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 Argentina will capture your heart and fire your imagination with its friendly people and jaw-dropping scenery. It is also a big country, comprising several geographic regions, from the subtropical rainforests of the north, through the grassy central Pampas, to the mountainous glaciers of the south. Our gay group adventure tour begins by ringing in the New Year in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, an intoxicating blend of Latin and European influences.
From Buenos Aires, we fly to the country's most dazzling spectacle: Iguazu Falls, where Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina come together and the Iguassu River flows into the Parana River, forming a series of awe-inspiring waterfalls in the middle of a forest. El Calafate is the gateway to southern Patagonia, and a land of rugged beauty, where icebergs calve from glaciers with thunderous drama. Argentina's southernmost point of land in Tierra del Fuego is the city of Ushuaia. It can truly be called the Ends of the Earth, as it is just a hop, skip and a jump (geographically speaking) across the water from Antarctica. We have timed the end of this adventure to coincide with the start of our once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica Cruise, with a big discount for booking both.
Last Continent - Antarctica Gay Cruise - January 7 - 18, 2017
• Buenos Aires
• New Year's Eve Tango Show (preceded by private tango lessons)
• Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires
• San Telmo, a lively Buenos Aires neighborhood
• Foz do Iguazu National Park (Brazil) *
• Iguazu National Park (Argentina) *
• Boat ride to the thundering base of Iguazu Falls
• El Calafate
• Upsala Glacier
• Los Glaciares National Park *
• Perito Moreno Glacier
• Ushuaia
* UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Day 0 - Thursday, December 29, 2016
This is a travel day, with tour services beginning tomorrow in Argentina. Book a flight from your home city to the Ministro Pistanni Airport in Buenos Aires (use the airport code EZE when searching for flights online ). Please time your arrival for morning, as we have a walking tour in the afternoon. If you are not able to arrive before noon, we suggest you plan to depart a day early, on Wednesday, December 28th, and arrive on December 29th. For those who wish to arrive a day early, please indicate this on your reservation form so that we can hold a room for you at our Buenos Aires hotel.
Day 1 - Friday, December 30, 2016
 Upon arrival at Buenos Aires Ezeiza International airport (EZE), you will be met by your local host who will drive you to our hotel. Elegant, old-worldly, the city has the cosmopolitan feel of many European capitals but it has the zest of Latin America and some things that are uniquely Argentine, such as tango bars and dancing in the streets. This afternoon enjoy a three-hour walking tour of the area surrounding the hotel, one of the most elegant and sophisticated districts in the city and home to some of the its most exclusive buildings, including world-famous hotels, international embassies, and the world-renowned Recoleta Cemetery. This evening enjoy your dinner at Mirasol de La Recova Restaurant. The restaurant is located at a walking distance from the hotel. Overnight in Buenos Aires
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Hotel: Four Seasons Buenos Aires Hotel, Buenos Aires, 5* (City View Room)
Day 2 - Saturday, December 31, 2016
 This morning is at leisure to explore the city on your own or to enjoy the hotel's many amenities. This afternoon we delight in learning how to dance the tango from trained professionals. The origins of the Tango are traced back to 1880. It was born in the slums, inhabited by Italian and Spanish immigrants, Africans and "gauchos". Despite its humble origins, tango eventually left the brothels and the underworld districts to reach the high-class ballrooms, but first it had to travel to Paris to come back triumphant. Forget the mannered ballroom dancing image, the real tango is sometimes sleazy, sometimes elegant, but always sensuous, rhythmic and passionate. This evening enjoy New Year Eve dinner and tango show at Café de Los Angelitos, with VIP Service and private transportation included.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Four Seasons Buenos Aires Hotel, Buenos Aires, 5* (City View Room)
Day 3 - Sunday, January 1, 2017
 This morning is at leisure. At a pre-arranged time meet your guide at the hotel lobby and enjoy lunch at local restaurant. After lunch enjoy a visit to San Telmo and the Antiques Market. First stop is Plaza de Mayo, the historical and political heart of the city, surrounded by the town hall and national government buildings and the Metropolitan Cathedral, which dates to the late colonial era. The plaza's main defining feature is the Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace), home to Evita's famous balcony. We walk through the narrow cobbled streets of the protected district of colonial San Telmo to the famous Flea Market. Enjoy this amazing open air market located in one of the oldest districts of the city. You will find a great variety of unusual arts, crafts and antiques. The area is also home to some of the most important antique shops.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
Hotel: Four Seasons Buenos Aires Hotel, Buenos Aires, 5* (City View Room)
Day 4 - Monday, January 2, 2017
 Today we transfer to Aeroparque airport (AEP) to board your flight to Puerto Iguazu airport (IGR). Upon arrival in Puerto Iguazu you will be met by your local representative and transferred to your hotel overlooking the spectacle. The falls are one of the most impressive sights in the world, with a breathtaking 275 cascades spread across a gulf of nearly two miles on the border between Brazil and Argentina. Viewpoints from both sides offer different perspectives on a unique geographic spectacle. Enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of the Brazilian side of the falls, home to a vast forest of walnut, cedar and peroba, as well as many types of wildlife. The visiting area consists of a single circuit of walkways facing the falls. The panorama it offers is really impressive.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Das Cataratas Belmond Hotel, Iguazu Falls, 5* (Deluxe Room)
Day 5 - Tuesday, January 3, 2017
 Enjoy a full day visit to the Argentine side of the Iguazu Falls National Park. This side of park was created in 1934 and covers some 50,000 hectares, offering unique "contact with nature", since it is possible to get within a few steps from the thundering cascades. You will feel the proximity of the falls and observe the beauty of its vegetation, birds and butterflies, walking along the footbridges and roads. Waterproof clothing is necessary, and a bracing mist is a small price to pay for getting within such close range of the falls! We see this side of the falls from several different angles – at the balcony of the most spectacular cascade, the Devil's Gorge; from the Upper Trail; from the Lower Trail, and on an exciting motorboat safari navigating up the Lower Iguazu River going through rapids to the base of the falls.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Das Cataratas Belmond Hotel, Iguazu Falls, 5* (Deluxe Room)
Day 6 - Wednesday, January 4, 2017
 Today we transfer to Puerto Iguazu airport (IGR) and board a flight to Aeroparque airport (AEP) where we connect with a flight to El Calafate. Upon arrival at the El Calafate airport (FTE) we transfer to our hotel and the remainder of the day is free to explore this charming town. El Calafate is a small village at the southern coast of Lago Argentino and it is considered the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Its urban view shows a picturesque small town surrounded by beautiful trees, with no high buildings and plenty of colorful gardens that make it an oasis in the middle of the barren Patagonian landscape.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Posada Casa Los Sauces Hotel, El Calafate, 4* (Suite)
Day 7 - Thursday, January 5, 2017
 This full day program enables us to get familiar with this natural, unique, remote environment, and also the culture and lifestyle of the pioneers of the past century. Estancia Cristina was founded in 1914 by an Englishman who came with his wife after hearing marvels about the Patagonian lands of Southern Argentina. Starting out as tents set near the lake, the estancia grew to 22,000 hectares of land surrounded by glaciers, snow peaks and lakes. From here we board a ship to cruise along Lake Argentino. This trip includes a guided visit to the Costumbrista Museum, followed by an ascent in all-terrain vehicles travelling 7 miles through mountainous roads. Upon arrival at the continental ice shelter there will be a 30-minute walk to visit the front of Upsala Glacier with spectacular views of Lake Guillermo, the Southern Patagonian ice and the Andes mountain range. Return to the boat at 5.30pm and arrive at Punta Bandera around 7pm.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch
Hotel: Posada Casa Los Sauces Hotel, El Calafate, 4* (Suite)
Day 8 - Friday, January 6, 2017
 Today we travel across the Patagonian steppes and into the Patagonian Andean Forest to Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO Natural Site since 1981. Walk along footbridges to catch majestic views and hear the cracks and roars of the incredible Perito Moreno glacier, with a front wall 3 miles long and towering 180 feet above the level of the lake. This is the third largest ice mass in the world, after the Antarctica and Greenland. A Nautical Safari experience will take us on a cruise across Lake Rico, passing beside icebergs which have calved off the front of the Perito Moreno glacier. Reaching the Icebergs Channel, the boat will stop at a safe distance from the glacier, continuing to sail down its front, allowing spectacular views. This is a unique opportunity for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch
Hotel: Posada Casa Los Sauces Hotel, El Calafate, 4* (Suite)
Day 9 - Saturday, January 7, 2017
 Today we transfer to El Calafate airport (FTE) to board our flight to Ushuaia. Upon arrival at the Ushuaia airport (USH) we are met by our local representative and transferred to our hotel. In the shadow of Mt. Olivia, Ushuaia was once a penal colony but is now a busy port and the capital of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire), the largest island in South America. Christened in 1520 by Hernando de Magallanes, its name was given for the fires lit on the shores by the Onas native inhabitants, who arrived to this area some ten thousand years ago, when it was still connected to the mainland. After hotel check-in, enjoy a walk through the trekking trails within the Cerro Alarken Natural Reserve.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, Ushuaia, 5* (Standard Room)
Day 10 - Sunday, January 8, 2017
 This morning is at leisure to explore the resort or visit downtown Ushuaia. At noon enjoy a farewell lunch at the Arakur Hotel, during which we wish Bon Voyage to those who are embarking on the Antarctica Cruise thereafter. Those who are not going on to Antarctica board a sailing boat this afternoon to enjoy breathtaking views of the Beagle Channel and surrounding mountains. Glide past estancias, Mount Escarpado and the historic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, firmly perched at the end of the world. As you draw close to the Redonda and Bridges Islands, keep watch for sea elephants, sea lions and several varieties of bird species. After the excursion we return to the hotel for a free evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Lunch
Hotel: Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, Ushuaia, 5* (Standard Room)
Day 11 - Monday, January 9, 2017
We transfer to Ushuaia airport this morning to board a flight to Buenos Aires. We can book this flight for you if you want to purchase round-trip flight in and out of Buenos Aires. Otherwise, you can book this flight segment with your international return journey. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires you will be transferred to Ezeiza International airport (EZE) to board your flight back home.
Meals: Breakfast
Last Continent - Antarctica Gay Cruise - January 7 - 18, 2017
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• 10 nights hotel accommodations (or 9 if going on to Antarctica):
- 3 nights at Four Seasons Buenos Aires Hotel, Buenos Aires;
- 2 nights at Das Cataratas Belmond Hotel, Iguazu Falls;
- 3 nights at Posada Casa Los Sauces Hotel, El Calafate;
- 2 nights at Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, Ushuaia;
• Airport transfers;
• Hotel breakfasts daily plus Welcome Dinner & Farewell Lunch; other meals as specified in the itinerary;
• Ground transportation in air conditioned motorcoach;
• Sightseeing activities and entrances as listed in the itinerary;
• Fully guided and escorted tour
• Round-trip international airfare to/from Buenos Aires (EZE);
• Domestic flights within Argentina (see below);
• Ground transportation for sightseeing on your own (taxis, local guides, etc.);
• Meals and optional activities not specifically listed in the itinerary; alcoholic beverages;
• Travel Insurance;
• Camera fees; laundry, telephone calls, faxes, or any other expenses of a personal nature.
• Tips to drivers and guides and other conveyance attendants are not included; tipping guidelines for our group tips will be provided prior to departure.
Domestic Flights:
There are four domestic flights required in this itinerary. We have not included the price as the airfare is subject to change. At today's rates, the charge for all four flights is $1,750. These flights are:
Jan 02 – AR 1726 – AEP to IGR Departs 0605 Arrives 0750
Jan 04 – AR 1820 – IGR to FTE Departs 0805 Arrives 1420
Jan 07 – AR 1692 – FTE to USH Departs 1240 Arrives 1355
Jan 09 – AR 1879 – USH to AEP Departs 1005 Arrives 1333
For those going to Antarctica, we will change the flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires to the date of disembarkation from the ship.
Four Seasons Buenos Aires Hotel, Buenos Aires
 Stay in the heart of Buenos Aires. Spacious luxury suites with marble bathrooms, charming gardens and swanky gourmet restaurants and bars can be enjoyed at The Four Seasons hotel in Buenos Aires. It is the only hotel in the exclusive Recoleta neighbourhood featuring an outdoor swimming pool in the gardens. Guests can also relax at the award-winning spa and state-of-the art gym. Wi-Fi is free.
The Four Seasons Buenos Aires Hotel is divided over a contemporary tower and a stunning 20th-century French-style mansion styled with local artwork and upscale decor. The suites include air conditioning, a minibar and a TV. All bathrooms feature an HD TV mirror.
 Cielo Spa offers a tango and polo inspired menu of therapeutic massage and salon treatments and a soothing atmosphere styled with contemporary décor.
Guests can dine gourmet Argentine cuisine at the Elena design restaurant, or treat themselves to a custom-made cocktail prepared by expert mixologists at Pony Line Bar, the first Polo bar in Argentina. Nuestro Secreto offers a relaxed and trendy indoor-outdoor atmosphere by the pool where guests can experience an Argentine-style BBQ.
Das Cataratas Belmond Hotel, Iguazu Falls
 Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at Belmond Hotel das Cataratas. Facing the spectacular Iguaçu Falls inside Iguaçu National Park, the 5-star Belmond Hotel das Cataratas allows guests to enjoy a cocktail by the swimming pool or play a game of tennis on the provided court, and also provides free WiFi
The falls can be experienced by speed boat, rafting or by a helicopter flyover. For excitement and adventure, guests can enjoy abseiling, rock climbing and canopy walks. Walking tours allow for the surrounding lush rain forest to be explored.
 Belmond Hotel das Cataratas offers traditional Portuguese styled rooms with a flat screen TV, dark wood furniture and warm natural tones. Some rooms provide a balcony and seating area.
The two restaurants on-site provide views of the falls and of the hotel's pool. They serve a selection of international and local Brazilian cuisine. In the evening live music can be enjoyed in the downstairs bar.
The Iguaçu Falls lie between the Brazilian state of Paraná and Argentina. The Brazilian side offers postcard panoramic views, while the Argentinian side provides varied, up-close views.
Posada Casa Los Sauces Hotel, El Calafate
 Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at Posada Casa Los Sauces Hotel.
Guest suites are situated within the farm buildings, which feature open fires and views of Mount Calafate. All rooms have a 42' LCD TV, Wi-Fi, minibar and hydro bathtub, and are decorated with paintings by well-known Argentine artists.
 Restaurant La Comarca offers fine dining in a relaxing, homely environment. It serves a gourmet menu of local specialties, including Patagonian lamb and Fueguine spider crab.
The Hotel's Club House features a library and a games room, and provides far-raching views across the lake to Solitaria Island. There is also an indoor pool, a gym and a spa and wellness centre.
Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, Ushuaia
 Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa. Boasting impressive panoramic views and two swimming pools, Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa offers luxurious rooms with free WiFi access. The property is located in Cerro Alarkén Natural Reserve.
Rooms at Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa are spacious and feature a luxurious and comfortable décor. All of them have air conditioning, heating, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. They also have a minibar, a desk and impressive views of the sea or mountains.
 Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa also has a modern fitness centre, an indoor and an outdoor swimming pool. There is a bar and a first-class restaurant, serving delicious local and international cuisine.
Other services offered at the property include ski storage, meeting facilities, laundry service and a concierge. Massage treatments can be requested for an extra fee.
Entry Requirements
The Argentine government sets an entry fee equal to the amount Argentine citizens must pay when requesting a Visa to travel to other countries. When entering Argentine Territory, the nationals of the following countries must pay a "reciprocity fee" (Entry Request Fee): AUSTRALIAN - $100 U.S. (multiple entry) / CANADIAN - $75 U.S. (single entry) or $150 U.S. (multiple entry) / AMERICAN - $160 U.S. (good for 10 years). The payment of this "reciprocity fee" IS NOT A VISA since Argentina does not require visa to nationals of the mentioned countries when traveling for tourism or business purposes. Visitors from the US, Canada, and Australia will be required to pay the reciprocity fee online, prior to arrival. On arrival in Argentina, this printed receipt must be presented at Immigration Control. The receipt will be scanned by the Immigration officials, the information will be checked, and the traveler's entry to the country registered.
For BRAZIL: The same kind of reciprocal visa procedure is in effect for Brazil, which we visit at Iguazu Falls. Visas are required for US citizens.
Immunizations and Health
Argentina requires no vaccinations for entry, however there exists a minimum risk of contacting cholera, hepatitis B and Dengue in the remote zones of the country. We recommend that you contact your physician or nearest travel clinic to obtain appropriate vaccinations and medications for this specific itinerary. In Argentina the water is drinkable, so consuming water shouldn't be a problem. Be careful when leaving the larger cities and entering unpopulated areas where we recommend that you drink bottled water only.
Exit Requirements
Most departure taxes are now included in the cost of your airline ticket.
What to Bring
December is summertime in the Southern Hemisphere, so the weather will be warm in Buenos Aires with temperatures between 65 degrees F. at night and 82 degrees during the day. It will be slighter warmer at Iguazu Falls. However, expect much cooler temperature, at least 20 degrees cooler, in El Calafate and Ushuaia. Pack light and try to limit yourself to one suitcase plus carry-on. Pack medications in a carry-on just in case your bag doesn't arrive when you do. We suggest leaving expensive jewelry at home!
Money Matters
The currency of Argentina is the Argentine peso (ARS). Coins come in 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavo, and 1 and 2 peso denominations. Banknotes are issued in values of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 pesos. Visitors who prefer to use their own debit cards to withdraw money should look for banks with the signs of Banelco or Link outside. These typically have 24-hour ATMs. In some cases, cash withdrawals will be limited to 1,000 pesos at a time. More can be taken out, but fees are usually incurred with each transaction. As of August 19, 2015, the exchange rate was 9.25 ARS to the U.S. $1.00.
We strongly encourage you purchase Travel Insurance to cover all aspects of your travel in Argentina.
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