Luxury Argentina Lake District & Patagonia - 14 Days

Highlights

• Experience the best of Buenos Aires, from wine tastings to tango shows
• Stay in the alpine retreat of Bariloche and hike around Lago Nahuel Huapi
• Travel to Los Glaciares National Park and hike on the surface of a glacier
• Go trekking around Mount Fitz Roy and kayaking along the Río Vuelta

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Optional Activities

Welcome to Argentina! It's not hyperbole to say this South American country is one of the globe's finest travel destinations. It offers world-class cities and natural beauty, including one of the last remaining wild frontiers: Patagonia. You'll experience both indoor and outdoor fun, beginning with your arrival in the capital of Buenos Aires. Sitting on the Río de la Plata, it's the most European of all the Latin American capitals—evident from the city's wide boulevards lined with elegant Baroque and neoclassical buildings.

A driver will meet you at the airport for the ride into the city center and the upscale Puerto Madero neighborhood. In this waterfront enclave is your hotel: Faena. This 5-star luxury accommodation enjoys a unique location in a refurbished grain warehouse. The classy rooms and suites feature king beds, hand-woven throws, and Arabescato marble bathrooms. After settling in, feel free to decompress with a trip to the wellness center for a massage or soak in a hammam bath. Also, you can enjoy afternoon tea in the intimate lounge amid crystal candelabras while accompanied by live music.

Day 2: Buenos Aires Sightseeing Tour, Wine Tasting

If you didn't get a chance to see the sights yesterday, you'll do so this morning on a walking tour. Meet your guide after breakfast for this half-day excursion, which will take you to landmarks like the Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada. The plaza is the site where Buenos Aires was founded in 1536, and besides the presidential palace, other historical buildings remain. These include the Cabildo, which dates to 1610 and functioned as the town council during the colonial era.

Continue to San Telmo and La Boca, where you'll spend more time. In La Boca, take a walk down colorful Caminito Street. The zinc tenement homes that defined this port neighborhood during the 19th century still stand, and there are plenty of historic cafés and milongas (tango clubs) here, too. It's also home to La Bombonera, the most famous futból (soccer) stadium in the country. Later, you'll return to Puerto Madero and finish the tour by learning about the old waterfront warehouses that have been redesigned and now comprise one of the most upscale neighborhoods in the city.

After some time to relax back at the hotel, you'll head out in the evening for a two-hour wine-tasting experience. Led by a local sommelier, it includes a sampling of six select wines paired with fine cheeses and charcuterie. Of course, one of the wines you'll sample is Argentina's flagship varietal: malbec. You'll also learn why there's no better accompaniment to a sizzling cut of Argentine beef than a glass of this full-bodied liquid gold. 

Day 3: Fly to Bariloche, Stargazing Experience

Say goodbye to the capital this morning as you transfer to the airport and board a two-hour flight south to San Carlos de Bariloche, or "Bariloche" for short. It's located in Argentina's beautiful Lake District on the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi—the name, which means "jaguar island," comes from the Mapuche Indigenous people who once inhabited the area. The city itself was founded in 1902, and the lake is part of Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi. 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, it's 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.

Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool or enjoying treatments at the hotel spa. Then, after dinner, meet your guide for the transfer to a remote spot in the wilderness free of light pollution. There, under the clear Patagonian sky, marvel at the canopy of bright, twinkling stars above. There's no better way to commune with nature and the cosmos simultaneously.

Day 4: Nahuel Huapi Kayaking & Nature Hike

The adventures in Argentina's great outdoors begin this morning with a private transfer to López Bay. There, 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 5: Cerro Catedral & Refugio Frey Hike

You're in for a more rugged hike this morning as you leave the hotel on a guided trek up through the Cerro Catedral massif. The starting point is a ski resort at the base of the mountain, where you'll hop on a chairlift for the ride up to a station at 6,561 feet (2,000 m) above sea level.

Then hit the trail on a rocky path for an hour. This section is steep, but there will be stops to hydrate and enjoy views of Mount Tronador, Cerro Negro, and the Valle del Arroyo Rucaco mountain valley. The hike becomes easier and faster for the next two hours until you arrive at the Schmoll and Toncek lagoons. These mark the entrance to the Frey Valley, known for its otherworldly red granite rock formations.

Break for lunch on the shores of the Toncek beneath the surrounding jagged peaks. Before embarking on the return trek to Cerro Catedral, you'll stop at Refugio Frey mountain hut to learn some regional alpine history. Then head back down the mountain on a trail passing through rich lenga forests. Eventually, you'll reach the ski center parking lot and catch a 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 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 in 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 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, 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 8: Safari on the Patagonia Steppe

Enjoy a thrilling 4WD adventure when you meet your driver for a half-day safari on the famous Patagonian steppe. This vast, arid expanse of flatlands has seen its fair share of travelers, artists, and adventurers over the centuries. They're drawn to its quiet emptiness and rugged peacefulness, and you might get hooked, too.

Besides cruising the scenic desert terrain, you'll also spot regional wildlife, like condors, foxes, and guanacos (a type of llama). You'll also travel to Estancia 25 de Mayo, a nature reserve and heritage area occupying 42,000 acres of (17,000 ha) Patagonian wilderness. Famous for its sheep ranches and paleontological finds, you'll learn about the area's pioneer history and rich fossil sites. Afterward, return to your hotel.

Day 9: Transfer to El Chaltén, Visit the Madsen Museum

In the morning, a driver will pick you up for the three-hour drive north to El Chaltén. This town lies right above Lago Viedma and is a major hub in Patagonia for mountain hikes. If the skies are clear during the drive, you'll have incredible views of the iconic massif of Mount Fitz Roy at 11,171 feet (3,405 m). Though filled with cool cafés and craft beer bars, El Chaltén often feels overcrowded with travelers and trekkers. That's why you'll stay 23 miles (37 km) north of town at Aguas Arriba.

This expansive lodge sits on Lago del Desierto and occupies 1,700 acres (688 ha) of pristine Patagonian wilderness. The cozy rooms with lake views are spacious and well-equipped, but the real star is its proximity to Los Glaciares National Park, featuring Nathofagus forests that are ideal for nature hikes. The lodge serves gourmet meals in its elegant dining room with wraparound windows overlooking the water, and when the sun is out, you can also dine on the lakefront terrace.

After dropping off your bags, you can head back toward town and embark on a journey through regional history at the Madsen Museum. This fine museum is the former ranch home of pioneer Andreas Madsen, a Danish immigrant credited with building the first-ever home in El Chaltén. There are fascinating exhibits here that detail Madsen's immigrant experience, as well as the hardships endured by pioneers over a century ago. Later, you'll return to the hotel. 

Day 10: Hike to Laguna de Los Tres

It's an early start as you head out on one of the most famous and scenic day hikes in the region: the trek up to Laguna de los Tres. The 8- to 9-hour hike starts with your arrival at the trailhead at Estancia El Pilar, located a few miles north of town. During the 14-mile (23 km) trek, you'll pass through native lenga forests and stop at incredible viewpoints looking out to the Fitz Roy Valley and Piedras Blancas Glacier.

Then, cross a suspension bridge to reach Río Blanco Base Camp, which is a hub for rock climbers. From there, it's a final push to Mirador Laguna de los Tres, which looks out to the gorgeous lagoon and affords panoramic views of three surrounding peaks: Fitz Roy, Poincenot, and Torre. After a break for lunch, you'll have some time to relax and enjoy the scenery before descending back to El Chaltén.

Day 11: Las Vueltas River Kayak Trip

You've hiked around El Chaltén on foot, now it's time to enjoy its natural splendor by water. This morning, you'll enjoy a half-day kayak ride down the Río de las Vueltas, the main river that runs through and around the El Chaltén area. It begins when you meet your private kayaking guide on the riverbank at the Laguna Cóndor mountain refuge, located a few minutes outside of town.

After a safety briefing and gathering your equipment, you'll board the kayak. It's a fun descent down a river valley during which you'll be treated to epic views of Fitz Roy and the surrounding peaks. Eventually, you'll arrive at the Bonanza Refuge, where you'll leave the kayak on the river banks and transfer back to El Chaltén. 

Day 12: Loma del Pliegue Tumbado Trek

Another memorable trek is on the agenda for today, and the circuit hike to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado is as challenging as it is rewarding. Taking an entire day to complete, this 12.4-mile (20 km) route rewards trekkers by offering some of the finest panoramic views in the whole El Chaltén area.

You'll start right at the entrance to town, at the national park headquarters. From the trailhead, cross a wooden bridge over a stream and continue on a steady ascent up through native lenga forests on your way to an area called the Pampas, locally known as "Pampa de las Carretas." At that point, you'll be treated to wide views of the Fitz Roy, Torre, and Huemul massifs. 

Day 13: Fly to Buenos Aires, Dinner & Tango Show

Say goodbye to Patagonia as you transfer back to El Calafate and the airport this morning for the three-hour flight to Buenos Aires. Once there, you'll return to Puerto Madero and the Faena Hotel. You'll have the rest of the day free to relax and enjoy the hotel amenities.

In the evening, get dressed up for your last night out in the big city. You'll then take a short trip to Tango Rojo, also located in Puerto Madero. Here, you'll enjoy a three-hour, three-course dinner and dining experience with live tango performances. Argentina's most famous 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 conquered the world. Experience the passion and artistry of this iconic genre in a cabaret-style atmosphere. 

Day 14: Private Tango Lesson, Depart Argentina

What better way to cap your time in Argentina than with a private tango lesson? In the morning, you'll return to La Boca, which is where tango was invented. After another quick stroll down Caminito Street, you'll visit an original conventillo—a historic tenement tenant house. There, you'll discover the culture and passion of tango and the guidance of an expert instructor.

After a couple of hours learning a few sophisticated dance moves, you'll say goodbye to your instructor (and Buenos Aires) as you meet your driver for the transfer to the airport. There, you'll catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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