Luxury Argentina Lake District & Patagonia - 10 Days

Highlights

• Let a private guide show you the best wine, tango, and speakeasies in Buenos Aires
• Travel to the Lake District and choose between nature hikes and island boat trips
• Fly deep into Patagonia and trek across the surface of glaciers wearing crampons
• Go horseback riding and have lunch at a colonial-style mansion before departure

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Speakeasy Cocktail Adventure

Welcome to Argentina! One of the globe's great bucket-list travel destinations, this South American country offers something for every type of travel. Its southern Patagonia region is one of the world's last wild frontiers, and its capital, Buenos Aires, is a dynamic metropolis that packs a massive dose of fun and culture. This luxurious holiday kicks off upon arrival at the airport, where a private driver will be waiting to transfer you into the city.

Your destination is the upscale Recoleta neighborhood. Amid its old-money splendor and Baroque buildings is the Four Seasons. Part early-20th-century mansion, part contemporary high-rise, the hotel delivers European elegance with an Argentine twist. The spacious guest rooms and suites feature king beds and marble bathrooms, and there are two world-class restaurants: a French-style brasserie and an Argentine parrilla (barbecue restaurant). If you like, head to the spa and take the edge off the long flight with a "tango massage" or anti-aging body treatment.

Later, dive headfirst into Buenos Aires' famous nightlife scene on a tour of closed-door bars that recreate the atmosphere and style of old-time speakeasies. To find them, you need an insider. As such, an expert bartender will guide you to these enticing, prohibition-style cocktail dens—an event-filled experience hopping around the city's underground nightlife circuit. And while this experience lasts four hours, know that, in this city, the fun doesn't stop until dawn.

Day 2: Morning City Tour, Dinner & Tango Show

This morning you're off to discover the city on a sightseeing tour. Meet your private guide in Retiro, a neighborhood near your hotel famous for its historic plazas. Do some window shopping as you stroll the boutiques on Avenida Alvear back to Recoleta and its world-famous cemetery. Amid the grand mausoleums, which inter some of Argentina's most noteworthy historical figures, one grave stands out: Eva (Evita) Perón's. The tour finishes in the trendy Palermo neighborhood at expansive parks designed by renowned landscape architect Charles Thays.

In the evening, you'll transfer by private car to Gala Tango. Located in the upscale Puerto Madero neighborhood, this opulent restaurant and dinner theater is the perfect venue to enjoy a classic tango performance. 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 as you dine on an a la carte menu paired with fine wines from the famed Mendoza region.

Day 3: Fly to Bariloche, Dinner With a Local Family

It's a big travel day, as this morning you'll return to the airport for the two-hour flight south to San Carlos de Bariloche, located in Argentina's beautiful Lake District. Called "Bariloche" for short (the name, which means "Jaguar Island," comes from the Mapuche Indigenous people who once inhabited the area), the city was founded in 1902 on the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi. It's part of Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, and in the coming days, you'll experience the park's majesty on nature hikes and excursions.

From the airport, you'll transfer outside the city to Hotel Llao Llao. Sitting on a small peninsula overlooking the lake, the 5-star Llao Llao is not only the finest hotel in the Lake District but also one of the finest hotels in all of Argentina. The luxurious Swiss-chalet-inspired architecture is matched only by its interior layout, featuring elegant rooms and suites with lake views. The hotel offers two restaurants serving gourmet Patagonian and Argentine cuisine, and when you arrive, you can take advantage of Llao Llao's famously opulent afternoon tea service or play a round at its 18-hole golf course. 

Dinner this evening is an intimate intro to Patagonia culture, as you'll be welcomed into the home of a local family for a home-cooked meal. It's as much about the company as the cuisine, as you'll spend time with your hosts, learn some cooking tips, and share a glass (or two) of fine wine. Who knows, you might make a friend for life.

Day 4: Day Trip to Brazo Tristeza, Boating & Hiking

This morning, you'll get to explore a beautiful corner of Nahuel Huapi. After an early breakfast, meet your driver and transfer about 30 minutes outside of Bariloche to the Brazo Tristeza region. This deep glacial fjord occupies an arm of the southwest area of Nahuel Huapi and features all the dazzling scenery that defines the Lake District: snowcapped peaks, dense forests, and glassy waters.

You'll arrive at Bahía Lopez, and from the pier, you'll hop on a private boat for the one-hour ride along the calm, glassy waters of Brazo Tristeza. It's a scenic trip during which you'll pass Valdivian forests on the lakeshore. It's also a great place for birding, as the area is home to exotic avian species like thrushes, woodpeckers, and the Andean condor. 

Day 5: Day Trip to Isla Victoria

It's another splendid day to appreciate the Lake District's natural wonders. In the morning, you'll travel 30 minutes from Bariloche to Puerto Pañuelo, where you'll hop on a catamaran cruise bound for Isla Victoria. This little island is located on the lake's northern end and is filled with unique flora. One example is an almost mythical arrayán (Chilean myrtle) forest, which is considered the last in the world.

On a hike around the island, you'll pass other native trees like conifers and Antarctic beeches, some of which are over 600 years old. The nature trails will take you to secluded pebble beaches, where you can gaze out at the glassy, crystalline waters of Nahuel Huapi. After a couple of hours enjoying Isla Victoria, you'll transfer back to Bariloche.

Day 6: Fly to El Calafate, Dinner at Rancho Aparte

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the two-hour flight further south 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 5-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 7: 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, and then embark with your group. You'll never forget the experience of traversing the surface of this massive ice flow, crossing deep blue ice crevices, and hiking over meltwater streams. At the end of the excursion, you'll transfer back to El Calafate.

Day 8: 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 farther 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 9: Fly to Buenos Aires, Evening Wine Tasting

Say goodbye to Patagonia because today you're off to the airport for the three-hour flight back to Buenos Aires. After touching down, you'll transfer back to the Four Seasons. This is your chance to spend the day enjoying the hotel amenities or indulging in a spa treatment. Later in the evening, head to a wine shop in the chic Palermo neighborhood for a tasting. Over two hours, you'll sample six select wines (including the famous malbec varietal) paired with fine cheeses and charcuterie. No need to worry about language barriers, as this experience is led by an English-speaking expert sommelier.

Day 10: Day Trip to Estancia, Depart Buenos Aires

For your final day in Argentina, you'll experience this country's rich frontier heritage. In the morning, meet your driver for the 72-mile (117 km) transfer northwest through the famous Pampas prairies to San Antonio de Areco. This bucolic town is the heart of Argentina's gaúcho (cowboy) country and retains its equestrian and silversmith traditions even today. It's also rich with folk history, inspiring Argentine author José Hernández's epic poem, "Martín Fierro." The ballad recounts the exploits of its fictional hero as he endures life on the frontier.

Your destination is right outside San Antonio, at Estancia La Bamba. This colonial-style mansion dates to 1830 and sits on expansive grounds shaded by plane trees, offering visitors an authentic Argentine countryside experience. Once here, you can choose between various activities, like horseback riding, hiking, or sightseeing in an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage. The estancia is also a working farm, and you can observe typical ranch-style activities such as herding animals, branding cattle, and milking cows.

A highlight is sitting down to a traditional asado (Argentine barbecue). Enjoy grilled meat and empanadas paired with Argentine wine while entertained by horse shows and traditional folk dancing. Afterward, you'll return to Buenos Aires and the airport to catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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