Iguazu Falls, The Wetlands & Peninsula Valdes
12 days / 11 nights
Overview
With many activities and learning experiences, this is fabulous trip for families of any age.
Take in the magnificent natural splendor of Iguassu waterfalls and the tropical wildlife of the National Park. Enjoy time with expert guides seeking out a whole range of birds and mammals in the lesser known wetlands of Esteros Del Ibera. See penguins, sea lions and Southern Right whales amongst other wildlife on the coast of Peninsula Valdes. Featuring a whole host of both sea and land animals, a visit to the area is a feast of culture and natural interest. Before you head home, relax in Buenos Aires, where we can book you into one of the city’s finest restaurants or a tango show of your choice.
All the carefully selected exclusive and private wildlife tours will allow you to take things at your own pace and see what you are most interested in.
Memorable Moments
- Experience Tango and other exceptional cultural encounters in Buenos Aires.
- Indulge in Buenos Aires’ most delicious restaurants chosen for their superb quality of steaks and local dishes.
- Hear from an expert on the Iguazu Falls, and then witness the massive falls from Devil’s Throat viewing platform.
- Gain insight into Argentina's rich history and discover this once-prosperous Jesuit mission in the heart of the tropical forest.
- Embark on a 4x4 excursion into the otherworldly wetlands of Ibera.
- Sail in small boats to watch Southern Right whales which visit the protected gulfs of the peninsula to breed, mate and give birth.
- Get up close to penguins and visit the largest Magellan penguin colony on the coast of Patagonia.
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1 – Buenos Aires – Arrival Day & Introductory Tour
Day 2 – Buenos Aires – Comprehensive Tour of the City
Day 3 – Iguazu Falls – National Park (Brazilian Side)
Day 4 – Iguazu Falls – National Park (Argentinian Side)
Day 5 – Ibera – San Ignacio Mini Ruins
Day 6 – Ibera – Puerto Valle All Inclusive
Day 7 – Ibera – Puerto Valle All Inclusive
Day 8 – Ibera – Puerto Valle All Inclusive
Day 9 – Fly to Trelew – Patagonia
Day 10 – Peninsula Valdes – Full Day Tour to National Park & Whale watching
Day 11 – Peninsula Valdes - Punta Tombo - Largest Magellan Penguin Colony
Day 12 – Depart Buenos Aires
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Full Itinerary
Explore Buenos Aires and its numerous barrios- each with their own unique character. View some of the city’s modern street art in La Boca and San Telmo, which are steeped in art and history, and home to some of the most spectacular murals in the city. This experience provides an in-depth look at the effect of politics, economics and social change on Buenos Aires street art and activism, to help foster a greater understanding of how the city’s history has influenced public expression. Experience a private tango demonstration and lesson from performers at the famed Rojo Tango cabaret. Later, delight in dinner and a tango show at this intimate venue.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Sofitel Recoleta
This morning, we will lead a complete tour including the highlights and most important neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. In the afternoon, you will walk along the lively streets and avenues of Recoleta and Retiro, two districts where Buenos Aires most clearly expresses its Parisian character, acquired in the early 20th century through its architectural styles and urban design. Plaza San Martín is one of the best examples of the belle époque, being the place where the upper-class families settled and built their impressive residences at the turn of the century. We also visit other spots which evidently follow the French pattern: Alvear Avenue and Pellegrini square.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sofitel Recoleta
Early in the morning, fly to Posadas airport and be transferred to Brazil to start your full day visit of Iguassu National park. The park represents around 275 independent waterfalls that come together to shape this incredible space. Take a helicopter tour which will provide you a different perspective of the park. From above, witness a gorge in the earth that seems to vacuum all of the water into its deep abyss. Continue your tour mainly on foot. During the walk, you will find a series of viewing platforms that grant you the best vantage points possible for the greatest glimpse and best angles of the falls. At the end of the tour, return to Argentina and check in at your hotel located inside the Argentinian side of the national park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Loi Suites Iguazu
A stunning tour of the falls, where you get a chance to really get up close to the falls. The Argentinian side of the falls is strikingly different from that of the Brazilian side. The park on this side is much vaster, with many walking circuits and a tram that takes you to the stunning viewing point of Devil’s Throat. With your private guide, explore the various wooden walk ways that lead through the national park close up to the many waterfalls. You’ll be able to scope out the Upper Falls, the Lower Falls, Devil’s Throat and St. Martin’s Island.
In the afternoon, board a Zodiac boat that will take you, at high speed, to enjoy one of the most unforgettable experiences in the region: the direct and wet contact with the mighty Iguassu Falls. After this incredible trip, you will get off the boat at the base of the Falls, and enjoy a truck ride through the jungle.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Loi Suites Iguazu
Today, travel to Ibera National Park, the world’s second largest wetland. On your way to an authentic lodge located in the Ibera Wetlands, there will be a stop to explore Argentina’s best-preserved Jesuit ruins. Explore the UNESCO ruins of San Ignacio Miní and see the 17th-century houses, town hall and church. Embraced by the dense Argentine rainforest, the complex consists of various buildings made with red sandstone and the magnificent baroque east portal which has recently been restored.
Following this tour, you will be transferred to Puerto Valle, a luxury lodge on the Parana River bank, an exceptional location where high-end service and superb regional cuisine awaits.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Puerto Valle
At Puerto Valle, there are many different experiences within the Park, as diverse as their visitor’s preferences. Each itinerary is a unique adventure, where every detail has its own charm. We cover all areas in the Park either on foot, horseback or by boat. We provide you the opportunity of discovering the landscape according to the choices you make daily. We include navigations along the Parana river, horseback riding, nature walking tours, photo safaris, fly-fishing, tea route tour, bicycle rides, etc. All of this is in between traditional asados (BBQs), swimming and relaxing in the estancia’s gardens.
Check out for all experiences:
https://www.hotelpuertovalle.com/experiencia.html
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Puerto Valle.
Early in the morning, fly to Trelew and then transfer to the city of Puerto Madryn.
With a nice beach and a lively seafront promenade lined with relaxed bars and restaurants, it’s a great base from which to explore this wildlife-rich region of Atlantic Patagonia.
Discover Puerto Madryn at your leisure with options to visit museums like the Natural Science and Oceanographic Museum, where you can learn about whales, other marine mammals, and the history of the Welsh immigrants in the area; Ecocentro, where they offer interactive sensory exhibits so you get a chance to see what it’s like to swim with right whales and where you can climb to the top for a great panoramic view of the surrounding landscape; and Museo del Desembarco, where you can learn a great deal about the amazing history and achievements of the Welsh immigrants in Chubut.
Meals: Brekfast.
Accommodation: Hotel Territorio
Early in the morning, set out for Puerto Pirámides, located just an hour outside the town of Puerto Madryn. Once at Puerto Piramides, sail in small boats to watch Southern Right whales which visit the protected gulfs of the peninsula to breed, mate and give birth. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the largest concentration of this species of whale in the world. After lunch, head for the southern part of the Peninsula, known as Punta Delgada, to watch Sea Lions and Elephant seals. This is one of the world’s most important breeding sites for elephant seals and sea lions alike. On your way back, you’ll also get the chance to see several other species of wildlife such as guanacos, rheas, foxes, maras (Patagonian hares), armadillos, and more. You will arrive at Puerto Madryn in time to watch a beautiful sunset.
*Please note that whale watching is subject to weather conditions, and that whale watching season is June – early December.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel Territorio.
Today, visit Punta Tombo which is the most important Magellan Penguin colony within continental Patagonia. More than a million and a half of them arrive at this place every year in order to breed. See the penguins up close and literally walk among them. Once in the paths area, you will see that the zone open for public access is clearly delimited by a wire netting.
In the afternoon, track the Welsh history and drive to Trelew where Welsh heritage are particularly well preserved. For your afternoon tea, drive to the neighboring delightful town of Gaiman to visit a traditional tea-room that celebrates the Welsh settlers’ legacy. Indulge in sweets, platters of sandwiches, buttered bread and homemade jam, traditional fruit tarts and delicious scones.
Late in the afternoon, head back to Puerto Madryn.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel Territorio.
After breakfast, check out at the appropriate time, transfer to the Trelew’s airport, flight back to Buenos Aires. Arrival and transfer from the airport to the Hotel.
Speak to our travel designers about finding the option that fits you.
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FAQ
Currently, proof of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test is required to enter Argentina and Brazil. Given the fluidity of the situation, updated entry requirements will be provided 30 days prior to travel.
Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov/travel) or the World Health Organization (who.int/en) for the latest on required and recommended vaccines for your destination.
There is really not a bad time to visit the falls with the weather being fairly consistent throughout the year. Probably the best times to explore Iguazu Falls are during the months of October, September and October. The weather is nicer, the falls are beautiful and the area is less crowded.
The high season for Brazilians and Argentineans are the months of January and February. A visit during the summer ( December to February) will also include higher temperatures.
The months of May and July are the rainy seasons and also the highest water levels. Some prefer to travel during this time because of the force and significance of the water flowing over the falls.
The Ibera Wetlands can be visited all year round but the best time to visit is during Fall (March to May) and Spring ( September to November). These are months of breeding season for lots of animals, so wildlife viewing is good. The bird migration happens between September and April which is a great time to go for bird watching as well.
The rainforest is known for its hot and humid weather, that can sometimes be interrupted by short, abundant showers. Be prepared for those changing weather conditions by dressing lightly, in breathable clothing that can get wet. Prior to your trip, we will provide you with packing tips and suggestions and information regarding any baggage weight restrictions.
Each side has its own charm and offers different, unique experiences.
The Argentine side takes you closest to the falls since there are several nature trails near the waterfalls. Also you can get up close to the most stunning fall: Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat) which is an awe-inspiring and unforgettable experience.
For a panoramic view of the falls, head on over to the Brazil side. Consisting of a network of 275 waterfalls spanning an area of 3 km wide, virtually every angle, a 360 view, is incredibly breathtaking. It’s impossible to take a bad photo here.
The season to see Southern Right wales starts from the beginning of June until December, when the wales start to move off again. Within this period, there are also a couple of distinct periods when they can be better seen from either the Peninsula or from Puerto Madryn.
The best time to visit the Magellan Penguin colony is between November and March.
Tips are not included in the tour price and tipping is entirely at your discretion. Our Trip documentation includes suggested tipping amounts and these can be downloaded from each individual trip summary page.
We strongly recommend that you purchase a travel insurance to protect your travel investment. Travel insurance can offer financial protection for trip cancellation and interruption, as well as assistance should you encounter travel delays, baggage loss, or require medical treatment while traveling.