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Argentina

Argentina - Nature– Self-guided tour – 13 days / 12 nights

Highlights:

• Meet the Guarani people, an indigenous tribe native to Argentina ;
• Two-day hike in the rainforest ;
• Iguazu Falls and Ibera's wetlands.

Nature : - Culture :

Encounters :

Starting from $ 2200 USD*

A unique and extraordinary experience of generous natural beauty: lush jungles, rivers, streams, waterfalls. This journey takes you to the heart of the rainforest, with its exuberant biodiversity (monkeys, caimans, coatis, toucans, passion flowers, can all be spotted) to discover the habits and customs of local people. The Guarani, hunter-gatherers of the Amazonian forest, adopted a sustainable lifestyle, based on centuries of living close to nature. Let them guide you on beautiful hikes across the forest. Visit the Jesuit ruins of San Ignacio Mini, remnants of the peaceful evangelization that incorporated the culture and language of Guarani. Iguazu falls, the Great Waters in Guarani language, a natural wonder consisting of 275 falls, from 40 to 80m tall and over 2,5km long, declared World Heritage Site ( UNESCO) 1986. The lagoons of Ibera, one of the largest wetland of the continent, will reveal their secrets: more than 400 animal and 200 plant species to be discovered by boat.

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ITINERARY

Day 1 – BUENOS AIRES,THE CITY THAT LOOKS AND FEELS EUROPEAN
Arrival by international flight
After landing in Buenos Aires, our driver will take you to your hotel, located in the city centre. A member of our team will provide you with a road book and a mobile phone to be in contact with us 24/7. He/she will accompany around the city, to the most famous and picturesque areas: El Caminito and San Telmo, at the origins of Tango, then the ancient harbour, heart of the city. By night, stroll in Puerto Madero area, an old harbour converted into a business area.

Transport : private transfer - 45 min + public transport
Accommodation: hotel**
Included meals: none

Day 2 – BUENOS AIRES, GREAT AVENUES AND LARGE PARKS
Overnight Bus Buenos Aires > Mercedes
A free day for you to continue exploring Buenos Aires on your own. You can choose to take a walk downtown to the Pink House (Government) and Congress, or enjoy the parks and nice buildings of Recoleta and Palermo. In these neighbourhoods, you will find interesting museums as well as Plaza Francia’s craftsman fair and Tango dancers. In the early evening, take your night bus to Mercedes from Retiro bus terminal.

Transport : regular bus service + overnight bus - 9h30
Included meals : breakfast and small dinner on the bus

Day 3 – MERCEDES TO CARLOS PELLEGRINI
Arrive to Mercedes early in the morning; depart for Carlos Pellegrini, at the heart of the Ibera’s wetlands. Take some time to settle in your hotel before leaving for a walk in the park.

Transport : local bus - 45min
Accommodationt: family run hotel
Included meals : small breakfast

Day 4 – IBERA'S WETLANDS
A small hike around the estuary of Camba Trapo. This is a transition zone between the jungle of Paraná and the Eastern Chaco with its beautiful flooded palm trees. Back to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a boat to travel across the swamps to appreciate the great diversity of its fauna (over 350 species of birds, caimans, capybaras, Marsh deer) before enjoying the sunset over lagoons.

Accommodation: host family (basic comfort)
Included meals : breakfast
Entrance to the sites not included

Day 5 – MATE, AN ARGENTINE TRADITION
Rental car
Departure for Posadas in the morning. On the road, visit the beautiful Estancia Las Marias, one of the largest producers of tea and mate in the country. You get to Posadas by midday. Your rental car will be waiting for you, drive to Santo Pipo where you are welcomed by the Fundacion Roth. Visit its mate plantations, the oldest mate mill in the province and the native plant nurseries used to reforest degraded areas. Dinner and night at the estancia.

Transport : private transfer - 5h + rental car 51km - 1h
Accommodation: family run Estancia
Included meals : breakfast and dinner

Day 6 – JESUIT MISSIONS
Rental car
This morning, discover one of the Jesuit missions in the region: San Ignacio Mini, remnants of a peaceful evangelization of the Guarani Indians, more than 400 year old. Lunch in the village of San Ignacio and then to El Soberbio, a small town on the border with Brazil, where you are met by locals eager to tell you a bit about their lifestyle and daily activities.

Transport : rental car 279km - 4h
Accommodation: host family (basic comfort)
Included meals : breakfast and dinner
Entrance to the sites not included

Day 7 – JEJY & MOCONA FALLS
Rental car
In the morning visit an artisanal factory producing lemongrass and vegetable sponges then head for the Guarani village of Jejy, where twenty families live in the heart of the rainforest. A traditionally nomad tribe, these Guarani have become sedentary over the last 10 years, settling in the Mocona Park area. Visit the school and take a walk in the jungle with a Guarani guide from the village. Find out about the traditional traps used to catch wild animals and medicinal plants. By mid-afternoon, if weather conditions permit, discover the Moconá Falls on an inflatable boat over the River Uruguay.

Transport : rental car 95km - 1h30
Accommodation: host family (basic comfort)
Included meals : breakfast and dinner
Entrance to the sites not included

Day 8 – ON YOUR WAY TO PUERTO IGUAZU
Rental car
Morning at the farm with the tribe surrounded by sugar cane, cassava and pineapple plantations among others. Early in the afternoon, take the road to Puerto Iguazu through the rainforest.

Transport : rental car 261km - 4h30
Accommodation: hotel**
Included meals : breakfast and lunch

Day 9 – IGUAZU FALLS, ARGENTINA
Explore the Argentinian side of the National Park of Iguazu. Get to the heart of the 275 individual falls forming a 2.7 km wide horseshoe-shaped gorge, including the impressive 90 m high Devil’s Throat. You can follow several walking trails through the park’s tropical rainforest or under the full power of the rushing water: Waterfalls can be admired from above, below, or as a whole from several points of view. If the water level is not too high, you can visit the island of San Martin in the heart of this huge gorge. A busy day and the chance to observe wild animals (coatis, monkeys, toucans, alligators, turtles, among others).

Transport: private transfer - 45 min
Accommodation: hotel**
Included meals : breakfast
Entrance to the park included

Day 10 – IGUAZU FALLS, BRAZIL
Today you will visit the Brazilian side of the Iguazu National Park. If the Argentine side is all about getting up close and personal, the Brazilian side offers an incredible and breath-taking full frontal view of all the falls. In the afternoon, you can visit the Bird Park, gathering over 160 species including some anacondas, boas, monkeys and butterflies.

Transport: private transfer - 1h
Accommodation: hotel**
Included meals : breakfast
Entrance to the park included

Day 11 – BACK TO BUENOS AIRES
Flight Puerto Iguazu > Buenos Aires
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires where you arrive in the morning. Transfer to your hotel. Continue exploring Buenos Aires.

Transport : private transfer - 1h15
Accommodation: hotel**
Included meals: breakfast

Day 12 – AROUND BUENOS AIRES
Enjoy a free day. Our suggestions:
San Antonio de Areco, a traditional gaucho town in the hearth of the Pampa. Learn about the lifestyle of the Gauchos in a traditional estancia. Taste a good piece of beef, the legendary "asado" and stroll on horseback or horse-drawn buggy.
El Tigre, a residential suburb located on the delta of the Parana River. It offers pleasant walks along the river and sailing tours.

Accommodationt: hotel**
Included meals: breakfast

Day 13 – FINAL DAY IN ARGENTINA
Departure of your international flight
Some free time to continue visiting the capital city of Buenos Aires. Three hours before your international flight, a transfer vehicle will pick you up at your hotel to take you to the airport.

Transport : private transfer - 45 min
Included meals : breakfast

End of your adventure in Argentina…

This program is only given as an indication. TransHumans reserves the right, directly or through its local partners, to replace transportation, accommodation, itinerary, as well as dates and departure times, without the participants being able to claim any compensation.

DATES AND PRICES

PRICE 2016 (in $ per person)

$ 2200 USD per person (based on 2 participants)

The price includes:

Domestic flight: Puerto Iguazu > Buenos Aires ;
10 nights in hotel, 2 nights with host family, 1 night in estancia - double room ;
All the meals as mentioned in the programme ;
Ground transfers as mentioned in the program ;
An English speaking guide in Buenos Aires;
Entrance to the parks as mentioned in the program ;
Excursion in the Lagoon of Ibera (horseride); ;
Excursion in the Lagoon of Ibera (boatride); ;
Rental car for 4 days Posada to Puerto Iguazu ;
A road book with all the information necessary for the smooth running of your stay; ;
A mobile phone to be in contact with us 24/7.

The price does not include:

International flights ;
The single occupancy supplement : $315 (no single room available with the host family) ;
Drinks and personal expenses ;
The comprehensive insurance and repatriation assistance.

... and more generally all that is not mentioned in « the price includes » section.

Some important facts

National flights are included ;
Transfers to/from airport/hotel/airport are included ;
Accommodation is included and selected based on quality and hygiene ;
Local partners are fairly compensated ;
3% of the price of your trip goes directly to support a local educational project for cultural and environmental development .

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Accompanying English and Spanish speaking guides

The day of your arrival, you will be received by an English speaking member of our staff. He/she will hand you a road book and will also accompany you around the capital, giving you the basic practical information about the country or countries you are visiting.
During excursions, you will be accompanied by a local Spanish speaking guide often also speaking English.

When to travel to the Northeast of Argentina?

In the Northeast, there is rainfall distributed throughout the year, storms are generally short and intense. The temperatures are very high in the summer (30 to 40 degrees) with a high humidity. In winter, temperatures are cooler with occasional frosty mornings.

Local Transportation

Travelling by bus is the most popular and cheapest way to discover the country. Classes range from Semi-Cama to Cama Suite with wider seats which are reclining to a horizontal position almost like being in bed. Distances are long and it takes more than 16 hour bus ride from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu. Bus lines connect major cities together. The buses run at an average speed of 80 km/h. For long distances, the plane remains the most convenient mean of transportation.
NOTE : TransHumans offers the option of booking for you the international flight ticket; we will seek and book for you the best deals. Price may vary depending on the time of purchase but can vary between $1000 and $1600.

Formalities

PASSPORT & VISA : A valid passport is sufficient for most European and US citizens; a tourist visa will be issued at entry to the territory. If the stay exceeds the three months, it will be necessary to apply for a visa at the Embassy in your country. Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
REMINDER : Make copies of all your important documents (passport, flight tickets, insurance, and credit card). Leave one copy of each at home and pack one with you.

EQUIPMENT

GOOD GEAR WILL ALLOW YOU TO BETTER ENJOY YOUR TRIP…

Clothing:

Given the great variation in temperature between day and night it is necessary to pack both light and warm clothes.
Remember to take a good insect repellent, cap and sunglasses (minimum lens category 3)!

Miscellaneous:

-Toiletry bag (biodegradable products are preferred)
-Small quick-drying towel
-Sunscreen lotion
-Insect repellent DEET (+ 40% for good protection). Also useful against fleas which can be a nuisance for people with sensitive skin.
-Head torch (with spare batteries and bulbs)
-Bottle and/or camel bag
-Pocket knife (checked luggage)
-Money belt or pouch to safely store your passport, currency, credit cards, personal papers, insurance papers.
-A copy of your passport.
-Power Power sockets in Argentina are type C and I; Voltage: 220 V.

Medical Kit:

-Antidiarrheal medication (i.e.smecta and imodium)
-Antihistamine
-Plasters, sterile dressings and antiseptics
-Medicine for pain or fever (such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen)
-Elastic adhesive bandage
-Anti-inflammatory ointment or cream
-Water purification tablets
NOTE : Most of these products are also available in local pharmacies.

Luggage:

Please arrange your belongings in two bags:

-Small backpack (capacity 25/40 litres).This is your hand luggage you will take with you on the plane as well as every day during hikes, excursions and transfers.
-Large waterproof backpack to check-in (capacity 60 to 90 litres).
-Large plastic bag to protect from moisture your belongings in your backpacks.

HEALTH

Vaccines

The country does not present any health risks, and the water is potable almost everywhere. No vaccine is mandatory for Argentina, but some are recommended:
-Tetanus-diphtheria
-Polio
-Pertussis
-Hepatitis B
For children and those born before 1980: measles, mumps - rubella.

Other risks

Avoid contact with insects and protect yourself from mosquitoes, they can carry dengue. You must protect yourself against fleas which can be a nuisance for people with sensitive skin.

Regular insect repellent is also useful against fleas.

Medical Assistance

Medical care is excellent in most tourist areas in Argentina. For more remote areas, in case of urgent medical assistance, contact your Embassy in Buenos Aires. We highly recommend you to contact your insurance as soon as possible.

LOCAL CUSTOMS

Guarani people - Missiones

The Guarani are culturally-related indigenous people of South America, specifically Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. They inhabit the Amazon rainforest and other forests, such as the Yungas and the Selva Paranaense in Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia. They are divided into several ethnic groups, each one with its own customs and beliefs. They are nomadic hunter-gatherers who, under pressure from governments and landowners, transitioned to more sedentary forms of subsistence. They believe in the spirits of the forest, use a wide variety of medicinal plants and are skilled craftsmen. Much of the Guarani population of Argentina still speak Guarani and only very little Spanish. They are typically a much closed society and often struggle to understand "modern society" to which they were force to adapt in less than two generations. Despite this, the Guarani are warm, hospitable and friendly people. Feel free to talk with the elders; they can be a little shy but have a lot to say about the incredible changes to the lifestyle of their tribes in the last decades.

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

Our Vision & Commitment

Cultural awareness is very important to us. Sensible to the local cultural traditions and beliefs, the beauty of the landscapes and the biodiversity of the ecosystems, we choose to limit the negative impact of our activities on the local environment. In addition to designing trips that aim at preserving the natural, cultural and social resources of the territories in the long term, we also include the concept of “Territorial Compensation”. The idea of Territorial Compensation is to help local people protect and conserve their ecosystem, enhance their cultural heritage and develop sustainable projects for their territory.

Based on this concept of Territorial Compensation, TransHumans donates 3% of the total price of each trip to this cause. The money goes directly into a solidarity fund that finances our ERECA program (Education Relative à l'Environnement et aux Cultures Aborigènes), an environmental and cultural program. Since 2007, we have supported various projects aimed at training and awareness-raising for the local communities.

If you want to know more about this+ : http://www.transhumans.fr/en/solidarity-project-transhumans