Experience the cuisine of Argentina and Uruguay while remaining active on this adventurous 13-day vacation. Spend time in Mendoza, the wine capital of Argentina, tantalizing Buenos Aires & Montevideo, and the Uruguayan coast. Enjoy cooking classes, light hikes, wine & city tours, a tango show, canoeing, biking, and a variety of ocean sports during this active Argentina & Uruguay culinary adventure.
Highlights
Learn how to prepare traditional Mendocino dishes
Visit the highest mountain in the Americas, Aconcagua Mountain
Attend a local tango show at Esquina Carlos Gardel
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive into Mendoza, Argentina. Connecting flights route through Santiago or Buenos Aires. Argentina's Mendoza region produces nearly 70% of the country's wine. Prolific and beautiful, the Central Andes command the horizon and provide this region with an unforgettable landscape. Upon late arrival you are transferred to Club Tapiz for the start of your culinary Argentina tour.
Today learn the secrets of Argentine cuisine! After breakfast, the guide picks you up from the hotel for a morning wine tasting tour of one of Mendoza's pristine vineyards. Next you are joined by an expert Argentine chef who shares secrets about the delicate science and art of pairing a great wine with a great meal. This is an exclusive cooking class where you can learn not only how to prepare a traditional Mendocino dish, but also the local histories and customs that go behind Argentine cuisine. After a private lunch - stomachs happily content - spend time enjoying a tasting at this winery. You quickly come to appreciate the detailed process that goes into making each wine independent and unique.
Head out today 70 miles northwest of Mendoza to explore the Aconcagua Mountain, the highest in the Americas at 22,837 ft. Along the Panoramic route encounter beautiful vistas of the landscape, such as Cacheuta, Potrerillos, and Uspallata. See the historical Puente de Picheuta, Polvaredas, Paramillos, and Punta de Vacas along the way. Arrive to Los Penitentes (a ski center during the winter months) and admire the Puente del Inca, a natural arch in the rock that forms a bridge over the Vacas River. Test out its hot thermal waters here before continuing on to Aconcagua Park. Set out on a short one hike and arrive to Los Horcones lagoon for the best view of the mountain. Continue up to Las Cuevas before heading back to Mendoza.
Note: Redeeming Christ can only be visited from December through February.
Today is a free day to discover the natural beauty of the Mendoza region. Spend the day relaxing with a glass of wine. Arrange for another culinary experience in advance or arrange it locally, depending on your preferences.
Travelers can choose to traverse the countryside on horseback or take a moderate trek to Quebrada del Salto waterfalls. The horseback riding tour takes roughly 2 hours around Potrerillos and Cacheuta. This horseback riding trip is designed for beginners. For those interested in exploring the countryside on foot instead, enjoy a 3-hour trekking journey that ventures the mountainous, canyon-filled landscape of Quebrada (Gulch) del Salta. At the gulch's waterfalls, trekkers have the option of taking an 18 meter rappel.
Another option is to continue to explore the wineries of the Mendoza valley with a visit to Lujan de Cuyo, one of the most important wine regions in Argentina. The morning begins with visiting the vineyards and sampling the wine at Tapiz Bodega. Next travel approximately 15 minutes southwest of Mendoza to Achaval Ferrer winery to taste the distinct wines of this exclusive vineyard. Finish the tour at Ruca Malen winery and lunch in the shadow of Los Andes mountain range. Tours to Villavicencio Mountain reserve or to vineyards in the Valle de Uco are also possible.
In the late afternoon, return to Mendoza city and explore the city at your leisure.
This morning tour the city with your guide, including the original city foundations at Plaza Pedro del Castillo. Visit its bustling central plazas and celebrated General San Martin park. Enjoy Mendoza's outdoor cafes that are perfect for dinner or sipping wine. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the area around the hotel, or simply relax after your flight.
Today tour the exciting and seductive city of Buenos Aires! This tour includes a bilingual tour guide and visits to typical neighborhoods like La Boca, Palermo, and Recoleta to see the main sights: the Colon Theater, the National Congress, and the Presidential Palace. Experience the highlights of Buenos Aires and appreciate this great city. This is a great introduction to main sites of interest that you can visit with free time throughout the rest of the trip.
It is hard to imagine a visit to Buenos Aires without attending a tango show, so tonight your transfer meets you at your hotel and whisks you away to one of the city’s most famous events! At Esquina Carlos Gardel, experience the intimate dance that unifies the city and its people together in a passionate embrace. The tango expresses the heart and the spirit of Argentina. The night includes dinner and a drink, as well as the transfers to and from the show.
Today is a free day for you to explore Buenos Aires, and we can help arrange excursions in and around the city, such as a trip to a nearby estancia, or even tickets to a local soccer game. We can also offer bicycle tours, or if the previous night's tango show was inspirational, we can arrange tango lessons!
Early this morning, your transfer picks you up at the hotel and takes you to the ferry terminal for the three hour ferry to Montevideo, Uruguay. Upon arrival begin with a walking tour of the old city ending at the lively Port Market to enjoy the typical “parrillas” of Montevideo. Afterward, explore the studio of Fernando "Lobo" Nuñez, an Afro-Uruguayan luthier and renowned drum percussionist, celebrated as a "legend" in the Uruguayan Candombe music tradition.
Day 9: Olivos delas Animas Olive Plantations | Tasting and Lunch
After breakfast, transfer to Olivos de las Ánimas olive plantations, located in the scenic foothills of Cerro de las Ánimas (Hill of the Souls). Experience the serene natural beauty of this unique spot, where the hills blend seamlessly with the peaceful plains.
Uruguay is known for the warmth and passion of its people, and that’s what you’ll experience here: discover the dedication that goes into making extra virgin olive oil. Martin Robaina, one of the project’s founders, will guide you through the production process and share his expertise during a tasting of different varieties, followed by a homemade lunch at his home. While you're there, watch for local wildlife, including red and blue cardinals, American rheas, and other unique mammals.
Your day begins with a drive to Pueblo Eden, where you visit the town’s chapel and main square. You start your hike along a local trail used by residents to reach nearby ranches. Along the way, you pass through countryside gates, native trees, fields full of cows and sheep, and cross a small stream. A beautiful landscape of slopes and rolling hills unfolds before you. After approximately 8 kilometers, your hike ends, and you head to Viña Eden winery for a well-deserved lunch overlooking the vineyards (lunch not included).
After lunch, you hop on a transfer to the quiet town of Garzón, where you stop at the main square, chapel, and train station. Next, you continue to Garzón Winery for a tour and lunch.
Situated on a rocky outcrop, the winery offers stunning views of the hillside vineyards, which benefit from mineral-rich, well-draining soils that produce high-quality grapes.
On your free day in José Ignacio at Luz Culinary Wine Lodge, you may start with breakfast featuring local ingredients. Afterward, you can take a walk through the town, visiting boutiques, art galleries, and the lighthouse. Have a chance to spend midday at Playa Mansa, where you can swim or try paddleboarding, followed by lunch at a beachfront restaurant with seafood dishes. In the afternoon, you may visit a nearby vineyard for a wine tasting and a tour of the facilities. Return to the lodge to relax by the pool, enjoy a spa treatment, or read in the gardens. In the evening, travelers can join a cooking class at the lodge to learn how to prepare traditional Uruguayan dishes, then have dinner with regional wines. Finally, you can take a walk along the beach or around the lodge to end your day. Optional activities include booking a massage or exploring nearby natural reserves and outdoor activities like horseback riding.
Day 13: Return to Montevideo
Transfer back to Montevideo this morning for your return flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $800, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
