Self-drive Argentina: Patagonia, lake district and Perito Moreno
16 days from £4,500
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.
You will be met at the airport and escorted to your hotel on the edge of the arty district of San Telmo by one of our local representatives.
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 French or Italian influences, where Evita Perón was laid to rest. During the winter months, wealthy female residents parade the streets in their fur coats and improbable, towering hairstyles, and take afternoon tea in the city’s ornate salons.
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.
Take a guided walking tour along Avenida del Mayo, one of Buenos Aires’ principal stately arteries, linking the capital’s colonial and political heart at Plaza de Mayo with the Plaza de Congreso, crossing the even more grandiose Avenida 9 de Julio. Built in the 1880s and often compared with similar boulevards in European capitals, it has a definite Old World ambiance, with art deco, art nouveau and neo-classical façades, shaded by leafy trees, lining the route.
The guided walk includes a stop at the world famous Café Tortoni, crammed with memorabilia, the barber’s shop attached, and one of the first metro stations outside the USA and Europe, preserved in its original state as a museum. Visit the very ornate Barolo Palace, designed in accordance with the cosmology of Dante’s Divine Comedy with floors representing heaven, purgatory and hell.
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 the airport and fly to Bariloche in the lake district.San Carlos de Bariloche is the main town in Argentina’s lake district, on the southern shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi. The town, a centre for skiing in winter (July and August), and walking in summer, is set against a stunning backdrop of glacial green-blue lakes framed by the mountains of the Andes.
Depending on when you arrive in Bariloche, you will either be taken to pick up your rental car on the way to the hotel, or you will pick it up the following day. Your trip is based on a medium category 2WD vehicle. You will receive a Fly and Drive kit with maps and useful information about the area and highlights to visit.
Your hotel is on the outskirts of town on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi.
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.
Day at leisure to explore the chocolate-box pretty region. We recommend a visit to either the Cerro Campanario view point or Cerro Catedral ski resort for panoramas over the lakes and mountains.
Bariloche is also a good base for scenic lakeshore drives. Just 40 mins’ drive away is the Llao Llao peninsula with walking trails and picturesque drives around Lago Moreno. Alternatively, a boat departs daily from Puerto Panuelo for 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.
Today’s drive is perhaps the finest in the lake district, showcasing 7 beautiful lakes and 2 national parks along its journey between Bariloche and San Martin de los Andes.
Leaving Bariloche, the paved highway hugs the shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi as far as Villa La Angostura where it crosses the Correntoso river before striking a more winding route though forests and glades in the heart of the lake district. The road emerges at a scenic pass with fabulous views of Lago Lacar during the descent to San Martin. Start out early: it’s around 200km (4 hrs) of driving and roughly two-thirds is by paved road, but allow plenty of time if you intend to detour via Villa Traful or make the most of the numerous photo opportunities en route.
Close to the town of San Martín de los Andes, the family-home-turned-guesthouse La Casa de Eugenia has a peaceful rural location on the edge of a lake backed by forests. With its home-from-home feel and local hospitality, it’s an inviting place to return to after an invigorating day in the outdoors.
Reflecting its residential past, each of the nine rooms in the wooden house is of a different size and shape. They are also individually decorated, each dominated by one colour from a palette reflecting the changing seasons of Patagonia, from leaf green to burnt orange and icy blue. The décor calls to mind a simple, uncluttered country house, featuring wrought iron bedsteads and French windows. Superior suites have a view over the orchard and pool in the tranquil grounds, where neat lawns are dotted with sun-loungers.
Spend the day relaxing in this laid-back, low-rise lakeshore resort in Lanin National Park.
Boat trips depart from the jetty for Lago Nonthué, visiting Chachin Falls and the village of Hua Hum. You may opt to drive instead to Hua Hum along a picturesque 50km gravel road along the north shore of Lago Lacar. With an early start (and a 4WD is best for this drive), it’s possible to do the rewarding trip to remote Lago Huechulafquen in the northern section of the Park. Half the 100km drive is on a rough gravel road and it takes 2-3 hrs. On a clear day you’ll be treated to views of Lanin volcano, just shy of 3,800m.
Close to the town of San Martín de los Andes, the family-home-turned-guesthouse La Casa de Eugenia has a peaceful rural location on the edge of a lake backed by forests. With its home-from-home feel and local hospitality, it’s an inviting place to return to after an invigorating day in the outdoors.
Reflecting its residential past, each of the nine rooms in the wooden house is of a different size and shape. They are also individually decorated, each dominated by one colour from a palette reflecting the changing seasons of Patagonia, from leaf green to burnt orange and icy blue. The décor calls to mind a simple, uncluttered country house, featuring wrought iron bedsteads and French windows. Superior suites have a view over the orchard and pool in the tranquil grounds, where neat lawns are dotted with sun-loungers.
Drive to Villa La Angostura. This is a 110km drive back along the gorgeous Seven Lakes route (2hrs).
Villa La Angostura is a picturesque mountain village set on the northern shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi. It has evolved since its early development in the 1920s into a small, upmarket resort with plenty of good restaurants and shops. The border with Chile is just 20 mins’ drive away.
Your accommodation is set in the foothills of the Andes, at the mouth of the Correntoso river where it enters Lake Nahuel Huapi.
The welcoming Hotel Correntoso has a stunning location in the foothills of the Andes in the Argentine Lake District, at the mouth of the Correntoso River where it enters Lake Nahuel Huapi.
Some 4km from Villa Angostura, and an hour’s drive from Bariloche airport, this historic property was originally founded in 1917 and the hotel blossomed from a small wooden cabin. Some of the beams and wooden frame-work of the old building have been preserved and combined with modern comforts. Nowadays, it is included in the Small Luxury Hotels of the World portfolio.
Rooms are decorated with wooden flooring and furnishings with good use of natural light. Some rooms have a small terrace, others a large window sitting area, and fourth-floor rooms have Juliet balconies. There is a splendid living room with beautiful panoramic views, and a library dedicated to Patagonia.
The gourmet restaurant fuses Mediterranean and Patagonian cuisine created with local produce, served with fantastic views. At tea time, a variety of homemade pastries, chocolates and special tea blends are offered. The inviting spa and pool takes advantage of some truly magnificent views across the lake to the mountains beyond.
Villa La Angostura is a fitting place in which to relax after the last few days’ driving. If you wish to explore, Los Arrayanes National Park, just outside Villa La Angostura, is famous for its centuries-old forests of arrayán (Chilean myrtle) trees, in an idyllic setting on the Quetrihué peninsula. You can hike there (12km/3hrs each way) or visit by boat from Villa La Angostura’s port of Bahia Mansa from where it is a 45min sailing.
The welcoming Hotel Correntoso has a stunning location in the foothills of the Andes in the Argentine Lake District, at the mouth of the Correntoso River where it enters Lake Nahuel Huapi.
Some 4km from Villa Angostura, and an hour’s drive from Bariloche airport, this historic property was originally founded in 1917 and the hotel blossomed from a small wooden cabin. Some of the beams and wooden frame-work of the old building have been preserved and combined with modern comforts. Nowadays, it is included in the Small Luxury Hotels of the World portfolio.
Rooms are decorated with wooden flooring and furnishings with good use of natural light. Some rooms have a small terrace, others a large window sitting area, and fourth-floor rooms have Juliet balconies. There is a splendid living room with beautiful panoramic views, and a library dedicated to Patagonia.
The gourmet restaurant fuses Mediterranean and Patagonian cuisine created with local produce, served with fantastic views. At tea time, a variety of homemade pastries, chocolates and special tea blends are offered. The inviting spa and pool takes advantage of some truly magnificent views across the lake to the mountains beyond.
Drive to Bariloche airport (90km, 1.5hrs). The airport is conveniently located on the near side of Bariloche as you approach from Villa La Angostura, so there is no need to go into the city.
Fly to El Calafate in the Los Glaciares National Park in southern Patagonia. The town is on the southern shore of Lago Argentino. Tourism in the last 20 years has transformed it into a bustling entrepôt for access to the nearby scenery of glaciers, lakes and impossibly steep peaks. You will be met and assisted with the collection of your hire car. You will receive a Fly and Drive kit with maps and useful information about the area and highlights to visit. Your trip is based on a medium category 2WD vehicle.
The self-drive adventure in the south explores two of Patagonia’s finest national parks: Los Glaciares and Fitz Roy. Besides scenic drives all round, each offers uniquely different experiences once you’ve parked the car. If the sun shines, Fitz Roy’s walking trails which offer glimpses of glistening glaciers and turquoise lagoons are an unforgettable highlight. Meanwhile, the walkways which face the Perito Moreno glacier offer ample opportunity to linger and observe a spectacle which, in itself, rewards the long journey to Patagonia. There’s about 700km of driving. Much of this is on paved stretches of the Ruta 40 highway but there are also some journeys on ripio (gravel) road.
Today, it’s 100km (2 hrs) to the south-eastern shore of Lago Viedma and your first overnight stop.
This simple, charming lodge on Lake Viedma in Argentina’s El Calafate oozes Patagonian charm through its welcoming owners and minimalist interior.
Estancia la Estela offers guests a range of outdoor activities, so you can plunge into the pristine environment and live like a gaucho, riding on the plains, kayaking or fishing on the lake, and tucking into traditional Patagonian fare afterwards.
The small selection of homely rooms command mesmerising views over the lake to snow-capped mountains beyond. There’s a communal room for relaxing, as well as a dining area and organic kitchen garden.
Drive to El Chalten (115km – 2 hrs), leaving Ruta 40 for the recently paved Ruta 23 which skirts the entire length of Lago Viedma. On a clear day on approaching El Chaltén, the granite peaks of Fitzroy Massif come into view – a majestic sight.
Modelling itself on an estancia, La Quinta is actually a 30-room hotel. It is a little way out of town, within Los Glaciares National Park, which gives it a calm and secluded atmosphere and allows you immediate access to the extraordinary wilderness right on your doorstep. It’s an ideal choice for guests with the freedom to come and go by rental car or looking for an unpretentious, affordable bolt hole from which to explore.
Set within gardens below rugged hills which frame an iconic view of the Fitz Roy massif, Estancia La Quinta is a great base for hiking. The hotel’s décor is definitely on the old-fashioned side but rooms are comfortable enough and La Quinta makes for a more traditionally Patagonian alternative to the conventional hotels springing up in town. Its owners take care to ensure you have a memorable stay. You can order packed lunches for your day walks and they’ll happily give local advice.
A full day at leisure to explore Fitz Roy National Park. We recommend the magnificent 8hr hike along the Rio Blanco valley and through ancient lenga (sub-antarctic beech) forest, passing the Piedras Blancas glacier and the massif along the way. It includes a steep 1hr climb to the beautiful turquoise Laguna de los Tres, situated beneath Mount Fitzroy, returning to El Chaltén via a more gentle path through the heart of the national park.
You’ll need help with transport to the trail head and the help of a guide is advisable for this trail (we can organise this in advance if you wish).
Shorter, easier options are also possible, such as Laguna Torre (6hr round-trip), and if you are less inclined to hike, the 38km drive to Lago del Desierto is a viable side-trip with the option of a boat ride on the lake or short, scenic walks.
Modelling itself on an estancia, La Quinta is actually a 30-room hotel. It is a little way out of town, within Los Glaciares National Park, which gives it a calm and secluded atmosphere and allows you immediate access to the extraordinary wilderness right on your doorstep. It’s an ideal choice for guests with the freedom to come and go by rental car or looking for an unpretentious, affordable bolt hole from which to explore.
Set within gardens below rugged hills which frame an iconic view of the Fitz Roy massif, Estancia La Quinta is a great base for hiking. The hotel’s décor is definitely on the old-fashioned side but rooms are comfortable enough and La Quinta makes for a more traditionally Patagonian alternative to the conventional hotels springing up in town. Its owners take care to ensure you have a memorable stay. You can order packed lunches for your day walks and they’ll happily give local advice.
Today’s route takes you back to El Calafate (215km – 3hrs), along the shores of Lago Viedma. With any luck, you’ll be treated to stunning glimpses of Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre in your rear view mirror as you drive across the steppe, leaving the Fitz Roy massif behind.
Continue through El Calafate and into Los Glaciares National Park. In contrast to the soaring granite peaks of Fitz Roy or the bleak steppes around El Calafate, Los Glaciares is a sanctuary of glittering lakes fed by vast glaciers against a backdrop of velvet-green forests and bleak, frozen mountain ridges. It’s a further drive of 56km from El Calafate to your accommodation, this journey should take another hour by gravel road.
This sweet, charming hideaway is set on a working ranch, the only one within Los Glaciares National Park to accept guests. An hour’s drive from El Calafate, the main building of Estancia Nibepo Aike is clad in corrugated iron in typical local style, fringed with colourful blooms. Inside, an open fire and country-cottage florals lend the cosy lounge a homely ambience.
Meals are served either in the welcoming dining room or in the quincho, a traditional outdoor barbecue area. The small selection of simple but cosy, well-appointed rooms are furnished with local textiles.
With a spectacular location beside Lake Roca, the estancia is superbly situated for trekking and shorter scenic walks. Other activities include participating in farming activities, watching the gauchos herd cattle and shear sheep, or heading into the idyllic surroundings on horseback.
We highly recommend a visit to the Perito Moreno glacier, 40km from the Estancia. It’s an hour’s drive on a mixture of gravel roads and paved highway to the walkways and viewing platform overlooking the glacier. The thundering shards of falling ice are a breathtaking 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 has a surface area roughly the size of Hampshire’s New Forest in the UK and is 5km wide, standing 60m above the surface of the lake. Its ice masses are fed by the southern continental ice field from the west, and from other smaller surrounding glaciers. To stand and stare is the only way to appreciate its magnitude. You may opt to board a sightseeing boat for an hour-long cruise on the lake beneath the glacier.
This sweet, charming hideaway is set on a working ranch, the only one within Los Glaciares National Park to accept guests. An hour’s drive from El Calafate, the main building of Estancia Nibepo Aike is clad in corrugated iron in typical local style, fringed with colourful blooms. Inside, an open fire and country-cottage florals lend the cosy lounge a homely ambience.
Meals are served either in the welcoming dining room or in the quincho, a traditional outdoor barbecue area. The small selection of simple but cosy, well-appointed rooms are furnished with local textiles.
With a spectacular location beside Lake Roca, the estancia is superbly situated for trekking and shorter scenic walks. Other activities include participating in farming activities, watching the gauchos herd cattle and shear sheep, or heading into the idyllic surroundings on horseback.
It’s around 3 hours by air from El Calafate to Argentina’s capital.
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.
At leisure in the capital. Stroll round Puerto Madero, the refurbished port district where former dock installations and other nautical features have been preserved alongside a string of excellent restaurants and loft conversions. Beyond the city limits, you might consider a trip across the River Plate to Colonia in Uruguay.
Travel along a forest-fringed estuary, dotted with upmarket residences, to this peaceful little port, where you can wander among cobbled streets lined by colonial houses, or have a meal or drink in the yacht club.
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 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 - 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.
This self-drive holiday showcases two regions of Patagonia where independent driving opens up amazing landscapes for you to explore at your leisure and preferred speed. You have freedom as soon as you get behind the wheel but also the security of knowing your accommodation is booked for you at the end of a day on the road.
Discover Argentina’s glorious Lake District, with landscapes of virgin forests and rugged mountains reflected in a necklace of glassy lakes. The highlight is the drive north along the poster-perfect Seven Lakes Route to tranquil San Martin de los Andes. Later, fly south to visit two of Patagonia’s finest national parks: Los Glaciares and Fitz Roy. Besides scenic drives all round, each offers uniquely different experiences once you’ve parked the car.
Heloise Buxton
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.
- Transport
3 domestic flights (longest 4hrs); self-drive in the lake district and southern Patagonia.
- Accommodation
This holiday offers economical mid-range accommodation in Buenos Aires. In the lake district we have selected a mixture of modern and boutique properties in scenic settings. In southern Patagonia we’ve selected accommodation at an unusual variety of rustic estancia-style properties. Whilst not luxurious, what they lack in contemporary comfort is repaid with regional flavour.
- Meals
Breakfast daily.
- Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 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.
- Summary Of Nights
16 days, 15 nights: Buenos Aires 2; Bariloche 2; San Martín de los Andes 2; Villa La Angostura 2; Estancia La Estela 1; El Chaltén area 2; El Calafate area 2; Buenos Aires 2.
- Currency
The unit of currency in Argentina is the Argentine peso.
- How To Take It
For our latest currency advice for Argentina please see our FAQs section.
- Daily Spend
It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around US$50-70 per person per day should cover the cost of meals not included in the holiday itinerary, drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the best restaurants in cities and you will pay considerably more. In addition, you should budget a total of US$200 to cover the cost of fuel.
- 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.
- Insurance And Documents
Travel insurance is essential. Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
Car insurance:
Argentina (your trip is based on a medium category 2WD vehicle): Limited collision damage waiver and vehicle theft protection (CDW/TP) cover is included, with an excess payable. Additional CDW/TP cover with zero excess can usually be purchased at additional cost. Please check the level of your coverage with us when making your booking. We strongly recommend you consider buying your own car hire excess waiver insurance policy before you travel: these are widely available from insurance companies in the UK. All incidents involving collision, robbery and theft must be reported to the police and a report obtained. Let us know if the transmission (automatic or manual) is important to you, or if you prefer a different type of vehicle: although we cannot guarantee availability we will do our best to help.An international driving permit (IDP) is officially required for Argentina. Since 2015 new regulations have applied concerning the paper counterpart of UK driving licences. Please check here or further details.
You will need to return the car to the specified office at the end of the rental period. If you are leaving on a morning flight we advise you to do this the day before you depart.
- Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket.
- Trip Suitability
This predominantly self-driving holiday is for independent-minded clients seeking the freedom to explore without the support of local guides and drivers but with the security of pre-booked accommodation. You should be confident to navigate along roads outside the UK, driving on the right. Some Spanish as well as mechanical knowledge, for example the ability to change a tyre, is highly recommended. We advise you to let us know if you have a strong preference for automatic or manual transmission as vehicles supplied can vary. GPS equipment is not normally available but you will receive basic written directions and we will send you our Rules of the Road document with helpful tips specific to driving in Argentina.
Driving is along a mixture of paved and ripio (gravel) roads, more if you plan to go exploring on your days at leisure. A 2-wheel drive vehicle is sufficient to complete the route but a 4WD will be more comfortable (and is recommended) if you intend to venture off the beaten track or deeper into the national parks. Please speak to us if you wish to upgrade to a 4×4. Finally, petrol is usually easy to come by in the main towns but be sure to keep an eye on your fuel tank as you won’t find any service stations in the countryside.
- Climate
Owing to the extremities of the weather in Patagonia in winter, this holiday is only available between October and the end of March, the southern summer.
In Buenos Aires, October to November and March to April see temperatures between 15 and 25°C and a good deal of sunshine. January to February is hot, with temperatures over 30°C.
In the summer in the lake district (Dec-Mar) and Buenos Aires in the shoulder seasons the weather should be similar to a good British summer. The shoulder seasons in the lakes are more unpredictable, with possible cool periods and rain in April and October.
Southern Patagonia’s summer (Dec-Feb) has long, usually mild days, although you can be subjected to 4 seasons in one day and occasional snow flurries are not uncommon. Mar/April or Sep/Oct can be sunny and clear, but it can be windy.
- Clothing And Special Equipment
In the southern hemisphere summer it will be hot in Buenos Aires so take loose-fitting light clothing for maximum comfort. An umbrella offers good protection from tropical showers. You will need sunglasses and head protection.
The further south you travel into Patagonia, the more unpredictable the weather, so you will need layered clothing including wind and waterproof outer shells.
If you plan to go to good restaurants or out on evening entertainment trips, you might bring something a bit smarter as well (although formal attire will not be required).Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts.
- Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following: 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.
Tuck into pasties, cheese and succulent beef at an Argentine grill (asado), a feast for the taste buds, in a sociable Buenos Aires eaterie.
Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site where cobbled streets reverberate with history.
Set out into the wilderness from well-situated El Chaltén and get immersed in the spectacular landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park.
Admire a true marvel of nature from panoramic viewing platforms and up close on a short lake cruise.
Follow the Seven Lakes route through unspoiled lake district scenery; a hire car offers you unparalleled freedom.
Enjoy an exhilarating day walk in the glorious Andean scenery around Bariloche, in the heart of the lake district.
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
Authentic working ranch beside Lake Roca within Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park. Soak up the views and take part in the everyday life of the farm with its timeless rural setting.
Simple estancia-style hotel within Los Glaciares National Park – a quirkier and more typically Patagonian alternative to the conventional hotels in town.
Ideally located, stylishly eclectic décor and very attentive, personalised service.
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.
