Argentina's Lake District & Wine Country Adventure - 7 Days

Highlights

• Explore soaring mountains and mystical forests in the Lake District
• Sip fine malbecs in Mendoza, Argentina's premier wine region
• Get some culture in with a visit to two of Buenos Aires' finest art museums

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bariloche, Gateway to the Lake District

Welcome to San Carlos de Bariloche, the main city in Argentina's famous Lake District! Located in northern Patagonia in Argentina's Río Negro province, Bariloche is an alpine city on the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi, which is part of the larger Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi. If you detect some Indigenous influence in that name, you're correct. It comes from the Mapuche people who once inhabited the area, and it means "Jaguar Island." The lake straddles the Chilean border, with the city of Bariloche located on the southeast shore. 

After a two-hour transfer flight from Argentina's capital of Buenos Aires, you'll arrive in Bariloche. At the airport terminal, a driver will pick you up for the ride into the city and your hotel. Even though you may be tired from your flight, try to get out and explore the city. The charming chalet-style buildings and alpine architecture can be seen and enjoyed on a brisk walk around, and the city center abounds with waterfront plazas, chocolate shops, and upscale restaurants. 

Day 2: Half-Day Circuito Chico Hike

In the morning, meet your guide and embark on a breezy half-day excursion along the famous Circuito Chico (Short Circuit) hiking route. You'll follow the lakeshore west from the city to Playa Bonita, a tranquil pebble beach that looks out to Isla Huemul. Then, continue to some of the area's most famous viewpoints, like Cerro Campanario and the Llao Llao Peninsula. The former is a mountain offering panoramic views of Lago Nahuel Huapi from its summit, while the latter is the site of the most impressive hotel in the country, Hotel Llao Llao.

Continue over a bridge that crosses the Río Angostura, which joins the lakes of Moreno and Nahuel Huapi. You'll then stop at another fine lookout point to snap photos. Afterward, head to Laguna el Trebol, a small lagoon surrounded by woodlands. From there, you'll turn back toward Bariloche and complete the circuit. Throughout the tour, your guide will impart knowledge about the region's rich Indigenous history.

Day 3: Boat Trip to Isla Victoria & Forest Hike

Today you'll have the pleasure of sailing around Nahuel Huapi on a half-day tour. First, you'll take a 30-minute transfer from Bariloche to Puerto Pañuelo, where you'll board a catamaran cruise bound for Isla Victoria. This small island is located on the northern end of the lake and is filled with fascinating flora, including nothofagus (Antarctic beech) forests. Some of these otherworldly trees on Isla Victoria are over 600 years old and are defined by their deep red bark and serpentine, moss-covered roots.

Once on the island, you can enjoy it as you wish. There are plenty of hiking trails if you want to immerse yourself in nature. Don't worry about getting lost, as bilingual guides will never be far off. Otherwise, relax on the pebbled beach as you gaze out at the glassy, crystalline waters.

After the island, you'll visit the Quetrihué Peninsula portion of Los Arrayanes National Park. This relatively small park (just 6.7 sq mi/ 17.3 sq km) is home to a vast arrayán (Chilean myrtle) forest. It's a sight to see as the thin, red stalks of these exotic trees jut skyward like long fingers reaching for the sky. Wooden walkways cut through the park, so you can enjoy the forest at your leisure. Legend has it that Walt Disney got the inspiration for Bambi's forest after a visit to Los Arrayanes.

Day 4: Fly to Mendoza, Argentina's Wine Capital

Say goodbye to Patagonia as you transfer to the airport this morning and catch a two-hour flight to Mendoza. This western part of the country and its famous Maipo Valley is ground zero for the country's booming wine industry. Mendoza also features postcard scenery and opportunities for outdoor adventures. With the Andes looming high above the area's vineyards, there's a wide range of opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting. Upon arrival at the terminal, a driver will pick you up for the ride to your hotel.

Day 5: Uco Valley Wine Country Tour

Taste the fruits of Mendoza's world-famous terroir on a full-day wine tour of the Uco Valley. This renowned wine region is nestled in the Andes foothills just south of Mendoza and is known for producing some of the world's finest malbecs. On today's tour, you'll stop at several wineries as you learn about the different grapes that thrive in this climate.

Sip bottled, tank, and barrel wines at Corazon del Sol's 17 acres (6.7 ha) of vineyards planted at the base of the Andes. Next up is Andeluna, which opened in 2003 in Tupungato Valley at the foot of Tupungato volcano. Enzo Bianchi's family-run winery is known for its malbecs, petit verdots, and cabernet sauvignons. Here, you can take a cooking class while learning about its malbecs, cabernet francs, and cuatro cepas. Upon returning to Mendoza in the evening, ask your expert local guide about the best restaurant recommendations and wine pairings.

Day 6: Fly to Buenos Aires, Tour the Capital's Art & Museums

Leave in the morning on a 1.5-hour flight from Mendoza back to Buenos Aires. You were merely passing through on your first day—now you actually get to enjoy the city. Upon arrival at the terminal, a driver will pick you up for the ride into Buenos Aires and your hotel.

After settling in, meet a local guide for tours of two exciting museums. First is the National Museum of Fine Arts (MNBA). Located in the old-money Recoleta district, it houses a vast collection of 11,000 pieces, including canvases, sculptures, tapestries, engravings, drawings, and more. It also features a small but precious European art collection, with works by Corot, Manet, Boudin, Cézanne, Renoir, and Rodin. The tour primarily focuses on Argentine art, with pieces by Morel, Pueyrredón, López, Sívori, De la Cárcova, Fader and Quiroz, among others.

Later, you'll transfer to Palermo to visit the state-of-the-art Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires (MALBA). The modern space is devoted to the collection, conservation, study, and exhibition of Latin American art from the early 20th century to the present. Artists in the permanent exhibition include Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Antonio Berni, Pedro Figari, Xul Solar, and Guillermo Kuitca.

Day 7: Depart Buenos Aires

It's time to say adiós to Argentina. After breakfast at your hotel, your driver will pick you up for the ride back to the airport, where your departing flight awaits. ¡Buen viaje!

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