Best of Patagonia Argentina

Trip Highlights

Patagonia, Argentina, is every outdoor enthusiasts' dream with its rich diversity of landscape, enormous glaciers, stunning mountain vistas and endless hiking trails. This itinerary is great for those seeking to focus on Southern Patagonia as well as the coastline of Peninsula Valdes.  

Your journey will begin in the glitzing city of Buenos Aires, famed to be the Paris of South America, with its grand buildings, European architecture and charming cafe culture, before feeling right at home at Bahia Bustamante in Peninsula Valdes. Described by the New York Times as ‘Argentina’s Private (and Secret) answer to The Galapagos’, this seaside lodge is a piece of paradise waiting to be discovered. From its white sandy beaches and crystal clear water, framed by red rocks reaching inland, to its moonscapes of great deserts, it is a marine paradise inhabited by a great number of birds and mammals, such as the Magellan Penguins and Sea Lions. Continue your journey south to Ushuaia, where the Andes Mountain meets the Beagle Channel at the end of the world, and hike (or paddle!) Tierra del Fuego National Park as well as visit the penguin rookery on Gable Island.

Circle back north to the glacier region of Los Glaciares National Park in El Calafate, known to be the only advancing glacier in the world. Navigate, hike, kayak or ice-trek to discover the Perito Moreno and Upsala Glaciers up close. After a few nights in the glacier region, you will arrive at Estancia Cristina, a homely and authentic ranch style lodge situated right in the middle of Los Glaciares National Park. With an off-the-beaten path experience, stay away from the tourist crowds and explore a wild part of nature that is so seldom visited. The variety of terrain here for hiking is incredible, from thick native forests, viewpoints of the Upsala Glacier, waterfalls, canyons full of prehistoric fossils, to rivers, creeks and lakes.

End your journey at the hiking capital of South America, El Chalten, the base of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Spend your days at a secluded lakeside lodge, only accessible by boat, surrounded by lush beech forest and glaciers, and views of the impressive Mount Fitz Roy from your room. Venture off on daily hikes and boat trips, or simply do nothing, in this idyllic spot for relaxing to the sounds of nature.

Hotels and lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be privately transferred to your hotel for check-in. After resting, your guide will meet you at the hotel for your private city tour. This in-depth tour begins in Plaza de Mayo, the historical, political and cultural center of the city. In its surrounding areas you can see Casa Rosada the actual seat of Presidential Palace, the Cabinet and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Continue to the famous neighborhood of San Telmo, one of the oldest in the city, settled at the end of the nineteenth century by aristocratic families and currently home to a lively nightlife and a weekly Sunday antiques fair. Going further south, you will arrive at the picturesque and colorful port neighborhood of La Boca (with its famous street “Caminito”) before moving onto the trendy modern neighborhood of Puerto Madero, the seaside neighborhood set on Rio de la Plata. The tour concludes with a visit to the city´s two most upscale and European-esque neighborhoods of Palermo and La Recoleta. You will return to the hotel for an evening at leisure. 

Overnight at Hub Porteno (no meals)

Enjoy your day of leisure, exploring the corners of the city that you have not yet visited, or immersing yourself in those you have.

In the evening, dress up for Argentina's Rojo Tango show, known as Argentina's best dancers, singers and musicians. Tango is the musical art form in Buenos Aires, originating in the 1880 ghettos, then populated by Italian and Spanish immigrants, Africans and gauchos. Each song has a story to tell about the city, its history and its people. In spite of its growing popularity in ghettos and brothels of the 1920s, tango rose to the salons of the upper class. In the spirit of its history,  you will be transferred to the chic Faena Hotel to witness the sultry musical art form of Argentina. Dinner at the show can be included, but we do recommend dining at a local parrilla (steakhouse) in the area of Puerto Madero for a more local and authentic experience. Transfers can be rearranged accordingly. 

Overnight at Hub Porteno (Breakfast & Dinner)

In the morning, you will be privately transferred to the airport for your flight to Comodoro Rivadavia Airport, for a flight of approximately 2h25m. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to the seaside lodge, Bahia Bustamante, which is approximately 3 hours north of the airport. You will be served a snack along the way.

After checking-in, your guide will meet with you to plan the days ahead. Take the rest of the day to rest and enjoy a peaceful dinner by the oceanside.

Overnight at Bahia Bustamante (Breakfast & Dinner)

The next two days are yours to explore as you wish. Exploration activities in the area are decided on a day-to-day basis, taking into account the state of the tide and the weather.

Bahia Bustamante is an isolated oasis with a variety of unique activities to offer. Watch locals harvest seaweed, the region’s most precious natural resource. Tour the Gravina Peninsula by bike, ATV, on horseback, or on foot. Head out on an exhilarating sail to the Versace Archipelago, home to thousands of bird species, sea lions, and penguins. It isn’t uncommon to spot magnificent orca whales along the way. Other activity options include kayaking, hiking, visiting the Petrified Forest, and touring a typical Patagonian ranch. 

Overnight at Bahia Bustamante (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

You will be transferred to the Trelew airport for your departing flight to Ushuaia, which is approximately 3h45m driving time. Flight time to Ushuaia is approximately 2h10m. Upon arrival and long day of travel, take the evening to rest.

Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. It is located on the shores of the Beagle Channel, at the southern tip of the island of Tierra Fuego, surrounded by the Martial Mountains. Its privileged location allows you to enjoy mountains, ocean and forests. The name of Ushuaia comes from the language of the Indians Yaghanes, its primitive inhabitants, and means "bay that penetrates towards the west.“

Overnight at Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa (Breakfast)

This is the perfect excursion for those in search of the end of the world. This active, full-day excursion takes you on a trip by land, to navigate the Beagle Channel and discover one of the wildest and most beautiful places in Tierra del Fuego. In a context that summarizes the history and natural variety of Tierra del Fuego, you will see traces that the first inhabitants, the Yamana, and the first white settlers left here. Far from the tourist crowds and right in the middle of the Beagle Channel, Gable Island is a place recommended worldwide by word of mouth. This area shows an infinite and primordial landscape, magical and extreme. Surrounded by sea and silence, where only the wind and birds are heard, you can experience the sensation of being alone in the world, and in touch with nature.

 After breakfast, you will be transferred along mountains and valleys, reaching Brown Bay, a panoramic looking point where the distinct trees are able to grow with intense wind. You will arrive at Estancia Harberton, a historical landmark of the utmost importance for the whole region. You will visit the main house area, and a few of its buildings before embarking on a motor boat to reach Isla Martillo. From the boat you will see penguins in their breeding site (disembark for supplemental cost). The navigation in the motor boat continues to the main attraction of the day, Gable Island, where lunch awaits along with a solid Patagonian red wine. After a coffee, hike to explore the wonderful landscape of this island, its beautiful views, and discover beaver dams in the forest.

Overnight at Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa (Breakfast & Lunch) 

You will be privately transferred to the airport for your flight to El Calafate, the region of glaciers! Upon arrival in El Calafate, you will be privately transferred to your hotel.

In the afternoon enjoy a guided Safari Experience, a midday 4x4 excursion which totally immerses you into the Patagonian steppe. Discover the balance of the regional ecosystem that varies as you ascend. There are excellent possibilities to see guanacos, condors, and foxes, among other members of the native fauna.

El Calafate is situated by Lake Argentino, a green water surface covering 1,600 km2 and has great mysterious depths, like all lakes originated from glaciers. It receives its name from the small bush calafate, indigenous of Patagonia. Its fruit is a delicious berry very good with which to make jam. According to tradition, whoever eats calafate will return for more. But reality is that whoever visits Calafate wants to stay there forever. It is an oasis of poplars, willows and pines at the border of the steppe.

Overnight at Los Ponchos Boutique Hotel (Breakfast)

Today you will visit the famous Perito Moreno glacier’s sidewalks. The glacier is an indescribable spectacle that fills visitors with wonder and admiration before even arriving to the destination.

After a guided tour on the sidewalks, you will also experience a mini-trekking over the glacier. This excursion begins in the embarking pier located in “Bajo de las Sombras” port, about 6 km before the glacier Balconies - where you embark for a 20 minute navigation across the Rico Arm. Enjoy breath-taking views of the Perito Moreno glacier’s front wall. The group will disembark on the opposite shore, where specialized mountain guides welcome you and lead you to a small shelter. After checking the last details, small groups (max. 20) follow their guides along the lake’s shore towards the edge of the glacier. The two-hour circuit that follows introduces you to the fascinating landscape of the glaciers. See streams, small lagoons, gullies, crevasses and plenty of ice formations of the most incredible blues. Optional: A more strenuous ice-trek excursion is available upon request, taking you far up into the glacier for a once in a lifetime experience.

Note: Mini-trekking is available only for people between 12 and 65 years old.

Overnight at Los Ponchos Boutique Hotel (Breakfast)

After breakfast, you will be driven to Punta Bandera (Flag Point) Port to embark on a boat that will take you to the Estancia Cristina Ranch. The vessel will navigate on the northern arm of Lake Argentino up to the last permitted point of navigation on the Upsala Channel, where stunning views of the Upsala Glacier await. Upon arrival at the Estancia, staff will assist you with checking in, and lunch will be served. In the afternoon, enjoy a horseback ride up the wild Caterina valley, fording the river on horseback various times to circle back around the “Laguna de Los Patos” (Duck Lagoon) with one of the Estancia’s Gauchos. Upon return to the Estancia, enjoy a guided historical tour of onsite museum to learn about the history of the Masters Family, and their awe-inspiring life, pioneering a successful sheep ranch in this remote corner of wilderness some 100 years 

Located at the far end of the Cristina Channel on the northwest coast of Lake Argentino, Estancia Cristina is situated in the middle of the 3,000 square mile “Los Glaciares” National Park. Founded in 1914 by Joseph Percival Masters and his wife Jessie, the Estancia still conserves its essence; maintaining alive the history of this pioneering family who through enormous effort and perseverance, turned this inhospitable and solitary place into a small piece of paradise. Accessible only by boat, and built on a glacial valley formerly occupied by the nearby Upsala Glacier, one of the area’s most spectacular natural settings, the Estancia is surrounded by picturesque views of snow-capped mountains, lakes, rivers and hanging glacier.

Overnight at Estancia Cristina (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

This morning, ascend in specialized 4x4 vehicles to the Upsala Glacier lookout point. One of the most impressive viewpoints in all of Patagonia, from here we can take in sweeping views of the Upsala glacier, the vast Southern Patagonia ice cap and the azure Lake Guillermo below. Return to the Estancia will be accomplished by hiking the 8 mile and 1,100 ft descent from the lookout point, down through “Canadon de los Fosiles “ (Fossil Canyon), a splendid, red and black rock canyon, cutting through millions of years of seabed deposits where a dizzying array of marine Fossils reveal themselves as you descend. [Note: The descend can be done in a vehicle rather than a hike].

Overnight at Estancia Cristina (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Saving one of the most dramatic hikes for last, set off with your guide towards the summit of “Cerro Carnero”. The views from Cerro Carnero encompass the entire valley where Estancia Cristina sits, the ice cap, a panorama of no fewer than 8 glaciers and the entire Cristina channel of Lake Argentina. This hike can be done as a 6.5 mile round trip with 1,500 ft of elevation gain, or for the more adventurous, reaching the very top requires a 8 mile round trip and 2,500 ft of elevation gain. Or, simply relax at the ranch and soak up the last moments of the view before your transfer to El Calafate.

Upon arrival at El Calafate, you will be privately transferred by road to El Chalten, which is approximately 3h30min. You will then reach your lakeside lodge by boat or on foot. It is a 15’ boat ride from the south point of the lake along its eastern margin, or a minimum 3 hours hike. The trail guides you into the heart of the forest, home to centenarian trees of the Nothofagus family (Lenga, Ñire and Coihue trees). This is a truly unique experience where one can indulge the senses with nature, fine gourmet food, and adventure. The majestic presence of Mount Fitz Roy is unquestionable and can be seen from every angle from the lodge.

Once you reach Aguas Arriba, the lodge’s host will advise you on which activity would be best for the next day. Together host and guests will plan the schedule. Remember that all the activities will vary depending on the weather conditions. Andean areas may have four seasons in one day.

Overnight at Aguas Arriba Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Enjoy a free day of trekking while staying at Aguas Arriba. Trekking circuit levels range from low to intermediate and last from 1 to 8 hrs approximately. Because of the lodge’s location, enjoy trekking without any tourists in sight. A tasty lunch-box is prepared for long outings. In some cases the trek may be combined with a boat ride; you will speak with your guide to plan the day based on your expectations.

Overnight at Aguas Arriba Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

At the scheduled time, you will be privately transferred to El Chalten airport for your departing flight home, via Buenos Aires.

(Breakfast)

• 13 nights accommodation (based on double/twin occupancy)

• Daily breakfast

• All meals and local spirits at Bahia Bustamante Lodge, Estancia Cristina and Aguas Arriba Lodge

• All lodge-based activities at Bahia Bustamante Lodge, Estancia Cristina and Aguas Arriba Lodge

• Scheduled guided touring as specified

• All ground transfers between airports and accommodations (internal flights not included)

• All entrance fees as mentioned on tour

• Traveller Made ® Member Agency benefits at Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa

  • Complimentary upgrade (subject to availability)

  • Early check-in and late check out (subject to availability)

  • Bespoke welcome room amenities upon arrival

  • US $100 spa vouchers during stay.

  • Complimentary breakfast

• *Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international or internal flights, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature

• The best time to visit Argentine Patagonia is in late September through mid-March. We at Craft Travel Group are huge fans of the early season in late September and early to mid October, as the parks are less crowded. While temperatures do rise during high season and the summer months, sometimes reaching the low to mid 70s, weather in southern Patagonia is highly unpredictable.

• The proximity of Argentina to Chile offers a fantastic opportunity to combine a visit to Chile. The most popular crossing is found in southern Patagonia in the border town of Cerro Castillo. Travelers visiting El Calafate, Argentina can make the 4-5 hour car or bus ride via Cerro Castillo, a short ride away from the famed Torres del Paine National Park. This combination is the perfect way to complete your Patagonian experience.