Explore Argentina's Capital, Natural World Wonder, and Patagonia for 12 Days

Passionate people pour out onto the streets of Buenos Aires to tango in town squares, dine at gourmet restaurants, and explore historic quarters for ancient riches. Buenos Aires is a dashing destination, and you will admire its South American spirit as you transfer to accommodation around the corner from Plaza de Mayo. From here, you will cross May Avenue to the old streets of San Telmo, feel the rhythm of La Boca’s tango heritage, and gaze upon the grand architecture at Recoleta before you tuck into a five-course dinner featuring the best steak in the world.

Buenos Aires’ dynamic districts come to life early in the morning. After breakfast, you may wander the neighborhoods to landmarks, museums, galleries, and boutiques. The days are slow-paced, and an afternoon siesta is part of the routine as locals tend to eat dinner late in the evening. Before dinner, your guide will collect you at your accommodation and take you to a heritage ballroom venue. Here, talented dancers perform a forerunner of the Tango known as Milongas. You will watch the sultry performance, listen to the rhythmic music, and learn the basics of Milongas with the performers on stage.

Puerto Iguazú is a gateway to the Iguazú Falls, a magnificent waterfall recognized as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Shortly after arriving, you will join your guide for a tour of the Brazilian side of Iguazú National Park. The enormous jungle-clad environment teems with indigenous wildlife and plant life that you will spot as you wander trails beneath the leafy canopy. You will cross a single gangway to a viewpoint in front of the thundering waterfalls of the Brazilian side and spend time admiring the immense sheet of falling water.

You will tour more of Iguazú National Park today, this time on the Argentinian side of the forest. Your guide will lead you across wooden walkways that wind around the thick forest to embankments beneath the summit of Iguazú Falls. Rainbows will extend across the gorge as sunlight filters through the thick mist caused by the plummeting falls. You will then navigate the forest by eco-train, stopping at viewpoints overlooking impressive waterfalls cascading across the reserve, namely the famous Devil’s Throat. You will capture incredible landscape and wildlife photography during your journey in the park.

From forest to frost, you will transfer to El Calafate this morning and spend a few nights on the doorstep of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. The journey from Iguazú to El Calafate will show off the shifting landscapes and give you some time to relax as you ready yourself for the next leg of your Argentinian adventure. You may explore the city this evening or walk around the tranquil parklands of Reserva Laguna Nimez to spot the Patagonian birdlife and watch the stunning sunset over Argentino Lake.

Your tour of Patagonia’s remarkable glacial landscapes will begin this morning as you join a guide at Bajo las Sombras Port in Perito Moreno. You will board a boat and sail across the chilling Lago Rico past towering icebergs stippling the waters in the shadows of the enormous ice wall, Perito Moreno Glacier. You will jump off and spend time exploring the balconies and viewpoints that share sensational icy scenes of snowy peaks, deep blue ice caves, and frosted forests. Your journey will culminate at the west end of the Magallanes Peninsula, where you will see Patagonia from new angles.

With no specific activities set in stone, El Calafate is yours to explore freely today. You may wake up late and let the morning drift on by as you savor breakfast to views of the distant mountains and azure waters of Argentino Lake. Should you wish to see what else El Calafate has to offer, you may choose to hike the national park, discover the charming village of El Chaltén, taste the local delicacies at quiet cafés, or visit an estancia. An estancia is an Argentinian ranch that often produces the country’s best steaks.

Nestled on the chilly, windswept shores of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego archipelago at the southernmost tip of South America, Ushuaia is aptly named the “End of the World.” It’s a charming town hemmed between the peaks of the Martial Mountains and the Beagle Channel, offering gorgeous views of Argentina’s icy land and seascapes. Ushuaia is often the jumping-off point for Antarctica cruises and adventures to see the massive penguin colonies of Penguin Island, Isla Yécapasela. You will arrive this afternoon and spend the evening warming up around the fire.

You will set off across the immense ice landscape after breakfast on a tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park. The Coastal Path will take you to some breathtaking viewpoints, and you will spot local wildlife and flora as you make the journey across the remote region. You will arrive at a lunch spot along the Lapataia River, and enjoy your delicious local specialties come rain or sunshine in a heated dome-tent. The final leg of your excursion is a canoe cruise across the river, allowing you to absorb and admire your stunning surroundings from new perspectives.

With one more day to appreciate the enchanting winter wonderland of Ushuaia, you will wake up early and join your guide at a local Argentine estancia to begin your tour towards Martillo Island. Here, you will watch as an enormous colony of penguins gathers on the sparse landscape and wave-washed beaches. Your travels will then continue to Gable Island, where you will sip Patagonian wines and devour sumptuous Argentinian cuisine prepared on the island before you return to Ushuaia for a quiet evening telling stories around the fire.

Your adventures will bring you back to where your journey began, Argentina’s bustling capital city of Buenos Aires. You will arrive at a designated time, transfer to your accommodation, and unpack your things in your room. Today, you may explore the city at your own pace or choose to relax and enjoy the amenities of your accommodation. Either way, you will relish your final full day in South America and spend time dining delicious Argentinian steaks and regional cuisine at a gourmet restaurant or family-run eatery.

Your final morning in Buenos Aires brings with it an opportunity to wander around town and shop for curiosities at boutiques and handicraft stores to celebrate your epic adventure in Argentina. You will look back on your excursion across the country’s impeccably diverse landscapes with glee, and leave later today having captured sensational travel photography to iconize your vacation. Until then, you may tuck into a sumptuous breakfast spread at your accommodation, slowly pack your things, and transfer to the airport for your flight home.