Welcome to Argentina! Upon arrival, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your accommodation for the evening. (This service is on a private basis.)

Buenos Aires

The cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires is the colorful capital of Argentina. Known as the "Paris of South America", Buenos Aires is steeped in culture, unique to this extraordinary country. Feel the rhythm with tango dancers in the streets of La Boca, discover the history behind Recoleta's neighborhood attractions and wake your senses up with delicious flavors in the Palermo district. Buenos Aires is a great base from which to explore a variety of iconic Argentine experiences.

Half Day City Tour

The most important sights of Buenos Aires arise from the centerpiece of this half-day tour. Start driving through the narrows streets of the old city and the broad avenues that mark Buenos Aires modern growth. On South America's broadest avenue, 9 de Julio Avenue, we see Colon Theater and the “Obelisco”. Around the “Plaza de Mayo” (May Square), we will see the “Casa Rosada” (Pink colored House, which houses the mythical balcony from where Evita used to address people), the Cathedral (with the mausoleum of General San Martín, Argentina ?s independence hero), and the “Cabildo” (Town Hall). We continue our way through May Avenue, that joins the “Plaza de Mayo” with the Congress, with its Art Nouveau buildings, old hotels, theaters and cafes

We continue our journey towards San Telmo, a neighborhood of bohemians, artists, antiques shops and cobbled streets. We will pass around Dorrego Square, where each Sunday thousands of tourists and “porteños” (Buenos Aires inhabitants) visit the antique fair that is held there. Our tour goes on to the neighborhood of La Boca, with its colorful tenements, where a lot of artists open their studios and workshops. We will walk along the mythical street of “Caminito”

We continue our visit in Puerto Madero (formerly: “The Docks” port area). In constant development, this gentrified neighborhood was totally redesigned in the nineties. Its new residential area, very close to the river, houses three design hotels, chic restaurants and exclusive apartment buildings.

We head towards the north where we will stop at San Martín Square, surrounded by elegant buildings with French architecture, and one of the most aristocratic areas of Buenos Aires. We continue our tour in the traditional neighborhood of Palermo, strolling along its large parks, rose gardens and lakes, the porteños favorite place to practice sports or give long walks. We end our tour in Recoleta district, one of the most fashionable parts of the city, which includes South America's most opulent and extraordinary cemetery, the resting place of Eva Peron.(This service is on a private basis.)

Today, you will have a private transfer to Aeroparque Airport for your flight to Ushuaia. (This service is on a private basis)

On arrival you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. Check in and enjoy the evening at leisure. (This service is on a shared basis)

Ushuaia

Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, is located in Argentina's Tierra del Fuego on the shores of the Beagle Channel, with the snow-peaked Martial Mountains spanning the horizon. The small port city of Ushuaia was a prison colony until the mid 20th century and today is the capital of Tierra del Fuego. The name Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) was given to the region by the Portuguese sailor Hernando de Magallanes, who saw the indigenous group Ona making fires on the coast while he was sailing through the Magellan Strait in 1520.

Tierra del Fuego Trekking & Canoe Excursion

We invite you to enjoy 8 hours immersed in the nature of the Tierra del Fuego National Park. The journey proposes a walk and a relaxed, easy activity in inflatable canoes, in an area where sea, rivers, mountains and forests create a unique place in Argentina.

Fifteen kilometers separate Ushuaia from the Coastal Path (Senda Costera), in Tierra del Fuego National Park. The almost 8 km of medium-difficulty hike, does not present a big challenge to passengers used to exercise regularly, and dress accordingly. The walk invites us to enjoy a paradise where the mountains can be reached from the sea, and the fresh water of rivers and lakes coexists with the marine coast.

Near Lake Acigami (former Lake Roca) we will have lunch in our comfortable structural tents to be protected from the weather. fitting the rubber boots, overpants and lifejackets, we will paddle easily in an inflatable canoe (duckie type, very safe and stable) from Acigami Lake, down the very slowly flowing Lapataia and Ovando rivers . Our journey begins in fresh water until we reach the sea, in Lapataia Bay. For about an hour, we will see the flora and fauna of inaccessible places, approaching the point of view enjoyed by the Yámanas several centuries ago. (This service is on a group basis.)

Walking with Penguins & Beagle Channel Navigation

Today, your adventure will depart at 9:30 AM with a transfer to the port. You will then set sail along the Beagle Channel waters. Your will first stop at Bird Island, where it is possible to visit and observe different seabird nests, seal areas and several types of coastal birds. These creatures include petrels, albatrosses, cormorants, oyster catchers and many more! Nearby, you will enjoy the view of the Rock Cormorants on the cliffs. Then, you will continue on to navigate towards the Sea lions Island before finding Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, which was made in 1919. The lighthouse is an iconic symbol of the city.

You will disembark on Harberton Ranch and sail from Harberton harbor to Martillo Island, a 15 minute ride on a semi-rigid boat (this type of vessel is capable of navigation in the area). On the island, you will take a scenic hour walk along Gentoo and Magellanics penguins, with a guide. This is surely to be a unique experience to walk amongst the penguins! Martillo Island is part of the Estancia Harberton, and home to Magellanic penguins between September and April. They share the habitat with other birds, such as skúas (their main predator), petrels, cormorants, vultures and South American terns. The rookery hosts around 1000 nests, and is one of the three Magellanic penguin rookeries in Tierra del Fuego. There is also a small colony of 9 breeding couples of gentoo penguins (Pygocelis Papua), the only one in South America.

Proceeding plenty of time to explore, you will return to Ushuaia in a modern minibuses along Nationals route 3 & J. (This service is on a group basis.)

This morning you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport in good time to board your domestic flight to El Calafate.

Upon arrival to El Calafate, you will take a bus transfer from El Calafate to El Chalten.

You will travel along Road No 40 until La Leona, turning left to Road No 23 (paved). The first part of the trip is quite isolated; the whole scenery is a real wilderness. Stop at “La Leona” by the Santa Cruz river. This is an old traditional way point for early sheep wool traders. Once on the Road N°23, you start seeing the Fitz Roy and the Viedma Glacier in a distance, making the sightseeing much more thrilling. On arrival at the Chalten Station you will transfer on your own to your hotel.

Driving Time: 2.5 hours
Distance: 220km

El Chalten

El Chalten is nestled in the heart of the Southern Patagonian Andes, at the base of the iconic Fitz Roy Mountain. This destination is an adventure lover's paradise, with close proximity to the Los Glacieres National Park in the north. The region offers everything from leisurely walks that showcase epic lookout points, to expedition style trekking and even mountaineering. Other activities include camping, climbing, horseback riding, fishing, bird watching or visiting the legendary Estancias in Santa Cruz. No matter what you are here for, El Chalten promises to keep you captivated.

Enjoy these next two days as you like in El Chalten. We recommend the Cerro Torre Valley day hike and Laguna de los Tres to make the most of your time in this beautiful region.

Cerro Torre
Day hike to Torre Lake (826 m) and glacier for a close view, weather permitting, of the slender shapes that make up Cerro Torre and its neighbors, Egger (2850 mts) and Stanhardt spires (2730 mts). The Cerro Torre spire of granite is topped by a treacherous cap of ice. The trail runs along beech forest, bogs, and shrub land. From the camp, a short hike takes you to Laguna Torre, enclosed by moraines and with the Glacier Grande calving in its west side. It is usual to see icebergs pushed by the wind in the coast of the lagoon. The thin and elegant 3128 mts of Cerro Torre group and the Adela range in the continental ice fields background completes this spectacular view.

Laguna de los Tres
Spend a full day trekking to Rio Blanco base camp and Laguna de los Tres vantage point for an absolutely stunning view, weather permitting, of the complete Fitz Roy massif. The jagged group is formed by Mt. Guillaumet (2579 mts), St. Exupery (2558 mts), Mermoz (2732 mts), Juarez among others. Directly across a small glacial lake rises Mt. Fitz Roy (3375 mts), almost two miles of vertical wall in a single bound. For those with spare energy a further walk leads to Piedras Blancas glacier (568 m). The majority of this hike is of moderate difficulty through native lenga tree forests. The last hour to the viewing point is difficult (1180 m), steep and somehow difficult, with some big loose blocks in the path. However (weather permitting) the view is worth it and could be one of the highlights of your Patagonia trip.

Today you will say goodbye to El Chalten as you are transferred to the bus station for your bus across the magnificent Argentina landscape to El Calafate. On arrival at the Chalten Station you will transfer on your own to your hotel. (This service is on a group basis.)

El Calafate

The small town of El Calafate is located on the southern border of Lake Argentino, in the great Patagonia region of Argentina. This quiet little town is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, home of the famous Perito Moreno Glacier and the Cerro Torre. The Perito Moreno Glacier is the largest advancing glacier in the world. Due to its idyllic location, the opportunities for outdoor adventure are unparalleled. From hiking through snow capped mountain peaks and cycling around wide open lakes, to trekking the icy surface of glaciers and paddling past ice blocks in kayaks, you can find it all!

Perito Moreno Glacier Discovery

Today, you will embark on a 4 hour discovery of Perito Moreno Glacier. From the hotel, your journey begins with a drive to the entrance of Los Glaciares National Park. Sit back and relax, as you enjoy the ride along panoramic zigzagged roads, stopping at the main lookout point of Roca Lake en route. Upon arrival at the glacier, your exploration continues on foot. In order to truly appreciate the sheer size and presence of this fascinating attraction, a walk along the wooden and fenced loop-trail features the best perspective. Along the way, you may even have the chance to witness the ice detachment phenomena, with the hollow sounds of ice falling into smaller floating glaciers.

Periodically, the glacier advances over the "L" shaped Argentino Lake, forming a natural dam that separates the lake into two halves. With no escape route, the water level on the "Brazo Rico" side of the lake can rise by up to 30 meters above the level of the main lake. The enormous pressure produced by the height of the dammed water finally breaks the ice barrier holding it back, in a spectacular rupture event. This cycle is not regular and occurs naturally at any frequency between once a year, to less than once a decade.

Perito Moreno Glacier Mini Trekking

Get ready for the experience of a lifetime today, trekking atop the famous Perito Moreno Glacier! This excursion begins from the pier in Bajo de las Sombras Bay, where you will embark on a 20 minute navigation across the Rico Arm. Admire the captivating views of the glacier’s front walls and Icebergs Channel, as you cruise through the glassy water. You will disembark the boat on the opposite shore, where expert mountain guides await, to welcome you and lead you to a small shelter. In groups of up to 20 people, you will be taken to the lake’s shore, towards the edge of the glacier. On the ice, your guide will help you put on your pair of crampons and teach you how to utilize them properly. These sharp attachments to your shoes, ensure that you can walk safely and comfortably on the ice.

Once you're geared up and ready to go, you will take off on a two hour circuit that shows off the best of the glacier landscape. From streams and small lagoons, to gullies and ice formations, the magical hues of blue immerse you in a winter wonderland. The ice surface over which you will walk is irregular, but firm and safe. As you continue across the glacier, your guide will teach you about the region's flora, fauna and historic past, in addition to fascinating phenomenons of Perito Moreno Glacier. At the end of this incredible adventure, you will take a leisurely stroll through the forest back to the shelter. The boat awaits, for your return journey to the port this afternoon.

*Please note park entrance fee cannot be included and must be paid directly (currently 500 pesos, approximately $28) (This service is on a group basis.)

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to El Calafate Airport to board your domestic flight to Puerto Iguazu via Buenos Aires. (This service is on a shared basis.)

Upon arrival to Puerto Iguazu, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation. (This service is on a private basis.)

Argentina Side Exploration

Today, you will be taken on a full day exploration of Iguazu Falls, from the Argentina Side, including the opportunity to visit the famous 'Devil's Gorge'. Your excursion entails leisurely walks to the upper and lower paths around the waterfalls, surrounded by lush jungles and exotic bird life. Keep your eyes out for the local wildlife, such as plush-crested jays, reddish-bellied parakeets, toucans and coatis. The upper path takes about 45 minutes to walk, and features breathtaking views of the Two Sisters, Bosseti, Adam and Eve, Bernabe Mendez, Mbiguá and San Martín Falls. The lower path is longer, and the walk takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. From this viewpoint, you will be able to admire the falls from above. After your walking exploration, you will be taken to the well known Devil's Throat. For this part of the tour, you will board a little train that will take you just 4 km to the Devil's Throat Station, surrounding the upper part of the Iguazu River. Upon arrival, you will continue with a scenic walk along the balcony of Devil’s Throat, known as, 'Garganta del Diablo' in Spanish. This is a U-shaped, 82-meter-high, 150-meter-wide and 700-meter-long cataract, which offers the most impressive sight of all. It is also the mark that creates the border between Argentina and Brazil. (This service is on a group basis.)

Gran Aventura!

To get even more of a thrill out of today's excursion, you will also be taken for a ride on the Gran Aventura! Inside the Iguazu National Park on the Argentina side, big trucks will take you on a 6 kilometer exploration around the humid subtropical forest, as far as the banks of the Iguazú River, just downstream from the falls. Once you have reached the shore, you will hop out of the truck and board special zodiac boats for a ride you'll never forget! Get ready to come face to face with the mighty Falls and definitely get ready to get wet! Crossing one mile of rapids, the boat will reach the devil’s throat canyon, where it will start approaching the rushing water falls. This epic adventure will end in front of San Martin island, where you will be returned to shore. (This service is on a group basis.)

As we are unsure of when the Brazilian land border will reopen, we have not booked the Brazilian Side Discover tour at this time. You can arrange this upon arrival to Iguazu (the 20th or 21st) by calling the local office to assist. You will be refunded the $62 cost for this tour. If you opt to book it during your trip, you will need to pay locally.

This morning you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport in good time to board your domestic flight to Buenos Aires.

The time has come to say adeus to Argentina. You will be arriving into Ezeiza Airport (EZE), which will be where your international flight will depart.

We hope you had an amazing time exploring the wild wonders of Patagonia and the End of the World with us! (This service is on a private basis.)