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Argentina Mountains & Wineries, tour two of the country’s most impressive regions: Mendoza & Bariloche

Explore the best of Mendoza's vintners in the foothills of the Andes

Duration: 9 days
2+ Travelers: $2,435 per person
Join us on an unforgettable Argentina tour of two of the country’s most impressive regions: Mendoza, home to Argentina’s world-renowned wines, and Bariloche, the heart of the beautiful Lakes District of Northern Patagonia. Based out of Buenos Aires, the Paris of South America, this Argentina trip takes you to the center of Argentina’s vineyards: the Medoza Region with over 900 distinct wineries. In the foothills of the Andes, you will explore the best of these vintners with two deliciously full days of Argentine wine tours all the while surrounded by impressive landscapes. From Mendoza, continue on to tour Patagonia’s Lakes District. Hike, kayak, and raft through this outdoor wonderland, staying in the resort town of Bariloche on the shores of beautiful Nahuel Huapi Lake. This active Patagonia tour pairs well with a taste of Argentine wine for a weeklong trip any sophisticated adventurer is sure to love.
This Argentina Mountains & Wineries tour can also be arranged on a private departure basis. Please contact us so we may explain details and costs.

ABOUT ARGENTINA TRAVELING TO ARGENTINA ARGENTINA WEATHER

WHEN TO VISIT ARGENTINA
= J F M A M J J A S O N D =

PATAGONIA F.A.Q. MAP OF PATAGONIA RECOMMENDED READING

Argentina Mountains & Wineries Tour Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVE BUENOS AIRES View Buenos Aires accommodations picture gallery Meet a Southern Explorations representative at the international airport upon arrival. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure in this world class city. Buenos Aires is a thriving capital city with ample sights and exciting areas to explore. Consider adding our popular Four Balconies tour of Buenos Aires to become more familiar with this expansive metropolis. Overnight at a local hotel.
Begin Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extensions
Day 2: BUENOS AIRES - MENDOZA View Mendoza accommodations picture gallery After breakfast, transfer from your Buenos Aires hotel to the domestic airport for your flight to Mendoza, where your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel to relax for the next stage of your Argentina tour. (B)
Days 3: FABRE MONTMAYO WINERY - RUCA MALEN WINERY LUNCH View Mendoza accommodations picture gallery Today experience why the Lujan de Cuyo region just south of Mendoza has gained a considerable presence on the world wine scene. Spend the day visiting two family owned wineries, particularly well-known for their Malbec and unique Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. Begin at Fabre Montmayou, created by French winemakers from Bordeaux. True to its French origins, the winery uses no herbicides in its customary growing and production methods. Contrast this winery to the next you will visit: Ruca Malen, a modern winery owned by long-time Argentine vintner with assistance from a French winemaker from Burgundy. At Ruca, have a delectable lunch accompanied by local wines overlooking this picturesque region and a supreme view of the southern Andes. In the afternoon, travel back to your hotel for the evening. (B,L)
Day 4: WINE TASTING BY BICYCLE View Mendoza accommodations picture gallery What better way to visit vineyards and taste their delicious wines than by a leisurely bike ride through this beautiful region? Today, travel twenty minutes south to Beltrán and the family-owned and operated Bodega Familia Zuccardi. This winery is well-known for its constant innovation and unique style. In fact, the region first began with the founding Zuccardi’s inventive irrigation system design used to grow grapes in this otherwise difficult area. As you will see, this tradition of experimentation continues to thrive. Begin with your guide at the Casa del Visitante gardens and bike to the Finca F.L. Beltrán to savor three varieties of the Santa Julia Chardonnay--original, organic, and reserve. Next, visit the Syrah vineyards, where Familia Zuccardi creates their Santa Julia Syrah and Syrah Rosé. Continue to the notable Malbec vineyard, home to the three varieties of Santa Julia Malbec: original, organic, and reserve. Return to the picturesque start of your trip to top off your Mendoza wine tour with a gourmet lunch paired with additional regional wines. After a full day of wine tasting, return to your hotel to rest. (B, L)

Aconcagua High Mountain Upgrade ($145 per person)

For those seeking out a different kind of adventure, spend the day traveling near impressive Mt. Aconcagua instead of the vineyard valleys. After breakfast at your hotel, begin your trip passing Rio Mendoza and the agricultural town of Potrerillos along the Cordon del Plata. Arrive at Uspallata, a lush town in contrast to the surrounding multicolored Andean hills and tunnels. Continue in this famed valley, past the colonial bridge over the Picheuta River, and small picturesque towns such as Punta de Vacas and Polvaredas. After the ski resort of Los Penitentes, visit a unique Inca bridge and the ruins of thermal baths with distinguishing mineral deposits of red and yellow. Nearly to the Chilean border, pass Las Cuervas, the last Argentine settlement in this remote area. Continue your ascent, weather permitting, to 12,600-foot La Cumbre Pass, location of Uruguayan sculptor, Mateo Alonso’s, immense bronze Christ the Redeemer of the Andes nearly twenty-six feel tall and weighing over four tons. The monument was erected in 1904 to signify peace between the two neighboring countries. Make your way back down to Mendoza, stopping for an appetizing regional lunch at Estancia Uspallata. Take advantage of the ranch’s prominent position at an altitude of 6,600 feet with impressive panoramic views of the lower valley. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. (B, L)
Day 5: MENDOZA - BARILOCHE View Bariloche accommodations picture gallery Before your midday flight to Bariloche, take the day to tour the many sites of this Andean city. Visit the colonial center, Independence Plaza, Plaza San Martín, Cerro de la Gloria, General San Martín Park and many other open spaces and parks the city is known for. Also explore the unique España Avenue and plaza with its impressive mosaics. Enjoy one last meal and transfer to the airport for your flight, connecting in Buenos Aires. Land in Bariloche, a scenic resort town perfectly situated on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Take the rest of the day to relax and visit this mountain town. (B)
Day 6: BARILOCHE HIKING or MANSO RIVER RAFTING / CLASS III-IV View Bariloche accommodations picture gallery Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your choice of two activities. For those looking for adventure, try your hand at river rafting the legendary Manso River. Begin by traveling by private van along the Manso River into Nahuel Huapi National Park. Arrive at John’s Ranch and enjoy coffee on the shore of the river. Change into your wetsuit and prepare for an exciting rafting adventure with a safety briefing from your guide. During the thrilling ride down the river you’ll pass luxuriant forests through the canyon. Finish at the border with Chile where you will change clothes and head back to the ranch for a traditional barbeque. If you prefer to stay dry, travel to one of the gorgeous hikes through the mountains surrounding Bariloche. Your guide will pick you up and discuss your trekking options for the day, selecting one that perfectly fits your interests and activity level. Spend the evening back in Bariloche. (B, L)
Day 7: NAHUEL HUAPI LAKE - SEA KAYAKING View Bariloche accommodations picture gallery Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and travel to the launching beach. Today will be spent on the serene waters of Nahuel Huapi Lake. Regardless of your fitness level or previous kayaking experience, you will surely take pleasure in this full day of paddling in a heavenly setting. Pause midday for a delicious picnic lunch on the shores of the lake. Complete your trip at the renowned Llao-Llao Hotel, from where you will transfer back to your hotel for a last world class dinner. (B, L)

Patagonia Hike & Kayak Option

If your group prefers, we can arrange instead to combine relaxed trekking with kayaking. Enjoy breakfast before starting out on this exciting Patagonia tour. From Lopez Bay, we will hike to Tristeza’s granite lookout with impressive views of the Lakes Region. Here we will enjoy a scenic lunch before hiking back. We will travel to Moreno Lake and receive a safety briefing. The rest of the afternoon we will spend paddling this beautiful lake before returning to your Bariloche hotel. (B,L)
Day 8: BARILOCHE - HIKING View Bariloche accommodations picture gallery Travel to the trailhead after breakfast. You’ll begin your ascent into the beautiful wilderness reaching the alpine zone after two to three hours. Stop to rest and dine on a superb picnic lunch before continuing on the remaining three to four hours, all the while surrounded by pristine lakes and impressive peaks. Return to your Bariloche hotel to prepare for a delightful night on the town. (B, L)

Gourmet MultiSport Upgrade ($75 shared / $430 private per person)

A perfect option for an adventurous traveler, this unique Patagonia tour mixes hiking, rappelling, and kayaking with a delicious meal prepared by an on-site chef. In the morning head to the trailhead of a tranquil hike to the natural balconies of Brazo Tristeza. This lookout highlights a brilliant view of the nearby mountains. We can access another balcony by a short ascent aided by a fixed rope, rewarded with breathtaking views of Cerro Tronador and its seven glaciers. A treat for the daring traveler, we rappel down 130ft to the base of the granite wall where our chef will offer an assortment of Patagonian wines and delicacies to relish. Energized after a gourmet lunch, we travel to Moreno Lake to receive a safety briefing and slip into kayaks. We will tour the beaches of this well-known lake and return to your Bariloche hotel in the late afternoon. (B,L)
Day 9: BARILOCHE - BUENOS AIRES - HOME View Explora accommodations gallery Take the morning to relax in this mountain town before your afternoon transfer to the airport for the flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, transfer to the international airport for your departure home or contact us to arrange additional tours of the city, surrounding areas, or longer extensions. (B)
Key: (B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
More information about Traveling in Patagonia

ARGENTINA EXTENSIONS

Have more time to spend? Why not customize your trip with some of these trip extensions? Add extensions to the beginning or the end of your trip, or add to both ends.
ARGENTINA DAY EXTENSIONS Estancia Cristina Blue Ice Glacier Hike Upsala Glacier Cruise BUENOS AIRES DAY EXTENSIONS Four Balconies Of Buenos Aires Fine Arts Tour Jewish Heritage Tour Wine Tasting Cooking Workshop Kayaking In Buenos Aires Bicycle Tour - Tigre & San Isidro Tango Shows The Real World Of Tango Tigre & Delta Of The Parana River	ARGENTINA MULTI-DAY EXTENSIONS Crucero Leal (2D) Iguazu Falls Tour (3D) Valdes Peninsula Tour (3D) Fitz Roy Tour (4D) Active Tierra Del Fuego (4D) Classic Tierra Del Fuego (4D) Mendoza Tour (4D) Active Bariloche Tour (5D) Classic Bariloche Tour (5D) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (4D)

CHILE EXTENSIONS

Have more time to spend? Why not customize your trip with some of these trip extensions? Add extensions to the beginning or the end of your trip, or add to both ends.
CHILE TRIP EXTENSIONS Santiago Arrival Package (1D) Santiago City Tour (½D) Sea Kayaking (½D-1D) Last Hope Sound Cruise (2D)	ARGENTINA (via Chile) EXTENSIONS Perito Moreno Glacier (3D) P.Moreno & Los Glaciares N.P. (5D)

ARTICLES & INFORMATION ABOUT ARGENTINA
TOURS AND TRAVEL

About Argentina's National Parks: The National Parks of Argentina: An Overview; The National Parks of Argentina by Region
The national parks of the northwest: Baritu National Park; Calilegua National Park; (Finca) El Rey National Park; Los Cardones National Park; Copo National Park; Campo de Los Alisos National Park
The national parks of the northeast: Rio Pilcomayo National Park; Chaco National Park; Mburucuya National Park; Iguazu National Park; Pre-Delta National Park; El Palmar National Park
The national parks of the central Andes: San Guillermo National Park; Talampaya National Park; El Leoncito National Park; Sierra de la Quijadas National Park; Los Venados de las Pampas National Park; Quebrada del Condorito National Park
The national parks of the pampas: Lihue Calel National Park
The national parks of northern Patagonia: Laguna Blanca National Park; Lanin National Park; Los Arrayanes National Park; Nahuel Huapi National Park; Lago Puelo National Park; Los Alerces National Park
The national parks of Southern Patagonia: Monte Leon National Park; Los Glaciares National Park; Perito Moreno National Park; Tierra del Fuego National Park

Regions of Argentina: Buenos Aires & the Pampas Region; The Northwest Region; The Northeast Region; The Central Andes Region; The Northern Patagonia Region; The Southern Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego Region
About Buenos Aires & Argentina: An Introduction to Sightseeing in Buenos Aires; Sightseeing in Buenos Aires: The Recoleta Cemetery; Sightseeing in Buenos Aires: Las Madres de Plaza de Mayo; Sightseeing in Buenos Aires: El Teatro Colon; The Neighborhoods of Buenos Aires: Downtown Buenos Aires; The Neighborhoods of Buenos Aires: Palermo; The Neighborhoods of Buenos Aires: The Recoleta; The Neighborhoods of Buenos Aires: San Telmo; The Neighborhoods of Buenos Aires: Puerto Madero; The Neighborhoods of Buenos Aires: La Boca; The Suburbs of Buenos Aires; Clothes Shopping in Buenos Aires; Getting Around in Buenos Aires; Mate, the national drink of Argentina
About Tango: Watching tango in Buenos Aires; Learning to tango in Buenos Aires; The Styles of Argentine Tango; Tangomania around the World; It takes two to tango: The Fundamentals; Tango in film; Carlos Gardel, Tango Superstar; The Films of Carlos Gardel

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2009 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES

Saturday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum

January
12/27-01/04
10-18
February
07-15
14-22
March
02/28-03/08
14-22

Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.

INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS

Included in tour cost: - Professional, English-speaking local guides; - All hotel accommodations (twin shared basis including continental breakfast); - Meals as indicated; - All transfers in private van; - Entrance fees for all scheduled tours, national parks, archaeological sites and boats; - Southern Explorations pre departure services
Excluded in tour cost: - International Airfare to / from Buenos Aires; - $1305 Airfare (Buenos Aires / Mendoza - Mendoza / Bariloche - Bariloche / Buenos Aires), subject to change; - Lunches and dinners in the cities (unless otherwise noted); - Hiking boots and other personal gear; - Personal expenses (tips and gratuities, alcoholic beverages, medical or travel insurance, laundry, airport taxes, etc.).

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate - Difficult

ARGENTINA ACCOMMODATION

Argentina Mountains & Wineries:: 8 nights hotel

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

Additional $555: - Single Supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy. We will match you with another same gender traveler unless you request single accommodations.