Argentina: Urban Jungles and Patagonian Peaks

Arrive at JFK airport where you’ll meet your Rustic Pathways Flight Leader, who will help get you checked in and through security before your international flights to Argentina. Get acquainted with fellow adventurers and share your excitement about exploring three completely different regions of this South America adventure. Rest up on the flight , you’ll need your energy for what’s ahead in the eighth-largest country in the world!

Touch down in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the “Paris of South America,” where your Program Leaders greet you with warm smiles and that famous Argentine enthusiasm. We’ll head to our centrally-located hotel in Buenos Aires city and after settling in, dive straight into the vibrant streets of Palermo for a welcome lunch of empanadas and your first taste of dulce de leche. Tonight, we’ll explore the colorful neighborhood of La Boca and bond over dinner while street performers tango near Florida Street.

Today we discover why Buenos Aires pulses with such incredible energy as we visit Argentina’s cultural heart. We’ll bike through the Ecological Reserve in the morning, then experience the passion of Argentine football culture with a tour of the legendary La Bombonera stadium. After lunch in one of South America’s major cities, harness your creativity with a street art workshop led by local artists. Tonight, you’ll learn basic tango moves in a fun, teens-only class in one of the safest tourist zones; no pressure, just laughs!

Adventure calls as we escape the city for the Tigre Delta in Buenos Aires Province. Navigate the river channels by boat with fully licensed operators meeting international standards, then grab paddles for kayaking through this unique ecosystem. After a riverside asado (BBQ) lunch, we’ll try stand-up paddleboarding and explore river communities.  Return to pack up; tomorrow we take domestic flights north to one of the world’s natural wonders!

 Early morning flight to Iguazu Falls in northeast Argentina, where the thundering sound greets you before you even see the water. After checking into our eco-lodge near this National Park, we head straight to the Argentine side of the falls. Walk the elevated trails to Devil’s Throat, where 275 waterfalls converge in a spectacular display of nature’s power. Keep your cameras ready; toucans, coatis, and butterflies are everywhere in these protected tourist areas! Tonight, share photos and stories over dinner at the lodge.

Cross the border crossings into Brazil for panoramic views of the falls, then brace yourself for the Macuco Safari, a boat ride that takes you right under the cascading water. You WILL get soaked, and you’ll love every second! The tri-border area between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay offers unique cultural experiences. After drying off, visit the Bird Park for up-close encounters with tropical species. Evening flight to Mendoza puts us at the foot of the Andes in northwest Argentina.

Wake up to snow-capped Andean peaks surrounding our adventure lodge. Today we ease into mountain life with rock climbing lessons on beginner-friendly routes with certified guides following Argentine law for adventure activities. After conquering your first climb, we’ll visit Potrerillos Dam for stunning views and learn about gaucho culture from local horseback guides.  Tonight’s group reflection happens around a bonfire under the starriest sky you’ve ever seen.

Epic Argentina travel adventure day! We journey into Aconcagua National Park to trek with views of the Americas’ highest peak. The landscape feels like another planet, with colorful mineral deposits, ancient rock formations, and the famous Puente del Inca natural bridge. After our mountain picnic in these remote areas, brave souls can try ice-cold glacier water hand-washing. Back at the lodge, we’ll share trail mix recipes and adventure stories.

Adrenaline junkies, this one’s for you on your trip to Argentina! Morning white water rafting on the Mendoza River gets your heart pumping and team spirit soaring. After drying off and warming up with hot chocolate, we’ll saddle up for an afternoon horseback ride through Andean foothills in rural areas, ending with a traditional asado prepared by genuine gauchos. Evening flight to Bariloche; save room for chocolate!

Welcome to the Lake District and Northern Patagonia! Bariloche greets us with Alpine architecture and crystal-clear lakes. We’ll take the cable car up Cerro Catedral for jaw-dropping views, then jump into the town’s famous chocolate scene with a hands-on workshop where you’ll create your own treats. Afternoon luge track adventures provide thrills with views. Tonight, get ready for tomorrow’s big adventure day!

Choose your own adventure day in this stunning part of South America! Option A: Trek to a mountain refugio with expert guides. Option B: Mountain biking through forest trails plus afternoon kayaking. Option C: Zip-line canopy tour plus rock climbing. All activities meet international standards for safety. Whichever you choose, we’ll all meet at a secret swimming spot – yes, the glacier-fed lake is cold, but the bragging rights last forever! Evening celebration dinner features Patagonian lamb and folk music.

Our last full day of travel in Argentina adventures brings gorgeous horseback riding to hidden waterfalls, where we’ll eat lunch with a view that belongs on postcards. We’ll monitor local media for weather conditions before heading out. Afternoon beach time at Playa Bonita lets you skip stones, play volleyball, or just soak in the incredible landscape near the southern tip of the continent. Tonight’s Rustic Ties closing ceremony happens lakeside, where we’ll reflect on our journey from urban streets to mountain peaks, and the friendships forged along the way.

Slow morning with one last chance to stock up on alfajores and artisan chocolates. Your Program Leaders accompany you to the airport, assisting with check-in and ensuring all participants have necessary travel documents. For the flight to Buenos Aires and your international connection, we’ll make sure everyone’s ready for departure. You’ll head home with memory cards full of photos, journals full of stories, and hearts full of Argentine adventure. Che, what an incredible journey through Argentina!