Buenos Aires, Iguacu Falls, Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia, El Calafate
Embark on an unforgettable 16-day journey through the cultural heart and natural wonders of South America. From the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, where tango and tradition set the stage, to the roaring majesty of the Iguazú Falls, this itinerary blends iconic cities with breathtaking landscapes. Explore the wildlife-rich Península Valdés, discover the “End of the World” in Ushuaia, and marvel at the glaciers of El Calafate in Patagonia. Along the way, savor world-class cuisine, witness UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and immerse yourself in local traditions, from gaucho estancias to Andean trails. Each day is carefully designed to balance discovery and leisure, ensuring an enriching experience. Whether you’re seeking culture, adventure, or natural beauty, this journey showcases the very best of Argentina.
Includes
Driver/Guide: Private as per itinerary
Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance
Private arrival and departure transfers as per itinerary
Accommodations of your choice
Sightseeing tours and/or activites of your choice
Excludes
Items of a personal nature
All other items not mentioned as included
Domestic flights; please inquire with your Keytours travel consultant
Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
Travel insurance; please inquire with your Keytours travel consultant
Gratuities for drivers, guides, and escorts
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1
Arrival in Buenos Aires
Upon arrival at Buenos Aires International Airport, you will be greeted by our local representative and transferred to your selected hotel in the heart of the city. Take the rest of the day to relax and get acquainted with Argentina’s vibrant capital, often called the “Paris of South America.” Depending on your arrival time, you may stroll through tree-lined avenues, enjoy a coffee at a traditional café, or simply unwind after your journey. Buenos Aires sets the perfect stage for your South American adventure, blending European architecture with Latin spirit. From tango to gastronomy, art to nightlife, this cosmopolitan hub promises unforgettable first impressions.
Day 2
Day 2
Buenos Aires – City Tour & Tango Show
After breakfast, embark on a captivating half-day city tour exploring Buenos Aires’ most iconic landmarks. Discover the historic Plaza de Mayo, the Presidential Palace (Casa Rosada), and the majestic Metropolitan Cathedral. Drive along Avenida 9 de Julio, one of the world’s widest boulevards, and marvel at the Obelisk. Stroll the cobblestone streets of San Telmo, admire the colorful façades of La Boca, and explore the modern waterfront of Puerto Madero. The tour offers a balance of walking and driving, providing excellent insight into the city’s history and culture. In the evening, indulge in one of the renowned Tango Dinner Shows, combining world-class cuisine with passionate tango performances.
Day 3
Day 3
Country Day at La Bamba de Areco
Leave behind the city’s bustle and journey into the Pampas, Argentina’s vast countryside. Visit La Bamba de Areco, one of the oldest estancias in the nation, transformed into a boutique retreat blending colonial heritage with modern comfort. Enjoy a full day immersed in gaucho traditions, horsemanship, and rural charm. Explore San Antonio de Areco, a town famed for its artisans, silverwork, and gaucho culture. Savor authentic Argentine cuisine and experience the warm hospitality of the Pampas. This excursion is a window into the nation’s rural heart and traditions, offering a tranquil escape where history, culture, and nature converge. By late afternoon, return to Buenos Aires to relax.
Day 4
Day 4
Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight north to Puerto Iguazú, gateway to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Upon arrival, our staff will meet you and transfer you across the border to your hotel in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. Take the afternoon to rest or stroll through the lush surroundings. The region’s subtropical climate and jungle setting create the perfect prelude to exploring the thundering Iguazú Falls. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy the hotel facilities, swim in the pool, or simply relax while listening to the sounds of the jungle at sunset. Tomorrow, adventure begins with the waterfalls themselves.
Day 5
Day 5
Brazilian Side of Iguazú Falls
This morning, head into Iguaçu National Park on the Brazilian side. Board an eco-friendly bus that takes you through dense Paraná jungle to the start of the walking circuit. From here, follow a 1,200-meter trail offering panoramic views of the waterfalls on the Argentine side, including the dramatic San Martín Island. As you walk, the roar of the water grows stronger, building anticipation for the grand finale. At Floriano Falls, stand face-to-face with one of nature’s greatest spectacles, where mist, spray, and rainbows envelop you. Enjoy the unique perspective that Brazil provides—a sweeping overview of the entire system. Return to your hotel to relax after this unforgettable day.
Day 6
Day 6
Argentinian Side of Iguazú Falls
Today, explore the Argentinian side of Iguazú Falls, offering closer encounters and multiple vantage points. Begin at the park’s Visitor Center and board the ecological train to Garganta Station. From here, walk along elevated catwalks through lush jungle until you reach the awe-inspiring Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat). Marvel at the sheer power as torrents of water plunge 72 meters into the canyon below. Continue along the Upper and Lower Circuits, admiring cascades such as Bosetti, Dos Hermanas, and San Martín, as well as panoramic viewpoints like Peñón de Bella Vista. Surrounded by tropical vegetation and wildlife, it’s a sensory overload of sound, sight, and spray. Return to your hotel to rest.
Day 7
Day 7
Iguazú to Puerto Madryn
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Trelew, gateway to Puerto Madryn, on Patagonia’s Atlantic coast. Upon arrival, a representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel by the sea. Puerto Madryn is the starting point for exploring the Península Valdés, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its marine wildlife, from whales to elephant seals and penguins. Depending on your arrival time, stroll along the coastal promenade, breathe in the fresh ocean air, or enjoy local seafood in one of the town’s excellent restaurants. Puerto Madryn combines natural wonders with a laid-back seaside atmosphere, perfect for the next stage of your adventure.
Day 8
Day 8
Full-Day Excursion to Península Valdés
Embark on a full-day excursion to the Península Valdés, one of Patagonia’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries. Travel first to Puerto Pirámides, where optional whale-watching tours are available from June to December. Continue across the peninsula’s windswept landscapes, spotting guanacos, rheas, foxes, armadillos, and more along the way. Visit Salina Grande and Salina Chica, two striking salt lakes, and explore Punta Cantor to admire Caleta Valdés, a spectacular ocean inlet often populated by elephant seals. Depending on the season, observe penguin colonies and sea lions basking along the rugged coastline. Stop at the Carlos Ameghino Visitor Center to learn more about the peninsula’s geology and ecology before returning to Puerto Madryn.
Day 9
Day 9
Puerto Madryn at Leisure
Today is free to enjoy Puerto Madryn and its surroundings at your own pace. You may relax on the beaches, visit the Ecocentro marine museum, or take an optional excursion to Punta Tombo, one of the world’s largest Magellanic penguin colonies (seasonal). Adventure seekers may also enjoy kayaking, diving with sea lions, or exploring the Welsh heritage of nearby Gaiman, famous for its traditional tea houses. Alternatively, simply savor the local seafood restaurants and wander through this laid-back Patagonian town. After days of intensive excursions, this is your chance to unwind, reflect, and recharge while enjoying the slower rhythm of coastal Patagonia.
Day 10
Day 10
Puerto Madryn to Ushuaia
Transfer to Trelew Airport for your flight south to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Nestled between the Beagle Channel and the Martial Mountains, Ushuaia is often referred to as “the End of the World.” Upon arrival, a representative will meet you for a transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, explore this unique city with its mix of maritime history, rugged landscapes, and charming local shops. Ushuaia is also the gateway to Antarctica and a hub for adventure in Tierra del Fuego National Park. Enjoy dinner with views of the Beagle Channel or simply stroll the waterfront as seabirds and ships pass by.
Day 11
Day 11
Tierra del Fuego National Park & Private Navigation
Begin with an excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park, just outside Ushuaia. Optional: ride the legendary “End of the World Train,” once used by prisoners, through pristine forests and valleys before meeting your guide in the park. Visit Ensenada Bay, Acigami Lake, and Lapataia Bay, where the Pan-American Highway officially ends. Learn about native cultures and enjoy stunning views of the Andes meeting the sea. In the evening, board the Akawaia boat for private navigation along the Beagle Channel. Enjoy panoramic views of Ushuaia’s skyline, snow-capped mountains, and wildlife while savoring a gourmet three-course dinner on board. This day combines exploration, history, and refined adventure.
Day 12
Day 12
Ushuaia at Leisure
Spend the day exploring Ushuaia at your own pace. Optional activities include hiking the Martial Glacier, visiting the End of the World Museum, or sailing to Isla Martillo to see penguin colonies. For a truly unforgettable experience, take a helicopter flightseeing tour to admire a 360° panorama of the Beagle Channel, Mount Olivia, and the Martial Glacier. This aerial view highlights Ushuaia’s spectacular geography at the edge of South America. Alternatively, simply relax, shop for local crafts, or enjoy the city’s seafood specialties, such as king crab. Whether adventure or leisure, today is yours to personalize in this extraordinary setting.
Day 13
Day 13
Ushuaia to El Calafate
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to El Calafate, gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Upon arrival, your local representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel. The small Patagonian town of El Calafate sits on the shores of Lake Argentino and serves as the base for exploring the region’s famous glaciers. Take the afternoon to wander its charming streets, shop for local handicrafts, or relax in preparation for the breathtaking excursions to come. El Calafate’s crisp air, Andean backdrop, and warm hospitality make it an inviting destination at the edge of Patagonia’s ice fields.
Day 14
Day 14
Gourmet Glaciers Experience
Today, embark on the Gourmet Glaciers Experience, an exclusive full-day navigation on Lake Argentino. Depart from Puerto Bandera and sail through icebergs and towering glacier walls, including the majestic Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers. Disembark at Puesto de las Vacas for a guided walk through Patagonian forest before re-boarding your vessel. Onboard, savor a gourmet lunch while admiring stunning panoramas of glaciers and mountains. The highlight is the approach to Perito Moreno Glacier, where immense ice walls rise dramatically from the lake. Witness the thunderous roar of calving ice before returning to El Calafate in the evening. This unforgettable journey combines natural wonder with fine dining and comfort.
Day 15
Day 15
Perito Moreno Glacier Excursion
Depart early for a full-day excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of Patagonia’s most famous landmarks. Travel through Los Glaciares National Park, passing pristine forests, shimmering lakes, and snow-capped peaks. Upon arrival, explore the network of walkways and balconies offering incredible views of the glacier’s 5 km-wide ice front. Watch in awe as massive chunks of ice crash into Lake Argentino, a natural spectacle that occurs year-round. Depending on your preferences, you may opt for closer views along the lower walkways or panoramic vistas from the higher trails. This excursion offers one of the most iconic moments of any Patagonia journey. Return to El Calafate for the evening.
Day 16
Day 16
Departure from El Calafate
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in El Calafate for your onward flight. Bid farewell to Patagonia, carrying with you unforgettable memories of Argentina and Chile’s most breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural experiences. From tango in Buenos Aires to the thunder of Iguazú, the marine wildlife of Puerto Madryn, the “End of the World” in Ushuaia, and the glaciers of El Calafate, this itinerary captures the essence of South America’s most iconic destinations. Whether continuing elsewhere or heading home, the journey leaves you with stories, photos, and moments that will last a lifetime.