Wild Argentina

Take a direct flight from London Heathrow to Sao Paulo, leaving in the evening and arriving the following morning. At Sao Paulo you’ll board a domestic flight to Iguazu, where you’ll be met and guided to the Brazilian Falls National Park; giving you your first sight of the fabulous Iguazu Falls. You can photograph the falls from different walkways and viewpoints before crossing the border into Argentina and plunging into the jungle to reach your hotel.

Stay: Three nights in a double room at Posada Puerto Bemberg.

The Puerto Bemberg is set amongst a range of nature trails, scintillating waterfalls and the profusion of indigenous trees that characterises the jungle lining the Parana River.

You can explore to your heart’s content, or simply chill out after your journey by indulging in the hotel’s luxurious amenities. It’s in an idyllic setting surrounded by 380 hectares of unspoiled jungle but the main attraction must be the soaring Iguazu Falls – just 30 minutes from the hotel. You’ll experience them in full from the Argentine side, on an exclusive tour with an expert guide.

Now you journey over to Posadas to stay in a carefully-restored Argentine estancia where you’ll be able to ride horses through magnificent countryside, play golf or try your hand at polo at the Garupa Polo Club, as well as indulge in an elegant spa. On the way to your estancia you’ll visit Jesuit ruins.

Stay: One night in a twin room at Estancia Santa Cecilia

Argentina is famed for its cattle ranching so no trip would be complete without a stay on a working ranch. But you’ll also be treated to a less well known aspect of the country.

You’ll be staying on the edge of the Ibera wetlands, so you have a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the nature reserve, the local eco-system and the importance of both savannah and wetland habitats.

You’ll also be able to experience a cattle round-up, ride horses with gauchos, take nature walks and go on boat and canoeing expeditions. You can even try your skill at fly fishing.

Stay: Three nights in a double room at Estancia Rincon del Socorro.

After being driven to Corrientes Airport you’ll fly off to Buenos Aires to stay in five star luxury. Your hotel is in the smart Recoleta district which features, amongst the chic shops, upmarket restaurants and sophisticated nightlife, the famous Recoleta Cemetery; resting place of dignitaries like Eva Peron.

During your visit you can experience the world’s best steaks, glittering Latin American cabaret shows and dance (or watch) the tango, with the experts.

Stay: Two nights in a superior room at Sofitel Buenos Aires.

After Buenos Aires you fly over to El Calafate to stay in an estancia set in a rural valley overlooking Lago Roca, with snowy mountain peaks as a picturesque backdrop.

You’ll be able to wander through pastures filled with horses, sheep and cattle grazing on purple lupine flowers, go horse racing, meet gauchos, watch sheep shearing demonstrations and dine on truly marvellous barbecued lamb and beef steaks. Trips to Los Glaciares National Park to explore mighty glaciers, mini-trekking, horse riding and birdwatching all add to your experience.

Stay: Two nights in a double room at Nibepo Aike.

Your next flight takes you to Trelew to stay on a landscaped farm that dates back to 1879 and was originally settled by Welsh immigrants.

Stay: One night in a double room at Posada Los Mimbres.

A 235 km road trip takes you towards the coast, calling in at Cabo dos Bahias and Camarones along the way. You’ll be staying amongst a tiny community whose main industry is gathering seaweed and you’ll gain a fascinating insight into the local lifestyle – as well as visiting a petrified forest, going horse riding and hiking, mountain biking on nature trails and taking boat trips along the Atlantic coastline.

On these expeditions you may well encounter dolphins and orcas as you sail towards huge colonies of penguins and sea lions. In season, southern right whales and elephant seals can be seen migrating to or from the Valdes Peninsula. Seabirds including cormorants, gulls, egrets, petrels and large numbers of Magellanic penguins are also on show.

Stay: Three nights in a sea view room at Bahia Bustamante.

Say good bye to the wildlife of the Atlantic coast; it’s time to fly from Comodoro Rivadavia Airport to Buenos Aires and a final night spent sampling the fine restaurants and world class cuisine of this connoisseur’s delight of a city. Select your restaurant carefully for your final evening’s dinner – there are so many to choose from.

Stay: One night in a superior room at Sofitel Buenos Aires.

After a leisurely morning you transfer to Buenos Aires International Airport for your afternoon flight to London, which arrives at Heathrow the next day.