Highlights of Patagonia Argentina

Highlights of Patagonia Argentina

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  • Visit Buenos Aires with a specialized local guide, enjoy an authentic tango show, and learn about our local cuisine.
  • Take a boat trip up to the icy wall of Perito Moreno Glacier.
  • See the awe-inspiring peak of Mount Fitz Roy in El Chaltén.
  • Go paddling through Tierra del Fuego National Park in Ushuaia. 
  • Best time to travel: From October to April

Enjoy amazing Patagonia tours in this 12-day travel itinerary to Patagonia Argentina, discover the traditional manners in Buenos Aires, visit  El Calafate, home of the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, and then continue traveling to El Chaltén, the mountaineering village visited by thousands of travelers every year. End your adventure in Ushuaia and sail the Beagle Channel in a fully-equipped boat.

Itinerary

Your travel itinerary through Argentine Patagonia starts in Buenos Aires

 

  • Transfer from the airport to your hotel – Day at leisure

Upon arrival, we will drive you to the city and you’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy Buenos Aires at your own pace. Buenos Aires is a marvelous, energetic, cosmopolitan city, full of color and different styles of architecture. 

The capital of Argentina, and described as the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires proudly embraces its title, and also shows off plenty of its own culture! Argentinians are usually eager to host visitors; if you walk the streets with a map, someone will surely stop and ask if you need directions…that’s just our spirit! 

 

Say Hueque Tips

  • Our recommendations for your first day in Buenos Aires

Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, che! (“che” means “guy” in Argentina). For this first day, feel free to wander the cobblestone streets lined with outdoor cafes, enjoy the mouthwatering aroma of world-famous Argentine beef sizzling on an open parrilla (barbeque), and browse the local antique and artisan markets that offer plenty of bargain shopping.

Day1

Discover Buenos Aires, city tour & tango show

 

  • Half-day city tour through Buenos Aires

In the morning we will pick you up from your hotel to enjoy our 5-hour Buenos Aires city tour—you will be swept away by the highlights of our beloved Buenos Aires! Over the course of a half-day you will have the chance to visit the historical and political center of the city; Plaza de Mayo and the Pink House (the presidential house).

Next, we’ll move on to San Telmo, with its cobblestone streets and the oldest residential neighborhood, and then to La Boca where Buenos Aires turns colorful and tango is ever-present. Come walk Caminito street and dance with the locals. The next stop is the chic and aristocratic Recoleta, where the big palaces remind us why Buenos Aires is called the “Paris of the South”.

 

  • Dinner and tango show 

In the evening we’ll pick you up from your hotel to take you to a mystical place where you’ll discover one of our most ancient traditions. Tango is more than our national dance… tango is our immigrant origins, the talent of our local artists, the sensuality of Argentine women and our way to deal with a broken heart; dancing our way through tragic, and yet eternal, love stories.

Tonight you will enjoy a 3-hour professional display of tango and music with a group of local artists onstage immersed in an elegant and alluring place. The manners, ambience, clothes and dance steps which tango-lovers used to practice 100 years ago will come to life again and you will travel back in time for a night.

This spectacular tango show in Buenos Aires will be accompanied by delicious Argentine and international cuisine. Dinner is all-inclusive, beverages included so you can lose yourself in the ethereal taste of Malbec wine. At the end of the evening, around midnight, you will be driven back to your hotel, fully in love with the bohemian spirit of our incredible city.

 

Say Hueque Tips

  • What you have to know about tango culture in Buenos Aires

Tango is, all in all, a cultural experience that’s deeply rooted in Argentine hearts. Where do regular people go to dance tango? There are an immense number of dance halls or milongas in Buenos Aires. Some of our favorites are La Viruta -beginners friendly- and Salon Canning -with more advanced clientele- in Palermo neighbourhood. Tango has evolved a big deal in the past years, and now there are also LGBT milongas that encourage a most inclusive practice. 

Day2

Go hiking in Argentinian Patagonia
Travel to El Chaltén 

 

  • Transfer from your hotel to Buenos Aires airport

Time to travel to legendary Patagonia! We’ll pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the airport to take your flight to El Calafate. 

 

  • Transfer from El Calafate to El Chaltén – Day at leisure

Upon arrival at El Calafate airport, we will start our 4-hour trip to El Chaltén. Let the Argentine Patagonia hiking adventure begin!

You’ll travel along the famous Route 40, surrounded by the Patagonian steppe, and pass through La Leona River, which connects Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma, and where you’ll get to see La Leona Road house, where the famous thieves Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid hid for a while. After discovering some other gems along your journey, you’ll reach El Chaltén and we’ll drop you off at your hotel.

El Chaltén is the top-rated hiking destination in Argentina. This charming little village sits at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy and it’s surrounded by glaciers, lakes, rivers and forests. It’s also the jumping-off point for most hiking trails in the area. A paradise for sunny walkers and trekkers alike.

Enjoy your first afternoon of leisure in Patagonia by relaxing in the local brewery or strolling around a little waterfall…

 

Say Hueque Tips

  • Our recommended hike for your first day in El Chaltén:

There is a quick hike you can enjoy to warm up and discover El Chorrillo del Salto, just 1 hour away from the village. Reach its little waterfall encircled by native trees and flora, like the Patagonian Orchid.

Day3

Patagonia Tours: Self-guided hikes
El Chaltén

 

  • Recommended hike- Cerro Torre

Today, we have a recommendation for true hiking-lovers: trek all the way to Cerro Torre and Laguna Torre, one of the most famous hiking trails in the area. Step into the wild for about 8 hours and 12 miles. This is a moderate-difficulty hike, but there is no steep climbing involved, so no previous experience is required!

The journey starts at a notable wooden sign which reads ‘Laguna Torre’ and features a  woodpecker; you probably already saw the sign if you visited the Cerro Torre Viewpoint the previous day. From there, you will continue through a stunning, multi-colored landscape; snow-capped mountains will rein over the native forest of lenga and ñire trees. You’ll pass by the De Agostini campsite and continue to the front moraine…you can hit the summit in 15 minutes! From here you can descend to the lagoon and watch the floating icebergs, or continue to the Mascardi viewpoint, 1 mile up the hill.

Day4

Patagonia Argentina hikes
Self-guided trails

 

  • Recommended hike: Laguna de los Tres and base of Mt. Fitz Roy

If you liked the Laguna Torre’s hiking trail, you’ll love our next hiking favorite: Laguna de los Tres and the base of Mount Fitz Roy. Go for a medium-difficulty, 9-hour hike to the most impressive views of Rio de Las Vueltas valley. You’ll cross Del Salto Stream, with its icy waters cradled by orange-tinted rocks that frame the breathtaking views of Mount Fitz Roy.

And here’s a little secret: you can also reach Laguna Sucia from Laguna de los Tres… it’s only a 5- minute walk away. Though this hike increases in intensity during the last bit, it’s totally worth it. This is one of the best day-hikes in the world!  

 

Say Hueque Tips

  • A little secret to enjoying this hike

Seize the day, wake up early, and watch the sunrise at Laguna de los Tres (see Fitz Roy’s peaks turning red) — this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You can depart from the town of El Chaltén during the night or stay one night at Poincenot campsite, just 1 hour away from Laguna de los Tres.

Day5

Travel back to El Calafate 

 

  • Transfer from El Chaltén to your hotel in El Calafate – Day at leisure

Time to continue with your Argentine Patagonia travel itinerary and get ready to board your bus back to El Calafate in the afternoon. The 3-hour drive back will be a good opportunity to relax while enjoying the passing landscapes out your window.

Once you arrive in El Calafate, the bus will drop you off at your hotel. Now is your chance to try some tender Patagonian Lamb, or maybe a heavenly Calafate ice-cream. In Calafate, food options are varied and plentiful; from veggie delicacies to the best demonstration of national steaks, there really is something for everyone. You can choose a fancy restaurant for dinner, or a more traditional local tavern to spend an unforgettable night.

Day6

Patagonia Tours: Perito Moreno Glacier
El Calafate

 

  • Full-day Mayo Trek and Perito Moreno Glacier

Patagonia tours in Argentina are led by the Perito Moreno visit, this is a big day of your trip! Start the day with a pick-up at your hotel, travel to Puerto Bandera and embark on an 8- hour nautical safari to discover secluded glaciers and waterfalls of Glacier National Park that can be only reached by boat!

Sail Mayo Channel and disembark on Toro Bay to hike through the Patagonian forest; your specialized guide will tell you about the vegetation of this area (very different from other kinds inside the park) and show you the millenary cherry tree and its 3-meter in diameter trunk.

Set sail again to reach the Cerro Negro (Black Hill) and make a half-mile soft hike to the base of the hill to admire the hanging Black Glacier. Enjoy your free time in this place that not many travelers have seen, before departing for our third stop, the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Our boat will pass by the immense icy wall -take your beanie and grab your camera, you may see a piece of ice breaking!- before stopping at Puerto Moreno. Enjoy your free time, wander the traditional catwalk circuit that surrounds the glacier before sail back to Puerto Bandera, and be driven back to El Calafate.

Day7

Optional Patagonia Tours
El Calafate

 

  • Optional tours in El Calafate – 4WD and Biking

“Adventure” in El Calafate has different kinds of colors and shapes. For your free day, our suggestion is to get those wheels in motion and keep on exploring. Ten minutes outside of town stands a 3000 feet hill from where you can get stunning views of Lake Argentino, Mount Fitz Roy and Mount Torre.

Take a day tour and ride in a 4×4 right to the top, where you will spot the Perito Moreno Glacier emerging little by little from La Cordillera de los Andes (The Andes Range).

It’s also a perfect place to find archeological treasures (like millenary shark teeth or petrified oysters) from different geological periods of Earth 

For the second part of the tour, you’ll get on your mountain bike to ride back down to El Calafate. On the way you’ll stop to grab a bite, take pictures, spot wild guanacos and challenge your riding abilities by climbing or crossing marshes and little lagoons until reaching civilization again. Nature, history and adventure, all in one tour!

If you would like to add any Patagonia tours to this day, just let your travel advisor know.

 

Day8

Continue Your Travel Itinerary to Argentinian Patagonia
Ushuaia 

 

  • Transfer from your hotel to El Calafate airport

Today we’ll drive you to the airport to take your flight to Ushuaia, the popular “End of the World” destination.

 

  • Transfer from Ushuaia airport to your hotel – Day at leisure

Upon arrival at the airport in Ushuaia, we will drive you to your selected hotel and then you will be free to explore the city and the surroundings.

Ushuaia is a small town, really easy to get around on foot. The Yamanas, its first inhabitants, called it Ushuaia which means “protected bay” in their language. It was officially incorporated into the Republic of Argentina in 1884, and it soon became a penal colony, in order to establish a permanent Argentine settlement.

 

Say Hueque Tips

Our recommended Patagonia tours and visits in Ushuaia:

  • Visit one of the curious museums in the city—The Thematic Gallery of the “Historia Fueguina” to see the more than 120 character life-size figures that will tell you all about the history of Ushuaia, or unearth the story of the most scary and dangerous criminals at the Prison Museum.
  • Visit the different restaurants in town, Ushuaia is the best place to eat seafood in Argentina. —The word you shouldn’t forget is centolla (king crab!). You can try the finger-licking Blake Hake too. 
Day9

Ushuaia, trekking & paddling in the National Park

 

  • Discover Tierra del Fuego National Park wildlands

Today we’ll pick you up from your hotel to start a 10-hour, moderate difficulty, hiking adventure in Tierra del Fuego National Park, another highlight of Argentine Patagonia. The National Park is just 7.4 miles away from the city and bordering the shore of the famous Beagle Channel.

Upon arrival to Ensenada Bay, you will have time to enjoy the view over the Beagle Channel before you start hiking along the coast. Four miles of trail awaits you, where you’ll discover native flora, wild fauna and the remains left by the Yamanas, the native inhabitants of the area. After this 3-hour hike, you will reach Lake Roca, where lunch will be served.

After a full homemade picnic, you will start the second part of this adventure. Take your oar and plunge into a 1hr 30 min paddling trip along the Lapataia River (only available for children over 5 years old). Make it all the way to Lapataia Bay, where the Panamerican Highway and National Route 3 end at an awe-inspiring landscape.

After discovering the unique vastness of this stunning setting, we’ll take you back to your hotel to rest and enjoy another Patagonian evening.

Day10

Patagonia Tours: Beagle Channel Cruise
Travel back to Buenos Aires

 

  • Tour Ushuaia’s famous islands while sailing the Beagle Channel

In 1833 Charles Darwin sailed the Beagle Channel and found something great. Today it’s your turn: become another explorer of this channel, primitively named Onashaga Channel since the Onas were its first discoverers.

 Make your way to the tourist pier (located downtown) to embark on a 4-hour Beagle Channel navigation in a fully equipped boat with a capacity for up to 26 people. With Argentina on your left and Chile on your right, you’ll sail this natural border until reaching the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, which is still in operation.

On the way, enjoy uplifting panoramic views of Ushuaia Bay, crowned by the Martial Glacier’s diverse marine wildlife, such as cormorants (flying birds, closely related to penguins) and fur seals. Hop off on Bridges Island to explore its vegetation, and visit the archeological remains of the Yamanas (the native inhabitants) accompanied by a specialized bilingual guide. 

During this tour, enjoy bottomless hot cocoa and cookies, or try the maté (loose herbal tea), which is every Argentinian’s favorite drink. Once we get back to the port, you can make your way back to your hotel or stop in a local cafe or brewery to enjoy an amber craft beer paired with a traditional Patagonian appetizer.

 

  • Transfer from your hotel to Ushuaia airport / Transfer from Buenos Aires airport to your hotel

At the appropriate time, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. We’ll welcome you to the Buenos Aires airport, and drive you to your hotel to spend your last evening in the city.

 

Say Hueque Tips  

  • Optional tour- Walk among penguins in Ushuaia

If you want to walk amongst the penguins on this day, you can change this tour for the Martillo Island Penguin Rookery, which is a little bit longer and also includes the Beagle Channel visit! Want to get inspired? Contact us!

Day11

Last day of your travel itinerary to Argentinian Patagonia
Buenos Aires

 

  • Transfer from your hotel to Buenos Aires airport 

At the appropriate time, we’ll drive you to the international airport where you’ll take your flight back home, ¡buen viaje! (good trip!).

 

Say Hueque Tips

What to do on your last day in Buenos Aires?

How would you like to spend your last day of vacation? Here are some ideas:

  • You can explore the cobblestone, tree-lined streets of Palermo Soho in search of some one-of-a-kind Porteño fashion stores or discover the graffiti circuit. 
  • You may stop by one of our historic cafés (named “cafés notables”) located all over the city and have a “cortado”, the most popular Argentine coffee choice.
  • If you’re leaving on a Saturday or Sunday, you may have the chance to visit one of the city markets, only open during weekends. 

If you want to continue traveling, Argentina still has plenty to offer! Check out some more of our travelers’ favorite trips to Argentina and Chile. 

Day12

If this trip doesn’t meet your expectations we can tailor it to your needs and budget.

Prices per person

INN & B&B

From

USD 3540

View INN & B&B Hotels

Comfort

From

USD 3925

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Superior

From

USD 4395

View Superior Hotels

PRICING

  • Prices in US Dollars.
  • Valid until April 2024 (ask for prices at Christmas and New Year).
  • Prices are per person, based on 2 people in double occupancy. Single rates are available on request.
  • Flights are not included in the price but can be arranged on request.
  • We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you book with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset. We are working to create more sustainable, responsible, and meaningful ways of exploring South America.

PEACE OF MIND THIS IS A CARBON NEUTRAL TRIP

We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you book with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset. We are working to create more sustainable, responsible and meaningful ways of exploring South America. It feels good to do it right. Learn more about our actions against climate change here.

INCLUDED

  • 3-night accommodation in Buenos Aires
  • 3-night accommodation in El Chaltén
  • 3-night accommodation in El Calafate
  • 2-night accommodation in Ushuaia
  • Daily breakfast
  • Meals according to the itinerary: dinner on day 2; lunch on day 10
  • Transfers and tours mentioned in the itinerary
  • Destination host local support
  • Bilingual local guide (English / Spanish)

NOT INCLUDED

  •  International or domestic flights or buses
  •  National Park Entrance fees
  •  Por tax (day 11)
  • Travel / Medical Insurance – To get a free quote please follow this link: World Nomads

FLIGHTS NEEDED
FOR THIS ITINERARY

Buenos Aires – Calafate – Ushuaia – Buenos Aires

Flights in South America cost approximately $150 to $300 USD per segment (destination). We offer special rates on flights for this tailor-made itinerary.

FLIGHTS NEEDED
FOR THIS ITINERARY

Buenos Aires – Calafate – Ushuaia – Buenos Aires

Flights in South America cost approximately $150 to $300 USD per segment (destination). We offer special rates on flights for this tailor-made itinerary.