Argentina Mountains & Wineries

Join us on an unforgettable Argentina tour of two of the country’s most impressive regions: Mendoza, home to Argentina’s world-renowned wines, and Bariloche, the heart of the beautiful Lakes District of Northern Patagonia. Based out of Buenos Aires, the Paris of South America, this Argentina trip takes you to the center of Argentina’s vineyards: the Medoza Region with over 900 distinct wineries. In the foothills of the Andes, you will explore the best of these vintners with two... READ MORE >>
Itinerary
Day 1 ARRIVE BUENOS AIRES - 2 HOUR WALKING TOUR
Day 2 BUENOS AIRES - MENDOZA
Day 3 CLASSIC AGRELO WINE TASTING
Day 4 BOUTIQUE WINERIES OR MENDOZA HIKING + RICCITELLI VINEYARD
Day 5 MENDOZA - BARILOCHE
Day 6 NAHUEL HUAPI LAKE - KAYAKING
Day 7 BARILOCHE HIKING or MANSO RIVER RAFTING / CLASS III-IV
Day 8 BARILOCHE - HIKING
Day 9 BARILOCHE - BUENOS AIRES - HOME
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Itinerary
Day 1 ARRIVE BUENOS AIRES - 2 HOUR WALKING TOUR

Buenos Aires is a city for walkers. Whether you wish to learn about its engrossing history or just soak up the atmosphere, there is a walking tour here to match your interests. 
 
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, a Southern Explorations guide will meet you and take you to your hotel.  From your hotel, your guide will accompany you by taxi to reach the neighborhood of your choice and then show you the highlights. Safe, flat, and fascinating, these neighborhoods, travelled on foot, will make a memorable component to your Argentina tour. 
 
Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, enjoying the many sights and sounds of this sophisticated metropolis.

Day 2 BUENOS AIRES - MENDOZA

After breakfast, transfer from your Buenos Aires hotel to the domestic airport for your flight to Mendoza, where your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel to relax for the next stage of your Argentina tour. (B)

Day 3 CLASSIC AGRELO WINE TASTING
Today’s classic Argentina wine tours take you about 20 miles south of Mendoza to the Lujan de Cuyo wine region. You’ll taste offerings from three exceptional wineries in the Agrelo sub-appellation where Malbec reigns supreme.

Benegas Winery                                                    
This traditional winery belonged to the family of Gladys Alurralde Norton, mother of current owner Federico J. Benegas Lynch. Federico was actually born in the properties main house, where he still lives to this day. Throughout his childhood he worked every step of the way, helping his father in the winemaking process. Benegas is focused on quality and celebrating its Finca Libertad terroir. They believe in the judicious use of oak, maintaining it as a background component in the wine. Tannins should be balanced and the finish long. Their total production is only 30,000 cases. Michelle Roland says, “Benegas wines have a strong personality which is the result of a very unique terroir for its quality and the combination of French and Argentine traditions. The wines are a reflection of Frederico Benegas Lynch’s passion and his constant search for excellence.”
 
Matervinis Winery                           
This new boutique winery is dedicated to experimental soils. Their founders, however, are not new to the winemaking world: Santiago Achaval and Roberto Chipresso former owners, founder and winemakers of acclaimed Achaval Ferrer. Today, through their new project, they aim to the exploration of the oldest geologies of Pre-Cordillera soils and their impact on wine personality and flavors. With a very limited production of wines and concentrating in high quality, these pioneers are already making a revolution in the industry.
 
Finca Decero Winery
Once a bare patch of dirt in the foothills of the Andes, Finca Decero is now a one-of-a-kind vineyard, where each vine is nurtured by hand and the winemaking is without compromise. Free from restraint and tradition, the creators of the winery developed an ‘amano' or ‘by hand' approach that is human, sustainable and sensitive to natural differences. Enjoy a fresh, seasonal lunch designed to perfectly compliment the wine you’ll be tasting. At the end of today’s Argentina tours, travel back to your hotel for a free evening. (B,L)
 
Please note: Wineries subject to change without notice. Many wineries are closed on Sundays and holidays.
 
Day 4 BOUTIQUE WINERIES OR MENDOZA HIKING + RICCITELLI VINEYARD
Option 1: Boutique Wineries 
This morning you will meet your driver and set out to discover small boutique wineries and those estates that make small lots of hand-crafted wines. We will again be in the famed Lujan de Cuyo wine growing region with a focus on the Maipu sub-appelation.
 
Maal Wines
Among these gems, Maal Wines stands out distinctly. This winery showcases unique charm as it's been carefully constructed from repurposed materials. The entire architectural wonder is ingeniously fashioned from reclaimed shipping containers, reflecting sustainable practices. Maal Wines specializes solely in crafting fine Malbecs sourced from diverse vineyards across Mendoza. This focus on the full expression of a single varietal, Argentina’s most famous, will showcase the role that terroir and process play in creating world-class wines. Maal is committed to certifying all their vineyards as organic, reflecting their dedication to premium quality and environmentally conscious methods.
 
Lamadrid Wines
Heading to Vistalba, Lujan de Cuyo, you'll find Lamadrid Wines, with a historical connection dating back to the 1930s. Thoughtfully restored, the winery preserves its past with original red brick floors, wooden ceilings, and inviting internal patios, while embracing the future with their wines. Lamadrid Wines goes beyond the norm, inviting you to savor varietals like Bonarda and Cabernet Franc.
 
Mil Suelos  - Visit and Lunch paired with wines
Step into Mil Suelos, translated as "1,000 Soils," a tribute to visionaries Alejandro Sejanovich and Jeff Mausbach, known for encapsulating terroir essence in every bottle. Mil Suelos is dedicated to diverse appellations, a haven for terroir-focused wine creations. Small-scale, artisanal vinification define their approach, each batch exuding a unique sense of place. Beyond wines, Mil Suelos offers a culinary delight. Set in a century-old olive grove in Chachingo, Mendoza, their open-air restaurant excels at Argentina’s famous wood-fired cookery. This culinary experience is complemented by an extensive portfolio of wines crafted on-site. Indulge in a dining experience that fuses tradition, innovation, and vibrant flavors of Mendoza's high-altitude wine country.

Please note: Wineries subject to change without notice. Many wineries are closed on Sundays and holidays.

Option 2: Mendoza Hiking + Riccitelli Vineyard
Today we will hike in the Andean foothills before enjoying a wine tasting lunch at one of Mendoza’s premier boutique wineries. Just one hour from the city of Mendoza is La Crucecita Village, a very picturesque village with stone houses. This is a popular hiking trail for locals with several options available to reach a bell tower standing tall upon a stone wall originally built in the 1800s. The hike features rolling terrain of moderate difficulty along a creek with excellent Andean views.
 
After working up an appetite we will head to Riccitelli Vineyards for a five-course lunch and wine tasting. This small family winery is an expression of the winemaker’s lifetime of dedication, passion, and hard work. Matias Riccitelli, the winemaker, was born in Cafayate, the northwestern wine growing region, into a family of winemakers. Matias has worked under his father’s wing, a legendary Argentine winemaker in his own right, since the age of 8. After travelling the world studying great wine traditions and cutting his teeth at other notable Argentine wineries Matias opened Richitelli in 2009. Located in Las Compuertas, the highest sub-region of the Lujan de Cuyo, in the Andean foothills, Matias is crafting some of Argentina’s most exciting wines, with scores from 92 to 97 by Tim Atkins, Richitellis wines have definitely reached the top 100 of Argentina. (B, L)
Day 5 MENDOZA - BARILOCHE

Before your midday flight to Bariloche, take the day to tour the many sites of this Andean city. Visit the colonial center, Independence Plaza, Plaza San Martín, Cerro de la Gloria, General San Martín Park and many other open spaces and parks the city is known for. Also explore the unique España Avenue and plaza with its impressive mosaics. Enjoy one last meal and transfer to the airport for your flight, connecting in Buenos Aires. Land in Bariloche, a scenic resort town perfectly situated on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Take the rest of the day to relax and visit this mountain town. (B)

Day 6 NAHUEL HUAPI LAKE - KAYAKING

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and travel to the launching beach. Today will be spent on the serene waters of Nahuel Huapi Lake. Regardless of your fitness level or previous kayaking experience, you will surely take pleasure in this full day of paddling in a heavenly setting. Pause midday for a delicious picnic lunch on the shores of the lake. Complete your trip at the renowned Llao-Llao Hotel, from where you will transfer back to your hotel for a last world class dinner. (B, L)

Patagonia Hike & Kayak Option: If your group prefers, we can arrange instead to combine relaxed trekking with kayaking. Enjoy breakfast before starting out on this exciting Patagonia tour. From Lopez Bay, you will hike to Tristeza’s granite lookout with impressive views of the Lakes Region. Here you will enjoy a scenic lunch before hiking back. You will travel to Moreno Lake and receive a safety briefing. The rest of the afternoon will be spent paddling this beautiful lake before returning to your Bariloche hotel. (B,L)

Day 7 BARILOCHE HIKING or MANSO RIVER RAFTING / CLASS III-IV

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your choice of two activities. For those looking for adventure, try your hand at river rafting the legendary Manso River. Begin by traveling by private van along the Manso River into Nahuel Huapi National Park. Arrive at John’s Ranch and enjoy coffee on the shore of the river. Change into your wetsuit and prepare for an exciting rafting adventure with a safety briefing from your guide. During the thrilling ride down the river you’ll pass luxuriant forests through the canyon. Finish at the border with Chile where you will change clothes and head back to the ranch for a traditional barbeque. If you prefer to stay dry, travel to one of the gorgeous hikes through the mountains surrounding Bariloche. Your guide will pick you up and discuss your trekking options for the day, selecting one that perfectly fits your interests and activity level. Spend the evening back in Bariloche. (B, L)
*Rafting is only available on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday during the months of October/November/March and available every day of the week during December, January, and February

Day 8 BARILOCHE - HIKING

Travel to the trail head after breakfast. You’ll begin your ascent into the beautiful wilderness reaching the alpine zone after two to three hours. Stop to rest and dine on a superb picnic lunch before continuing on the remaining three to four hours, all the while surrounded by pristine lakes and impressive peaks. Return to your Bariloche hotel to prepare for a delightful night on the town. (B, L)

Day 9 BARILOCHE - BUENOS AIRES - HOME

Take the morning to relax in this mountain town before your afternoon transfer to the airport for the flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, transfer to the international airport for your departure home or Contact Us to arrange additional tours of the city, surrounding areas, or longer extensions. (B)

Weather

When to Visit
  • jan
  • feb
  • mar
  • apr
  • may
  • jun
  • jul
  • aug
  • sep
  • oct
  • nov
  • dec

Due to the country's geography and location, Argentina & Patagonia offers a wide variety of climates. The Argentine mainland is mostly temperate, with seasons reversed from those in the northern hemisphere. The northern areas of Salta and around Iguazú are tropical, while southern Patagonia's weather is often cold and windy and always unpredictable.

Winter (from the end of June to the beginning of October) may be cold with some rain in certain areas of Argentina, while the Northwest enjoys sunny days and warm temperatures.

Summer (from December to March) is hot and sometimes humid in Buenos Aires; warm and dry in the Northwest with intermittent summer rains; and cold but sunny and sometimes windy in Patagonia.
 

BUENOS AIRES

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN69-833.9
FEB67-814.2
MAR67-784.9
APR58-713.5
MAY53-652.8
JUN47-582.2
JUL47-582.4
AUG48-612.6
SEP51-642.6
OCT56-704.4
NOV61-764.1
DEC66-813.8
*Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches

 

EL CALAFATE

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN45-650.5
FEB42-650.3
MAR37-610.5
APR32-541.0
MAY28-451.2
JUN27-410.8
JUL29-391.0
AUG33-430.8
SEP44-500.6
OCT37-560.5
NOV41-610.4
DEC44-640.6

*Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches

 

USHUAIA

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN41-571.5
FEB51-561.8
MAR39-542.1
APR36-492.2
MAY32-432.1
JUN29-401.9
JUL28-391.4
AUG30-421.8
SEP32-461.6
OCT36-501.4
NOV38-531.4
DEC40-561.7

*Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches

 

BARILOCHE

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN43-700.9
FEB42-710.9
MAR39-661.2
APR35-582.1
MAY33-505.3
JUN30-445.5
JUL29-435.1
AUG30-464.6
SEPT31-512.3
OCT34-571.5
NOV38-631.0
DEC41-671.3

*Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches

 

MENDOZA

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN64-901.4
FEB62-871.3
MAR57-811.1
APR50-740.5
MAY42-660.2
JUN35-600.2
JUL35-590.3
AUG38-650.1
SEP70-430.3
OCT51-770.4
NOV57-840.6
DEC63-881.0

*Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches

 

SALTA

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN61-817.0
FEB61-796.4
MAR59-774.6
APR54-731.4
MAY46-700.3
JUN39-660.1
JUL37-680.2
AUG39-720.2
SEP45-750.8
OCT52-791.0
NOV57-812.5
DEC61-825.4

*Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches


 

 

 

Maps

Discover Argentina

Argentina Mountains & Wineries

Pricing
Per Person
$3,765
Domestic Airfare:
$1,300 Airfare: Buenos Aires/Mendoza – Mendoza/Bariloche – Bariloche /Buenos Aires (subject to change)
 
Single Supplement: $1150
A single supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy.


Included in tour cost
  • Rafting equipment
  • Paddling gear
  • All airport/hotel transfers
  • All hotel accommodations
  • All listed activities
  • English-speaking certified guides
  • Entrance fees for all scheduled tours, national parks & archaeological sites
  • Meals as indicated
  • Southern Explorations pre-departure services
Excluded from tour cost
  • Airport taxes, international and local
  • Domestic airfare within South America
  • International airfare to and from Central & South America
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Medical & travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Hiking boots and other necessary sports gear
  • Reciprocity fee

Argentina Mountains & Wineries

Trip Dates
Can’t find a date that works for you in the list below? Southern Explorations can arrange a private departure on any date that works with your schedule. Custom tours are also available. Contact us for details.
Available
Bariloche
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
Mendoza
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
Buenos Aires
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.

One Day

Multi-Day

patagonia glacier trek
Our trip was marvelous from start to finish. Southern Explorations is the only way to really enjoy Patagonia. Because the territory is so vast, having everything planned maximized our experience and minimized the logistical aspects and associated worry. This was our second trip with Southern Explorations and will definitely take another one. - Anne Whitehair (Private Patagonia Lakes & Glaciers)

patagonia travelLuxury Patagonia’ exceeded our every expectation. The arrangements, the accommodations, the guides, the food as well as every location visited were as close to perfect as one could hope. The care and assistance from Southern Explorations prior to our departure was meticulous and informative. We will never forget this trip – one of the best in our lives. - Rosemary and Geoff Pierson, Massachusetts (Patagonia)

patagonia travelThis was a trip of a lifetime. The highlight was the Explora Lodge with unbelievable hikes and horseback riding. Also, the Perito Moreno Glacier was fantastic. I wouldn't change a thing. - Kyle Craig, Colorado (Patagonia)
 

patagonia travelEveryone at the SE office was helpful and returned calls promptly. We just cannot say enough about how enjoyable our entire trip was. - Kathy & Peter Brackett (Argentina)

mount fitzroy patagoniaMy father and I really loved Luis. He is just a super dependable, humble, smart and kind person. We invited him to dinner with us twice at Los Cerros because we enjoyed his company so much. My father and Luis spent most of dinner sharing stories about their passion for the mountains and discussing all the same books they’ve read about climbers who’ve climbed thee highest peaks around the world. I even had lunch with Luis in Buenos Aires while he was home for the holidays. Please make sure that Luis knows how much we appreciated him as a person as well as his skills as a guide. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide. We enjoyed all the hotels. The staff at the Sheheun in El Calafate were very attentive and kind. I liked the fact that it was a few blocks out of the main street. We had a lovely view from our room. I cannot say enough about Los Cerros. The hotel was lovely. Everyone on staff was so friendly - the airport transfer driver, the wait staff, the receptionists, and the manager. They treated both my father and I like royalty and yet like family. I really hope to return. I thought the entire staff with whom I had contact at Southern Explorations - Jonathan, Justin, Eric and Marisa - were incredibly competent, communicative and genuinely enthusiastic about what they do. I felt from the very beginning that I could trust you folks. I just had a good feeling about you all. Thanks so much. It was an unforgettable trip with my dad. - Virginia Roberson (Patagonia)

 
patagonia travelWe thoroughly enjoyed our trip. The Hosteria del Fuego in Ushuaia was our best experience. I have never slept so well while on a trip. All accommodations exceeded my expectations, however. We especially enjoyed the picnic lunch in Ushuaia. Also, the tea in Gaiman was outstanding. We would definitely consider Southern Explorations again if they offered a trip to a desired destination. We have a lot of other places we want to go, though, so wouldn’t know when we might go back to South America. - The Rambow Family, Houston (Patagonia)

We just returned from our South American adventure this morning, but I wanted to write you to thank you for helping us put together a fantastic vacation. Our friends called it the 'trip of a lifetime', that included the 'hike of a lifetime' and the 'kayak paddling day of a lifetime' for them. You made it so easy to have a great adventure. Thanks again for all your help. - Heidi and Michael Rotberg (Argentina Mountains & Wineries)  

Thank you for planning an amazing trip for us. Everything was beyond wonderful... and ran so smoothly. We so enjoyed our guides...who took us on harder hikes, just like we wanted. We especially loved El Chalten... and of course the Eolo Hotel. I think the glacial hike was one of the most beautiful walks we have ever taken. So appreciate all the effort your agency put into our trip. I WILL definetely travel with you again. - Lisa Goldman (Luxury Patagonia) 

It was a wonderful trip and Southern Explorations really did a marvelous job of putting everything together for us. Thank You. We have had nothing but fantastic memories and have spoken to many people about Southern explorations and what a nice job you guys did putting everything together. Peru and other South America ventures will happen. I will be in touch. - Steve Andryk (Wisconsin) (Luxury Patagonia)

We were extremely pleased with the services provided by Southern Explorations...not only the extensive itinerary for Patagonia, but also the care and attention to detail that was delivered at every step of the way. It sure made this trip easy for us...everything was extremely well organized. We enjoyed the variety of activities and loved the guides....they were truly outstanding. - Joyce & Garry Mammel, Canada (Patagonia)

Southern Explorations created an amazing custom trip to one of the most beautiful places on earth. They worked with us to fine tune the details of what our perfect vacation to Patagonia would be. The reservations, the accommodations, the transfers and the guides were spot on, very informative and professional. Will we use Southern Explorations for our next trip to the southern hemisphere? You can be certain of that. - Jim Balsitis and Kathy Kalp (Patagonia)

I chose Southern Explorations for the combination of interesting itineraries and your high rating on customer satisfaction. I made the right choice. I will gladly recommend you to others. - Pat Harding, Texas (Iguazu, Lakes District, Mendoza & Santiago)

From arrival to departure this trip, from an organizational stand point, felt like a ballet… seamless and fluid. We couldn’t have done it without you – Thanks Southern Explorations! - Lori Schrader, New York (Patagonia)

Our experience planning a trip to Patagonia in South America with Southern Explorations exceeded my highest expectations!  Everything was incredibly well organized, the hotels they booked for us were very nice, the guides and people who transported us all spoke our language (English).  When my husband got very sick and we had to alter our plans,  they were on top of rebooking flights and canceling excursions, and handled all of the logistics for us.  I would highly recommend the services provided by Southern Explorations, and will certainly use them for all future travel planning that we do!! - Kristi Holland, Alabama (Patagonia)

Our words to describe our trip are Spectacular, Exciting, and Remote! We got to see basically everything we had hoped for, and more! - Ann Huston, California (Patagonia)

My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed all the activities in Patagonia and Southern Explorations made the trip smooth and easy. From the hotels, to the food, to the guides, and the outings, we loved it all. We would recommend it to all our friends and family! - Miriam Derman, Illinois (Patagonia)

 

Argentina - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I choose an itinerary?
A: We offer a variety of pre-planned tours online and we’d love to design a custom trip just for you. Take a look at what we have online, then call an Adventure Travel Coordinator to discuss the trip that best fits your timeframe, budget and interests.
Q: Can I make changes or additions to these tours?
A: Yes! We are happy to modify any tour to meet your needs and also add pre and post-excursion extensions. If you sign up for a group departure we cannot change the group portion, but we can add extensions before and after.
Q: When is the best time to go to Argentina?
A: Argentina’s large size and geographic orientation means it covers many climatic zone and different areas are better to visit during different times of the year. In the south, Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego are best visited from October through April. In the north, the season is inversed and your best time to travel is from April through November. Buenos Aires and the wine country around Mendoza can be visited year round.
Q: What is the weather like in Argentina?
A: The weather ranges from temperate summers and cold, snowy winters in the south to rainy summers and dry, warm winters in the north. You will find a detailed weather chart on the Overview page of each trip. You can also call your Adventure Travel Coordinator to discuss the weather trends for your trip.
Q: What is a typical day like in Argentina? 
A: The typical day varies widely from trip to trip, but all tours will have full days with guided exploration. There will be time for rest and relaxation, as well as independent exploration of the cities and towns we visit. Due to the remote nature of Argentina’s most scenic areas, some long travel days will be required.
Q: How physically fit do I need to be to enjoy a trip to Argentina? 
A: As long as you are able to walk a couple of miles at a leisurely pace and comfortably navigate uneven terrain, you will be able to enjoy most of our tours. Some of our more adventurous tours include activities like kayaking, ice climbing and hikes up to 12 miles. Please check the physical ratings on our trip pages or contact your Adventure Travel Coordinator to see if a particular itinerary is a good fit for you.
Q: How much time do we need to visit Argentina?
A: Because of the vast size of Argentina we recommend at least seven days. If you wish to visit multiple regions within Argentina we recommend 12 days or more.
Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: As a rule, the further in advance you can plan, the more options you will have. We recommend planning a trip at three to nine months in advance, but if you want to stay at very specific luxury hotels or travel over a holiday then we recommend planning nine months to a year in advance.
Q: What are your booking and cancellation policies?
A: Click here to see our booking and cancellation policies.
Q: Do you use certified guides?
A: The guides on all of our tours are experienced, fluent in English and hold a degree in a related field. The guides are experienced in the outdoors and trained in basic first aid. We tend to use the same guides as they are accustomed to the trips we offer and understand the Southern Explorations commitment to quality.
Q: What kind of accommodations can I expect?
A: We primarily work with 4-star hotels in Argentina and the occasional 3-star property, provided they meet our standards. We also work with several amazing 5-star properties. All of our hotels are clean, comfortable, well-located, offer en suite bathrooms and have been personally vetted by a Southern Explorations staff member.
Q: Do tours include airfare?
A: We will confirm all airfare within South America and this price is listed separately from our base tour costs. You are responsible for booking international flights to/from Argentina.
Q: How many people are on your tours?
A: Our Argentina trips are generally limited to 8 travelers, although some areas (all-inclusive lodge stays and cruises) may require that we form larger groups with other travelers.
Q: Will I get more information on packing, vaccines, currency, electricity, etc.?
A: After booking you will receive a link to our online trip portal, which includes all of the need-to-know information that is specific to your itinerary.  This includes packing lists, restaurant recommendations, tipping guides, FAQs, vaccine recommendations and currency information. Your Adventure Travel Coordinator will also be a great resource for any other information you may need.
Q: I read about a “Reciprocity Fee” to enter Argentina, do I need to pay that?
A:

There is no longer a “Reciprocity Fee” required for travelers carrying US, Canadian or Australian Passports. If you carry a passport from a different country please check with your nearest Argentine consulate for more information.