18 Days · Buenos Aires · Iguazu Falls · Mendoza · Bariloche · El Calafate · Peninsula Valdes

Your Trip Overview

What you'll experience:
From olive grove to table: tasting and cooking in wine country
Watching giant whales breach and splash just meters from your boat
Walking among 275 waterfalls that made Eleanor Roosevelt say 'Poor Niagara'
Cooking Argentine dishes paired with award-winning Malbec
Penguins, whales and elephant seals in a UNESCO World Heritage wildlife reserve
Hiking to a view National Geographic rated top 10 in the world
Sailing past blue icebergs to Patagonia's tallest glacier in a VIP cabin
Walking among toucans, parrots and 150 exotic bird species in the rainforest
A world-class evening of Tango, music, dance and Argentine folklore
Getting drenched under the roar of Iguazu from a speedboat
Biking and wine tasting through three Mendoza wineries
Watching rare Panda dolphins spin and leap — found almost nowhere else on Earth
Cruising Patagonia's largest lake to a forest of mystical cinnamon-hued trees
Strapping on ice spikes to trek across the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier
Taking in 275 waterfalls at once from the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls
Ziplining across the Mendoza River canyon
Navigating to South America's second-largest glacier and a pioneer ranch
Conquering Class IV rapids on crystal-clear Andean meltwater
Tasting high-altitude Malbec in one of the world's premier wine regions
Pedaling through vineyards with Malbec tastings along the way
Rafting heart-pounding rapids all the way to Chile
Walking among adorable Magellanic penguins at the world's largest colony
A scenic drive and hike to Aconcagua, the tallest peak in the Americas
Sunset horseback riding with Argentine barbecue and Malbec
Savoring first-class Malbec with a sommelier in Mendoza's best wineries
From La Boca's colorful streets to Recoleta's grand cemetery
Trekking through a valley of ancient sea fossils next to the Upsala Glacier
Summiting Cerro Cabras with 360° views of the snow-capped Andes
From olive grove to table: tasting and cooking in wine country
Watching giant whales breach and splash just meters from your boat
Walking among 275 waterfalls that made Eleanor Roosevelt say 'Poor Niagara'
Cooking Argentine dishes paired with award-winning Malbec
Penguins, whales and elephant seals in a UNESCO World Heritage wildlife reserve
Hiking to a view National Geographic rated top 10 in the world
Sailing past blue icebergs to Patagonia's tallest glacier in a VIP cabin
Walking among toucans, parrots and 150 exotic bird species in the rainforest
A world-class evening of Tango, music, dance and Argentine folklore
Getting drenched under the roar of Iguazu from a speedboat
Biking and wine tasting through three Mendoza wineries
Watching rare Panda dolphins spin and leap — found almost nowhere else on Earth
Cruising Patagonia's largest lake to a forest of mystical cinnamon-hued trees
Strapping on ice spikes to trek across the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier
Taking in 275 waterfalls at once from the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls
Ziplining across the Mendoza River canyon
Navigating to South America's second-largest glacier and a pioneer ranch
Conquering Class IV rapids on crystal-clear Andean meltwater
Tasting high-altitude Malbec in one of the world's premier wine regions
Pedaling through vineyards with Malbec tastings along the way
Rafting heart-pounding rapids all the way to Chile
Walking among adorable Magellanic penguins at the world's largest colony
A scenic drive and hike to Aconcagua, the tallest peak in the Americas
Sunset horseback riding with Argentine barbecue and Malbec
Savoring first-class Malbec with a sommelier in Mendoza's best wineries
From La Boca's colorful streets to Recoleta's grand cemetery
Trekking through a valley of ancient sea fossils next to the Upsala Glacier
Summiting Cerro Cabras with 360° views of the snow-capped Andes

Trip start date:
November 3, 2024 (Sunday)
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.

Trip duration & lodging:
18 days / 17 nights (your trip ends on November 20).
Lodging for 17 nights Included.

16 first‑class tours with the best tour guides (up to 8 private tours depending on the selected tour options). All necessary entrance fees to national parks included.

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

17 breakfasts + up to 4 lunches + 1 dinner included.

Worry‑free planning & first‑class service

Hear from our guests and contact them

6 destinations included:

  • 2 nights in Buenos Aires (City of Tango)
  • 3 nights in Iguazu Falls (275 Waterfalls & One of the New 7 Wonders of Nature)
  • 3 nights in Mendoza (Wine Country & High-Andes Adventure)
  • 3 nights in Bariloche (Patagonia's Most Beautiful Lakes & Views)
  • 3 nights in El Calafate (Land of Towering Blue Glaciers)
  • 3 nights in Peninsula Valdes (Whales, Penguins & Elephant Seals)

Your Day-by-Day Itinerary

Buenos Aires

Staying for 1 night, with 1 tour included

Day 1: November 3rd (Sunday) - You arrive in Buenos Aires

Flight arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina!

Welcome at the airport and transfer with private vehicle and guide to your hotel.

Images of Buenos Aires: European Heritage and Latin American Passion (private tour)

European elegance meets Latin American passion in Buenos Aires, the birthplace of tango. Discover grand architecture, colorful streets and the energy that gives the “Paris of Latin America” its unmistakable character.

Our local guide brings the city’s neighborhoods and history to life, sharing stories and insights to enrich the rest of your stay.

This is a private 4-hour tour, with walks around Plaza de Mayo, colorful La Boca and Recoleta, including its famous cemetery.

Day 2: November 4th (Monday) - Last day in Buenos Aires

Transfer in private vehicle to Buenos Aires Airport.

Suggested Domestic Flight
10:30 AMAeroparque (BA domestic airport)
12:25 PMPuerto Iguazu (Argentine side)
  • Departure: Aeroparque (BA domestic airport) - 10:30 AM
  • Arrival: Puerto Iguazu (Argentine side) - 12:25 PM

Iguazu

Staying for 3 nights, with 4 tours included

Day 2: November 4th (Monday) - You arrive in Iguazu

Flight arrival in Iguazu.

Welcome at 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 3: November 5th (Tuesday) - Iguazu

Witness the Unique Power & Might of the Iguazu Falls from the Argentine Side (private tour)

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

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 4: November 6th (Wednesday) - Iguazu

Behold the Breathtaking Panoramic Views of Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian Side (private tour)

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.

The Brazilian footbridge lies across the river from the falls, opening up a sweeping view of their immense scale. It’s a perspective that perfectly complements the close-up experience on the Argentine side.

This is a half-day private tour.

Walking Among Exotic Birds in the Iguazu Rainforest (private tour)

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 5: November 7th (Thursday) - Last day in Iguazu

Transfer in private vehicle to Iguazu airport.

You will take a flight to Buenos Aires and from there you will take another flight to Mendoza.
Suggested Domestic Flights (connection)
First Leg
11:00 AMPuerto Iguazu (Argentine side)
1:00 PMAeroparque (BA domestic airport)
Second Leg
2:50 PMAeroparque (BA domestic airport)
4:50 PMMendoza

First Leg:

  • Departure: Puerto Iguazu (Argentine side) – 11:00 AM
  • Arrival: Aeroparque (BA domestic airport) – 1:00 PM

Second Leg:

  • Departure: Aeroparque (BA domestic airport) – 2:50 PM
  • Arrival: Mendoza – 4:50 PM

Mendoza

Staying for 3 nights, with 2 tours included

Day 5: November 7th (Thursday) - You arrive in Mendoza

Flight arrival in Mendoza. 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: November 8th (Friday) - Mendoza

Choose 1 among the following 4 tour options:

Day 7: November 9th (Saturday) - Mendoza

Choose 1 among the following 7 tour options:

Day 8: November 10th (Sunday) - Last day in Mendoza

Private transfer to Mendoza airport to take your flight.

Suggested Domestic Flight
10:30 AMMendoza
12:15 PMBariloche
  • Departure: Mendoza - 10:30 AM
  • Arrival: Bariloche - 12:15 PM

Bariloche

Staying for 3 nights, with 2 tours included

Day 8: November 10th (Sunday) - 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 9: November 11th (Monday) - Bariloche

A Panoramic Hiking Experience to Awe-Inspiring Vistas (private tour)

Hike through the forests of Mount Llao Llao, where southern beech and native bamboo open onto sweeping views of Patagonia’s lakes and mountains.

Then ride the chairlift up Campanario Hill for a panorama National Geographic rated among the ten best in the world: deep-blue lakes, forested hills and snow-capped Andean peaks stretching across a 360-degree view.

This half-day private tour includes a private guide, private transfers and chairlift tickets.

Day 10: November 12th (Tuesday) - Bariloche

Choose 1 among the following 3 tour options:

Day 11: November 13th (Wednesday) - Last day in Bariloche

Transfer in private vehicle to Bariloche Airport.

Suggested Domestic Flight
10:00 AMBariloche
11:50 AMEl Calafate
  • Departure: Bariloche - 10:00 AM
  • Arrival: El Calafate - 11:50 AM

El Calafate

Staying for 3 nights, with 2 tours included

Day 11: November 13th (Wednesday) - 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 12: November 14th (Thursday) - 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 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 13: November 15th (Friday) - El Calafate

Choose 1 among the following 3 tour options:

Day 14: November 16th (Saturday) - Last day in El Calafate

Transfer in private vehicle to El Calafate airport.

Suggested Domestic Flight
12:30 PMEl Calafate
2:10 PMTrelew (Peninsula Valdes Region)
  • Departure: El Calafate - 12:30 PM
  • Arrival: Trelew (Peninsula Valdes Region) - 2:10 PM

Peninsula Valdes

Staying for 3 nights, with 4 tours included

Day 14: November 16th (Saturday) - 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 15: November 17th (Sunday) - Peninsula Valdes

Peninsula Valdes’ Unique Marine Fauna Heaven

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.

This is a full-day group tour.

An up-close encounter with the giant Southern Right Whale

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 16: November 18th (Monday) - Peninsula Valdes

An Up-Close & Personal Experience Walking among the Cute Magellanic Penguins

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 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.

Navigating to Discover the Dazzling Acrobatics of the Panda Dolphin

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 17: November 19th (Tuesday) - Last day in Peninsula Valdes

Transfer in group vehicle to the airport.

Suggested Domestic Flight
12:10 PMTrelew (Peninsula Valdes Region)
2:05 PMAeroparque (BA domestic airport)
  • Departure: Trelew (Peninsula Valdes Region) - 12:10 PM
  • Arrival: Aeroparque (BA domestic airport) - 2:05 PM

Buenos Aires

Staying for 1 night, with 1 tour included

Day 17: November 19th (Tuesday) - 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

Step back in time for an evening of passion, music and dance at La Ventana. In a beautifully restored San Telmo tenement, a live orchestra, expressive singers and captivating dancers bring the history of Argentine tango to life.

The soulful sound of the bandoneón accompanies changing dance styles and costumes, taking you through different eras of tango. Traditional Argentine folk music and a thrilling gaucho boleadoras performance add another dimension to this memorable evening.

The show lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. It includes group transfers, plus dinner with non-alcoholic beverages and wine.

Day 18: November 20th (Wednesday) - Buenos Aires

Transfer from your hotel to Ezeiza International Airport in private vehicle.

We look forward to welcoming you again in Argentina!

IMPORTANT: The order of the activities in each destination can change depending on weather conditions or other circumstances.

Lodging for 17 nights Included

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comfort category lodging

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deluxe category lodging**

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unique & exclusive category lodging*

** 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, Iguazu Falls, Mendoza and Bariloche. For El Calafate and Puerto Madryn the hotels included are the ones mentioned in the deluxe category.

Suggested Flights for your Trip

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 Leaves Lands
Aeroparque
(BA domestic airport)
Puerto Iguazu
(Argentine side)
10:30 AM12:25 PM
Puerto Iguazu
(Argentine side)
Aeroparque
(BA domestic airport)
11:00 AM1:00 PM
Aeroparque
(BA domestic airport)
Mendoza2:50 PM4:50 PM
MendozaBariloche10:30 AM12:15 PM
BarilocheEl Calafate10:00 AM11:50 AM
El CalafateTrelew12:30 PM2:10 PM
TrelewAeroparque
(BA domestic airport)
12:10 PM2:05 PM
Argentina Map

Our goal is that you don't have to worry about a thing. We take care of:

  • Optimizing your flight schedule for the best departure times and lowest airfare
  • Daily monitoring of flight status and schedule changes
  • Online check-in
  • Immediate rebooking if the airline changes or cancels any flight — we secure the best available alternative right away

We actively manage your domestic flight arrangements so you can enjoy a worry‑free travel experience.

While we book only the domestic flights for our guests, here are the best nonstop options to Argentina:
  • From Miami: AA or LATAM
  • From Atlanta: Delta
  • From Houston: United
  • From New York: AA or Delta
  • From Dallas: AA
Flight schedules may change.

Weather for Your Trip

Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world; its territory covers a huge spread of latitudes, so varying climate conditions coexist throughout the land.

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

Hi there! I'm Fred, founder & CEO of Exploration Journeys.

I founded Exploration Journeys in 2006 with one idea: worry-free, first-class Argentina trips for US travelers — and a company where every guest feels treated like family. And to provide the most personalized care possible, we decided to work with no middlemen: the team that designs your trip is the same team taking care of you and every detail while you travel.

You'll be in amazing hands with our team, but I stay personally involved in designing and overseeing every trip — and you'll hear from me directly, from your first inquiry until you're back home. That's the benefit of a boutique, founder-led company: you matter to everyone on the team, and especially to me.

20 years later, our record speaks for itself: a perfect 5.0 rating, not a single bad review or complaint anywhere, and 750+ past US guests who volunteered as references — people happy to take your call and share their experience firsthand.

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.

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Why Well‑Traveled Guests Choose Us

When the unexpected happens,
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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.

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.

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