From the Andes to Southern Patagonia: An Epic Tour of Argentina

When you land, you’ll be privately transferred to your accommodation for two nights in the heart of San Telmo, the historic district. Your stylish hotel will immerse you in the history and heritage of this incredible city and comes with a cool rooftop terrace where you can enjoy a drink with a view before lunch in the fabulous fusion restaurant.

Because you’ll land in the morning, you have almost two full days to get your finger on the pulse of this exciting city. Mornings here mean cortados (coffee) and a medialuna (Argentinian croissant) before wandering through the different barrios (neighbourhoods), each with their own personality. In elegant Recoleta, Haussmann-inspired buildings rub shoulders with modern towers, separated from the Río de la Plata by the tracks of the Retiro railway station. Teeming with busy workers, the business district of Microcentro is moments from the presidential palace and the iconic Plaza de Mayo. La Boca, and its photogenic Caminito street museum, is home to brightly coloured houses and inspired the music for the famous Caminito tango. Puerto Madero is the newest barrio, full of rehabilitated industrial docks, tall towers and popular restaurants. Finally, the trendy area of Palermo comprises several enclaves, including Viejo, Hollywood and Soho. Day and night, restaurants, bars, designer boutiques and nightclubs give it a distinct buzz, so join the Porteños (port city locals) in enjoying a craft beer or cocktail in the electrifying atmosphere.

There’s always something to do in this cosmopolitan capital, and you have a full day today to tick off any of your must-do experiences: sip coffee in the Gran Café Tortoni, an iconic café in the city centre; hunt for antique and handicraft bargains on a Sunday in the San Telmo Market; people watch in one of Palermo’s parks and spot dog walkers who sometimes lead packs of 20 furry friends; buy a book in a historic theatre that’s been converted into a bookstore; taste bife de lomo (fillet steak) or mollejas (grilled sweetbreads) in one of Buenos Aires' excellent parillas (steakhouses); visit the National Museum of Fine Arts where the works of Renoir, Rodin and Degas sit alongside those by talented Argentinian artists; and spend an evening at a traditional milonga, where you’ll experience tango and its sister dance the milonga in a vibrant local setting. You’re free to explore Buenos Aires at your own pace, but if you’d prefer, we can also arrange for you to take a stroll through the city with a local guide.

Today you’ll be privately transferred to the airport where you’ll board your two-hour flight to Trelew in Atlantic Patagonia. When you land, pick up your hire car and drive to Puerto Pirámides, the only village on the Valdés Peninsula. Not far from the village, you’ll find the Lobería viewpoint where you can see sea lions and take in the jaw dropping 180-degree view across the waters of Golfo Nuevo. Your accommodation for the next two nights is a small, comfortable inn that guarantees a warm welcome and is committed to sustainability.

The Valdés Peninsula is the heart of Atlantic Patagonia, and a site of global importance for the preservation of marine mammals. Listed by UNESCO as having Outstanding Universal Value, its waters see endangered right whales, penguins, orcas, sea lions and elephant seals come to reproduce. After a delicious homemade breakfast at your inn this morning, head out for a zodiac trip in the Golfo Nuevo to see the southern right whales that come to give birth off the coast of the peninsula. You can also discover this incredible region at your own pace during a walk in the Punta Norte Natural Park, home to many birds and animals such as rheas, maras and guanacos. If you like, we can arrange for you to go diving with sea lions while you’re here.

Before you leave the Valdés Peninsula, don’t miss a stop the Punta Delgada Lighthouse, known for the numerous colonies of elephant seals that can be found relaxing on its beaches. From here, you’ll have a panoramic view of the Atlantic coastline. Stop again at Caleta Valdés, a 22-mile strip of land where the footbridges of Punta Cantor offer a superb view of the lion and elephant seals below.

You’ll also visit the Estancia San Lorenzo, located opposite the largest colony of Magellanic penguins on the peninsula. On the estancia’s private beach, spend some time with these adorable creatures before driving on to the south of Golfo Nuevo to Gaiman, a small village on the banks of the Chubut River.

Gaiman is one of the last Welsh strongholds in Argentina thanks to a wave of immigration from Wales in the 19th century. You’ll spend one night here in a century-old posada (inn) with just a handful of cosy rooms. A warm fire, hearty breakfast and a dip in the swimming pool will help you to clear your mind and relax in your rustic surroundings.

Drive back to Trelew today to return your hire car at the airport and board your two-hour flight to Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego. When you land, pick up a new vehicle and drive to your home for the next two nights, a cosy chalet-style house on a hill above the Beagle Channel complete with a restaurant serving flavoursome dishes alongside excellent local wines.

Ushuaia is known for being the southernmost city in the world and the gateway to the Tierra del Fuego National Park, an incredible natural paradise shared by Argentina and Chile. Today, you’ll take a cruise on the Beagle Channel which connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. During the trip, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the bay of Ushuaia, journey between the Bridges Islands to see rare endemic plants, look at Magellanic and imperial cormorants on Bird Island, and finally a great view of the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, known to locals as ‘The Lighthouse at the End of the World’.

Back on land, make sure to head into the Tierra del Fuego National Park for a hike through the southern forest and across the rocks and beaches, keeping your eyes peeled for beavers, red foxes and seabirds. The trails here are well marked and of varying duration and difficulty, so there’s an opportunity for everyone to explore this incredible area. About 60 miles from Ushuaia, you’ll also find the Fagnano and Escondido lakes, which you can reach via the Garibaldi Pass. These deep blue inland seas are surrounded by harsh contrasting landscapes and the snow-capped peaks of the last foothills of the Andes.

Return your hire car today and take a flight to El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. The flight takes just one hour and 20 minutes, and when you land, you’ll pick up a new hire car and drive to your home for the next three nights: a charming mountain chalet on the shores of Argentino Lake. After a jam-packed few days, the rest of today is for relaxing in your hotel’s hot tub as you enjoy the view.

With a hire car at your disposal, you’re free to explore Los Glaciares National Park at your own pace. This park is home to the legendary Perito Moreno Glacier, which is nearly 200ft high and stretches three miles along Argentino Lake – needless to say, it’s pretty spectacular. Explore the forest via the many different footbridges and enjoy incredible views of this natural wonder. We’ll take care of lunch for you: a typical Argentinian picnic of bread, cheese and cold meats that you can tuck into as you enjoy your surroundings.

We’ll also arrange for you to take a cruise to the foot of Perito Moreno, so you can see it up close. You can reach the site on a 93-mile round trip in the car from El Calafate, and when you arrive, you’ll board a catamaran to see this natural wonder from a new perspective. If you like, we can also organise for you to go horse riding around the lake.

You have most of today to spend at your leisure, and there’s plenty of activities to get stuck into. Inside the park, Lago Roca is the southern arm of the Argentino Lake. The journey there alone is worth the detour, leading you between majestic peaks and forests of lenga beech and ñire trees. When you arrive, enjoy this incredible place on a hike or ride, and look out for local birds including condors, Darwin's rheas and southern oystercatchers. Keen walkers might want to tackle Cerro de los Cristales, a 4220ft peak which, on clear days, offers panoramic views of Perito Moreno and the Torres del Paine.

For lunch, we’ve got something special planned: a barbecue in a traditional estancia (ranch) nestled in the heart of Los Glaciares National Park. With a backdrop of mountains and lakes, you’ll experience the art of asado, typical Argentinian barbecue that includes beef, lamb, morcilla (black pudding) and chorizo cooked on an open fire. After you’ve eaten your fill, make the most of your surroundings and go for a picturesque walk to help digest all that delicious food.

Today you’ll take a private transfer to the airport and fly to Buenos Aires, about three hours away, Once you arrive in the capital, you’ll board another flight to Salta and, in just two hours, land in the heart of the Andes. We’ll transfer you to your accommodation for the night in the city centre, a charming 20th-century hotel that’s close to the main square, restaurants, shops and wine cellars. This afternoon, take a dip in your hotel pool or head out for a stroll to the Cabildo (the former seat of the colonial administration which is now a museum), the splendid 16th-century San Bernardo convent, the San Francisco church or the craft market. You’re free to explore this culture-rich city at your own pace, but if you prefer, we can arrange for you to see the city’s highlights with a private guide. For dinner this evening, we can book for you to go to a traditional peña, an event which sees local artists come together to share food, music and folklore.

It’s time to continue your road trip, so pick up your hire car and drive south to Cafayate, about three hours away. On the way, you’ll cross the Quebrada de las Conchas, a canyon full of red sandstone formations listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, so make sure to stop and soak up the view.

When you arrive in the charming little town of Cafayate, you’ll find yourself surrounded by vineyards and archaeological sites. Beyond its five-nave cathedral and bodegas (wine shops), it’s particularly enticing thanks to its outdoor seating areas shaded by vines. You’ll spend one night here just outside the city at the foot of San Isidro Hill. In a hacienda in the heart of a vast vineyard, you can experience this incredible rural setting without compromising on comfort. When you’ve settled in, cool off in the pool with a view of the Andes before dinner in the hotel’s restaurant.

The ruins of the Inca city of Quilmes are just an hour’s drive from your accommodation and well worth a visit. Perched at an altitude of around 6,000ft, this fortified city was once home to 3,000 people. Although the site has not yet been fully restored, you can still make out the layout of the old houses from its ruins. From the top of the two fortresses, you’ll get an incredible view of the valley and the Andes. Don’t miss the informative museum at the site’s entrance too.

While you may want to spend the rest of your time here taking in the view from your hotel and relaxing in the peaceful courtyard, there are also several activities to get stuck into. We can arrange for you to visit the Finca Domingo Molina bodega or a rancho for a wine tasting, or book you a riding tour in the Calchaquíes Valleys.

After three nights in Cafayate, you’ll drive back to Salta and spend the night in a family-run finca (farmhouse) at the foot of the Andes. This traditional accommodation is full of personal touches and the perfect place to unwind, with a beautiful garden and swimming pool.

Your final stop on this grand tour of Argentina is Huacalera, which takes just over three hours to reach by car. In this part of the world, it’s as much about the journey as the destination, so don’t hesitate to stop en route as you pass lakes, picturesque villages and forests. When you arrive in the heart of the Quebrada de Humahuaca valley, set down your suitcases for two nights in a charming hotel on an organic farm. If you’re interested in art, we can arrange for you to visit an artist’s studio to learn about his work inspired by nature and his surroundings.

From Huacalera, a small town surrounded by rocky landscapes, you’ll reach the Quebrada de Humahuaca – a valley filled with Indigenous Quechuan villages – in no time at all. In Purmamarca, you’ll find hiking trails that give you incredible views of the multicoloured mountain, aptly named Seven Colors Hill. At the end of a 1.8-mile walk, you’ll arrive in the canyon whose hues of pink, ochre and green colours are particularly striking in the afternoon light.

You can then head a little further north to Maimara, one of the region’s most authentic villages. Here, you’re at the foot of the Quebrada, in a place poetically named the Paleta del Pintor (the painter’s palette). Surrounded by every shade of red sandstone, it’s easy to imagine you’re in a Western.

Next is Tilcara, a dusty little town whose charming houses lie in a rocky desert surrounded by mountains. Beyond its natural splendours, Tilcara has a lot to offer in terms of history and culture: the church of the Virgen y San Francisco de Asis with its cactus roof, the Eduardo Casanova Archaeological Museum, and finally the Pucará de Tilcara, an almost thousand-year-old pre-Columbian fortress.

Finally there’s the city of Humahuaca, which sits at an elevation of 9,882ft. The charm of this town’s cobbled streets and colonial architecture is undeniable, but its greatest asset is found even higher up: the Serranía del Hornocal, a jagged mountain range that can be reached by car. If you were stunned by Seven Colors Hill, the 14 shades of Hornocal might just leave you speechless. Take your time as you appreciate the immensity and beauty of this sea of slopes, a reminder of the power and mystery of nature.

Sadly, your time in this incredible part of the world is drawing to a close. You’ll drive back to Salta today before a two-hour flight to Buenos Aires. We’ll arrange a private transfer to take you to your hotel in the San Telmo district for your last night in Argentina.