderness. This 10-day luxury itinerary is designed for travelers who seek the finer things in life—think world-class Malbecs, private helicopter tours, and stays in historic mansions.
By combining high-end domestic flights with private transfers, you will traverse the vast distances of the Southern Cone without sacrificing comfort. Prepare to be swept away by the passion of the tango, the thunder of the falls, and the crystalline silence of the glaciers.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Buenos Aires - Arrival & Recoleta Sophistication
Private Transfer to Recoleta
Arrive at Ezeiza International Airport and take a private luxury car to the opulent Recoleta neighborhood, often called the 'Paris of the South'. Check into your heritage suite at the Alvear Palace Hotel.
Lunch at Fervor
Enjoy a sophisticated 'asado' lunch at Fervor, where the silver service meets traditional Argentine grilling. Their dry-aged beef and grilled seafood are legendary among the local elite.
Recoleta Cemetery Private Tour
Explore the stunning labyrinth of marble mausoleums, including the final resting place of Eva Perón, with an expert art historian to guide you through the neoclassical architecture.
Cocktails at Florería Atlántico
Visit this hidden speakeasy tucked behind a flower shop, ranked among the world's best bars, for a cocktail inspired by Argentina's immigrant history.
Day 2: Buenos Aires - Art, Polo, and Tango Night
MALBA Museum Private Viewing
Visit the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires for a private viewing of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera masterpieces before the crowds arrive.
Polo Experience in Pilar
Take a short private transfer to a nearby estancia to learn the 'Sport of Kings' from professional polo players, followed by a gourmet countryside lunch.
San Telmo Antique Browsing
Wander the cobblestone streets of the oldest barrio, visiting exclusive antique galleries and hidden courtyards filled with colonial charm.
Rojo Tango Show
Experience the most exclusive tango show in the city at the Faena Hotel’s cabaret, featuring world-class dancers, a live orchestra, and free-flowing Baron B champagne.
Day 3: Mendoza - Into the Heart of Wine Country
Flight to Mendoza
Board a morning flight from Jorge Newbery (AEP) to Mendoza. Upon arrival, a private chauffeur will take you to the Uco Valley, the premier high-altitude wine region.
Lunch at Siete Fuegos
Dine at Francis Mallmann’s world-renowned restaurant at The Vines of Mendoza. Watch as chefs use seven different open-fire cooking techniques to prepare your meal.
Private Malbec Blending Session
Visit an ultra-premium winery like Bodega Catena Zapata to create your own custom Malbec blend under the guidance of a master sommelier.
Sunset over the Andes
Relax on your private terrace at Cavas Wine Lodge with a glass of local Rosé as the sun sets behind the snow-capped Andean peaks.
Day 4: Mendoza - High Altitude Adventure & Wellness
Private Heli-Wine Tour
Take a helicopter from your lodge for a bird's-eye view of the vineyards before landing at an exclusive estate for a private barrel tasting.
Gourmet Picnic in the Vines
Enjoy a luxury picnic set up amidst the rows of grapes, featuring local cheeses, charcuterie, and chilled white wines.
Vinotherapy Spa Treatment
Return to your lodge for a spa treatment utilizing the antioxidant properties of crushed grape seeds and red wine extracts.
Dinner at Azafrán
Head into Mendoza city for a contemporary tasting menu at Azafrán, a restaurant that prides itself on showcasing the best seasonal produce of the region.
Day 5: Iguazú - From Vineyards to Tropical Jungle
Flight to Iguazú Falls
A private transfer takes you to the airport for your flight to Puerto Iguazú. This journey typically connects through Buenos Aires.
Jungle Canopy Experience
Arrive at the Gran Meliá Iguazú, the only hotel located inside the National Park. Take a private guided walk through the upper jungle trails to spot toucans and coatis.
Private Sunset at the Falls
Enjoy the rare privilege of seeing the falls after the park has closed to the general public, exclusive to guests of the Gran Meliá.
Dining at The Falls
Enjoy dinner overlooking the Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo) with the sound of the cascading water as your soundtrack.
Day 6: Iguazú - The Power of the Water
The Devil’s Throat Walk
Beat the heat and the crowds with an early morning private guide to the spectacular 80-meter-high Devil’s Throat, the most impressive section of the falls.
Gran Aventura Boat Ride
Board a private-charter speed boat to navigate the lower Iguazú River, taking you right under the misty spray of the San Martin waterfall.
Helicopter Over the Falls
Take a 10-minute helicopter flight (departing from the Brazilian side) for the only way to truly grasp the scale of the 275 individual waterfalls.
The Argentine Experience
Join a luxury interactive dining experience where you learn to make empanadas, taste high-end wines, and master the art of 'mate'.
Day 7: El Calafate - Journey to Patagonia
Flight to Patagonia
Fly from Iguazú to El Calafate (usually via Buenos Aires). You are moving from the subtropical north to the glacial south in one day.
Private Transfer to EOLO Lodge
Check into EOLO - Patagonia Spirit, an ultra-exclusive lodge located on a 10,000-acre estate with panoramic views of the La Anita Valley.
Horseback Riding at the Estancia
Take a private guided ride across the Patagonian steppe, breathing in the crisp mountain air and spotting wild guanacos.
Patagonian Lamb Dinner
Savor a traditional slow-roasted 'Cordero Patagónico' paired with a robust Pinot Noir from Neuquén.
Day 8: Perito Moreno - A Private Ice Adventure
Private Perito Moreno Walkways
Your guide will take you to the best vantage points of the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few advancing glaciers in the world.
Big Ice Trekking
Don crampons for a private trek across the deep blue surface of the glacier, exploring ice caves and lagoons.
Safari Blue Boat Navigation
Board a premium vessel to sail close to the 60-meter high ice walls, watching for massive chunks of ice calving into the water.
Whisky on Ancient Ice
Toast to your adventure with a glass of premium Argentine whisky served over 10,000-year-old glacial ice.
Day 9: Lake Argentino - Exclusive Estancia Cristina
Private Navigation to Estancia Cristina
Board a private yacht to cross Lake Argentino, sailing past iceberg-filled bays toward the historic Estancia Cristina.
4x4 Upsala Glacier Viewpoint
Take a rugged 4x4 drive to a remote overlook for the most breathtaking view of the Upsala Glacier and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
Historical Estancia Lunch
Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at the ranch, learning about the pioneers who settled this harsh landscape in the early 20th century.
Glacial Lake Kayaking
Paddle through the serene, turquoise waters of Upsala Canal, surrounded by floating icebergs in complete silence.
Day 10: Buenos Aires - Final Farewells
Morning in Calafate Town
Visit the Glaciarium, a high-tech glacier museum, or shop for premium leather goods and silver jewelry in the town center.
Flight to Buenos Aires
Fly back to the capital for your final evening. A private chauffeur will meet you for the transfer to your hotel.
Last Minute Luxury Shopping
Visit the boutiques of Palermo Soho for world-class Argentine fashion and hand-crafted leather boots.
Farewell Dinner at Don Julio
Conclude your journey at the world’s most famous steakhouse. Indulge in their grass-fed beef and exceptional wine cellar.
Best Time to Visit Argentina
The best time to visit Argentina depends on your priorities. For this multi-region luxury route, the shoulder seasons of Spring (October to November) and Autumn (March to April) are ideal. During these months, the weather in Buenos Aires is mild, the vineyards in Mendoza are lush or colorful with harvest, and the Patagonian winds are less fierce than in mid-summer. If your focus is primarily Patagonia, the summer months (December to February) offer the longest daylight hours, though it is the peak tourist season.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Argentine Peso (ARS). However, Argentina has a complex currency situation with multiple exchange rates. Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in luxury hotels and high-end restaurants and now use a favorable exchange rate for tourists (the MEP rate). It is still wise to carry some USD cash for tipping, which is generally 10% in restaurants. Many luxury establishments actually prefer payment in USD or via international cards.
Getting Around Argentina
Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world, so domestic flights are essential for a 10-day itinerary. Aerolineas Argentinas and FlyBondi offer the most frequent connections, but for a luxury experience, we recommend Aerolineas Argentinas' premium economy or business classes. Within cities, private chauffeured cars (Remises) are the safest and most comfortable way to travel. For the most scenic routes in Patagonia or Mendoza, private transfers arranged through your lodge are the standard for high-end travel.
