Argentina from north to south: southern Patagonia and Iguazú

Today you depart from your selected airport, travelling to Argentina with connecting flights along the way.

Welcome to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s vibrant capital, often described as the Paris of South America thanks to its wide boulevards, charming districts, and beautiful architecture.

At the airport, you will be met by your guide, who will take you to your centrally located hotel. The drive takes around an hour, depending on traffic. Along the way, you’ll receive practical information about your tour and have the chance to ask any questions you may have.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax after your journey or begin exploring this fascinating city. You might fancy a stroll around the neighbourhood, enjoy a coffee at a cosy café, or find a restaurant where you can sample some of Argentina’s local specialities.

Today, you can look forward to discovering some of Buenos Aires’ most iconic attractions.

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken on an exciting city tour through Argentina’s vibrant capital.

Your first stop will be the city’s historic and political heart, Plaza de Mayo, which has been the stage for many of Argentina’s most significant events over the centuries. Here, you’ll see the iconic pink presidential palace, Casa Rosada.

Next, you’ll visit the charming San Telmo district, renowned for its cobbled streets, historic architecture, and authentic atmosphere. This is also where you’ll find the famous San Telmo Market, a lively spot filled with local delicacies, handicrafts, and antiques.

Your tour will then take you to La Boca, where the brightly coloured houses along the famous Caminito Street create a unique and lively ambience. Once a working-class dockside neighbourhood, this area was built by immigrants who used leftover materials and surplus ship paint for their homes. Because there was rarely enough paint of one colour to cover an entire house, the neighbourhood developed its distinctive multi-coloured look. Today, La Boca bursts with life, music, and local culture – and here, you’ll feel the city’s deep passion for tango.

The city tour also passes through Puerto Madero, the city’s former port area, now transformed into a modern district with sleek buildings, inviting restaurants, and pleasant waterfront promenades.

You’ll then continue through leafy Palermo, where you’ll pass some of the city’s best-known parks and sights, including the botanical gardens, the planetarium, the racecourse, and Argentina’s famous polo field.

Your tour will conclude in the elegant Recoleta district, one of Buenos Aires’ most exclusive neighbourhoods. Its grand mansions, wide boulevards, and French-inspired architecture reflect the prosperity that earned the city the nickname “the Paris of South America.” Here, you’ll visit the renowned cemetery where many famous Argentinians are laid to rest, including Eva Perón – the beloved former First Lady, affectionately known as Evita.

The city tour is conducted by minibus with stops along the way.

In the afternoon, you’ll return to your hotel, with the rest of the day free for you to explore the city at your own pace.

Over the next couple of days, you’ll have time to explore Buenos Aires at your own pace and experience the many sides of this fascinating city. Perhaps during your city tour you discovered a neighbourhood you’d like to return to, or maybe you’re tempted by even more exciting experiences. Take a look at our optional tours to make the most of your time in the city.

No matter what you choose to do, it’s hard to get bored in Buenos Aires. The capital offers an abundance of cultural experiences, striking architecture, and plenty of local character.

In Palermo, you can relax at a cosy café or visit some of the area’s lush green spaces such as the charming rose garden El Rosedal, the botanical garden Jardín Botánico Carlos Thays, or Jardín Japonés – one of the largest Japanese gardens outside Japan.

Stroll through the elegant streets of Recoleta, or soak up the authentic atmosphere of San Telmo, where historic buildings, art galleries, and small boutiques give the district its charm. If shopping is on your list, head to the famous pedestrian street Calle Florida in Microcentro, where you’ll find shops, department stores, and local street performers.

If you’re passionate about art and culture, don’t miss some of the city’s many museums, including the renowned MALBA, dedicated to Latin American art, the impressive Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, or the Museo Evita, which tells the story of Argentina’s iconic first lady Eva Perón.

Buenos Aires is also a paradise for food lovers. Try traditional Argentine delights such as empanadas, milanesas, and of course the famous Argentine steaks at a local parrilla (steakhouse), best enjoyed with a glass of wine from the Mendoza region. And don’t forget to sample alfajores – shortbread biscuits filled with dulce de leche, irresistibly moreish for anyone with a sweet tooth. You should also try mate, the traditional herbal drink that you’ll often spot in the hands of the locals – known as porteños – from Buenos Aires.

It’s almost impossible to think of Argentina without thinking of tango. Buenos Aires is the perfect place to experience an authentic tango show, where talented musicians and dancers bring this passionate art form to life.

If you’re craving even more experiences, you can choose from our exciting optional tours. Take a trip to the historic town of Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay, visit a traditional estancia and meet the Argentine gauchos, cruise through the Tigre Delta, see the city from the saddle on a guided bike tour, enjoy a magical tango show with dinner, or join a foodie tour or Argentine cooking class.

Today, your journey will take you to the end of the world – or almost. You’ll be visiting Ushuaia, one of the world’s southernmost cities, set in a stunning location between the Beagle Channel and the Andes Mountains on the Argentine side of Tierra del Fuego. The name ‘Tierra del Fuego’ – meaning ‘Land of Fire’ – dates back to 1520 when Ferdinand Magellan sailed through the Strait of Magellan and saw the many fires lit along the coast by the indigenous people to keep warm and cook their food. Today, Ushuaia is best known as the gateway to Antarctica and one of Argentina’s most spectacular natural regions, with dramatic mountains, deep fjords, vast forests, and of course, the Tierra del Fuego National Park.

You’ll be collected from your hotel and driven to the airport. Upon arrival in Ushuaia, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.

You’ll have the morning free to explore Ushuaia at your own pace. The town is beautifully surrounded by snow-capped peaks on the shores of the Beagle Channel. Stroll through its charming little centre, browse the small local shops, or relax with a coffee as you admire the harbour views from a cosy café.

In the afternoon, an exciting boat trip awaits you on the historic Beagle Channel, which winds its way through the dramatic landscape of Tierra del Fuego and partly forms the border between Argentina and Chile.

Please note that you will need to make your own way to the meeting point at the harbour, which is within walking distance of the city centre; you’ll find the address on your voucher. 

Look forward to breathtaking views back towards Ushuaia as the boat sets sail. From here, you can clearly see how the colourful houses sit at the foot of the Andes Mountains, which rise majestically in the background.

The channel is named after the ship HMS Beagle, which sailed through the area in the 1830s with the naturalist Charles Darwin on board. Along the way, you’ll follow part of the historic sailing route through the spectacular scenery of Tierra del Fuego, where Argentina lies on one side of the channel and Chile on the other.

One of the highlights of the tour is the iconic Les Éclaireurs lighthouse, which stands on a small rocky island in the middle of the channel and has been guiding ships safely through these waters for more than 100 years.

Along the way, the boat docks at Bridges Island, where you’ll take a short walk along a small path. Here, you’ll gain insight into the area’s unique nature and learn about the Yámana people, who lived along the Beagle Channel long before the arrival of European explorers. You’ll also see some of the region’s characteristic mussel shells, bearing silent witness to the lives of the indigenous people through the centuries.

You’ll sail past small islands where sea lions bask on the rocks and cormorants gather in large colonies. With a bit of luck, you may even spot whales and penguins along the way.

A warm cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa is included on board, perfect for warming up after enjoying the fresh, cool breeze out on deck.

After the cruise, you’ll return towards the harbour. From here, you can make your own way back to your hotel – unless you’d like to spend a little more time exploring the town centre.

Note: Depending on the weather, your boat trip may be moved to the morning. You’ll be informed of the exact departure time upon arrival in Ushuaia.

Today is yours to explore Ushuaia at your own pace. We recommend you spend the day discovering the breathtaking nature that surrounds the town. Join one of our exciting optional tours, or set off to explore the area on your own. If you prefer a more relaxing day, Ushuaia also has plenty of cosy cafés, small shops, fascinating museums, and a charming waterfront to enjoy.

Just outside the town lies Tierra del Fuego National Park – the southernmost national park in South America. Here, dense forests, crystal-clear lakes, gentle rivers, dramatic Andes mountains, and stunning coastal scenery along the Beagle Channel come together to form one of Argentina’s most beautiful natural areas. On our excursion to the park, you’ll get up close to this unique landscape and experience its remarkable flora and fauna.

If you love hiking, you can also join a full-day trek to the emerald-green Lagoon of Esmeralda, hidden among the mountains and surrounded by pristine nature.

Back in town, we recommend taking a stroll along the harbour promenade, a natural meeting point for locals and visitors alike. Here, you can see cruise ships, expedition vessels en route to Antarctica, and fishing boats, all with spectacular views of the Beagle Channel. You might also like to learn more about the region at the Fin del Mundo Museum, where you’ll discover the town’s history and the stories of its indigenous peoples (including the Yámana people). Alternatively, visit the former prison, now transformed into the Museo Marítimo y del Presidio, which tells the story of the town’s development, the prisoners, and maritime expeditions.

And don’t miss the chance to taste some of Ushuaia’s local specialities. The town is especially known for its fresh king crab (centolla), Patagonian lamb, and seafood from the cold waters around Tierra del Fuego. Many restaurants also serve locally brewed craft beers.

It’s time to say goodbye to Ushuaia as your journey continues towards El Calafate, where even more breathtaking natural experiences await you in Patagonia.

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Ushuaia and driven to the airport. Upon arrival in El Calafate, a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel.

The rest of the afternoon will be yours to spend as you please.

Today brings one of the absolute highlights of your tour – a full-day excursion to the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, one of Argentina’s most iconic natural wonders and a UNESCO world heritage site.

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and travel across the open Patagonian landscape towards the national park. Along the way, your guide will share stories about the region’s nature and history, while the snow-capped mountain peaks gradually appear on the horizon.

Perito Moreno is one of the world’s most famous glaciers and an awe-inspiring sight. Stretching approximately 30 kilometres in length and up to 5 kilometres in width, the towering ice wall rises more than 70 metres above Lake Argentino in places. Beneath the surface, the ice extends another 100 metres, illustrating the glacier’s immense scale. For many years, Perito Moreno was considered one of the world’s most stable glaciers, but like many others, it is now affected by climate change.

Upon arrival at the national park, your adventure will begin with a boat trip on Lake Argentino, bringing you up close to the impressive ice wall. From the water, you’ll truly appreciate its sheer size – and if you’re lucky, you might witness the spectacular calving event when huge chunks of ice break off and crash dramatically into the lake.

After the boat trip, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the area independently via the park’s well-maintained walkways that lead to a series of viewpoints offering stunning panoramic vistas of the glacier from different angles. At the visitor centre, you can buy lunch (not included), which you can take with you to enjoy on the walkways with magnificent views of the vast ice wall.

After spending a few unforgettable hours at Perito Moreno, you’ll return to El Calafate, where the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Today in El Calafate, the programme is entirely up to you.

After yesterday’s breathtaking encounter with the Perito Moreno Glacier, you might choose to simply relax and enjoy the cosy atmosphere of this charming Patagonian town. Settle down in a café, take a leisurely stroll along the shores of Lago Argentino or browse the small shops, where you’ll find local handicrafts and products made from Patagonian wool.

If you’re curious about the region’s fascinating natural world, visit the Glaciarium – a contemporary museum that tells the story of Patagonia’s glaciers and their profound impact on the landscape. You can also experience life on the Patagonian steppe by visiting a traditional estancia, where you’ll gain a glimpse into local life and the proud traditions that still shape the area today.

However you choose to spend your day, El Calafate is the perfect place to soak up the tranquillity and admire the spectacular scenery that defines southern Patagonia.

It’s time to say farewell to the magnificent landscapes of Patagonia, as your tour will continue today to Puerto Iguazú. Here, a completely different environment awaits – a lush subtropical rainforest and one of South America’s greatest natural wonders, the breathtaking Iguazú Falls.

In the morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in El Calafate and driven to the airport. Upon arrival in Puerto Iguazú, you’ll be met and taken to your hotel, beautifully situated amid greenery just outside Puerto Iguazú.

The Iguazú Falls are nothing short of a natural wonder, and it’s no surprise that they are listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. To fully appreciate their grandeur, you should experience the falls from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides.

The Iguazú Falls form one of the largest waterfall systems in the world, made up of 275 individual cascades stretching over a 2.7 km horseshoe-shaped section along the Iguazú River. Here, immense volumes of water plunge in roaring torrents over cliffs as high as 85 metres.

Most of the falls are located on the Argentine side, where an extensive network of paths, staircases, and walkways lead you through the lush subtropical rainforest to a series of spectacular viewpoints. Along the way, your guide will share insights about the national park’s extraordinary wildlife and vegetation, and the unique ecosystem that makes this one of the most biodiverse areas in South America.

A small train takes you out to the largest and most dramatic of all the falls – the Devil’s Throat, La Garganta del Diablo. Here, you can gaze into the thundering abyss, where around 1.5 million litres of water crash down every second. The sheer force and volume of the water create a truly awe-inspiring sight – and you’re almost guaranteed to feel the refreshing spray on your face.

Due to strong winds and rising water levels caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon, the Argentine park authorities have decided, for safety reasons, to temporarily remove the walkways to Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat). This applies from 3 August 2026 and for approximately four months thereafter. However, a visit to the Argentine side of Iguazú Falls remains a truly spectacular experience, allowing you to get up close to the magnificent waterfalls from the park’s other trails and viewpoints.

Before your journey home begins, you’ll naturally have the opportunity to experience the magnificent waterfalls from the Brazilian side as well. You’ll cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge, which links the Argentine city of Puerto Iguazú with the Brazilian city of Foz do Iguaçu, and continue on to the National Park. As you cross the border, remember to have your passport with you.

Most of the waterfalls are located on the Argentine side, but it’s from the Brazilian side that you’ll enjoy the most stunning panoramic view of this vast waterfall system.

You’ll follow a paved path through the lush subtropical rainforest, where you’ll see the falls from several different angles. A long walkway will take you right up close to the Devil’s Throat, where you can truly feel the immense power of the thundering cascades. Even though the falls are some distance away, the mist in the air can still leave you quite wet!

There’s also a viewing platform that you can either walk up to or reach by lift, and from here the view is nothing short of spectacular.

Inside the park, you’ll have an excellent chance of spotting beautiful butterflies, exotic plants, and birds, as well as the small, inquisitive coatis foraging for food.

After your visit to the national park, you’ll be driven to the airport in Foz do Iguaçu on the Brazilian side, where you’ll begin your journey home with connecting flights along the way.

You’ll arrive home after an unforgettable adventure in Argentina.