{"id":6117,"date":"2025-08-01T11:42:34","date_gmt":"2025-08-01T10:42:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wildfoottravel.websitepro.hosting\/?p=6117"},"modified":"2026-01-14T16:41:32","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T16:41:32","slug":"sylvia-explores-argentina-a-journey-through-culture-wine-and-wilderness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wildfoottravel.websitepro.hosting\/sylvia-explores-argentina-a-journey-through-culture-wine-and-wilderness","title":{"rendered":"Sylvia Explores Argentina: A Journey Through Culture, Wine and Wilderness"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Wildfoot\u2019s Travel specialist, Sylvia, recently returned from an inspiring journey through Argentina\u2019s diverse landscapes \u2013 from the cultural heart of Buenos Aires to the soaring Andes of Mendoza and the tranquil wilderness of Patagonia. In this detailed travel diary, she shares a captivating behind-the-scenes look at luxury lodges, world-class wineries, and unforgettable experiences with local traditions, majestic scenery and vibrant wildlife.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Buenos Aires and Mendoza<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Delays, Dashes and Departures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s the end of April, and there\u2019s a power outage in Spain. Our flight from London Gatwick to Madrid is delayed. We sit patiently in the VIP lounge awaiting updates from the lovely lounge team, until we are told our flight is ready to depart. We board the aircraft still uncertain if we will make the connecting flight in Madrid. We arrive with 20 minutes to spare and after passing through security we dash towards our gate. We needn\u2019t have worried, the ground staff are boarding all passengers manually. We sighed \u2013 we made it! Very soon we were enjoying the hospitality of Air Europa onboard their 787 Dreamliner, destined for Buenos Aires in Argentina<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

City Arrival and First Impressions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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On arrival into Buenos Aires, we were met by our wonderful host Merina and local guide Lucelia and escorted to our transfer vehicle for the 70-minute drive to the city. We checked into our executive room with a balcony at the Palladio Hotel MGallery by Sofitel situated in Recoleta district and shortly afterwards we were whisked off on a half-day city walking tour, highly recommended. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tour highlights what Buenos Aires<\/a> has to offer and suggests where you can explore further. My highlight of the tour was walking through La Boca with its brightly coloured buildings. A photographer\u2019s dream.

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History and Horses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The next day after breakfast we visited Recoleta Cemetery, before the crowds. Here you will find the burial site of Eva Per\u00f3n (Evita). Take a small group tour to hear fascinating stories of its history and the families buried there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Afterwards we drove out of the city to the heart of la Pampas, to be met by a Gaucho on horseback who escorted our vehicle to the entrance of the Relais & Ch\u00e2teaux property La Bamba de Areco, an elegant estancia which serves as a spot for polo fans to watch and play games during the season. Unfortunately, the polo season had ended, however we were invited to watch an Indian Horse Whispering display whilst listening to Gauchos playing traditional music \u2013 it was incredible. Our lunch at the estancia was an asado (Argentine BBQ) taken in the beautiful grounds, underneath the shade of trees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During lunch our host invited the more adventurous amongst us to go horse riding, leaving others to soak up the serene atmosphere of the property, before heading back to the city.
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Mendoza: Gateway to Wine Country<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The following morning, we headed to the domestic airport, for our 2-hour flight to Mendoza. We dropped our bags at The Diplomatic Hotel and travelled by road to Puesto Del Indio Hotel and Lodge \u2013 this is a new property situated in the hillside with panoramic views of the city below and beyond. The lodge offers activities including hiking, cycling and helicopter flights over the Andes. During our visit we ate at Isidris restaurant \u2013 it was a gastronomic delight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Puesto del Indio is unique \u2013 it could be \u201cYour sanctuary on the Mountain\u201d.
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Mendoza Wine Tours – Wine Class and Cookery Among the Vines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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An early start on the road for our full-day tour of the Central Valley visiting wineries. At 10am, our first stop was Lamadrid Winery \u2013 is it too early for wine? A tour of the premises and it was time for our wine tasting class. Our teacher produced 3 wines for us to swirl, smell and then taste 3 times. She explained what we should be able to smell and taste with each wine \u2013 and with practice, we could. We were then invited to blend our own wine, bottle it and design the label. I\u2019m pleased to say, the wine made it home and it was a hit!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Our tour continued to the stunningly beautiful property Cavas Wine Lodge, a Spanish Colonial style hotel and a member of Relais & Ch\u00e2teaux. Accommodation is in 17 rooms and villas. Cavas Wine Lodge offers cookery classes, so we donned aprons and Panama hats and were expertly shown how to make some Argentine specialities for our al fresco lunch amongst the vines.
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Boutique Wine Hotels and Spa Experiences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We wished we could stay longer, but we had other properties to visit. Next stop, the lovely SB Winemakers House and Spa. Susana Balbo is Argentina\u2019s first female winemaker and specialises in white wines, which are delicious, and wellness. No two suites are the same \u2013 each has bespoke bathrooms and handpicked artwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We moved on swiftly to Entre Cielos Luxury Wine Hotel, a boutique hotel home to an authentic hammam. Accommodation is in the main hotel or individual vineyard lofts, each facing the dramatic soaring Andes \u2013 a wonderful place to sit and watch the sun setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our last visit of the day was to the delightful Finca Adalgisa for sundowners. The finca is family-owned, situated in Chacras de Coria close to the village with local shops and restaurants. It has 11 rooms and a pool, as well as a small winery and kitchen serving mouthwatering food. The owner Gabriella Fulotti invites guests to make themselves feel at home; she offers a friendly and personal service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Uco Valley and Unforgettable Landscapes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We explored the high-altitude wine destination Uco Valley. The landscape is unbelievable \u2013 it\u2019s autumn, the grape harvest is completed, and the vines have turned flaming orange, contrasting with the colours of the Andes and the glorious blue sky. My mind is blown. I needed to capture this moment in time \u2013 I knew I would be inspired to get out my canvas and paints once home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We were on our way to Casa de Uco. We sampled their wines and toured the winery, while the landscape called to us. We wanted to stay longer to take a cycle tour of the vineyards, but we were running late for our lunch reservation at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Vines Resort and Spa, \u201cA Stunning Laid Back Luxury Resort\u201d at the foot of the Andes offering 21 luxury villas, with more being planned. Here you can cycle, take a horse ride or 4×4 experience, trek, or go to winemaking camp, available February to April.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the way, Chef Francis Mallmann didn\u2019t disappoint us with his regional inspired dishes.
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Mendoza City Vibes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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We returned in the late afternoon to the vibrant city of Mendoza<\/a> offering a variety of shops, bars and market stalls selling local handmade crafts. Sit back and relax in Plaza Independencia, listen to live music and watch the world go by before heading off for dinner in one of the many restaurants the city has to offer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mendoza isn\u2019t just about wine making, although it does play a big part. It has so many outdoor activities on offer to you such as: <\/p>\n\n\n\n