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We were 22 people, ranging in ages from 8 to 80, traveling to 4 cities in twelve days. So seamless and easy!
— Susan & Ari Spar and Family
It seemed impossible. Three generations, seven people, 10 days, 4 locations, domestic travel, tours, transfers, and accommodations. All worry-free and tailor-made.
— Robert & Laura Shrewsbury and Family
Exploration Journeys provided a wonderful, stress free experience. Not one single hiccup during the 23-day journey. Fred crafted an itinerary that dovetailed beautifully with our needs.
— Barbara and John Arnold
I so appreciated the attention to detail, as that can make or break a trip (especially with kids). In the end, we had a fantastic time without any stress.
— Bridget & Carl Long and Family
The attention to detail and prompt communications resulted in the smoothest, most stress-free trip we have ever taken. The whole experience was amazing.
— Lynn & Roger Iverson
The meticulous attention to detail and personal service was unsurpassed. Our trip was one of the best vacations we have taken, and absolutely stress-free thanks to Fred and Exploration Journeys!
— Stephen and Elizabeth Trehu
The local guides were not typical at all; with each one it was like spending a day with a local friend.
— Gary & Nyasia Dewaal
They work to have the best guides you will ever find! They were highly knowledgeable, personable, and attentive, beyond what we have experienced with all our other travels.
— Jean & Donald Erickson
Each of the tour guides were not only exceptionally knowledgeable, they shared such insight about the culture and lifestyle.
— Kevin & Laura Meeks
Great guides. Some of whom are now our friends too.
— Edward & Michelle Geil
My wife and I have traveled all over the world and have been on hundreds of private and group tours as well as over 20 cruises. We have never had as great of an experience as what we received from Fred and his staff.
— Roger & Leann Keyes
We've traveled on all seven continents and Argentina Exploration Journeys provided the best service we've ever experienced.
— Barbara & Timothy Blair and Family
We are a 3 generational family, group of 10 and have been all over the world together. Fred and his team were by far the best travel experts we have used
— Karen Mintzer and Family
We have been very fortunate to work with some of the well-known 'name' travel companies and their affiliates for trips to Africa, Australia, China and Italy, as well as our personal travel agent of 20 years. No company or individual has ever provided anything close to the perfection we received from Fred and his team.
— Arthur Muchin and Claire Levenberg
We both work for the United Nations and have lived and worked in many different countries, but I don't think I have ever had the same sense of the personal touch as that which I experienced with your company. From beginning to end, exceptional.
— Duncan Barclay & Anne Gunning
Having traveled to over 40 countries, I have had quite a few tour companies in the past. I have never encountered such professionalism, detail, genuine care, elegance, and speed!
— Monica Zayas, Eugenia Salinas & Family
We design and operate every trip directly. No middlemen, no handoffs, no excuses. The same team that helps you plan your trip is the same team supporting you while you travel. We never outsource your care.
When medical emergencies happen
Fred even made a personal appearance when we needed some emergency medical assistance. We would never have been able to work through a Buenos Aires emergency room like we did, without him.
If it had not been for his assistance, we would have missed some of the very best parts of the trip.
— Joe & Mary Lou Mahoney
When airlines strike
When a national airline strike was underway, we were swiftly booked on an overnight bus trip. Without Fred's prompt action, we would have missed the impressive Iguazu falls.
— Kathy & Tony Haynes
When your luggage goes missing
I had lost my baggage in El Calafate airport, but before I figured how I should act, Fred did everything he could and ensured I got my bag back the very next day.
— Saranya Gnanasekaran & Family
When your child gets sick abroad
Fred was truly a lifesaver. Our son ended up getting pretty sick and Fred was available 24 hours a day to help us coordinate doctors, thermometers, hotel staff, drivers and translators.
He gave us huge peace of mind and truly helped us navigate what was a challenging situation.
— Jonathan & Lauren Shapiro and Family
When problems strike at 3 AM
We only had one incident of a domestic flight cancellation, but it was handled in the middle of the night. Our 3:00 am under door envelope contained new boarding passes and timelines.
I don't think Fred or John ever sleep. There is simply no way I could have rearranged this myself without several unintended consequences and stress.
— Della Borlund and Thomas Borlund III
When life throws a curveball
When life dealt us a cancer card, all details were rebooked with a level of empathy only provided to us by friends and family.
— Johanna & Dan McDonald
Before you even know there's a problem
At one point, one of our domestic flights was cancelled by the airline. Before we even knew about the cancellation, Fred had worked with the airline to check us into another flight that worked just as well.
By the time we knew there might be an issue, Fred had already resolved it.
— Roxanne Lippel and Karen Ziner
When mobility becomes a challenge
Just prior to leaving the US, Wanda experienced an injury to her leg necessitating the use of a cane and wheelchair.
Had Fred not been there, and had the tour guides he chose not been who they were, this trip could have been a total disaster. Instead, it was, without a doubt, the best trip ever.
— Russell Haig and Wanda Wood
When you lose your phone
The thing I will never forget besides the beauty of Argentina was the effort they went through to find my lost cell phone.
I thought I would never see that phone again or my pictures of the glaciers and waterfalls I had already taken.
— Carol Macdonald and Michael Swaidner
When getting home seems impossible
There was an unannounced airline strike on the day we were to fly home. We were stranded in Ushuaia because flights for the next 5 days were fully booked!
Fortunately, Fred and his local team helped us promptly return home, leaving through Chile.
— Barbara & Christopher Gootkind and Family
When flights get cancelled
When we had a last-minute flight cancellation, Fred and John quickly rebooked us and communicated every step so we never felt lost.
We saw others struggling to reach their agencies, while Fred and John were always just a call away.
— Charlene & Gary Mcneil
When you're rushed to the hospital
When I was rushed to the hospital in Buenos Aires for appendicitis, Fred went above and beyond.
He came to the hospital frequently during my stay, providing essential Spanish-English translation between the doctors, nurses, and us.
— Louise Laurence and Douglas Hamilton
When you leave your phone behind
When I forgot my phone in the car that took us to the airport, John went out of his way to track it down and bring it to me personally so that I would not miss my flight.
— Ana & Elena Dinca
When storms ground your flight
We had a flight delayed and cancelled due to a heavy storm in Buenos Aires.
Fred informed us at 4 AM, checking alternatives and booking us new flights to secure availability, even before our original flight was officially cancelled.
— Nelly Ng and Boon Hong Teo and Family
When medical issues arise
When I needed to see a dentist, Fred arranged a driver / translator and made an appointment immediately. He followed up several times to ensure that all was well.
— Ronald & Linda Martinez
When your flight cancels. Twice.
When our flight was cancelled and then cancelled again, they found us a flight on a different airline and rescheduled the tour we missed due to the delay.
— Christine & Phillip Kenny
When illness strikes mid-trip
My wife got a touch of food poisoning one day and they rearranged our amazing boat trip into the Iguazu falls to accommodate us.
— Edward & Michelle Geil
When you leave things behind
On 2 occasions, we forgot things at a hotel and a restaurant.
He contacted the places and even had 1 item brought back to the US with one of his clients.
— Rana and Salim Haddad & Family
When plans change last minute
Just a few weeks before our trip began, one of our flights in Argentina was cancelled.
Fred rearranged our entire itinerary within a couple of days or less. Imagine having to do that yourself!
— Lynn & Roger Iverson
"I have to admit when I first read the reviews online I was skeptical… no one can be that good… but they really are."
— Brian & Anya Tomko
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Great beaches, huge tropical forest and natural beauty. Corcovado & Sugarloaf mountains. "World Capital of Architecture". Hiking. Great dining.
Largest Falls on Earth. Voted as one of the "New 7 Wonders of Nature" by over 100 million people. Located in the midst of a tropical rainforest.
Ecologically sustainable jungle explorations for all ages. Exclusive private tours: hiking and learning survival techniques, Amazonian dolphins, meeting the locals, and more.
Very exclusive island, featuring the #1 beach in the world on Trip Advisor. Ideal for lovers of marine wildlife. Snorkeling, scuba diving (even for non-divers), boat riding, hiking, and more.
Melting pot of Afro-Brazilian, indigenous and Portuguese cultures. Priceless collection of Baroque and colonial architecture. Mingling with the locals. Unique regional cuisine.
Very exclusive upscale lodge in the largest wetlands on Earth. Best wildlife spotting in the Americas. Top spot in the world to see jaguars. Unique mammal and bird species. Safaris, hiking and canoeing.
Gigantic cosmopolitan metropolis, melting pot of cultures. Largest Japanese colony outside Japan. World-class dining.
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"I have been to over 40 countries and I have to say that this is the best private tour company I have ever used!"
"Fred and his team were beyond amazing! They anticipated our every possible need and helped us plan the trip of a lifetime."
"The single best vacation experience I have EVER had! It literally was worry free!! Fred answered all questions in the most timely manner!!"
"This trip was by far the best trip we have ever taken. The itinerary was made perfectly for us and our tour guides were the cream of the crop."
"Wow, just the best of the best. Incredible communications." ... "It was like having our personal travel folks in the room next to us."
"Extraordinary tour company. Exploration Journeys is entirely faultless. Fred is world-class in organising and customising itineraries to explore Argentina; no request is too small or big!"
"Over the years we have travelled to over 30 countries, and organization of this tour by EJ is certainly one of the best (if not the best) we have experienced."
"Exploration Journeys took the work and stress completely away from us pre-trip and during, enabling us to simply enjoy and share with our family and friends back home as we reflected each day."
"We had a terrific experience with Exploration Journeys. Their guides are the best, they booked great hotels for us, and everything worked perfectly."
"Exploration Journeys planned our itinerary with so much care that we didn’t think about work or stress for a single moment. Everything was handled seamlessly."
"A truly unique, first class and worry free experience! A friend who has traveled the world had told me that Argentina and her experience with Exploration Journeys had been her best travel experience ever, and she was absolutely right! "
"Their attention to detail was phenomenal. Really great with communication and helping us to build a vacation that we will never forget!"
"I recommend Exploration Journeys 200%. Extremely pleased with each and every service they provided."
"Absolutely spectacular trip to Argentina meticulously planned and delivered by the Exploration Journeys team and partners."
"I can't say enough great things about Fred and the team at Exploration Journeys! They created a fabulous itinerary for us and made our experience completely worry-free."
"Exploration Journeys (and Fred) is the best travel agent I've worked with! They were responsive during the planning stage, and remained so once we were on the trip."
"Excellent!! Service, flexibility and response were great! Would work with them again when we return. Best trip ever!"
"I have traveled a lot and have used the services of many different travel companies, but I have never received attention and care on this level. It truly was amazing."
"Everything was on time, efficient and seamless." ... "I have never been on a trip that was so well organized. This made it as stress free as possible and I was able to enjoy every minute. "
"I have to admit when I first read the reviews online I was skeptical...no one can be that good...but they really are! They exceeded our expectations..."
"When I needed to see a dentist, Fred arranged a driver / translator and made an appointment immediately. He followed up several times to ensure that all was well."
"We could not have asked for more from a tour company, and we travel all over the world."
"Argentina Exploration Journeys is one of Argentina's treasures!"
"Planning our Argentina vacation with Fred was a wonderful experience. He made excellent suggestions to best optimize Argentina’s treasures and made our vacation worry free.
When I needed to see a dentist, Fred arranged a driver / translator and made an appointment immediately. He followed up several times to ensure that all was well.
His team is flexible, welcoming and knowledgeable… and quick to respond!
We could not have asked for more from a tour company, and we travel all over the world. Argentina Exploration Journeys is one of Argentina’s treasures!"
DAY 1: YOU ARRIVE IN BUENOS AIRES (staying for 2 nights, with 2 tours included) |
Flight arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina! Welcome at the airport and transfer with private vehicle and guide to your hotel. |
DAY 2: BUENOS AIRES |
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Images of Buenos Aires: European Heritage and Latin American Passion (Full Day Private Tour) The birthplace of Tango and Argentina’s vibrant capital, Buenos Aires is as captivating as the dance itself, an irresistible mix of elegance, passion, and culture. Commonly referred to as the “Paris of Latin America”, Buenos Aires is the best place in the world to enjoy a first-class tango show and to savor some of the tastiest steaks, accompanied by the celebrated Argentine Malbec wine. Our expert “porteño” (as locals are called) guide will take you on a cultural journey, where you’ll visit the most iconic neighborhoods and learn about the highlights of the city; taking in its architecture, culture, history, and more! This tour is also a great opportunity to learn from your expert tour guide, the necessary information and useful tips to make the most of your free time in the city. This is a private 8-hour tour (which includes the time for lunch in a restaurant of your choice. Lunch is not included). |
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Passion and Beauty: an Authentic and Exclusive World-class Tango Experience We invite you to live it up with a night of passion, charm, and sensuality as you enjoy an exclusive and world-class Tango experience at Gala Tango. This is one of the most exclusive Tango shows in Buenos Aires, and has been enjoyed by great artists from around the world the likes of Madonna and Sting. The show also includes a brief but exciting display of some of the unique features of Argentine folklore. Located on a small cobblestone street in the historic neighborhood of San Telmo, Gala Tango is beautifully decorated with French style architecture reminiscent of the 1930s. The building’s high ceilings and crystal chandeliers will make you feel as though you have traveled back in time to the “Golden Age of Tango,” while the small size of the theatre allows for a more exclusive experience than that of a regular tango shows. Tango is a universe onto itself as it creates a multi-layered marriage of music, dance, singing and poetry. You will enjoy seeing world-class singers, musicians, and dancers (some winners of Tango World Championships were dancers of Gala Tango!). The Argentine folklore portion of the show includes traditional costumes, and a mesmerizing boleadoras show performed by the show’s very own gaucho! A gaucho is the Argentine equivalent of a North American cowboy, and the boleadoras are a traditional throwing weapon (made of weights on the ends of interconnected cords, and used to capture animals by entangling their legs). This tour includes private transfers and dinner with non-alcoholic beverages & wine. |
DAY 3: LAST DAY IN BUENOS AIRES |
Transfer in private vehicle to Buenos Aires Airport. |
DAY 3: YOU ARRIVE IN EL CALAFATE (staying for 3 nights, with 1 tour included) |
Flight arrival in El Calafate. Welcome at airport and private transfer to your hotel. Depending on your flight arrival time, you can relax at your hotel, enjoy your own explorations, or ask your tour guide about suggested activities for your free time. |
DAY 4: EL CALAFATE |
Beholding the Perito Moreno Glacier from its Seven Panoramic Boardwalks Prepare to visit one of the world’s most unique and awe-inspiring glaciers: The Perito Moreno Glacier. This grandiose glacier showcases its mighty glory in the Patagonian Glaciers National Park, which has been declared as a Mankind’s Natural Heritage site by UNESCO. The park’s vast size not only gives it the distinction of being the largest ice mantle in the world after Antarctica, but it’s also the third largest fresh water reserve on the planet as well. The Perito Moreno is of the few glaciers in the world that is actually growing and advancing. This is opposed to the majority of the world’s glaciers that are retreating and melting due to the effects of global warming. Our destination is the panoramic boardwalks which overlook the Perito Moreno Glacier. Here, amidst the backdrop of the majestic, snow-capped Andes, you’ll find yourself immersed in an unforgettable glacier experience, while enjoy amazing picture taking opportunities from the seven panoramic balconies facing the front of the glacier. This is a full day group tour booked for Ronald. |
Close-up Navigation to the Mighty Perito Moreno Glacier Take in the sheer size and beauty of the Perito Moreno Glacier from an exciting close-up perspective as we cruise across the pristine waters of the Rico Branch of the Argentino Lake, which borders the south wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier. The sheer vastness of the south wall alone is a humbling and inspiring sight. We’ll be stopping about 985 feet (300 meters) away from the south wall of the glacier for some epic picture-taking opportunities that will showcase its grand scale and beauty of the glacier. This will be definitely a different perspective from what you experience on the panoramic boardwalks. This navigation is a 1 hour group tour booked for Ronald. |
Conquering the Mighty Perito Moreno Glacier Prepare to discover your inner adventurer as you explore and conquer one of the world’s most unique and awe-inspiring glaciers: The Perito Moreno Glacier. This grandiose glacier showcases its mighty glory in the Patagonian Glaciers National Park, which has been declared Mankind’s Natural Heritage site by UNESCO. The park’s vast size not only gives it the distinction of being the largest ice mantle in the world after Antarctica, but it’s also the third largest fresh water reserve on the planet as well. Now imagine yourself equipped with your ice spikes, trekking along this ice giant on a full-day discovery journey along one of the few glaciers in the world that is actually growing and advancing. Your full day of adventure also includes a close-up navigation of the Perito Moreno Glacier and a visit to the seven panoramic balconies facing the front of the glacier where you’ll have amazing picture taking opportunities. After an adventure-packed day, you’ll be able to rest with the satisfaction of having successfully conquered the mighty Perito Moreno! This is a full day group tour booked for Linda. |
DAY 5: EL CALAFATE |
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Discovery of Colossal Upsala Glacier and Experiencing a Patagonian Estancia We’ll embark on a journey of discovery to admire the second largest glacier in South America: the Upsala Glacier, a Patagonian ice giant accessible only by boat. Our navigation will also take us to Estancia Cristina, a ranch founded by an Englishman and his wife in 1914, which tells the fascinating story of pioneers in the Patagonian region. Here, we’ll have the chance to take part in a variety of activities; including a ride in our all-terrain vehicles to a panoramic balcony from where we’ll enjoy a majestic view of the eastern face of the Upsala Glacier. This is a full-day group tour (approximately 13 hours) and includes lunch with 1 non-alcoholic beverage. |
DAY 6: LAST DAY IN EL CALAFATE |
Transfer in private vehicle to El Calafate airport. You will take a flight to Buenos Aires and from there you will take another flight to Iguazu. |
DAY 6: YOU ARRIVE IN IGUAZU (staying for 2 nights, with 2 tours included) |
Flight arrival in Iguazu. Transfer in private vehicle to your hotel. Depending on your flight arrival time, you can relax at your hotel, enjoy your own explorations, or ask your tour guide about suggested activities for your free time. |
DAY 7: IGUAZU |
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Witness the Unique Power & Might of the Iguazu Falls from the Argentine Side (private tour) “You might have seen the photos. Even read about it. You might have visited other great waterfalls before. But you probably still have no idea what to expect when you come face to face with the almighty Iguazu Falls,” stated CNN in their article “Iguazu Falls: Why this natural wonder should be on everyone’s bucket list". To put that into perspective, Iguazu Falls is nearly twice as tall as Niagara Falls and nearly three times as wide. The late U.S. First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, was reportedly so impressed by the sight of Iguazu Falls that she exclaimed “Poor Niagara!” In 1984, Iguazu Falls became a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and in 2011, it was selected as one of the 7 winners of the “New Seven Wonders of Nature” worldwide competition in which more than 100 million votes were cast. Their size and scale are unlike any other waterfall on Earth. Made up of a system of 275 waterfalls, they have a staggering water flow of up to almost 3.5 million gallons (13 million liters) per second – enough to fill five Olympic swimming pools! Unlike Niagara Falls, which is surrounded by developments such as casinos, a revolving restaurant, and coffee shops, Iguazu Falls are located within one of the few remaining inland rainforests in South America, the Atlantic rainforest, which is a haven for more than 2,000 plant species, about 400 birds species, and 80 types of mammals! This is a full-day private tour. |
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A Speedboat Adventure Up-Close the Iguazu Falls Get ready for a thrilling speedboat adventure, enjoying a unique, up-close perspective of the majestic Iguazu Falls and experience a different viewpoint of the falls from what you’ll see from the panoramic boardwalks. Our speedboat will zip the waters of the Iguazu River and approach the falls getting thoroughly splashed by their mist as you hear their loud roar! This ride provides a unique and extremely close-up view of the San Martin and Three Musketeers falls with the opportunity to take outstanding close-up photos. The high point of this experience will be without a doubt, being showered under the mist of the San Martin Falls; the second strongest falls in the Iguazu system. Now it’s time to hop on board and begin our waterfall adventure! This is a 12-minute group tour and is done on the same day you do the Argentinean side of the falls tour. This tour has an age restriction (click on tour name above for details). |
DAY 8: LAST DAY IN IGUAZU |
Transfer in private vehicle to Iguazu airport. You will take a flight to Buenos Aires and from there you will take another flight to Mendoza. |
DAY 8: YOU ARRIVE IN MENDOZA (staying for 3 nights, with 2 tours included) |
Flight arrival in Mendoza. Welcome at airport and private transfer to your hotel. Depending on your flight arrival time, you can relax at your hotel, enjoy your own explorations, or ask your tour guide about suggested activities for your free time. |
DAY 9: MENDOZA |
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Savoring First-class Wines in Mendoza’s Central Region (private tour) Over the past 20 years, there has been a revolution in the Argentine wine industry, driven partly by the success of one grape that, in many countries, is used only for mixing – the rich, velvety Malbec. Dense and dark, with full-body richness that few other grapes can mimic, the Argentine Malbec varietal has become all the rage in the United States, and is increasing in popularity among other countries as well. 94% of restaurants in the top ten wine markets in the US feature Malbec on their wine lists, according to a 2010 survey on Wine Spectator magazine. Enjoy an exclusive wine tasting experience as you take in the taste of first-class Argentine wines, and visit some of the most prestigious wineries in Mendoza. Located at the foothills of the Andes mountain range, in the shadow of Mount Aconcagua, the vineyards in Mendoza are planted at some of the highest altitudes in the world; with the average site located anywhere between 2000 and 3600 feet (600 to 1100 meters) above sea level This allows winemakers to plant at exactly the right altitude for each grape variety to ripen perfectly. Argentina is the fifth wine producer in the world, and with over a thousand active wineries accounting for more than 70% of Argentina’s wine production, Mendoza is considered the heart of the Argentine winemaking industry. Guided by a local oenologist (wine expert), you’ll enjoy touring the facilities of three wineries, while getting a close-up look at the process of wine-making, and of course tasting their wines. This is a full-day private tour and includes gourmet lunch with wine tasting at a Mendoza winery. |
DAY 10: MENDOZA |
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Cooking & Wine Tasting at Santa Julia Winery Put on your aprons and step into the role of an Argentine chef with this delightful cooking class and wine tasting experience, at “La Casa del Visitante”. Nestled within the prestigious Santa Julia winery, in the heart of Mendoza’s wine country, you’ll have plenty of fun as you learn about the Argentine cooking traditions, and put your cooking qualities to the test. “La Casa del Visitante” is one of the most visited restaurants in Mendoza, and was recognized by Winerist Magazine as one of the “5 Top Mendoza Wineries and Restaurants.” Santa Julia winery has also garnered various awards; such as a trophy in the Argentina Wine Awards for their Malbec. So, dive into the art of Argentine cooking and prepare traditional Argentine dishes, while indulging in Santa Julia’s renowned wine! This is a long half-day group tour with private transfers and includes lunch with non-alcoholic beverages & wine. |
DAY 11: LAST DAY IN MENDOZA |
Private transfer to Mendoza airport to take your flight. |
DAY 11: YOU ARRIVE IN BUENOS AIRES (staying for 1 night) |
Arrival in Buenos Aires and transfer to your hotel in private vehicle. |
DAY 12: BUENOS AIRES |
Transfer from your hotel to Ezeiza International Airport in private vehicle. We look forward to welcoming you again in Argentina! |
| Do you like this itinerary? Request a free customized itinerary proposal designed by our travel experts now! |
