Active Argentina: Walking in Patagonia
15 days from £4,800
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
Buenos Aires is an elegant, cultured and cosmopolitan city famed for its interesting museums and the fascinating port district of La Boca, with its cobbled streets and brightly painted houses. It was here that the tango was born, and Diego Maradona honed his footballing skills.
The centre of town is home to the colonial heartland, government buildings and churches, as well as chic shopping districts, which have a nostalgic Parisian feel. The bohemian quarter of San Telmo is full of quaint old houses interspersed with antiques shops, tango bars and classy restaurants. Slightly further out of the centre is the Recoleta district, even more evocative of the French influence, where Evita Perón was laid to rest.
This modern property boasts stylishly eclectic décor and personalised service. Kenton Palace’s 80 rooms and public areas are light and uncluttered, with furnishings conveying a contemporary urban feel. Guestrooms have city or courtyard views and are equipped with super-sleek bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs and rain showers.
One of the hotel’s greatest assets is its location; slap bang in the centre of town, a stroll away from the main sights, restaurants and bars. Radiating outwards from the vicinity of the hotel are a broad array of attractive and lively areas, such as the Plaza de Mayo, the bohemian San Telmo district, the new port development at Puerto Madero and the boutiques and eateries of Recoleta.
Hotel amenities include an impressive range of facilities for children. It also has a spa, with spotless heated pool, Jacuzzi, gym, sauna and massage services.
Transfer to your hotel in Buenos Aires. The capital is an elegant, cultured and cosmopolitan city famed for its interesting museums and the fascinating port district of La Boca, with its cobbled streets and brightly painted houses. It was here that the tango was born, and Diego Maradona honed his footballing skills.
The centre of town is home to the colonial heartland, government buildings and churches, as well as chic shopping districts, which have a nostalgic Parisian feel. The bohemian quarter of San Telmo is full of quaint old houses interspersed with antiques shops, tango bars and classy restaurants. Slightly further out of the centre is the Recoleta district, even more evocative of the French influence, where Evita Perón was laid to rest.
This modern property boasts stylishly eclectic décor and personalised service. Kenton Palace’s 80 rooms and public areas are light and uncluttered, with furnishings conveying a contemporary urban feel. Guestrooms have city or courtyard views and are equipped with super-sleek bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs and rain showers.
One of the hotel’s greatest assets is its location; slap bang in the centre of town, a stroll away from the main sights, restaurants and bars. Radiating outwards from the vicinity of the hotel are a broad array of attractive and lively areas, such as the Plaza de Mayo, the bohemian San Telmo district, the new port development at Puerto Madero and the boutiques and eateries of Recoleta.
Hotel amenities include an impressive range of facilities for children. It also has a spa, with spotless heated pool, Jacuzzi, gym, sauna and massage services.
A 2-hour flight south brings you to the city of San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina’s spectacular lake district. Bariloche, on the southern shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi, is a centre for skiing in winter (July and August), and a walking in summer – set against a stunning backdrop of glacial green-blue lakes framed by the mountains of the Andes.
Resembling a mountain chalet from the outside, the welcoming Hosteria Las Marianas is fringed with neat flower beds and decorated in a homely country cottage style. Its quiet location gives a sense of separation from the hustle and bustle but is nevertheless within convenient walking distance of Bariloche town’s centre.
Guestrooms are warm and comfortable, with an emphasis on floral designs and wooden features; some have attractive bow windows. There’s a games room, a particularly cosy sitting room with comfy sofas arranged around a central fireplace, and a bright and cheerful dining room where a very satisfying buffet breakfast is served each morning.
It’s time to get outside and we offer a choice for today depending on whether you prefer a gentle start to your holiday or more of a challenge.
For a relaxed day walk it’s hard to beat the Llao Llao peninsula, an area that protects and preserves beautiful ancient evergreen beech and cypress forests. The route delves into the lush Patagonian wilderness where you will get the chance to discover the unique arrayan forest distinguished by myrtle trees with a vibrant reddish brown bark, whilst enjoying stunning view points from around the Moreno Lake. Lunch will be overlooking the Villa Tacul bay, soaking up the sylvan scenery and glistening water. After a leisurely break, you’ll climb to the top of the Llao Llao hill passing pretty orchids and native lilies. From the top you will embark on the loop home, covering a total of 12km and a 300m altitude gain.
Or, for more of a workout, we suggest Cerro Catedral. Ideal for the more adventurous, this full-day hike is a rewarding challenge in spectacular surroundings. It begins with a drive to Villa Catedral, from where you’ll take a ski-lift up the side of the mountain – ogling the mesmerising views. Starting off gently you’ll trek along the ridge of Cathedral mountain heading west, however, once you leave the resort area the track becomes more demanding as you scramble over boulder fields and loose rock. After a couple of hours you’ll reach a passage that descends down towards beautiful alpine lagoons, known as Schmoll and Toncek. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the Frey Mountain Hut at a 1,700m elevation set in the picturesque sylvan valley. Finally, you’ll continue along a well-trodden path that passes alongside the Van Titter creek and will take you back to Villa Catedral.
Please let us know your preference at the time of booking.
Resembling a mountain chalet from the outside, the welcoming Hosteria Las Marianas is fringed with neat flower beds and decorated in a homely country cottage style. Its quiet location gives a sense of separation from the hustle and bustle but is nevertheless within convenient walking distance of Bariloche town’s centre.
Guestrooms are warm and comfortable, with an emphasis on floral designs and wooden features; some have attractive bow windows. There’s a games room, a particularly cosy sitting room with comfy sofas arranged around a central fireplace, and a bright and cheerful dining room where a very satisfying buffet breakfast is served each morning.
Transfer to airport and fly to El Calafate in Southern Patagonia (3hrs), a small tourist resort with a frontier feel situated on the banks of milky turquoise Lago Argentino. Argentina’s Patagonia is a remote land of endless grassy plains, granite mountain peaks tipped with eternal snows, cool blue lakes dotted with icebergs and immense blue-tinged glaciers. Transfer to your hotel.
The chalet-style Sierra Nevada Hotel is a good affordable choice at a tranquil edge of El Calafate, with a pretty garden and views towards Lake Argentino. Rooms are simply furnished but spacious, and handcrafted local textiles lend a warm Andean feel. There are pleasant relaxation areas in which to unwind with a book, as well as a restaurant, bar and small gym.
Guided excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier. It’s an early morning departure from El Calafate to Los Glaciares National Park, a 90min drive to the walkways and viewing platform overlooking the glacier. The thundering shards of falling ice are a breath-taking spectacle as you pass at a safe distance along the walkway in front of the Canal de los Tempanos, which separates Brazo Rico from the main part of the lake.
The glacier is a staggering 5km wide and stands 60m above the surface of the lake. Its ice mass is fed by the southern continental ice field from the west, and from other smaller glaciers in the vicinity.
In the afternoon, board the Safari Nautico or Moreno Fiesta for an hour-long cruise on the lake beneath the glacier, with a commentary. Alternatively, you can just walk and contemplate, away from the other visitors.
The chalet-style Sierra Nevada Hotel is a good affordable choice at a tranquil edge of El Calafate, with a pretty garden and views towards Lake Argentino. Rooms are simply furnished but spacious, and handcrafted local textiles lend a warm Andean feel. There are pleasant relaxation areas in which to unwind with a book, as well as a restaurant, bar and small gym.
A 3hr drive from El Calafate takes you deep into Los Glaciers National Park. Wildlife to look out for includes guanaco and the ostrich-like rhea. The road skirts the turquoise waters of Lago Viedma, with views of the Viedma glacier. On a clear day, an hour before arriving in El Chaltén, the whole of the Fitz Roy massif comes into view – a fantastic taste of what lies ahead. Transfer to your hotel.
The snow-strafed, almost skeletal, jagged peaks which rise up from a harsh, oft barren landscape around Mount Fitz Roy frame the territory of some of Latin America’s most dramatic, visually jaw-dropping trekking routes. If the fickle Patagonian weather permits you’ll see some of the best sights over the next few days. Have your camera ready.
Inspired by Patagonian farms of the 1920s, Hosteria Senderos is a charmingly sturdy-looking inn with an evocative corrugated iron exterior provides a warm and welcoming retreat after a long day of taking on the far-southern elements. It’s close to a number of trailheads, allowing you to walk practically straight out of the front door and into the wilderness of Fitz Roy National Park, and its position on the edge of town also affords some lovely views from the rooms and common areas. Many guests have praised the friendliness of the staff, who are eager to share their extensive knowledge of the area’s trekking routes.
Guest rooms are simply but cosily furnished, making use of local wood, and are comfortable, spacious and immaculately clean. The lobby is particularly inviting, with a stone fireplace to keep you toasty on a cold evening. There is a good restaurant and a wine bar with occasional wine-tasting, as well as a TV room and relaxation/massage area.
Our first hike in this deep Patagonian wilderness is a beautiful and relatively easy trek crossing the valley of the Fitzroy River to its origin – Laguna Torre. After an initial, moderate ascent, the footpath generally levels out, passing through a delightful mix of landscapes: native lenga forest, meadow and riverside. Listen out for magellanic woodpeckers at work in the forest. There are several panoramic points along the way that allow one to appreciate the granite peaks of Cerro Solo, Cordon Adela and Cerro Torre, as well as the impressive glaciers, Grande and Torre. The trail culminates at the lake, which has panoramic views of the glaciers, the Cordon Adela, the Cerro Torre and Mocho, the Egger Tower, the Standhardt Needle, Bifida and Cuatro Dedos. On a (rare) still day, the lakeshore, with its small floating icebergs, is an idyllic picnic spot. Walking distance is 18km in total, taking 6-8 hours.
Inspired by Patagonian farms of the 1920s, Hosteria Senderos is a charmingly sturdy-looking inn with an evocative corrugated iron exterior provides a warm and welcoming retreat after a long day of taking on the far-southern elements. It’s close to a number of trailheads, allowing you to walk practically straight out of the front door and into the wilderness of Fitz Roy National Park, and its position on the edge of town also affords some lovely views from the rooms and common areas. Many guests have praised the friendliness of the staff, who are eager to share their extensive knowledge of the area’s trekking routes.
Guest rooms are simply but cosily furnished, making use of local wood, and are comfortable, spacious and immaculately clean. The lobby is particularly inviting, with a stone fireplace to keep you toasty on a cold evening. There is a good restaurant and a wine bar with occasional wine-tasting, as well as a TV room and relaxation/massage area.
You’ll soon see why this is the epic, must-do hike of the area. Crossing the heart of the National Park, and taking you close to the base of Mount Fitzroy itself, the scenery is marvellous from start to finish. If you’re lucky to get good weather you’re in for real treat. Taking 9 to 10 hours, much of the 21km route is along a well-established and undulating trail and, although long, it’s quite straightforward. The bigger challenge is the 400m uphill stretch to Laguna de los Tres and back down again – about an hour each way. This bit will certainly test your stamina and possibly your knees, but most people find it’s well-worth the effort.
Starting off with a 30-minute drive north to Rio Eléctrico, begin hiking along the Rio Blanco valley through ancient lenga (subantarctic beech) forest. On a clear day, there are magnificent views of Piedras Blancas glacier, the glacial lagoon at its base and the massif along the way. From Poincenot Camp, begin the sustained one-hour climb to the beautiful turquoise Laguna de los Tres, spectacularly situated beneath 3,405m Mount Fitzroy. The lagoon and massif is a mesmerising sight to behold and the perfect spot to eat your packed lunch, Patagonian weather permitting. From here you can also see as far as Lago Viedma and beyond. After descending again to Poincenot, continue walking back to El Chaltén, crossing translucent rivers, passing idyllic Laguna Capri and finally decending into the village in the early evening accompanied by a superb panoramic view of the valley below (look out for condors during this final stretch). A great day.
Inspired by Patagonian farms of the 1920s, Hosteria Senderos is a charmingly sturdy-looking inn with an evocative corrugated iron exterior provides a warm and welcoming retreat after a long day of taking on the far-southern elements. It’s close to a number of trailheads, allowing you to walk practically straight out of the front door and into the wilderness of Fitz Roy National Park, and its position on the edge of town also affords some lovely views from the rooms and common areas. Many guests have praised the friendliness of the staff, who are eager to share their extensive knowledge of the area’s trekking routes.
Guest rooms are simply but cosily furnished, making use of local wood, and are comfortable, spacious and immaculately clean. The lobby is particularly inviting, with a stone fireplace to keep you toasty on a cold evening. There is a good restaurant and a wine bar with occasional wine-tasting, as well as a TV room and relaxation/massage area.
Today’s low intensity trip takes you to an isolated reserve in the northern section of Los Glaciares National Park. A landscape of brooks, lagoons and waterfalls framed by Mount Fitzroy, the region is a walker’s paradise. Arriving at Lago del Desierto, a boat takes you to the northern section of the lake, passing the distant Creston and Huemul glaciers. A choice of short self-guided walking trails leads into the fairytale native forest. An English-speaking guide will be on hand to advise on the trail options, which may take you close to the Vespignani glacier or reveal views of mount Fitz Roy. Return to El Chalten in the afternoon, and onwards to El Calafate and overnight.
Inspired by Patagonian farms of the 1920s, Hosteria Senderos is a charmingly sturdy-looking inn with an evocative corrugated iron exterior provides a warm and welcoming retreat after a long day of taking on the far-southern elements. It’s close to a number of trailheads, allowing you to walk practically straight out of the front door and into the wilderness of Fitz Roy National Park, and its position on the edge of town also affords some lovely views from the rooms and common areas. Many guests have praised the friendliness of the staff, who are eager to share their extensive knowledge of the area’s trekking routes.
Guest rooms are simply but cosily furnished, making use of local wood, and are comfortable, spacious and immaculately clean. The lobby is particularly inviting, with a stone fireplace to keep you toasty on a cold evening. There is a good restaurant and a wine bar with occasional wine-tasting, as well as a TV room and relaxation/massage area.
Transfer to the airport in El Calafate and fly to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, on the island of Tierra de Fuego. The city has grown rapidly in recent years, partly as a result of government incentives to settlers and its establishment as a Free Port, and partly a tourist centre – most Antarctic cruises leave from the port here. The setting is spectacular; jagged mountains hem in the town down to the shore of the Beagle Channel. Transfer to your hotel.
The dense forests, high mountains and glaciers of Tierra del Fuego are a surprise to you arriving from the bleak Patagonian steppes further north. The forested landscape of the National Park surrounds the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia. Here, at the tip of the continent, spring and summer days are long and it’s not normally very cold, but it can be windy and wet and you should expect four seasons in one day, every day, and in no particular order…
As its name in Spanish suggests, Altos Ushuaia is set way above Tierra del Fuego’s City at the End of the World with inspiring vistas over the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel. You get there by road, climbing a winding route leading up to the Martial glacier, which looms above the port.
The smart yet homely hotel is built in Patagonian style with pitched roof and much use of the polished wood typical of the region, but there are many modern amenities such as LED TV and personal safe in the spacious guestrooms, which also have private bathroom with bath-tub. The suites are particularly attractive and well-appointed. There’s free Wifi (intermittent), a lift and a restaurant.
Tierra del Fuego National Park is a wilderness of sub-Antarctic forest, icy rivers, low mountains, glaciers and lagoons which extends from Ushuaia along the shores of the Beagle Channel and inland to Lake Fagnano. Rugged and at first sight seemingly unexplored, the park offers rewarding hiking along faint trails through resilient evergreen and deciduous woodland including the bright foliage of the southern beech and an impressive variety of flora species. Now a protected area, it was inhabited in the past by the hardy Yamana indigenous tribes, until they were settled and eventually died out following Spanish colonialisation. Mammals still abound however: foxes, guanaco (a cameloid species related to the llama), rabbits and beavers (introduced from Canada) may be spotted, as may the Andean condor.
There are some popular walks along the coast – typically these are around 9km and are easy to moderate: you may be escorted on a guided trek along the Senda Costera trail, which connects Ensenada Bay to Lapataia Bay on Lago (lake) Roca (3hrs). Alternatively you’ll embark on a 2.5hr guided hike inland on the pampa alta. Arriving at Lago Roca you’ll have an al fresco lunch (with wine) including Argentine style nibbles. In the afternoon take an adventurous canoe excursion. Boarding inflatable canoes, paddle for around an hour on the lake to Lapataia Bay (approx 4km) exploring the shores more intimately.
As its name in Spanish suggests, Altos Ushuaia is set way above Tierra del Fuego’s City at the End of the World with inspiring vistas over the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel. You get there by road, climbing a winding route leading up to the Martial glacier, which looms above the port.
The smart yet homely hotel is built in Patagonian style with pitched roof and much use of the polished wood typical of the region, but there are many modern amenities such as LED TV and personal safe in the spacious guestrooms, which also have private bathroom with bath-tub. The suites are particularly attractive and well-appointed. There’s free Wifi (intermittent), a lift and a restaurant.
You don’t have to go far out of the busy little city-port of Ushuaia to be in a virtually untrodden wilderness. The landscape of weather-resistant beech forests, treacherous peat bogs concealed by tufty grass, deeply embedded streams and moss-mantled fallen trees (which may have died many years ago but take decades to degrade in the cold climate) creates an ambiance of undisturbed nature. This 9km guided hike (around 4-5hr of moderate grade walking) is quite slow going due to tricky terrain in places but it reveals scenery most other visitors do not get to witness as it ascends to a gemstone-clear, emerald lagoon in the heart of the Fueguian Natural and Landscape Reserve.
Departing from your hotel after an early breakfast, you’ll be driven 20km into the Tierra Mayor Valley to begin the trail. Once on foot you’ll pass beaver dams and climb over fungi-throttled tree trunks before climbing up to and beyond the tree line. It may be snowy here depending on the time of year. Finally you reach the serene hidden lagoon, set in an enclosed valley fringed by glaciers creeping down from the mountain tops. You may stop to eat your packed lunch here enjoying views of the reflective green waters, or later at the cabin on the return leg.
As its name in Spanish suggests, Altos Ushuaia is set way above Tierra del Fuego’s City at the End of the World with inspiring vistas over the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel. You get there by road, climbing a winding route leading up to the Martial glacier, which looms above the port.
The smart yet homely hotel is built in Patagonian style with pitched roof and much use of the polished wood typical of the region, but there are many modern amenities such as LED TV and personal safe in the spacious guestrooms, which also have private bathroom with bath-tub. The suites are particularly attractive and well-appointed. There’s free Wifi (intermittent), a lift and a restaurant.
This modern property boasts stylishly eclectic décor and personalised service. Kenton Palace’s 80 rooms and public areas are light and uncluttered, with furnishings conveying a contemporary urban feel. Guestrooms have city or courtyard views and are equipped with super-sleek bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs and rain showers.
One of the hotel’s greatest assets is its location; slap bang in the centre of town, a stroll away from the main sights, restaurants and bars. Radiating outwards from the vicinity of the hotel are a broad array of attractive and lively areas, such as the Plaza de Mayo, the bohemian San Telmo district, the new port development at Puerto Madero and the boutiques and eateries of Recoleta.
Hotel amenities include an impressive range of facilities for children. It also has a spa, with spotless heated pool, Jacuzzi, gym, sauna and massage services.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Argentina - Buenos Aires
Discover Argentina’s elegant and energetic capital, where grand European-style architecture, vibrant neighbourhoods, world-class cuisine and the passion of tango come together to create one of South America’s most captivating cities. Dynamic, stylish and nostalgic in equal measure, Buenos Aires is a destination worthy of a trip in its own right.
Argentina - Argentinian lake district
Hike through southern beech forest to a mountain refuge, drive the Seven Lakes Road between snow-topped peaks and end the day with hot chocolate in an alpine town. Set around Bariloche and Argentina’s oldest national park, the Lake District is northern Patagonia at its most beautiful, and its most active.
Argentina - El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park
Stand on the boardwalks as house-sized blocks of ice crack from the Perito Moreno glacier, strap on crampons to walk on the ice itself, and cruise Lago Argentino past floating bergs to the glaciers beyond. Gateway to Argentina’s greatest ice fields, El Calafate is where Patagonia turns blue and white.
Argentina - El Chalten and the Fitz Roy Massif
Hike out to a glacial lagoon beneath the granite spires of the Fitz Roy massif, wander trails through emerald forests to turquoise lakes, and sail across Lago del Desierto. In the northern reaches of Los Glaciares National Park, El Chaltén is Argentina’s trekking capital, and one of the finest walking destinations in Patagonia.
Argentina - Tierra del Fuego
Walk the trails of a national park, cruise the Beagle Channel past lighthouses and sea lions, and set out for Antarctica from the world’s southernmost city. Separated from the Patagonian mainland by the Strait of Magellan, Tierra del Fuego is a wild island of jagged peaks, glaciers and evergreen forest.
The world’s best mountain scenery can be hard to reach. Not so in Argentine Patagonia where you can access world-class hiking trails within a short drive of the comfortable tourist hubs of the Lake District, Los Glaciares National Park and Tierra del Fuego. Progressing south all the way to the tip of South America, we’ve chosen a series of thrilling day walks across these regions, ensuring that you return each day to a cosy hotel within reach of Argentina’s more worldly pleasures of great food and wine. This holiday should suit the actively-inclined weekend walker: whilst we’ve thrown in a couple of long-distance trails, hiking is generally of low intensity and not technical.
Beginning with a couple of nights in Buenos Aires, you’ll fly to the city of Bariloche in the Lake District, a springboard for a medley of trails in Nahuel Huapi National Park. A short hop by air further south is El Calafate, gateway to one of South America’s finest wildernesses, Los Glaciares National Park with its iconic Perito Moreno Glacier and the Fitz Roy massif where trails meander amidst sub-Antarctic forests and glacial lagoons. Finally to the end of the earth, Tierra del Fuego, where just a few kilometres inland from the busy port of Ushuaia is a quiet wilderness of ancient forest clinging to mountain cliffs, hidden streams and views over vertiginous glaciers.
Hannah Donaldson
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Accommodation
This is a hotel-based holiday and there is no camping involved. We’ve picked simple yet cosy and comfortable lodgings as your base for exploring Patagonia where you can start your days with a filling breakfast and return to a hot shower. Your hotel in Bariloche is within easy reach of the city’s excellent restaurants. In El Chaltén you stay in an alpine-style lodge at the base of snow-capped mountains. And in Ushuaia there are views of the Beagle Channel from your hotel which is perched above the outskirts of town.
- Climate
Winter in the Southern Hemisphere is between May and September. In Santiago and Buenos Aires, temperatures can be cool (5°C – to 15°C). While sunshine is possible, so is rain. Spring and autumn temperatures, October to November and March to April respectively, are between 15 and 25°C and there is a good deal of pleasant sunshine. January and February are hot, around 30°C.
In Los Glaciares and Tierra del Fuego National Parks the best months for hiking are March and April, when the autumn foliage is stunning. Many hikers also visit in summer – December to January – along with non-trekkers so it can be busy. Days are long and mild then but it can be windy, as in spring (September to October).
- Clothing and special equipment
For towns and cities bring practical, comfortable clothing and a light-weight jumper. If you plan to eat in smart restaurants, although clothing is not formal (no need for jacket and tie), something quite smart would be appropriate.
Clothing for the Patagonia walking should cater for the fact that you may come across any kind of weather conditions from balmy sunshine and 25 degrees to blizzards and gale force winds. Items you can wear in layers are best. If you are familiar with walking poles, you’ll find them very useful in Patagonia. They both assist you on steep climbs and paths with loose stones, and help you keep your balance. Do bring a day pack (25-35 L) to carry your personal items, clothes and packed lunches. And of course it’s essential to have good, well-worn and waterproof walking boots with good grip and ankle support.
- Currency
The unit of currency in Argentina is the Argentine peso. For the latest advice on how to carry you funds see our country FAQs section for Argentina.
- Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 35 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by the latter on their return.
- Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and essential.
- Trip suitability
This is a busy holiday which should suit the actively-inclined weekend walker back home. Although we’ve thrown in a couple of long-distance trails, hiking is generally of low intensity and not technical. You should be agile and open to walking in all weathers but no special equipment or extra training are necessary. There are also a couple of scenic road journeys, and (Argentina being 11 times the size of Great Britain) four internal flights.
Over the 2-week holiday, 6 days are spent out and about with trails ranging from just a couple of hours to a full day (9-10 hours). More details are given in the day to day itinerary. Unlike in the Andes of Peru and Bolivia, you’re not walking at elevations associated with high altitude (the highest altitude reached is 1,700m on the optional Cerro Catedral trail). Should you have any questions, please get in touch.
- Meals
Breakfast daily; lunch days 4, 8, 9, 10 and 12.
- Summary of Nights
15 days, 14 nights: Buenos Aires 2; Bariloche 2, El Calafate 2, El Chaltén 4, Ushuaia 3, Buenos Aires 1.
- Tipping
Tips are expected and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.
- Transport
Four flights (longest 3.5hrs); 2 road journeys (longest 3hrs).
- Tipping
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following; typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. For specific requirements you must consult your GP.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
- Visas
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- Do I need a visa to visit Argentina?
British passport holders don’t need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the start of your trip. If you’re routing through the US, you’ll need an ESTA in advance. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel, as rules can change.
- How do I get to Argentina from the UK?
British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow to Buenos Aires in about 13.5 hours. There are also connecting routes via Madrid, São Paulo and other hubs, taking roughly 16 to 17 hours depending on the routing. We arrange all flights and transfers, and can quote them separately based on your dates.
- What’s the best way to travel around Argentina?
The country’s size makes domestic flights the most practical way to cover long distances, and most routes connect through Buenos Aires. Within regions, we arrange private transfers and guided excursions, while self-driving works well in the Lake District, Mendoza and parts of Patagonia, where the roads are good, and the scenery is spectacular.
- What currency does Argentina use?
The official currency is the Argentine peso. US dollars are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, and it’s worth carrying some. ATMs are available in cities and larger towns but can have low withdrawal limits, and credit cards are taken in hotels and restaurants in the main destinations. We’ll advise on the latest currency situation before you travel.
- How long should I spend in Argentina?
Two weeks works well for a first trip, pairing Buenos Aires with Iguazú and Patagonia, or with Mendoza and the lake district. To go further and add the northwest, Península Valdés or an estancia stay, allow three weeks or more. We’ll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.
- What language is spoken in Argentina?
Spanish is the official language, spoken with a distinctive Argentine accent and plenty of Italian influence. English is widely spoken in hotels and tourist areas, less so beyond them, so a few basic Spanish phrases go a long way.
- Is Argentina safe for travellers?
Argentina is generally safe for visitors, especially in the main tourist areas. As in any large city, take sensible precautions in Buenos Aires: keep an eye on your surroundings, avoid flashy valuables, and use licensed taxis or ride apps. Our Travel Experts will advise on anything specific to the regions you’re visiting.
- What can I combine with Argentina?
Argentina pairs naturally with Chile, crossing the Andes from Mendoza, taking the lake crossing from Bariloche or linking a Patagonia trip across both countries. Brazil is a popular add-on to Iguazú Falls; Uruguay is a short ferry ride from Buenos Aires; and Peru pairs well with a broader South America itinerary. Our Travel Experts can design a multi-country trip around you.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Enjoy an exhilarating day walk in the glorious Andean scenery around Bariloche, in the heart of the lake district.
Admire a true marvel of nature from panoramic viewing platforms and up close on a short lake cruise.
Set out into the wilderness from well-situated El Chaltén and get immersed in the spectacular landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park.
Get out into Patagonia’s remote wild landscapes with a boat trip on the Lago del Desierto.
Take in the dramatic landscape of Ushuaia’s hinterland on a trip into the nearby national park.
Go walking for a day among the wild mountains and lakes inland from Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
Altos de Ushuaia is a smart modern hotel set high above the city with expansive views over the Beagle Channel.
Friendly, charming inn with a corrugated iron exterior that evokes old Patagonian farms of the 1920s, offering a warm and cosy retreat after a trek.
Good value chalet-style hotel in a quiet area of town with a pretty garden and spacious rooms.
If there’s somewhere you particularly want to go that isn’t included in this tour, we can add on an extension to take you there.
Iguazu from Buenos Aires
One of the continent’s most awe-inspiring attractions, the Iguazú Falls – which straddle the border between Argentina and Brazil – is a vast basalt amphitheatre veiled by a curtain of foaming water which crashes through tangled sub-tropical jungle. This is one of the great must-see highlights of Latin America, indeed the world. Day 1: Fly…
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Papagaio
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
Featured Articles
To round the corner of a mountain and see the lost citadel of Machu Picchu unfold beneath you remains one of the most awe-inspiring experiences in Latin America, one of those dreamlike experiences that makes travelling here truly extraordinary.
The Pantanal wetlands cover an area almost the size of the British Isles and offers better wildlife opportunities than the Amazon. Writer and photographer Alex Bellos discovers them.
Small, breathtakingly beautiful Costa Rica is a treasure trove for the nature lover. Trees laden with orchids are home to quetzals and hummingbirds, while the Caribbean shore hosts volcanic beaches and palm-sheltered coves.
