Argentina Capital & Patagonia - 10 Days

Arrive at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery in Buenos Aires, where we will be waiting to welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. You have the rest of the day at leisure to settle in and start exploring at your own pace. For arrivals at Ezeiza (Ministro Pistarini International Airport), the transfer is not included – it can be arranged as an optional extra. Overnight in Buenos Aires.

After breakfast, we set off on a guided tour of Buenos Aires, taking in Tres de Febrero Park with its historic racecourse and prestigious polo field, and pausing at Plaza Italia. We make photo stops at Plaza de Mayo, in characterful San Telmo and along the colourful streets of La Boca. In Recoleta, you can visit the world renowned cemetery (entrance optional) and admire Iglesia del Pilar and the Metropolitan Cathedral. We drive the city’s grand avenues – Corrientes, de Mayo, 9 de Julio, Alvear and del Libertador – and explore Palermo, elegant Recoleta and the modern waterfront of Puerto Madero, with sights such as the Obelisk, Lezama Park, the Ecological Reserve and key commercial and financial districts. In the evening, at around 18:00, we collect you for an unforgettable night of tango, folklore and fine dining at El Aljibe, a beautifully restored early 20th century conventillo where a 17th century well was uncovered. A vibrant show features 15 performers, including a live quartet led by maestro Carlos Buono, a singer, three couples of dancers and a thrilling malambo with boleadoras, ponchos and drums. We enjoy a three course dinner of classic local and international dishes paired with regional wines, then return you to your hotel. Overnight in Buenos Aires.

Breakfast at the hotel. You have a full day at leisure to revisit favourite spots, shop for local crafts or simply soak up the city’s atmosphere. Alternatively, you can join an optional half day Delta Classic – Boat Navigation and Tigre City Experience (pick up at 08:00, duration 5 hours). Cruise for about an hour through the Tigre Delta’s maze of rivers and lush islands, passing traditional stilt houses, schools and churches, while an audio guide shares insights into the area’s history, ecosystem and culture. Back on land, stroll along Victorica Avenue, browse the Puerto de Frutos market, see the historic City Council building and wander the gardens of the Tigre Art Museum, edged by inviting waterfront cafés and restaurants. Overnight in Buenos Aires.

After breakfast, we transfer you to Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) for your flight to Ushuaia (flight not included). On arrival, we meet you and take you to your hotel. You have the remainder of the day free to relax and begin soaking up this Patagonian city’s mountain, forest and Beagle Channel scenery. If departing from Ezeiza (Ministro Pistarini International Airport), please check the supplement in the Optional section. Overnight in Ushuaia.

After breakfast, we set out on a half day tour of the southernmost protected area in the country – the only national park here that brings together coastal and mountainous landscapes. Travelling along National Route 3, just 11 km from Ushuaia, we explore Río Pipo, Monte Susana, Lago Acigami, the Alakush Visitor Centre, Laguna Verde and Bahía Lapataia, the iconic end of the Pan American Highway. Weather permitting, we take short walks and photo stops amid striking scenery of mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes that reach the Beagle Channel coast. The subantarctic forest shelters wildlife such as the Fuegian red fox and a rich variety of birds, including the cachaña, giant woodpecker, rayadito, Patagonian thrush and the emblematic cauquén caranca. Overnight in Ushuaia.

After breakfast, you have a full day at leisure to explore Ushuaia at your own pace – perhaps stroll the streets between the Andes and the Beagle Channel or relax at your hotel. You can choose from optional excursions (not included) to deepen your discovery. Full Day Fueguinian Lakes (hotel pick up at 08:30, duration 8 hours): travel to Mirador Valle Carbajal for sweeping views over peat bogs, mountains and glaciers, pause at a winter centre, then continue along Route 3 to Paso Garibaldi, the southernmost Andes crossing. By mid morning, arrive at Puesto La Carmen for a hot drink and a leisurely walk by Lake Fagnano, known by the Ona people as The Rest of the Horizon. Around midday, continue to the Garibaldi Pass viewpoint for panoramas of Lake Escondido, cradled in a deep, mountain ringed valley. Half Day Private City Tour with Martial Glacier (minimum 2 guests, hotel pick up at 08:00, duration 4 hours): discover Ushuaia’s viewpoints and history, including Mirador Las Hayas, Ushuaia Bay, La Misión Anglicana, Bahía Encerrada, Avenida San Martín, Nuestra Señora de la Merced Church, the End of the World Museum and the Maritime Museum in the former prison, finishing at Martial Glacier for superb views over the city and the Beagle Channel. Overnight in Ushuaia.

After breakfast, we check you out and transfer you to Ushuaia Airport (USH) for your flight to El Calafate, gateway to the magnificent glaciers of southern Patagonia. On arrival, we meet you and transfer you to your hotel. You have the rest of the day free to unwind and enjoy this serene lakeside town. Overnight in El Calafate.

After breakfast, you have a full day at leisure in El Calafate – explore local shops and cafés or simply admire the surrounding Patagonian landscapes. Optional excursions are available (not included). El Calafate Balcón Experience (minimum 2 guests, hotel pick up at 11:00, duration 4 hours): ascend the hills behind town to a natural balcony with sweeping views of El Calafate and Lake Argentino, the glacier accumulation zone and, on clear days, the Fitz Roy and Torre massifs in El Chaltén. Along the way, see the Laberinto de Piedras, a maze of Cretaceous rock around 85 million years old, and the unusual Piedra de los Sombreros, rare iron concretions found in only a handful of places worldwide. El Chaltén with Viewpoints and Lunch (minimum 2 guests, hotel pick up at 08:00, duration 12 hours, available Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday): follow the legendary Ruta 40 past Lake Argentino and the Santa Cruz River, stopping at historic La Leona Inn for a hot drink and homemade cakes before continuing to El Chaltén, the trekking capital of the region, for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, take a moderate 45 minute walk to Mirador de los Cóndores for panoramas of the surrounding mountains, the Río de las Vueltas valley and the town of El Chaltén, then continue to Mirador de las Águilas for sweeping views of Lake Viedma, Bahía Túnel and Cerro Pirámide. Overnight in El Calafate.

After breakfast, we depart for a full day excursion to the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier, famed for its continued advance. The scenic drive of about 80 km skirts the southern shore of Lake Argentino past rivers, lakes and the rolling Andean foothills, with chances to spot floating icebergs before we enter Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We follow panoramic walkways to admire the glacier’s towering walls and, with luck, witness the thunderous sight of ice breaking into the lake. Lunch is available at on site restaurants and a snack bar (not included). If you wish, you can add an optional boat trip (not included). Nautical Safari (duration 1 hour): sail across Lago Rico for close up views of Perito Moreno, departing from Bajo de las Sombras, about 7 km from the glacier. The boat pauses some 400 metres from the southern wall for unforgettable photos. We return to El Calafate in the afternoon. Overnight in El Calafate.

After breakfast, we check you out and provide a private transfer from your hotel to Comandante Armando Tola International Airport for your departure flight. Travel home with unforgettable memories of Patagonia’s dramatic landscapes and natural wonders.