Duration
Wild Patagonia: Glaciers, Lakes & the End of the World
From $6,100 pp
Bookable From
October - April
Trip Style
Privately Guided
Country
Argentina
Physical Rating
Average
Overview
Slow-travel through the wild beauty of Argentine Patagonia's glaciers, lakes, and forests, arriving at the 'End of the World' before returning to Buenos Aires.
This 13-day adventure takes you through the highlights of Argentine Patagonia — from the scenic lakes and forests of Bariloche, to the glaciers of El Calafate, the southern charm of Ushuaia at the 'End of the World'. Your journey begins and ends in the lively and alluring streets of Buenos Aires.
In Bariloche, you’ll kayak on clear lakes, hike through forests, and explore the stunning landscapes of the Lakes District. Then head to El Calafate to see the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier and take a cruise through remote icy fjords. Visit a traditional estancia to learn about Patagonia’s history and take in sweeping views. Next, travel to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Discover the wild beauty of Tierra del Fuego, sail the Beagle Channel, and walk among penguins.
In Buenos Aires, you can enjoy the city’s rich culture, great food, and the rhythm of tango with a special show and lesson.
Highlights
- Hike and kayak through the pristine landscapes of the Lakes District, exploring hidden corners of Moreno and Nahuel Huapi lakes.
- Explore the iconic Victoria Island and the ancient Myrtle Forest, known for its cinnamon-colored bark.
- Ride 4×4 vehicles across Patagonian cliffs, discovering ancient cave paintings and dining inside a cave overlooking Lake Argentino.
- Sail through the Iceberg Channel and trek remote forest trails for intimate views of the Mayo and Negro glaciers.
- Marvel at the imposing Perito Moreno Glacier and experience Glaciers National Park from both water and land.
- Discover the remote Estancia Cristina by boat and hike through the untouched wilderness surrounding the Upsala Glacier.
- Ride the iconic “End of the World” train and walk along the trails of Tierra del Fuego National Park.
- Navigate the Beagle Channel, spotting sea lions, shags, and penguins, and step onto remote islands rich in wildlife and indigenous history.
- Discover Buenos Aires by bike, pedaling through historic districts, grand avenues, and Palermo’s leafy parks.




Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Buenos Aires – Arrival – Half Day South City Tour
Day 2: Buenos Aires – Bariloche – Half Day Bariloche Scenic Tour
Day 3: Bariloche – Hiking & Lake Kayaking Experience
Day 4: Bariloche – Victoria Island Sailing and Myrtle Forest
Day 5: Bariloche – El Calafate – 4×4 Adventure through Lakes and Caves
Day 6: El Calafate – Perito Moreno’s Glacier and Remote Wood Hiking
Day 7: El Calafate – Traditional and Emblematic Patagonian Estancia
Day 8: El Calafate – Ushuaia – Leisure afternoon
Day 9: Ushuaia – Tierra del Fuego National Park & Beagle Channel Sailing
Day 10: Ushuaia – Gable Island & Penguin Colony with Harberton Ranch
Day 11: Ushuaia - Buenos Aires – Dinner, Tango Show & Lesson
Day 12: Buenos Aires – Half Day Biking Tour
Day 13: Buenos Aires – Departure
Seasonal Notes
Travel Season Dates
- High season runs from mid-December through February, coinciding with Argentina’s summer and national travel period.
- Shoulder season is from October to mid-December and March to April. These mid-seasons offer great conditions with fewer crowds.
- Low season is May to September, when Patagonia experiences colder weather, and some excursions may be limited.
Best Time to Travel
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. While summer (mid-December to February) is a perfectly fine time to visit, expect larger crowds, especially at Perito Moreno Glacier.
Special Seasonal Highlights
- October – November: Spring in Patagonia brings lush greenery and increased wildlife activity.
- March – April: Fall foliage in Patagonia creates stunning landscapes with golden and red hues.
- May & September: Ideal for those who enjoy winter scenery and fewer tourists, though some excursions—such as boat trips in Patagonia—may operate on a limited basis. In some exceptional cases, road closures may also occur due to early or late snowfall.
- June, July & August: Since Patagonia is located in the southernmost part of the country, temperatures drop significantly during these winter months. It’s generally not the best time to visit, as many services are reduced and some roads are more likely to be closed due to snow and ice conditions.
Additional Considerations
- Wildlife: Spring and summer (Oct-Feb) are great for wildlife spotting in Patagonia.
- Crowds & Prices: High season means more tourists and higher prices, especially in Patagonia. Traveling during shoulder seasons offers a balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and friendlier rates. Traveling outside of the high season is also the more sustainable option as it disperses tourism revenue more evenly throughout the year.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival to Buenos Aires
Day 2 Buenos Aires – Bariloche – Half Day Bariloche Scenic Tour
Day 3 Bariloche - Hiking & Kayaking at Nahuel Huapi Lake
Day 4 Bariloche – Victoria Island Sailing and Myrtle Forest
Day 5 Bariloche – El Calafate – 4×4 Adventure through Lakes and Caves
Day 6 El Calafate - Perito Moreno’s Glacier and Remote Wood Hiking
Day 7 El Calafate – Traditional and Emblematic Patagonian Estancia
Day 8 El Calafate – Ushuaia - Leisure afternoon
Day 9 Ushuaia - Tierra del Fuego National Park & Beagle Channel Navigation
Day 10 Ushuaia – Gable Island & Penguin Colony with Harberton Ranch
Day 11 Ushuaia - Buenos Aires – Dinner, Tango Show & Lesson
Day 12 Buenos Aires - Biking tour
Day 13 Departure from Buenos Aires
Customization
Route Map

Inclusions & Exclusions
Transportation & Guides
Private airport transfers upon arrival and departure are included at every destination
Bilingual guide included at all excursions
Bilingual host included at the first arrival transfer
Accommodation
3 nights of accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast
3 nights in Bariloche at a boutique hotel with breakfast
3 nights in El Calafate at a boutique hotel with breakfast
3 nights in Ushuaia at a boutique hotel with breakfast
Activities & Experiences
Half-day South City Tour in Buenos Aires (private)
Half-day Scenic Tour in Bariloche including Cerro Campanario chairlift (private)
Full-day Kayaking & Hiking experience in Nahuel Huapi & Moreno Lakes (private)
Full-day Visit to Victoria’s Island and Myrtle Forest (shared)
Half-day 4x4 Lakes, Caves & Cliffs Adventure in El Calafate (shared – small group)
Full-day Perito Moreno’s Glacier and Remote Wood Hiking (shared with private transfers)
Full-day Traditional and Emblematic Patagonian Estancia (shared – small group)
Full-day Tierra del Fuego National Park & Beagle Channel Sailing (shared)
Full-day Gable Island, Penguin Colony & Canoeing Adventure (shared – small group)
Dinner Tango Show in Buenos Aires + 30-minute dance lesson (shared)
Half-day Northern Biking Tour in Buenos Aires. Bike, helmet, and safety gear included (private)
Meals
11 breakfasts
6 lunches/box-lunches during excursions
2 dinners
Soft drinks and water are included during lunches and dinners, where specified
Additional Services
Entrance fees to National Parks and reserves (all destinations)
24/7 emergency contact during travel
Detailed welcome letter with travel information, destination notes, and schedule of services
International flights
Domestic flights: D2 AEP - BRC, D5 BRC - FTE, D8 FTE - USH, D11 USH - AEP
Services and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Early check-in, late check-out, and other hotel extras
Personal expenses
Tips for guides and hotel staff
Visa fees or travel documentation
Travel insurance
Pricing
Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.
Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.
The pricing applies to the land portion of the trip. Internal flights can be quoted and booked upon request. To issue the tickets as soon as the itinerary is confirmed, airfare must be paid in full along with the deposit, unless you prefer to wait and book the flights at a later time.
Deposit per person
30% of the trip price
Shared Room - sleeps 2 - price per person
3* Hotels: $6,100 4* Hotels: $7,000
Sustainability
Sustainability
We believe that travel should enrich both the traveler and the destination. Our Patagonia itinerary is thoughtfully designed to immerse guests in southern Argentina’s natural wonders while honoring and protecting the unique ecosystems and cultures that make this region so extraordinary. We aim to collaborate with local communities, support conservation efforts, and strive to work with suppliers who share our commitment to responsible tourism, always seeking a balance between quality experiences and positive impact.
Environmental Initiatives
While some destinations in this itinerary face challenges in implementing sustainable practices or are already heavily visited, we seek to strike a balance between must-see attractions and quality experiences whenever possible.
We also follow Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that all outdoor activities are conducted with respect for the natural environment.
In Buenos Aires, a bike tour offers a low-emission, low-impact way to explore the city's cultural heart, reducing reliance on motorized transport. In Patagonia, while conservation is guided by park regulations, we promote responsible travel habits, such as avoiding single-use plastics and using reusable water bottles. Furthermore, most of the experiences in this itinerary are led by guides who respect native wildlife and fragile ecosystems.
Accommodation Initiatives
Each accommodation has been chosen not only for its quality and comfort but also for its environmental and social values.
In Bariloche, selected hotels work closely with the local community and apply eco-friendly practices, including energy efficiency and waste reduction. In El Calafate, our preferred hotels include a 3* property that prioritizes sustainable water and energy use, and a boutique 4* hotel that incorporates local materials and crafts while supporting regional artisans and producers.
In Ushuaia, the selected 3-star hotel, Tierra de Leyendas is a sustainable hotel that minimizes its environmental impact through energy and water conservation, waste reduction, and the elimination of single-use plastics. It uses refillable amenities, composts organic waste, sources local and organic food, and offers filtered glacier water to avoid bottled water. The hotel’s owner also leads the “A Limpiar Ushuaia” movement, promoting environmental education and plastic bans in the city, further reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to sustainability.
For the superior itinerary, however, there are currently no 4-star hotels with strong sustainability practices. That said, the 4-star property we’ve chosen integrates thoughtfully into its natural surroundings.
In Buenos Aires, our select hotels include a 3* property that integrates sustainable practices and environmental responsibility, offering guests a comfortable stay in a place with green architecture and sustainable materials. On the other hand, the 4* property includes in their practices waste and water reduction as well as cultural promotion.
Health & Safety
Be sure you have traveler's insurance.
FAQs
What does the Physical Rating of "Average" mean?
The "Average" physical rating means this trip is ideal for travelers with a moderate level of fitness who enjoy exploring on foot and spending time outdoors. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should feel comfortable with active days that may include walking, uneven terrain, and varied weather conditions.
Typical activities include:
✔️ Scenic walks and short hikes in national parks and along Patagonian trails
✔️ Nature outings that may involve boarding boats or walking on rocky or uneven surfaces
✔️ Easy-paced city walking tours and a relaxed bike tour in Buenos Aires
No technical skills are needed, and there are no extended treks. This is a soft adventure trip designed for those who enjoy being active in nature, with time to rest and recharge between excursions.
What are the accommodations like?
We’ve selected hotels that are cozy, well-located, and full of local character, offering a comfortable stay and a warm welcome after each day’s adventures. Both 3* and 4* options provide great service and a unique sense of place.
3-star Hotel Highlights
These are locally inspired, comfortable hotels with friendly service—perfect for travelers who want a cozy base without unnecessary frills.
Buenos Aires: A chic, eco-friendly hotel in trendy Palermo Hollywood with lush vertical gardens and a focus on sustainable design. Its bright rooms and leafy atmosphere are a refreshing urban retreat.
Bariloche: A charming property featuring Patagonian-style architecture, a cozy atmosphere, and a convenient location near Lake Nahuel Huapi. Each suite offers unique rustic touches and a warm, inviting feel.
El Calafate: A warm and inviting hotel built with native wood and Andean details. Central and comfortable, it’s a great place to relax after a day exploring glaciers.
Ushuaia: A small boutique hotel at the edge of the world, offering panoramic Beagle Channel views, handcrafted décor, and a cozy, family-run atmosphere.
4-star Hotel Highlights
A mix of Boutique-style and some traditional hotels that offer more space, added comfort, and a stylish atmosphere—perfect for those seeking a slightly elevated experience with authentic charm.
Buenos Aires: Located in Palermo Soho, this emblematic boutique hotel is inspired by Argentine icons. With unique themed rooms, refined décor, and personalized touches, it blends culture, a mix of antique and modern touches.
Bariloche: A beautifully appointed lakefront hotel with a spa and spectacular views of the mountains. It offers modern comforts and a peaceful setting just minutes from town.
El Calafate: A serene, apartment-style hotel with sweeping lake views and artisan details throughout. It’s an artful, quiet space to unwind between Patagonian adventures.
Ushuaia: Nestled in the forested hills above town, this elegant property offers spacious rooms, a spa, and panoramic views—perfect for enjoying Ushuaia in comfort and style.
What is the weather like?
Argentina is vast, so expect a range of climates. Here's what you can typically expect:
Buenos Aires: Mild and humid.
Summer (Dec–Feb): 75–90°F (24–32°C)
Winter (Jun–Aug): 45–60°F (7–16°C)
Patagonia (Bariloche, El Calafate, Ushuaia): During spring and summer, daytime temperatures can be pleasantly warm on sunny days, while evenings and nights tend to be much cooler. Sudden weather changes are common throughout the region. The farther south you go, the colder and windier it generally becomes.
Summer: 45–65°F (7–18°C)
Winter: 20–40°F (-6–4°C), with possible snow and strong winds.
How can the weather impact the itinerary?
Argentina's weather is well-known for changing. Here’s how it could affect your experience:
- In Patagonia: Strong winds, sudden rain, or snow may cause occasional delays or adjustments to outdoor activities like boat excursions or hikes.
- In Buenos Aires: Summer heat and humidity can make outdoor walking tours more intense—light clothing and hydration are key.
All planned activities are flexible, and local guides will always prioritize safety and comfort while adapting the itinerary as needed.
What should I pack for Argentina?
Layering is key! Patagonia’s weather can shift dramatically within a single day, especially in spring and summer. Mornings may start chilly, midday can feel warm under the sun, and evenings often bring cooler temperatures, particularly in the southernmost areas, where winds are stronger and conditions are more unpredictable.
Essentials for Patagonia (Bariloche, El Calafate, Ushuaia): Waterproof and windproof jacket, warm fleece or down mid-layer, long-sleeve shirts and breathable base layers, comfortable hiking pants, hat, gloves, and a scarf (even in summer), sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, daypack for excursions, sunglasses and sunscreen (UV is strong even on cloudy days), reusable water bottle.
For Buenos Aires: Lighter clothing for warmer temperatures, comfortable shoes for walking or biking around the city, a smart-casual outfit for dinners or tango shows.
Optional but useful: Binoculars for wildlife watching, swimwear (some hotels may have pools or spas), travel adapter (Argentina uses type C and I plugs).
What are the entry requirements for Argentina?
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival, with 2 blank pages.
- Return ticket required.
- Tourist visa: Check the following list of countries. All those listed "Requiere visa" in the passport column require a visa to enter Argentina. Only the countries on this list DO NOT require a tourist visa when visiting Argentina.
- If required, the Tourist visa applications must be submitted at any Consular Office of the Argentine Republic at least 60 days prior to travelling. More information about the Visa Application process at: Argentinean Tourism Visa.
Do I need to book domestic flights for this trip?
Yes. Argentina is vast and drive times are impractical for most travelers as the domestic flights are very short. The trip price does not include domestic airfare, so the following flights need to be booked separately. We can assist you with this, but it's usually more cost effective to secure these flights on your own:
- D2 AEP - BRC, Buenos Aires to Bariloche
- D5 BRC - FTE, Bariloche to El Calafate
- D8 FTE - USH, El Calafate to Ushuaia
- D11 USH - AEP, Ushuaia to Buenos Aires
Domestic flights are estimated to cost around $400-$600.