The Pampas Valdes Peninsula mount Fitzroy El Calafate
This itinerary takes in the dramatic southern highlights of Argentine Patagonia and combines breathtaking scenery and wildlife with rich gaucho culture. From the traditional estancias of the pampas just outside Buenos Aires, you head to the natural wonderland of the Valdes Peninsula, immortalized in David Attenborough’s documentary “Trials of Life” before heading across to the granite peaks and icefields of the Los Glaciares National Park and iconic Mount Fitzroy.
Itinerary Highlights
Experience Argentina’s traditional Gaucho culture
Visit the natural wonderland of the Valdes Peninsula
Hike into the magnificent Mount Fitzroy Massif
Take a boat trip up to the face of the Perito Moreno Glacier
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
12
Nights
Price Guide
$5500 – $8000 pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to Buenos Aires
Day 2
The Pampas
On arrival into Buenos Aires, you will be met and driven out to a traditional estancia within the rolling pampa grasslands, a world-away from the bustling Argentine capital. This is gaucho country rich in traditional Argentine lore and a perfect spot for recovering from the journey and experiencing estancia life. Tour the estate on horseback, take part in daily farm activities, visit the charming nearby town of San Antonio de Areco or simply wind down in the beautiful grounds enjoying delicious local cuisine – a traditional “asado” barbeque washed down with local wines is never far away!
Day 3-5
Valdes Peninsula – A mecca for marine life!
Fly south to Trelew, gateway to the natural wonderland of the Valdes Peninsula, Argentina’s desolate, windswept, coastal steppe whose beaches teem with huge colonies of penguins, sea-lions and elephant seals. Off the coast, killer whales patrol the waters while within the calmer seas just off Puerto Piramides, you find one of the most important breeding grounds of the southern right whales. Based at a traditional estancia, you will enjoy daily excursions by foot, boat, vehicle or even horseback if you prefer guided by expert naturalist guides to experience the region’s incredible flora and fauna.
Day 6-9
Mount Fitzroy – Argentina’s Iconic Peak
Returning to the airport, you will fly back towards the Andes to reach Calafate. Here, you will be met and driven to el Chalten, perched at the foot of the spectacular Mount Fitzroy, Argentina’s iconic peak. For walkers, El Chalten offers some of the finest day-hikes in Patagonia if not South America; the “Laguna de Los Tres” and “Cerro Torre” trails are unmissable and bring you to breathtaking glacial lakes sitting at the foot of towering granite peaks. Trekking aside, there are scenic drives (and boat-trips) at Lago del Desierto, historic estancias and wonderful wildlife, all dotted throughout with incredible viewpoints.
Day 10-12
Calafate & the Perito Moreno Glacier
You will be transferred back to Calafate, gateway to the wonderful Los Glaciares National Park and the Perito Moreno Glacier, the largest and only advancing glacier outside of the poles. Experience the Perito Moreno by vehicle or boat, visit a traditional estancia or even enjoy a thrilling ice-hike which explores glacial caves and deep blue icy pools, a truly mesmerising sight! Further afield, you can join longer cruises into the great Patagonian Icefield to visit the Upsala, Spegazzini and Onelli Glaciers or explore the remote Estancia Cristina which harks back to the first settlers.
Day 13
Return flight to Buenos Aires for onward connections
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $5500 – $8000 per person
When to travel
janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
Argentina’s weather is as diverse as the country’s landscapes. In the far south, temperatures reach the high teens during the spring and summer months of November to March (best time to visit) though can drop close to zero at night. Due to its latitude, days are long – 16 hours of light in December which contrasts with around 8 hours in mid-winter when temperatures run close to zero during the day and sub-zero at night. Heading north, the Lake District follows a similar pattern though is warmer over 20° in the summer and wettest in March/April though with beautiful autumnal colours. Buenos Aires and central Argentina enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with annual highs of 30° while the subtropical north is very hot and sticky with tempestuous downpours during the summer months – Iguazu Falls are particularly impressive in January in February though often the sheer volume of water and surrounding mist shroud the view.
In Argentina, January is usually one of the hottest months of the year with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. It can be quite humid, especially in Buenos Aires, so it's important to stay hydrated and wear light clothing. If you're planning to explore the country during this time, be prepared for some intense heat and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day.
February in Argentina is usually warm with temperatures ranging from 22 to 32 degrees Celsius. While it may not be as hot as January, it's still important to stay hydrated and wear light clothing. The weather is generally pleasant and sunny, making it a great time to explore the country.
In March, Argentina experiences an autumn climate with temperatures ranging between 16 and 27 degrees Celsius. It is generally sunny with occasional cooler days, making it a good time to explore the country without worrying about the scorching heat. It is recommended to wear layers as the temperature can drop at night.
In April, Argentina experiences a mild autumn climate with temperatures ranging between 14 and 23 degrees Celsius. It is generally sunny with occasional cooler days, making it a good time to explore the country without worrying about extreme heat or cold. It is recommended to wear layers as the temperature can still drop at night.
May in Argentina is the beginning of winter, with temperatures ranging from 9 to 18 degrees Celsius. It can be quite chilly, especially at night, so it's recommended to pack warm clothes and layers. Despite the cooler weather, it's still a good time to visit Argentina as there are fewer crowds and the scenery can be quite stunning.
In June, Argentina experiences the heart of winter with temperatures ranging from 6 to 14 degrees Celsius. It can be quite cold, especially at night, so it's important to pack warm clothes and layers to stay comfortable. Despite the cooler temperatures, June is still a great time to visit Argentina as there are fewer crowds and the scenery is still breathtaking.
In July, Argentina experiences winter with temperatures ranging from 5 to 13 degrees Celsius. It can be quite chilly, particularly in the evenings, so it's important to bring warm clothing and layers to stay comfortable. Despite the cooler temperatures, July is still a great time to visit Argentina as there are fewer tourists and the scenery is still stunning.
In August, Argentina experiences a milder winter with temperatures ranging from 6 to 16 degrees Celsius. While still cool, it's not as chilly as July and visitors can still enjoy the beautiful scenery without having to worry too much about the cold. It's still recommended to bring layers for the evenings, but overall, August is a great time to visit Argentina.
In September, Argentina experiences a gradual increase in temperature with highs ranging from 14 to 20 degrees Celsius. The evenings can still be cool, so it's best to bring layers, but overall, the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
During October, Argentina experiences a slight increase in temperature with highs ranging from 16 to 22 degrees Celsius. The evenings can still be cool, so it's best to bring layers, but overall, the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
In November, Argentina's temperature starts to rise again with highs ranging from 20 to 27 degrees Celsius. The weather is generally warm and sunny, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities. However, it's still advisable to bring some layers for cooler evenings.
In December, the weather in Argentina is generally warm with temperatures ranging from 21 to 30 degrees Celsius. It's a great time to explore the outdoors and enjoy the sunshine, but it's also a good idea to bring some layers for cooler evenings.
Add on’s
There are a multitude of add on holiday options to this Argentina itinerary, for example you could continue across the border to the magnificent glaciers and mountains of the Torres del Paine National Park or fly south to Ushuaia for a breathtaking Patagonian cruise. For something completely different, the magical Iguazu Falls are a short flight north of Buenos Aires which then lead you on nicely to the salt-lakes, canyons and wineries of Salta or the wildlife rich Ibera Wetlands or even across into Rio.
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