Luxury Active Tour & Wildlife Viewing in Argentina - 14 Days

Highlights

• Enjoy city bike tours, tango shows, and boat trips in and around Buenos Aires
• See whales, elephant seals, penguins, and more while exploring Puerto Madryn
• Take yacht tours in Argentina's beautiful Lake District and dine at fine restaurants
• Wear crampons to hike on Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Dinner & Tango Show

Welcome to Argentina! The second largest country in South America features not only some of the continent's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, but its capital of Buenos Aires is nothing to sneeze at, either. This mega-metropolis of some 15 million people sits on the delta of the River Plate and captivates visitors with its elegant Baroque and neoclassical architecture, endless nightlife, and world-class churrasco (grilled beef). 

Upon arrival at Ezeiza Airport, you'll transfer to your accommodation: the Alvear Palace. This 5-star luxury hotel in the city's old-money Recoleta district enjoys a central location close to historic landmarks (like the famous cemetery where Evita is buried). It's also the model of timeless elegance, mixing classic French opulence with modern urban style. The grand suites feature crystal chandeliers and Argentine art hanging on the walls, while luxurious amenities include a rooftop heated pool and afternoon tea service. If you're tense after the flight, head to the spa for a massage and/or body exfoliation.

Now that you're relaxed and reinvigorated, it's time to get dressed up for a night out. In the evening, you'll transfer by private car to Tango Rojo, located in the upscale Puerto Madero neighborhood. Here, you'll enjoy a three-hour, three-course dinner and dining experience with live tango performances. This musical/dance style originated in the ports of Buenos Aires, merging the country dances of rural Spain with other influences from newly arriving immigrants. By the early 20th century, it had become famous worldwide. Experience the passion and artistry of this iconic genre in a cabaret-style atmosphere. 

Day 2: Buenos Aires Bike Tour (South Circuit) 

There's a lot of Buenos Aires to discover, and you've only got a day to do it. Luckily, you'll maximize efficiency by traveling around the city on a bicycle. This 10.5-mile (17 km) route will take you through the city's historic south. It begins around Lezama Park, which straddles San Telmo and La Boca—the two oldest neighborhoods in the city. The latter is the site of Buenos Aires' original port and the birthplace of tango music. Today, it's most famous for its historic (and colorful) Caminito Street. La Boca is also home to La Bombonera, the most famous futból stadium in the country.

Continue riding along the cobbled streets of romantic San Telmo, past corner cafés, on your way to Plaza de Mayo. This historic square is where the city was founded in the 16th century and is the site of the Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace). After snapping photos of the palace's pink facade, you'll continue north to the upscale waterfront neighborhood of Puerto Madero. After visiting a wetland ecological reserve in the area, you'll break for lunch at a boardwalk food truck specializing in Argentina's famous grilled meats. From there, finish riding back to the San Telmo area. 

Day 3: Fly to Puerto Madryn, Transfer to Peninsula Valdés

It's time to say goodbye to Buenos Aires as you hop on a flight south into Patagonia, the wild frontier comprising South America's southern cone. After two hours in the air, you'll touch down in Puerto Madryn. Located on the Golfo Nuevo on Patagonia's eastern coast, this pleasant seaside town is the gateway to Peninsula Valdés. Just across the gulf from Puerto Madryn, it's an otherwise unassuming peninsula that happens to be one of the best places to view marine life in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's home to seals, sea lions, penguins, southern right whales, and more.

The star here is the wildlife, which is why you'll be staying outside of town, right on the peninsula. Your hotel is the Estancia Rincón Chico, a luxury ecolodge in every sense. This exclusive property occupies 10 miles (16 km) of unspoiled Valdés coastline, and right from your window, you can spot dolphins and whales frolicking offshore. It's also a ranch where you'll receive personalized attention from the local owners/hosts. And with only eight well-appointed rooms, you can expect a tranquil stay to enjoy the surrounding nature while promoting conservation.

After checking in, take the rest of the day free to enjoy activities like horseback riding, mountain biking, and birding. You can also take a stroll along the coastal dunes, but make sure to get to sleep at a reasonable hour—tomorrow, you've got a big day of wildlife spotting.

Day 4: Day Trip to an Elephant Seal Colony

Rise and shine! This morning, you're off to marvel at the marine wildlife that calls this region home. Meet your private guide after breakfast and embark on a full-day tour around the natural marine menagerie of Peninsula Valdés. Specifically, you'll travel to either Estancia San Lorenzo or Punta Ninfas—both ideal spots to witness elephant seals in their natural habitat.

When you arrive, you can get close enough to these enormous mammals to appreciate them, yet far enough you don't interfere with their activities. Around midday, you'll break for a Patagonian country brunch, then do some more wildlife spotting before returning to the estancia.

Day 5: Peninsula Valdés Private Tour & Whale Watching

The spectacle of Mother Nature continues as you embark early on a guided tour to some of the best whale watching locales on Penisula Valdés. You'll first arrive in the coastal town of Puerto Pirámides and hop in a boat for a ride around the gulf. June through December are the best months for spotting southern right whales breaching the surface, while South American sea lions and cormorants are common from January through March.

After some time on the water, you'll return to Puerto Pirámides and break for a leisurely lunch (two hours). After eating, continue to the nearby Punta Pirámides headland, home to a sea lion colony. Finally, you'll travel to the peninsula's eastern coast and Caleta Valdés. This large inlet is home to a large colony of elephant seals. Later, during the drive back to your hotel, watch for other unique wildlife like wild rheas, tinamous, guanacos, foxes, cavies, and armadillos.

Day 6: Fly to Bariloche, Optional Activities

You've got a big travel day ahead. Transfer to the airport early and catch a connecting flight (likely in Buenos Aires) to get to the northwestern end of Patagonia and Argentina's famous Lake District. You'll arrive in the alpine city of Bariloche, which was founded by Swiss immigrants in 1902 on the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi. The name, which means "jaguar island," comes from the Mapuche Indigenous people who once inhabited the area.

A driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you just north of the city to a peninsula on the lakeshore. Here, you'll check into the Villa Beluno Hotel & Spa. This 4-star, resort-style hotel occupies an expansive and elegant villa nestled in the peaceful countryside. Ideal for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, the spacious, chalet-style rooms feature hardwood floors, ample natural light, and lake views backed by snowcapped peaks. Amenities include an enticing infinity pool, solarium, and day spa where you can take the edge off your day of traveling with a relaxing massage.

Once you've settled into the hotel, you'll have the rest of the day free. In the evening, grab a craft cocktail at the chic hotel bar before taking a seat at the French/Italian-inspired Avellana restaurant for a gourmet meal. Of course, on the menu, you'll also find a thick, juicy Argentine steak grilled over oakwood and paired with a glass of full-bodied malbec.

Day 7: Kayaking & Hiking Tour in the Nahuel Huapi Lakes

The Lake District adventures begin this morning with a private transfer to López Bay. On the lakeshore, you'll grab a paddle and hop in a kayak for a ride around Nahuel Huapi. Marvel at views of the surrounding snowcapped peaks as you glide across the lake's glassy waters. After about an hour and a half, you'll disembark at a secluded spot to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch accompanied by Argentine wine and a tasty dessert.

After eating, continue paddling to another destination on the lakeshore, where you'll find a trailhead. Then begin a brisk 2.5-hour hike up to the Brazo Tristeza viewpoint, which features Instragrammable vistas over the lake, its islands, and the peak of Cerro Tronador. Spend some time admiring the views before hiking back to the trailhead and returning to your hotel. 

Day 8: Nahuel Huapi Yacht Tour, Open-Fire Cooking Class

Experience Lago Nahuel Huapi in style as you cruise its azure and turquoise waters on a private yacht. This three-hour tour begins after breakfast when you transfer to Puerto Pañuelo, near your hotel. There, you'll board the yacht and head out on a leisurely cruise across the glassy waters. Along the way, you'll stop at secluded beaches and Isla Victoria. There, you'll stretch your legs on a nature hike and admire panoramic views of Nahuel Huapi and its surrounding mountains. Of course, throughout the journey, refreshments (including wine and beer) will be served on deck.

Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the hotel. Later, you'll enjoy a memorable excursion that combines a countryside tour with an authentic foodie experience. You and your driver will travel around the peninsula to a viewpoint affording sweeping views of the lake and Cerro Tronador.

Then, hike over to a family farm and meet the owner, Lucas Mallmann, who will be your chef/guide for today. Having trained under the eye of his uncle Francis Mallmann (the most famous chef in Argentina), Lucas has mastered the art of open-fire cooking. There, in the great outdoors, he'll lead you through the entire process of cooking over an open flame, from building the fire to roasting meat on the grill and in cast-iron pans. At the end of the experience, everyone will sit down for dinner paired with fine Argentine wine. Later, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 9: Río Manso Whitewater Rafting

In the morning, a driver will pick you up for the transfer to the edge of Nahuel Huapi National Park, near the border with Chile. Your destination is a camp on the Río Manso that serves as the starting point for today's river rafting excursion. Once there, a light breakfast of coffee and croissants will be provided, and after eating, you'll change into a wet suit. Then it's time for a safety talk from the head guide, after which you'll embark down the Río Manso.

This stretch of river cuts through a scenic canyon, with fertile vegetation on the riverbanks and some of the best whitewater in the region. The rapids here are Class III and IV, so be prepared to get wet. Just the names of these rapids evoke excitement and adventure: Ozone Hole, Scream and Cry, Little Toboggan, and Scrambled Egg are some of the sections you'll brave before pulling up to the riverbank at the Chilean border. Here, you'll leave the river behind, change clothes, load up all the gear, and enjoy a bit of lunch. Afterward, you'll transfer back to Bariloche.

Day 10: Fly to El Calafate, Dinner at Rancho Aparte Restaurant

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the two-hour flight farther south and deep into Patagonia and El Calafate. Sitting on the shores of Lago Argentino, El Calafate is the main base for trips into the famous Los Glaciares National Park and one of its star attractions, Perito Moreno Glacier.

Upon arrival at the airport, your driver will transfer you west of town to EOLO. Also known as "Patagonia's Spirit," this 4-star ranch-style accommodation enjoys a privileged location on the wild Patagonian frontier. EOLO is the place to come to experience Patagonia in a secluded setting, as it focuses on understated luxury and excursions/adventures into the surrounding wilderness. Rugged country aside, guests here can enjoy gourmet dining amid panoramic views and sublimely restful sleep in elegant rooms decorated with antique furniture.

After dropping off your bags, you'll return to town for a dining experience celebrating rustic yet gourmet Patagonian cuisine in all its glory. Take a seat at Rancho Aparte, a Patagonian ranch home converted into a closed-door restaurant where guests are treated to home-cooked meals from fixed menus. Highlights include regional specialties like roast Patagonian lamb and goulash with gnocchi pasta, all prepared with organic ingredients from local farms. Of course, the menu is paired with some of the finest wines in Patagonia and throughout Argentina.

Day 11: Perito Moreno Mini-Trekking & Glacier Hike

Meet your driver this morning and head out on a tour of Los Glaciares National Park. The ride there takes about an hour, and as you enter the park, you'll catch your first glimpse of the mighty Perito Moreno. This expansive glacier is 97 square miles (250 sq km) and flows down from the Andes over the turquoise waters of Lago Argentino, ending in a great wall that curves around the lake.

The adventure begins at Bajo de las Sombras, a port near Perito Moreno. Board a boat for the 20-minute ride across the narrow southern arm of Lago Argentino to the opposite shore. There, you'll meet bilingual mountaineering guides for a mini-trek atop Perito Moreno. Strap on your crampons, grab an ice ax, then embark with your group. You'll never forget the experience of traversing the surface of this massive ice flow, crossing over deep blue ice crevices, and hiking over meltwater streams. At the end of the excursion, you'll transfer back to El Calafate.

Day 12: Private South Glacier Adventure

Leave the hotel early this morning and hop in a private car for the 37-mile (60 km) transfer to the pier at Los Pioneros, at the southern end of Los Glaciares National Park. There, you'll board a ferry for the hour ride further down the southern arm of Lago Argentina. At the end of the ride, continue on foot for 1.2 miles (2 km) until you reach Laguna Fría. There, hop in a Zodiac-style boat for a zippy ride across the lagoon.

Upon disembarking on the opposite bank, the second trek begins. This 2.8-mile (4.5 km) hike will take you through centuries-old lenga forests and across an ancient glacial valley. The trail ends at an iceberg-dotted lake with prime views of three glaciers in the distance. After relaxing at the lakeshore, snapping pics, and enjoying a leisurely lunch, you'll begin the return to El Calafate.

Day 13: Fly to Buenos Aires, Dinner at Fogon

Say goodbye to Patagonia, because you're off to the airport for the three-hour flight back to Buenos Aires. After touching down, transfer back to where it all started: the Alvear Palace. Spend the day relaxing and enjoy the hotel amenities like the day spa (where you can enjoy a massage or body exfoliation). When dinnertime rolls around, head out for one last Argentine asado (barbecue). This evening's dining experience takes place at Fogón, an exclusive, closed-door restaurant where you're the guest of honor. 

Throughout the evening, you'll enjoy a tasting menu of fine cuts of meat and classic Argentine recipes that showcase new grill techniques, elevating the traditional asado to new heights. To complement the experience, there's an impressive wine menu featuring the best boutique wines from Argentina designed to perfectly enhance the flavors of the meal. At the end of the night, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 14: Boat Trip to Tigre & Lunch, Depart Buenos Aires

It's your last day in Argentina, but the fun is far from over. This morning, you'll meet your private guide and transfer along the mighty Río de la Plata to the point where it converges with the Paraña River Delta. This region, located about an hour north of Buenos Aires, is comprised of a series of islands and waterfront communities.

There, you'll enter a network of freshwater canals, eventually arriving at Tigre, a Venetian-style village. During a day tour, you'll stroll the waterfront, stop in at the cafés and bistros, visit museums, and experience this riverside gem any way you like. Lunch will be at Il Novo Maria del Luján, a white-tablecloth restaurant overlooking the river that serves seafood and steaks. The restaurant's opulent building is a historic landmark that also houses Tigre's Museum of Fine Arts. Later, you'll transfer back to Buenos Aires to catch your flight home. Adiós!

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