Down to sunny springtime in Argentina for two weeks - We'll visit Iguazu Falls, Salta and the northwest, and of course, Buenos Aires! Waterfalls, Malbec Wine, Andes Mountains, Horseback Rides, Handcrafts and Tango!
up the ladder (Joan Burns)We're off! Joan's on American frequent flyer miles through Miami, and Steve's flying nonstop on United(!)as the government contract carrier. See you in Buenos Aires!
Arrival
Mar 31, 2014
orchid in the tree (Joan Burns)Touchdown, Buenos Aires! A rainy day, but hey, it's Spring! We already have a project -- replace Steve's sport jacket that he forgot at home with a new one, Argentina style. We headed off to the nearest mall, Alto Palermo, and cruised by all the uber-hip stores until we spotted Giesso, which appeared to be more age appropriate! Sure enough, they had a great selection. Turns out it's the "Brooks Brothers" of Argentina and they have been in business since the late 19th century. What a great souvenir to start our trip.
Off to the waterfalls
Mar 31, 2014
Ziplining over the Argentine rainforest! (Joan Burns)Morning flight to Iguazu Falls. Met up with our guide, Cesar, and made it just in time to meet up with the other participants in the Iguazu Jungle Forest adventure. We traveled by open-air jeep in to the military base located near the National Park. We learned about the Yerba Mate tree and other flora and fauna, until we reached our first stop -- the zip-line course above the jungle canopy. We got strapped into our harnesses, scaled the ladder up to the tree top (where there was a beautiful yellow orchid growing) and launched. The zip-line ran in 3 segments. We had a big laugh when Joan braked so well in the 2nd segment that she came to a COMPLETE stop, a hundred feet above the forest floor - yikes!
Soon enough, with a swishing sound coming from behind, one of the guides wrapped his legs around Joan's waist, gave several good bounces to the cable (oh my) and propelled us to the stop ahead. Whew.
Then, off again in the jeep to a nearby waterfall and a chance to rappel down to a swimming hole at the bottom. Boy, it was fun, especially getting caught in the spray.
Back in the jeep and on to our hotel, Iguazu Jungle Lodge, located near the town of Puerto Iguazu. The lodge was 5-6 small buildings nestled into the edge of the forest. Our well-appointed room had a complete kitchen, stocked with all sorts of wine and snacks, and we decided to order an "asado" BBQ brought to our room for dinner. We had such a nice time sitting on our private deck, dining on grilled cuts of beef, sipping Argentinian Malbec red wine, and listening to the jungle night sounds. The temperature was perfect, and a perfect end to a great day.
Time to get wet
Mar 31, 2014
ready to rappel (Joan Burns)Cesar collected us bright and early to get to Iguazu Falls for a day of exploration. First we rode a tram-train to hike out over water on a walkway to see the enormous Devil's Throat falls, which was simply breathtaking. Not only were the falls spectacular, but we really enjoyed watching all the swallows fly into the mist to catch insects, then fly back into their nests along the cliffs. We began to see exotic birds and lots of fantastic butterflies -- and learned that by standing still, the butterflies would land on us! We also took our only good look at Brazil on the other side of the river!
Cesar led us to on the Upper Circuit walkway, explaining about the plants and birds -- and we just missed seeing a toucan that flew off. It was fun to see so many varieties of plants growing wild that we only usually get to see as houseplants. And of course, the falls -- all of them -- were truly spectacular! We've never seen anything so big. I think they're almost two miles wide.
The Lower Circuit walkway took us down to the river's edge and gave us an entirely different perspective - looking up. We then boarded a pontoon boat for a quick ride up close to a few of the falls and everyone got caught in the warm spray. Great fun.
We rode down the river through some rapids and ended the ride with another jeep ride through the semi-tropical forest. We learned about the Palmito tree and how it's illegal to cut them down in Argentina to harvest the delicious "hearts of Palm" because the process kills the plant. Elsewhere in S. America these trees are grown on plantations and the harvest is controlled.
Back for a shower at Iguazu Jungle Lodge, then a 10 minute walk into town to dine at Aqva, a great little restaurant recommended by our guide. At his suggestion, we ate Surubi and Pacu, two local river fish, which were yummy.
Go West!
Mar 31, 2014
Rapelling down the waterfall! (Joan Burns)Since we weren't scheduled to leave Iguazu until noon, we walked into town and took a look at all the souvenir stores. The daily downpour drove us into a store for long enough that we bought a Yerba Mate gourd and drinking straw as a souvenir for our son Chris.
Off to the airport and on to Buenos Aires where we changed planes. We stopped for a cup of coffee and ran into friends from our church -- how surprising! It turns out that Rich was planning on attending Steve's conference also, and he and his wife Susan were headed to Iguazu Falls for the weekend. Such a small world -- and we decided to get together in Buenos Aires the next week.
We arrived in Salta, in far northwest Argentina, and discovered that our baggage had only been checked to Buenos Aires. A quick check to confirm that our bags would be delivered the next day, a cash payment to cover incidental expenses, and we headed off into the city with our guide, Gustavo.
Hotel del Virrey, a small hotel in the city center, was our home for two nights. We enjoyed walking a few blocks to the main area of restaurants, and had a great late night dinner (steak again!)
Seeing the Sites of Salta
Mar 31, 2014
Photo by Joan BurnsThe environment and geography of Salta couldn't be more different than what we experienced in Iguazu Falls. We moved from humid, overgrown jungle to arid, mountain landscapes.
Gustavo met us at the hotel, and we enjoyed a morning walking tour of the old city. First stop was the old covered market, where we saw a large variety of vegetables and every imaginable kind and cut of meat. We saw bags of coco leaves, which can only be purchased in bags totaling less than 1 kilo. It's chewed as a digestive and stimulant! The center square retains much of the Spanish colonial architecture, and the old churches, houses and balconies all looked like something right out of Spain. It was lovely.
Gustavo dropped us off at the entrance to the gondola ride up to the top of the nearest "hill," where we had a great perspective of the city and its location in the valley surrounded by mountains. We had lunch at the restaurant at the top, and spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the city on our own. The highlight was visiting the museum dedicated to "high altitude archeology" and featured three Inca mummy children found in 1999 at the top of a nearby mountain. They were selected from high-ranking families in different areas of the Inca empire. It was considered a privilege to "go live with the gods" and they were buried alive (though drugged)with special artifacts meant to appease the gods. The museum was very well done but it was a little creepy to see the mummy on display -- a 7-year old boy, completely dressed and not looking like he died 500 years ago.
A rest at the hotel and then out to dine at the "Old Station" restaurant, where we had a chance to see a lively folkloric music and dance program while we ate. Sure, it was touristy, but we enjoyed it all the same.
And yes, our luggage arrived!
Las Conchas Gorge and Cafayate
Mar 31, 2014
Photo by Joan BurnsHike the gorge, visit a winery and on to Estancia Colome
Estancia Colome
Mar 31, 2014
Photo by Joan BurnsHike the vineyard, ride a horse, cook a meal!
On to Cachi and Buenos Aires
Mar 31, 2014
Photo by Joan BurnsCheck out the handcrafts in Cachi, evening flight to Buenos Aires
Time to see Buenos Aires
Mar 31, 2014
Joans ready too (Joan Burns)First full day to see the city
Joan's solo day in Buenos Aires
Mar 31, 2014
Photo by Joan BurnsWhile Steve attends the conference, Joan explores on her own -- buying leather?
Buenos Aires
Mar 31, 2014
Photo by Joan BurnsSeeing the sites
Buenos Aires
Mar 31, 2014
Photo by Joan BurnsMore sites in Buenos Aires
Marketplaces and head on home
Mar 31, 2014
Photo by Joan BurnsSunday markets! Flight home that night.
Very well ececuted. Hily recomended. Great experiance
Nancy Kaierle
1 week ago
This is our fourth time working with Clara to plan our trip. She is always thorough and pleasant. We enjoy working with her.
Colorado Traveler
1 month ago
Jane was my ADVENTURE LIFE agent for the 2 months of helping me decide that this will be the most amazing trip we will ever experience in our lifetime and a memorable way to celebrate our 40th! Our expedition is upcoming later this year 2025.
I was also able to plan with Mike from Quark who was very instrumental in making our dreams come true at the right price!
Once I had decided to go ahead with my booking Kevin took over to assist Jane while on vacation.
Kevin was able to tweak my quote even more
who truly sealed the deal as well as reserved us a very desirable room on the 6th floor. I had studied reviews on line as well as and watched the numerous Ultramarine You Tube’s! He was extremely patient with receiving my full payment as it took time to “round up that much cash”. I decided on booking a balcony suite as it gave me more value for my “Canadian Dollar” than the delux balcony, so yes, I gave up my tub. It also really helped me justify the price. It’s really a priceless experience and its memories will last us a lifetime! I was happy to reserve on the 6th floor as I wanted those clear views and the choice of being able to open a door for fresh air, especially if the big green monster surfaces during the Drake Passage.
I now feel very confident and very satisfied that I have made the best decision choosing Quark Expeditions and look forward to a top notch experience aboard the Ultramarine!!
Both Jane and Kevin are sincere, professional and courteous. They met all of our needs
to ensure my process was stress free.
I’m looking forward to all our daily excursions, then enjoying a nice hot Sauna and finishing it off with nice a cold shower for health benefits…my back up plan
to doing the “Antarctic Plunge”
I look forward to getting to know and dealing with Mary Rose for all the final details that will make our trip complete. Great company!
Sandy with a “y”
5 months ago
Erin was great to work with! Very quick with her replies and provided all the information I needed, no matter how many times I changed my request! This was my first time ever planning a trip like this and it couldn't have gone better.
Chris
6 months ago
Very well organiced.
Great communication
Easy to handle website for required docs to file .
Pleasant Experience
Nancy Kaierle
6 months ago
Very well ececuted. Hily recomended. Great experiance
Nancy Kaierle
1 week ago
This is our fourth time working with Clara to plan our trip. She is always thorough and pleasant. We enjoy working with her.
Colorado Traveler
1 month ago
Jane was my ADVENTURE LIFE agent for the 2 months of helping me decide that this will be the most amazing trip we will ever experience in our lifetime and a memorable way to celebrate our 40th! Our expedition is upcoming later this year 2025.
I was also able to plan with Mike from Quark who was very instrumental in making our dreams come true at the right price!
Once I had decided to go ahead with my booking Kevin took over to assist Jane while on vacation.
Kevin was able to tweak my quote even more
who truly sealed the deal as well as reserved us a very desirable room on the 6th floor. I had studied reviews on line as well as and watched the numerous Ultramarine You Tube’s! He was extremely patient with receiving my full payment as it took time to “round up that much cash”. I decided on booking a balcony suite as it gave me more value for my “Canadian Dollar” than the delux balcony, so yes, I gave up my tub. It also really helped me justify the price. It’s really a priceless experience and its memories will last us a lifetime! I was happy to reserve on the 6th floor as I wanted those clear views and the choice of being able to open a door for fresh air, especially if the big green monster surfaces during the Drake Passage.
I now feel very confident and very satisfied that I have made the best decision choosing Quark Expeditions and look forward to a top notch experience aboard the Ultramarine!!
Both Jane and Kevin are sincere, professional and courteous. They met all of our needs
to ensure my process was stress free.
I’m looking forward to all our daily excursions, then enjoying a nice hot Sauna and finishing it off with nice a cold shower for health benefits…my back up plan
to doing the “Antarctic Plunge”
I look forward to getting to know and dealing with Mary Rose for all the final details that will make our trip complete. Great company!
Sandy with a “y”
5 months ago
Erin was great to work with! Very quick with her replies and provided all the information I needed, no matter how many times I changed my request! This was my first time ever planning a trip like this and it couldn't have gone better.
Chris
6 months ago
Very well organiced.
Great communication
Easy to handle website for required docs to file .
Pleasant Experience
Nancy Kaierle
6 months ago
Very well ececuted. Hily recomended. Great experiance
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