Experiencing Argentina's Wine Country, Patagonian Glaciers, Mountains and the Ends of the Earth
Experiencing Argentina's Wine Country, Patagonian Glaciers, Mountains and the Ends of the Earth
Including Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Bariloche, El Calafate, and Ushuaia
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Your Trip Overview
(everything mentioned below is included in your trip price)
Trip start date: you can choose any starting date you want for your trip, because all our trips have private departures. That is, you won't be traveling as part of a group.
Trip Duration & lodging:
12 days / 11 nights.
Lodging for 11 nights Included.
6 First‑class tours with the best tour guides (up to 2 private tours depending on the selected tour options). All necessary entrance fees to national parks included.
12 airport transfers included (all private)
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11 breakfasts + up to 3 lunches + 1 dinner included.
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5 Destinations included:
- Buenos Aires (City of Tango): 2 nights
- Mendoza (Wines, Rock Giants & Adventure): 2 nights
- Bariloche (Patagonia's Natural Beauty): 3 nights
- El Calafate (The Glaciers Region): 2 nights
- Ushuaia (Ends of the Earth): 2 nights
Trip Photo Summary
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Buenos Aires
Staying for 1 night
DAY 1: You arrive in Buenos Aires
Flight arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina!
Welcome at the airport and transfer in private vehicle to your hotel.
DAY 2: Last day in Buenos Aires
Transfer in private vehicle to Buenos Aires Airport.
Mendoza
Staying for 2 nights, with 1 tour included
DAY 2: You arrive in Mendoza
Flight arrival in Mendoza. Welcome at airport and private transfer to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at your hotel, enjoy your own explorations, or ask our local representative about suggested activities for your free time.DAY 3: Mendoza
Choose 1 among the following 6 tour options:
Option 1: Savoring First-class Wines in Mendoza’s Central Region (private tour)
Over the past 20 years, there has been a revolution in the Argentine wine industry, driven partly by the success of one grape that, in many countries, is used only for mixing – the rich, velvety Malbec. Dense and dark, with full-body richness that few other grapes can mimic, the Argentine Malbec varietal has become all the rage in the United States, and is increasing in popularity among other countries as well. 94% of restaurants in the top ten wine markets in the US feature Malbec on their wine lists, according to a 2010 survey on Wine Spectator magazine.
Enjoy an exclusive wine tasting experience as you take in the taste of first-class Argentine wines, and visit some of the most prestigious wineries in Mendoza. Located at the foothills of the Andes mountain range, in the shadow of Mount Aconcagua, the vineyards in Mendoza are planted at some of the highest altitudes in the world; with the average site located anywhere between 2000 and 3600 feet (600 to 1100 meters) above sea level This allows winemakers to plant at exactly the right altitude for each grape variety to ripen perfectly. Argentina is the fifth wine producer in the world, and with over a thousand active wineries accounting for more than 70% of Argentina’s wine production, Mendoza is considered the heart of the Argentine winemaking industry.
Guided by a local oenologist (wine expert), you’ll enjoy touring the facilities of three wineries, while getting a close-up look at the process of wine-making, and of course tasting their wines.
This is a full-day private tour and includes gourmet lunch with wine tasting at a Mendoza winery.
Option 2: A Day of Biking & Wine Tasting in Mendoza’s Wineries
It’s time to hop on our bikes, as we pedal our way through the roads of Mendoza, connecting 3 wineries, which we’ll have a chance to visit, as well as get to sample some ruby-colored wines! Not only will we enjoy the scenic and picturesque vineyards, set against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains, but we’ll also visit 3 wineries, giving us a taste of why the vineyards of Mendoza are at the heart of the Argentine winemaking industry.
This is a full-day group tour and includes lunch with 1 non-alcoholic beverage & wine in a winery or local restaurant.
Important: the total bike ride is about 5 miles (8 kilometers); and we’ll be biking from one winery to another through the main roads connecting the visited wineries. Please note that we will not be biking inside the wineries or next to vineyards.
Option 3: Cooking & Wine Tasting at Santa Julia Winery
Put on your aprons and step into the role of an Argentine chef with this delightful cooking class and wine tasting experience, at “La Casa del Visitanteâ€. Nestled within the prestigious Santa Julia winery, in the heart of Mendoza’s wine country, you’ll have plenty of fun as you learn about the Argentine cooking traditions, and put your cooking qualities to the test. “La Casa del Visitante†is one of the most visited restaurants in Mendoza, and was recognized by Winerist Magazine as one of the “5 Top Mendoza Wineries and Restaurants.†Santa Julia winery has also garnered various awards; such as a trophy in the Argentina Wine Awards for their Malbec.
So, dive into the art of Argentine cooking and prepare traditional Argentine dishes, while indulging in Santa Julia’s renowned wine!
This is a long half-day group tour with private transfers and includes lunch with non-alcoholic beverages & wine.
Option 4: Scenic Mendoza’s High-mountain Ride and The Stone Sentinel (private tour)
It’s time to hit the road as we take a scenic drive through Mendoza’s picturesque high mountain landscape, where we’ll wind our way across valleys, flat lowlands, streams, rivers, and foothills before taking on the highest peaks of the Cordillera de los Andes Mountain Range.
You’ll witness the unique architecture of nature with the natural Puente del Inca land bridge and all of its intriguing colors; as well as marvel at the sight of the highest peak in the world outside of Asia: Aconcagua, also known as the “Stone Sentinel.â€
With so much panoramic beauty to behold, this road trip will definitely be a feast for your eyes and your camera!
This is a full-day private tour.
Option 5: Sunset Horseback Riding with Asado (Meat Barbeque) & Wine
Get ready to saddle up and head out to explore the scenic countryside while taking in the lovely views of the sunset behind the Andes Mountain range.
Our adventure on horseback kicks off with an approximately 30 minute drive from the city of Mendoza to Rancho Viejo Lodge.
Upon our arrival, we’ll meet the horses and then hop on our four-legged companions as we head out to explore on our horseback ride, taking in all the picturesque views of all of Mendoza Valley, the city, and the mountains. The very well-trained horses make this tour experience suitable even for beginners with no horseback riding experience.
After taking in the mesmerizing colors of a sunset over the mountains, we'll return to the lodge to enjoy a delicious dinner of asado (meat barbeque) with beverages and wine.
This is a half-day group tour and includes dinner with non-alcoholic beverages & wine.
Option 6: A Trekking Adventure at Cerro Cabras
Get ready to explore the rugged terrain of Mendoza as you trek across the scenic mountainside to the summit of Cerro Cabras, while you take in some awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscapes, including being surrounded by the backdrop of the majestic snow-capped Andes.
This is a full-day group tour and includes a lunchbox. Transfers to and from the trekking site can take up to 2 hours.
DAY 4: Last day in Mendoza
Private transfer to Mendoza airport to take your flight.
Bariloche
Staying for 3 nights, with 2 tours included
DAY 4: You arrive in Bariloche
Flight arrival in Bariloche. Welcome at the airport and private transfer to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at your hotel, enjoy your own explorations, or ask our local representative about suggested activities for your free time.DAY 5: Bariloche
Panoramic Images of Gorgeous Bariloche (private tour)
Get ready to be ‘wowed’ by the picturesque setting of the mountain town of Bariloche. The inspiring panoramic sights of this charming southern region await you, as you head out on an introductory tour of its gorgeous scenery. Experience breathtaking views of the area’s largest lake, Nahuel Huapi, set against the backdrop of the majestic, snow-capped Andes Mountains. You’ll also enjoy one of the world’s 10 most beautiful panoramic views, as rated by National Geographic. With so many awesome panoramic viewpoints, you’ll have plenty of great opportunities to capture the perfect nature photos while marveling at the beautiful sights all around you.
This is a half-day private tour.
DAY 6: Bariloche
Navigating the Nahuel Huapi Lake & Exploring the Victoria Island and the Myrtle Forest
Prepare to navigate the beautiful blue waters of the Nahuel Huapi Lake, the largest in Argentina’s Lake District, set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Andes mountain range. We’ll enjoy our exclusive seating in the boat’s upper deck cabin. From here we’ll experience superior panoramic views and a much more exclusive setting, since there are only 50 seats in this cabin (compared to the over-200-people capacity of the regular cabin).
Known for its cold glacial waters and for being the habitat of kelp gulls and blue-eyed cormorants (which are typically only found near oceans), the Nahuel Huapi Lake provides plenty of natural beauty and beckons with the serenity of its waters.
We’ll visit the largest island on the Nahuel Huapi Lake: Victoria Island, home to a wide array of flora and fauna; also offering plenty of history, including ancient cave paintings. Another highlight of this navigation includes a visit to a unique forest of myrtle trees at Arrayanes National Park. These intriguing, cinnamon-hued trees are known for their attractive, smooth and tan bark, peppered with white spots; and giving the forest a captivating mystique. It’s widely rumored that Walt Disney drew inspiration from this myrtle forest to create his animated classic ’Bambi’ but there’s actually no evidence to back up this claim.
This is a full-day group tour.
DAY 7: Last day in Bariloche
Transfer in private vehicle to Bariloche Airport.
El Calafate
Staying for 2 nights, with 1 tour included
DAY 7: You arrive in El Calafate
Flight arrival in El Calafate. Welcome at airport and private transfer to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at your hotel, enjoy your own explorations, or ask our local representative about suggested activities for your free time.DAY 8: El Calafate
Conquering the Mighty Perito Moreno Glacier!
Discover your inner adventurer as you explore and conquer one of the world’s most awe-inspiring and unique glaciers: The Perito Moreno. This splendid ice giant showcases its mighty glory in the Patagonian Glaciers National Park, which has been declared Mankind’s Natural Heritage site by UNESCO. The park’s vast size not only gives it the distinction of being the largest ice mantle in the world after Antarctica, but also that of being the third largest fresh water reserve on the planet.
Now, picture yourself strapping on your ice spikes, as you begin trekking along this ice giant on a full-day discovery journey along one of the few glaciers in the world, which is actually growing and advancing.
Your full day of adventure will include a close-up navigation of the Perito Moreno Glacier and a visit to the seven panoramic balconies facing the front of the glacier where you’ll have amazing picture-taking opportunities. After an adventure-packed day, you’ll be able to rest with the satisfaction of having successfully conquered the mighty Perito Moreno!
This is a full-day group tour and has an age restriction (click on tour name above for details).
DAY 9: Last day in El Calafate
Transfer in private vehicle to El Calafate airport.
Ushuaia
Staying for 2 nights, with 1 tour included
DAY 9: You arrive in Ushuaia
Flight arrival in Ushuaia. Welcome at airport and private transfer to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at your hotel, enjoy your own explorations, or ask our local representative about suggested activities for your free time.DAY 10: Ushuaia
Choose 1 among the following 6 tour options:
Option 1: A Trekking and Canoeing Adventure at the Ends of the Earth
Prepare for a journey to the Ends of the Earth, as we embark on an unforgettable tour to Tierra del Fuego National Park, located in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world! With 63,000 hectares of land this National Park is larger than the city of Chicago! You’ll encounter some of the most pristine and beautiful scenery nature has to offer, while experiencing the uniquely remote feeling of truly being at the ends of the Earth.
Our expert guide will help you discover the hidden wonders of the Tierra del Fuego National Park, including its enchanting lakes, forests, lush vegetation, and wildlife as you surround yourself in the peaceful serenity of nature.
We’ll trek the coastal path (one of the most beautiful areas in the entire National Park) and then embark on a canoeing expedition downriver and across clear water streams while experiencing the calming breeze and breathtaking landscapes. Our canoeing journey concludes when we get to Lapataia Bay, where Argentina’s National Route #3 ends. This road is the last (and southernmost) stretch of the Pan-American Highway, which runs all the way to Alaska.
This is a full-day group tour and includes lunch with non-alcoholic beverages & wine.
Option 2: Trekking to the majestic Turquoise Lagoon & Carbajal Mount Summit
Get ready for a hiking adventure that takes you through the beauty of century-old beech forests, across imposing rock formations, and next to turquoise waters; before conquering the summit of Carbajal Mount, where you’ll take in the imposing view of the snow-capped Andes Mountains and the magnificence of the surrounding Ushuaia landscapes!
This is a full-day group tour and includes lunch box with water.
Option 3: A Trekking Adventure to the Vinciguerra Glacier
Prepare to experience trekking at the ends of the Earth, ascending nearly 2,000 feet (600 meters) through the forest, and trekking beyond treetops, to be greeted by beautiful panoramic views of the nearby snow-capped mountains, and pristine glacial lakes!
Fill your camera with these awe-inspiring views and create long-lasting memories of this incredible trekking experience!
This is a full-day group tour and includes lunch box with bottled water.
Option 4: Conquering the Summit of Cerro Pelado
Get ready for a trekking adventure that will take you 2,624 feet (800 meters) above Ushuaia for some awe-inspiring, 360-degree views of this ancient ecosystem of snow-capped mountains, valleys, and pristine glacial lakes as you take on the challenge of ascending Cerro Pelado!
The Cerro Pelado is a more "off-the-beaten-path" trail than other hiking options in the area. It’s a bit more rugged and difficult, but also less frequented, which allows for a more exclusive hiking experience. And because it’s quite separate from the mountain range, Cerro Pelado offers unbeatable panoramic views of the city of Ushuaia, the Beagle Channel and the surrounding landscapes.
This is a full-day group tour and includes lunch box with water.
Option 5: Hiking to the Emerald Lagoon & Learning about the Unique Patagonian Beavers
Get ready to learn about and witness an amazing story about the Patagonian beavers and how human intervention can unwittingly create natural disaster!
You’ll also enjoy a beautiful hike through the Patagonian forest and Tierra Mayor valley to reach the Emerald Lagoon, which radiates shades of emerald green as the sun dips into it.
This is a long half-day group tour and includes a lunch-box with bottled water.
Option 6: Along the Shore, across the Forest and into the Mud: a 4x4 Off-Road Adventure at the Ends of the Earth!
Prepare for a thrilling and scenic 4x4 off-road experience, where natural beauty and our guide’s amazing driving skills will nourish your spirit for adventure, while enjoying the best 4x4 tour done at the Ends of the Earth!
On this one-of-a-kind 4x4 tour, we’ll discover the hidden secrets of the Southern Andes, one of the world’s largest mountain ranges. We’ll take in awe-inspiring scenic views of "Lago Escondido" (Hidden Lake), and then literally immerse our vehicle into the shores Fagnano Lake. As our expert guide drives through the splashing waters on the lake’s shore, we’ll marvel at the views and experience an absolutely memorable adventure. This off-road experience through deep forests and across rivers, while defying muddy tracks along the shore of the lake, will end with one of the most savory and customary meals in Argentine cuisine: an Argentine asado (meat barbeque), which we’ll accompany with Patagonian wines.
This is a full-day group tour and includes lunch with non-alcoholic beverages & wine.
DAY 11: Last day in Ushuaia
Transfer in private vehicle to Ushuaia airport.
Buenos Aires
Staying for 1 night, with 1 tour included
DAY 11: You arrive in Buenos Aires
Arrival in Buenos Aires and transfer to your hotel in private vehicle.
Passion and Beauty: an Authentic World-class Tango Experience
You are cordially invited to an evening of live music filled with passion, sensuality and dancing, at one of the best Tango venues in Buenos Aires: La Ventana. Located at the heart of the historic San Telmo neighborhood, you’ll enjoy a world-class Tango show in a restored tenement building (or, ‘conventillo’). This enchanting show also boasts unique features of Argentine folklore.
As you step through the doors, you’ll feel as though you have traveled back in time, with the interior of the building preserved in its original style. The show at La Ventana is a journey through the history of Tango, in which you’ll experience different and authentic styles of this mesmerizing dance, each with its own particular set of music, dancing style, and costumes.
Tango is a universe onto itself as it creates a multi-layered marriage of music, dance, singing and poetry.
This tour includes group transfers and dinner with non-alcoholic beverages & wine.
DAY 12: Buenos Aires
Transfer from your hotel to Ezeiza International Airport in private vehicle.
We look forward to welcoming you again in Argentina!
Lodging for 11 nights Included
comfort category lodging
- Buenos Aires: 2 nights474 Buenos Aires Hotel
474 Buenos Aires Hotel - standard category room: 2 nights
Standard category room - Mendoza: 2 nightsHilton Mendoza
Hilton Mendoza - standard category room: 2 nights
Standard category room - Bariloche: 3 nightsHuinid Bustillo Hotel
Huinid Bustillo Hotel - senior category room with lake view: 3 nights
Senior category room with lake view - El Calafate: 2 nightsMirador del Lago Hotel
Mirador del Lago Hotel - superior category room: 2 nights
Superior category room - Ushuaia: 2 nightsLos Acebos Hotel
Los Acebos Hotel - standard room: 2 nights
Standard room
deluxe category lodging**
- Buenos Aires: 2 nightsHilton Buenos Aires
Hilton Buenos Aires - deluxe category room: 2 nights
Deluxe category room - Mendoza: 2 nightsPark Hyatt Mendoza
Park Hyatt Mendoza - park category room with andes view: 2 nights
Park category room with andes view - Bariloche: 3 nightsAlma del Lago Suites & Spa
Alma del Lago Suites & Spa - superior category room with lake view: 3 nights
Superior category room with lake view - El Calafate**: 2 nightsMirador del Lago Hotel
Mirador del Lago Hotel - superior category room with partial lake view: 2 nights
Superior category room with partial lake view - Ushuaia: 2 nightsLos Cauquenes Resort & Spa
Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa - premium category room with beagle channel view: 2 nights
Premium category room with beagle channel view
unique & exclusive category lodging*
- Buenos Aires: 2 nightsAlvear Palace Hotel
Alvear Palace Hotel - junior suite: 2 nights
Junior suite - Mendoza: 2 nightsEntre Cielos Luxury Wine Hotel & Spa
Entre Cielos Luxury Wine Hotel & Spa - vineyard loft: 2 nights
Vineyard loft - Bariloche: 3 nightsLlao Llao Hotel
Llao Llao Hotel - moreno lake deluxe studio with lake view: 3 nights
Moreno lake deluxe studio with lake view
** In El Calafate, our Deluxe Category pricing does not include Deluxe category lodging, since none comply with our Deluxe standards. We are including for El Calafate in our Deluxe Category pricing what we call a "Comfort Plus" category lodging, which is somewhat nicer and thus more expensive than our Comfort category (usually it's a higher category room in our comfort category hotel).
* For this itinerary the Unique & Exclusive accommodation is only available in Buenos Aires, Bariloche and Mendoza. For El Calafate and Ushuaia the hotels included are the ones mentioned in the deluxe category.
Domestic Flights Duration & Route
We can take care of booking all the needed domestic flights for your trip.
All domestic flights included in your itinerary are operated on modern commercial jet aircraft (not propeller planes).
| Flight Route | Total Flight Duration |
|---|---|
| Buenos Aires to Mendoza | 1 hour and 50 minutes |
| Mendoza to Bariloche | 1 hours and 40 minutes |
| Bariloche to El Calafate | 1 hour and 45 minutes |
| El Calafate to Ushuaia | 1 hour and 20 minutes |
| Ushuaia to Buenos Aires | 3 hours and 20 minutes |
For a worry‑free travel experience, we strongly advise letting us take care of your domestic flights. It’s common for local airlines to make several flight changes before (and sometimes during) a trip. Taking care of domestic flights will allow us to closely monitor any flight changes, adapting your trip itinerary as needed.
Our flight issuing service includes: flights booking, daily tracking of flight status and changes, reconfirmation with the airline of each flight before each departure, booking of your flight seats, web check-in (not available for all flights) and assistance with your flights arrangements if there is any flight delay, change or cancellation before or during your trip.
Argentina is a very large country, the 8th largest in the world, in fact! As such, traveling by land is too time-consuming. For example, a bus ride from Buenos Aires to Iguazu takes about 18 hours (as opposed to 1 hour and 50 minutes by plane), and the bus ride from Buenos Aires to El Calafate takes about 40 hours (as opposed to 3 hours and 15 minutes by plane).
Hi there! I'm Fred, founder & owner of Exploration Journeys.
Over 20 years ago, I set out to build a travel company that would redefine what “worry-free travel” really means, where every guest feels cared for as if they were part of our family, and every detail runs seamlessly.
With two decades of experience crafting Argentina trips, I’ve learned that the right pacing, local expertise, and genuine care make all the difference. That’s why every itinerary we design blends must-see highlights with authentic local experiences, while leaving space for personal exploration and real connection.
I'd love to personally design a customized itinerary for you.
I look forward to helping make your Argentina journey truly memorable, worry-free and first-class from start to finish.
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Price per Person in U.S. Dollars
(does not include flights)
| PRICE PER PERSON FOR ALL GROUND SERVICES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Category Lodging | Deluxe Category Lodging (except in El Calafate*) | Unique & Exclusive Category Lodging** | |
| Double occupancy room | |||
| Triple occupancy room | |||
Our prices above include all hotels, tours and airport transfers mentioned in this itinerary. Discounts available for groups of 4 or more travelers. To get a quote for Our prices do not include international or domestic airfare. | |||
* In El Calafate, our Deluxe Category pricing does not include Deluxe category lodging, since none comply with our Deluxe standards. We are including for El Calafate in our Deluxe Category pricing what we call a "Comfort Plus" category lodging, which is somewhat nicer and thus more expensive than our Comfort category (usually it's a higher category room in our comfort category hotel).
** For this itinerary the Unique & Exclusive accommodation is only available in Buenos Aires, Bariloche and Mendoza. For El Calafate and Ushuaia the hotels included are the ones mentioned in the deluxe category.
Domestic Flights
| Domestic Airfare (5 flights) |
| Starts at $ 379 per person |
| Subject to availability at the time of booking |
- 1 carry-on + 1 piece of checked luggage
- Advance seat selection at no additional cost
This is a promotional rate, please note that regular airfares can be significantly higher. This means that the sooner you book your trip, the greater our chances of booking this, or similar, airfare.
As soon as we receive your feedback about your itinerary we'll check for flights availability and let you know which are the best flights for your trip and which is the lowest airfare available.
Prices for domestic flights depend exclusively on their availability at the time of booking, usually with much lower rates available for flights booked well in advance. So the sooner you book your trip, the lower the airfare you'll pay (the most expensive airfares are a lot higher than the most promotional ones).
As soon as we receive your feedback about your itinerary we'll check for flights availability and let you know which are the best flights for your trip and which is the lowest airfare available.
For your comfort and peace of mind, we can take care of booking your domestic flights for you. Our services include:
• Checking all available flight options to recommend the best itinerary and fare for your trip
• Flight booking and ticket issuance
• Daily monitoring of flight status and schedule changes
• Reconfirmation of each flight with the airline prior to departure
• Seat selection and booking
• Online check-in (when available)
• Assistance with your flight arrangements in case of delays, changes, or cancellations before or during your trip
Letting us take care of your domestic flight arrangements will let you enjoy a worry‑free travel experience, as it is very common for local airlines to make flight changes before (and sometimes during) a trip.