Luxury Patagonia & Wineries

This fabulous trip pairs highlights from our Luxury Patagonia trip with a gourmet tour through the Lakes District and an exotic Mendoza wine tasting tour, sampling the best that Argentina has to offer. Anyone traveling to Buenos Aires and the countryside of Argentina in search of quality varietal wines, both red and white, accompanied by superb cuisine, will find it in abundance on this very special Argentina tour. Argentina's top wine country of Mendoza is located within view of the Andes, ... READ MORE >>
Itinerary
Day 1 ARRIVE BUENOS AIRES
Day 2 BUENOS AIRES - MENDOZA - CAVAS WINE LODGE
Days 3-4 CAVAS WINE LODGE
Day 5 MENDOZA - BARILOCHE - VILLA LA ANGOSTURA
Day 6 VILLA LA ANGOSTURA
Day 7 ISLA VICTORIA & ARRAYANES CRUISE
Day 8 VILLA LA ANGOSTURA - BARILOCHE - EL CALAFATE - EOLO
Day 9 PERITO MORENO TOUR
Day 10 EOLO - EXPLORA LODGE
Days 11-13 EXPLORA LODGE - TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
Day 14 EXPLORA LODGE - SANTIAGO
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Itinerary
Day 1 ARRIVE BUENOS AIRES
Southern Explorations guides pick you up at the Buenos Aires International Airport and get you settled in your Suite Prestige at the Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta  located in a neighborhood of art galleries and antique shops. If you arrive early for your travels with us, optional tours of the city and surrounding areas can be arranged to make the most of your stay.
 
Day 2 BUENOS AIRES - MENDOZA - CAVAS WINE LODGE

You'll be transferred to the city's domestic airport for your flight to Mendoza. On your arrival, you'll be taken to your hotel and spend the afternoon with a guide touring the many sights of this charming city. Mendoza is a city of shade trees, parks and open spaces with the high-caliber cuisine you would expect in the center of a fine wine region. Travel to the luxurious Cavas Wine Lodge, your lodgings during your stay in Mendoza wine country. To begin your Argentina tours, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the area this afternoon. You may select a visit to Mendoza’s colonial center and General San Martín Park as well as Independence Plaza, España Avenue and its tiled plaza, Plaza San Martín and Cerro de la Gloria. Alternatively, the Lodge has ample half day Mendoza winery tours you can select from. (B,L,D)

Days 3-4 CAVAS WINE LODGE

Cavas Wine Lodge is located in the heart of Mendoza wine country, with over 25 wineries nearby. You have the opportunity to visit the best wineries in the area at your choosing. The Lodge has detailed information on all of your options. On your Argentina tours, we suggest visiting two wineries in the important Lujan de Cuyo wine region south of Mendoza. The area is famous for its Malbec, and it also produces high quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. You may decide to stop first at the picturesque winery of Fabre Montmayou, owned and operated by vintners from Bordeaux who use traditional growing and production methods without herbicides. The next tasting takes place in the modern Ruca Malen Winery, operated by a long-time Argentine winemaker with a French vintner from Burgundy. It is here where you'll enjoy a gourmet lunch accompanied by regional wines, with a view of the vineyard and the Andes. You'll return to your lodgings and spend another restful night before continuing your Argentina tour. (B,L,D)

Day 5 MENDOZA - BARILOCHE - VILLA LA ANGOSTURA
Today you leave the central Andes region to begin your Patagonia travel.  After breakfast, you will fly to Bariloche, Argentina and travel fifty miles north to Villa la Angostura.  This charming city is surrounded by dense forest and snow-capped peaks.  It is a popular ski resort in winter and a hiker's summer paradise.  Villa la Angostura is set on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi at the foot of Mts Bayo, Icayal and Belvedere.  You'll spend the night at the lakeshore accommodation. (B,D) 
 
Day 6 VILLA LA ANGOSTURA

Depending on what interests you, today you'll enjoy one of the following activities:

LAKE ESPEJO KAYAKING Today your excursion starts at Lake Espejo, to enjoy a gentle kayak on these magnificent lakes. On this relaxing paddle close to shore you will be able to appreciate the prolific vegetation and learn about the incredible environment. After an hour and a half paddling, you will stop at a secluded beach to relax and enjoy some snorkeling to observe trout, perch, clam beds and sunken forests. A rewarding box lunch will follow and some time to rest prior to returning to the starting point. Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening. (B,L,D)

HIKE INACAYAL WATERFALL Today will be spent hiking to the Inacayal Waterfall. From just outside of downtown Villa La Angostura the hike starts by going through a coihue cane forest that leads to the Inacayal waterfall. After taking time to admire the falls you continue along the trail up through Cajon Negro (Black Box) and around to Belvedere Point. Ascending to 4,000 ft above sea level you will enter a beautiful lenga forest that ends in the famous glacier valley called “Cajon Negro,” where you will stop for lunch. On the way back a different path takes you to Belvedere Viewpoint to observe the incredible panoramic view of the Nahuel Huapi and Correntoso lakes together with the Correntoso river (the shortest in the world) and the Andean range. Return to your Villa La Angostura hotel. (B,L,D)

SAN MARTIN DE LOS ANDES - SEVEN LAKES ROAD This scenic trip - a landmark in the region - follows Route 234 and links some of the region's most beautiful lakes such as Espejo, Correntoso, Escondido, Falkner, Villarino, Machonico, before entering the town of San Martin for a short and panoramic visit. The return drive travels along a different road (Paso Cordoba), all the way to Confluencia and from there to the Valle Encantado (Enchanted valley), containing unusual formations of volcanic origin. Return to your hotel. (B,D) *Please note this is an upgrade with additional costs.

Day 7 ISLA VICTORIA & ARRAYANES CRUISE

Today you'll cruise to Lake Nahuel Huapi's Victoria Island, a magical world of Centennial Cypresses and Coigues. You'll travel to Villa La Angostura’s nearby port to board the private yacht. Once on the island, you'll follow one of its many trails, observing the varied flora and fauna and visiting isolated beaches and shorelines. You'll learn about the ancient arrayán, a myrtle variety with its distinctive cinnamon-colored bark and white flowers. You may spot some deer (such as the pudu pudu, the smallest deer in the world). It is on this island that South America's first training school for park rangers was established. You will also have the opportunity to explore the unique Arrayanes forest the region is known for. At the end of the trip, you will be transferred to your hotel for a final relaxing evening and overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 8 VILLA LA ANGOSTURA - BARILOCHE - EL CALAFATE - EOLO

Early in the morning, depart your hotel to travel south along the shores of Nahuel Huapi to the airport for your flight to El Calafate a charming resort town, before continuing the drive to Los Glaciares National Park where the Perito Moreno Glacier is located . One of the world's few advancing glaciers is more than three miles wide and over twenty stories high. Here you will have time to explore this charming lakefront town before meeting a representative from EOLO to continue the 1 hour drive. Arrive and get settled at Eolo. (B,D)

Day 9 PERITO MORENO TOUR

Today, you'll go by boat on Lake Argentino to get a closer look at the glacier's massive front wall of blue ice, passing icebergs along the way. Landing on the beach, you'll walk along an ancient beech forest that meets the glacier, providing ample opportunities for photographs. If you like, you can choose to do a little glacier hiking. One of the most memorable moments here is when a huge ice wall drops from the glacier face into the lake. From the afternoon's picnic lunch location, you'll hear the melting, popping, shifting sounds of ice. In the evening, you'll return to Los Notros for dinner and another comfortable night. (B,L,D)
**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.**

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Day 10 EOLO - EXPLORA LODGE

Today is a long travel day, but the views and destination are well worth it. You'll travel across the Argentina Patagonia border to Chile to reach world-renowned Torres del Paine National Park. On entering the park, you'll stop to view the summer grazing grounds of the now endangered guanaco surrounded by scenic mountains. You'll be taken to the lovely Explora Lodge, your accommodations for the next four nights. Over cocktails in the lodge's comfortable bar, the guide will discuss the full range of hiking, riding and sightseeing opportunities that Explora offers. (B,L,D)

Days 11-13 EXPLORA LODGE - TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK

You'll be able to spend entire days exploring the magnificent Torres del Paine National Park, choosing your own adventure, from a hike to Gray Glacier floating in the middle of an iceberg-choked lake or a more challenging climb to the base of the peaks that give the park its name. You may choose short exploratory walks, horseback rides or full day hikes. You'll enjoy dinners and relaxing evenings back at Explora Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 14 EXPLORA LODGE - SANTIAGO

Early in the morning, you'll be transferred to the Punta Arenas Airport for the flight to Santiago and your connecting flight home, marking the end of Southern Explorations' services and your Patagonia tour. If you prefer, we can arrange for you to return via Buenos Aires. We offer a full range of tour extensions in both Chile and Argentina if you have time for a longer South American tour. (B)

Weather (Chile)

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

Santiago & Surrounding Vineyards - The fertile heartland, this midland area of Chile enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with maximum temperatures averaging 82°F (28°C) in January and 50°F (10°C) in July. The rainy season lasts from May to August. Evenings and nights can be cool, even during the summer.

General Patagonia - The area south of Puerto Montt and Chiloé covers about 30% of the total land area of Chile. It is a rugged, mountainous region of tremendous beauty. Westerly winds and storms often drop enormous amounts of snow and rain on the seaward slopes. In the Magellanes and Tierra del Fuego areas, temperatures in summer average 52°F (11°C). Dampness and wind chill can make it feel cooler so layered clothing and good waterproof gear are musts. The weather year-round is highly unpredictable, and in summer be prepared for incessant winds that lessen in the winter. In the shoulder season months, November and March, winds are not likely to be as strong as during the peak of summer.

Torres Del Paine - The weather is famously unpredictable in this area and it is possible to experience four seasons in the course of a few hours. Average daily temperatures vary but in summer one can expect temperatures ranging between 50° F (10° C) and 70° F (20 ° C) with the occasional hot day of 78° F (25° C). Temperatures can drop to zero at night, and high winds are common in this area. Travelers should be prepared (both mentally and physically) for unpredictable and sometimes challenging weather conditions and pack accordingly. Good head-to-toe, breathable waterproof clothing is essential.

SANTIAGO

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN54-850.0
FEB54-840.1
MAR52-800.2
APR47-720.5
MAY40-642.3
JUN40-583.1
JUL37-573.0
AUG38-612.1
SEP40-651.1
OCT45-710.5
NOV47-770.2
DEC51-820.2

*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches

 

PUERTO MONTT

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN48-663.6
FEB47-673.7
MAR47-643.9
APR43-605.6
MAY42-569.2
JUN39-518.8
JUL37-509.0
AUG38-528.2
SEP38-525.7
OCT38-524.8
NOV43-600.5
DEC46-634.1

*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches

 

PUNTA ARENAS

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN43-571.4
FEB44-571.1
MAR51-541.6
APR39-491.6
MAY35-441.7
JUN31-391.3
JUL29-381.3
AUG31-411.3
SEP32-461.1
OCT36-500.9
NOV40-531.1
DEC42-561.2

*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches

 

SAN PEDRO ATACAMA

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN50-760.9
FEB50-750.2
MAR48-730.1
APR44-700.1
MAY38-660.0
JUN33-610.0
JUL33-610.0
AUG35-640.0
SEP40-690.1
OCT43-720.1
NOV46-740.1
DEC48-750.1

*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches

 

EASTER ISLAND

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN68-812.8
FEB68-813.3
MAR68-803.8
APR66-774.8
MAY64-746.0
JUN62-724.2
JUL60-704.1
AUG60-703.7
SEP60-713.4
OCT61-732.7
NOV63-752.9
DEC65-783.4

*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches

 

Weather (Argentina)

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

Luxury Patagonia & Wineries

Pricing
Per Person
$13,120
Domestic Airfare:
$1,150 Airfare: Buenos Aires/Mendoza – Mendoza/Bariloche – Bariloche/El Calafate (subject to change)
$350 Airfare: Punta Arenas/Santiago (subject to change)
 
Single Supplement: $5,995
A single supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy.
 

Included in tour cost
  • All land and sea transportation during the itinerary
  • 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

Luxury Patagonia & Wineries

Trip Dates
Luxury Patagonia and Wineries dates are based around your schedule and availability at the hotels. The trip operates from November through April each season. Please contact us for details.
Available
Luxury Hotel - Torres Del Paine
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
Luxury Hotel - Buenos Aires
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
Luxury Hotel - El Calafate
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.

One Day

Multi-Day

patagonia travelSouthern 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)

 
mount fitzroy patagoniaSadly, I am back from my AMAZING trip to S. America. I just wanted to thank you for everything. Your professionalism, responsiveness, & knowledge of S. America were incredible. I truly had the trip of a lifetime thanks to Southern Explorations. You guys left no stone unturned from the Galapagos, to Peru, to Chile, to Patagonia..............my expectations were exceeded 10-fold. I already recommended you guys to the gentleman on the plane next to me. It was really nice to get to meet Justin in Patagonia. It is obvious how hard he has worked to establish such strong contacts, guides, etc. I could tell that our guides were a step above the rest. I just wanted to thank you for making my dream come true. My mom & I will never forget this the rest of our lives. - Ami Jampolis (Galapagos Island Cruise, Peru, Chile & Patagonia)

mount fitzroy patagoniaFrom 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)
 

“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)

“The Southern Explorations team did a fantastic job helping us plan our Galapagos adventure in 2011 and our Torres del Paine/Australis Magellan Straits cruise 2015.  They were extremely helpful in planning our trips and quickly responded to each of our questions. We will definitely seek their services to assist in any future travels.” - Sharon McRae (Cruceros Australis + Hotel Las Torres) 

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 definitely travel with you again. - Lisa Goldman (Luxury Patagonia)

“I am so happy that I used Southern Explorations!  I thought that your trip (with extensions) was very well-designed.  We appreciated the more luxurious travel and the flexibility that was afforded us.  The hotels were all wonderful and our guides ranged from good to excellent.  We hiked almost every day (a major concern of my husband).  We were afforded some solitude on even the most popular trails because we were able to have earlier departures than were available to a large group. Our overall aim on this trip was to maximize our hiking opportunities while exploring Patagonia and the Atacama Desert. We also wanted to stay in very comfortable hotels.  Everyone at Southern Explorations (and particularly Eric Bartanen who made the arrangements) was friendly, courteous  and efficient.  We tinkered a little with an already well designed Southern Explorations trip to produce a  marvelous trip that exceeded my expectations.  The arrangements were flawless.  I was very impressed by the quality of the accommodations, the guides and the drivers.” - Janet Luck (Luxury Patagonia + Alto Atacama)

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)

The Southern Explorations team did a fantastic job helping us plan our Galapagos adventure in 2011 and our Torres del Paine/Australis Magellan Straits cruise 2015. They were extremely helpful in planning our trips and quickly responded to each of our questions. We will definitely seek their services to assist in any future travels.   - Sharon McRae (Torres del Paine/Galapagos)

Thank you for a wonderful introduction to South America and excellent vacation. We will be returning to other SA venues in the coming years and will be sure to contact Southern Explorations for assistance. - Gordon McPhee, South Carolina (Chile & Argentina)

 

 

Chile - 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 Chile?
A: Chile can be visited year-round, although the southern regions are generally best visited in the Spring, Summer and Fall, which run from October through April. Northern Chile, due to its high desert, is pleasant to visit year round. Central Chile, in the Andes, becomes a skiers paradise from late-June to mid-September. Contact an Adventure Travel Coordinator to discuss the best timing for your preferred tour.
Q: What is the weather like in Chile?
A: Chile is a long country, spanning many climatic zones, and offers weather systems ranging from warm, high desert to cold tundra. Patagonia is famous for having “all four seasons in one day,” while the Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on earth. Contact an Adventure Travel Coordinator today to discuss the weather on your trip.
Q: What is a typical day like in Chile? 
A: The typical day varies widely from trip to trip, but all tours will have full days with guided exploration. There is time for rest and relaxation, as well as independent exploration of the cities and towns you visit. Due to the remote nature of Chile’s most scenic areas, some long travel days will be required.
Q: How much time do we need to visit Chile?
A: Although we have trips as short as 5 days, we highly recommend spending at least 7 days in Chile, and ideally 12. Chile has many fascinating regions and some of the most beautiful areas are quite remote, requiring extended travel time.
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 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 Chile and the occasional 3-star property that meets our standards. We also work with several amazing 5-star properties and all-inclusive lodges. 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 Chile.
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: How will I do laundry during the trip?
A: Patagonian hotels charge very affordable rates for doing a guest’s laundry. You will also have access to laundry facilities on most days in major cities. Some of the Patagonian experiences will be true ‘wilderness’ style camping with only a river or lake as a water supply. Some locations have washing facilities where guests may do laundry. Bring biodegradable soap if you wish to do your own laundry. Please refer to the full itinerary or contact us for details.
Q: I’ve heard Patagonia is very remote. What if I have a medical emergency on the trip?
A: Some of our trips take passengers into some primitive wilderness areas. Our guides are trained in wilderness first-aid. To ensure the safety of our travelers, our guides are linked with outside services 24 hours a day in all locations to provide assistance when necessary. Though our guides carry extensive first aid equipment for minor ailments, injuries and accidents, they cannot handle serious medical conditions, and passengers are advised to obtain health or travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. There are small hospitals in the Patagonia region, some with 24-hour medical assistance that can deal with minor injuries and illnesses. In the rare event of an accident or broken bone, passengers would be evacuated from the wilderness area (probably by horse) and continue on the long drive out. Helicopters are available for emergencies but cannot fly during high winds. Any passengers with a medical condition or using medication should discuss this with us prior to travel.
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.