Once you experience firsthand the sultry sophistication of Buenos Aires, you'll quickly understand how the tango came to be invented here. The city steps quickly, pulses with passion, and shamelessly flirts with travelers. Our accommodations here are sure to seduce you, too – the elegant Axel Hotel, the world's only gay hotel chain. For a glimpse of the country's natural beauty, we jet down to Iguazu Falls to immerse ourselves in verdant jungle trails and mist-shrouded cataracts. And in our Hermes small group, we'll move about with ease and take it all in at a relaxed pace.

Highlights

• Buenos Aires, including Plaza de Mayo, Recoleta Cemetery, and San Telmo district
• Iguazu Falls, Argentinean side, including private tour and boat tour to the base of the falls
• Iguazu Falls, Brazilian side, including private tour
• All domestic flights between Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls
• Accommodations for 6 nights in 4- and 5-star hotels, including the Axel Hotel Buenos Aires, the city's only gay hotel
• Evening dinner & tango show
• Services of a Hermes Tours escort
• Services of an expert, local guide in all cities
• Extend your trip and visit Calafarte, Patagonia
• $100 per person savings if you reserve 5 months before departure!

Itinerary

Day 1 - November 21, 2010, Sunday
Arrive in Buenos Aires. You will be met at the airport. Welcome Dinner
Welcome to the cosmopolitan capital of Argentina! Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in the bohemian barrio of San Telmo.

We have the unique pleasure of staying in the only worldwide chain of hotels that caters to a gay clientele - Axel Hotel, Buenos Aires, and you're sure to find your stay delightfully tinged with luxurious touches.

Arrive by 3pm so you'll have time to settle in and explore the carnival-like Sunday market that teems in the streets of San Telmo.

Tonight, we head out for a welcome cocktail and dinner at a local restaurant renowned for its Argentinean steaks. (Don't worry – vegetarian options will be available, too.)
Overnight: Axel Hotel, Buenos Aires.
Meal: D

Day 2 - November 22, 2010, Monday
Tour of Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires pulses with energy, as we discover on our morning tour. We'll stroll the artsy San Telmo barrio, and a visit to the Plaza de Mayo, home to the Metropolitan Cathedral and the pink-hued Presidential Palace known as Casa Rosada.

We also stop at the Recoleta Cemetery to pay respects to Eva Peron, the city's most famous leader immortalized in "Evita."

After lunch on your own, your afternoon is free to stroll the Puerto Madero waterfront or take a café in the Café Tortoni, a favored spot of local author Jorges Luis Borges.
Overnight:Axel Hotel, Buenos Aires.
Meal: B

Day 3 - November 23, 2010, Tuesday
Free Day in Buenos Aires. Tango show and dinner this evening.
We have the entire day free to explore. Stroll the Italian-flavored La Boca barrio, named for its location at the "mouth" of the Rio de la Plata. Venture outside the city to visit one of the nearby estancias in the country. These quiet retreats welcome visitors with a cup of warm mate – and warm conversation. Or embark a river boat cruise along the Rio Tigre. Your tour leader will point you in the right direction, no matter what your desire.

Tonight, we re-unite for a thrilling tango show with dinner.
Overnight: Axel Hotel, Buenos Aires
Meal: B, D

Day 4 - November 24, 2010, Wednesday
Fly to Iguazu Falls
After breakfast, we fly to Iguazu Falls. These magnificent cataracts (275 falls spread for more than 1.5 miles along the river) are so impressive that Eleanor Roosevelt proclaimed upon seeing them, "Poor Niagara!" Upon arrival, we settle in to our hotel.
Overnight: 4-5* Star Iguazu Falls Hotel.
Meal: B

Day 5 - November 25, 2010, Thursday
Full day Grand Aventura Safari and Boat ride up to the falls
After breakfast, we join our local guide to explore the Argentinean side of the falls. Our excursion takes us into the jungle surrounding the falls, while all around us we hear the raucous birdlife and the roar of cascades.

We continue by motorboat, viewing the watery torrents from the safety of our craft. The afternoon is at leisure so you can hike the network of trails surrounding this UNESCO World Heritage Site on your own.
Overnight: 4-5* Star Iguazu Falls Hotel
Meal: B

Day 6 - November 26, 2010, Friday
Tour of the Brazilian side of the falls. Return to Buenos Aires.
This morning, we cross the Brazilian border (visa required) to view the falls from a different vantage point. A walkway guides us into the water-carved canyon for the best views.

This afternoon, we catch our return flight to Buenos Aires and the Axel Hotel. Tonight, join your tour leader to check out gay Argentinean nightlife.
Overnight: Axel Hotel, Buenos Aires
Meal: B

Day 7 - November 27, 2010, Saturday
Morning free. Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
We’ve arranged a late checkout for you, so you can do some last-minute shopping, hit the hotel’s fitness center, or just sleep in. You’ll transfer today to the airport for your flight home. Or stay with us during our trip extension to the stunningly beautiful region of Patagonia.
Meal: B

Extend your trip and visit Calafarte, Patagonia

Day 7 - November 27, 2010, Saturday
Today we fly to Calafarte
We fly to the southernmost reaches of the Americas to the former wool-trading town of El Calafate, This charming enclave is perfectly situated for easy exploration of the regions magnificent natural wonders.
Overnight: Kosten Aike Hotel, Calafarte
Meal: B

Day 8 - November 28, 2010, Sunday
Full day tour to Perito Moreno Glacier
If you're concerned about global warming, the Puerto Moreno Glacier just might give you some hope. It's one of only three glaciers in Patagonia that is not retreating. During our full day tour, the Patagonian wilderness our constant backdrop, we'll strap on a pair of cramp-on boots and explore the snowy surface with a skilled guide.
Overnight: Kosten Aike Hotel, Calafarte
Meal: B

Day 9 - November 29, 2010, Monday
Full day tour to Updale & Onelli Glacier
Today we visit the large valley glacier of Upsala. Unlike Puerto Moreno, it has been rapidly retreating. We also explore Onelli Glacier, set amidst soaring peaks and hugged by invitingforestland.
Overnight: Kosten Aike Hotel, Calafarte
Meal: B

Day 10 - November 30, 2010, Tuesday
Flight back to Buenos Aires for your connecting flight home
Fly to Buenos Aires today, then return home.
Meal: B

Tour Hotels

Buenos Aires:
Axel Hotel, Buenos Aires
Axel Hotel Buenos Aires is located in San Telmo, the barrio that has its own story, bohemian-chic atmosphere of Buenos Aires.

With winds of tango, design and comfort, Axel Hotel Buenos Aires seduces with its play of lights and transparencies, the sound of water. The furniture is by Charles & Ray Eames, Mies van der Rohe and Eileen Gray. 48 air-conditioned rooms are very comfortable, with king size bed, bathrobes, plasma TV, Wi-Fi, On Stage iPod speakers, safe and room service. A cosmopolitan and inviting space that stimulates the senses.

Rooms with their own personality, corresponding to an exclusive and beautifully produced design. All rooms are sound-proof, have central air and heating, and are bright and comfortable. The Axel also offers non-smoking rooms.

Axel City Rooms - A cosy and comfortable design space with captivating details that overlooks San Telmo. The Axel City Rooms are equipped with: King size bed with four pillows or two single beds, Bathroom: top shower with prism glass, LCD TV, iPod On Stage loudspeakers, Wireless internet connection, Safe, Axel Hotels amenities kit, 2 bathrobes, 2 pairs of slippers, Laundry service, Room service.

Axel Superior Rooms - Rooms with their own personality, corresponding to an exclusive and beautifully produced design. Overlooking the garden and the swimming pool, the Axel Superior Rooms of Axel Hotel Buenos Aires include:King size bed with four pillows or two single beds, Bathroom: whirlpool bath or shower with prism glass, LCD TV, iPod On Stage loudspeakers, Wireless internet connection, Mini-bar, Safe, Axel Hotels amenities kit, 2 bathrobes, 2 pairs of slippers, Laundry service, Room service.

Axel Suite - Avant-garde design in a large space divided between the bedroom, the living room and the bathroom. Axel Suite enjoys views of the garden and the swimming pool and has all of the comfort in the heart of Buenos Aires. King size bed with four pillows, Bathroom: whirlpool bathtub and hydromassage shower-head with prism glass, Barcelona "Chair de Mies van der Rohe" armchair, LCD TV in the bedroom and living room, iPod On Stage loudspeakers, Wireless internet connection, Mini-bar, Safe, Axel Hotels amenities kit, 2 bathrobes, 2 pairs of slippers, Laundry service, Room service.

Axel Wellness - On the rooftop, the spectacular heated swimming pool with translucent bottom is the center of attention, from the foyer to the sky. Regenerate your body and mind in Axel Wellness and enjoy the relaxing water circuit, solarium and fitness center. Regain your strength in our Health Bar or choose from our massages and beauty services.

Axel Kitchen - If you like the city life, you have your own style, you like to try and discover new things and, if you like them, you do them again, then Kitchen is your kind of restaurant. It´s a cosmopolitan space with great interior design where your tastes take the lead. Discover the excellent value for money of its delicious dishes and choose between a la carte or the set menu, day or night.

Enjoy its straightforward flavors, the freshness of its breakfasts, lunches and dinners in a personal setting devoid of labels.

Axel Cosmo Bar - Design, music, sandwiches, cocktails, trends. Cosmo Bar is the meeting point for the most fashionable people in Buenos Aires. During the day and at night, a coffee on the terrace or a drink at the bar. Experience the most cosmopolitan atmosphere with your friends, savour each detail thinking solely on enjoyment.

Axel Sky Bar - To spend the day, to fly at night. Sky Bar, pure feeling amongst subdued lights, greenery, timber and water. A place to enjoy the most suggestive cocktails and find yourself amongst the coolest people in Buenos Aires. Visible from various points of the hotel, the swimming pool invites you to cool down, see and be seen. Seduce and go after your dreams.

Experience the trendiest nights that Buenos Aires has to offer at Sky Bar.

Calafarte, Patagonia:
Kosten Aike Hotel, Calafarte
It is located in El Calafate, a small town in the extensive and mysterious Patagonian Plateau, near the imposing Andes Range, being the entrance gate to the majestic 'Los Glaciares National Park' where the Perito Moreno Glacier is the main attraction. Our hotel is located downtown, few minutes away from the Calafate International Airport.

The hotel has 80 rooms (76 Deluxe and 2 suites and 2 apts), heating, TV, minibar, in room safe boxes, desk phone and Wi Fi connection. Room for handicapped, restaurant, bar, garden terrace, Play Room, Parking Lot, Drugstore, Tourist information, Convention Center ( For 170 persons ) and KOSTEN CLUB, Free Gym, Jacuzzi and Sauna.

After a day of exploring, massage, jacuzzi, gym/fitness facilities, sauna, spa, garden are some of the ways to unwind. Guests seeking that perfect blend of attentive care and modern convenience will find it at this lovely hotel.