Compare Best of Argentina & Brazil by Intrepid Travel vs Patagonia Parks & Wildlife by World Expeditions

Day 1 Buenos Aires

Bienvenido! Welcome to Buenos Aires, the ultimate cosmopolitan city, with Latin passion, European elegance, and its own distinctive style. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. Your leader will leave a note at the hotel reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. Argentinians enjoy dining late so there will be plenty of time after the welcome meeting to take up any of your leader’s restaurant suggestions for those wishing to sample Argentina’s world-renowned steak.

Day 2 Buenos Aires

Today explore Buenos Aires on a half-day tour with an expert local guide. Starting in Plaza de Mayo, explore the city’s most famous sights with highlights including San Telmo, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires, and La Boca where you’ll visit iconic Caminito Street, which gives the neighbourhood its distinctive spirit. After lunch, your tour continues towards Retiro and Recoleta, where you’ll learn about the families who sought to build a small‐scale Paris in the heart of Buenos Aires and see the ornate mausoleums at one of the world’s most famous cemeteries. This evening is free to enjoy your way.

Day 3 Foz do Iguazu

Fly to Puerto Iguazu in the northeast corner of Argentina where mighty Iguazu Falls straddles the border of Argentina and Brazil. Iguazu Falls are higher than Niagara Falls, wider than Victoria Falls, and a truly epic sight. Take a trip across the border to Brazil to admire panoramic views of multiple thundering waterfalls. You may like to take an optional helicopter flight over the top of the falls for a more panoramic view. Tonight, spend the night in Foz do Iguazu (Brazil), resting up before a big day exploring the Argentinian side of the falls tomorrow.

Day 4 Iguazu Falls

A visit to the Argentinian side of Iguazu today allows you to get up close to the waterfalls via a series of boardwalks. According to Guarani legend, Iguazu Falls was created when the serpent god M’Boy, enraged by the betrayal of a chieftain’s daughter who was promised to him, split the river in half. For a more exhilarating experience, take an optional Zodiac boat ride to the base of the falls. This afternoon, join your leader for a visit to a Guarani community where you’ll meet some of the region’s few remaining indigenous people. Learn about the Guarani way of life and how they have preserved their traditions on the edge of one of the world’s most popular attractions. Return to your hotel on the Brazilian side of the falls.

Day 5 Rio de Janeiro

Take an early morning flight from Foz do Iguacu to Rio. The locals say that 'if God made the world in six days, he devoted the seventh to Rio'. The day is yours to do what you like. For relaxation and people watching, head to the beaches of Copacabana or Ipanema. If the time of year is right, check out a football game or a Carnival rehearsal. As evening approaches, perhaps take the cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain to watch the sunset before getting sweaty with the locals in the samba clubs of bohemian Lapa.

Day 6 Rio de Janeiro

It's an early start this morning as we embark on a guided tour of Rio, starting at Corcovado Mountain for sweeping views over Rio from the base of the Christ the Redeemer statue before the crowds arrive. Discover the eclectic architecture, restaurants, and art galleries of the artistic neighbourhood of Santa Teresa. Then continue to the colourful Selaron Steps to see artist Jorge Selaron’s gift to the Brazilian people, a staircase with 215 steps that’s decorated with thousands of tiles collected from over 60 countries around the world. The afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish, before rejoining your group for a farewell dinner. A fun local restaurant, specialising in smoky grilled seafood and meat with fresh, zesty salads, is the ideal place to celebrate your time together.

Day 7 Rio de Janeiro

With no activities planned for today, you are free to depart at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end. If you would like to continue soaking up the sun in Rio, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Day 1 Arrive Trelew, drive to Puerto Madryn

Arrive Trelew early in the morning. Today a group transfer is provided from Trelew airport to our hotel in Puerto Madryn. On the way we'll visit Punta Tombo Reserve, the largest Magellan penguin colony on the continent. During the journey of 180 km, learn more about the peculiarities of Magellanic penguins and enrich your perception of the Patagonian landscape along with explanations about the animal and plant species, as well as Patagonian geography. After arriving at Punta Tombo, we will walk through the trails around the nests of the more than five hundred thousand Magellanic penguins that gather each year in the colony. A tour around the reserve allows you to appreciate at a distance of less than a meter, the funny walk of these sea birds. You can also see many other species of seabirds that nest in the colony; gulls, petrels, Antarctic pigeons, skuas, steam ducks, plovers, cormorants, and terns, among others, or any of the dolphin that occasionally come close to the bay in search of fish. It's important to remember, that in this natural reserve where the animals live freely in their habit, no shouting, touching or feeding is permitted. We will continue toward the city of Trelew, the most active center of the valley of the Chubut River. There you can visit the most attractive points of the city: the former train station, the central square and the old chapel. Completing the tour, we return to the city of Puerto Madryn and the hotel. Overnight Puerto Madryn Hotel Peninsula or similar.

meals : Array

Day 2 Valdez Peninsula

Today we spend a full day visiting the Valdez Peninsula which due to its geography, flora and fauna, and features that turn it into a paradise of nature has been recently declared Mankind's Heritage. Departing from Puerto Madryn youhead towards Puerto Pirámide, passing through the Carlos Ameghino Isthmus, a privileged place where you can see both the New and San José gulfs simultaneously. In Puerto Pirámides you have a brief tour around the only inhabited center of the peninsula before continuing towards Caleta Valdés, a strange geological formation that runs parallel to the coast. This is a unique area not only for its geography but also for its fauna - in Punta Cantor Reserve (situated at the mouth of this inlet) you'll find 3000 kg sea elephants laying on the beach who can dive down to 1000 meters. From the inlet you will also enjoy the most imposing sights of the Mar Argentino. You then continue towards Punta Delgada Lighthouse, a historical monument of nature, before heading back to Puerto Madryn. On the way back you'll get to experience the Salinas Grande y Chica (Grand and Small salt pits) with depressions of 35 meters below sea level. Here you'll learn about how they extract the salt from the salt pits and will also get to see wild animals such us; maras (Patagonian hare), guanacos, foxes and skunks. Overnight Puerto Madryn Hotel Peninsula or similar.

meals : B

Day 3 Fly from Trelew to Ushuaia

This morning we drive to the airport in Trelew for our flight to Ushuaia. On arrival to Ushuaia you'll be transferred to your hotel where you'll be based for the next few nights. Ushuaia, at 55 degrees south of the equator, is the most southerly town in Argentina. Its steep streets overlook the green water of the Beagle Channel, named for the ship in which Darwin sailed in 1832, on Captain Fitzroy's second expedition. The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight Ushuaia.

meals : B

Day 4 Beagle Channel cruise

This morning we take a cruise along the famous Beagle Channel (named after Charles Darwin's famous vessel) visiting the Isla de pajaros - a haven for many southern ocean and coastal birds. We also get a chance to see some of the famed lobo marino (the southern sea-lion). Today we'll also take a 60 kilometre drive from Ushuaia to the famous Harberton Estancia. In an area originally settled by Welsh farmers this classic estancia (ranch) is beautifully set on a rise above the channel. It is really a living museum and a chance for us to see life on a classic southern ranch. Overnight Ushuaia. Please Note: The day excursion operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays and is on a shared service basis.

meals : B

Day 5 In Tierra del Fuego National Park

Today we have the opportunity of undertaking a half day trek, in the well known walking area, of the Tierra Del Fuego National park which is set on the bay to the west of Ushuaia. This gives us a chance to walk among the hills and beech forests of the 'end of the earth'. We'll have a picnic lunch before heading back to Ushuaia where the late afternoon is free perhaps to visit the Museo Territorial Fin del Mundo. Overnight Ushuaia.

meals : B,L

Day 6 Fly from Ushuaia to El Calafate

This morning you'll transfer to the airport for your flight to El Calafate. On arrival to Calafate you'll be transferred to your hotel for the next two night's accommodation. This township, founded in 1927, is best known as the 'national capital of the glaciers' and is the gateway to the Patagonian Los Glaciares National Park including the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the town or walk down to Lake Argentino to watch the waterbirds. Overnight El Calafate Hotel Imago or similar.

meals : B

Day 7 View Perito Moreno Glacier

Today we head towards the Andes, to the edge of the icecap, for a full day tour of the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier that advances across Lago Argentino. This day tour is on a shared service basis with other travellers. We spend several hours wandering the many paths that offer different vantage points of this calving glacier. The glacier is 4 km wide and 70 m high and descends to the surface of the lake, almost cutting the lake in two. Occasionally massive pieces break off and fall into the lake becoming icebergs and creating huge waves in the process. The groans and creaks of the active glacier precede dramatic falls of ice from its face. We return late afternoon to our hotel in Calafate. Overnight El Calafate Hotel Imago or similar.

meals : B

Day 8 Drive to El Chalten

This morning we depart Calafate for the drive across Patagonia and the arid Argentine pampas to El Chalten (approx 4 hours). The village of El Chalten is in the heart of Los Glaciares National Park and it's from here that we make our day trips. The afternoon is at leisure before we enjoy dinner together this evening. Overnight El Chalten Hotel Poincenot or similar.

meals : B,D

Day 9 Day walks to view Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre

Over the next two days we include day walks to the Laguna Torre (approx 6 hours) and Laguna de los Tres (approx 9 hours). Mount Fitzroy is found at the northern end of the park and is part of a range of bizarre peaks including the needle like rock pinnacle of Cerro Torre. For a climber it looks to be one of the most unclimbed peaks in the world - in fact it was only scaled for the first time in 1974. To the south runs a great chain of massive glaciers that basically follow the line of the Chile/Argentina border. The dramatic rock spires beckon and our days here will be a highlight of the itinerary. The beautiful valleys hold crystal clear streams and are home to a multitude of bird life. During the short summer the beech trees and the flowers bloom profusely and we are here at the best time to enjoy it. Overnight El Chalten Hotel Poincenot or similar.

meals : B,L,D

Day 11 Drive across the pampas to Puerto Natales

Today we leave El Chalten and drive across the pampas to Puerto Natales. Set on the shores of Seno Última Esperanza, this city is the gateway to the famous Torres del Paine National Park. The afternoon is at leisure and this evening you may like to sample king crab by the waters edge in one of the seafood restaurants. Overnight Puerto Natales Weskar Lodge or similar.

meals : B

Day 12 To Torres del Paine by boat on Serrano River, via Balmaceda Glacier

A spectacular day cruising towards Torres del Paine National Park, we enjoy impressive glaciers tumbling down from the mountains and beautiful panoramic views. Many past travellers rate this as one of the best days on this trip. From Puerto Natales we join our boat trip to the massive Balmaceda Glacier which calves into the Ultima Esperanza Fjord. After lunch in a beautiful location on the fjord, we continue onto the National Park by Zodiac.The Towers of Paine are right before us, as we enter the National Park. This boat trip certainly is the best and most interesting way to arrive into Paine. We plan to arrive at the park in the afternoon and the remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight Hosteria del Paine or similar. PLEASE NOTE: The boat trip is on a shared service basis and is weather dependent. If boats are not able to operate due to weather conditions, we will organise alternative transportation into Torres del Paine National Park.

meals : B,L,D

Day 13 In Torres Del Paine, day walks

Over the next few days we plan to view the highlights of the park on foot. The trekking level will depend on the group's level of fitness, bearing in mind that many of the highlights of this park, including the base of the towers, require a 6-7 hour walk (round trip). There are other walks we can choose which are easier and provide excellent views of the park, however as with any trek, the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the day. The whole experience of trekking in Patagonia will spoil you – the scenery is really awe-inspiring. Blue glacial and ice-berg strewn lakes combine with dramatic granite peaks and snow covered mountains which lead to the Patagonian ice-cap. The next two nights are spent in Torres del Paine. Overnight Hosteria Las Torres or similar.

meals : B,L,D

Day 15 To Punta Arenas, fly to Puerto Montt, on to Petrohue

This morning we leave Paine National Park and drive south to Punta Arenas. We stop for lunch along the way before reaching the airport where we take a flight to Puerto Montt. The flight should ideally depart after midday. On arrival to Puerto Montt we are transferred to Petrohue. Petrohue is located on the shores of Todos los Santos, a deep crystaline emerald lake with the stunning backdrop of snowcapped Volcano Osorno. Tonight we enjoy an evening meal together in our lodgings. Overnight Petrohue.

meals : B,L,D

Day 16 Lakes Crossing to Bariloche

Today we will enjoy a full day boat journey from Petrohue in Chile to the shores of Bariloche in Argentina. Departing from the Petrohué Pier we board the ferry for the crossing of Todos los Santos Lake. During the navigation you can enjoy the magnificent view of the volcanoes Osorno, Puntiagudo and Tronador. After disembarking in Peulla you'll take a short drive before you will again embark another ferry for your crossing of Lake Nahuel Huapi. On arrival to the lakeside town of Bariloche you'll be transferred to your hotel. This delightful Swiss style town is famous for its chocolate and its stunning views over Lake Nahuel Huapi. Overnight Bariloche Hotel Nahuel or similar. Note: All passengers with accommodation in San Carlos de Bariloche must pay an Eco Tax that will be used for the conservation, protection and improvement of tourist attractions in the city. This tax is collected by your Bariloche hotel at check-in. The amount is USD$2-4 per person per night. Port taxes are not included and need to be paid on the spot (approx US$8 per person).

meals : B,L

Day 17 In Bariloche, day walk

Today we will undertake a beautiful trek. The meeting point for this full day excursion based on shared services with other participants, is a 5 minute walk from our hotel. Please make your own way to the meeting point. We drive to Mount Tronador known as 'Pampa Linda' where we then begin a long day walk through forests and rocky terrain, crossing streams and getting amazing views of Mount Tronador and its glaciers with waterfalls. This area is of outstanding beauty – many people compare it to the European Alps. We return in the late afternoon to Bariloche to give us some free time to explore this lovely town and perhaps sample some of the huge ranges of chocolates available here. Overnight Bariloche Hotel Nahuel or similar.

meals : B,L

Day 18 Fly to Buenos Aires, trip concludes

After breakfast there will be a group transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Trip concludes on arrival to Buenos Aires.

meals : B