Trip Inspiration

18 Days in Argentina

Argentina's icons + awe inspiring views

Explore the spectacular setting of Bariloche, nestled in the heart of the Lake District, before setting off to experience the beauty of El Calafate & El Chalten, Argentina's Patagonia. Discover Buenos Aires, frequently referred to as the “Paris of South America,” with its stunning architecture and sophisticated style. The country's iconic wine capital of Mendoza welcomes you with its lovely wines and beautiful vineyards. Take in the wonder and power of Iguazú Falls, the largest waterfall system in the world.

Trip Highlights

Locations

3 nights at the iconic Llao Llao Resort
2 nights at the beautiful EOLO hotel in El Calafate
3 nights in El Chalten
3 nights exploring cosmopolitan Buenos Aires at Palacio Duhau
3 nights in the Mendoza wine region, at Cavas Wine Lodge
3 nights in Iguazú Falls at Awasi Iguazú

Activities

Explore the Argentine Lake District
Tour Buenos Aires and surrounding area
Experience the sights an sounds of Argentina’s Patagonia
Embark on a mini-trek atop the Perito Moreno Glacier
Sample local Argentinian wines
Explore the Iguazú Falls area

What does “Trip Inspiration” mean?

At Travel Beyond, we believe your trip should be designed just for you, not for the masses. Our travel consultants create a custom itinerary for each client, offering recommendations for places and experiences that best fit your style. The itinerary below was planned for a past client, but we’re sharing it for travel inspiration and as an example of what a trip to Argentina might look like. Let us know when we can design a trip just for you!

Day 1

Arrive Bariloche, Argentina

Welcome to Argentina! On arrival in Bariloche, you will be transferred by private vehicle to the Llao Llao Resort and Spa where accommodations will be reserved for three nights.

A famed landmark of Argentina, the Llao Llao Resort and Spa is truly a five-star resort, retaining all of its original charm, designed in 1938 by Argentina’s most prestigious architect, Alejandro Bustillo. Large, contemporary design suites offer spectacular views of Lake Moreno and Mount Tronador. Graciously appointed rooms and suites feature traditional décor and modern comforts. Amenities range from room service, a fantastic spa and infinity pool with awesome views, a spectacular golf course, outdoor activities ranging from water sports on the lake and mountain biking to archery.

Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure to explore the area and activities on offer.

Llao Llao Resort and Spa Meals: N/A

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Day 2

Bariloche

This morning you will be met for your full-day Hidden Falls Navigation, including lunch.

Some of the most remote wilderness of Nahuel Huapi National Park can only be accessed by water. Here, the little known Tristeza Inlet and Hidden Falls trail can be found nestling close to glacial inlets and lush Valdivian Forest. The trip provides countless opportunities to observe native wildlife, and some of the most emblematic flora of the western side of the park.

Today’s tour begins with a guided drive of about an hour towards a waiting vessel. The route covers the first half of the classic Circuito Chico, and an early stop at Punto Panoramico to take in one of the most stunning views of the park is a great way to break up the drive. You will then arrive at Bahía Lopez (Lopez Bay) where we board a boat. Your voyage into the remote beaches and islands of the lake will be courtesy of this trusty powerboat, capable of taking up to nine passengers. It does not need a pier or harbor to dock, which means it can access some of the more difficult to reach coastlines and bays with ease.

As you slowly cruise down the shoreline of the Tristeza Inlet, ancient Nothofagus forest hangs overhead, with granite cliffs looming just a couple of feet away. In the distance, the imposing Mount Tronador, Capilla and El Capitan Mountains tower into the sky as ever-present reminders of the scale this landscape is best-known for. In addition to the unique topography, this trip also offers incredible opportunities to observe the diverse wildlife of the area, with condors, foxes and chinchillas all common to the area.

Later, the boat lands for disembarkation, and you will embark on a two-mile hike through the lush forest surrounding the Frey Creek. Huge moss covered Coihue trunks and a palette of colored flora surrounds you as you trek toward the 90-foot drop of the roaring Hidden (Frey) Falls, and the climax of the trek. These picturesque falls are perfect for a dip in the plunge pools, before some well-earned refreshments, and back to the waiting boat. From here, a brief navigation across the inlet will take you to a secluded bay, and while your guides are busy preparing a buffet lunch, there is plenty of time to wander the beaches or simply relax on the sand with a glass of Malbec!

This afternoon, you return to Bahia Lopez. Your van will drive you back to the hotel along the second half of Circuito Chico, taking in more sublime scenery.

Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Llao Llao Resort and Spa Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 3

Bariloche

This morning you will be met for your full-day Bariloche Hike & Kayak tour, including a boxed lunch.

One of the best ways to explore the mountains and lakes of Bariloche is by hiking and kayaking its waterways and trails. Today’s tour takes you to Lopez Bay for a safety briefing, before you hop into your kayak. You will spend two hours paddling the waters of Moreno Lake, after which you will moor up on a small island for a picnic lunch. This break provides the ultimate opportunity to not only re-fuel, but also sit back and take in the fantastic scenery, before jumping back into the kayak for further exploration of this beautiful shoreline. In the afternoon, hike to the Tristeza inlet lookout point. The trail is easy and well-traveled, leading us to an ideally located granite dome, known for the incredible vistas over the neighboring, glaciated Tronador peak, and a 12-mile-long narrow inlet while standing atop it. Upon completion of your excursion, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Llao Llao Resort and Spa Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 4

Bariloche to El Calafate

Today after breakfast and checkout, you will be met by a Travel Beyond representative for your private transfer to the Bariloche Airport for your commercial flight to El Calafate.

Upon arrival in El Calafate, you will be met by a lodge representative for your private transfer to EOLO where you will spend two nights. All meals and many on-site activities are included in your stay.

Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure to explore the area and activities on offer.

EOLO Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

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Day 5

El Calafate

This morning you will be met for your full-day privately guided Perito Moreno Glacier Tour, including a mini-trek atop the ice.

Perito Moreno Glacier is Los Glaciares National Park’s most famous and imposing resident. Visitors travel from around the world to set eyes on the magnificent sight of this ever-growing natural phenomenon, which stretches 3-miles wide and 200-feet high above Lake Argentino. Watch as the evolving landscape takes shape in front of you, with huge chunks of ice breaking free from the main body, booming into the lake below and sending a mesmerizing shower of water hundreds of feet into the air. The waves and dramatic crashes caused by these continual movements are a display of true natural beauty.

Your tour begins at El Calafate, setting off on a comfortable one-hour drive, which leads you to the national park, with the first breathtaking glimpse of Moreno coming into view as you travel towards Lago Argentino; the unforgettable scenery is further enhanced by the imposing Andean Mountains in the background. In addition to the stunning views of the Perito Moreno, you will also have an opportunity to uncover the National Park’s wildlife, with a walk among their native surroundings. A guided hike through the National Park will offer the chance to spot Andean Condors, Buff-Necked Ibis, Black-Chested Buzzard Eagles, Ashy-Headed Geese and many other unusual species known to inhabit the myriad scenic trekking trails which dissect the rolling hills and plains surrounding the lake.

During your visit, you will also have the unique chance to trek on the glacier! The journey begins as you board the boat to cross Argentino Lake, navigating through the ice blocks recently carved away from the glaciers, and traveling along the ice walls which tower above you as you sail.

Expert guides will be waiting to welcome you when you arrive at a captivating, uninhabited beach. Before heading out along the lake’s shore and towards the edge of the glacier, you will receive your crampons, which will provide a more comfortable trekking experience. You will then set out on an unforgettable two-hour adventure across this fascinating landscape, entering another world of the most incredible blue ice formations, hidden crevasses and gentle streams winding through gullies and pooling into small lagoons. The level of trekking here is considered to be ‘moderate’, and although the ice surface is irregular, it is also firm and perfectly safe.

Having conquered your trek on the glacier, you will enjoy a gentle stroll through the forest, as you make your way back to the pier, the lake, and ultimately back to the hotel in El Calafate.

EOLO Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6

El Calafate to El Chalten

Today, you will be met and transferred to Explora El Chalten, your home for the next three nights.

With views to the Electric Valley and the Marconi Glacier, Explora in El Chaltén opened its doors in December 2021. Just 10mi away from the quaint town of El Chaltén –in the heart of Argentinean Patagonia– the lodge is a headquarter from which to explore a world-renowned hiking destination.

The lodge has been strategically built within the Los Huemules Conservation Reserve to create a feeling of complete immersion. It’s luxury is only matched by the region’s stunning natural beauty and upon arrival you can enjoy your afternoon at leisure. Following dinner, you will have your nightly debrief with your guides during which you will discuss and decide on the following day’s activities.

Explora El Chalten Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

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Days 7-8

El Chalten

Spend your days participating in the incredible activities available both on property and beyond. All meals will be served at the lodge or during the activities. Some highlights include:

De Los Tres Lagoon Full Day Trek: This hike starts with a transfer to the trailhead at El Pilar, located 11mi to the north of the town. Enjoy the attractive views of the valley and the Río de Las Vueltas, and the impressive Cordón de Los Cóndores mountains that you will drive alongside.

The walk begins through a dense forest of lenga trees that protect you from the winds coming off the Continental Ice Field. Right from the start you will be able to see many different glaciers; Marconi, Eléctrico, Cagliero and in the distance, towards Lago Del Desierto, the Vespignani glacier.

Arriving at your first viewpoint, Piedras Blancas glacier, you will then leave the forest, and end up in a clearing where you can admire in all their splendor the peaks of “S”, Saint Exupéry, Poincenot, Fitz Roy, Mermoz and Guillaumet. You will then begin the 1,312ft climb, and in about an hour you arrive at Laguna de los Tres.

During this steep climb up to Laguna de los Tres, the path will be rocky and contain steps; but arriving at the highest point on the path, you will be rewarded by the majestic views of Fitz Roy, the glacier de los Tres and its lagoon. The grandeur of this location makes you feel very insignificant. From here, circle Laguna de los Tres and head towards the viewpoint of the Laguna Sucia and its glacier. After a rest and a bite for lunch, start the descent and walk back to El Chaltén.

Lagoon Torre Full Day Trek: From El Chaltén you will head off on the Laguna Torre footpath and, after a small climb, enter a small Ñire wood. From here, the path starts to ascend more steeply alongside the Fitz Roy River until it arrives at a viewpoint of the canyon and the Margarita waterfall. You’ll look down over the FitzRoy River and its serpentine course with a backdrop of the unique Mount Solo, the Adela range, and the impressive Mount Torre.

After about an hour of walking you will arrive at the Mount Torre viewpoint, which affords unforgettable views of the surrounding mountains. You will then continue for another 2 hours through grand lenga forests, crossing old glacial moraines and wet plains until you arrive at Laguna Torre. In this section you may spot a wide range of birds, including the Magellanic woodpecker, and upon arrival at Laguna Torre will see huge icebergs floating, having calved from the Torre glacier face.

Explora El Chalten Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 9

El Chalten to Buenos Aires

Today after breakfast, you will be met for a private transfer to the El Calafate Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be met for your private transfer to the Park Hyatt Palacio Duhau, where you will spend three nights.

This evening, you will be met for a private transfer to the Rojo Tango Show.

Buenos Aires is the place to watch captivating Tango shows, and each offers something different from the next. Rojo’s chic Tango club is found beneath the sumptuous Faena Hotel & Universe, hosting an avant-garde show which combines modern Tango with superb production. The club exudes an exclusive feel with its decadent interiors and intimate space; and the food is exquisite, too.

Following the show, you will be returned to your hotel.

Park Hyatt Palacio Duhau Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Day 10

Buenos Aires

This morning you will be met by your private guide for a walking tour of the city’s Recoleta neighborhood.

Discover the glamour and extravagance of Recoleta on this guided half-day walking tour. Stroll through lush parks and wide boulevards, discover grand monuments, former palaces, boutiques, and art galleries, as well as the cemetery for which Recoleta is famous.

Delve into the history of the Recoleta Cemetery where you’ll find the extravagant tombs of illustrious figures and national icons like Eva Perón. Visit Plaza San Martin to uncover its historical significance, where locals once confronted the British during their 1806 invasion. Wander along the exclusive Alvear Avenue which is lined with aristocratic homes. Explore the Colon Theatre, one of the most famous opera houses in the world with impeccable acoustics and a fascinating eclectic design. Lastly, visit the Ateneo Library, the former Gland Splendid Theatre, and the “world’s most beautiful bookstore” according to National Geographic.

Conclude your tour with a delightful gourmet picnic. Retreat to a picturesque park or scenic spot for a relaxing picnic. Indulge in a carefully prepared selection of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and delicious pastries, accompanied by local wines for a tranquil ending to your city adventure.

You will be returned to your hotel at the conclusion of your tour. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Park Hyatt Palacio Duhau Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 11

Buenos Aires

This morning you will be met by your private guide and driver for a half-day tour of South Buenos Aires. Explore the southern neighborhoods of one of the world’s most exciting capitals. We begin at Plaza de Mayo. Named in commemoration of the revolution, the plaza has been a key to Argentine history and has witnessed some of its most defining moments. Next, we head to San Telmo, the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires. With a bohemian charm, it still maintains much of its original architecture, with historic mansions and cobbled streets lined with antique stores, coffee houses, and trendy restaurants and bars. We continue to the old port of La Boca, strolling through the famous Caminito. The area’s colorful houses are made of wood and tin with iron balconies, typical of the dwellings built by immigrants from the late 19th century. Harsh conditions for the working classes in the early 20th century forged new customs and social behavior, leading to an explosion of tango, poetry, and theatrics as well as an infinite passion for football, still strongly ingrained to the present day. Last but not least is Puerto Madero. As we walk the docks, delve into its history as a former dockside enclave, now transformed into a showcase of contemporary architecture, sleek skyscrapers, upscale dining establishments, and a natural reserve.

This evening, join us for an intimate dinner that will immerse you in the heart and soul of Argentina’s vibrant culinary traditions. This unique culinary experience goes beyond just food; it’s a rich cultural journey that introduces you to the essence of Argentina through its gastronomy, music, warm-hearted locals and their traditions. You’ll be welcomed into a home in a trendy Buenos Aires neighborhood for a delightful dinner prepared by a renowned chef. Your gracious local hosts will ensure you feel right at home as you savor the flavors of Argentina. During the evening you’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a cooking demonstration, where you’ll learn how to prepare typical Argentine recipes. Expect excellent food, in a charming, welcoming atmosphere. It’s an unbeatable combination that will enhance your stay in Buenos Aires, all perfectly complemented by a glass of authentic Argentine Malbec wine.

After dinner, you will be returned to your hotel.

Park Hyatt Palacio Duhau Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

A picture of a building from the La Boca neighborhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Day 12

Buenos Aires to Mendoza

This morning after breakfast and checkout, you will be met for a private transfer to the Buenos Aires domestic airport for your flight to Mendoza.

Upon arrival in Mendoza, you will be met by a lodge representative for your private transfer to the Cavas Wine Lodge, outside the city. You will spend three nights, including all meals and activities. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Cavas Wine Lodge Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

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Days 13-14

Mendoza

Enjoy your days exploring the area. Your inclusive stay at Cavas features wine tasting on the property, visits to local wineries, an optional active day (white water rafting, biking, horseback riding, hiking or sightseeing,), daily breakfast and lunch, dinner either at the lodge or a partner restaurant, one-hour massage per person, and access to the fitness center, pool and jacuzzi.

Cavas Wine Lodge Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 15

Mendoza to Iguazú Falls

This morning after breakfast, you will be met for a private transfer to the Mendoza airport for your flight to Puerto Iguazú. Upon arrival, you will be met for your private transfer to Awasi Iguazú. You will spend three nights, including all meals and private excursions.

Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. Dinner will be served at the lodge.

Awasi Iguazú Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

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Day 16-17

Iguazú Falls

Each day during your stay at Awasi Iguazú, you will embark on a journey to learn more about Iguazú Falls and Argentina’s Misiones Province.

Awasi Iguazú is situated on the banks of the Iguazú River, surrounded by the Atlantic Rainforest. Your villa includes a private guide and 4-Wheel Drive vehicle, allowing you to explore at your own pace. You may choose between full-day excursions with lunch included, or two half-day excursions, returning to have lunch at Awasi between.