Ice Fields to Waterfalls: Argentina's Stunning Contrasts

From $4,200 pp

  • Duration

    10 days

  • Bookable From

    October - April

  • Trip Style

    Privately Guided

  • Country

    Argentina

  • Physical Rating

    Average

Overview

Experience the stunning contrasts of Argentina’s wild beauty from expansive ice fields to thundering waterfalls; these natural gems will capture your heart.

Venture through Argentina’s most iconic natural wonders and the cosmopolitan Buenos Aires as you explore this extraordinary country over 10 days. From the lush jungles of the north to the dramatic glaciers and snow-capped peaks of Patagonia, this awe-inspiring trip is an unforgettable exploration of the country’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture.

This itinerary starts and ends in Buenos Aires, spending three nights in the frozen wilderness of El Calafate (Patagonia) and three nights in the lush rainforest of Iguazú in between.

Patagonia Glaciers and the Iguazú Falls: Start by immersing yourself in the striking natural beauty of Argentina’s northern and southern regions. You’ll experience the impressive Patagonian Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, and the mighty Iguazú Falls in Iguazú National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Your journey will take you from the icy wilderness of Patagonia to the tropical rainforest of Misiones, with breathtaking contrasts between these two iconic landscapes.

Buenos Aires: Conclude your adventure in Buenos Aires, often called the most European city in Latin America. This dynamic city blends old-world charm with modern vibrancy, offering a rich cultural experience. Known for its passion for Tango, soccer, and "asado" barbecues, Buenos Aires is a city of history, art, and unforgettable energy.

Highlights

  • Admire sweeping views of Lake Argentina and an archaeological site with cave paintings.
  • Enjoy a unique dinner inside a cave.
  • Take short boat rides to get close-up views of jaw-dropping glaciers and hidden ice fields.
  • Go for short nature walks and learn about the Patagonian ecosystem.
  • Stand before Iguazú’s roaring cascades - one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.
  • Take an ecological train around the Iguazú National Park and learn about its wildlife, geology, and history.
  • Visit a local village to understand the culture and heritage of the Mbyá Guaraní people.
  • Discover Buenos Aires by bike, passing through trendy neighborhoods and lush green parks.
  • Feel the pulse of Buenos Aires through its rich history, flavors, and rhythms through 'dinner and a show' featuring traditional Argentine food and a sensual Tango performance.
The stunning Argentine Falls in Iguazu are shown with their dazzling cascades under a blue sky with white clouds.
A stunning blue and orange bird sits on a tree branch with a rushing waterfall in the distance.
The Perito Moreno glacier in southern Patagonia of Argentina is shown, with its towering ice walls reaching a teal lagoon.
An adult male walks along a wooden boardwalk through nature, surrounded by jungle, with a waterfall visible on the left hand side through a break in the trees.
An adult in warm gear clothing stands upon a white ice field in Argentina with their arms extended in glee, under a bright blue sky.
A woman in warm clothing gear sits on top of a rock overlooking an ice-filled lagoon with an Argentine glacier in the background.
An eye-catching, flower-shaped sculpture reflects the blue sky and green trees in Buenos Aires.
Lush, bright purple jacaranda is shown in the forefront of Buenos Aires, backlit by a vibrant orange and yellow hued sunset.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Buenos Aires – Arrival
Day 2: Buenos Aires – El Calafate – 4x4 Adventure
Day 3: El Calafate – Perito Moreno Glacier Experience
Day 4: El Calafate – Southern Glacier Adventure
Day 5: El Calafate – Iguazú
Day 6: Iguazú – Argentine Falls Full Day
Day 7: Iguazú – Jasy Pora Village & Brazilian Falls
Day 8: Iguazú – Buenos Aires
Day 9: Buenos Aires – Half-Day Bike City Tour & Dinner Tango Show
Day 10: Buenos Aires – Departure

Seasonal Notes

Travel Season Dates

High season runs from mid-December through February, coinciding with Argentina’s summer and national travel period.

Shoulder season is from October to mid-December and March to April. These mid-seasons offer great conditions with fewer crowds.

Low season is May to September, when Patagonia experiences colder weather, and some excursions may be limited.

Best Time to Travel

The best time depends on personal preferences. For ideal weather and fewer tourists, October to mid-December and March to April are excellent choices. These months offer comfortable temperatures, vibrant landscapes, and better availability. If visiting during summer (mid-December to February), expect larger crowds, especially at Iguazú Falls and Perito Moreno Glacier.

Special Seasonal Highlights

  • October – November: Spring in Patagonia brings lush greenery and increased wildlife activity.
  • March – April: Fall foliage in Patagonia creates stunning landscapes with golden and red hues.
  • May – September: Ideal for those who prefer winter scenery and fewer tourists, but some excursions (like boat trips in Patagonia) may be reduced.

Additional Considerations

  • Wildlife: Spring and summer (Oct-Feb) are great for wildlife spotting in both Patagonia and Iguazú.
  • Crowds & Prices: High season means more tourists and higher prices, especially in Patagonia and Iguazú. Traveling during shoulder seasons offers a balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and friendlier rates. Traveling outside of high season is also the more sustainable option as it disperses tourism revenue more evenly throughout the year.

Itinerary

Day 1 Buenos Aires – Arrival

Your adventure begins in Buenos Aires, a city where European elegance meets Latin American soul. Upon arrival, a welcome host and your driver will greet you before transferring you to your hotel in the trendy Palermo Hollywood neighborhood. Once a hub for production companies, this area is now a culinary and cultural hotspot, known for its excellent restaurants, bars, cafes, and breweries. After check-in, enjoy the afternoon free to rest or explore at your own pace.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Day 2 Buenos Aires – El Calafate – 4x4 Adventure

Today, head south to El Calafate, the gateway to Southern Patagonia and known as the land of glaciers. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel before embarking on a 4x4 adventure along the shores of Lake Argentino.

The 4x4 journey takes you to a scenic lookout with sweeping views of the lake and the Andes, followed by a visit to an archaeological site featuring ancient cave paintings that reveal the stories of the region’s earliest inhabitants. The day concludes with a unique dinner inside a cave to immerse into the region’s early history.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3 El Calafate – Perito Moreno Glacier Experience

This is the day to visit the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier, the main attraction of Los Glaciares National Park and one of the world’s only advancing glaciers. Travel from El Calafate to the park, where a 20-minute boat ride across Lake Rico provides the first close-up view of the glacier’s towering southern wall and its striking ice formations.

After disembarking, take a 1.5-hour guided walk along a natural trail of sand and stones, surrounded by native flora and fauna. Along the way, your guide will share insights into Perito Moreno’s unique dynamics and its role in the Patagonian ecosystem.

Reboard the boat for a closer view of the glacier’s immense southern face before heading to the park’s walkways. From these elevated platforms, take in panoramic views at your own pace, capturing the glacier’s scale and beauty while enjoying a box lunch.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Meals: Breakfast & Box Lunch

Day 4 El Calafate – Southern Remote Adventure

Start the day with a boat ride across Lake Argentino to explore the southern and remote edge of Los Glaciares National Park. From there, hike through a lenga forest to reach Lake Frías, a stunning area with crystal-clear waters and hidden glaciers.

Afterward, you’ll board a small boat for a 5 km sail through the emerald waters of Lake Frías, before disembarking for a 6 km hike through a valley that leads to an amphitheater surrounded by the Grande, Cubo, and Dickson glaciers. These glaciers feed into the Frías Superior Lagoon. If the weather is favorable, you’ll enjoy a picnic by the lagoon, otherwise, lunch will be served inside a cozy dome.


Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Meals: Breakfast & Box Lunch

Day 5 El Calafate – Iguazú

Bid farewell to the icy landscapes of Patagonia as you begin your journey to the tropical wonders of Iguazú.

After breakfast, you'll head to the airport for your flight north, where the lush rainforests of Misiones await. Upon arrival in Puerto Iguazú, you'll be transferred to your hotel, the perfect base for exploring the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls—one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.

Spend the afternoon at your leisure, whether relaxing at the hotel or taking a stroll through the town’s center.

Accommodation: 3* Lodge

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Iguazú – Argentine Falls

Discover the power of the Argentine Falls in Iguazú National Park. Walk along scenic trails and get up close to more than 275 waterfalls crashing over cliffs and weaving through lush islands.

Start the journey aboard the ecological train, which brings you closer to the main circuits. Depending on the day’s conditions, explore routes that lead to sweeping views from the Upper Circuit and across the Iguazú River Delta. Stand at the edge of Devil’s Throat, where the river plunges into a massive gorge, filling the air with mist and a deafening roar.

Along the way, guides will share insights into the park’s wildlife, geology, and history. Stop at key viewpoints to take in the full scale of this natural wonder, an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

Accommodation: 3* Lodge

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Iguazú – Jasy Pora Village & Brazilian Falls

On your second full day in Iguazú, embark on an enriching cultural experience at the Jasy Porã Village, which translates to "beautiful moon." Here, delve into the fascinating world of the Mbyá Guaraní people, gaining a deeper understanding of their customs, traditions, and spiritual connection to nature. Discover their unique way of life, learn about their traditional practices, and engage with local artisans who share their skills and stories.

After lunch, get ready to cross the border and head over to the entrance of the Brazilian Park, about 20 km from Puerto Iguazú.

Once in the park, enjoy a panoramic view of the Iguazú Falls, offering a stunning perspective of the entire waterfall system. Along the way, stop at key viewpoints for a closer look at some of the most impressive falls. Towards the end of the trail, you’ll reach the Devil's Throat, the tallest and most dramatic of the falls, plunging around 90 meters. Be sure to keep an eye out for the vibrant wildlife and colorful plants along your walk!

Accommodation: 3* Lodge

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Iguazú – Buenos Aires

It’s time to explore more of what Buenos Aires has to offer! After this enriching journey, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to the capital. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel, where you can unwind or explore the surrounding area at your own pace.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 Buenos Aires – Half Day Bike Tour & Tango Show

Today, you will have the opportunity to explore the captivating city of Buenos Aires on a half-day biking tour. You’ll stroll through its diverse neighborhoods, from the historic heart of the city to its vibrant, trendy districts, and discover its lush green parks.

One of our must-visit stops is Plaza de Mayo, the oldest public square in Buenos Aires. Next, you'll ride to Recoleta Cemetery, renowned worldwide for its historical and architectural significance. As you explore, you'll pass through the elegant neighborhoods where the aristocracy built their iconic French-style mansions and grand buildings. Finally, you'll ride through the expansive Palermo parks, the largest green space in Buenos Aires, offering a refreshing contrast to the city's urban landscape.

As the evening approaches, prepare to immerse yourself in the passionate culture of Buenos Aires with a live tango show. Experience the drama and sensuality of this iconic dance style, and enjoy a traditional Argentine dinner during the performance. You will also have the opportunity to take a tango class, where you will learn about its history, trends, and cultural codes. This will give you a deeper understanding of what you are watching and enhance your appreciation of tango.

Afterward, you'll return to the hotel to relax and unwind.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10 Buenos Aires – Departure

Your adventure through Argentina’s most iconic destinations has come to a close. After breakfast and check-out, your driver will meet you at the hotel to take you to the airport. If your flight is later in the day, you may leave your luggage at the hotel reception and continue exploring the city until it’s time to head to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast

Customization

This itinerary is bookable as-is and is also fully customizable upon request. We've designed this itinerary for October to April, but it can be adapted for year-round departures with adjustments to activities and accommodations.

Route Map

The route map for visiting Argentina's Wild Gems, showing stops in southern Patagonia, the northern rainforests of Iguazú, and the capital city of Buenos Aires.

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • Accommodations

  • Meals

  • Airport transfers

  • Ground transfers

  • Guided tours, activities, experiences, entrance fees

  • 24-hour emergency contact

  • International flights

  • Meals not mentioned

  • Personal expenses

  • Insurance

  • Visa

  • Taxes

  • Tips

Pricing

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

The pricing applies to the land portion of the trip. Internal flights can be quoted and booked upon request. To issue the tickets as soon as the itinerary is confirmed, airfare must be paid in full along with the deposit, unless you prefer to wait and book the flights at a later time.

  • Deposit per person

    30%

  • Shared Room - sleeps 2 - price per person

    3* Hotels: $4,200 4* Hotels: $5,000

Optional Add-ons

Ask us if you want to upgrade or modify the activities.

Sustainability

We believe that travel should be transformative—not only for travelers but also for the places they visit. Our itineraries blend iconic landscapes with immersive experiences while respecting local cultures and minimizing environmental impact. We prioritize working with eco-conscious partners, support community-led initiatives, and promote responsible tourism that safeguards Argentina’s incredible biodiversity and cultural heritage for future generations.

Environmental Initiatives

While some destinations in this itinerary have limitations in implementing wide-scale sustainable practices, we prioritize experiences that reduce environmental impact where possible. In Patagonia, the Southern Remote Adventure is designed as a small-group tour, minimizing the human footprint in fragile ecosystems. Additionally, we adhere to Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that all outdoor activities respect the natural environment. In Buenos Aires, the bike tour offers a low-emission way to explore the city, reducing reliance on motorized transport. In Iguazú, while park regulations guide conservation efforts, we encourage responsible travel habits, such as avoiding single-use plastics and using reusable water bottles throughout the journey.

Accommodation Initiatives

The accommodations selected for this itinerary are chosen with sustainability in mind.

Our 3* hotel in El Calafate (Patagonia) is recognized for its commitment to sustainable practices, implementing responsible waste management, energy-saving initiatives, and local community support. Our 4* hotel here is a boutique hotel focused on providing an intimate and locally inspired experience.

In Iguazú, our 3* lodge integrates harmoniously with the rainforest, using eco-conscious designs to minimize environmental impact. It is also "Preferred by Nature" certified, ensuring responsible management of natural resources and wildlife protection.

These hotels reflect a commitment to conscious travel while offering an authentic and comfortable stay.

Sociocultural Initiatives

This journey fosters meaningful connections with local communities and traditions. A highlight is the visit to the Jasy Porã Village, where travelers engage with the Mbyá Guaraní people, gaining insights into their ancestral way of life. In Buenos Aires, the experience is enriched with a guided bike tour through historic neighborhoods and a tango evening that delves into Argentina’s cultural heritage. These experiences support local artisans, musicians, and cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Initiatives

We encourage traveling during shoulder and mid-seasons (October to mid-December and March to April) to avoid peak season concentration (mid-December to January/February) —helping to distribute tourism income more evenly throughout the year while avoiding overcrowding in key destinations. Furthermore, it allows for a smoother travel experience and better rates.

Health & Safety

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.

FAQs

What does the Physical Rating of "Average" mean?

The "Average" physical rating means that the trip includes activities that require a moderate level of fitness. Travelers should be comfortable walking for several hours at a relaxed pace, sometimes on uneven terrain, dirt trails, or stairs. You can expect a mix of walking tours, short hikes, and outdoor excursions that require general fitness but are manageable for most travelers.

Typical activities include:
✔️ Walking tours in cities and national parks
✔️ Easy to moderate hikes through forests and natural landscapes
✔️ Boarding boats and navigating uneven surfaces during glacier and jungle excursions
✔️ Bike tour in Buenos Aires

No technical skills or prior trekking experience are needed, but travelers should be in good health and able to handle active days with varying weather conditions — from Patagonia’s cool, windy climate to Iguazú’s tropical heat.

Overall, it’s an accessible trip for most travelers who enjoy soft adventure and spending time outdoors, but no special training or advanced fitness is required.

What are the accommodations like?

The 3* hotels will be comfortable, charming, and well-located. This hotel selection offers reliable, cozy, and locally-inspired hotels — ideal for resting after a full day of exploring. They’re not luxurious, but they provide everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable stay. They offer a relaxed atmosphere and friendly service.

  • Buenos Aires: A modern, eco-friendly boutique hotel in the heart of Palermo Hollywood, known for its leafy vertical gardens and green design. It features bright rooms and friendly service, just steps away from some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and cafes — perfect for exploring the neighborhood vibe.
  • El Calafate: A warm, alpine-style hotel built with native wood and stone. Its central location makes it easy to stroll around town, and the spacious rooms and spa are ideal for relaxing after a day of Patagonian adventures.
  • Iguazú: A laid-back jungle lodge surrounded by lush greenery with wooden bungalows and hammocks. A good, relaxed base to unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings after visiting the falls.

The 4* hotels will be intimate and full of character. This hotel selection is all about boutique stays with thoughtful details, distinctive style, and a little extra comfort, space, and attention to detail. Each place has its own personality, offering a more intimate and elevated experience without feeling overly formal.

  • Buenos Aires: A charming and stylish boutique hotel in Palermo Soho, where each room tells a story inspired by Argentina’s icons. It’s elegant, full of character, and just steps from the city’s trendiest spots — perfect for immersing in Buenos Aires’ energy.
  • El Calafate: A quiet property with warm, apartment-style rooms and lovely views of Lake Argentino. Art and local crafts fill the spaces, creating a warm atmosphere and offering a comfortable place to relax between adventures, with a cozy, home-like style.
  • Iguazú: A peaceful lodge surrounded by jungle, offering spacious and more refined rooms within a pleasant setting. Beautiful design touches, and an intimate setting make it feel like your own private rainforest hideaway — all just minutes from the waterfalls.

What is the weather like?

Here is an overview of the weather in Argentina. Please keep in mind that Summer is December through February, and Winter is June through August.

  • Buenos Aires: Mild to hot. Summer: 75-90°F (24-32°C). Winter: 45-60°F (7-16°C).
  • Patagonia (El Calafate): Variable and windy. Summer: 50-65°F (10-18°C). Winter: 20-40°F (-6 to 4°C). Wind chill can make it feel colder.
  • Iguazú: Subtropical and humid. Year-round temperatures: 70-95°F (21-35°C), with summer months being the hottest and most humid.

How can the weather impact the itinerary?

Here is how the weather could impact your itinerary.

  • In Patagonia: Strong winds (especially in spring) and occasional heavy snowfall (in winter) may impact certain boat excursions or hikes.
  • In Iguazú: Summer months bring high humidity and occasional heavy rains, which can temporarily close some walkways in the national park.
  • In Buenos Aires: Summer, especially mid-December to February, can be hot and humid, which might make long walking tours less comfortable.

What should I pack for Argentina?

Layers are essential, especially for Patagonia, where the weather changes rapidly. A rain jacket and sun protection are recommended year-round.

Inquire Now

Departure Dates

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Group Size

  • Min: 2

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