This journey is designed to be a comprehensive exploration of Argentina's scenic and natural diversity en route to a voyage to Antarctica.  In the tropical north, we include a guided exploration of the spectacular Iguazu Falls World Heritage Site from both its Argentinian and Brazilian side.  In Patagonia, we take you to see the 5km wide Perito Merino Glacier, famous for its dramatic calving into Lake Argentina.  And in Tierra del Fuego, the gateway to Antarctica, we take you into Argentina's first coastal national park set at the tip of South America.

This journey also incorporates time in the charismatic colonial city of Buenos Aires, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in South America.

Iguazu Falls

Higher than Niagara and more than 2km across, this world heritage site is spectacular in its sheer power and size and incredible noise. It sits between the borders of Brazil Argentina and Paraguay at the centre of  550,000 acres of protected Atlantic sub-tropical rainforest.  These forests close to the falls are especially luxuriant, whilst beyond it provides home to wildlife which includes pumas and jaguars, though rarely observed.  More common close to the falls are the South American coati, the endangered tegu lizard and a great diversity of birds, butterflies and other smaller mammal such as guinea pigs.
 
In terms of scenery, the falls rank as one of the most spectacular settings on the continent.  Your guide will take you to see the falls along a 6km network of walkways, platforms and viewpoints.  The best panoramic view of the falls are from the Brazilian side, whilst in Argentina you can experience their full power falls at the entrance to the Devil's Throat.  You can also enjoy a couple of hours white water rafting which can provide a whole new perspective to the scenery.

Los Glaciares National Park

A guided visit to the impressive Los Glaciares National Park will prove a memorable highlight to your stay in Argentina. A designated UNESCO world heritage site, the park covers an area of some 600,000 hectares with 47 glaciers, including the famous Perito Moreno Glacier.  Formed by Pacific precipitation falling into a gap in the Andes, these glaciers are spectacular in size and scale and are amongst the only known growing glaciers in the world.  The Moreno, by far the star of the show, is highly dynamic with a terminus 5km wide. Its 60m high ice face performs dramatic calving on a regular basis. Your base for the visit will be the small but lively town of  El Calafate situated on the border of Lake Argentina.
 
Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine, with its giant, granite towers is just over the border in Chile. A fully guided day trip into and around this National Park is also possible from El Calafate. Camalids (the family that include llamas, alpaca, vicuña and guanacos) roam the grasslands and Andean Condors can be seen hugging the thermals on warm days. The raw and rugged scenery is remarkable, with spectacular bird life. As well as the condor one may observe: black-chested buzzard eagle, Chilean flamingo, austral parakeet, austral pygmy owl, Magellenic woodpecker, Chilean flicker, and rare birds such as the bronze-winged (spectacled) duck, great shrike-tyrant and Patagonian tinamou.

Buenos Aires

Since your international flights will take you through Buenos Aires, the opportunity to spend at least a couple of days in this exciting city should not be missed.  Buenos Aires is known as the Paris of the South and it is full of style and flair, just like the Argentineans themselves. Tree-lined avenues lead past fashionable restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and galleries, many of which are housed in French-style buildings. The city is split into distinct districts, or barrios.  Recoleta is a chic neighbourhood where you can visit Eva Peron's tomb and walk the tree lined avenues. San Telmo, one of the oldest districts, hosts the weekend Antique Market and is famous for its outdoor Tango shows.  The colourfully painted colonial buildings of La Boca form the backdrop for lively street markets, performing local artists and ad hoc tango sidewalk tango.

Tierra Del Fuego National Park

Tierra del Fuego was the site of Argentina's first coastal national park - an area which offers fantastic hiking and real wilderness opportunities.  The wildlife diversity is limited this far south (55º S).  Given this, much of what is found there is rare and localised. The stunted forests are made up of only six tree species, including three Nothofagus species.

For a short visit, we recommend that you enjoy the area by means of a steam train journey (El Tren del Fin de Mundo) and gentle guided trekking our guide will provide you with an insight into the rare and localised ecology found here.  Look for the rare bicoloured hawk, white-throated caracara and three very scarce species: white-bellied seed-snipe, gray-flanked cinclodes and yellow-bridled finch.

Please contact us for sample itineraries.  Please note that all of our itineraries are tailor made and can be adjusted, reduced or added to depending upon your time and interests.

Photographs kindly provided by Chloe Burnett, Emma Laing, Mike Wilson and Reidun Anette Hagen

Argentina -  Antarctic -   Peninsular  -   Wilderness & Wildlife - Carbon Climate Neutral - Responsible Travel  - Penguin - Beagle - Albatross -  Birdwatching - Tierra del Furgo - Buenos AIres - Iguazu - Mendoza - Orca  - Andes

This comprehensive itinerary can be altered and adjusted to suit your personal interest and time you have available

Day 1
Fly London Heathrow - Buenos Aires - (Arrive Day 2).

Day 2 -4
(B on days 3 & 4)
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for a three night stay.

Buenos Aires, ' the Paris of the South',  is undoubtedly one of the most vibrant and attractive cities in the world to visit.  The City and its population, 'porteños 'are known for their style and flair.  Tree-lined avenues lead past fashionable restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and galleries, many housed in French-style buildings. The city is split into distinct districts, or barrios.  Recoleta is a chic neighbourhood where you can visit Eva Peron's tomb and walk the tree lined avenues. San Telmo, one of the oldest districts, hosts the weekend Antique Market and is famous for its outdoor Tango shows.  The colourfully painted colonial buildings of La Boca form the backdrop for lively street markets, performing local artists and ad hoc tango sidewalk tango.

Day 5
(B)                   
You will be met at your Hotel and transferred to the Airport for your flight to Puerto Iguazu.
You will be met at the airport and taken to your Hotel from where you can explore at your leisure. 

Day 6
(B)                   
After breakfast you will be met at your hotel to be escorted privately by your English speaking guide to the Iguazu National Park.  At two and a half miles long and with 275 cascades plummeting to 90 metres, the Iguazu Falls mark the border between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.  You will visit the falls today both in Argentina and Brazil.  This national park is shared by both countries and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with the subtropical rainforest supporting 2,000 identified plant species and 400 bird species.  Overnight is spent at the hotel.

Day 7
(B)                   
After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires and onward connection to Ushuaia. 

Upon arrival in Ushuaia you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 8
(B)
You will have until your embarkation time at 4pm free to collect your pre-booked wellies, or visit the very interesting Ushuaia museum or even take a taxi and the ski lift up to the Martial Glacier and witness the stunning view over the Beagle Channel from a different perspective.

Recommended timing for your Antarctic Voyage

Day 9
(B)                   
After breakfast onboard the ship, you will be met and transferred back to your hotel in Ushuaia.

When you have left your bags and are ready, you will be taken out to the Tierra Del Fuego National Park. You will have around four hours with an English speaking guide who will show you the sights of the Park, at your own pace, including the End of the World Train experience. With the advantage of a vehicle and guide you will be able to get to the real wilderness that is Isla Grande.

Day 10
(B)
You will be collected from your Hotel and taken to the Airport for your flight to El Calafate.

You will be collected from your flight and taken to your hotel. The afternoon is free for you to relax and explore the colourful little town that is El Calafate.

Day 11
(B)         
You will be collected from your hotel at 7am by your naturalist guide to join a small group visit to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Perito Moreno Glacier.  We try to make the route there different to the route back so you can experience as much of the region's varying landscapes as possible.  Upon arrival at Perito Moreno, we trek through the forest which fringes the north face of the glacier where you are likely to be able to see the unforgettable sight of huge chunks of ice calving off the glacier & plunge into the water below.  You will be back in El Calafate by around 5pm and taken back to your hotel.

Day 12
(B)         
At around 5.50am, you will be collected from your hotel & driven privately to the Argentina-Chile border for your privately guided exploration of the Torres del Paine National Park.  From within the forest of the national park you will have excellent views of the park's natural features including the gigantic granite monoliths the Torres del Paine, or 'Towers of Pain' - which were shaped by glacial forces. You will return to El Calafate by 11.30pm.

Day 13
(B)         
After a very full day on Day 12, we have built in a free day in El Calafate to enjoy this beautiful area at a leisurely pace. The whole area is famous for its smoked trout and wonderful chocolates. In the winter this area is a perfect base for a ski holiday and in the summer the trekking and climbing are ranked very highly. A trip to the close by village of El Bolsón, could also be taken.  This village is nestled at the foot of Mount Piltriquitrón, on the banks of the Quemquemtreu River.

Day 14
(B)         
You will be collected from the hotel and taken to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires and connecting international flight.

Photographs kindly provided by Chloe Burnett, Emma Laing, Mike Wilson and Reidun Anette Hagen