Value Argentina: Explore Patagonia
13 days from £3,250
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.
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 fun and exhilarating way to get a different perspective on Buenos Aires is to explore this multi-facetted city by bike. It would be a daunting prospect to launch off into the labyrinth of streets and grids on your own, but this tour is fully accompanied with English-speaking guide leading the way safely from one top sight to another. Although these tours aim to avoid to the worst of the traffic, and you walk across busy intersections, you’ll feel more confident if you have some experience of cycling in an urban setting.
This tour takes you through the aristocratic districts of Palermo and Recoleta, with their wide tree-lined boulevards lined by French belle époque mansions. You’ll ride through Palermo Woods with its rich rose garden, pedestrianised at weekends; and Barrio Parque, home to stately embassy buildings and aristocratic residences. En route, you’ll pass at a leisurely pace through Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva Perón is buried and the Botanical Gardens. The Fine Arts Museum, National Library and polo fields are also on the check list.
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.
Fly to San Carlos de Bariloche, the main town in Argentina’s lake district, on the southern shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi. The town 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.
You’ll be met at the hotel by your English-speaking guide and taken to the base of the funicular which transports you up to the Cerro Otto viewpoint for breath-taking vistas of Bariloche and Lake Nahuel Huapi. There’s time to admire and photograph the panorama, before you begin this low intensity 3hr trek along the ridgeline, appreciating the vastness of the surrounding landscape.
As you enter into the Patagonian old-beech tree forest – characterised by huge lenga trees and amancay flowers carpeting the hillsides – you’ll no doubt spot a variety of interesting birds. The route leads to the Piedra de Hapsburgo viewpoint where you’ll set eyes on the impressive Cathedral Mountain, glistening Lake Gutierrez and the expansive Andes mountain range to the west. Then you’ll head back to the funicular via a different path. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route.
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.
At leisure in the Bariloche region. There’s plenty to choose from here from mountain hikes to cycle rides, car tours and kayaking on the lakes.
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 (2hrs), a small tourist resort with a frontier feel situated on the banks of milky turquoise Lago Argentino. This is a one high-street town, but it is growing fast, brimming with hotels, cafés, tour agencies, delicatessens, sweet shops and excited travellers. There’s not a huge amount to do, but it’s a nice place to unwind and a wonderful base for excursions into the area.
Argentina’s southern 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.
El Calafate is most famous however as the stopping off point for visitors to the Perito Moreno Glacier. On today’s guided tour the road follows the lake before turning up a wooded valley, dense with beech and birch, and then continues alongside shimmering lagoons, bordered with bright crimson heather lichens. The park authorities have been sensitive about keeping the site as natural as possible, and there are no shops or cafés within close proximity of the wooden viewing platforms, which are tastefully landscaped into the cliff.
Just looking at the front-edge of the glacier, which towers 60 frozen metres above the water level, and is an extraordinary 5 km wide, is awe-inspiring in itself. But after a time you hear the unforgettable sound of the glacier calving a vast wedge of ice the size of a tower block and sending it smashing it down into the lake, where it divides and floats away as an iceberg.
After lunch (not included) in the nearby cafeteria, 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 journey from El Calafate bus station 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.
El Chaltén is a small town about 220 km NW of El Calafate, with the southern Patagonian icecap right on its doorstep. Since it attracts climbers and hikers owing to its proximity to Cerro Torre, as well as the Fitzroy and Viedma Glaciers, it has expanded in recent years on the back of a boom in this style of tourism. While the settlement itself is unattractive, it has a superb setting and there are some exhilarating walks, hikes and excursions in the vicinity.
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.
At leisure in the El Chaltén area. Explore this region of extraordinary natural beauty on foot, along one of the national park’s many trails. You hike through dense forest and across glacial brooks with the vertical peaks of the Fitzroy Massif, too steep to shelter snow, providing a mesmeric backdrop. All trails are undulating but not strenuous. Be sure to take warm clothes as the weather in the south is notoriously unpredictable.
Choose from a number of hikes and other outdoor activities available locally (or book them through Journey Latin America before departure).
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.
Return to El Calafate by public bus.
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.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Buenos Aires. Transfer to hotel.
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.
The world’s most spectacular wildernesses can be hard to reach. Not so in Argentine Patagonia, just a short drive away from the airport at El Calafate you enter the stunning Los Glaciares National Park. This budget holiday includes walks in some of the loveliest landscapes in the country including the volcano-dotted lake district.
Your trip begins and ends in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, considered to be Latin America’s most European city, with its wide boulevards, colonial architecture and café society. Fly onto the Alpine-style resort town of Bariloche in the lake district, where you can explore the snow-dusted mountains, lakes and evergreen forests along gentle walking trails. From here you continue south to the windswept landscape of Patagonia, where you get up close to the vast Perito Moreno Glacier, which calves huge chunks of ice into the water below. El Chaltén is the jumping off point for explorations of the Fitz Roy region of Patagonia, which offers you the chance to admire some of the most dramatic mountain scenery on the continent.
Maggie Wilson
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
Three flights (longest 3.30hrs); 2 road journeys (longest 3-4hrs).
- Accommodation
Here we have selected modest but comfortable small to mid-sized hotels with heating and private bathroom.
- 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
13 days, 12 nights: Buenos Aires 2; Bariloche 3; El Calafate 2, El Chaltén 3, El Calafate 1; Buenos Aires 1.
- Currency
The unit of currency in Argentina is the Argentine peso.
- How To Take It
Cash machines are available in all major cities and towns, and so taking a debit or credit card with a PIN number is the most convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip, and in most shops and restaurants you can also pay by card. However, since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds. We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency, and possibly some travellers’ cheques (American Express are the most widely accepted), though these are gradually falling out of use. Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused. You can take sterling, but the exchange rate is not always competitive or even available, restricting the number of places where you can change money.
For our latest currency advice for Argentina please see our FAQs section.
- 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
Travel insurance is essential.
Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
- Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket.
- Journey Grade
This holiday includes some excursions where there is some walking involved. There are a couple of public bus rides, and three internal flights.
The itinerary includes some walking in rocky and hilly terrain. On the whole it is suitable for reasonably fit clients, including families with older children. If you have a disability or other special requirements, please call us.
- Climate
Buenos Aires is hottest January-March (very humid with tropical showers, occasionally over 40°C during the day). Weather conditions here are best for a visit in spring and autumn.
The lake district has warm mostly sunny summers from December to march and cool, rainy winters, from June to August. Expect changeable weather in the shoulder seasons, which resemble a UK summer!
The weather in the far south is notoriously unpredictable throughout the year. During the southern hemisphere summer (October to March) there can be blizzards or heat waves. The adage “four seasons in a day” is very apt here. In winter days are short and snow is not uncommon but it is rarely much below freezing, because of the moderating influence of the sea.
In El Calafate and El Chalten in Los Glaciares National Park it is summer December to February and the days are long and mild, but at this time – especially January – the area is popular with both Argentine and foreign visitors. March and October can be sunny and clear, but also windy.
- Clothing And Special Equipment
Even in stylish Buenos Aires, dress is casual or smart casual except for the classiest restaurants. For the holiday as a whole you will need a variety of clothing, from light trousers, shorts, cotton dresses, skirts or T shirts through to fleeces and waterproof outer shells. A hat and gloves are advisable for the far south.
A day pack is essential for carrying rainwear, snacks, books and a water bottle. The sun in summer can be strong so take a hat with a visor, sunglasses and sunblock. Some walkers find hiking poles helpful and binoculars are useful for wildlife spotting.
Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts. Good equipment is very important and hard to come by in Latin America.
- Vaccinations
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.
Jump in the saddle for a new perspective on downtown Buenos Aires.
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.
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
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.
Ideally located, stylishly eclectic décor and very attentive, personalised service.
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
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