Argentina: Into the Wild
About the trip
Embark on a 15-day adventure through Argentina and discover some of South America’s most extraordinary landscapes. From the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to the remote wilderness of Patagonia and the subtropical rainforest of Iguazú, this journey combines nature, culture, and active exploration.
Welcome to Buenos Aires, one of South America’s most vibrant capitals and the starting point of your Argentine adventure. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day to explore at your own pace.
A fascinating blend of Latin American character and European influences, Buenos Aires is a city of lively neighborhoods, historic architecture, local markets, and a rich cultural scene. Wander through its tree-lined streets, stop at a traditional café, or discover the flavors of Argentine cuisine while experiencing the warmth and energy of local life.
Take this first day to settle in and enjoy the city before your journey continues towards some of Argentina’s most extraordinary landscapes.
Buenos Aires
Start your day with an active exploration of Buenos Aires, discovering the history, culture, and contrasting neighborhoods of one of South America’s most dynamic capitals from the seat of a bicycle.
Meet your guide at the designated meeting point, where your bike will be ready for the adventure. Begin in historic San Telmo, the city’s oldest neighborhood, cycling along cobblestone streets while learning about Buenos Aires’ origins and the waves of immigration that shaped its identity.
Continue to colorful La Boca, home to the legendary Boca Juniors stadium and the famous Caminito, where brightly painted buildings, street art, and tango reflect the neighborhood’s distinctive character. From there, pedal towards Puerto Madero, where the city’s historic docks have been transformed into one of its most modern districts. Stop along the way to enjoy a traditional Argentine barbecue at a local parrilla before continuing to Plaza de Mayo, the political and historical heart of Buenos Aires.
In the evening, discover another essential part of Argentine culture: tango. You will be transferred to a traditional tango venue, where local dancers and musicians bring the passion and history of this iconic dance to life.
Enjoy dinner accompanied by Argentine specialties and Malbec wine while experiencing the music, movement, and atmosphere that have made tango one of South America’s most recognizable cultural expressions. At the end of the evening, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Buenos Aires to El Calafate
At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight south, leaving the energy of Buenos Aires behind as your journey continues into the wild landscapes of Patagonia.
Welcome to El Calafate, known as Argentina’s glacier capital and the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Set on the shores of Lake Argentino and surrounded by the vast Patagonian steppe, this remote destination introduces you to a completely different side of South America, where immense glaciers, turquoise lakes, and dramatic mountain landscapes dominate the scenery.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure to relax, explore the town, and prepare for the adventures ahead.
El Calafate
Begin your day with an early pick-up from your hotel and travel along Argentina’s legendary Route 40 towards the La Leona River, surrounded by the vast landscapes of the Patagonian steppe.
After receiving your equipment and safety briefing, set off on an approximately 10-mile (16 km) kayaking adventure along the river. Paddle through a remote landscape of dramatic rock formations, open plains, and distant mountains as you experience Patagonia from a completely different perspective.
Halfway through the journey, leave the kayaks behind for an approximately 2-hour hike at Cerro Los Hornos. Explore this fascinating paleontological landscape, where petrified wood and fossil remains reveal traces of Patagonia’s prehistoric past. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a scenic viewpoint before returning to the river.
Continue paddling towards the Turbio stream, where your kayaking adventure comes to an end. From there, travel onward to El Chaltén, Argentina’s trekking capital and the gateway to the spectacular Fitz Roy massif.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel, ready for the next stage of your active Patagonian adventure.
El Chaltén
Get ready for a day surrounded by the wilderness of El Chaltén, Argentina’s trekking capital and one of South America’s premier hiking destinations. With an extensive network of well-marked, self-guided trails, you can choose the route and pace that best suit your interests.
For a shorter option, hike approximately 2 miles (3 km) to the Cerro Torre viewpoint. The trail takes you through native lenga forest, with beautiful views of the surrounding Patagonian landscape along the way. Keep an eye out for local birdlife, particularly the Magellanic woodpecker, one of the region’s most distinctive species.
Whether you choose this scenic walk or venture further along one of El Chaltén’s longer trails, today is yours to experience Patagonia on foot and at your own pace.
El Chaltén
For those looking for a true hiking challenge, today offers the opportunity to tackle one of Patagonia’s most iconic trails: Laguna de los Tres, at the foot of the legendary Mount Fitz Roy.
This approximately 9-hour trek takes you through some of El Chaltén’s most spectacular landscapes, with panoramic views over the Río de las Vueltas valley, native forests, mountain streams, and the surrounding granite peaks. Along the way, pass Laguna Capri, where the waters provide beautiful perspectives of the Fitz Roy massif.
The final section of the trail is the most demanding, with a steep ascent leading to Laguna de los Tres. The effort is rewarded with one of South America’s most memorable mountain panoramas: Mount Fitz Roy rising dramatically above the turquoise glacial lagoon.
From here, a short walk leads to a viewpoint overlooking Laguna Sucia, another impressive glacial lake surrounded by rugged mountains. Take time to enjoy the scenery before beginning your descent back to El Chaltén.
Enjoy your final morning in El Chaltén with time to explore the village or take a short hike through the surrounding Patagonian landscape.
One of our recommended options is the trail to Chorrillo del Salto, an easy walk leading to a picturesque waterfall hidden among native lenga and ñire forests. Along the way, enjoy the peaceful surroundings and discover some of Patagonia’s characteristic flora before reaching the waterfall.
In the afternoon, board the bus to El Calafate. During the approximately 3-hour journey, sit back and enjoy the vast landscapes of Southern Patagonia as you leave the mountains of El Chaltén behind.
Upon arrival in El Calafate, you will be transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the evening at leisure to relax or explore the town at your own pace.
Ushuaia
Continue your Patagonian adventure as you travel even farther south. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred from your hotel to El Calafate Airport for your flight to Ushuaia. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Set between the mountains and the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia is one of South America’s southernmost cities and the gateway to the wild landscapes of Tierra del Fuego. Its name comes from the language of the Yámana people, the original inhabitants of the region, and means “protected bay.”
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore this compact city on foot. Stroll along the waterfront, discover its fascinating maritime and pioneering history, or simply take in the dramatic scenery surrounding this remote corner of Argentina.
Ushuaia
Ushuaia
Set out on a 4-hour navigation through the legendary Beagle Channel, one of the most iconic waterways at the southern tip of South America. At the appropriate time, make your own way to the tourist pier in downtown Ushuaia and board a small, fully equipped vessel to begin your journey.
Sail between Argentina and Chile while enjoying panoramic views of Ushuaia Bay, framed by the mountains of Tierra del Fuego. Along the way, observe the region’s rich marine wildlife, including colonies of cormorants and South American sea lions, before reaching the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse.
The experience also includes a landing on Bridges Island, where a bilingual guide will introduce you to the native vegetation and archaeological traces left by the Yámana people, the original inhabitants of the Beagle Channel region.
During the navigation, enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, or traditional Argentine mate while taking in the remote scenery of the End of the World.
Upon returning to Ushuaia, make your own way back to your hotel or enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps stopping at a local café or brewery to experience more of the city’s Patagonian atmosphere.
Puerto Iguazú
Puerto Iguazú
Time to Explore the Iguazú National Park
Today, your driver and bilingual guide will pick you up from your hotel for a full-day exploration of Iguazú National Park on the Argentine side, home to one of South America’s most extraordinary natural wonders.
Set within the lush Atlantic rainforest, Iguazú Falls is surrounded by remarkable biodiversity. As you explore the park, keep an eye out for toucans, parrots, coatis, and other native wildlife while your guide introduces you to this fascinating subtropical ecosystem.
Follow the Upper and Lower Circuits, a network of walkways and trails that provides different perspectives of the countless cascades, from panoramic viewpoints to thrilling close-up encounters with the rushing water. The Argentine side offers a particularly immersive experience, allowing you to walk through the rainforest and among the falls themselves.
One of the highlights of the day is the spectacular Devil’s Throat, the largest and most powerful section of Iguazú Falls. Reach it by ecological train followed by a walk along elevated boardwalks, where you can experience the immense force of the water from remarkably close range.
After exploring the trails, enjoy free time for lunch and photographs surrounded by the rainforest. At the end of this approximately 7-hour experience, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Buenos Aires
Discover another side of Iguazú today, leaving the famous waterfalls behind to venture deeper into the subtropical rainforest and experience one of South America’s most biodiverse environments.
Begin the day at La Chacrita with a regional breakfast before setting out on an approximately 2.5-mile (4 km) hike through the lush jungle. Surrounded by dense vegetation, tropical colors, and the sounds of the forest, enjoy a more intimate encounter with the natural landscapes of northeastern Argentina.
The trail leads to Mbocay Falls, a peaceful setting of cascading water and natural pools hidden within the forest. Take time to relax and, conditions permitting, enjoy a refreshing swim before returning to La Chacrita for lunch.
Afterwards, say farewell to Iguazú and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Enjoy your final evening at leisure in Argentina’s vibrant capital. Explore Palermo Soho, where lively streets, restaurants, bars, boutiques, and cafés provide the perfect setting to celebrate the end of your adventure through Argentina.
Your 15-day adventure through Argentina comes to an end today. From the vibrant culture of Buenos Aires and the glaciers, mountains, and remote wilderness of Patagonia to the lush rainforest and immense waterfalls of Iguazú, you have experienced some of the remarkable contrasts that make Argentina one of South America’s most diverse destinations.
At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Buenos Aires International Airport for your flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories of your journey through this extraordinary corner of South America.
¡Buen viaje!
We make every effort to deliver your itinerary and hotel reservations exactly as planned. Occasionally, weather conditions, natural events, or other circumstances affecting your safety may require our local operators to modify the order of services.
Included
- 3-night accommodation in Buenos Aires
- 4-night accommodation in El Calafate
- 2-night accommodation in El Chaltén
- 3-night accommodation in Ushuaia
- 2-night accommodation in Iguazú
- Daily breakfast
- Meals according to the itinerary: snacks and dinner on day 2; lunch on day 10
- Transfers and tours mentioned in the itinerary
Not Included
- International or domestic flights or buses
- National Park entrance fees
- Brazilian Visa: Citizens of some nationalities are required to present a tourist visa to enter Brazil. Please check the requirements on your country’s consulate website. If you need any other information check this link
- Iguazú Eco Fee: This is a mandatory tax that you have to pay once you get to your hotel in Iguazú. It’s about $5 USD per guest, per night, and it varies according to your hotel category. Only cash is accepted.
- Port tax (day 11)
- Travel / Medical Insurance – Follow this link to get a free quote (only available for U.S. Travelers)