Highlights: Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, and Mendoza
Dates: January 9 - 18, 2025
Group Size
About 14 to 18
Trip Overview
When you arrive in beautiful Buenos Aires, you will be welcomed to Argentina by LC Professor and native Cecilia Benenati. Explore its fascinating neighborhoods, appreciate its colonial architecture, savor its gourmet cuisine, and learn some Tango. In Puerto Iguazú, marvel at the beauty and power of Iguazú Falls, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. In Mendoza, trace the history of wine making in the region and taste local varieties accompanied by Alberto Benenati. By the end of the trip, you will have seen only a fraction of what Argentina has to offer, visited the historic old town of Colonia in Uruguay, and taken in the view of the Brazilian side of Iguazú.
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Arriving in Buenos Aires
Getting to Argentina
US participants will typically depart the US on 1/8 landing in Buenos Aires on 1/9 in the morning hours. You can store your bags at the hotel and Cecilia will lead an optional informal program until check-in time. We will kick things off in-style at the welcome dinner.
Transferring from LC Antarctica Expedition 12/28 - 1/9/25
For those who participate on the New Year’s Cruise you will arrive in Ushuaia the morning of 1/09 and be transferred by plane that afternoon to the Buenos Aires Airport. We will provide a transfer for you to the hotel.
Program Highlights
One feature of this trip is the opportunity to taste a range of wines in Buenos Aires and dive deeper in Mendoza while learning more about grape growing and winemaking in the region, led by Alberto Benenati.
You will feast in top-tier restaurants, eat local specialties, take a cooking class, and taste a range of Argentine BBQ.
Visit a country estate for a polo demonstration, and to a ranch in the foothills of the Andes at 8,200 feet. Learn about gaucho culture and go horseback riding into breathtaking scenery.
Take in the history and culture among unique neighborhoods, explore art galleries, learn some Tango, tour the Opera Theater, and enjoy a folkloric dance and music presentation.
Benefit from Cecilia Benenati’s understanding of the language and culture of Argentina, along with its dynamic history and heritage.
Experience an adventure that includes international ferry crossings, jungle walks, bus rides into the foothills of the Andes, and boat rides under waterfalls.
Enjoy the company of fellow LC friends with an adventurous spirit and curious mind.
Arrival at Buenos Aires Airport, our guides will transfer you to our group hotel. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at Fervor Brasas.
Accommodation: Hotel Loi Suites Recoleta
Meals: Dinner
To explore Buenos Aires is to immerse yourself in the rich diversity of its neighbourhoods. We start in La Boca, vibrant and picturesque, home to the mythical Bombonera. Then, San Telmo captivates you with its cobblestone streets and tango spirit. Downtown dazzles with the imposing Avenida 9 de Julio and the iconic Obelisk, while Plaza de Mayo tells the political story. Recoleta shows its elegance in the cemetery and the majestic Floralis Generica, contrasting with the modernity of Puerto Madero. Palermo, subdivided into Soho and Hollywood, offers parks, design and a bustling nightlife. A visit to the cemetery and the Colon Theatre. A private Tango Lesson at the Conventillo is included, as well as a lesson on how to cook a typical Argentinian Choripan Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Loi Suites Recoleta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A day in the countryside at an Argentinean ranch is an authentic experience that immerses you in the culture and tradition of Argentina. You can expect to spend the day in a beautiful country estate, surrounded by spectacular scenery. You will enjoy delicious barbecue, outdoor activities such as horseback riding, folkloric shows, and often have the opportunity to learn about the gauchos’ skills in horse breaking and cattle handling. It is a delightful way to experience rural Argentine life and its rich cultural heritage. A Polo Match demo included. Tonight explore Buenos Aires for dinner on your own - venture out for some informal bites or a 5-star fine dining experience.
Accomodation: Hotel Loi Suites Recoleta
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.
Transfer by boat to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cologne was the scene of great expansionist battles in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries between the crowns of Spain and Portugal.
Its preserved historic district transports you back to colonial times although the city offers intense modern beauty under its ancient traces. Its rambla, as well as the Plaza de Toros and the Palacio Municipal, are full of memories, offering a unique and unforgettable experience in the middle of the history of the Rio de la Plata.
Accommodation: Hotel Loi Suites Recoleta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transfer to AEP (Domestic Airport) to take your flight to your next destination.
Lunch is on your own at Airport.
Arrival at Iguazu Airport, meet & greet and start the visit of the Brazilian park. Lunch will be on your own.
Embark on an extraordinary adventure to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. Traverse panoramic walkways that offer unparalleled vistas of these majestic waterfalls. Feel the gentle mist on your skin and witness the impressive power of nature as water cascades from great heights. The experience is a captivating immersion into the heart of the jungle, where the sights and sounds of this natural wonder will leave you in awe.
Accomodation: Hotel Mercure Iguazu
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Explore the magnificent Iguazu Falls on the Argentinean side. Wander through lush rainforest trails and elevated catwalks, revealing astonishing views of these colossal waterfalls. Feel the exhilarating power of the cascading waters and witness the rich wildlife thriving in this natural wonderland. The journey includes an unforgettable train ride, adding an extra layer of adventure to this immersive jungle experience. Dinner on your own.
Buffet Lunch at El Fortin.
Accomodation: Hotel Mercure Iguazu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transfer to Iguazu Airport to take your next flight.
Lunch is on your own at the airport.
Arrival at Mendoza Airport, meet & greet and transfer to the hotel.
Dinner is a special three course meal at Trapiche Winery.
Accommodation: Hotel Amerian Mendoza
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Experience an enchanting wine day in Uco Valley, a haven of vineyards nestled against the backdrop of the majestic Andes. Roam through scenic landscapes and discover celebrated wineries that epitomize the region’s vinicultural brilliance. Engage in expert-guided tastings that unveil Uco Valley’s distinctive terroir. Delight in gourmet pairings that harmonize local flavors with exceptional wines. This wine day is a captivating voyage into the essence of Uco Valley’s wine culture, where each sip captures the passion and ingenuity shaping Argentina’s vinicultural landscape.
In the evening, dinner at Bodega Trapiche.
Accommodation: Hotel Amerian Mendoza
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Wine Tastings and Dinner.
Estancia La Alejandra is a family-run 3000 hectares guest ranch, located deep inside the Andes Mountains 2500 m high (around 2 hours away from Mendoza).
Enjoy horse riding and trekking in a vast and remote land surrounded by river valleys, meadows, and jagged cliffs. Exclusiveness, home-style meals, breathtaking landscape together with a wide array of outdoor activities, will for sure, make your stay at La Alejandra the perfect getaway you were looking for.
Farewell Dinner at Sagrada Cocina
Accommodation: Hotel Amerian Mendoza
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast and hotel check-out, transfers will be arranged to Mendoza Airport.
Participants can purchase a flight from fly Mendoza back to Buenos Aires for additional days in that lovely city, or onward typically leaving after 8:00 pm, connecting cities in the US.
Other options include Mendoza flights onward to Santiago, Panama City, or possibly other cities in the region.
Participants can also extend their stay at the itinerary hotel for additional nights in Mendoza.
Deposit is $1,000 non-refundable credited towards Program Fee.
Cost in a double is $6,695 per person sharing a double room in one bed, or with two beds ($1,000 deposit + $5,695 balance payment).
Cost in a single is $7,895 ($1,000 deposit + $6,895 balance payment)
Balance payment is due 14 days after deposit. Last day to deposit is September 15th, 2024 or when trip has reached capacity.
Inclusions:
Airport transportation will be provided in private vehicles with guide assistance for arrivals.
Ground transportation for excursions will be provided in private vehicles.
Tips (for guides, drivers, wait staff and porters).
Domestic flights from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls, and Iguazu Falls to Mendoza.
Tickets, taxes and entrance fees for attractions and National Parks mentioned in the itinerary.
Meals mentioned in the itinerary, including one soft drink+1 beer or glass of wine per person.
Bottled water in all ground transportation.
Price does not include
International Flights to and from Argentina
Trip Insurance
Accommodations
January 9 - 12: Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel. Buenos Aires
Located in the heart of one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, steps away from the historic Recoleta Cemetery and surrounded by exquisite French-style architecture.
Loi Suites Recoleta shares the area with the best restaurants, bars, art galleries and beautiful squares. The hotel has 112 spacious and bright rooms decorated in neutral colours providing a warm and comfortable atmosphere, ideal for a good rest. The care of every detail makes the difference to make the guest feel even better than at home.
January 13 & 14: Mercure Iguazu Hotel Iru, Iguazu Falls
Mercure Iguazú Hotel Irú uniquely combines comfort and nature. Spacious, comfortable rooms, with large beds, AC and free WIFI. The restaurant has a variety of food for breakfast, and the best of local and international cuisine for lunch and dinner. The “jungle” pool, jacuzzi, spa and gym. August 1 to September 15, we will be renovating our main restaurant. All services will be provided in the event hall.
Enjoy a 5-star hotel in Puerto Iguazú, within the Iryapú forest reserve, uniting nature with modernity, comfort and pleasure. Whether for work or passing through, book at the Mercure Iguazú Hotel Irú.
January 15 - 18: Amérian Hotel, Mendoza
Amérian Executive Mendoza is a 4-star superior hotel, located in the main central reference point of the city of Mendoza. It has 74 rooms, events room, outdoor swimming pool with solarium and gym.
It is located in front of Plaza Italia, 5 minutes away from the pedestrian street as well as from the commercial and financial area, where the main banks and the famous gastronomic pole of Arístides Villanueva Street, known for its large number of bars and restaurants, are established.
Academic Leaders
Cecilia Benenati
Cecilia Benenati, a native of Argentina, grew up in Mendoza where visits to her family’s vineyard and ranch instilled in her a deep love for the land, wine, and horses. After getting her degree in teaching ESL at Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, she has taught Spanish at LC for the past three decades. This included leading and participating in overseas programs, student trips and the 2022 alumni trip to Argentina. In her free time, Cecilia enjoys cooking and barbequing, painting and spending time in her yard.
Alberto Benenati
Alberto, Cecilia’s brother, is a viticultural visionary with a degree in Agronomy from Universidad Nacional de Cuyo in Mendoza. With over 30 years of experience, he has worked for some of the best wineries and alongside renowned winemakers in the region. His exceptional expertise in high-altitude vineyards and grape production make him a distinguished figure in the wine industry.
Questions?
Andrew McPheeters, Associate Vice President of Community Education & Travel Programs at mcpheete@lclark.edu or 503-768-7926
