how about?» A wildlife experience in the Iberá wetlands, reached by road from Iguazú. » Expanding this itinerary with a trip south to Patagonia (pp158-163). » Riding or relaxing on one of the estancias near Buenos Aires or Córdoba (pp152-153).ARGENTINACHILEURUGUAYBRAZILIguazú FallsHumahuacaSaltaBuenos Aires..Cafayate...CachiTo Rio de JaneiroAndean Canyons and the Iguazú Falls 17 days, 14 nightsBuenos Aires 3 nights, Salta 2n, Cachi 1n, Salta 1n, Iguazú 2n, Yacutinga 2n, Rio de Janeiro 3n.Day 1 Fly from the UK to Buenos Aires. Days 2-4 At leisure to explore, with a guided tour of the historic centre. Tango show with dinner. Day 5 Fly to Salta and explore its colonial heart on foot. Day 6 Excursion to Jujuy and the Humahuaca Gorge. Day 7 Drive up into the Calchaquíes Valleys, where gold and russet rockscapes are interspersed with orchards and tiny indigenous villages. Overnight at a country inn at the charming mountain village of Cachi. Day 8 Drive to the vineyards of pretty Cafayate. Return to Salta. Days 9&10 Fly to Puerto Iguazú and explore the walkways which meander around the vast network of waterfalls that cascade over the plateau edge. Excursion to the Brazilian side of the falls. Accommodation at recently-refurbished, hill-top Hotel Panoramic (standard) with stunning forest views, or at Sheraton Iguazú (superior) within sight of the falls themselves. Days 11&12 Transfer to Yacutinga Lodge deep in the rainforest, explore the wildlife trails. Day 13 Fly to Rio de Janeiro and transfer to your hotel on Copacabana beach. Days 14&15 Two half-day excursions will take you up the Sugar Loaf mountain by cable-car, and to the peak of the Corcovado mountain, mantled in tropical forest and topped with the iconic statue of Christ. Day 16 Fly to the UK arriving day 17. Prices from £2,481pp (standard); £3,213pp (superior) based on two sharing, excluding transatlantic flights. Regular departures from the UK the iberá wetlands Wildlife lovers won't be disappointed by what's on display in this reserve of marshes and lagoons. There are fewer visitors than in the Brazilian Pantanal, but the region is no less beautiful, with tangerine sunsets reflected in the unsullied waters. Stay at Posada Aguapé, a lakeshore ranch-style lodge with its own private pier. You will be offered a variety of excursions: motorboat outings on the lake and treks guided by naturalist specialists to observe birds, alligators, monkeys, capybara, pampas deer, marsh deer, river otters and butterflies. Horse-riding and fishing can be organised locally and canoeing and kayaking are also available.. 020 8747 8315 / journeylatinamerica.co.uk bookings, consultant advice and additional information 155Top Humahuaca Gorge near Salta. Above Cachi.Above The herbivorous capybara is the largest rodent in the world, growing to more than a metre in length.david plummerDAVID NICHOLSSARAH BEARD

Around the city of Mendoza on the easternflank of the central Andes, the 'Land ofSunshine and Good Wine' is gourmet country: there are several high quality estancias and vineyards offering sophisticated food and wine sampling in a tranquil countryside setting. Mendoza is a pleasant city and the gateway to one of the most scenic and accessible mountain passes to Chile and its capital, Santiago. But it is the vineyards that provide the biggest draw and we feature some of our favourite properties here and in the Salta region.It's hard to beat luxurious Cavas Wine Lodge (right), an innovative property whose individual adobe suites have their own plunge pool and roof terrace with superb views over the Andes. Guests have the opportunity to dine at a choice of local wineries and restaurants during their stay.Other charming lodges include Finca Adalgisa and Club Tapiz, both of which are situated amid the vineyards just outside Mendoza, and the small and friendly Lares de Chacras. Each makes a good base from which to explore the region on optional excursions we can arrange in advance.Further north in the canyon country around Salta (pp154-155) is the remote Colomé vineyard (above), with views across gardens of lavender to glistening ice-capped Andean peaks. Sample fine wines and delicate cuisine, relax by the pool and explore the estate on foot or horseback. From here it's a spectacular drive through the Calchaquíes Valleys to elegant Patios de Cafayate.The vineyards around both Mendoza and Salta are ideal for independent exploration by hire car.See page 163 for more details of self-drive route suggestions.The wine country of the west 156 Argentina