Your trip overview

Your tour experiences:
  • Walking among adorable Magellanic penguins at the world's largest colony
  • Watching rare Panda dolphins spin and leap — found almost nowhere else on Earth
  • Strapping on ice spikes to trek across the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier
  • Walking among 275 waterfalls that made Eleanor Roosevelt say 'Poor Niagara'

3 destinations included:

Trip start date:
December 10, 2026 (Thursday)
You can choose any start date: our trips have private departures. You won't be traveling as part of a group.

Trip duration & lodging:
10 days / 9 nights (your trip ends on December 19).
Lodging for 9 nights included.

10 first‑class tours with the best tour guides (5 of them are private tours). All necessary entrance fees to national parks included.

6 airport transfers included (all private, except Peninsula Valdes)

9 breakfasts + 1 lunch included.

Print your itinerary

Your day-by-day itinerary

Peninsula ValdesDec 10–13

Staying for 3 nights, with 4 tours included

Day 1: December 10th (Thursday) - 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.
Suggested domestic flight
Aeroparque2:10 PMTrelew4:15 PM

Day 2: December 11th (Friday) - Peninsula Valdes

Peninsula Valdes’ Unique Marine Fauna Heaven & A Visit to the world’s second largest colony of Magellanic penguins (San Lorenzo Ranch)

Tour photo
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Explore Peninsula Valdes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Patagonian steppe meets brilliant blue sea. Watch for southern right whales (June to early December), sea lions, orcas and Magellanic penguins (mid-September to early April), alongside the world’s largest continental colony of southern elephant seals. National Geographic named it one of the world’s ten best whale-watching destinations.

Inland, guanacos, rheas and maras roam the open Patagonian landscape.

At San Lorenzo Ranch, walk among the world’s second-largest colony of Magellanic penguins, an unforgettable addition to this wildlife-rich day.

This is a full-day private tour.

An up-close encounter with the giant Southern Right Whale

Tour preview
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Discover why National Geographic ranks Peninsula Valdes among the world’s ten best whale-watching destinations. Set out for a close encounter with the Southern Right Whale, one of Earth’s largest mammals. These curious giants may approach the boat, raise their enormous tails or breach in a spectacular splash—a breathtaking display of power and grace.

This shared cruise lasts approximately 1½ hours and takes place during your Peninsula Valdes tour.

Day 3: December 12th (Saturday) - Peninsula Valdes

An Up Close Encounter with the Cute Magellanic Penguins of Patagonia

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Walk among the charismatic Magellanic penguins at Punta Tombo, home to the world’s largest colony. With more than a hundred thousand of these adorable creatures, this is an extraordinary chance to see their world up close.

This is a full-day private tour.

Navigating to Discover the Dazzling Acrobatics of the Panda Dolphin

Tour preview
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Set out on the Patagonian sea to discover the beautiful black-and-white Panda Dolphins, known for their playful behavior and electrifying speed. These adorable dolphins are a rare sight, found in only two regions on Earth—and you’ll visit one of them.

Watch for dolphins leaping from the water and surfing the boat’s waves, their spins and twists creating a dazzling display of acrobatics.

This shared cruise lasts approximately 1–1½ hours and takes place on the same day as your Punta Tombo penguin tour.

Day 4: December 13th (Sunday) - Last day in Peninsula Valdes

Transfer in group vehicle to the airport.

Suggested domestic flight
Trelew7:55 AMEl Calafate9:40 AM

El CalafateDec 13–16

Staying for 3 nights, with 2 tours included

Day 4: December 13th (Sunday) - 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 5: December 14th (Monday) - El Calafate

Conquering the Mighty Perito Moreno Glacier

Tour preview
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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 and Greenland, but also that of being the third largest fresh water reserve on the planet.

Strap on your crampons and step onto the glacier, exploring a world of sculpted ice beneath your feet.

A boat ride and the panoramic boardwalks reveal the glacier from the water and from shore, completing an extraordinary day on and around the ice.

This is a full-day group tour and has an age restriction (click on tour name above for details).

Day 6: December 15th (Tuesday) - El Calafate

Icy Blue Giants: Navigate the Largest Patagonian Glaciers and take the most Awe-inspiring Glacier Photos (in boat’s VIP section)

Tour preview
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Sail among sculpted blue icebergs toward the colossal Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, the latter the tallest in Los Glaciares National Park. These ice giants, accessible only by boat, reveal an extraordinary range of shapes and colors, from pure white to deep blue.

Our upper-deck VIP cabin offers panoramic views, added comfort and dedicated assistance. Ashore at Glaciers Bay, walk to glacier viewpoints and enjoy traditional local cuisine in the restaurant’s VIP section.

This is a full-day group tour and includes lunch with water, soft drinks, wine and beer.

Day 7: December 16th (Wednesday) - Last day in El Calafate

Transfer in private vehicle to El Calafate airport.

You will take a flight to Buenos Aires and from there you will take another flight to Iguazu.
Suggested domestic flightsconnection
First legEl Calafate10:30 AMAeroparque1:30 PM
Second legAeroparque3:40 PMPuerto Iguazu5:35 PM

IguazuDec 16–19

Staying for 3 nights, with 4 tours included

Day 7: December 16th (Wednesday) - You arrive in Iguazu

Flight arrival in Iguazu.

Welcome at the airport and private transfer to your hotel. Depending on your flight 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: December 17th (Thursday) - Iguazu

Witness the Unique Power & Might of the Iguazu Falls from the Argentine Side

Tour preview
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Walk into the roar of Iguazu Falls, where rainforest boardwalks bring you close to an immense wall of falling water. Nearly twice as tall as Niagara and almost three times as wide, the falls reportedly moved Eleanor Roosevelt to exclaim, “Poor Niagara!”

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, Iguazu is a natural spectacle worthy of its worldwide acclaim.

Its 275 waterfalls can unleash almost 3.5 million gallons (13 million liters) per second—enough to fill five Olympic swimming pools.

Around the falls, the Atlantic rainforest shelters more than 2,000 plant species, about 400 bird species and 80 kinds of mammals—a living world that makes the setting as remarkable as the waterfalls.

This is a full-day private tour.

A Speedboat Adventure Up-Close the Iguazu Falls

Tour preview
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Feel the roar of Iguazu Falls from the river as our speedboat races toward the falls and their drenching spray. This exhilarating, close-up encounter offers a completely different perspective from the one you get along the boardwalks.

A jungle truck ride and navigation through the Iguazu River canyon lead to close-up views of the San Martin and Three Musketeers falls—and the exhilarating mist of San Martin Falls.

This group adventure lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes and takes place during your Argentine-side falls tour. Age restrictions apply; see the full tour details.

Day 9: December 18th (Friday) - Iguazu

Behold the Breathtaking Panoramic Views of Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian Side

Tour preview
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Take in the sweeping panorama of Iguazu Falls from Brazil. Picture waterfalls stretching roughly the full length of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge: with 80% of the falls on the Argentine side, Brazil offers an extraordinary view of their sweeping scale.

Follow the footbridge toward the falls as mist reaches your face and the roar grows around you. From the panoramic balcony, watch water plunge below and look across to Devil’s Throat—a dramatic complement to the close-up views from Argentina.

This is a half-day private tour.

Travelers from the United States 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.

Walking Among Exotic Birds in the Iguazu Rainforest

Tour preview
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You’re about to enter a one-of-a-kind bird sanctuary! Here you’ll find the largest colony of toucans on display in the world, as well as the largest colony of parrots on display in South America, along with 150 different bird species from Brazil and all over the world, many of them endangered.

Walk into rainforest aviaries where colorful parrots and Toco Toucans perch beside you or fly overhead. This internationally recognized rescue and preservation center brings us face to face with the extraordinary birds it protects.

This private visit lasts approximately 1½–2 hours, with a private guide and transfers, on the same day as your Brazilian-side falls tour.

Day 10: December 19th (Saturday) - Iguazu

Transfer in private vehicle to Iguazu airport.

We look forward to welcoming you to Argentina again!
Suggested domestic flight
Puerto Iguazu2:35 PMAeroparque4:35 PM
IMPORTANT: The order of the activities in each destination can change depending on weather conditions or other circumstances.

Your hotels

9 hotel nights, each with breakfast included.

You have 3 hotel categories to choose from:

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comfort category lodging

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.

Suggested flights for your trip

We book and actively manage your domestic flights so you travel worry-free: the best flight schedule, daily monitoring, online check-in, and rebooking right away if the airline changes or cancels a flight.
All domestic flights included in your itinerary are operated on modern commercial jet aircraft (not propeller planes).

After reviewing all flight options for your travel dates and considering the best airfares and flight times, we recommend these domestic flights for your trip. Departure and arrival times are expressed in local time.


From To Departs Arrives Duration
AeroparqueBA domestic airportTrelew2:10 PM4:15 PM2h 05m
TrelewEl Calafate7:55 AM9:40 AM1h 45m
El CalafateAeroparque10:30 AM1:30 PM3h 00m
AeroparquePuerto IguazuArgentine side3:40 PM5:35 PM1h 55m
Puerto IguazuAeroparque2:35 PM4:35 PM2h 00m
Argentina Map

Start enjoying your trip before you even arrive

Before you leave, we put a little of Argentina in your hands. Your personalized travel booklet invites you to start discovering: what to order at an Argentine steakhouse, where to wander on a free afternoon, and the stories behind local customs.

Built around your route and travel dates, it brings your daily plans together with local knowledge and practical advice. A companion to spark your curiosity before you go—and help you feel prepared, at ease and connected to Argentina as you travel.

What is inside
1

Packing Made Simple

Unsure what to bring? Our Travel Booklet offers packing tips tailored to each destination and specific suggestions for your tours.

2

All About Flights

Everything you need: airline info, flight details, luggage allowances, and mileage programs to ensure a seamless and worry-free trip.

3

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.

4

Tipping Made Easy

Clear tipping guidelines for tour guides, drivers, restaurants, and more. Know the customary amounts to show your appreciation.

5

Savor Local Cuisine

Discover the best local restaurants with our curated list, including menus, addresses, phone numbers, and payment options.

6

Master the Parrilla

Your insider’s guide to Argentine grills: navigate the menu, try must-have starters, and order the perfect steak like a pro.

7

A Taste of Local Culture

A quick guide to making “mate”, Argentina’s traditional tea-like drink, deeply rooted in local culture and social connection.

8

Make Your Empanadas

Bring Argentina’s flavors home with our easy recipe for empanadas, the iconic and beloved savory pastry of Argentina.

9

Explore Like a Local

Discover the best local tips, insider advice, and must-see highlights to make the most of your free time in every destination.

10

Stay Powered Up

Keep your devices charged with all the essential details you need about voltage, plug types, and adapters used in Argentina.

11

Your Hotel Essentials

Everything you need to know about your hotels: addresses, phone numbers, check-in/check-out times, breakfast hours, and more.

12

Your Day-by-Day Itinerary

Your go-to guide for every day of your trip, featuring detailed activities, tour descriptions, pick-up times, and transfer schedules.

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And more!

What guests say about it
I’ve received the travel booklet and it’s absolutely the best trip plan I have received in over 40 years of traveling. Wonderful job.
Mitch Samuelson & Joan RaskinCowan Heights, California

You’ll receive your Travel Booklet in two formats: a printed version via FedEx and a digital version via email.

What traveling with us feels like

The itinerary is only the beginning. Here’s what our guests notice, from the first conversation until they’re back home.

A trip shaped around you

No two trips we plan are alike. Each one is made just for you—the pace you enjoy, the experiences that excite you, anything that needs special care and the kind of hotel you look forward to coming back to.

Everything we suggest is chosen with that in mind, and we keep fine-tuning the details with you until the trip feels unmistakably yours.

Janice & Paul Laevens on their trip
As we were beginning to plan our trip, the Exploration Journeys team listened closely to our interests, preferred travel approaches and some mobility considerations. They offered carefully curated options for us to tailor our overall itinerary, and were highly responsive and very helpful selecting pace and experiences to best match our needs.
Janice & Paul Laevens
Markham, Ontario, Canada

No two trips we plan are alike. Each one is made just for you—the pace you enjoy, the experiences that excite you, anything that needs special care and the kind of hotel you look forward to coming back to.

Everything we suggest is chosen with that in mind, and we keep fine-tuning the details with you until the trip feels unmistakably yours.

Janice & Paul Laevens on their trip
Janice & Paul Laevens
Markham, Ontario, Canada
As we were beginning to plan our trip, the Exploration Journeys team listened closely to our interests, preferred travel approaches and some mobility considerations. They offered carefully curated options for us to tailor our overall itinerary, and were highly responsive and very helpful selecting pace and experiences to best match our needs.

Hear what made their trip special

Our guests share what it was like to plan and travel with us.

Roxanne Lippel
Roxanne Lippel
“The best trip I have ever taken.”
Lee Hansen
Lee Hansen
“They really are the best.”
Varsha Solanki
Varsha Solanki
“The best travel company we came across.”
Mark Zucherman
Mark Zucherman
“Fred is just unbelievably responsive.”
Michelle Geil
Michelle Geil
“It was the trip of a lifetime.”
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Exploration Journeys 20 Years of Worry‑Free, First‑Class Travel
Hillary Jacobson
Hillary Jacobson
“They responded within minutes.”
Kundan Sen
Kundan Sen
“Worry-free, stress-free, white glove service.”
Elaine Baden
Elaine Baden
“Every guide was professional and on time.”
Mala Garg
Mala Garg
“Every trip Fred recommended was remarkable.”
Exploration Journeys 20 Years of Worry‑Free, First‑Class Travel
Roxanne Lippel
Roxanne Lippel
“The best trip I have ever taken.”
Lee Hansen
Lee Hansen
“They really are the best.”
Varsha Solanki
Varsha Solanki
“The best travel company we came across.”
Mark Zucherman
Mark Zucherman
“Fred is just unbelievably responsive.”
Hillary Jacobson
Hillary Jacobson
“They responded within minutes.”
Kundan Sen
Kundan Sen
“Worry-free, stress-free, white glove service.”
Elaine Baden
Elaine Baden
“Every guide was professional and on time.”
Mala Garg
Mala Garg
“Every trip Fred recommended was remarkable.”

Guests who took a trip like yours

Read their stories, explore their itineraries, and discover what made each trip special. They’re happy to share more, too—ask us for an email introduction whenever you like.

Warren & Deborah about to start their canoeing adventure in Ushuaia!

Debbie & Warren Lakoff

Belle Harbor, New York, USA

The trip was AMAZING! We were able to see and experience everything that we had hoped for and more!

Fred took care of every detail of the trip with professionalism, quick response, organization with a keen eye for detail and quality as every facet of the trip from the tour guides, drivers, hotels and restaurant recommendations were of the highest caliber.

Contact This Guest

Peace of mind

Looked after, every step of the way

The people who plan your trip stay by your side while you travel. When something unexpected happens, you have a team who already knows you—and knows what to do next.

Before you even know there's a problem
“Traveling with Exploration Journeys is like traveling with a guardian angel. One of our domestic flights was cancelled by the airline. Before we even knew about the cancellation, Fred had worked with the airline to check us into another flight that worked just as well. It truly was amazing.”
Roxanne Lippel and Karen Ziner
Los Angeles, California
Story 1 of 19

20 years of expertise in one call

Speak directly with the founder

Fred Schejtman — Founder & CEO of Exploration Journeys
Fred, our founder, framed by the Spegazzini Glacier in El Calafate.
Fred Schejtman Founder & CEO

I founded Exploration Journeys in 2006 to offer first-class, worry-free Argentina trips with the kind of personal care that makes you feel like family. Twenty years later, that still guides every trip we plan.

You’ll work closely with our team, and you’ll hear from me, too. I stay personally involved in designing and overseeing your trip, from your first inquiry until you’re back home.

It has been a pleasure designing this itinerary for you. If you would like me to adjust anything, or explore a different pace, route or style, just reply to my email or schedule a call with me below — I will get on it personally.

Fred Schejtman
Founder & CEO
Let’s talk about your trip
A complimentary conversation with Fred.