Patagonia Hiking & Iguazu Falls
Most Popular Argentina Trips & Tours
Trip | Price | Days | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
Australis Glacier Cruise & Patagonia Hiking | $6,560 | 12 Days | Mt. Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre, Cape Horn, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Los Glaciares National Park, Perito Moreno Glacier |
Buenos Aires, Iguazu & Rio de Janeiro | $4,595 | 9 Days | Buenos Aires , Iguazu Falls, Rio De Janeiro |
Classic Patagonia | $3,495 | 7 days | Buenos Aires , Perito Moreno Glacier, Glacier National Park, Mt. Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre |
Classic Patagonia & Torres del Paine | $6,425 | 10 Days | Los Glaciares National Park, Torres del Paine National Park, Perito Moreno Glacier, Classic Treks to Mt. Torre and to Mt. Fitz Roy |
Essence of Patagonia | $3,365 | 7 Days | Buenos Aires, Four Balconies Tour, El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, Estancia Cristina, Glacier Cruise |
- Day 1 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 - USHUAIA
Patagonia tours are never complete without a journey to the ends of the earth. Today you will be transferred to the domestic airport to fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, located on the Isla Grande of La Tierra del Fuego. After getting settled at the hotel, enjoy a free evening to enjoy the fine seafood cuisine of Ushuaia. (B)
- Day 3 TIERRA DEL FUEGO HIKE & PADDLE
You will be picked up at your hotel in the morning for a day of Patagonia hiking and canoeing in beautiful Tierra del Fuego National Park. On arrival in the park, you’ll hike 3.5 hours through a beech forest to a scenic viewpoint overlooking some of the region’s top sights: Lake Roca, Lagunas Verde and Negra, Rivers Ovando and Lapataia and Lapataia Bay. The forest is inhabited by Magellanic woodpeckers, the largest woodpecker in South America, Austral parakeets, black-chested buzzard eagles and Andean Condors. You’ll enjoy lunch in the camping area of Lake Roca before starting this afternoon’s Argentina paddling excursion. In an inflatable canoe, you’ll paddle the crystal clear, quiet waters of the Ovando River which flows into scenic Laguna Verde, containing some of the park’s most picturesque views. Today’s trip ends in Lapataia Bay, a destination that attracts many sea birds including sea petrels, albatross and steamer ducks, among others. Here at the end of the world, you’ll disembark and be driven back to your Ushuaia hotel for a free evening. (B,L)
- Day 4 HISTORIC HARBERTON RANCH - MARTILLO ISLAND PENGUIN COLONY – GABLE ISLAND HIKING
Another unforgettable experience of Patagonia tours, today you explore Tierra del Fuego, the southern portion of Patagonia with its magnificent vistas and a fascinating history. You will depart Ushuaia around 8 AM, cross Rio Lasifashaj by mid-morning, then finish the drive at Estancia Harberton (roughly 1.5 hours of driving). The estancia belongs to the descendants of the first British missionaries to reach the area, Rev. Thomas and Mary Bridges, and was managed for many years by Natalie Goodall, a well-respected naturalist in the area. After a tour of the estancia you'll take a small boat to Martillo Island, the domain of the Magellanic penguin and even a few Gentoo penguins. The unique location of this island (close to where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans merge) attracts a rich variety of sub-aquatic life, making it an ideal spot for bird watching to see such species as petrels, skuas, cormorants, sea gulls and albatross. Next you will stop at Gable Island (the largest in Patagonia's Beagle Channel) for lunch at a picturesque 19th century cabin. After lunch you will hike to the opposite side of the Beagle Channel before returning to Estancia Harberton where you will be transported back to Ushuaia. (B,L)
Canoe Option:
Upon arrival at the Rio Lasifashaj you have the option of taking a two hour inflatable canoe excursion down river into the Beagle Channel to view its prolific wildlife. This is easy paddling in gentle water with a focus on wildlife and taking in the beautiful views in a unique and peaceful way. You’ll finish at the estancia and rejoin the group in time to visit the Martillo Island Penguin Colony and Gable Island.
*Canoe option must be requested and confirmed in advance. Please let your adventure travel planner know if you’re interested.
**Estancia Harberton is only available to visit on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
Watch a Video »
- Day 5 USHUAIA - EL CALAFATE - EL CHALTEN
Depending on the flight schedule you’ll have time for some on your own sightseeing in Ushuaia, with a visit to the fascinating End of the World Museum or the Presidium, before your transfer to the airport for your flight to El Calafate for your next adventure. When you arrive in El Calafate, you'll travel to El Chalten, a small remote town at the foot of Mt. Fitz Roy, and be taken to your hotel with dramatic views of the mammoth granite walls of the mountain and other important peaks. Time allowing, opt for a short hike near the town of El Chalten. Overnight in your comfy mountain lodge. (B)
Watch a Video »
- Day 6 FULL DAY CERRO TORRE HIKE
After breakfast, you will start a full day of hiking a Patagonian classic: Mt. Torre, famous for its beauty but also for its climbing difficulty. This is the pinnacle of trekking Patagonia. Every year, countless expeditions attempt to reach the summit, but only a few succeed. After a half hour of hiking, you reach the viewpoint of the Fitz Roy River and Margarita waterfall. Continue for another 30 minutes until you reach the Mirador del Cerro Torre, a lookout facing the Cerro Torre and Adelas ranges. From this point, the trail descends into the valley. The trail ends on the shores of Laguna Torre, offering a stunning view of Mt. Torre surrounded by the Egger and Standhard spires and the Adelas range as a backdrop together with the glacier Torre. You will have time to enjoy the view, eat lunch, and rest before returning on the same trail to the town of El Chalten. (B, L)
Hiking Details: 11-12 miles / Elevation gain: 1,000-1200 ft /Average time: 7 hours
- Day 7 FULL DAY HIKE FITZ ROY & LAGUNA DE LOS TRES
Today's segment of trekking Patagonia includes a full-day hike to the Laguna Capri base camp (Fitz Roy base camp). The hike towards Fitz Roy features spectacular views of the massif. The peak was sacred and venerated by local Tehuelche groups who believed the mists enshrouding it were volcanic ash, calling it Chalten (God of Smoke). You will begin hiking south from El Pilar, passing Laguna Piedras Blancas on the way to Laguna de los Tres, at the base of Mt. Fitz Roy. Three glaciers drain into this emerald lagoon with majestic Mt. Fitz Roy towering above. Stop en route for lunch and then resume the hike to Laguna Capri, where the image of Mt. Fitz Roy is reflected. You'll enjoy spectacular views of the sweeping Patagonian steppe and Fitz Roy, highlights of any Patagonia tour. After a full day of hiking, return to your hotel for a good meal and night's sleep. (B, L)
Watch a Video »
Hiking Details: 13-14 miles / Elevation gain 2200-2300ft / Average time: 9 hours
- Day 8 EL CHALTEN- EL CALAFATE
After breakfast, you'll have time for more Patagonia hiking including a short trek from town to view Mt. Torre. In the afternoon, a private van will transfer you to El Calafate where you'll have the rest of the day and evening to tour this charming city on your own. Overnight at a local hotel. (B)
Watch a Video »
Optional Self-Guided Tour: Glacier Museum (Approximate Fees: Museum - $20 (80 Argentine Pesos); Roundtrip bus - $6 (25 Argentine Pesos) For those interested in learning about the formation and recession of glaciers during their Patagonia tours, a visit to the Glaciarium is a must. This one-of-a-kind ice museum is located six miles outside El Calafate. To get there, every hour on the hour, buses leave from the center of town. After exploring the history of the Patagonian ice fields, you may cap off this memorable experience with a drink at the museum’s Glacio Bar. The entire bar including the drink cups, tables and chairs are made entirely of ice.
- Day 9 PERITO MORENO GLACIER - EL CALAFATE
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your El Calafate hotel. An hour long bus ride takes you to the Bajo de las Sombras port on the shore of Lake Argentino. From there, you will board a comfortable boat for a 20 minute navigation across the lake. The cruise offers incredible views of the Perito Moreno glacier with its massive front wall of blue ice and surrounding field of icebergs. Following a beach landing, you’ll stop at a small shelter where the trekkers will be divided into groups of less than twenty. A short walk along an ancient beech forest takes you to the edge of the glacier, a prime location for photographing this spectacular natural wonder. You will be fitted with crampons and receive a safety briefing from your guides before beginning an unforgettable two hour trek on the glacier, with time for photos and a lunch break. This moderate trek will take you past small streams, lagoons, crevasses, and other ice formations as you explore the fascinating landscape of the Perito Moreno glacier. After completing the trek, you will embark on the boat for the return trip across the lake. A short bus ride brings you to an elaborate boardwalk system located across the lake from the glacier. From here you will be able to view and photograph the glacier from many angles, and possibly witness icebergs calving thunderously into the lake. In the late afternoon, you will return to your hotel for another comfortable night's rest.** (B,L)
Watch a Video »
**The upper age limit for the mini-trek portion of this trip is 65, regardless of fitness level. Click here for the alternative tours available.**
- Day 10 EL CALAFATE - BUENOS AIRES – IGUAZU
You will be picked up at your El Calafate hotel and taken to the airport to fly north to Puerto Iguazú, via Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and driver for the short trip to the park followed by check-in at the Melia Iguazu Hotel. Iguazú National Park is located at the northern tip of the Argentine province of Misiones, bordering Brazil. The park extends over 220,000 acres and protects a subtropical rainforest of great biological diversity that the two countries share. Among the area’s 2,100 identified plant species are pindo palms, 50-ft canes, arborescent ferns, orchids and large epiphytes such as the huge Caraguata bromeliads. The Iguazu Falls are not just one cascade but a series of 275 beautiful cataracts extending some two miles. You’ll have the rest of the day on your own to unwind, explore the surroundings and enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel. (B)
- Day 11 IGUAZU FALLS
- Today’s adventure gets underway after a hearty breakfast. After a stop at the visitors’ center, you will embark on the first of two leisurely hikes along riverside trails to view the falls from a variety of perspectives. Visitors travel from one area of the park to another on the “Tren Ecologico de la Selva,” a small, custom built tram, with three stations, one at the visitors’ center, one at the trailhead to the upper and lower paths and one to get to the largest of the falls. You’ll spend about an hour and a half on the upper trails, stopping at six platforms to take in the stunning views. With eight viewing platforms, the lower loop trail extends a little over a mile and offers closer, wetter vistas. This two-hour route helps you appreciate the magnitude of the falls by witnessing at close-range the rushing water crashing into the river. Next comes the finale. For most every visitor, the highlight of today’s Argentina travel is the massive viewpoint at Devil’s Throat reached from a mile-long trail. Here half of the waters flowing through the entire Iguazu complex plunge down the U-shaped chasm, creating a cascade 270 feet tall and 492 feet wide. At the conclusion of today’s Iguazu tours you’ll have another evening on your own. (B)
OPTIONAL: Iguazu Falls Brazil $500 per Person – As long as they have come this far, many visitors elect to view both sides of the falls during their Iguazu tours. After breakfast, we set out across the border to the Brazilian national park. The Brazilian side offers panoramic views of the entire falls complex that cannot be seen elsewhere. Brazil’s national park also has an extensive network of bridges and platforms over the river, with breathtaking vistas. We return to Argentina and continue our exploration of the falls.
**Visa required to enter Brazil**
- Day 12 IGUAZU - BUENOS AIRES - HOME
You'll enjoy breakfast at the hotel before returning to Iguazú Airport for a return flight to Buenos Aires. You’ll be transfer to the Buenos Aires International Airport for your flight home, ending your vacation of Patagonia tours. We offer many tour extensions if your schedule allows you to remain here. (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 |
JAN | 69-83 | 3.9 |
FEB | 67-81 | 4.2 |
MAR | 67-78 | 4.9 |
APR | 58-71 | 3.5 |
MAY | 53-65 | 2.8 |
JUN | 47-58 | 2.2 |
JUL | 47-58 | 2.4 |
AUG | 48-61 | 2.6 |
SEP | 51-64 | 2.6 |
OCT | 56-70 | 4.4 |
NOV | 61-76 | 4.1 |
DEC | 66-81 | 3.8 |
EL CALAFATE | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
JAN | 45-65 | 0.5 |
FEB | 42-65 | 0.3 |
MAR | 37-61 | 0.5 |
APR | 32-54 | 1.0 |
MAY | 28-45 | 1.2 |
JUN | 27-41 | 0.8 |
JUL | 29-39 | 1.0 |
AUG | 33-43 | 0.8 |
SEP | 44-50 | 0.6 |
OCT | 37-56 | 0.5 |
NOV | 41-61 | 0.4 |
DEC | 44-64 | 0.6 |
*Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
USHUAIA | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
JAN | 41-57 | 1.5 |
FEB | 51-56 | 1.8 |
MAR | 39-54 | 2.1 |
APR | 36-49 | 2.2 |
MAY | 32-43 | 2.1 |
JUN | 29-40 | 1.9 |
JUL | 28-39 | 1.4 |
AUG | 30-42 | 1.8 |
SEP | 32-46 | 1.6 |
OCT | 36-50 | 1.4 |
NOV | 38-53 | 1.4 |
DEC | 40-56 | 1.7 |
*Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
BARILOCHE | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
JAN | 43-70 | 0.9 |
FEB | 42-71 | 0.9 |
MAR | 39-66 | 1.2 |
APR | 35-58 | 2.1 |
MAY | 33-50 | 5.3 |
JUN | 30-44 | 5.5 |
JUL | 29-43 | 5.1 |
AUG | 30-46 | 4.6 |
SEPT | 31-51 | 2.3 |
OCT | 34-57 | 1.5 |
NOV | 38-63 | 1.0 |
DEC | 41-67 | 1.3 |
*Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
MENDOZA | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
JAN | 64-90 | 1.4 |
FEB | 62-87 | 1.3 |
MAR | 57-81 | 1.1 |
APR | 50-74 | 0.5 |
MAY | 42-66 | 0.2 |
JUN | 35-60 | 0.2 |
JUL | 35-59 | 0.3 |
AUG | 38-65 | 0.1 |
SEP | 70-43 | 0.3 |
OCT | 51-77 | 0.4 |
NOV | 57-84 | 0.6 |
DEC | 63-88 | 1.0 |
*Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
SALTA | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
JAN | 61-81 | 7.0 |
FEB | 61-79 | 6.4 |
MAR | 59-77 | 4.6 |
APR | 54-73 | 1.4 |
MAY | 46-70 | 0.3 |
JUN | 39-66 | 0.1 |
JUL | 37-68 | 0.2 |
AUG | 39-72 | 0.2 |
SEP | 45-75 | 0.8 |
OCT | 52-79 | 1.0 |
NOV | 57-81 | 2.5 |
DEC | 61-82 | 5.4 |
*Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
Maps

Patagonia Hiking & Iguazu Falls
- Pricing
- Per Person$4,695Domestic Airfare:$1,625 Buenos Aires/Ushuaia - Ushuaia/El Calafate - El Calfate/Buenos Aires - Buenos Aires/Iguazú - Iguazú/Buenos Aires (subject to change)Single Supplement: $1,555A single supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy.
- Included in tour cost
- 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
- Visa fee
Patagonia Hiking & Iguazu Falls
- Trip Dates
- 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
- El Calafate
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
-
4 Star
Included Hotel (subject to availability) -
4 Star
-
4 Star
-
5 Star
-
- El Chalten
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
-
3 Star
Included Hotel (subject to availability) -
4 Star
-
4 Star
-
- Ushuaia
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
-
4 Star
-
4 Star
Included Hotel (subject to availability) -
5 Star
-
5 Star
-
- Buenos Aires
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
-
4 Star
-
4 Star
Included Hotel (subject to availability) -
5 Star
-
5 Star
-
- Iguazu
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
-
4 Star
-
4 Star
-
5 Star
-
5 Star
Included Hotel (subject to availability)
-
One Day
-
4 Hours $120Bike through the nostalgic city of Buenos Aires, stop and enjoy restaurants, markets and historic sitesOne Day
-
2 Hours $75Guided walking tour
Highlights of Buenos AiresOne Day -
1 Day $370Hiking
Glaciers
Horseback ridingOne Day -
3 Hours $230The Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires
Heft Collection Tour with Curator Ms. Heft
Fernandez Blanco MuseumOne Day -
4 Hours $275Take an inside look at the real life experiences of Buenos Aires' Jewish population, past and presentOne Day
-
5 hours $425Morning or afternoon kayaking
Delta of the ParanaOne Day -
4 Hours $285Take in a Tango show with dinner and round trip transfers includedOne Day
-
4 Hours $210Tour Buenos Aires, this beautiful city is called the Paris of South America,One Day
-
4 Hours $260Learn the sensual dance, the Tango at a milonga which is a tango hall frequented by local dancersOne Day
-
8 Hours $495This Buenos Aires tour takes you out of the city to experience what the nearby countryside has to offerOne Day
Multi-Day
-
4 Days $1295Explore the magnificent vistas and fascinating history of Tierra del Fuego, at the southern tip of PatagoniaMulti-Day
-
5 days $3165Cape Horn National Park
Beagle Channel
Penguins
Glacier AlleyMulti-Day -
4 Days $1145Experience the heart of the Lakes District on this Patagonia tour based in the resort town of BarilocheMulti-Day
-
4 Days $1195Tierra del Fuego National Park
Beagle Channel
UshuaiaMulti-Day -
2 Days $660Historic estancia
Horseback riding
4x4 tour
Glacier viewsMulti-Day -
3 Days $1295Considered one of South America’s most impressive sights, Iguazu isn’t exactly on the beaten pathMulti-Day
-
4 Days $1,195Visit the Argentine province where The Andes reach their highestMulti-Day
-
4-5 Days $2,935Torres del Paine National Park
Explore all highlights
Outstanding LodgesMulti-Day -
3 Days $1370Whales
Penguins
Elephant Seals
Views & WildlifeMulti-Day





- 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.