You set the pace and choose the adventures on your custom-tailored vacation in El Calafate and Puerto Natales. Gaze upon wild guanacos as they stroll across the plains. Granite summits that resemble towers create a unique skyline. Ice fields spread across the landscape, glinting with white and blue hues underneath the drifting sunlight. Whether relaxing on the shores of a glacial lake or trekking to the base of a magnificent mountaintop, the possibilities are endless, and the scenery is filled...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Argentina’s Capital of Glaciers
El Calafate is enchanting. Hardwood doorframes adorn stone buildings on the main street of Avenida Libertador. The shores of Lago Argentino, the largest freshwater lake in Argentina, brush against the southern edge of town. Chocolate shops offer a sweet aroma to the air. Locals have a friendly and jovial demeanor. The main avenue resembles an alpine village in the Swiss Alps. Open pastures stretch across the landscape on the outskirts of town. Your private transfer waits for your arrival at Comandante Armando Tola International Airport. You easily settle into your comfortable hotel located near the heart of El Calafate.
The chocolate displays in the windows are enticing. The scent of pine sweeps down the streets. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the town and its surroundings. The Glaciarium is a distinctive museum that enlightens visitors to the surprisingly fascinating world of glaciers. Documentaries in English and Spanish show continental ice expeditions. The Glaciobar is a unique restaurant decorated with walls of ice. To enter the restaurant, you must first don a heavy fuzzy coat. You can see your breath when you enter the facility. Cushions spread across benches carved from ice. Bartenders serve cocktails in glasses that can also serve to chill the drinks. The atmosphere is unforgettable and a wonderful allusion to Argentina’s famous Patagonian glaciers.
What's Included:
Day 2
The Wonders of Glaciers
Day 3
Beyond the Glacier’s Reach
Day 4
Alpine Villages and Mountaintops
Day 5
Choosing Your Adventure
Day 6
Discovering Choices
Day 7
Underneath the Granite Towers
Day 8
Leisure of Puerto Natales
Day 9
Exhilarating Adventures
Trip Highlights
- Traverse the incredible hiking trails of Torres del Paine National Park to witness soaring peaks and hidden lagoons
- Delight in a cruise on Lago Argentino to view the tremendous ice wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier
- Witness wild guanacos, cousins to the llama, in their natural habitat strolling across the mountainous landscape
- Discover the opulent and boisterous waters of Salto Grande Waterfall
- Venture to the shores of Laguna Nimez where you find wild flamingos lingering in the water
- Experience the unique and unforgettable landscape of Patagonia with time to explore the parks and trails at your preferred pace
Detailed Description
The glaciers of Patagonia are enthralling. The mountain peaks of the Andes are iconic. Turquoise lakes reflect rugged foothills. Stoic channels have provided sustenance for local fishers, from ancient tribes to contemporary villages. Your 9-day vacation in El Calafate and Puerto Natales encompasses the charms of alpine towns and the majesty of the natural landscape of Argentina and Chile. Your luxury Patagonia vacation begins with your arrival in El Calafate, which is considered the gateway town to Los Glaciares National Park. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure, free to stroll down the main street to see the alpine architecture or venture to one of the fabulous museums.
The next day, you make your way to the Los Glaciares National Park. Stroll along the walkways providing spectacular views of Perito Moreno Glacier and delight in a cruise on Lago Argentino to see the edge of the ice sheet up close. The following day is at your leisure in El Calafate. You can relax in town or walk along the self-guided trail encircling Laguna Nimez. The following day takes you to the charming alpine town of El Chalten located near the borders of numerous national parks. Next, you can choose your adventure by picking one of the many trails that wind near Mount Fitz Roy and Laguna de los Tres.
Continue to discover the sensational trails or whitewater rafting near El Chalten before returning to El Calafate. Your guide meets you at your hotel and escorts you on a 4x4 excursion across Patagonia, leading you into the Chile and showcasing the natural splendor Torres del Paine National Park en route to Puerto Natales, Chile. The next day is at your leisure to enjoy the variety of activities that takes place in the antique fishing town. On your final day, you return to El Calafate where your transfer takes you Comandante Armando Tola International Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$3,700 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.85 stars based on 1030 reviews.
My wife and I recently embarked on a breathtaking journey through South America, visiting Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Iguazú Falls in Argentina, and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. We entrusted Zicasso's tour agency with planning our trip and it turned out to be one of the best travel decisions we've ever made.
From the very beginning, the team at the tour company was attentive and responsive, taking the time to understand our preferences and interests. They crafted a personalized itinerary that perfectly balanced adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration.
Buenos Aires: Our adventure began in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. The agency arranged for a knowledgeable local guide who took us through the historic neighborhoods, tango shows, and culinary delights. The accommodations were centrally located, allowing us to explore the city with ease.
Mendoza: Next, we traveled to Mendoza, where we were immersed in the world of wine. The tour agency organized exclusive vineyard tours and tastings, providing us with a unique insight into the region's winemaking traditions. The picturesque landscapes and charming boutique hotel made our stay unforgettable.
Iguazú Falls: The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls. The agency ensured we had the best vantage points and arranged for a thrilling boat ride that brought us up close to the cascading waters. Their attention to detail and seamless logistics made this experience truly magical.
Rio de Janeiro: Our journey concluded in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. The travel company curated a perfect blend of iconic sights like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, along with hidden gems that showcased the city's unique culture. The beachfront hotel provided stunning views and a relaxing end to our adventure.
Throughout the trip, the tour company was always available to assist with any questions or adjustments, ensuring a stress-free experience. Their expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction were evident in every aspect of our journey.
We wholeheartedly recommend this company to anyone seeking a well-organized and memorable travel experience. We look forward to planning our next adventure with them!
Reviewed By Nathan P.
Zicasso's travel specialist was absolutely the best to work with in planning a trip to Argentina for 11 family members, with ages from 10 to 73.
We were not sure if we could take a family trip this summer due to work schedules, but we were able to make something work around the third week in May for an early July trip. In a short period of time, our specialist gained an understanding of what our family was looking for and put together a memorable trip. He was very responsive, open to our ideas, and when we suggested an idea, he made it happen. Throughout our trip, he and his team were just a WhatsApp message away, supporting our trip, including getting our boarding passes for domestic flights.
We saw that his company can arrange trips to other areas in South America and hope to work with him and his team in the future.
Reviewed By Marlene A.
When my wife and I first considered a trip to Argentina, there were many unknowns. Neither of us had ever been to South America, so everything from transportation, possible language barriers, and deciding which attractions we would enjoy most felt like a challenge. We then decided to contact several travel agencies, but one quickly stood out. Our Zicasso travel agent made a strong, welcoming first impression.
She was always prompt, helpful, and thoughtful with every interaction. It was abundantly clear how much she cared about her clients and her commitment to creating a truly personalized Argentine experience for them. She was patient, flexible, and attentive with every email and video call exchange in order to create an itinerary that matched our interests and needs. Her support continued well beyond the planning stage. She would regularly check in to make sure we were prepared for the trip. She also connected us with their 24-hour emergency assistance service and made time to meet us in person to welcome us there.
Our trip took us across a broad range of destinations and climates, including Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Mount Fitz Roy, and the Iguazú Falls region. We enjoyed guided tours, scenic hikes, and boat rides near ancient, awe-inspiring glaciers and lush, breathtaking waterfalls. Since these locations are far apart, flying was the most convenient method to travel between them. Along the way, we experienced issues with domestic flights, ranging from significant delays, an overnight reroute due to weather conditions, etc.
During our flight issues, the 24-hour emergency assistance service was incredibly helpful, with a majority of my communications handled by the travel agent's team. They provided timely, reliable guidance that reduced our stress through each event. In a few instances, they helped us avoid long delays with their expertise and local connections. No matter the time of day we messaged or called them, they responded with professionalism, patience, and genuine care. This level of quality service showed us just how dedicated this team is to supporting their travelers every step of the way.
If you are planning a vacation to Argentina, I highly recommend reaching out to them. They are passionate, knowledgeable, and truly committed to making your experience unforgettable. You will not only appreciate the beauty of the country and have a relaxing time, but also gain insight into its diverse culture and rich history during your adventures there.
This travel company made our trip seamless as possible, leaving us feeling heard and cared for throughout our journey. Their high level of professionalism, combined with their personal touch and care, left a lasting impression on us.
Reviewed By J L.
I have already mentioned Zicasso to many others for planning their future trips.
Reviewed By Mark L.
We are basking in the memory of a simply amazing trip to Argentina with Zicasso... it was awesome. The responsiveness of our specialist and guides, and the attentiveness of service overall, was very noticeable throughout. In particular, there was a storm that hit in the days prior to our arrival in Bariloche (Argentine Patagonia Lake District) which impacted boat schedules, and behind the scenes, without us knowing, we were rebooked and rescheduled for various activities in a seamless fashion to ensure we got the hiking and other experiences we were hoping for. Great service!
Reviewed By Keith M.
Zicasso's travel specialist helped by booking and planning every aspect of our trip (flights, hotels, transfers, tours, etc), all based on my wishes, along with his suggestions. He also ensured we had time to relax between activities (so often, an agent books so many activities you don't get a chance to stop and sit, but we had a few hours each day to do so). From meeting us upon arrival to the constant communication during the trip, he made sure everything ran smoothly. We had to adjust a tour due to weather, but he was on top of it, ensuring we had other options for that day.
Our agent and his team made everything run smoothly and ensured we had a great trip to an area we were not familiar with.
Reviewed By Michelle J.