One of South America’s more popular cruise destinations is Argentina, home to two major cruise ports: Buenos Aires, which is not only a port of call, but also where many South American cruises begin and end; and Ushuaia, known as the southernmost city in the world and the gateway for most Antarctica expeditions.
For those clients leaving on a cruise from Argentina, a pre- or post-cruise extension provides the opportunity to experience more of this vast and diverse country. Following are some pre- and post-cruise tour ideas for Buenos Aires and Ushuaia you can recommend to your clients.
Buenos Aires is the main port of entry for international passengers flying to Argentina, and it is worthwhile spending a few days here exploring the sights of this vibrant capital: a city of eclectic architecture, grand boulevards and theaters, countless bookshops, historic cafes and trendy neighborhoods.
Buenos Aires also serves as a great base for day trips. Tigre and the Paraná Delta are a short train ride north of the city where your clients can enjoy a river cruise along a maze of waterways dotted by thousands of islands, dense forests, and unique flora and fauna.
If your clients are looking to check some of the world’s most famous sites off their list, then a trip up to Iguazú Falls is in order. One of the world’s most famous waterfalls and a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site, Iguazú is just under a 2-hour flight away from Buenos Aires. The surrounding lush subtropical rainforest is home to over 2,000 species of plants and 400 species of birds, as well as a variety of wildlife including tapirs, giant anteaters, howler monkeys, jaguars and caimans.
Travelers departing on an Antarctica cruise can spend a couple of days exploring the charms of Ushuaia, the city at the end of the world. They’ll learn about the indigenous Yámana that inhabited Tierra del Fuego over 10,000 years ago or they can tour Harberton Ranch to learn about the pioneers that settled in these lands. Your clients can take a ride on the Train of the End of the World to visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, the only national park in Argentina that combines sea, forest and mountains that shape the coast.
Just over an hour’s flight from Ushuaia is El Calafate, gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, the largest of Argentina’s national parks, and another UNESCO-listed World Heritage site. The park is home to some of the most majestic Patagonian landscapes with rugged towering mountain peaks, forests and glacial lakes, including the 100-mile-long Lake Argentino. The main attraction here is the Perito Merino glacier with its thunderous ruptures.
For additional information on travel to Argentina, visit argentina.travel.
For information on Argentina’s best fishing spots, check out Argentina—Keeping it ‘Reel’; want to learn more about Argentina’s culinary prowess? Read A Toast to Argentina’s Cuisine. And for adventures beyond the customary sightseeing, check out Argentina — A Road Less Traveled. For best summertime bets, skip on over to Summertime in Buenos Aires — Can’t-Miss Outdoor Activities. For 2022 Pride Month Bookings, look to Celebrate Pride Month in Argentina.
