13 Days · Buenos Aires · Peninsula Valdes · Ushuaia · El Calafate · Iguazu Falls
Your Trip Overview
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
12 breakfasts + 1 lunch + 1 dinner included.
Worry‑free planning & first‑class service
Hear from our guests and contact them5 destinations included:
- 2 nights in Buenos Aires (City of Tango)
- 3 nights in Peninsula Valdes (Whales, Penguins & Elephant Seals)
- 2 nights in Ushuaia (Adventure at the Ends of the Earth)
- 2 nights in El Calafate (Land of Towering Blue Glaciers)
- 3 nights in Iguazu Falls (275 Waterfalls & One of the New 7 Wonders of Nature)
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 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 6: Ushuaia
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 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 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, ‘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 with beagle channel view: 2 nights
Standard room with beagle channel view - 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
** Deluxe Category note: In El Calafate and Puerto Madryn (Peninsula Valdes Region), hotels meeting our Deluxe standards aren't available. For these destinations, our Deluxe pricing includes "Comfort Plus" lodging — typically an upgraded room category in our best Comfort hotels.
Puerto Madryn Location: This coastal city serves as the main lodging base for Peninsula Valdes and is conveniently located midway between Peninsula Valdes and Punta Tombo.
* 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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Our goal is that you don't have to worry about a thing. We take care of:
We actively manage your domestic flight arrangements so you can enjoy a worry‑free travel experience. |
20 Years of Expertise in One Call
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Our Guests Tell
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Why Well‑Traveled Guests Choose Us
After Traveling the World
Flawless Execution, Zero Stress
More Than Tour Guides
After Traveling the World
When the unexpected happens, —
we've got you covered
We design and operate every trip directly—no middlemen.
The team planning your itinerary is the same team taking care of every detail while you travel.
When problems strike at 3 AM
When medical emergencies happen
When problems strike at 3 AM
The Ultimate Travel Companion: Our Beloved Travel Booklet
This one-of-a-kind sidekick is the key to a worry-free, unforgettable trip experience.
Packed with personalized tips and useful suggestions to help you make the most of your trip experience.
What Guests Say
About It
A Sneak Peek Inside Your Travel Booklet
You'll receive your Travel Booklet in two convenient formats: a printed version via FedEx and a digital version via email.
Starting Price per Person in U.S. Dollars
(does not include flights)
| Room Basis | 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. Request a quote for 4 or more travelers or for a single traveler. Prices vary based on travel dates, season, and availability. 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. ** 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 Airfare (6 flights) |
| Starts at $ 442 per person |
| Subject to availability at the time of booking |
Our airfares include:
Most travel agencies and flight websites quote airfares that do not include any of the above, nor the possibility to book seats in advance, but we always book airfares that allow these. Prices for domestic flights depend exclusively on availability — the sooner you book, the lower the airfare. As soon as we receive your feedback on your itinerary, we'll check flight availability and let you know the best flight options and lowest available fare. Our goal is that you don't have to worry about a thing. We take care of:
We actively manage your domestic flight arrangements so you can enjoy a worry‑free travel experience. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Exploration Journeys
Why should I choose you for my Argentina trip?
In 20 years of organizing Argentina trips, our guests have consistently rewarded us with a 5.0 rating across Google, Facebook and Yelp. And more than 750 past guests — who published their testimonials on our website with their full names, itineraries and trip photos — have volunteered to speak directly with future travelers, so you can ask them anything you’d like before deciding. We believe there’s no better way to earn trust than letting our past guests speak for us.
Don’t take our word for it — read our guests’ testimonials and contact any of them directly.
What makes Exploration Journeys different from large multi-country travel agencies?
Most big international operators selling Argentina rely on a third-party company to actually run your trip on the ground. We don’t. We design and operate every trip directly — the team planning your itinerary is the same team taking care of you and every detail while you travel. This allows a level of personalized care that companies that outsource simply cannot achieve. And we have specialized in just Argentina for 20 years, while most operators sell dozens of destinations, without the deep Argentina expertise we’ve built.
What if something goes wrong during the trip — a cancelled flight, someone gets sick?
Our team monitors your trip 24/7 and is ready to help with anything you need. We closely monitor all your flights — and if an airline changes or cancels anything, we immediately secure the best available alternative and rearrange any ground services as needed. In many cases, we’ve solved it before you even know about it.
We meticulously select, train, and monitor all our service providers — our top priority is that your trip runs smoothly and you take home the best memories.
Practical Questions
Are there fixed departure dates? Do I travel with a group?
You can choose any start date you wish for your trip, because all of our trips have private departures. That is, you won’t be traveling as part of a group.
How do you select your tour guides? Do they all speak English fluently?
We don’t just plan your days — we choose who you spend them with. Every guide is hand-picked, and most have worked with our guests for over 10 years, so they know exactly what we expect in terms of experience and care. And yes: all our guides speak fluent English.
After 20 years of operating trips, we keep working only with the guides our guests consistently rate as exceptional — 95% of our guests complete a detailed satisfaction survey after their trip.
Is Argentina safe? Do we need a visa or vaccines?
Argentina is one of the most welcoming destinations in South America, and our guests — most of them from the US, many traveling with children or grandchildren — consistently describe feeling comfortable and well cared for. Buenos Aires is generally safe with the same common-sense precautions as any major tourist city, the smaller cities outside Buenos Aires are extremely safe, and you’ll always have our guides, drivers and 24/7 team around you.
US citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits to Argentina, and your passport only needs to be valid during your stay — Argentine immigration requires no minimum validity period. No vaccinations are required to enter Argentina, though health insurance is mandatory (see the insurance question above).
How does money work in Argentina — cash, credit cards, tipping?
Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and shops in all the destinations you’ll visit (Visa is the most common, followed by Mastercard), though a few popular restaurants only take cash. US dollars are also widely accepted — bring newer-design bills in excellent condition, plus small bills for tipping — and some Argentine pesos are practical for taxis, markets and small purchases.
Tipping is customary and not included in the trip price: up to 10% at restaurants for good service (less than the 15–20% typical in the US), and no tip expected in taxis. Your Travel Booklet includes our complete, current guidance on money, exchange rates and tipping for every situation — guides, drivers, transfers and hotels.
How fit do we need to be? Can you accommodate mobility or dietary needs?
Your itinerary is designed around you — including its pace. All tours have detailed information on their difficulty, and almost every experience can be adapted. If anyone in your group has mobility limitations, tell us and we’ll plan accordingly; our guides are exceptional at making sure nobody misses a thing.
Dietary restrictions are no problem either — vegetarian and other dietary needs are handled at restaurants and on tours; just let us know in advance.
Pricing, Booking & Payment
What’s included in the price?
- All hotels, tours, airport transfers and meals mentioned in this itinerary proposal
To provide a worry-free trip experience we include all the necessary entrance tickets to national parks, as well as all other tour-related fees, which are sometimes not included or even mentioned by other travel agencies.
And beyond the travel services themselves, your trip price includes:
- Our 24/7 assistance team, plus local representatives in every destination, taking care of you during your entire trip
- Close monitoring of all your flights — online check-in handled for you, and immediate rebooking if an airline changes or cancels anything
- Your personalized Travel Booklet, full of useful tips and information to help you make the most out of your trip experience, delivered as a printed copy by FedEx and a digital version
- Concierge-style assistance before and during your trip: restaurant suggestions and bookings, local tips, and any special arrangement you need
What’s not included in the price?
International airfare to and from Argentina.
Domestic flights for this trip are quoted separately from ground services.
Tips to hotel staff, tour guides, etc.
In Buenos Aires there is a city tax which depending on the hotel category and time of the year it's from USD 1 to USD 1.5 per person and per night that can only be paid directly at your Buenos Aires hotel.
In Iguazu there is a city tax which depending on the hotel category and time of the year it's of about USD 1 per person and per night (charged for a maximum of 2 nights) that can only be paid directly at your Iguazu hotel.
These amounts may vary subject to the municipal policy.
Visa issuing expenses to visit the Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls. Travelers from USA, Canada, and Australia are required to obtain a visa to visit Brazil. We'll provide full assistance with the Brazilian visa application process, ensuring a seamless and worry-free experience.
Anything not expressly mentioned in this itinerary proposal.
How does the booking process work — and how do I pay?
The trip booking process generally takes from 2 to 4 business days. Once all services are booked, we will send you an invoice with the trip booking confirmation and payment instructions. If your trip start date is in fewer than 60 days, we’ll request a full trip payment. If not, we’ll request a first payment of about 40% of the total trip cost, with final payment due 60 days before your trip start date.
We accept all major credit cards. You can also pay with bank wire transfers or check deposits. Our prices are final, you won't have to pay anything extra no matter what payment method you use.
Can I change my itinerary after booking?
Before booking, everything is adjustable — dates, hotels, tours, destinations. That’s the point of a personalized itinerary: we’ll go back and forth with you until it’s exactly the trip you want.
After booking, we always book flexible domestic airfares: flights can be changed to future dates with no change penalty as long as the same airfare is available for the new dates (if not, you only pay the airfare difference). For hotels and tours we’ll always do our best to accommodate changes, subject to availability and the conditions of the service suppliers.
What is your cancellation policy?
As we book flexible airfares, the flights can be changed for future dates with no penalty as long as the same airfare is available for the new dates (if not we can change them with no change penalty but paying for the airfare difference). If domestic flights are cancelled, they have a 50% to 70% penalty depending on the airfare booked.
For all ground service payments (including hotels, tours and transfers) which have already been made, at the time we receive written notice that you must cancel your trip, the following fees will be charged:
- » When only the first payment has been made: up to 50% cancellation fee over the ground services first payment will apply.
- » After your total payment has been made and you cancel 45 days or more prior to your trip starting date: up to 50% cancellation fee over the total payment will apply.
- » After your total payment has been made and you cancel 36 to 45 days before the start date of the trip: up to 65% cancellation fee over total payment is applicable.
- » After your total payment has been made and you cancel 20 to 35 days before the start date of the trip: up to 80 % cancellation fee over total payment is applicable.
- » After your total payment has been made and you cancel 19 days before the trip starting date, or later: there will be no right to refunds.
We’ll always try our best to get as much of a refund as possible, depending on the trip cancellation date, and the conditions of the service suppliers.
Refunds will only be issued to you once we have received the funds back from the supplier(s). Generally, flight tickets cannot be refunded if they are partially used.
If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your travel insurance policy, you may be able to claim these cancellation charges through your insurance company.
Should we buy travel insurance?
We strongly recommend travel insurance covering trip cancellations (reimbursement of non-refundable costs if you must cancel due to illness, family emergencies or other unforeseen events) and flight disruptions (extra expenses if flights are canceled or rescheduled due to weather, strikes or other uncontrollable circumstances).
Important: health insurance is mandatory for traveling to Argentina. Your plan must include coverage for medical expenses due to accident or illness, as well as emergency evacuation and repatriation. Health insurance is usually bundled with cancellation insurance.
We do not endorse any specific provider, but we have seen US guests choose companies like Travel Guard or Travel Insured.
Your Travel Booklet — a Preview
Every trip we operate includes a personalized Travel Booklet — a printed copy delivered to your home by FedEx, plus a digital version for your phone. It’s written for your exact trip: your dates, your hotels, your tours. A taste of what’s inside yours:
- Your Day-by-Day, Organized: your complete itinerary with pickup times for every tour and transfer.
- Always Just a Call Away: our 24/7 assistance contacts, plus local representatives in every destination you’ll visit.
- All About Flights: airline info, flight details, luggage allowances, and mileage programs for a seamless, worry-free trip.
- Manage Money Like a Pro: make the most of your money — secure the best rates, when to use credit cards or cash, avoiding fees and much more.
- Tipping Made Easy: clear tipping guidelines for tour guides, drivers, restaurants, and more.
- Savor Local Cuisine: the best local restaurants with our curated list, including menus, addresses, phone numbers, and payment options.
- Master the Parrilla: your insider’s guide to Argentine grills — navigate the menu and order the perfect steak like a pro.
- A Taste of Local Culture: how to make “mate”, Argentina’s beloved traditional drink — and our easy empanada recipe to bring Argentina’s flavors home.
- Packing Made Simple: packing tips tailored to each destination and specific suggestions for your tours.

































































































