Magellanic: Southern Voyage
12 days from £5,197
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.
At leisure in Buenos Aires, one of Latin America’s most captivating and elegant cities. Those passengers arriving on an international flight will be met at the airport by the tour leader or a local representative and escorted to the group hotel.
Hotel Palladio is an ultra-modern glass-fronted property on the busy Avenida Callao, close to the heart of the city of Buenos Aires. And what a heart it is: a monumental colonial core is peppered with outstanding historic buildings such as the Casa Rosada presidential palace on the Plaza de Mayo while modern art sculptures, the famous Teatro Colon and parks laden with ancient trees are nearby. Also within walking distance of the hotel are the highlights of the sedate and formerly very affluent Recoleta district, still a very pleasant neighbourhood with some graceful belle époque residences.
This first class property is a McGallery by Sofitel hotel, one of the Accor brand, and has all the top-of-the-range features associated with this well-respected group of hotels. Guest rooms (there are several categories) are all well air-conditioned and sound-proofed – essential on a busy avenue – and the comfort of the accommodation is enhanced by roomy beds, and smart, businesslike furnishings and décor. There is a summer outdoor pool with loungers, fitness room, bar and bistro restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. There are plenty of other eating options nearby).
On this guided city tour you’ll discover the capital’s most iconic sites and vibrant neighbourhoods. Your explorations include the Plaza de Mayo, enclosed on three sides by the town hall, the metropolitan cathedral and the pink-hued Casa Rosada (presidential palace). Take in the brightly painted houses of La Boca, the birthplace of tango, before exploring the quirky antiques shops and quaint houses of bohemian San Telmo. You’ll also explore the modern metropolitan port district and laid-back, trendy Palermo.
Hotel Palladio is an ultra-modern glass-fronted property on the busy Avenida Callao, close to the heart of the city of Buenos Aires. And what a heart it is: a monumental colonial core is peppered with outstanding historic buildings such as the Casa Rosada presidential palace on the Plaza de Mayo while modern art sculptures, the famous Teatro Colon and parks laden with ancient trees are nearby. Also within walking distance of the hotel are the highlights of the sedate and formerly very affluent Recoleta district, still a very pleasant neighbourhood with some graceful belle époque residences.
This first class property is a McGallery by Sofitel hotel, one of the Accor brand, and has all the top-of-the-range features associated with this well-respected group of hotels. Guest rooms (there are several categories) are all well air-conditioned and sound-proofed – essential on a busy avenue – and the comfort of the accommodation is enhanced by roomy beds, and smart, businesslike furnishings and décor. There is a summer outdoor pool with loungers, fitness room, bar and bistro restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. There are plenty of other eating options nearby).
Fly south to the Lake District. On the southern shore of serene Lake Nahuel Huapi is San Carlos de Bariloche, the principal town of Argentina’s lake district. Famed for its delicious chocolates and alpine architecture, Bariloche is a charming centre for snow sports in winter and mountain hikes in summer.
The lakeside Hotel Cacique Inacayal is a mix of classic design and smart modern style, with a spectacular location and scenic viewpoints.
All guestrooms have lake views, and wall-to-wall windows offer up enticing panorama from the restaurant, lounge, wine bar, indoor swimming pool, and even the gym enjoys a breathtaking vista. There’s also a very attractive outdoor deck where you can unwind with a drink or snack as you look out over the shimmering sapphire waters of Nahuel Huapi and its crown of snow-capped peaks.
Larger than it appears from the outside, the hotel has eight mezzanine-style floors. Rooms are subtly decorated with white walls and wood furnishings, while upgraded rooms have hot tubs. The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the town centre but has the advantages of a quieter and more natural location; it even has a small private beach.
Take in the jagged, snow-capped Andes and glittering lakes that surround Bariloche on a full day tour. You will visit some of the area’s most magnificent viewpoints. Expect panoramic vistas over the turquoise waters of the Moreno and Nahuel Huapi Lakes, idyllic walking trails in the Llao Llao peninsula and hidden views from the top of Cerro Campanario. Round off the morning’s activities with a well-deserved lunch at a local brewery.
The lakeside Hotel Cacique Inacayal is a mix of classic design and smart modern style, with a spectacular location and scenic viewpoints.
All guestrooms have lake views, and wall-to-wall windows offer up enticing panorama from the restaurant, lounge, wine bar, indoor swimming pool, and even the gym enjoys a breathtaking vista. There’s also a very attractive outdoor deck where you can unwind with a drink or snack as you look out over the shimmering sapphire waters of Nahuel Huapi and its crown of snow-capped peaks.
Larger than it appears from the outside, the hotel has eight mezzanine-style floors. Rooms are subtly decorated with white walls and wood furnishings, while upgraded rooms have hot tubs. The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the town centre but has the advantages of a quieter and more natural location; it even has a small private beach.
You’ll have the whole day free to explore the chocolate-box pretty region, with many excursions and activities on offer. We recommend a visit to Cerro Catedral ski resort- it involves a bit of a climb but your efforts are well rewarded by the sweeping panoramas from the top, and funicular railways and ski-lifts can shoulder some of the burden. Ancient Patagonian beech and cypress forests are animated by the sight and calls of an abundance of birds as varied as the woodpecker, ibis, goose and hummingbird. There are also plenty of scenic lakeshore drives from Bariloche, or you may wish to take a boat from Puerto Panuelo to Puerto Blest, one of the area’s best day-trips.
The lakeside Hotel Cacique Inacayal is a mix of classic design and smart modern style, with a spectacular location and scenic viewpoints.
All guestrooms have lake views, and wall-to-wall windows offer up enticing panorama from the restaurant, lounge, wine bar, indoor swimming pool, and even the gym enjoys a breathtaking vista. There’s also a very attractive outdoor deck where you can unwind with a drink or snack as you look out over the shimmering sapphire waters of Nahuel Huapi and its crown of snow-capped peaks.
Larger than it appears from the outside, the hotel has eight mezzanine-style floors. Rooms are subtly decorated with white walls and wood furnishings, while upgraded rooms have hot tubs. The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the town centre but has the advantages of a quieter and more natural location; it even has a small private beach.
Continue south to the bustling Patagonian town of El Calafate, the principal gateway to the staggering glaciers, sparkling lakes and vertiginous peaks of Los Glaciares National Park in southern Patagonia.
The Kosten Aike Hotel is a couple of blocks from the main street of the Patagonian resort town of El Calafate on the shores of Lake Argentino. It’s a smart, modern place, and its sloping roofs and exterior wooden balconies give the building a charming alpine feel.
The bright rooms are decorated in cosy, contemporary style with heating, cable TV and modern en suite facilities. There are artistic details and motifs from the local Tehuelche indigenous culture featured all over the property.
There is a dining room, kitchen and bar on the first floor, and a stone-flagged living room with sofas and a large open fireplace. On the top levels are a gym and spa, with a Jacuzzi, sauna and massage area.
A scenic drive begins your tour, gliding through forest valleys dense with beech and birch trees, continuing alongside hidden lagoons bordered with crimson and heather lichens. Los Glaciares National Park itself is a carefully preserved wilderness, with discreet wooden viewing platforms landscaped into the cliffs. Views over the Perito Moreno Glacier are staggering: the icy tower stands at 60m above the surface of the lake and stretches out across 5km. There is an optional trek atop the immense glacier, so you can explore its every crevice and pool up close.
The Kosten Aike Hotel is a couple of blocks from the main street of the Patagonian resort town of El Calafate on the shores of Lake Argentino. It’s a smart, modern place, and its sloping roofs and exterior wooden balconies give the building a charming alpine feel.
The bright rooms are decorated in cosy, contemporary style with heating, cable TV and modern en suite facilities. There are artistic details and motifs from the local Tehuelche indigenous culture featured all over the property.
There is a dining room, kitchen and bar on the first floor, and a stone-flagged living room with sofas and a large open fireplace. On the top levels are a gym and spa, with a Jacuzzi, sauna and massage area.
There are plenty of optional activities to choose from. Keen adventurers can take a full-day trip into the ice fields, past dense forests and snow-capped mountains to the icebergs afloat the glittering waters of Lago Onelli. Alternatively you may like to try horse riding, visiting a traditional estancia or driving to El Chaltén to hike in the shadow of the magnificent Fitzroy mountain range.
The Kosten Aike Hotel is a couple of blocks from the main street of the Patagonian resort town of El Calafate on the shores of Lake Argentino. It’s a smart, modern place, and its sloping roofs and exterior wooden balconies give the building a charming alpine feel.
The bright rooms are decorated in cosy, contemporary style with heating, cable TV and modern en suite facilities. There are artistic details and motifs from the local Tehuelche indigenous culture featured all over the property.
There is a dining room, kitchen and bar on the first floor, and a stone-flagged living room with sofas and a large open fireplace. On the top levels are a gym and spa, with a Jacuzzi, sauna and massage area.
Fly north to the sandy beaches and windsweapt coastline around Puerto Madryn, a breezy seaside resort in Patagonia which offers plenty of restaurants and a marine museum with panoramic ocean views. Just across the bay is the Valdés Peninsula, home to an extraordinary array of marine wildlife, from vast penguin colonies and elephant seals to migrating whales.
Hotel Peninsula Valdés is located in the town centre, right on the seafront overlooking the bay. It is a longstanding favourite: a well-liked, quality property with a modern appearance.
Rooms are smart and neutrally decorated most offering scenic views over the water. There’s a small gym, sauna and Jacuzzi, a lounge with bright contemporary furnishings and a breakfast room overlooking the bay. Service is slick and professional.
We’ll spend a full day exploring the wild, craggy Valdés Peninsula, which juts out into the Atlantic Ocean where it laps the shores of Argentine Patagonia. Its cliffs, bays, lagoons, salt lakes and plains are teeming with an astonishing array of exuberant and vociferous wildlife – birds and mammals, both marine and terrestrial, mate, breed and thrive here. On this expedition, depending on the time of year, you’re sure to see a variety of these creatures, from gigantic elephant seals sprawled on the beaches to gangs of playful fur seals and sea-lions jostling for position, while migratory seabirds wheel and cry mournfully above the waves.
The unique geography of the Valdés Peninsula makes it one of the best locations in the world for whale watching. You’ll have the rare opportunity to witness southern right whales as they breed and calve in the calm waters of the gulf, sheltered by the cliffs of the peninsula. From Puerto Pirámides, you can take a boat trip to view them up close, their huge, primeval bodies and graceful forked tails heaving above sea-level almost within touching distance: an incredible sight.
Hotel Peninsula Valdés is located in the town centre, right on the seafront overlooking the bay. It is a longstanding favourite: a well-liked, quality property with a modern appearance.
Rooms are smart and neutrally decorated most offering scenic views over the water. There’s a small gym, sauna and Jacuzzi, a lounge with bright contemporary furnishings and a breakfast room overlooking the bay. Service is slick and professional.
Each year the protected natural haven of Punta Tombo comes alive with the squawks of half a million Magellanic Penguins, the largest colony in the world. You’ll visit in the morning, when the heat is not too intense and the penguins are busily arranging their nests and searching for fish. Wander amongst the chattering black and white birds from within the reserve before taking in panoramic views of the vast colony from atop a cliff. In the afternoon you’ll have the chance to explore unique Welsh communities: in Trelew City visit a distinguished Paleontology museum, or sample exquisite Welsh tea at Gaiman..
Hotel Peninsula Valdés is located in the town centre, right on the seafront overlooking the bay. It is a longstanding favourite: a well-liked, quality property with a modern appearance.
Rooms are smart and neutrally decorated most offering scenic views over the water. There’s a small gym, sauna and Jacuzzi, a lounge with bright contemporary furnishings and a breakfast room overlooking the bay. Service is slick and professional.
The Recoleta Grand in the affluent suburb of Recoleta is highly recommended for its smart and stylish presentation, convenient central location and high level of comfort and service. There’s a small pool open to the sky (Nov-Mar), and a spa and fitness centre. The restaurant, like the generously proportioned guest rooms and suites, is decorated in contemporary-chic style, with good quality furnishings. This isn’t luxury, but the clean lines and uncluttered design and decoration will be pleasing to many.
All the guest rooms have minibar, coffee machine, free Wi-fi, a huge flat screen TV, air conditioning and heating. There are four categories of rooms, from Junior to Grand Suite. In relation to similar properties in Buenos Aires, the hotel is also excellent value for money.
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 - Valdes Peninsula and Atlantic Patagonia
Watch southern right whales surface within metres of your boat, walk among a colony of thousands of penguins. On the Atlantic coast of northern Patagonia, the Valdés Peninsula is one of South America’s great wildlife destinations, a UNESCO-listed reserve of cliffs, bays and windswept plains filled with marine life.
The vast and wonderfully diverse landscapes of southern Argentina await on our Magellanic: Southern Voyage group tour. You’ll begin your journey in one of Latin America’s most iconic cities, Buenos Aires, renowned for its elegant boulevards, colonial architecture and fashionable café society. After spending a few days exploring its trendy modern districts and colourful neighbourhoods, you’ll leave the capital behind and head to Bariloche in the Argentinian Lake District. Famed for its Swiss-style architecture and exquisite chocolates, the town is skirted by snow-capped Andean mountains and gemstone-clear lakes. It’s the perfect base for outdoor explorations, from picturesque boat rides to hikes through ancient cyprus forests. Venturing deeper into Patagonian territory, you’ll arrive at Los Glaciares National Park, where the Perito Moreno Glacier towers 60m above the glittering lake’s surface and sends vast chunks of ice hurtling into the water. Your last few days will be spent in the Valdés Peninsula, taking in its astonishing array of exuberant wildlife: expect to encounter tens of thousands of chattering penguins, gargantuan elephant seals sprawled on beaches and southern right whales breeding and calving in the sheltered bay.
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.
- About our Group Tours
To find out more about how our group tours including group sizes, solo travellers and why to choose us. Please click here.
- Tour Leader
On this tour, you’ll be accompanied from start to finish by one of our exceptional Journey Latin America tour leaders. From the moment you land in Latin America until the day the tour ends they will deal with all the practicalities, expertly adapting to the circumstances and individual needs of the group. Rather than different guides in different cities, your leader will get to know the group and keep you informed and entertained as you go.
- Summary of Nights
2 Buenos Aires; 3 Bariloche; 3 El Calafate; 3 Puerto Madryn; 1 Buenos Aires.
- Accommodation
We use the following mid-range and upper mid-range hotels on this tour.
- Buenos Aires: Loi Suites Recoleta
- Bariloche: Cacique Inacayal
- El Calafate: Kosten Aike
- Puerto Madryn: Peninsula Hotel
On very rare occasions these hotels can change, however please speak to one of our consultants who can provide full details for each departure if you have any doubts. Address and contact details will be sent out with your final documents.
- Transport
4 flights (between 1.5 and 2.5hrs). All land transport is operated privately for the group.
- Meals
Breakfast daily; Lunch is provided on days 4 and 11 as part of your daily excursions.
- Optional Excursions
On this tour the price includes excursions in all the places you visit as per the itinerary. There will however likely be some free time when you may choose to take part in an optional excursion. These are booked locally through your tour leader once you are in Latin America, however we are more than happy to advise you of what is on offer in advance of your holiday so you can best plan the excursions that suit you.
- Travelling Alone
There is no extra cost for single travellers who are willing to share a room. You will be accommodated with a same-sex member of the group who is usually also travelling solo. For single travellers who wish to be sure of having their own room there are a limited number of single supplement places available, which carry a surcharge.
- Climate
This holiday operates in the latter half of the year. As a broad overview Argentina has the opposite seasons to the UK, meaning November to February tend to be the warmest summer months. The further south you travel in the country the cooler it gets, although this varies with altitude. A comprehensive overview of the weather in all the regions you are visiting can be found in our Destination pages. Our Travel Experts can answer your questions on climate and further details will be sent with your confirmation documents.
- Clothing, Equipment and Luggage
A day-pack is essential for carrying rain-wear, snacks, books/tablet and a water bottle as are comfortable walking shoes. Bring a hat with a visor, sunglasses and sun block. Binoculars are useful for bird and wildlife spotting. Because the weather can be changeable we recommend wearing layered clothing for excursions.
Please take note that Aerolineas Argentinas (who will operate most of the internal flights) permit a maximum of 15kg hold luggage on most domestic flights. Excess luggage can be paid for locally for a small fee. Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts.
- Money
Please see the Country Info tab on this holiday for our latest currency information and advice about how to take your spending money. Tipping in Latin America is almost always done using cash. It is customary to tip tour leaders, local guides, drivers, boat crews and other service providers such as restaurant staff and porters. Full tipping guidelines are sent with your confirmation documents as is advice on local costs.
- Vaccinations, Visas and Insurance
For health information on Argentina including recommended vaccinations, please see https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/
All Latin American countries have specific entry regulations related to Covid 19. Please also check our Travel Hub for further information.
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports should be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Other nationalities should enquire with us or check with the consulates.
Travel insurance is essential. Details of our recommended policy can be found on the Travel insurance website.
Our full briefing dossier contains more information on vaccinations, visas and insurance and will be provided with your final travel documents or can be requested from your travel consultant at any time.
- 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.
Admire a true marvel of nature from panoramic viewing platforms and up close on a short lake cruise.
Enjoy the sight of southern right whales arriving in the waters off the Valdes Peninsula.
Walk among the massed crowds of Magellanic penguins which breed on and close to the Valdés Peninsula.
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
Smart and modern seafront hotel with neutral décor, good facilities and an excellent location.
Smart, modern and cheerful hotel with a charming alpine feel and cosy rooms dotted with motifs from the local indigenous culture.
A well-located hotel with delightful atrium, contemporary interior design and impressive views of the famous Recoleta Cemetery.
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…
Iguazu and Rio de Janeiro
One of the continent’s most awe-inspiring attractions, the Iguazú Falls – which straddle the border between Argentina and Brazil – is composed of a vast basalt amphitheatre veiled by a curtain of foaming water which crashes through tangled sub-tropical jungle. Continue to Brazil and Rio de Janeiro, the continent’s most vibrant and colourful city. Day…
Estancia
Throughout Argentina prestigious rural estates have been adapted to accommodate visitors. La Bamba is a colonial-style property oozing with atmosphere and history, restored to its former elegance in parkland, with a good-sized pool. A few days here will allow you to relax and savour life on the pampa prairies, while feasting off delicious food and…
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
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