Discover beautiful Buenos Aires &
the Iguazú Falls, one of the
seven natural wonders of the
world! Immerse yourself in
the culture of tango, soccer,
gauchos and barbecue!
Learners of Spanish, Family & Friends
(no knowledge of Spanish required)
NEXT DATES TBA
14 days of immersion in the Argentinean culture
Delight your soul in Buenos Aires as you discover its unique architecture and rich European heritage, its museums, churches, cemeteries and life of the city known as the "Paris of South America"
Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Iguazú falls
Treat your palate to the world famous Argentinean wines
Savour Argentinean "asados" and try the typical "mate"
Have a memorable time watching and learning how to dance "Tango"
Go with us to a stadium and live the excitement of an Argentinean soccer game
BONUS: Enjoy this wonderful trip with your favorite teachers!
These are only some of the activities that we will be enjoying
Explore the famous DELTA of the Río de la Plata
Visit the most diverse neighborhoods of the city of Buenos Aires from colourful to upscale to bustling and discover their treasures: tunnels, architecture, churches, shops, restaurants, cafés and even cemeteries!
Stroll around artisan and flea markets
See popular tango danced on the streets, parks, formal shows and take your first steps!
Admire some of the most important landmarks: Teatro Colón, Plaza de Mayo, Obelisco, Avenida de Mayo, Puerto Madero, Palermo, La Boca and more!
Spend a day at an "estancia" and learn all about the "gauchos" and the "cultura gauchesca"
Discover what real night life is!
See the wonderful Iguazú falls from as close as you can get! (You can see them from the Brazilian side too, if you wish, and even take a helicopter flight over them!)
Visit semiprecious stones mines
We will have a list of optional activities for your free time.
All breakfasts are included, as well as a total of 6 additional meals.
We will make sure that you will have the time and the opportunity to try all the Argentinean specialties such as the typical local beef & assorted barbecued meats topped with chimichurri, and paired with Malbec; empanadas like no other you've tried before; alfajores; dulce de leche; mate; medialunas; grilled Provolone cheese; helados and more!
NEXT DATES TBA
Cost of this once in a lifetime trip is TBA. Price is per person based on double occupancy and does not include GST.
If you would like participate in this trip, please Contact Us and we will send you an email with all the information and forms to finalize your registration. Spaces are limited so register soon!
WHAT IS INCLUDED
4-star accommodation or similar with WIFI
All breakfasts, and 6 additional meals in the 2-week program
Transit card to move around Buenos Aires
Visit to the ancient underground tunnels dating from the 16th century and rich in urban archaeology
City tour on a Hop-on, Hop-off bus
Walking tours of downtown Buenos Aires, Avenida de Mayo, San Telmo, Recoleta, Puerto Madero, and La Boca
Transfers to and from the local airport in Buenos Aires for trip to the Iguazú Falls
Transfers from and to the local airport when visiting the Iguazú Falls
Transfer from hotel to Argentinean Iguazú National Park and back
Entrance to the Argentinean Iguazú National Park to see the falls from the Argentinean side
Full day trip to the delta of the Río de la Plata (River Plate)
One night out with milonga (includes tango class)
24/7 expert guidance of your favorite Spanish teachers!
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Flights to and from Argentina
Transfer from the international airport to downtown or back
Flights from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú or back (We will coordinate so you can book your flights together with the other travellers)
Access fee to soccer game, semiprecious stone mines, museums, exhibits, theatres or any other activities or events except as per details above
Optional activities
Reciprocity fee to enter Argentina
Cost of obtaining your visa to enter Brazil
Visit to the Brazilian side of the Iguazú Falls
Helicopter flight over the Iguazú Falls
Meals other than the ones listed above
Alcohol
Tips and gratuities
Insurance
Personal expenses and any other incidentals not listed under "What is included"
NEXT DATES TBA
Where is Argentina?
The República Argentina is in the southern end of South America. Its neighbouring countries are Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay. The country covers 2,791,810 square kilometers of land and an extra 969,464 square kilometres correspond to the Antarctic continent and islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. Its current population is of about 45 million people.
Where is Buenos Aires?
The city of Buenos Aires is the capital city of the country and it is located on the shore of the Río de la Plata, about 240 km from the Atlantic Ocean. The city combines European grandeur with Latin passion; it exudes energy and elegance; it is sexy and alive. This beautiful city will get under your skin!
Where are the Iguazú Falls?
This awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping chain of almost 300 waterfalls are on the border of Argentina and Brazil at almost 1300 Km from the city of Buenos Aires.
Do I need to book my own travel?
Yes, you do! Your experience with Spanishmania starts and ends in Buenos Aires. You need to plan to arrive anytime AFTER NOON on Thursday, April 16th, 2020. Our last group activity will be on Tuesday evening, so you will be free to return home or continue your travel on your own on Wednesday, April 29th, 2020.
How can I get there?
You have to fly into Buenos Aires' international airport Ministro Pistarini (EZE), located approximately 35 km south of downtown Buenos Aires
You will have to arrange your own ride but we can assist you if you need help. See the question Do I need to book my own shuttle?
Do I need to book my own shuttle?
Yes, but we can help you make the arrangements in advance. You will pay the shuttle company directly. We can provide you with the names of the shuttle companies that operate this transfer.
Is it safe to travel to and around Argentina?
You should always be cautious and use common sense with regards to security precautions.
YOU MUST HAVE ADEQUATE TRAVEL HEALTH INSURANCE and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and medical evacuation, if required. Contact your insurance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
If you take prescription medication, bring along an adequate supply and a copy of the prescription. Ensure that both the generic and trade names of the drug are stated.
What vaccines do I need?
For details on recommended vaccination for travel to Argentina, check the Health section on the government of Canada website at http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/argentina
What are the numbers for Emergencies?
The number for Emergencies in Buenos Aires is 911. We will provide you with some other useful numbers upon arrival.
How big will the group be?
The group will have a maximum of 10 people plus one representative from Spanishmania.
Do all the people in the group have the same level of knowledge of Spanish?
No, because knowing Spanish is not a requisite to partake in this trip.
What should I pack?
You need to remember that the seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere so April is the beginning of fall. The average temperatures in April vary from 10C to 22C. Keep in mind that Buenos Aires is much more humid than Calgary! You should pack both stylish city clothing as well as rugged sportswear.
Will I have free time?
Yes, you will! And you will never run out of things to do! We will provide you with tons of suggested optional activities and places to visit.
How can I get around?
The Buenos Aires metro is called the "subte" and is the fastest and cheapest way to get around. Buses, called "colectivos", are also convenient, cheap and reliable. We will provide you with a transit card. The city is swarming with taxis with low fares. "Remis" is some sort of radio taxi, very popular, safer and also very reasonably priced.
Will we have Spanish class?
No. We will not have Spanish class. We will have some time every day after breakfast to prepare for the activities planned for the day, and review/learn specific vocabulary. We will have some other time later in the day or in the evening which we will use to "debrief" your day's experience! You are encourage to keep a "diario" with, at least, the highlights of your day. We will help you with guidance to keep a more thorough one, though!
Do people need to have taken classes with Spanishmania to participate on this trip?
No, because knowing Spanish is not a requisite to partake in this trip.
Do people need to know Spanish to participate in this trip?
No. Knowing Spanish is not a requisite to partake in this trip.
Do I need a visa to go to Argentina?
Canadian citizens going as tourists do not need a visa. Your passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Argentina. Upon entry into and exit from Argentina, all passengers, regardless of their citizenship, are submitted to biometrics checks, such as digital fingerprints and a digital photograph, at the immigration counter.
Do I need a visa to enter Brazil if I want to see the Iguazu falls from their side?
Canadian passport holders entering Brazil for tourism no longer need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Note that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Brazil.
Is there a welcome reception?
No, because participants will be arriving from different places at different times so there will not be an organized event.
How much should I tip?
It is customary to tip servers 10% of your total bill. 15% only if you are really happy with the service. Don't forget to tip your shuttle driver, cab driver and maids as well.
What are the store hours? Do they close for "la hora de la siesta"?
In Buenos Aires stores do not close for "siesta". Store hours vary greatly between independent stores and shopping malls. You can count on them being open from 9 am to 8 pm. Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm. Shopping malls normally will be open from 9 am to 10 pm. Cafés and restaurants are open most of the time except between 2 am and 6 am. Bank hours are 10 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday.
In the provinces, most stores close at around 1:30/2 pm and will reopen generally around 5:00 p.m. Some restaurants stay open through "siesta time".
Meal hours can be shocking for foreigners! Lunch in restaurants is served after 12 pm until 2:30/3 pm and dinner not before 8 pm, and normally until midnight or later!
Is dinner included the night of arrival?
No. Since everyone will be arriving on their own, from different places, and at different times we will not organize a dinner.
What is the best currency to use in Argentina?
The national currency is the Argentinean Peso. Currently there are no exchange restrictions and US dollars can be freely exchanged by Argentinean pesos. It is a good idea to get some pesos as soon as you get to Argentina. Public transit does not accept foreign currency and shops may accept US dollars but it will take some negotiation. Note that taxis do not accept payment by credit cards and also may not accept foreign currency.
Can I stay longer after the trip?
Of course you can! Our trip starts on April 16th, 2020 in Buenos Aires and ends on April 29th, 2020 in Buenos Aires. Before and after those dates, you can make your own plans!
Our amazing 2017 Trip!
Photos courtesy of our student-traveler William Kalmanovitch. ¡Muchas gracias!
Reviews
This was an excellent opportunity to...
This was an excellent opportunity to not just see the sights of Buenos Aires and Iguazú Falls, but to experience the culture, history and culinary delights of the area as well. Martha and Gabriel are experts in coordinating sightseeing, cultural and sporting activities and transportation in a city that they know so well. They also help you to improve your Spanish fluency in a challenging but supportive manner. I highly recommend travel with Spanishmania to anyone looking for a richer travel experience.
Cecil
Our two week adventure in Argentina was superb!
Our two week adventure in Argentina was superb! We toured Buenos Aires and the Iguazu Falls area. Buenos Aires is such a vibrant city, with so much to see. We visited several barrios, each with their unique ambiance. We dined at many different restaurants and coffee shops, some of which have been operating for close to a century. Iguazu Falls is nothing short of spectacular.
Our teachers, being from Argentina provided an added bonus. With their local knowledge, we had a much more in depth tour. Also the discussions of Argentinian politics and history were fascinating.
In order to really learn a language, it is so much better to be immersed. With the encouragement and when needed assistance of Martha and Gabriel, we used our Spanish throughout every day. It is amazing how much I managed to learn in two weeks.
There is a lot more of Argentina to see. I will have to go back.
William
Our trip to Argentina was everything...
Our trip to Argentina was everything I had hoped for and more. We all arrived in the afternoon in Buenos Aires and immediately went for a walk downtown and then for coffee and conversation in Spanish. Most mornings started with breakfast around 9 am and conversation in Spanish (and some English for clarity) about the agenda for the day.
Each day we visited different historical and/or tourist areas of Buenos Aires, at times with a local guide and at times with Martha and Gabriel as our guides. We experienced so many different and interesting things from a political demonstration, typical restaurants and Argentinian food, the bus, subway and train systems, areas like La Boca and Tigre, a football game, a dance class and milonga dance party, museums and, of course, the amazing Iguazu Falls in the north of the country. The trip went off without a hitch and had so many high points that it is difficult to mention them all. We had a medium sized group of wonderful people all of whom made the trip so memorable. A huge thank you to Martha and Gabriel for their tireless planning and their never ending patience with us as we practiced our Spanish. Buenos Aires is an incredible city with beautiful architecture and many interesting things to see and do.
Overall it was another great opportunity to study and speak Spanish and enjoy the culture of a beautiful South American country.
