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Plus enjoy our post trip to
Gay Rio Carnaval 2017,
February 24 - March 1, 2017
Buenos Aires, Argentina is a great gay destination! Known as the most gay friendly city in South America, Buenos Aires' heart boasts bustling streets, grand avenues, old-time cafes and stylish restaurants. Plus, gay people in Argentina enjoy the most liberal governmental policies in South America. It's great to be gay in Buenos Aires, and not just because of the attractive gay locals! You'll experience culture and charm in one of the most gay friendly, sophisticated cities in South America!
The city's incredible shopping may make this the favorite part of your stay. From centuries-old antiques to South America's best fashions, Buenos Aires is likely to bring out the shopper in anyone.
This trip includes escorted nights out in the gay scene, fantastic tours of the city, exclusive chic cocktail parties, entertainment, plus plenty of free time to customize your trip, made easy with the assistance of your Zoom Concierge!
And what better way to round out your stay in this majestic city than with visit to one of South America's most incredible natural wonders, Iguacu Falls!
Extend your South American Vacation!
Enjoy our post-tour to Gay Rio Carnaval, February 24 - March 1, 2017.
• Fully escorted with the services of a Zoom Vacations Concierge throughout the trip.
 In Buenos Aires...
• Welcome cocktail party
• All-inclusive dinner and tango show
• 4 Nights, in the most glamorous 5 Star Hotel in Buenos Aires
• Roundtrip airport transfers to Iguacu Falls
• Delicious Buffet Breakfast daily
• City tour with professional guide
• San Telmo Sunday Flea Market Shopping Spree (at your own expense)
• Gay nightlife tours
• Optional excursions to an upscale men-only spa, an estancia outside Buenos Aires, and more!
 In Iguacu Falls...
• 2 Nights, 5 star accommodations in Iguacu Falls!
• Welcome Cocktails, with commanding Falls views.
• Iguacu Falls tour with professional guide!
• High Speed Iguacu Falls boat tour, which takes you right to the base of the Falls. This is a beautiful, breathtaking experience!
• Optional biking, hiking, jungle, and helicopter tours.
Not included...
• Internatonal and domestic airfare not included.
•Air options to Buenos Aires.
Day 1 - Friday, February 17, 2017
Buenos Aires
Arrival: Today, we encourage you to relax, unwind, and take it easy after your overnight flight. You may wish to take a walk down Florida Street, or along the river in the area of Puerto Madero.
Afternooon:
Walking tour of The Plaza Mayor and other sites of interest within walking distance of Faena Hotel, with our expert guide, Marcelo. This newly added complimentary tour will be a relaxing, refreshing start to a wonderful week. In case of inclement weather, we will enjoy a casual meet and greet at Faena Hotel Bar.
Welcome Dinner and Cocktails
This evening we welcome you to Buenos Aires with dinner at one of Buenos Aires' coolest venues.  This glorious Buenos Aires bar restaurant is housed in an incredibly attractive old mansion with French doors. It has balconies, an elegant staircase and at the back, a cascade of greenery framing a tranquil courtyard. Inside there's a compact bar area and a superbly stylish restaurant. The building dates back to the dawn of the 20th century and has been thoughtfully restored so that something of that old world atmosphere remains, though in other ways this is a very modern place serving top notch tapas, excellent Argentine steaks and potent cocktails.
Accommodations: Faena Hotel, Buenos Aires
Meals Included: Dinner and Cocktails
Day 2 - Saturday, February 18, 2017
Buenos Aires
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM:
Breakfast is served at the Faena Hotel.
 A Taste of Buenos Aires City Tour
Today, we see Buenos Aires and its architectural jewels on a tour that will unveil this sophisticated grand dame of a city like none before.
Some of the highlights include:
1) Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires' oldest cemetery, which houses the tombs of many of the leading figures of Argentinean history: leaders of the independence movement, presidents, military leaders, scientists and artists, making it a historical site of great significance. Eva Perón is among the great people buried on this site, and accordingly, her mausoleum is of an impressive caliber. You will also see works of great architects and sculptors;
2) Buenos Aires' massive obelisk, built in 1936, is situated in the middle of one of the largest roads in the world, the Avenida de 9 Julio, and dominates the city's landscape. The monument is 67 meters high and marks the site where the Argentinean flag was first raised;
 3) The Teatro Colón, dating back to the early 20th century, has played host to some of the world's greatest performers. The imposing opera house marries neo-Renaissance architecture with both French and Greek influences.
Those wishing to stay in Palermo Soho will get off the bus with your Zoom Concierge for shopping in this fashionable new area, as well as lunch (at own expense) at one of its many great restaurants. Those not wishing to stay in Palermo Soho will be transferred back to the hotel.
Optional Dinner
Tonight, for your convenience, reservations have been made at one of the best restaurants in Buenos Aires. Dinner is on your own account. The restaurant is famous for its beauty, and for its eclectic and interesting menu. Suggested attire: something that makes you feel stylish, and that is also comfortable for exploring the gay nightlife scene later.
 Gay Nightlife Tour
Our plan is to meet up at one of or favorite bars, which is always a favorite of our guests, and where we know a number of fun locals. Then, we will go to a small, festive, gay dance club. We may also stop by one of the other gay bars, depending on where the "crowd" seems to be heading tonight.
Accommodations: Faena Hotel, Buenos Aires
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3 - Sunday, February 19, 2017
Buenos Aires
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM:
Breakfast is served at the Faena Hotel.
San Telmo Market Walking Tour
 Today we visit San Pedro Telmo Flea Market, or San Telmo Flea Market as it is more commonly known. It is the definitive Argentinean weekend market where you can browse and peruse to your heart's content. The hub of San Telmo Market is, without doubt, the colonial style Plaza Dorrego. The Plaza is largely given over to antique shops and cafes. On market days the square is crammed with stalls offering all manner of antiques and trinkets. Don't be surprised if you discover some art deco or art nouveau masterpieces amongst the reams of furniture and booty. Such pieces are likely to be remnants of Buenos Aires' golden age when the streets were reputed to be lined with gold and the aristocracy boasted tastes equally as lavish as those of London, Vienna and Paris. Featured amongst the markets' highlights are the mesmerizing tango displays performed in the mornings by some of the local tango talent.
Cabaña Las Lilas Lunch
If you are in the mood, or just hungry for some real Argentinean beef, today we will head over to one of the best restaurants in Buenos Aires, Cabana Las Lilas. This is one of the few restaurants featured in the book 1000 Places to See Before you Die
, and it states that it is worth the flight to Buenos Aires just to enjoy a steak at this restaurant. Lunch is on your own account, but those interested will depart from San Telmo right after the end of our tour.
Sunday Pool Party
At your leisure. Weather permitting, we suggest spending the late afternoon by the pool at the Faena. Mix and mingle with friends old and new at the most convenient location possible, right at our hotel!
After Faena Hotel Sunday Pool Party you may wish to go to one of the other gay clubs to continue getting your groove on.
Accommodations: Faena Hotel, Buenos Aires
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4 - Monday, February 20, 2017
Buenos Aires
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM:
Breakfast is served at the Faena Hotel.
 Day at leisure
Day at leisure to enjoy the best of Buenos Aires: museums, shopping, parks, and more.
Day at leisure to enjoy the best of Buenos Aires: museums, shopping, parks, and more. We especially suggest you go to the Malba Museum (this is the modern museum for Latin American art). Malba hours: Wed-Mon, noon-8pm. Address: Av. Figueroa Alcorta 3415
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Private Tango Class
Today you will learn to dance the Tango in the city where it was born! The Travel Channel calls "dancing the tango in Argentina" one of 99 things you must experience in your lifetime. The tango has the power to pull two strangers together into one, to dance out their desires...to be great lovers and heroes, if only for a moment," croons Guadalupe Jolicoeur on "This is the Tango," a Canadian Broadcast System radio program. Who could resist a recommendation like that? Born in the ghettos of Buenos Aires in the late 19th Century, it took decades for this sensual dance to gain respectability. Now, its reputation as one of the sexiest, most sophisticated dances has spread all over the world. Refreshments included.
 Rojo Tango Show and Dinner, Faena Hotel
Tonight, we enjoy a celebratory dinner and tango show at the best venue in Buenos Aires for tango dancing, Rojo Tango at the stunning Faena Hotel, wine included. Those interested may wish to grab a drink at the Faena Hotel afterwards. This will truly be a night to remember.
Accommodations: Faena Hotel, Buenos Aires
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 - Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Buenos Aires and Iguacu Falls
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Breakfast is served at the Faena Hotel.
 Meet at the Faena Hotel Lobby for our private transfer to the airport for your flight. Electronic tickets have been booked for you through Zoom Vacations.
Please note that the baggage restriction for the flight to Iguacu and Rio is maximum of two checked bags not to exceed 50lbs in total; one small personal carry on bag, not to exceed 17lbs; and one personal item such as a backpack or laptop.
Upon arrival at the hotel, this afternoon is at your leisure to take a dip in the pool, get a spa treatment, go to the gym, and more.  If time allows, we will also take those interested on a short walk to San Martin Island. There will be some moderate hiking involved.
Note: if you plan on using the spa, you may wish to make spa appointments as soon as you arrive. This evening, take a moonlight walk, enjoy a drink at the bar, or have dinner in the restaurant, Garganta del Diablo.
Accommodations: Starwood Sheraton International Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Light Snack Served on the Plane
Day 6 - Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Iguacu Falls
7:00 AM – 10:30 AM:
Buffet Breakfast is served in the restaurant, Garganta del Diablo
Iguacu Falls Tour
Meet at the hotel bar. Full day tour of Iguacu Falls and surrounding jungle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our tour takes you up close and personal to the Falls' "Devil's Throat"! Plus you will enjoy a high speed boat ride, which takes us right up to the bottom of the falls. (includes park entrance fees and boat ride). Please note: you will get wet on the boat ride, and there will be some moderate hiking at the very end. Please talk to Joel if you have any concerns.
Sunset Cocktails
This evening, we enjoy sunset at Iguacu Falls with cocktails on the Paraiso Terrace of the Starwood Sheraton International Hotel, with commanding views of the Falls in the distance. Make sure you come on time so that you do not miss a thing! The sun goes down very quickly, and when it's down, you will only be able to hear the magnificent falls.
Accommodations: Starwood Sheraton International Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Cocktail Appetizers
Day 7 - Thursday, February 23, 2017
Iguacu Falls and departure home or to Rio de Janeiro
7:00 AM – 10:30 AM:
Buffet Breakfast is served in the restaurant, Garganta del Diablo
 Morning at leisure to lounge by the pool, enjoy a spa treatment, work out, enjoy a cocktail, visit San Martin Island, or to take in a hike along the awe-inspiring Falls. Like most people who visit the area, you will find that you can't get enough of exploring the Falls. Official checkout is 10:00 AM, and the hotel will store our bags while we enjoy our last day in paradise before our flight to Buenos Aires.
10:00 AM: Hotel check out
Afternoon: Those going to Buenos Aires
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires. Please note that the baggage restriction for the flight to Iguacu and Rio is maximum of two checked bags not to exceed 50lbs in total; one small personal carry on bag, not to exceed 17lbs; and one personal item such as a backpack or laptop. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires you will be met by Marcelo. Those guests with an onward connection to the international airport will be escorted by Marcelo and assited with check in.
Afternoon: Those going to Rio de Janeiro
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro. Please note that the baggage restriction for the flight to Iguacu and Rio is maximum of two checked bags not to exceed 50lbs in total; one small personal carry on bag, not to exceed 17lbs; and one personal item such as a backpack or laptop. Those guests on our post trip to Rio please refer to the Gay Rio Carnaval Tour itinerary for further details.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Light Snack Served on The Plane
Enjoy 5 star accommodations In Buenos Aires
The Faena Hotel, Buenos Aires
 The spirit of Puerto Madero streams through your windows into a space of minimal old-world elegance. Your room is your oasis perched above Buenos Aires' most dynamic new neighbourhood.
Escape from the busy city with pure white Empire-style furnishings that create a stylish sanctuary. Or bring the tango to your suite through your Dolby home entertainment center.
Faena Hotel Buenos Aires is set in the heart of Buenos Aires, just steps from the city's riverside promenade and ecological reserves and only 5 minutes from the financial district, the government house, and historic San Telmo. The Jorge Newbery Domestic Airport is a 20-minute drive, and it s approximately 40 minutes to Ezeiza International Airport.
 • Stunning views of the city or the River Plate and ecological reserve
• Glass-fitted bathroom with marble floors and separate walk-in shower and water closet
• Custom linen, bedding and bathrobes
• Down comforters and pillows. Artisanal bed throws
• Bose Home Theatre Systems with flat screen High Definition Television
• Wireless telephones and complimentary WiFi
• In-Room Safe with capacity for laptop
• Your personal Experience Manager can arrange nearly any other request.
 Relax on a deck chair, at a table or at a booth, and take in the spectacle of one of Buenos Aires' most dramatic pools. Enjoy a selection of fresh fruit juice and exotic cocktails poolside, and enjoy the serenity.
Be it a morning coffee, a healthy lunch, or a quiet spot to read or catch up with friends, the Library Lounge offers the perfect setting. Overstuffed velvet sofas, sumptuous oriental rugs and crystal candelabras create a space that is at once elegant and intimate. True to its name, the Library Lounge is stocked with antique books, perfect for whiling away an afternoon with a glass of local wine or a cocktail.
Plus 5 Star Accommodations in Iguacu Falls, at the Sheraton International Hotel, 2 Nights.
 Sheraton International Hotel Iguacu Falls
The Sheraton International Hotel Iguacu Falls is a three story resort, located on the Argentinean side of the falls, within walking distance of the falls and facing the Devil's Gorge. This is the only hotel that faces the falls and has amazing views of the magnificent Iguacu Falls. Rooms feature jungle views with the option to upgrade to a falls view.
You will not believe the magnitude of Iguacu Falls until you see it first-hand.
 Sheraton Iguazu Resort & Spa has 2 outdoor swimming pools, a spa tub, and a fitness facility. Wireless and wired high-speed Internet access is available in public areas (surcharges apply). Guests are served a complimentary breakfast each morning. Additional amenities include spa services, multilingual staff, and laundry facilities.
Rooms open to balconies. The 176 air-conditioned guestrooms at Sheraton Iguazú Resort & Spa include minibars and hair dryers. Televisions are equipped with cable channels. Additional amenities include windows that open and clock radios. In addition, amenities available on request include irons/ironing boards and wake-up calls. Housekeeping is offered daily. Renovation of all guestrooms was completed in September 2012.
Frequently asked questions, specific to our trip to Argentina.
Do I need a visa to travel to Argentina?
If you are a United States citizen and/or are traveling from the United States, you will not need a visa to travel to Argentina.
Into which airport do I need to fly?
You need to fly into the Buenos Aires International Airport (EGR).
What day should I depart my home country?
You should arrive into Argentina as early in the day as possible, on the date that our trip starts. Our welcome dinner is that night at 9:00 PM, and we offer an optional spa day excursion at 12:00 PM.
Can HappyGay Travel & Zoom book extra days for me at the beginning or end of this trip?
Absolutely! Simply let us know the amount of days you need at the beginning and/or end of the trip, and we will book the nights you need (additional room night charges will apply).
If I am traveling as a single, does Zoom offer a roommate pairing program?
Absolutely! Before the trip, we will get to know all of our travelers, and we will use what we know about you to make the best pairing possible.
May I travel as a single without a roommate?
Absolutely, you may travel as a single and pay a single supplement, which varies depending on your time of booking.
What is the fitness level required for this trip?
This trip is easily accessible to a variety of fitness levels. None of our included activities require a high degree of athletic skill. However, your optional activities will give you the opportunity to make your vacation as active and/or adventuresome as you choose.
How do we get from Buenos Aires to Iguacu Falls?
Zoom Vacations will book your round trip flight from Buenos Aires to Iguacu Falls. Flight prices vary depending on time of booking.
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