Argentina: Food, Wine and Culture with native Cecilia Benenati, professor of Spanish

Highlights: Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, and Mendoza 

Dates: January 9 - 18, 2025

Group Size

About 14 to 18

Trip Overview

Be welcomed to Argentina by LC Professor and native Cecilia Benenati when you arrive in beautiful Buenos Aires, explore its fascinating neighborhoods, appreciate its colonial architecture and gourmet cuisine, and learn some Tango. In Puerto Iguazu, marvel at the beauty and power of the Iguazu Falls, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. In Mendoza trace the history of wine making in the region, taste local varieties accompanied by the Alberto Benenati. By the end if the trip you will have seen only a fraction of the variety Argentina has to offer, visited the colonial town in Uruguay, and taken in the view of the Brazilian side of Iguazu.

Arriving in Buenos Aires

Getting to Argentina

US participants will typically depart the US on 1/8 landing in Buenos Aires on 1/9 in the morning hours. You can store your bags at the hotel and Cecelia will lead an optional informal program until check-in time. We will kick things off in style at the welcome dinner

Transferring from LC Antarctica Expedition 12/28 - 1/9/25

For those who participate on the New Year’s Cruise you will arrive in Ushuaia the morning of 1/09 and be transferred by plane that afternoon to the Buenos Aires Airport. We will provide a transfer for you to the hotel.

Program Highlights

• One feature of this trip is an opportunity to taste a range of wines both in Buenos Aires and dive deeper in Mendoza while learning more about grape growing and wine-making in the region led by Alberto Benenati.
• You will feast in top tier restaurants, eat local specialties, take a cooking class, and taste a range of Argentine BBQ.
• Visit a country-estate for a polo demonstration, and to a ranch in the foothills of the Andes at 8,200 feet. Learn about gaucho culture and go horseback riding into breathtaking scenery.
• Take in the history and culture among unique neighborhoods, explore art galleries learn some Tango, tour the Opera Theater, enjoy folkloric dance and music presentation.
• Benefit from Cecilia Benenati’s understanding of the language and culture of Argentina, it’s dynamic history, and heritage. 
• An adventure from international ferry crossings, to jungle walks, bus rides into the foothills of the Andes, and boat rides under waterfalls. 
• Enjoy the company of fellow LC friends with an adventurous spirit and curious mind.

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Itinerary

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A $1000 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot.

Cost

• Total Cost is $6,695 per person signing up as a pair, sharing a room in a boutique hotel as a couple in one bed, or as two t
• $1,000 deposit + $5,695 balance payment due August 1st, 2024
• Single Supplement is: 

Inclusions:

• Airport transportation will be provided in private vehicles with guide assistance for arrivals.
• Ground transportation for excursions will be provided in private vehicles. 
• Tips (for guides, drivers, wait staff and porters).
• Domestic flights from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls, and Iguazu Falls to Mendoza.
• Tickets, taxes and entrance fees for attractions and National Parks mentioned in the itinerary.
• Meals mentioned in the itinerary, including one soft drink+1 beer or glass of wine per person.
• Bottled water in all ground transportation.

Price does not include

• International Flights to and from Argentina
• Trip Insurance

Faculty Leader

Cecilia Benenati

Is currently a professor of Spanish at Lewis & Clark College where she has been teaching for thirty-one years. She is active with students and alumni alike, volunteering with the College helping with everything from the Fiesta de Salsa, to the Dallaire/Graham Scholarships Committee, to the Willamette Valley wine tour for alumni and parents. Before coming to Lewis & Clark, Cecilia worked in the wine industry and started the first ESL courses at the School of Agriculture at Universidad Nacional de Cuyo in Mendoza. Cecelia will welcome you to Buenos Aires, share insight and language instruction to navigate Argentine culture, accompany you onward for the adventure to Iguazu Fall, and take you to her hometown.

Alberto Benenati is an Agricultural Engineer specializing in viticulture. His passion for grape growing and winemaking is clearly seen in Alberto’s professional career. He has worked for years as the vineyard manager of Catena Zapata together with Alejandro Sejanovich, enologist and viticulturist, and renowned winemaker Alejandro Vigil. He manages vineyards at some of the highest elevations, including Huentala Wines, Claroscuro Art Winery and a few others. Alberto will join the group for our time in Mendoza taking us behind the scenes and introducing us to local contacts.

Cecelia Benenati and Alberto Benenati are native to Mendoza, Argentina and come from a family with strong ties to winemaking. Their family history in the wine industry started in the late 1800s when their great-grandfather started what would become the largest winery in the world and helped define the agricultural future of the region. Argentina is the fifth largest wine producing country in the world and Mendoza province produces over 70%.

Accommodations

January 9 - 12: Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel. Buenos Aires 

Located in the heart of one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, steps away from the historic Recoleta Cemetery and surrounded by exquisite French-style architecture.

Loi Suites Recoleta shares the area with the best restaurants, bars, art galleries and beautiful squares. The hotel has 112 spacious and bright rooms decorated in neutral colours providing a warm and comfortable atmosphere, ideal for a good rest. The care of every detail makes the difference to make the guest feel even better than at home.

January 13 & 14: Mercure Iguazu Hotel Iru, Iguazu Falls

Mercure Iguazú Hotel Irú uniquely combines comfort and nature. Spacious, comfortable rooms, with large beds, AC and free WIFI. The restaurant has a variety of food for breakfast, and the best of local and international cuisine for lunch and dinner. The “jungle” pool, jacuzzi, spa and gym. August 1 to September 15, we will be renovating our main restaurant. All services will be provided in the event hall.

Enjoy a 5-star hotel in Puerto Iguazú, within the Iryapú forest reserve, uniting nature with modernity, comfort and pleasure. Whether for work or passing through, book at the Mercure Iguazú Hotel Irú.

January 15 - 18: Amérian Hotel, Mendoza

Amérian Executive Mendoza is a 4-star superior hotel, located in the main central reference point of the city of Mendoza. It has 74 rooms, events room, outdoor swimming pool with solarium and gym.

It is located in front of Plaza Italia, 5 minutes away from the pedestrian street as well as from the commercial and financial area, where the main banks and the famous gastronomic pole of Arístides Villanueva Street, known for its large number of bars and restaurants, are established.

Questions?