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Overview
Travel with us to Argentina and Uruguay and gain a unique perspective on two South American countries where Jewish communities have a rich history, contributing significantly to the cultural and economic development of both. Today, Jewish culture thrives in these nations through religious life, educational institutions, and active participation in politics and the arts.
Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world — and boasts the largest Jewish community in Latin America. Formed from Spanish and Portuguese Jews in the early sixteenth century, waves of European immigrants in the mid-1800s and later Russia and other Eastern European countries, the community also maintains a significant Sephardic presence, many of Syrian descent.
With expert scholars and guides, we will first discover the international oasis that is Buenos Aires, often dubbed “the Paris of South America.” We will explore Jewish neighborhoods; visit synagogues, museums, and notable historical and cultural locations; and immerse ourselves in an array of vibrant neighborhoods.
As no visit to Argentina would be complete without a visit to the spectacular Iguazu Falls, we will spend two days there, exploring both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides. Recently voted one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Iguazu boasts more than 275 falls and is so impressive that upon visiting it, Eleanor Roosevelt is said to have remarked, “Poor Niagara!”
Rounding out our experience, we move on to the cosmopolitan coastal city of Montevideo, Uruguay, arriving by plane from Buenos Aires. The smallest country in South America, Uruguay has an active Jewish community of around 10,000 people. Here we discover its Jewish culture, feast on the world-renowned traditional Uruguayan barbecues, and visit a winery specializing in the country’s most prized wine, the Tannat.
Our accompanying scholar, Ariel Goldstein, a native of Uruguay, will provide enlightening lectures and insights throughout our travels.
Highlights
10 nights of deluxe accommodations in Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Montevideo
A unique guided tour of Jewish Buenos Aires with a local scholar, including several synagogues and sites of historical and cultural significance
Meeting local Jewish community members in Buenos Aires and Montevideo
Iconic landmarks of Buenos Aires and Montevideo, including the synagogues and Jewish memorial sites as well as those of national importance
Dinner and a tango show in Buenos Aires and a visit to a Tannat winery near Montevideo
Two days at Iguazu Falls for awe-inspiring vistas and panoramas of the stunning waterfalls, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984
Itinerary
Tuesday, March 17 | Buenos Aires
Morning arrivals. Please plan your flights so you can arrive to the hotel by early afternoon.
Our program begins at 3:00pm with a presentation by our tour scholar, who will provide a brief orientation to the trip. Afterward, we head out into the city, first to visit the icon of Buenos Aires, the obelisk on Avenida 9 de Julio (July 9th Avenue), erected in 1936 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first foundation of the city.
We also have the opportunity to stroll the Avenida de Mayo to the Plaza del Congreso, admiring the traditional French architecture and magnificent Parliament building, as well as discover the most famous pedestrian street in Buenos Aires, Calle Florida, a vibrant hub with boutiques, and people watching.
Afterwards, we visit the popular waterfront district of Puerto Madero, with its impressive Puente de la Mujer, a uniquely designed pedestrian bridge, and renowned restaurant scene. After a stop to see the Anne Frank statue, we have a welcome dinner together at the Restaurant Mirasol.
Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodations: Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta
Wednesday, March 18 | Buenos Aires
Today, we embark on a day-long guided tour of Jewish Buenos Aires with local scholar Salito Gutt. We visit several synagogues, including the elegant Gran Templo Paso in the historically Jewish neighborhood of Once and the majestic Byzantine-style Templo Libertad, both founded in the early 1930s, making them the oldest synagogues in Argentina. Templo Libertad has been declared a national landmark and is the largest temple in Buenos Aires.
At lunchtime, we break for a quick bite on your own at one of the restaurants nearby.
Our tour also takes us to the new home of AMIA (Israelite Mutual Association of Argentina), one of the longest-standing institutions in the country and dedicated to encouraging Jewish culture in Argentina, preserving its traditions, and promoting community development. The original AMIA building was destroyed in 1994 in a terrorist attack in which 85 people died. We also stop at Israel Embassy Square, which suffered a brutal terrorist attack in 1992. The square was built in the place where the embassy once stood.
In the evening, you are free to enjoy dinner on your own.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta
Thursday, March 19 | Buenos Aires
This morning features a presentation by our scholar on the “discovery” of the Americas, the conquistadors, and the Spanish kingdom in America, covering the period from 1492-1989.
After lunch on your own, we visit the Museum of the Holocaust. The museum’s exhibitions include artifacts, documents, and photographs related to the Holocaust, as well as personal testimonies from survivors. One of the museum’s key focuses is on the experience of Argentine Holocaust survivors.
We then experience a walk through the visually striking Recoleta Cemetery. Although a Catholic cemetery, there are Jewish families buried here. The name Recoleta is derived from the Order of Monjes Recoletos Descalzos (Barefoot Monks from Recoleta) who, in the early seventeenth century, built a convent, a church, and a small graveyard. The cemetery is laid out like a small city with ornate sculptures, mausoleums, and memorials, and is the final resting place of many notable Argentinian’s, including Eva Perón, whose grave we will visit.
We walk to see Evita’s Monument nearby, which stands as a tribute to her legacy, and the Plaza de Mayo, one of the most important and historic public squares in Buenos Aires. The site of numerous significant political and social events in Argentina’s history, the Plaza is surrounded by the presidential palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
This evening, you are free to enjoy dinner on your own.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta
Friday, March 20 | Buenos Aires
This morning is highlighted by a lecture from our scholar on Argentina’s modern history, from 1976 to 2025, including the Dirty War (a period of state terrorism that occurred between 1976 and 1983), the Falklands War, and the return to democracy. Today, Argentina’s commitment to human rights and democratic principles remains central to its identity.
After lunch on your own, we start the afternoon off with a visit to El Ateneo, often described as the most beautiful bookstore in the world. Housed in an historic building that was originally a theatre. Transformed into a bookstore in 2000, with the theater’s original elements, including the stage, balconies, and ornate decorations intact, the result blends the architectural grandeur of the past with the world of literature.
Next we discover the colorful port neighborhood of La Boca, a historical center for Jewish immigration in the 19th century, primarily Ashkenazi Jews, coming from areas of Eastern Europe, particularly from what is now Poland, Ukraine, and Russia. In La Boca, they formed tight-knit communities and created synagogues, schools, and social organizations. Today, La Boca is famous for its vibrant street art and tango culture, with a pedestrian street where you find brightly painted buildings, tango dancers, and local shops. While the Jewish presence in La Boca is much smaller, there are still some synagogues and Jewish cultural sites that remain active.
This evening, we celebrate Kabbalat Shabbat at Lamrot Hakol synagogue (Conservative), followed by dinner with local community members.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta
Saturday, March 21 | Buenos Aires
Today is a leisurely day to spend as you would like, continuing to explore Buenos Aires, doing some shopping, or perhaps taking advantage of the hotel spa. You may choose to visit the Fortabat Art Museum, which houses works by Marc Chagall, Salvador Dalí, and others or the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires, with works by renowned artists like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
Tango is one of Argentina’s most important contributions to the arts, and tonight we head out on the town for dinner and an authentic tango show at El Querandi, one of the most renowned tango venues. The decor, with its elegant chandeliers, wood paneling, and vintage touches, creates an intimate and classic atmosphere and the menu offers a wide range of Argentine specialties.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta
Sunday, March 22 | Iguazú Falls
We take breakfast at the hotel, then depart Buenos Aires, taking an early flight to Iguazú Falls. After we arrive and check in, we’ll have lunch before discovering the Argentine side of the falls.
The waterfalls are located in the Iguazú National Park and are one of the first protected areas in the Americas. The park and falls were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984. The waterfalls have 275 jumps of water that fall from an average height of 70 meters (about 230 feet).
On our visit, we take a train to the Devil’s Throat Station, followed by an easy 1,200-meter walk (about 3/4 mile) to the most spectacular views of the falls, called the Devil’s Throat. We also walk along the Upper Circuit of the falls, a 1.5 mile loop on an elevated footbridge. From this circuit, it is possible to see the upper parts of the waterfalls. (Please note: These walks have no stairs.)
Inspired by the enormous beauty, we return to our hotel, where we have dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Iguazú Grand Resort Spa and Casino
Monday, March 23 | Iguazú Falls
This morning, we cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge to Brazil and visit the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls, part of one of the largest nature reserves of Brazil.
Here, we walk along a half-mile elevated walkway over the gully of the River Iguazú and experience absolutely stunning views. We’ll have an amazing view of the Isla San Martin and some of the most important jumps of the Iguazú falls such as the Bossetti, the San Martina, and the Tres Mosqueteros. We also come to a magnificent viewpoint of the Devil’s Throat that we visited the day before. The beauty of this place is unparalleled, with the constant presence of rainbows highlighting its magic.
We’ll lunch together before ending our tour at the Floriano Jump, where you have the opportunity to take a panoramic elevator. (Please note: There are some stairs during this walk. Participants who cannot walk the stairs can take the coach to the viewpoint and take the elevator down for an up-close view of Devil’s Throat.)
After an exhilarating day, we return to the hotel and you are free to enjoy dinner on your own at the hotel, either in the restaurant or in your room.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Iguazú Grand Resort Spa and Casino
Tuesday, March 24 | Iguazú Falls – Montevideo
Today, we fly to Montevideo, Uruguay. During our layover at the Buenos Aires airport, lunch is on your own.
At the close of our day, we have dinner together at the historic El Berretín Restaurant, well-known for its casual atmosphere, delicious grilled meats, and local dishes.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Montevideo
Wednesday, March 25 | Montevideo
We begin today with a visit to the main Jewish institution of Montevideo, La Kehila, where we meet with the Director of the Culture Department to learn about the history, activities, and role that La Kehila plays in the Jewish community of the city.
Afterward, we explore two of Montevideo’s most important sites: Plaza Independencia and Plaza Matriz. The iconic Plaza Independencia is dedicated to the independence of Uruguay, commemorating the struggle for freedom from Spanish colonial rule and the establishment of the country as a republic and marks the divide between the old and new parts of the city. The Plaza Matriz is the oldest square in Montevideo, located in the heart of the Ciudad Vieja, the Old Town. The site of the Iglesia Matriz, the city’s main church and a key symbol of its colonial past, the square is surrounded by several buildings that showcase Montevideo’s colonial architecture.
For lunch, we experience a typical parrillada (barbecue-style meal) at the Mercado del Puerto, one of the most iconic landmarks of Montevideo, bustling with activity and local culture and a culinary destination famous for its steakhouses and grilled meats.
During the afternoon, we take a visit to the Sephardic synagogue, which opened its doors in 1956 with the name Beth Israel and which was inspired by the Portuguese Synagogue of New York. The Sephardic community has been present in Montevideo since the first decades of the 20th century.
We then spend time at Montevideo’s Holocaust Memorial, which overlooks the River Plata. Mode mostly of pink granite, the location and design create an invitation and opportunity to remember and reflect. The site also includes several inscribed stele, including one signed by Elie Wiesel.
This evening is free for you to enjoy dinner on your own.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Montevideo
Thursday, March 26 | Montevideo / Departure
We start our day with a stroll along the Rambla, Montevideo’s waterfront promenade, then take a visit to the Juanicó winery, north of the city. Here we learn about Uruguay’s flagship wine, the deeply colored, full-bodied Tannat.
We experience a Tannat wine tasting and enjoy a traditional Uruguayan parrillada for lunch and celebrate our last meal together.
We return to Montevideo in the afternoon. Those departing on evening flights will transfer to the Carrasco International Airport. For those traveling home the following morning, your room at the hotel is included.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Montevideo
Gallery
Traveling with you…
Each of our scholars are outstanding experts in their fields and play an active role in helping us design our journeys as well as accompanying us as we travel.
Ariel Goldstein
Ariel Goldstein was born in Uruguay, studied Latin American history in Montevideo and tourism at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. CEO of Tiyul-Jewish Journeys, he has led more than 50 tours throughout Israel, Europe, Persian Gulf, Latin America, China, India, Africa, and the US. Ariel speaks Spanish, English, Hebrew, and Portuguese and is the author of From Moses to Moisesville (2024).
Accommodations
Buenos Aires: Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta
Located in the most exclusive neighborhood of Buenos Aires, the Sofitel in Recoleta blends stately architecture with a bold modern design. Rooms feature luxurious amenities and furnishings, from super comfortable beds to plush armchairs, bathrooms that include both a soaking tub and a shower, as well as windows with garden views or city vistas. Guests can also enjoy the in-house restaurant with Argentinian specialities as well as a French bakery.
Iguazú Grand Resort Spa and Casino
Immersed in nature just minutes from the Iguazu Falls, the Hotel Iguazú Grand is a luxury resort that offers elegant modern rooms that overlook lush gardens designed by the renowned French-Argentinian landscape architect Carlos Thays. A stay here provides sophisticated comfort, with full in-room amenities, including WiFi, as well as a gym, wellness center, and a large outdoor pool and deck area. Its haute cuisine restaurants feature dishes crafted with locally produced organic ingredients.
Montevideo: Hotel Montevideo
Hotel Montevideo is a luxurious 5-star hotel located in the vibrant Pocitos neighborhood of Montevideo. Blending modern elegance and local charm, rooms offer comfort, style, and modern amenities. A rooftop pool provides unparalleled panoramic views and the hotel restaurant serves American cuisine as well as a full breakfast. Numerous cafes, restaurants, and boutiques are within walking distance, as is the Rambla scenic waterfront promenade.
Details
Program Cost: $7,750* includes:
- 10 nights’ accommodations at modern hotels
- Full breakfast daily; 4 lunches; 4 dinners
- All group transportation via deluxe air-conditioned coach
- All lectures, guided tours, museums and site entrance fees
*Per person, double occupancy; single supplement: $1,950. Fees not included: gratuities: $275; visa for Brazil: $85; museum membership for nonmembers.
Travel note: Arrive on Tuesday, March 17 in Buenos Aires (EZE) and depart on Thursday, March 26 in the evening or Friday, March 27 from Montevideo (MVD)
Secure your place
Book Now: use the link below to reach our easy online booking form.
By phone: 845-256-0197 Monday–Friday, 10am–4pm EST.
Payment Reserve your space with a nonrefundable deposit of $1,000 per person. Final balance is due 120 days prior to departure.
Membership Participation on these tours is a benefit for active members of our museum partners. During the registration process, you will be asked about your membership status with your affiliated museum. If you are not a current member, you will have a chance to activate your membership.
Participation Tour sizes are limited to 28 participants unless otherwise noted. Trips entail considerable walking including over uneven terrain. Participants need to be in good health, be able to keep up with the group, be able to experience group and cultural differences with grace. Please let us know if you have any physical conditions that may require special attention while on tour. For more information please see our FAQ page.
Cancellations All cancellations must be received by Jewish Heritage Travel in writing. Cancellations received 120 days or more prior to departure: full refund less nonrefundable deposits, per person; 119–90 days prior to departure: 50% refund per person after nonrefundable deposits. 89–0 days before departure: no refund.
Trip Cancellation Insurance Jewish Heritage Travel strongly urges all participants to purchase travel insurance for coverage of losses necessitated by having to cancel due to illness or accident. For your convenience, we are providing a link to Allianz Global Assistance, which many past participants have used. Please use code ACCAM/Agency ID# F026815 or feel free to use your own insurance agent. When purchasing insurance, please consider the plans carefully to familiarize yourself with what is covered. In this context, do take note that most insurance companies generally will waive exclusion for preexisting conditions only if your application is received by them within 14 days from the date of your program registration. If you have a preexisting medical condition and are interested in taking trip insurance, you should do so either with Allianz or through your own insurance agent within 14 days of registration.
Changes All rights are reserved by Jewish Heritage Travel to make scholar substitutions and/or to modify the itinerary (including hotels) as needed. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate the program as planned; however, should unforeseen world events and conditions require the itinerary to be altered, Jewish Heritage Travel reserves the right to do so for the safety and best interest of the group. Any extra expenses incurred in this situation are the responsibility of the participant.
Disclaimer of Responsibility By registering for this program, participant specifically waives any and all claims of action against Jewish Heritage Travel and our museum partners listed below and their respective staffs for damages, loss, injury, accident, or death incurred by any person in connection with this tour. Jewish Heritage Travel and our museum partners listed below and their respective staffs assume no responsibility or liability in connection with the service of any train, vessel, carriage, aircraft, or other conveyance that may be used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty to the passengers. Neither will the Jewish Heritage Travel and our museum partners listed below or their staffs be responsible for any injury, death, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity through neglect or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out the purposes for which tickets, vouchers, or coupons are issued. Any personal activities arranged outside the Jewish Heritage Travel published tour itinerary are solely and wholly the responsibility of the individual traveller whether or not a representative of Jewish Heritage Travel has provided any guidance. No responsibility is accepted for losses or expenses due to sickness, viruses, weather, strikes, wars, and other causes. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for any reason whatsoever to alter the itinerary or arrangements, including hotels or scholars, such alterations may be made without penalty. All rights reserved to require any participant to withdraw from the tour at his/her own expense when such an action is determined by the tour staff to be in the best interest of the participant’s health and safety and that of the group in general. Prices subject to change. Cost in effect at time of registration will be honored.
