Buenos Aires, Ushuaia & El Calafate Adventure - 9 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Explore 

Welcome to Buenos Aires! Also known as the "Paris of South America," the capital of Argentina is a city defined by passion, from its rich tango heritage to its citizens' limitless enthusiasm for fútbol (soccer), the country's most popular sport. A driver will pick you up from the airport when you land and take you to your hotel, where you can rest and recharge after a long flight. A few hours later,  venture out to explore the city center.

Visit the Obelisco, the city's most famous monument. It sits right in the middle of Avenida 9 de Julio, a busy avenue that's 16 lanes wide. Stop by the Teatro Colón, one of South America's premier opera houses, which opened in 1908. Stroll through Puerto Madero, an upscale waterfront neighborhood, and cross over the canal on the Puente de la Mujer (Woman's Bridge) at sunset. Finish with dinner at a parrilla (Argentine steakhouse).

Day 3: Trek & Canoe in Tierra del Fuego

Spend the day in Tierra del Fuego National Park, located just outside the city. Your guide will show you the best hikes, lakes, and lookout points and help you discover the park's natural beauty. You'll get to know the ins and outs of this protected paradise, from seaside mountains to icy rivers to subantarctic forests and tranquil bays.

From the park's entrance, hike 4.3 miles (7 km) on a coastal path that follows the Beagle Channel, passing remnants of ancient settlements once occupied by the native Yámana people. After this brisk three-hour trek, you'll reach Lago Roca, where you can relax and enjoy lunch. Then it's time to start your canoe ride down the Río Lapataia toward your ultimate destination, Lapataia Bay. Located in the Beagle Channel, Lapataia Bay sits at the end of the Pan-American Highway and National Route No. 3. Return to Ushuaia in the evening.

Day 4: Penguins on Isla Martillo & Estancia Harberton

After breakfast at your hotel, it's time for a full-day penguin excursion. The trip starts at the Ushuaia pier, where you'll catch a bus to Estancia Harberton and drive through rugged Fuegian forests until you reach the dock. Board a semi-rigid rubber boat that will take you to an island and give you a chance to see a Magellanic penguin colony (among other species) up close.

This guided tour includes a 90-minute hike to Isla Martillo and Estancia Harberton, where you'll learn about the penguins and their natural habitat. Expect plenty of great photo opportunities. At the end of the tour, you'll return to Ushuaia in time for dinner and a night out on the town.

Day 5: Fly to El Calafate

This morning a driver will take you to the Ushuaia airport for your flight to El Calafate—your base to explore the stunning glaciers of southern Patagonia, including the world-famous Perito Moreno Glacier. After the short trip, check into your hotel and take the rest of the day to relax or explore the colorful city. In the evening, head to the Laguna Nimez Reserve, where you can admire an array of native birds in the sanctuary and watch the sunset over Lago Argentino.

Day 7: Excursion to Upsala Glacier & Estancia Cristina

You'll go off the beaten path today. A driver will pick you up early in the morning and drive you 28 miles (45 km) to the port at Punta Bandera, located on Lago Argentino. The drive along this route is scenic, affording sweeping views of the Patagonian countryside and the charming wooden houses that dot the landscape. Once you reach the port, you'll board a ferry and embark on a journey on the Upsala Channel, passing towering icebergs along the way. As you reach the channel's northern section, you'll see the western front of the Spegazzini Glacier.

After taking the time to admire the glacier, continue sailing north into the Cristina Channel. At the far end of this channel, you'll disembark at Estancia Cristina in the late morning. One of the most impressive ranch-style lodges in the region, it was founded in 1914 by pioneers and built on a valley once covered by the Upsala Glacier. A visit to the property's Folkloric Museum (located in an old sheep-shearing shed) offers insight into the history of the estancia. And the surrounding scenery is breathtaking—all around, you'll see panoramic views of snowcapped mountains, rivers, lakes, and glaciers. 

Finally, you'll embark on a 6-mile (9.5 km) journey in a 4WD vehicle, traveling along an unpaved road that ascends into the mountains. After reaching the Continental Ice Field Refuge, exit the car and begin a 20-minute walk through glacial landscapes until you reach the Upsala viewpoint. You'll have an unobstructed view of the Upsala Glacier's eastern face, Lago Guillermo, and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Boat back to Punta Bandera and transfer back to your hotel to get some rest.

Day 8: Fly to Buenos Aires, Tango Show

Catch a flight back to Buenos Aires in the morning. You'll have free time in the afternoon for sightseeing and shopping. In the evening, you'll discover one of Argentina's most mesmerizing traditions: tango. Tango is more than Argentina's national dance—it's a reflection of Buenos Aires' diverse immigrant origins and a tantalizing display of emotions and sensuality through movement. At a tango show, you'll watch professional dancers perform stories of love and loss, accompanied by live tango musicians. You'll feast on delicious Argentine cuisine during the show. It's the perfect way to end your trip!

Day 9: Depart Buenos Aires

The adventure has come to an end. After breakfast, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the airport to catch your flight home. Safe travels!