Authentic Argentina: Tango, Gauchos & Vino

Once you touchdown on Rapa Nui, typically referred to as Easter Island, you’ll be whisked away to our 5-star hotel, Nayara Hangaroa. Inspired by indigenous tradition, the hotel’s buildings have been built to blend into the surrounding environment, letting the natural beauty of this untouched island shine through. 

Settle into your room, each with a handmade clay soaking tub and a private terrace overlooking the ocean. Take some time to unwind after your morning of travel, perhaps soaking in your tub or heading out to sip a cocktail by the pool. 

We’ll meet in Kaloa, one of the hotel’s on-site eateries, for a drink and dinner. Featuring hyperlocal surf and turf dishes alongside tropical-inspired cocktails, this is the perfect, casual introduction to the unique island cuisine of Rapa Nui. The restaurant offers panoramic views of the sunset each night, the perfect backdrop for our toast to the adventure ahead as the sun dips below the horizon. 

After breakfast, we’re off to see the most iconic feature of the island: the giant Moai. Our journey to these massive statues begins in Akena, where we’ll learn about the first Polynesians who landed on the island and ultimately influenced the iconic statues. 

Then, we’re off to the main spectacle in Tongariki. Our guide will enlighten us about the history and construction techniques of the heads, as well as the cultural background and the site's ancestral significance. 

We’ll finish up in Vaihu to walk around a reconstruction of an ancestral village, complete with stone gardens, chicken coops, and traditional houses. 

All of that exploring has surely made us hungry! We’ll sit down for lunch at a local spot, savoring the island's light, fresh cuisine. 

Back at the hotel for the afternoon, let yourself relax in the sun or take a dip in the pool. If you’re in the mood to pamper yourself, our team would be happy to arrange an appointment at Nayara’s gorgeous spa.

We’ll gather for dinner later this evening and walk along the oceanfront to make our reservation at Te Moana. Overlooking waves crashing onto a black-sand beach, this chic restaurant serves colorful dishes inspired by Chilean and Polynesian cuisines. 

Today, we dive deeper into the island’s fascinating history and landscapes. We’ll explore a series of remarkable archaeological sites, each one adding to the story of the island’s past.

Our first stop is Rano Kau, a dramatic volcanic crater that’s about ½ mile wide and filled with lush vegetation. It’s also home to one of only three natural bodies of fresh water on the islands and was used centuries ago by native residents to sustain life. 

From there, we’ll make our way to the cliffside Orongo Ceremonial Village, home of the legendary Birdman religion that was widely followed on the island during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

We’ll also visit Vinapu, known for its precise stonework, along with Huri A Urenga and Puna Pau—the quarry where the red “hats” of the Moai were carved—and other sacred sites that reveal the ingenuity of the indigenous Rapa Nui people.

After a full day of history, we’ll return to the hotel to relax before dinner at the oceanfront Tataku Vave, where we’ll enjoy another memorable evening of Easter Island dishes highlighting locally caught seafood. If you’re in the mood for ceviche, this is the place to order it.

This morning, we’ll set off on a private boat for a snorkeling experience in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island. Visibility here is exceptional, offering a chance to see vibrant marine life, including colorful wrasses and tropical butterflyfish.

We’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch before the afternoon opens up for you to unwind. Maybe you’ll choose to indulge in a spa treatment at the hotel, relax poolside with a good book in hand, or simply enjoy some quiet time.

In the evening, we’ll come back together for a special Easter Island Ancestral Dinner and Show. After we learn about ancient cooking methods and try our hand at cooking over a ceremonial earth oven, we’ll settle in to enjoy the show. With traditional music, dance, and storytelling, this immersive experience brings the island’s rich culture to life in a beautiful and meaningful way. What better way to celebrate the bucket-list adventure we’ve shared over the past few days? 

For those looking for one last adventure before we depart, an early start offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness the sunrise at Ahu Tongariki, where a line of Moai stands silhouetted against the first light of day. It’s one of the most iconic scenes on the island and is well worth the early alarm.

After returning to the hotel for breakfast, we’ll prepare for our flight to Buenos Aires to meet up with the rest of the group. When it’s time, we’ll transfer to the airport, taking with us the magic, mystery, and beauty of this extraordinary destination.

We'll land a little after midnight on October 28th and transfer directly to our hotel in the city, where we'll have plenty of time to rest and take it easy in the morning before meeting up with the core trip group. 

Welcome to Buenos Aires! Whether you arrive today or a day early, your driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals lounge, ready to whisk you off to the 5-star Hotel Palladio. 

Mid-afternoon, we'll stretch our legs as we explore the neighborhood with a private guide. We'll visit the El Ateneo Grand Splendid Bookstore, considered the world's most beautiful bookstore by National Geographic, and the eerily beautiful Recoleta Cemetery, Eva Peron's burial ground. 

Then, it's on to the Plaza Francia, the Floralis Generica sculpture, and Callao Avenue, known for its Belle Époque architecture and fascinating history.

After this walking introduction to the city, take some time to refresh and check into your hotel before we meet at 6:00 pm for drinks at the world-famous Presidente Bar, ranked among the top 50 bars in the world.

Dinner tonight is a truly comprehensive introduction to the world of Argentinian cuisine. Over the course of a 16-course tasting menu, we'll make our own empanadas, try 5 boutique wines, and participate in a traditional mate ritual. 

After a hearty breakfast, we'll meet our guide for our "Inspiring Women of Argentina" tour to explore the city from a new perspective. First, we'll learn about the founder of the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, a heartbreaking and captivating story. We'll also learn about the female captain who fought for Argentina's independence. 

We'll make a pit stop to refuel at the Gran Café Totoni, a well-known 1858 French art-nouveau café, for a coffee or hot chocolate and churros.

An essential ladies' tour would not be complete without mentioning Eva Perón, Argentina's former first lady, and subsequent political leaders like Estela Martínez de Perón, the country's first woman president. 

We'll continue to explore the city's historical center and its barrios (neighborhoods), like San Telmo, La Boca, and Puerto Madero, as we learn about these inspiring women. 

We'll take a break and enjoy lunch at El Gran Paradiso, a popular Italian spot in the vibrant La Boca neighborhood. This restaurant is located in a tenement building from 1890, making it feel like we've stepped back in time.

After a quick refresh at the hotel, we'll enjoy a unique Argentinian dinner and show at Michaelangelo Legend in the San Telmo neighborhood. We'll linger over a three-course meal with drinks and wine, then appreciate a spectacular tango show. You can even try your hand at a tango lesson before the show begins if you're up for it.

Today, we'll tour Buenos Aires' northern neighborhoods, including Retiro and Recoleta. We'll also explore the city's green lungs: the Palermo forests, the Rosedal Garden, and the Botanical Garden. The roses promise to be in full bloom at this time.

Our private guided experience will continue through Palermo's colorful and modern neighborhood, an open-air art gallery with cobblestone passages. 

Instead of a casual lunch, we'll enjoy a multi-course tasting of Argentine classics and wines that pair perfectly with iconic dishes, like spicy humita and empanadas, concluding with a maté tasting. Maté tea is made from an evergreen shrub and is perhaps Argentina's most iconic beverage.

We'll return to the hotel to relax before a short drive over to El Preferido de Palermo for dinner. This iconic Michelin-starred eatery has been serving up modest yet delicious plates in its iconic pink taverna since 1952. Try the sirloin milanesa, a perfectly tender sirloin paired with sweet tomato salsa. 

We're headed out of town to the Estancia El Ombú de Areco to learn all about the gaucho culture. The drive will take a little over one hour, but we’ll stop en route for a coffee or maté to break the journey up. 

At the estancia (Argentine ranch), we’ll take a horse-drawn carriage ride to explore the vast property, learn about the crops and animals they raise, and enjoy an authentic asado (South American BBQ). Sway to the music, dance a little bit with new friends, and take some time to relax in the tranquility of the ranch. Bring your swimsuit along, you'll be able to take a refreshing dip in their pool. 

Learning about the gaucho lifestyle is essential for truly understanding Argentina. The tradition reflects the country’s rich history and national identity, rooted in the skills of horsemanship, livestock management, and the spirit of freedom associated with the gaucho, these iconic cowboys of the Pampas.

We'll make our way back to Buenos Aires for our final night in the city. After indulging in all the delightful savory and sweet treats today, you'll be free to have dinner or a snack, either by yourself or with friends. 

After checking out of our Buenos Aires hotel, we’ll meet our driver in the lobby for a transfer to the city’s domestic airport in time for our 9 am flight to Mendoza.

We’ll arrive in Mendoza by 11 am and head out for a unique experience at Susana Balbo’s place, Mendoza's first female winemaker. We have something special for you: the chance to create your own wine blend in Balbo’s wine blending experience. This unique opportunity allows you to gain a deeper appreciation of the wine-making process. 

Next, we’ll visit Chandon, a sparkling wine pioneer in the region that has been part of LVMH since opening its cellar in 1959 and winning the Best Sparkling Wine award in 2023. Why? Well, because their chief winemaker, Paula Bartolucci, is female, of course! We’ll indulge in a picnic lunch on the grounds before our tour and tasting. 

Let's head back to Mendoza to check into our hotel for the next few days, the Park Hyatt Mendoza. Drop your bags and take a moment to relax before dinner. We'll meet in the lobby this evening for a short walk over to Azafran, a moody Michelin-recommended restaurant known as a "gastronomic paradise" of hyperlocal ingredients.  

Another day, another winery... life is good! 

After breakfast, we're headed to Bodega Diamandes for a cooking class and wine pairing. Located about an hour outside of town, once we arrive, we'll be welcomed with a glass of wine before touring the estate and taking in its architecture and surrounding landscape. 

From there, we'll gather fresh ingredients straight from the garden and step into the kitchen to create a seasonal menu during this immersive two-hour class. The signature chef will impart the secrets of local cuisine, infused with a refined French touch, and pair each dish with exceptional Diamandes wines. 

After a day of learning and tasting, we’ll return to the hotel. Enjoy time at the pool, hop into the jacuzzi, read a book, or perhaps spoil yourself with a massage.

Dinner is on your own tonight. Mendoza is teeming with restaurants and wine bars to choose from, and your trip leader would be happy to share a few recommendations.

Savor breakfast before we start our last full day in Mendoza. We'll spend the day immersed in the celebrated wines of Luján de Cuyo, beginning with a visit to Viña Cobos for their Descubrí Nuestros Viñedos experience, where we explore the vineyards and gain insight into what makes this region so exceptional. Surrounded by the Andes, we savor the landscape as much as the wine.

We continue on to Lagarde Winery for a relaxed, beautifully prepared lunch at Fogón, highlighting seasonal flavors and local ingredients. 

Back in Mendoza, the day wraps up with dinner at Soberana, where thoughtful cuisine and a warm atmosphere provide the perfect place for us to toast to the delightful days we’ve enjoyed together and the friendships we’ve made.

After breakfast, we’ll check out and head to the Mendoza airport together around midday. We’ll part ways with cherished memories and new friendships to last a lifetime. For those continuing on the extension to the Uco Valley, off we go!

If you are ending your trip here, you have options for onward travel from Mendoza. You could hop on a short flight back to Buenos Aires if you've booked a round-trip ticket from there, but note that you would land in the domestic airport and would need to arrange transportation to the international airport that is about 1 hour away. 

Alternatively, you could fly to Santiago and depart from there without the need to switch airports. There are plenty of daily international flight options out of Santiago, including New York, Atlanta, and Dallas-Fort Worth, to name a few.

After bidding farewell to those not joining us on the extension, we'll enjoy breakfast at the hotel before taking a short drive over to Corazón de Lunlunta. 

This former distillery-turned-olive-oil 'project' is a beautifully designed space that combines artisanal oil, viticulture, and architecture to create a community-oriented experience. 

Lunch will be a treat at Trinchera, an exclusive restaurant in Mendoza, run by winemakers Andrea Mufatto and Gerardo Michelini. Located in their family home, it offers an intimate dining experience, often showcasing high-altitude wines and local cuisine. 

We'll check into our new hotel, Alpasión Lodge, an intimate, luxe lodge set in the rolling hills of an organic winery. Each room has a private terrace to soak in views of the surrounding mountains, a beautiful way to relax and unwind. 

The rest of the evening is on your own to enjoy Alpasión's beautiful grounds. Enjoy their outdoor spaces, including a pool, a private garden patio, and a roof terrace with an outdoor fireplace. The property also offers plenty of local activities, such as horseback riding, guided yoga, or biking, if you're feeling up for it. 

We'll gather for dinner tonight at the lodge's restaurant, Iris. Let's toast to a beautiful adventure in the Andes over a gourmet four-course menu featuring locally sourced ingredients prepared in true Argentine fashion.

Our day begins with a hearty breakfast spread, followed by a scenic journey into the heart of the Uco Valley, arriving at Tierras Atamisque around 9:30 am. Self-proclaimed as a "magical place", this farm and winery is a little bit wild in all the best ways. 

We'll be welcomed with warm infusions and a selection of local delicacies. Surrounded by sweeping vineyard views and the dramatic backdrop of the Andes, we’ll meet artist Fabiana Kanefsck Hemsy, who will introduce us to her creative process before guiding us through a relaxed watercolor painting session. With brushes in hand and inspiration all around, we’ll spend the morning capturing the beauty of this remarkable landscape in a truly memorable artistic experience.

After our creative time, we’ll gather for a leisurely three-course lunch showcasing regional flavors, thoughtfully paired with Atamisque wines produced right here in the valley. 

In the late afternoon, we return to the lodge, arriving with both a new piece of art and a deeper connection to the landscapes and flavors that make the Uco Valley so special.

Alpasión knows good food, and their Chiringuito Food Truck is no exception. We've had a long day exploring our creative side, so let's keep things casual for dinner. We'll grab a few bottles of wine and indulge in gourmet empanadas, choripanes made entirely from scratch, and even a few sweet pastries to round out our meal. 

All good things must come to an end. Savor one last breakfast overlooking the Andes before we head to the airport together for our onward travels. 

Until we meet again!