Ice Fields to Waterfalls: Argentina's Stunning Contrasts

Experience the stunning contrasts of Argentina’s wild beauty from expansive ice fields to thundering waterfalls; these natural gems will capture your heart.

Venture through Argentina’s most iconic natural wonders and the cosmopolitan Buenos Aires as you explore this extraordinary country over 10 days. From the lush jungles of the north to the dramatic glaciers and snow-capped peaks of Patagonia, this awe-inspiring trip is an unforgettable exploration of the country’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture.

This itinerary starts and ends in Buenos Aires, spending three nights in the frozen wilderness of El Calafate (Patagonia) and three nights in the lush rainforest of Iguazú in between.

Patagonia Glaciers and the Iguazú Falls: Start by immersing yourself in the striking natural beauty of Argentina’s northern and southern regions. You’ll experience the impressive Patagonian Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, and the mighty Iguazú Falls in Iguazú National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Your journey will take you from the icy wilderness of Patagonia to the tropical rainforest of Misiones, with breathtaking contrasts between these two iconic landscapes.

Buenos Aires: Conclude your adventure in Buenos Aires, often called the most European city in Latin America. This dynamic city blends old-world charm with modern vibrancy, offering a rich cultural experience. Known for its passion for Tango, soccer, and "asado" barbecues, Buenos Aires is a city of history, art, and unforgettable energy.

• Admire sweeping views of Lake Argentina and an archaeological site with cave paintings.
• Enjoy a unique dinner inside a cave.
• Take short boat rides to get close-up views of jaw-dropping glaciers and hidden ice fields.
• Go for short nature walks and learn about the Patagonian ecosystem.
• Stand before Iguazú’s roaring cascades - one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.
• Take an ecological train around the Iguazú National Park and learn about its wildlife, geology, and history.
• Visit a local village to understand the culture and heritage of the Mbyá Guaraní people.
• Discover Buenos Aires by bike, passing through trendy neighborhoods and lush green parks.
• Feel the pulse of Buenos Aires through its rich history, flavors, and rhythms through 'dinner and a show' featuring traditional Argentine food and a sensual Tango performance.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Buenos Aires – Arrival
Day 2: Buenos Aires – El Calafate – 4x4 Adventure
Day 3: El Calafate – Perito Moreno Glacier Experience
Day 4: El Calafate – Southern Glacier Adventure
Day 5: El Calafate – Iguazú
Day 6: Iguazú – Argentine Falls Full Day
Day 7: Iguazú – Jasy Pora Village & Brazilian Falls
Day 8: Iguazú – Buenos Aires
Day 9: Buenos Aires – Half-Day Bike City Tour & Dinner Tango Show
Day 10: Buenos Aires – Departure

☀️ Seasonality and the Best Time to Travel

This itinerary is designed for October 2025 to April 2026 and can be adapted for year-round departures with adjustments to activities and accommodations.

The best time depends on personal preferences. For ideal weather and fewer tourists, October to mid-December and March to April are excellent choices. These months offer comfortable temperatures, vibrant landscapes, and better availability. If visiting during summer (mid-December to February), expect larger crowds, especially at Iguazú Falls and Perito Moreno Glacier.

🔺 High Season (mid-December to February)
This is Argentina’s summer and peak holiday period, so expect warmer weather, longer days, and more visitors.

In Iguazú, it’s hot, humid, and the waterfalls are at their fullest — an impressive sight, though trails may be more crowded and sometimes slippery.

In Calafate, this is a great time for glacier excursions, with extended daylight and relatively mild temperatures for Patagonia.

In Buenos Aires, the city is lively and hot, with outdoor events, summer energy, and some locals away on holiday.

Ideal for those who enjoy warm weather and don’t mind a more active travel scene.

🔷 Mid / Shoulder Season (October to mid-December & March to April)
Milder weather and fewer crowds make this a sweet spot for travel.

Iguazú stays warm and tropical, with slightly lower humidity and fewer visitors.

Calafate offers excellent conditions for hiking, glacier visits, and lake navigation, with crisp but manageable temperatures and more availability.

Buenos Aires is pleasant, with active street life, cultural events, and comfortable temperatures. 

Great for travelers looking for good weather and a more relaxed pace.

*Try to avoid Easter holidays if possible — if you’re thinking of traveling in March or April, be sure to check the Easter holiday dates, as they vary annually.

🔻 Low Season (May to September)
Iguazú remains tropical, with cooler but still pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and less rainfall — ideal for a more relaxed visit. 

In Calafate, it’s the winter season: some excursions operate on limited schedules, and signature glacier trekking activities like the Mini Trekking and Big Ice are suspended from June 1st to July 18th due to seasonal conditions. Daylight hours are shorter, but the Perito Moreno Glacier remains accessible and can still be enjoyed from the walkways in a quieter, more intimate setting.

Buenos Aires is cooler but stays lively with indoor cultural life, cafés, and tango shows.
A good time for travelers who value a slower pace and are comfortable with cooler weather.

*It's advisable to avoid Argentina’s winter school holidays (in July) when the parks can get quite busy with local tourists. Check on these dates, as they vary annually.

♻️ Our Philosophy and Commitment to Sustainability

We believe that travel should be transformative—not only for travelers but also for the places they visit. Our itineraries blend iconic landscapes with immersive experiences while respecting local cultures and minimizing environmental impact. We prioritize working with eco-conscious partners, support community-led initiatives, and promote responsible tourism that safeguards Argentina’s incredible biodiversity and cultural heritage for future generations.

🌳 Environmental Initiatives 

While some destinations in this itinerary have limitations in implementing wide-scale sustainable practices, we prioritize experiences that reduce environmental impact where possible. In Patagonia, the Southern Remote Adventure is designed as a small-group tour, minimizing the human footprint in fragile ecosystems. Additionally, we adhere to Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that all outdoor activities respect the natural environment. In Buenos Aires, the bike tour offers a low-emission way to explore the city, reducing reliance on motorized transport. In Iguazú, while park regulations guide conservation efforts, we encourage responsible travel habits, such as avoiding single-use plastics and using reusable water bottles throughout the journey.

🛌 Accommodation Initiatives: 

Each accommodation has been chosen not only for its quality and comfort but also for its environmental and social values. Whenever possible, we prioritize responsible hotels—those that are locally owned or that demonstrate a clear commitment to sustainability and community engagement. However, in some destinations, options that meet both our standards of quality and responsibility are limited. In those cases, we aim for a thoughtful balance, combining responsible properties with others that may not be fully sustainable but still offer excellent service and comfort. We always strive to ensure that, at the very least, they incorporate some form of social or environmental practice or support the local economy in meaningful ways.

Please note that accommodation is subject to availability. While we always try to secure our preferred responsible options, it may not always be possible. In such cases, we select the best available alternatives, keeping in mind the overall quality of the experience.

The 3-star hotel in El Calafate is recognized for its commitment to sustainable practices, implementing responsible waste management, energy-saving initiatives, and local community support. In contrast, our 4-star option is a boutique hotel focused on providing an intimate and locally inspired experience. In Iguazú, the 3-star hotel integrates harmoniously with the rainforest, using eco-conscious designs to minimize environmental impact. Furthermore, the 4-star choice in Iguazú is "Preferred by Nature" certified, ensuring responsible management of natural resources and wildlife protection. These hotels reflect a commitment to conscious travel while offering an authentic and comfortable stay. 

🤝 Sociocultural Initiatives

This journey fosters meaningful connections with local communities and traditions. A highlight is the visit to the Jasy Porã Village, where travelers engage with the Mbyá Guaraní people, gaining insights into their ancestral way of life. In Buenos Aires, the experience is enriched with a guided bike tour through historic neighborhoods and a tango evening that delves into Argentina’s cultural heritage. These experiences support local artisans, musicians, and cultural preservation efforts.

💼 Economic Initiatives

We are committed to strengthening the local economy by partnering with family-run businesses, boutique accommodations, and community-driven projects. This itinerary promotes slow travel, with extended stays in key destinations, ensuring a more immersive experience while benefiting local economies. 

Additionally, we encourage traveling during shoulder and mid-seasons (October to mid-December and March to April) to avoid peak season (mid-December to January/February) concentration, helping to distribute tourism income more evenly throughout the year while avoiding overcrowding in key destinations. Furthermore, it allows for a smoother travel experience and better rates.

There are no health or sanitary requirements currently in place.

Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended, covering health, medical care, accidents, emergency evacuation, repatriation, cancellations, and adventure activities.