arrow_back

15 Day itinerary in Argentina, South America

Honeymoon until Cape Horn - Southern Patagonia Expedition...

This itinerary will introduce you to the true Patagonian culture, through encounters and adventures in incredible natural landscapes! Start in Buenos Aires, then fly to the extreme south of the Continent, a very isolated region home to the most beautiful glaciers. On board the Australis, a 5-day lux... Read More

1 / 10
All Photos
Justine

By Justine

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Light
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English, Spanish, French

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Buenos Aires

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Hiking

Meet local people

Rural home stays

Detox

Outdoors & Nature

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

Taste the traditional alfajores with locals in La Boca neighbourhood, Buenos Aires

2

Discover the Perito Moreno glacier outside mass hours

3

Stay at locally-owned rural Estancias

4

Cruise along breathtaking Chilean fjords and disembark on Cape Horn!

Itinerary

Mid-range accommodation expand_more

Day 1

place Arrival Day - Welcome to Buenos Aires - private city tour

Meet your driver at Ezeiza International Airport - transfer to Buenos Aires in a private vehicle. Transfer with an English-speaking guide. Visit Buenos Aires (8h excursion) Buenos Aires is a dynamic and cosmopolitan city. Start your visit by the political and historical centre of the capital around the Plaza de Mayo, before visiting the picturesque neighborhood of La Boca, host to the small alley of El Caminito and its ancient colourful wooden houses. Visit "Los Pibes del Playón" cooperative Los Pibes del Playon was created as a cooperative in the aftermath of the 2001 economic crisis, to produce the first hand-made alfajores in Buenos Aires (typical argentinian biscuits). Its members run various solidarity activities in the neighbourhood. Visit the cafe, taste the alfajores and listen to the story and experience of this place told by its participants. In the early afternoon, visit San Telmo, one of the oldest neighbourhoods with an intact Porteño atmosphere: galleries, antique shops, indoor market... Famous outdoor fleamarket every sunday. Visit the National Museum of History to learn about the highlights of Argentine history since independence. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. An English speaking guide will acompany you during your city tour. Lunch with non-alcoholic drinks included. Night at Tango de Mayo Hotel - Habitación "Ejecutiva".

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Mid-range accommodation: Tango de Mayo Hotel
Day 2

place Buenos Aires City Tour half day

Visit Buenos Aires (4h, walking tour) - possibility to include private transport or do a group tour by bike - consult us. Guided tour of the Recoleta neighbourhood, characterized by many colonial houses, currently inhabited by powerful Argentine families. Enter the luxurious Pacifico Shopping Center with its typical 1889 French architecture with vaulted ceilings. This stunning place is a locals' favourite. Visit the Recoleta Cemetery, where many celebrities, writers and politicians rest. The most famous and revered even today is the tomb of Evita Peron, the legendary wife of President Peron. Continue your visit in the Palermo neighbourhood, with leafy streets, small eateries and little shops, and take a stroll in the Tres de Febrero park inaugurated in 1875, the largest green area of the city. Return to your hotel. Difficulty: Easy - walking in the city combined with public transportation (bus, metro). Night at Tango de Mayo Hotel - Habitación "Ejecutiva".

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-range accommodation: Tango de Mayo Hotel
Day 3

place Fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate, the glaciers capital - Enjoy dinner with Gabo

Transfer from your hotel to Buenos Aires Domestic Airport in a private vehicle. Domestic flight Buenos Aires - El Calafate. Flight not included – contact us to include it and book it for you. Transfer from El Calafate Airport to your hotel in a private vehicle. An English speaking guide will acompany you during your transfer. Free day in El Calafate. Enjoy your free time to try one of the following activities: - Visit the "Laguna Nimez" Natural Reserve to enjoy the wilderness and observe the flamingos and the 80 other species of birds living there. This is an easy, 20-minute walk from the city center - duration of the visit: 2 hours. - Visit the Interpretive Center which covers various themes such as paleontology, geology, anthropology and history. - Rent an electric bike to explore the city. - Have a drink downtown at the ice bar. Dinner with Gabo The Rancho Aparte experience offers the opportunity to savour a home-cooked meal in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The Chef opens the doors to his home, a small house overviewing El Calafate. What Gabo says: "Travel through the encounters you make - and what best way to get to know us than sharing a meal, listening to some nice music, making new friends while living a different experience. I will make yourself feel at home, come meet me in Rancho Aparte" 3-course meal, 1 non-alcoholic drink and 1/2 bottle of wine per person included. Night at the Posada Los Alamos in standard room.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-range accommodation: Posada Los Alamos
Day 4

place Stay at an authentic Estancia Lodge nestled in the Glaciers National Park - all inclusive

Departure for the Nibepo Aike estancia, located 55km away from El Calafate. This Estancia was founded by Croatian pioneer Don Santiago Peso, who settled on these lands in the early 20th century. Located in Los Glaciares National Park, the estancia still owns cattle and sheep. The visit offers an insight into the regional history and allows the visitor to experience an authentic Patagonian Estancia lifestyle. Observe the estancia's rural activities which are now open to the public, such as the traditional demonstration of sheep shearing. Choose among the activities available to guests: horseback rides to Cerro Cristales, where you can admire the Perito Moreno glacier, walks through the typical fauna and flora of Patagonia... If you stay during the fishing season, you can try your luck at Lake Roca - Patagonia is flyfishing's paradise. Night at Estancia Nibepo Aike in a standard room with full board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks

Accommodation:

  • Mid-range accommodation: Estancia Nibepo Aike
Day 5

place Cruise to the Perito Moreno Glacier outside mass hours

This morning, enjoy a shearing demonstration and gauchescas tasks before a delicious traditional lunch. After lunch, embark on a small boat (18 people max) to navigate across Lake Argentino's Brazo Rico. Get off the boat for a 20 minutes walk in a beech forest before reaching a secret viewpoint over the southern side of the Perito Moreno spectacular glacier. After admiring the view, go back to your boat to further admire the glacier while enjoying a whiskey on glacier rocks (hot chocolate also available). You then disembark and head to the footbridges facing the glacier to enjoy all fronts and ice cracks, outside mass hours. At the end of the day, return to the city of El Calafate (drop off at your hotel). Difficulty: Easy. Entrances included. Night at the Posada Los Alamos in standard room.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks

Accommodation:

  • Mid-range accommodation: Posada Los Alamos
Day 6

place Cross the border to Chile - Board for your expedition cruise in Punta Arenas

Transfer in a private vehicle from El Calafate to Punta Arenas (Chile). An English speaking guide will acompany you during your transfer. Check in at 1398 Costanera del Estrecho Ave. (Arturo Prat Port) in Punta Arenas between 13h00 and 17h00 (1-5 PM) on the day of your Australis cruise departure. Board the vessel at 6 PM. After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew, the ship departs for one of the remotest corners of planet Earth. During the night, you will cross the Strait of Magellan and enter the labyrinth of channels alongside the Patagonian coasts. The twinkling lights of Punta Arenas gradually fade into the distance as you enter the Whiteside Canal between Darwin Island and Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7

place Cruise Day - from the Strait of Magellan to Tucker Islets - Penguin observation

By dawn the ship is sailing up Admiralty Sound (Seno Almirantazgo), a spectacular offshoot of the Strait of Magellan that stretches nearly halfway across Tierra del Fuego. The snowcapped peaks of Karukinka Natural Park stretch along the north side of the sound, while the south shore is defined by the deep fjords and broad bays of Alberto de Agostini National Park. We go ashore at Ainsworth Bay, which harbors copious bird life and a colony of southern elephant seals which can sometimes be spotted from the Zodiacs. Two guided excursions are available: one is along the edge of a stream, peat bog and beaver habitat to a waterfall-and-moss-covered rock face tucked deep inside a pristine sub-polar forest; the other is a more strenuous hike along the crest of a glacial moraine. Both afford views of Marinelli Glacier and the Darwin Mountains. Leaving our Ainsworth Bay tour behind, we sail west along the sound to the Tucker Islets. After lunch, we board the Zodiacs again for a close-up view of the Magellan penguins that inhabit the tiny islands. More than 4,000 penguins use Tucker as a place to nest, give birth and nurture their chicks. Many other bird species also frequent the area including king cormorants, oystercatchers, Chilean skuas, kelp geese, dolphin gulls, eagles and even the occasional Andean condor. In September and April -- when the penguins live elsewhere -- this excursion is replaced by a short walk to a glacier at nearby stunning Brookes Bay.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks

Day 8

place Cruise day - Beagle Channel, Pia Glacier hike and Glacier Alley beauty

Overnight we sail around the western end of Tierra del Fuego via the very narrow Gabrial Channel, Magdalena Channel and Cockburn Channel. After rounding the remote Brecknock Peninsula, the Australis cruise tacks eastward and enters the Beagle Channel again. By morning we are entering Pia Fjord and boarding the Zodiacs for a Pia Glacier tour. After disembarking we take a short hike to gain a panoramic view of the spectacular glacier, which extends from the mountaintops down to the sea or a longer much more difficult walk up a lateral moraine of the old Pia Glacier. No one knows for certain how the hulking mass of snow and ice got its feminine moniker, but one theory says it was named for Princess Maria Pia of Savoy (1847-1911), daughter of the Italian king. Back onboard the ship, we continue east along the Beagle Channel through an area called Glacier Alley. Living up to its name, the passage features a number of impressive tidewater glaciers flowing down from the Darwin Mountains and Darwin Ice Sheet on the north shore. Most of them named after European countries -- Holland, Italy, Germany, Spain and France.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks

Day 9

place Cruise Day - Cape Horn, Murray Channel and Wulaia Bay

During the morning we cruise across Nassau Bay into the remote archipelago that includes Cape Horn National Park. Weather and sea conditions permitting, we shall go ashore on the windswept island that harbors legendary Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). Discovered in 1616 by a Dutch maritime expedition -- and named after the town of Hoorn in West Friesland -- Cape Horn is a sheer 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. For many years it was the only navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic, and was often referred to as the "End of the Earth." The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. The Chilean navy maintains a permanent lighthouse on the island, staffed by a lightkeeper and his family. In the afternoon we navigate the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands and drop anchor at historic Wulaia Bay, one of the few places in the archipelago where the human history is just as compelling as the natural environment. Originally the site of one of the region’s largest Yámana aboriginal settlements, the bay was described by Charles Darwin and sketched by Captain FitzRoy in the 1830s during their voyages on the HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography. After a visit to the Australis-sponsored museum in the old radio station -- passengers have a choice of three hikes (of increasing degrees of difficulty) that ascend the heavily wooden mountain behind the bay. On all of these you will be strolling through an enchanted Magellan forest of lengas, coigües, canelos, ferns, and other endemic fauna to reach a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the bay. Before leaving Wulaia Bay, drop something into the wooden mail barrel inside the museum – letters or postcards meant to be hand delivered by future travelers – an ancient mariner tradition revived by Australis.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks

Day 10

place Dock in Ushuaia - Discover the Tierra del Fuego national park

The following morning we sail into Argentine waters and dock in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city. Arrival at 08:30 a.m. or 9:30 am according to date of departure. NOTE: The excursions described in the itineraries can usually be carried out without any problems. Nevertheless, the shipowner holds the right to alter, change or skip certain portions of the itinerary without prior notice, whether motivated by the passengers’ well-being and safety, by the appropriate protection of the environment, or in case of any extraordinary event, unforeseeable circumstance or force majeure. For this reason, departures or arrival may be subject to change. Transfer from the port to your hotel in Ushuaia in a private vehicle with a private guide. Half day group excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park. Located only 11 km from Ushuaia, its 63.000 hectares protect lakes, lagoons and rivers. We drive out of the city passing by the slope of the Susana Mount, site of the Southern Fuegian Railway - a short stop is made for those interested in riding the train who have booked the excursion. We then reach the Pipo River Valley, taking us to Ensenada Bay, where you can observe the Redonda and Estorbo Islands and the Beagle Channel across, bordered by the snow-white Mountains of the Sampaio Chain (Chile). We reach the Roca Lake and Lapataia River. We drive on to the other end of the Park until Lapataia Bay to discover the the Green Lagoon and Black Lagoon, a large growing peat bog. We pass by the beaver dams before returning to Ushuaia. Approximately 4 hours Excursion. Difficulty: Easy. Entrance fees to Tierra del Fuego National Park included. End of the World Trainride included Ride along the last remaining 7 km of railway, built by the old convicts of Ushuaia. The steam locomotive is a sight worth seeing! Night at Alto Andino hotel in Double room with a view over the bay.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-range accommodation: Alto Andino Hotel
Day 11

place Hike to the Vinciguerra Glacier

Trek to the Vinciguerra Glacier Departure in a small group with your English-Spanish speaking mountain guide to the Andorra valley (8km from Ushuaia). You start the hike through the typical peatlands of Tierra del Fuego, before arriving at the Laguna Los Tempanos which will surprise you with its milky blue color and its great beauty. Hike on until the Vinciguerra glacier which feeds the lagoon, where you can enter one of the glacial caves. Moderate level - 7/8 hours - 16km - +850m elevation Small group of maximum 6 people. Lunchbox included. Night at Alto Andino hotel in Double room View Bahia.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Mid-range accommodation: Alto Andino Hotel
Day 12

place Glamping around Ushuaia - stay at a rural Estancia (full board)

Leisure free morning in Ushuaia. The capital city of the Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego is located on the southern coast of the Beagle Channel in a wide bay, guarded on the north by the Martial mountain range. It features a unique landscape combining the sea, glaciers, mountains and native forests. Start exploring the city in Maipú Avenue up to the Luis Pedero Fique footbridge. Cross over to the Misión neighbourhood, home to the first settlers. You can also visit the neighbourhoods of Brown and Solier where the early twentieth century buildings coexist with the modern houses built after the huge urban growth of the 80s. Complete your visit with the Marine Museum and former prison for a chilling reminder of Ushuaia's origins, and the End of the World Museum. Note: tour of the city possible in half or full day. After lunch, departure for the Domos de la Estancia near Rio Grande - Guille and his family welcome you to their home. Enjoy the natural setting and the activities offered on site in this little corner of paradise (half day excursions included in the price). Discover the typical landscapes of Tierra del Fuego during treks, horseback riding or mountain biking, accompanied by the local English-Spanish speaking guide: Natural Reserve "Corazón de la Isla" for nature lovers and/or trekkers. Cabo San Pablo and the Desdémona boat Road 0 Estancia Ines (not included) Trout fishing (not included) Shared transfer from Ushuaia to the Domos de la Estancia included (about 2 hours). Glamping night at Domos de la Estancia in a warm dome in full board.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-range accommodation: Domos de la Estancia
Day 13

place Glamping night and outdoor activities in Rio Grande (full board)

You continue the discovery of Tierra del Fuego. You will feel all the immensity and strength of nature from Southern Patagonia from the estancia. Several activities will be proposed by your local English-Spanish speaking guide (hiking and biking available on site - activities below start at 3pm unless booking an additional, full-day excursion). Natural Reserve "Corazón de la Isla" for nature lovers and/or trekkers. Cabo San Pablo and the Desdémona boat Road 0 Estancia Ines (not included) Trout fishing (not included) Glamping night at Domos de la Estancia in a warm dome in full board.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-range accommodation: Domos de la Estancia
Day 14

place Last morning in Tierra del Fuego - fly back to Buenos Aires to tango in an authentic milonga

Enjoy the morning lights to photograph the surrounding nature at your dome, before leaving this magical place and continuing your journey. Shared transfer from the Domos de la Estancia to Ushuaia included(about 2 hours) - according to flights schedule, departure from Ushuaia or Rio Grande (closer to the estancia). Domestic flight Ushuaia - Buenos Aires Flight not included – contact us to include it and book it for you. Transfer from Buenos Aires domestic airport to your hotel in a private vehicle. Night at the milonga, ballroom for tango aficionados, with your private guide. Step into the intimate atmosphere of the milonga to observe the tango etiquette at ease while sipping champagne: men cross eyes with seated women to invite them. A small nod means yes, and dancers then meet directly on the floor. The atmosphere is warm and lively at the tables, between visitors and regulars. Note : the exact time and place of the milonga may vary depending on the day - some start at 7pm, others at 11pm, and a few continue till dawn, ending with hot coffee and fresh croissants! Evening accompanied with an English speaking guide. Transfer to/from the milonga included Night at the Arc Hotel in deluxe room.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-range accommodation: Arc Recoleta Boutique Hotel & Spa
Day 15

place Departure Day - transfer to the international airport

Transfer from the hotel to Ezeiza International Airport in a private vehicle.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Tango de Mayo Hotel
  • Posada Los Alamos
  • Estancia Nibepo Aike
  • Alto Andino Hotel
  • Domos de la Estancia
  • Arc Recoleta Boutique Hotel & Spa

Meals expand_less

  • Lunch (8)
  • Breakfast (14)
  • Dinner (8)
  • Snacks (5)

Transport expand_less

  • Transfers between the hotels and airport with a Spanish-speaking driver
  • Australis Expedition Cruise days 6-10
  • Private or shared transportation on days of excursions as mentioned below

Activities expand_less

  • Private city tours of Buenos Aires days 1&2
  • Estancia activities: hiking, horseback riding... to be chosen on site day 4
  • Excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier day 5
  • Group tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park day 10 with trainride included
  • Group guided trek to Vinciguerra Glacier day 11
  • Afternoon activities on Glamping nights days 12 & 13
  • Guided Milonga tango night day 14

Extras expand_less

  • Entrances to sites mentioned
  • Assistance by our English speaking team before / during / after your trip (24-7 service)
  • Full board during the Australis cruise days 6-10 (excursions, meals and open bar)

Not Included expand_less

  • Domestic Flights - contact us to book them for you
  • Meals not mentioned as "included", drinks unless otherwise stated
  • Tips
  • Personal Expenses
  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance

About Justine

TEAM LEAD

verified Baboo Certified

star_outline 5 (3 reviews)

Expertise: 

Cycling

Kayaking

Skiing/Snowboarding

Hiking

Rafting

Snorkeling/Diving

Visit markets

Meet local people

Rural home stays

Indigenous culture

Yoga

Meditation

Wellness retreat

Detox

Beach & Sea

Outdoors & Nature

Food & Drink

Buenos dias! I am part of a passionate team of Argentina experts – exploring our country of origin or adoption for more than 10 years, sharing our best discoveries with our travelers. We adapt and tailor every single itinerary - see you soon!

Travel that Makes a Difference

By choosing to travel with us, you support local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We are dedicated to positively impacting the world through every journey we offer.

Let’s regenerate the planet together

We overcompensate your entire journey’s carbon footprint including flights - for free.

Learn more
FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$5,724.00 USD