Argentina
Flores, located in the heart of Buenos Aires, is a charming neighborhood known for its rich history, green spaces and lively atmosphere. This picturesque district, which was once a separate town, has seamlessly integrated into the bustling metropolis of the capital while retaining its unique character. Known as ‘the Paris of the South’ for its landscape, food and tango roots, during your stay you will have time to explore its unique blend of culture, cuisine, and history.
Beyond the city, you'll immerse yourself in the rural 'gaucho' culture and venture into a tropical rainforest near the Brazilian border to witness the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls. Towering taller than Niagara Falls and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll have ample time to marvel at the splendor and force of this natural wonder before returning to Buenos Aires.
Day 1: Arrival and Orientation
Arrive at Buenos Aires airport and be transferred to your accommodation in the hip neighborhood of Palermo. Your tour manager will help you settle in and take you on a short orientation tour and out for dinner. Tomorrow, you’ll begin the project.
Overnight: Buenos Aires
Day 2: Project - Design educational materials
Travel to a school in the neighborhood of Flores where today, you will be designing and creating educational materials that will enhance the learning experience. These materials will play an essential role in promoting the learning and development of the children in the program. Creativity and fun will be guaranteed as you work with the program's youngest participants!
After lunch near the hotel, we set off on a specialized guided street art tour in Palermo, a fascinating way to explore the city's artistic culture. We’ll stop on the way to get snacks in a classic Argentine cafe and dinner later on will be back near the hotel.
Overnight: Buenos Aires
Day 3: Project - Community Mural; and Tango
You will be invited to a day full of color and artistic expression this morning, preparing materials and bringing an impressive community mural to life. Joining forces with the school teachers, you will create a work that will adorn the terrace and symbolize the creativity and collaboration fundamental to the community.
After an early dinner this evening, you will attend a milonga, a typical local neighborhood club where locals gather to dance the tango. You’ll be introduced to the traditions of tango before you have the opportunity to learn some steps and maybe even practice a little with the locals.
Overnight: Buenos Aires
Day 4: Project & Fundación Pilares
Your project will conclude with an enriching conversation highlighting the relevance of engaging in social change. Accompanied by an inspiring member of the Pilares team, you will explore the profound influence our engagement can have, particularly in vulnerable economic environments. Drawing on their experiences, you will discover how collective efforts can make a difference in building a more equitable and hopeful future.
After lunch, you’ll head to one of the programs run by Fundación Pilares - a space committed to the welfare of children and families in the neighborhood. Share a snack and spend time playing and having fun with the little ones attending the program. This activity underscores the importance of play in childhood and highlights how its impact extends beyond moments of joy.
Dinner tonight will be near the hotel.
Overnight: Buenos Aires
Day 5: Bike Tour and Cookery Class
You’ll set out today on a bike tour from the commercial district of Montserrat to the historic neighborhood of Retiro and then on to the world-famous Recoleta cemetery, where Argentine icons such as Eva Peron are laid to rest. After seeing the Planetarium and famous garden, you’ll head through the Paris-like streets of Recoleta to see Congress before returning to the hotel to freshen up and have some lunch.
This afternoon, you will have a BBQ cooking class in a house over 100 years old, where you’ll learn about this most authentic tradition. You’ll learn the recipe for chimichurri sauce, how to prepare meat and start a fire, and enjoy talking with your hosts about their country while enjoying your delicious Argentine asado.
Overnight: Buenos Aires
Day 6: San Antonio de Areco & Tango show
This morning you’re heading 90 minutes out of the city to San Antonio de Areco, a small town known for its rural village feel, gaucho (cowboy) customs and the traditions of the Argentine pampas.
Your guide will give you a walking tour of the historical town before heading to Estancia El Ombú, a working Argentina ranch. Enjoy a delicious lunch accompanied by the folkloric music of the Argentine countryside and cowboy demonstrations.
Back in Buenos Aires this evening you will attend a tango show at one of the most iconic tango houses in the San Telmo neighborhood. This dance is classified as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO and is the most well-known dance form from Argentina.
Overnight: Buenos Aires
Day 7: Iguazú National Park
Today, you’ll leave Buenos Aires to fly to the Iguazú National Park to discover the impressive views of the waterfalls from the Brazilian side (bring your passport!). You’ll check into your jungle lodge in time for dinner.
Overnight: Puerto Iguazú
Day 8: Devil’s Throat
You head to the Argentine side of the famous falls today, where you can walk numerous footbridges and appreciate all the views. After a short train ride, you’ll reach trails that take you to the famous ‘Devil’s Throat’, taking you up close to the thunderous mist of this enormous cascade.
You’ll leave the jungle to board a boat to the waterfall five miles away. Be prepared with a change of clothes because you will sail right inside the falls!
Dinner will be back at the hotel this evening.
Overnight: Puerto Iguazu
Day 9: Buenos Aires
Say goodbye to the jungle and hello again to the city as you fly back to Buenos Aires. You’ll have a walking tour in the afternoon in the bohemian San Telmo district and, later the colorful neighborhood of La Boca, birthplace of soccer legend Diego Maradona.
You’ll finish with a lovely last-night meal on the waterside of Puerto Madero.
Overnight: Buenos Aires
Day 10: Departure
Say your goodbyes to Argentina today. You’ll have the morning free to buy some last-minute handicrafts, Argentine snacks or wander the nearby parks before heading to the airport to fly home.
Total cost: From $4000
What is included
Activities:
San Antonio de Areco ranch tour and cowboy demonstrations
Iguazú Falls
Street art tour
Iguazú National Park
Boat cruise of Iguazú Falls (Brazilian side)
Tango lesson
Tango show
Bike tour of Buenos Aires
BBQ cooking class
Accommodation and services:
Two meals a day included
A 24/7 tour manager accompanying you throughout the trip
Internal flights
Private transportation throughout the trip
Project accommodation is in shared rooms
Post project accommodation
Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance
Tickets and tours:
Guided street art tour
Bike tour Retiro
Tour of Recoleta Cemetery
Guided tour of San Antonio de Areco
Visit to Devil’s Throat waterfall
Walking tour of San Telmo
Walking tour of La Baca
Project:
Teaching children design and creative work, and community engagement
Not included in this Trip:
International flights not included (we can arrange these for you)
Visas, where applicable
Cancellation insurance (Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance are included)