Classic Argentina: Buenos Aires, Patagonia & Mendoza - 16 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Explore

Welcome to Argentina! Your trip begins in the capital city of Buenos Aires. Transfer from the airport to your hotel and take some time to get settled before heading off on an afternoon tour of the "Paris of South America." Your guide will start by showing you Plaza de Mayo, home to the Casa Rosada (the national government palace) and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Continue to nearby San Telmo, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods; it's known for its bohemian atmosphere, street tango performances, antique shops, and cobblestoned streets.

La Boca is famed for its brightly-painted houses, and Puerto Madero is on the riverside, with former industrial warehouses turned into elegant bars, restaurants, and offices. Palermo is home to many of the city's best bars, restaurants, and clubs, as well as picturesque parks and gardens. Recoleta is known for its cemetery, where some of Argentina's most famous residents are buried—including Eva Perón, also known as Evita. After the tour, have dinner near your hotel—try an Argentine parrilla or steakhouse—and get some rest.

Day 3: Cruise Down the Canals of Tigre

After breakfast, head down to the waterfront in Puerto Madero to board a boat for a half-day adventure. Cruise along the Río de la Plata to the Paraná Delta, navigating its network of canals. You'll disembark to visit a few spots in the city of Tigre, including the Naval Museum and the Tigre Art Museum. At the Puerto de Frutos marketplace, take a break to have lunch and shop for artisan-made souvenirs. You'll cruise back to Buenos Aires in the afternoon and have the evening free.

Day 5: Fly to El Calafate, Visit the Glaciarium

Today you'll fly to the Patagonian destination of El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. The flight time is about three hours. If you can, get a window seat to take in the stunning views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field as you fly over it. El Calafate is known for its location on Lago Argentino, Argentina's largest freshwater lake. After checking in at your hotel and getting settled, you'll have the afternoon and evening free to stroll around town and do some sightseeing.

Get ready for tomorrow's visit to the nearby glaciers by visiting the Glaciarium. This interactive museum offers hands-on displays and an ice bar where you can take a break for drinks. Stop in the quaint cafés and shops around El Calafate, then have dinner in a local restaurant before getting some rest at your hotel.

Day 7: Visit the Upsala Glacier & Estancia Cristina 

Another boat adventure awaits today. After an early breakfast, set sail from Punta Bandera, gliding over the waters of Lago Argentino to reach the furthest possible point of navigation in the Upsala Channel. From this point, you'll enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the Upsala Glacier. Disembark at the historic ranch known as Estancia Cristina and go on a guided trek through the surrounding valley. The trail gradually ascends to an elevated lookout point offering sweeping views of the valley, Lago Pearson, and the towering Andes mountains.

The highlight of the trek is the Río Los Perros Waterfall, which doubles as a fantastic spot for observing flowers and plant life, especially orchids. Return to Estancia Cristina and tour the grounds, including the small museum located in the old sheepshearing shed, the water wheel, the chapel, and the main lodge. After a full day, boat back to El Calafate and relax in the evening. 

Day 8: Discover the Wilderness Near El Calafate

Today you'll have free time to enjoy El Calafate however you like. You could book a luxurious spa treatment and spend the day relaxing. Embark on an active adventure, like horseback riding at a nearby ranch, or go for a kayak trip on the lake. You could also tour Reserva Laguna Nimez, a protected area that's home to exotic birds like the Chilean flamingo. The reserve is located just a short walk outside town.

Day 9: Fly to Ushuaia, Explore the City

After breakfast in El Calafate, you'll pack up and transfer to the airport for the one-hour flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Located on a bay in Tierra del Fuego, the city sits between the jagged peaks of the Martial Mountains and the silver waters of the Beagle Channel, where Charles Darwin famously sailed. After dropping off your things at your hotel, walk along the waterfront to marvel at the mountains and scenic shoreline.

Day 10: Boat to the Penguin Colony on Isla Martillo

Today you'll board a boat and sail out into the Beagle Channel, taking in views of the coast, the city skyline, and the surrounding mountains. Pass the Isla de los Lobos, a rocky island that's a permanent habitat for a large group of sea lions. Then, it's off to Isla de los Pájaros, home to various species of seabirds, including Magellanic cormorants and imperial shags. Continue to Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and catch a glimpse of the Monte Cervantes, an ocean liner that sank in 1930.

Your guide will also point out attractions onshore and across the channel, such as Estancia Remolino (a remote ranch), Isla Gable, and the naval base at Puerto Williams (located on Isla Navarino, Chile). Your final destination is Isla Martillo, an island populated by penguins. You'll be invited to hop off the boat and walk near them. Although closer contact isn't allowed, you'll have fantastic photo opportunities. After this six-hour day trip, return to Ushuaia for the evening. 

Day 11: Hike & Canoe in Tierra del Fuego National Park

Today, you'll spend most of your time in Tierra del Fuego National Park. Your experienced guide will show you the best hikes, lakes, and lookout points, from seaside mountains to freshwater rivers to subantarctic forests and tranquil bays. Begin with a 4.3-mile (7 km) hike on a coastal path that follows the Beagle Channel. You'll have excellent views of the channel along the way and pass remnants of ancient settlements once occupied by the native Yámana people.

At the end of the hike, enjoy a delicious lunch with views of the Río Lapataia and Lago Roca. Afterward, you'll hop in a canoe and paddle down the river until you reach the southern end of the Pan-American Highway, the world's longest drivable road. This transcontinental route begins in Alaska and covers the entire length of the Americas. Head back to Ushuaia for the night.

Day 12: Fly to Mendoza, Explore

After breakfast, a driver will meet you, and you'll transfer to the airport to catch a two-hour flight to Mendoza. This western part of the country is ground zero for the country's booming wine industry. Mendoza also features breathtaking scenery and opportunities for outdoor adventures. With the Andes looming high above the area's vineyards, there is a wide range of opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting.

Upon arrival in the city, you'll have the rest of the day to relax and explore at your leisure. The city center features expansive plazas and wide boulevards shaded by sycamore trees. One of the most popular local meeting spots is Plaza Independencia, with its impressive fountains and elegant acacia trees. The largest park is Parque General San Martín, and it's a great place to go for a walk around well-manicured grounds and palm trees. Enjoy some Argentine cuisine and wine in the evening at one of Mendoza's many excellent restaurants.

Day 13: Explore the Andes on a High-Altitude Tour

Today you'll explore the untamed landscapes and historical sites found just outside the city of Mendoza. The tour starts early, as there's a lot of ground to cover. After a pickup outside your hotel, you'll drive along the Río Mendoza and enjoy views of the Cordón del Plata mountain range, a subset of the Andes and a popular trekking destination. You'll pass by the Potrerillos Dam, notable for distributing all the water for the region's vineyards.

Continue to Uspallata, a pre-Hispanic native settlement, and the villages of Picheuta, Polvaredas, and Punta de Vacas. At the Los Penitentes ski resort, you can hop on a chairlift and ride up to a summit featuring panoramic views of the area. Next, drive to the Puente del Inca, a natural arch that forms a bridge over the Río Las Cuevas. Ascend 9,022 feet (2,750 m) above sea level to a viewpoint at Cerro Aconcagua. At 22,841 feet (6,962 m), it's the highest mountain in the Americas.

Your last top on today's adventure is the European-style village of Las Cuevas at 10,498 feet (3,200 m) above sea level. Between Las Cuevas and the international tunnel to Chile, a path leads to Christ the Redeemer of the Andes. This monument sits at 12,572 feet (3,832 m) above sea level, symbolizing the union between Argentina and Chile. Drive back to Mendoza in the late afternoon and have a relaxing evening.

Day 14: Kayak at Potrerillos

After breakfast, you'll transfer one hour from your hotel to Potrerillos. This town is located in the foothills of the Andes—the same area you passed through yesterday—and is known for great kayaking, hiking, and rafting. The damming of the Rio Mendoza has created an artificial lake that you'll explore today. On arrival, you'll be outfitted with kayaking gear and receive an introductory safety talk from the professional guide. You'll then spend a few hours paddling on the lake and enjoying beautiful views. Transfer back to Mendoza in the afternoon. 

Day 15: Go on a Wine Tour Around Mendoza 

It's time to get out and explore Mendoza's vineyards and wineries today. On this tour, you'll visit the most famous wine destinations around Mendoza, from Luján de Cuyo to the fertile soil of the Maipú Valley. Throughout the tour, you'll learn about Mendoza's history, beginning with Jesuit priests and European immigrants. They settled here and combined their winemaking knowledge with irrigation techniques passed down from the native Huarpe people, transforming a vast desert into a productive oasis.

You'll visit two wineries that still rely on traditional irrigation methods today and one or two more that use the latest technology in the winemaking process. On tours of the wineries' facilities, you'll learn about the cultivation of grapes, the harvest, and the bottling and labeling process. Of course, you'll also taste the wines! Sample several varietals alongside locally grown olives and artisanal cheeses at each winery. Return to the city of Mendoza in the evening.

Day 16: Fly to Buenos Aires, Depart 

This morning, transfer to the airport for your 1.5-hour flight back to Buenos Aires. From there, you'll catch your return flight home. Safe travels!

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