Exploring the Iguazu Falls & Patagonia's Unique Marine Wildlife, Glaciers and the Ends of the Earth
Exploring the Iguazu Falls & Patagonia's Unique Marine Wildlife, Glaciers and the Ends of the Earth
Including Buenos Aires, Peninsula Valdes, Ushuaia, El Calafate, and Iguazu Falls
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Trip Photo Summary
Enjoy a thrilling and scenic 4x4 off-road experience at the Ends of the Earth in Ushuaia
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.
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:
13 days / 12 nights.
Lodging for 12 nights Included.
7 First‑class tours with the best tour guides (2 of them are private tours). All necessary entrance fees to national parks included.
12 airport transfers included
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12 breakfasts + 1 lunch + 1 dinner included.
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5 Destinations included:
- Buenos Aires (City of Tango): 2 nights
- Peninsula Valdes (Marine Wildlife Sanctuary): 3 nights
- Ushuaia (Ends of the Earth): 2 nights
- El Calafate (The Glaciers Region): 2 nights
- Iguazu Falls (Selected by 100 Million Voters as One of the "New 7 Wonders of Nature"): 3 nights
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.
Peninsula Valdes
Staying for 3 nights, with 2 tours included
DAY 2: You arrive in Peninsula Valdes
Flight arrival and transfer in group vehicle 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: Peninsula Valdes
Peninsula Valdes’ Unique Marine Fauna Heaven
The scenic Peninsula Valdes, where arid landscapes contrast with the blue crystalline sea, is home to an important breeding population of the endangered southern Right Whale (whale season takes place from May to early December), southern sea lions, orcas (also known as “killer whales”), Magellanic penguins (penguin season is from mid-September to mid April), as well as the largest continental colony of southern elephant seals in the entire world. National Geographic listed the Peninsula Valdes as one of the 10 best places in the world for whale-watching.
The inner part of the peninsula boasts rheas, guanacos (American Llama), hairy armadillos, ostriches and maras (very similar to hares). A high diversity and range of birds live in the peninsula as well; at least 181 species.
This is a full-day group tour.
DAY 4: Peninsula Valdes
An Up-Close & Personal Experience Walking among the Cute Magellanic Penguins
Get ready for a delightful encounter with some of the cutest and most charismatic creatures on the planet: the Magellanic penguins! Punta Tombo Reserve is home to the world’s largest colony of Magellanic penguins, giving you the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with over a hundred thousand of these adorable creatures, which are only found on the Falkland Islands and the coasts of Argentina and Chile.
This is a long half-day group tour (the visit to the Punta Tombo Magellanic Penguins reserve lasts 2 hours), but it’s usually combined with at least 1 other tour option in the area making it a full-day tour.
DAY 5: Last day in Peninsula Valdes
Transfer in group vehicle to the airport.
Ushuaia
Staying for 2 nights, with 1 tour included
DAY 5: 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 6: 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 7: Last day in Ushuaia
Transfer in private vehicle to Ushuaia 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.
Iguazu
Staying for 3 nights, with 2 tours included
DAY 9: You arrive in Iguazu
Flight arrival in Iguazu.
Transfer in group vehicle 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: Iguazu
Witness the Unique Power & Might of the Iguazu Falls from the Argentine Side (private tour)
“You might have seen the photos. Even read about it. You might have visited other great waterfalls before. But you probably still have no idea what to expect when you come face to face with the almighty Iguazu Falls,” stated CNN in their article “Iguazu Falls: Why this natural wonder should be on everyone’s bucket list". To put that into perspective, Iguazu Falls is nearly twice as tall as Niagara Falls and nearly three times as wide. The late U.S. First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, was reportedly so impressed by the sight of Iguazu Falls that she exclaimed “Poor Niagara!”
In 1984, Iguazu Falls became a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and in 2011, it was selected as one of the 7 winners of the “New Seven Wonders of Nature” worldwide competition in which more than 100 million votes were cast.
Their size and scale are unlike any other waterfall on Earth. Made up of a system of 275 waterfalls, they have a staggering water flow of up to almost 3.5 million gallons (13 million liters) per second – enough to fill five Olympic swimming pools!
Unlike Niagara Falls, which is surrounded by developments such as casinos, a revolving restaurant, and coffee shops, Iguazu Falls are located within one of the few remaining inland rainforests in South America, the Atlantic rainforest, which is a haven for more than 2,000 plant species, about 400 birds species, and 80 types of mammals!
This is a full-day private tour.
DAY 11: Iguazu
Behold the Breathtaking Panoramic Views of Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian Side (private tour)
With 80% of the falls located on the Argentine side, it is only from the Brazilian side that one can see almost all of them at once, in full, breathtakingly panoramic views.
The Brazilian side offers majestic scenic views of the beauty and entirety of the falls; this is because the Brazilian footbridge lies across the river from the falls, offering a unique perspective and epic scenic views, making the Brazilian side different and absolutely complementary to the experience from the Argentine side.
This is a half-day private tour.
DAY 12: Last day in Iguazu
Transfer in group vehicle to Iguazu airport.
Buenos Aires
Staying for 1 night, with 1 tour included
DAY 12: 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, â€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 13: Buenos Aires
Transfer from your hotel to Ezeiza International Airport in private vehicle.
We look forward to welcoming you again in Argentina!
Lodging for 12 nights Included
comfort category lodging
- Buenos Aires: 2 nights474 Buenos Aires Hotel
474 Buenos Aires Hotel - standard category room: 2 nights
Standard category room - Puerto Madryn: 3 nightsTerritorio Hotel
Territorio Hotel - superior category room with sea view: 3 nights
Superior category room with sea view - Ushuaia: 2 nightsLos Acebos Hotel
Los Acebos Hotel - standard room: 2 nights
Standard room - El Calafate: 2 nightsMirador del Lago Hotel
Mirador del Lago Hotel - superior category room: 2 nights
Superior category room - Iguazu Falls: 3 nightsGrand Crucero Hotel
Grand Crucero Hotel - master category room with city or rainforest view: 3 nights
Master category room with city or rainforest view
deluxe category lodging**
- Buenos Aires: 2 nightsHilton Buenos Aires
Hilton Buenos Aires - deluxe category room: 2 nights
Deluxe category room - Puerto Madryn**: 3 nightsTerritorio Hotel
Territorio Hotel - junior suite with sea view: 3 nights
Junior suite with sea 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 - 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 - Iguazu Falls: 3 nightsAmerian Iguazu
Amerian Iguazu - standard category room with river view: 3 nights
Standard category room with river view
unique & exclusive category lodging*
- Buenos Aires: 2 nightsAlvear Palace Hotel
Alvear Palace Hotel - junior suite: 2 nights
Junior suite - Iguazu Falls: 3 nightsMelia Iguazu Hotel
Melia Iguazu Hotel - deluxe category room with falls view: 3 nights
Deluxe category room with falls view
** In El Calafate and Puerto Madryn (Peninsula Valdes Region), our Deluxe Category pricing does not include Deluxe category lodging, since none comply with our Deluxe standards. We are including for El Calafate and Puerto Madryn (Peninsula Valdes Region) 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).
Puerto Madryn is the city located next to Peninsula Valdes, where most hotels are located. It has a very convenient location midway between the Peninsula Valdes area and the Punta Tombo region (where from September to April you can visit the world's largest colony of Magellanic penguins)
* For this itinerary the Unique & Exclusive accommodation is only available in Buenos Aires and Iguazu. For Peninsula Valdes, 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 Trelew | 2 hours |
| Trelew to Ushuaia | 2 hours and 10 minutes |
| Ushuaia to El Calafate | 1 hour and 20 minutes |
| El Calafate to Buenos Aires | 2 hours and 55 minutes |
| Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu (Argentine side) | 1 hour and 45 minutes |
| Puerto Iguazu (Argentine side) to Buenos Aires | 1 hour and 50 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).
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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 and Puerto Madryn*) | 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 and Puerto Madryn, our Deluxe Category pricing does not include Deluxe category lodging, since none comply with our Deluxe standards. We are including for El Calafate and Puerto Madryn 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 and Iguazu. For Peninsula Valdes, El Calafate and Ushuaia the hotels included are the ones mentioned in the deluxe category.
Domestic Flights
| Domestic Airfare (6 flights) |
| Starts at $ 442 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.