Argentina & Patagonia: Marine Wildlife, Trekking and Glaciers
From the Valdés Peninsula to the Patagonia glaciers, a journey between southern right whales and giant glacier fronts.
Duration
16 days
From
€4,980/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
DiscoverArgentina at the pace of its great cities and natural spaces. From Buenos Aires to Tierra del Fuego, from the Valdés Peninsula to the Patagonian glaciers, you alternate between moments of connection with your hosts, navigations facing glacial fronts and superb hiking in the southern mountain ranges. Accompanied by an English-speaking local team, you experience a warm journey, between Patagonian estancias, tango evenings and outings in the heart of nature.
Throughout your journey, observe exceptional wildlife, including southern right whales (depending on the season), penguins, sea lions and guanacos in their natural environment. Be impressed by the immensity of the Perito Moreno glacier, explore the magnificent landscapes of Tierra del Fuego National Park and discover the charm of Patagonian villages.
This circuit offers a fine balance between cultural visits, natural discoveries and accessible hiking. From the lively streets of Buenos Aires to the vast expanses of Patagonia, each stage reveals a different facet of Argentina.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
First Steps in Buenos Aires
Reception at Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) and transfer to your hotel in a private vehicle. An English-speaking guide will accompany you during your transfer to help you take your first steps peacefully in the capital.
Welcome to Buenos Aires, a dynamic and cosmopolitan metropolis!
You begin your discovery with the historic and political center of the capital: the Obelisk, a symbol of Buenos Aires overlooking 9 de Julio Avenue, the Teatro Colon and the famous central square, Plaza de Mayo, which houses the historic seat of political power.
You then continue to the San Telmo neighborhood: covered passages and galleries, typical cafés in the purest porteño style, antique shops… Locals and tourists mingle in a friendly atmosphere in this historic bohemian neighborhood full of character. A famous outdoor flea market takes place every Sunday around Plaza Dorrego.
You finish your visit with the picturesque La Boca neighborhood by walking through the alley with brightly colored old houses of El Caminito, a meeting place for painter artists, tango dancers and singers.
Return to your hotel after the tour. An English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout your visit.
Night at La Querencia Buenos Aires in a standard room.
Walking tour of Buenos Aires by public transport
Your day begins in the Recoleta neighborhood, characterized by many colonial houses, often former residences of historical figures, currently inhabited by powerful Argentine families. The European architectural influence sometimes gives it the feel of Paris's 15th arrondissement, dotted with parks, plane trees and bougainvilleas.
You stop at the Pacifico shopping gallery, with its French architecture dating from 1889, its vaulted ceilings and luxury shops. This superb complex is one of Argentines' favorite places.
You continue with a visit to the Recoleta Cemetery where many celebrities, writers and politicians rest. The most famous and still revered to this day is the tomb of Evita Peron, the legendary wife of President Peron. Crafts market on Plaza Francia on weekends and contemporary temporary exhibitions at the Recoleta cultural center for those interested.
The discovery continues in the Palermo neighborhood, a residential area that is both peaceful and lively, with shaded streets lined with numerous shops, cafes and restaurants. You take time to stroll through the Tres de Febrero park, inaugurated in 1875, which is one of the city's main green spaces.
Return to your hotel after the visit. An English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout this day.
Night at La Querencia Buenos Aires in a standard room.
From Buenos Aires to Puerto Piramides
Buenos Aires → Trelew
Departure from your hotel and transfer in a private vehicle from Buenos Aires to AEP national airport for your domestic flight.
Domestic flight Buenos Aires* – Trelew.
National or international airport depending on schedules and availability.
Upon arrival, pickup of your rental vehicle, a Fiat Cronos 4-door model, with third-party insurance included.
To rent your vehicle, you must be over 21 years old, have held a driving license for more than 2 years and have a credit card for the guarantee. An international driving permit is strongly advised.
Suggested itinerary: you head towards Puerto Piramides and settle in at your hotel.
At the end of the day, you enjoy a beautiful sunset over the peninsula and, from the bay, you may have the opportunity to spot whales with their calves.
Night at the Del Nomade ecological hotel in a standard room.
Trelew → Puerto Pirámides
Suggested itinerary: you head off on the road towards Puerto Piramides and settle into your hotel. At the end of the day, you enjoy a beautiful sunset over the peninsula and, from the bay, you may have the opportunity to spot whales with their calves. Night at the ecological hotel Del Nomade in a standard room.
Valdés Peninsula and Marine Wildlife
This morning, you could take a tour of the Península Valdés to reach Punta Delgada, Caleta Valdés then Punta Norte by a well-maintained track. On the large beaches of this region, many marine animals, such as seals and elephant seals, rest. We advise you to ask your hotel the day before where the animals are mainly located at the time of your visit.
About 75 kilometers from Puerto Pirámides, still by a well-maintained track, you could discover Caleta Valdés, a geographically beautiful formation. A colony of Magellanic penguins comes to nest there from late September to mid-April. In the reserve located at the southern tip of the cove, Punta Cantor, you will be able to observe a colony of elephant seals that come ashore to breed. The reserve has public restrooms, informational panels and marked trails.
Continuing your journey for about 50 kilometers from Caleta Valdés, and 79 kilometers from Puerto Pirámides, you would reach the Punta Norte reserve. This breeding colony of sea lions and elephant seals is also known for orca sightings, although these remain very difficult. You will find information panels, marked trails, viewpoints and public restrooms.
You could also pass through the Isla de los Pájaros site, which is home to a large diversity of birds as well as a replica of the Fort San José chapel, the only Spanish colony on the peninsula, where you can discover its history. The island is located 5 kilometers from the welcome center. It is suggested to visit it at sunset, when wildlife activity is more pronounced.
From June to mid-December, you could embark from Puerto Pirámides for a boat trip dedicated to observing Southern right whales. Gentle, slow and curious, they approach very close to the boats, making it easy to see their skin covered with callosities. Sometimes, they pass under the boats while emitting a particular sound, then resurface by jumping. It is an unforgettable spectacle. If the weather is favorable and luck is with you, you may also see dolphins following the boat.
From mid-December to May, with whales having migrated to southern seas, you could undertake another nautical excursion to the sea lion colony at Punta Pirámides, refuge of sea wolves. You then observe the activity of these colonies depending on the time of year: harem formation, breeding or birth, etc. You also visit the island of cormorants and their breeding colonies, before heading towards a cave filled with fossils. If the weather is favorable and luck is with you, you may once again see dolphins following the boat.
Night at the ecological Del Nomade hotel in a standard room.
Magellanic Penguins at San Lorenzo
You could head north to Península Valdés to reach the estancia San Lorenzo.
The Estancia San Lorenzo is a rural Patagonian establishment dedicated to sheep farming, which also opens its doors to visitors during the Magellanic penguin season, with approximately 600,000 individuals present on the site. For over 40 years, this nature reserve has been a reference point for researchers from Argentina's National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET) as well as for various scientific institutions from around the world.
Your entry to the "Penguin Experience" is included: a park ranger will accompany you to the penguin colony for a visit of approximately one and a half hours. You will follow a 700-meter path that runs along the Magellanic penguin colony, allowing you to observe their behavior in their natural environment.
At the estancia, you can also have lunch à la carte; the signature dish is Patagonian lamb on the spit (lunch not included).
Overnight at the Del Nomade ecological hotel in a standard room.
Relaxation in Puerto Pirámides and Ushuaia
Puerto Pirámides → Trelew
This day is dedicated to relaxation in Puerto Pirámides.
You can choose from several activities:
A tour through the typical landscapes of the surrounding area.
A trekking excursion: Puerto Pirámides features cliffs over 70 meters high that serve as natural viewpoints to discreetly observe marine wildlife.
In mid-afternoon, you return to your vehicle to head back to Trelew, where you return your car at the airport.
Trelew → Ushuaia
You then take your domestic flight Trelew - Ushuaia (direct flight on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays).
Upon arrival, you are welcomed at Ushuaia airport and transferred by private vehicle. You have free time in Ushuaia.
Capital of Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia is located between the Beagle Channel and the Martial glacier. The southernmost city in the world, it attracts explorers, adventurers and sailors, giving this End of the World a very special atmosphere. You can stroll along the central San Martin street, pleasant for wandering, as well as the street that runs along the coast. The team's favorite address is the Almacén Ramos Generales Ushuaia, a sort of café-museum that captures the very essence of the End of the World. You can also visit the End of the World Museum, which traces the history of the region, the maritime museum and the old Ushuaia prison.
Night at the Campanilla Hotel in a standard room.
Tierra del Fuego Park and Beagle
You are leaving for a half-day discovery of Tierra del Fuego National Park. Over 63,000 protected hectares, the park reveals a great variety of landscapes. Your excursion begins at the level of the Río Pipo valley, then you enter Ensenada bay, from which you can admire the Redonda and Estorbo islands. On the other side of the Beagle Channel, the snow-capped peaks of the Sampaio mountain range are drawn on the Chilean side.
You then reach Acigami Lake and take a walk along its banks and those of the Río Lapataia. Condor Peak dominates the panorama and marks the border between Chile and Argentina. You continue to the end of the park, where Route 3 ends, in Lapataia Bay. Your visit concludes with the observation of a dam built by beavers, which are numerous in the park.
Return to Ushuaia.
You continue with a navigation on the Beagle Channel. You rejoin the port of Ushuaia to board a catamaran and navigate approximately 2 hours on the channel. You set your course for the bird island, "isla de los pajaros", refuge of numerous imperial cormorants, albatrosses and more than twenty species of seabirds. You also pass by the island "de los lobos", where two species of sea lions live, before returning to Ushuaia.
In the Ushuaia cove, the landscape is distinguished by the city dominated by the Martial mountains.
Night at the Campanilla Hotel in a standard room.
Hiking at Vinciguerra Glacier
Around 8:00 AM, you meet up with your English and Spanish-speaking mountain guide and set off in a small group approximately 8 km from Ushuaia, heading towards the Andorra valley.
You begin your trek by crossing the typical peatlands of Tierra del Fuego, then continue to Laguna Los Témpanos, whose milky blue color and landscape beauty leave a lasting impression.
After lunch, you continue climbing towards the Vinciguerra glacier. Once there, you put on your crampons to walk on the glacier and fully enjoy this mountain experience, accompanied by your guide.
You return to Ushuaia around 4:00 PM.
Night at the Campanilla hotel in a standard room.
From Ushuaia to the Nibepo Estancia
Approximately two hours before your flight, you leave your hotel and are transferred by private vehicle to Ushuaia airport. You then take your domestic flight Ushuaia – El Calafate. Upon arrival at El Calafate airport, you are welcomed and transferred by private vehicle to the center of El Calafate.
Lunch is at your leisure.
In the late afternoon, between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM, you head towards Estancia Nibepo Aike, located 55 km from El Calafate. Founded by a Croatian pioneer, Don Santiago Peso, who settled on these lands in the early twentieth century, the estancia is located in the heart of Los Glaciares National Park. It is primarily engaged in cattle ranching and, to a lesser extent, sheep raising. The visit is an opportunity to discover the history of the property, better understand daily life on an estancia, and witness a sheep shearing demonstration, a highlight of Patagonian rural life.
Dinner and overnight stay at Estancia Nibepo Aike in a standard room.
Nibepo Aike and Perito Moreno
This morning, you take time to enjoy the estancia Nibepo Aike: walk around the lake, horseback riding with the gauchos, participation in their activities, return of the sheep to the fold on horseback, etc.
After lunch, at 1:45 PM, you meet up with your local English-Spanish speaking guide.
In a small group, you board a boat with approximately 18 people to cross the Brazo Rico of Lake Argentin. Once you arrive, you take a twenty-minute walk through a lenga forest to a panoramic viewpoint, where you can appreciate the south face of the Perito Moreno glacier.
You then board again for a navigation facing the south wall of the glacier, which can exceed 70 meters in height.
You finally disembark at the port "Bajo las Sombras" before heading by vehicle to the Perito Moreno glacier. Numerous walkways then offer you panoramic views of the glacier, above the surrounding lenga groves.
Return to El Calafate at the end of the day.
Night at Roble Sur in a standard room.
Glacier Navigation Upsala and Spegazzini
From your hotel, you take the road to reach the Punta Bandera port, located about 50 km from El Calafate.
You board for a full day of navigation on the north arm of Lake Argentina. After about two hours of travel, the presence of numerous icebergs in various shapes and sizes signals your approach to the great glaciers of Patagonia. You then pass along the Upsala glacier, then the Spegazzini glacier, whose front walls can reach up to 135 meters in height.
You disembark at the base of the Spegazzini glacier and begin a short walk of about 300 meters through the forest to reach the Spegazzini refuge, which offers beautiful views of the Glacier Bay. You can have a meal there. For the more adventurous, it is possible to continue walking to reach several natural viewpoints.
You then re-board the boat to return to Punta Bandera port. The vessel can accommodate up to 300 passengers.
Night at the Roble Sur in a standard room.
From Calafate to El Chaltén
Shuttle transfer from your El Calafate hotel to your accommodation in El Chaltén, for a journey of approximately 210 km, or about 3 hours of driving.
You then set off for a free hiking excursion to Mirador de los Condores (approximately 1 hour round trip). From El Chaltén, you cross the bridge spanning the Fitz Roy river and continue to the National Park office. The ascent begins from there and leads you to the viewpoint overlooking the valley. You enjoy a beautiful view of the valley and, at certain times, you may have the chance to observe condors. This viewpoint is also an excellent option for admiring the granite peaks and glaciers that stand out on the horizon.
If you wish, you can extend your hike to Mirador de Las Aguilas (approximately 40 minutes additional from Mirador de los Condores).
Overnight at Confin Patagonico guesthouse in a standard room.
Hiking at Laguna Capri
Free trek to Laguna Capri.
You set off hiking on your own: maps are available at the park entrance and the trails are very well marked, which makes it easy for you to progress independently.
On the agenda, a beautiful day of hiking along the Fitz Roy massif. Approximately two hours of climbing allow you to enjoy typically Patagonian landscapes, with lovely viewpoints overlooking the Río de las Vueltas, before reaching Laguna Capri. From its shores, you can enjoy a view of Fitz Roy and its imposing relief.
Return to El Chaltén via the same trail.
Allow approximately 4 hours of hiking, for a route of 8 km and a positive elevation gain of approximately +355 m.Night in Confin Patagonico guesthouse in a standard room.
Lac of Desire and Vespignani
Between 07h30 and 8h00, you depart on a shared service from El Chaltén heading towards Lago del Desierto, located 37 km to the north, for approximately 1 hour of driving along the Río de las Vueltas river.
Upon arrival at Punta Sur port, you board a small catamaran for a approximately 20-minute navigation on Lago del Desierto. You can observe the Huemul and Crestón glaciers before disembarking at the foot of the great Vespignani glacier. You then have 3 hours of free time to enjoy the marked trails, with routes ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours of hiking.
Before boarding the boat again, hot chocolate awaits you, then you board again to return to Punta Sur. Once at the port, you benefit from 2 additional hours of free time to explore the trails while admiring the view of the Huemul glacier.
It is possible to climb up to the Huemul glacial lagoon, for an additional cost payable on site in cash (8000 pesos per person, 2 hours of hiking round trip).
Return to El Chaltén at the end of the day, with the bus departing around 16h.
Night at Confin Patagonico guesthouse in a standard room.
Return to Buenos Aires
Bus transport from your El Calafate hotel to the airport, for a journey of approximately 3 hours.
Upon arrival at Buenos Aires national airport Aeroparque (AEP), you are greeted and transferred to your hotel in a private vehicle.
In the evening, you enjoy an evening and a Tango and Folklore dinner with Elise. Elise, originally French and settled in Argentina for several years, is passionate about tango and Argentine folklore. With her, and in a convivial manner, you discover Argentine music and dance in a patio in the San Telmo neighbourhood. She explains to you the roots of folklore and tango, the different rhythms as well as the meaning of each dance.
Two couples of dancers and a singer musician perform demonstrations, then come to sit with you to share a moment, answer your questions and chat.
Night at the Anselmo Buenos Aires hotel in a standard room.
El Calafate → Buenos Aires
See you soon in Argentina!
Free day in Buenos Aires to stroll through the capital.
Take the opportunity to explore at your own pace the small shops in the Palermo and Recoleta neighborhoods, walk through the natural history museum, find dancers at Dorrego square while sipping a drink in San Telmo, buy local crafts (leather, jewelry, mate, canvas and alpaca wool vests)… Also take time to browse through a book in the beautiful Ateneo Splendid bookstore (address: Santa Fe 1860) or venture to Puerto Madero for a cruise on the Rio de la Plata river. For a day, live like a Porteño.
Departure from your hotel and transfer by private vehicle from Buenos Aires to EZE international airport.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International round-trip flight
- Annual cancellation / repatriation / comprehensive travel insurance
- Meals not mentioned in the "included" section of the day-by-day itinerary (budget approximately 15 to 25 €/person/meal)
- Guide services when not specified in the "included" section of the day-by-day itinerary
- Tips (guides, drivers, restaurants)
- Beverages when not mentioned as included
Included
- All services mentioned in the day-by-day "included" section
- The English-speaking assistance of our team 24/7 during your stay
- Nights in the establishments indicated or in equivalent accommodations
- Domestic flights when these have been chosen as an option
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Argentine dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer en Argentine, votre passeport doit être valide pour toute la durée du séjour prévu et comporter au moins une page vierge pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques en Argentine.
Cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 90 jours à compter de la date d'entrée sur le territoire. Une prolongation de 90 jours supplémentaires peut généralement être demandée sur place auprès de la Direction nationale des migrations argentine.
Les autorités peuvent également demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une adresse d'hébergement sur le territoire argentin.
Santé et vaccinations
Aucune vaccination n'est obligatoire pour entrer en Argentine depuis l'Europe ou le Canada. Toutefois, certaines vaccinations sont recommandées selon les régions visitées :
le vaccin contre la fièvre jaune est recommandé pour les voyageurs se rendant dans les zones tropicales du nord du pays (provinces de Misiones, Formosa, Chaco et Jujuy) ;
la mise à jour des vaccinations courantes (diphtérie, tétanos, poliomyélite, rougeole) est conseillée.
Il est recommandé de consulter un médecin ou un centre de vaccination international avant le départ.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour.
Lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents ou sans ses deux parents, une autorisation parentale notariée peut être exigée par les autorités argentines à l'entrée ou à la sortie du territoire. Il est fortement conseillé de se renseigner au préalable auprès du consulat argentin compétent.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat d'Argentine de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Non, les ressortissants français peuvent séjourner jusqu'à 90 jours en Argentine sans visa. Passeport valide pendant toute la durée du séjour requis. Prolongation de 90 jours possible sur place auprès des services de l'immigration. Vérifiez les conditions à jour auprès du consulat avant le départ.
Rendez-vous dans la section Mes Voyages pour retrouver tous vos projets.
Vous pouvez envoyer un message à votre hôte directement depuis le Salon de Thé.
Pour un voyage sur mesure de qualité, comptez entre 170 et 280 euros par jour et par personne, incluant hébergement, repas, transports internes et activités. Les vols internationaux (900-1400 euros A/R) sont en supplément. L'Argentine est vaste : les distances demandent de budgéter les vols intérieurs.
Vos documents sont accessibles dans l'onglet Documents de votre voyage.
Absolument. Nous adaptons chaque circuit au profil des voyageurs. Pour les familles, nous privilégions des rythmes détendus, des hébergements familiaux, des activités ludiques et pédagogiques, et des transferts privés confortables. Nos guides locaux francophones savent capter l'attention des enfants avec des anecdotes adaptées à leur âge.
C'est simple. Vous échangez avec notre équipe locale pour définir vos envies, votre budget et vos dates. Vous recevez une proposition d'itinéraire détaillée sous 48 heures. Vous ajustez ensemble chaque détail jusqu'à la version parfaite. Vous confirmez et partez l'esprit tranquille. Votre agence locale reste disponible 7j/7 pendant toute la durée du voyage.
En cas d'urgence, contactez immédiatement votre agence locale.
Le paiement s'effectue généralement en deux fois.
Notre agence fait partie du réseau Nomadays, immatriculé en France. Vous bénéficiez de la garantie APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) qui couvre 100% de vos fonds. Paiement sécurisé, assurance rapatriement incluse, et assistance francophone 24h/24 sur place pendant tout votre séjour.
Let's talk about your adventure — Buenos Aires Surroundings
A Nomadays advisor will get back to you to refine this project — itinerary, dates, budget, wishes — and propose a tailor-made version suited to your trip.
