This holiday takes you from the sophisticated theatres and cafes of Buenos Aires – the “Paris of the South” – and on to two very special Argentina estancias. The first boasts Argentina’s oldest vineyards, and will place you in the striking landscape of Salta, with the magnificent Andes as a backdrop. The second is up to you – you can get to know Argentine gaucho culture in Sierras Chicas of Cordoba, or head to the wetlands of Corrientes where you’ll spot exotic wildlife and enjoy a distinct rural environment. Whatever your choice, you’ll be enjoying excellent Argentine food and wine, and soaking up the terrific variety this country has to offer.

Because Argentina is quite a large country, this trip inevitably involves at least two internal flights. We encourage you to use our carbon offsetting service to reduce the carbon footprint left by this trip.

The Journey

You’ll arrive in Buenos Aires and check into La Cayetana, a delightful neighbourhood B&B in the historic barrio of Monserrat. Here you’ll spend several days enjoying this amazing city with its distinct neighbourhoods filled with cafés, bars, restaurants, theatres and museums.

From there, you’ll head by plane to Salta, where you’ll stay at Argentina’s oldest estancia – with some of the country’s oldest vineyards, producing its highest altitude wine.

After your stay here, you’ll fly back to Buenos Aires and immediately onto either Cordoba or Corrientes, for a different rural experience.

Trip Length

We recommend from ten days to two weeks for this holiday.

When to Travel

The best time to travel to Argentina is from September to November. At this time, Buenos Aires’ jacarandas are in bloom and the sticky summer days are yet to begin. Salta will be hot and fine, and the weather in Cordoba and Corrientes should be perfect.

Price

The price of this trip starts from $3,130. Breakfast is included at La Cayetana and Estancia Colomé, while all meals, drinks, transfers and activities – including the horse riding – are included at Estancia Los Potreros. The price of the holiday includes car hire in Salta, as well as your internal flights. It does not include international flights to and from Buenos Aires.

What to Do

...in Buenos Aires

The question is really how will you fit all this city’s pleasures into less than a week. A delight for lovers of architecture, the city’s streets are perfect for wandering. You can take in the crumbling facades of San Telmo, and the beautiful Bell Epoque palaces of Recoleta, which the rich fled to after yellow fever hit town, leaving their homes in the southern suburbs of San Telmo and Monsterrat to decay and – lately – revive, with lots of new bars, restaurants and cafes filling their halls. You’ll visit the theatres on Corrientes, sup on the best steaks you’ve ever eaten, sip delicious wines, watch tangueros young and old strut their stuff at a local milonga, snap up excellent fashion in the boutiques of Palermo Viejo, stroll streets rich in history and of course, take several breaks a day in different porteño cafes – always the perfect reduge from its busy streets.

...in Salta

Argentina’s northwest is rich in traditional indigenous culture – a phenomenon little observed in most other parts of the country. Here in Salta you’ll observe the rich mix between the Spanish and pre-Columban cultures of the region, as well as the striking landscapes that surround you. Your drive from Salta to Estancia and Bodega Colomé is truly eye-popping. You’ll take the road to Cachi, and be treated to a spectacular succession of landscapes, from the twists and turns you’ll take around Custa de Obispo that offer ample views of the valley, to the cactis that stand watch in the Parque Nacional Los Cardones.

Once at Colomé, you’ll spend leisurely days exploring the property, or test your stamina on hikes or bike rides. There’s horse riding and wine tasting to be done, and you’re within easy reach of the beautiful town of Cachi – definitely worthwhile for a day’s wandering, where you can soak up the sleepy atmosphere, chat to locals and pick up some of the excellent local handicrats.

...in Cordoba

Your days at Estancia los Potreros will follow the rhythm of the farm, and of your own fancies. There are two rides per day – neither one compulsory, of course - which will help you get to know this beautiful property, which is a protected reserve as well as a working cattle farm. The angus cows graze on native pastures divided by clear streams and stone walls built centuries ago by the Jesuit missionaries. The horses are healthy and well-trained, and your hosts will find you one to match your riding ability. Non-riders can enjoy the many beautiful walks on the farm, with opportunities for bird watching and observing the gauchos at work.

You’ll get to know the hospitable owners and their staff, try your hand at a polo match, laze by the pool in the summer or read by the fire in the winter. You can also explore beyond the estancia’s borders – the nearby Jesuit mission estancias, with their colonial churches, are definitely worth a look. If you have time on your way into or back from the farm, an afternoon or morning spent in the provincial capital of Cordoba is also worthwhile.

...in Corrientes

Here you’ll be treated to the excellent hospitality of Leslie and Valeria Cook, an Anglo-Argentina family that has turned this former cattle ranch into a nature reserve. You can wander about the excellent, well-established garden and explore further afield on horseback to spot species: the alligator-like carpinchos, the elusive maned wolf and several rare species of bird. You can also enjoy fly-fishing, a spot of farm work with the local gauchos, guided walks on the reserve and canoe trips on the nearby waterways. Just like Los Potreros, Rincón del Socorro offers a special treat to riders and horse lovers, or those who’d like to give it a try, with an excellent stable of healthy, well-behaved animals to get to know.

How to Travel

This trip will see you travel by plane and car.

The Route

Day 1: Buenos Aires

You’ll arrive in Buenos Aires and head straight to La Cayetana, your base for exploring the neighbourhoods of Monserrat and San Telmo, and the city beyond. You’ll have 6 days to soak up the atmosphere of this unique city.

Day 4: Fly to Salta

You’ll fly to Salta on the early flight and pick up your vehicle to hit the road. This drive from Salta to Cachi is sure to be among the highlights of your holiday, taking in striking landscapes at the foothills of the Andes. You’ll arrive at Estancia and Bodega Colomé, where you’ll spend four days taking in the scenery – and plenty of the fine wine.

Day 7: Fly to Estancia de los Potreros or Rincón del Socorro

– You’ll head by plane to either Estancia de los Potreros or Rincón del Socorro where you’ll get to know a different Argentine landscape for four days, before returning to Buenos Aires for your flight home.