Wild Patagonia: Glaciers, Lakes & the End of the World

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.

• 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

🔺 High Season (mid-December to February)
This is Argentina’s summer and peak holiday period, with warm weather, long days, and more travelers.
In Buenos Aires, the city buzzes with energy — expect hot days, outdoor festivals, and a lively atmosphere, though some locals head out on vacation.
In El Calafate, it’s prime time for glacier excursions, with extended daylight and relatively mild conditions for Patagonia.
In Ushuaia, summer brings the longest days of the year — ideal for hiking, navigation trips, and visiting Tierra del Fuego National Park.
In Bariloche, the lakes sparkle under sunny skies, perfect for kayaking, hiking, and enjoying the region’s alpine charm.
Best for those who enjoy vibrant cities, outdoor adventure, and don't mind sharing the highlights with more visitors.

🔷 Mid / Shoulder Season (October to mid-December & March to April)
These months bring milder weather, fewer crowds, and excellent travel conditions.
In Buenos Aires, temperatures are pleasant, and the city offers active street life, cultural events, and café culture at its best.
In El Calafate and Ushuaia, the landscapes are beautiful, with crisp air, open trails, and more availability. While some excursions may begin or end their seasonal operations during these windows, most are still running.
In Bariloche, spring and fall paint the scenery in vibrant colors — from blooming wildflowers to golden leaves — with cooler but enjoyable temperatures for exploration.
Great for travelers seeking balance: scenic beauty, comfortable weather, and a calmer travel experience.

🔻 Low Season (May to September)
Patagonia shifts into winter mode, offering a different kind of charm with snow-dusted landscapes and peaceful settings.
In Buenos Aires, cooler temperatures bring the focus indoors — museums, tango shows, and cozy cafés take center stage.

In El Calafate, daylight hours are shorter, and iconic glacier trekking excursions (like Mini Trekking and Big Ice) pause from early June to mid-July, though the Perito Moreno Glacier remains accessible from the walkways.
In Ushuaia, winter transforms the region into a hub for snow activities — skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding are available, though some summer excursions close.
In Bariloche, it’s ski season. The town comes alive with snow sports and alpine charm, attracting winter enthusiasts from across the country.
Best for those who enjoy a slower pace, winter adventures, and fewer crowds — just be sure to check which excursions are running before you go.

*It's advisable to avoid Argentina’s winter school holidays (in July) when the park can get quite busy with local tourists. Make sure to ask your travel expert for that year’s calendar, as dates vary annually.

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.

♻️ Our Philosophy and Commitment to 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. 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.

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, 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, Maia Muriel, 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 is currently no 4-star hotel 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. 

🤝 Social Initiatives

We prioritize immersive, low-impact activities operated by local outfitters who reinvest in their communities and employ full-time residents year-round.

✔️ Support for Indigenous and Cultural Heritage: In Ushuaia, we work with operators who include the history of the Yaghan people in their interpretation to foster awareness of indigenous heritage. Excursions include access to local museums and interpretation centers, such as the “Costumbrista Museum” at Estancia Cristina, deepening travelers' understanding of regional identity and rural traditions.

✔️ Job Creation and Fair Labor: Many of our partners hire local staff and offer stable, year-round employment, reducing seasonal fragility. They invest in staff training and community engagement, fostering professional growth and strengthening local talent.

💼 Economic Initiatives

We are committed to strengthening the local economy by partnering with family-run businesses, boutique accommodations, and small businesses, ensuring tourism revenue stays within the community to support long-term development.

The trip includes visits to independent producers and family-run operations like Estancia Cristina, where guests learn directly from local stewards of Patagonian land and culture.

✔️ Travel Flow Redistribution: We encourage traveling during shoulder and mid-seasons (October to mid-December and March to April) to avoid peak season concentration, distributing tourism income more evenly throughout the year, reducing overcrowding, and enabling smoother travel experiences with better rates.

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.