Sunday, January 13 – Arrival in Buenos Aires – Tour Begins
Welcome to Argentina! Today, join us for an Amazing Journeys Welcome and Group Orientation. After, we’ll begin to learn our way around Buenos Aires, enjoying several different neighborhoods including San Telmo, the best kept historical neighborhood and oldest district of Buenos Aires; Recoleta, one of the most glamorous areas of the city and where we’ll have some time to walk through the important cemetery here where Eva Peron and many other dignitaries are buried; and known to have the trendiest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, Palermo Soho & Palermo Hollywood. This area is filled with boutiques, fashionable cafes and trendy restaurants. All of these neighborhoods come alive on Sunday when they have their weekend markets. Tonight, we’ll have a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Monday, January 14 – Buenos Aires – El Calafate
This morning we’ll set off to see more of Buenos Aires and discover the areas of Plaza de Mayo and La Boca. At the Plaza De Mayo, you’ll see the Casa Rosada (Government House), the Metropolitan Cathedral where the current Pope Francis used to celebrate religious services when he was Cardinal of Buenos Aires, and the Cabildo (first City Hall), built during the Spanish rule. At the other end of the Plaza De Mayo is the Congress building. We’ll stop along the way at several Jewish sites as well. We’ll visit Caminito Street in La Boca, the most colorful in the city, full of local painters offering their Tango pictures as tango dancers perform in the streets. This afternoon, we will transfer to the airport for our flight to El Calafate. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a group dinner at our hotel. (B, D)
Tuesday, January 15 – El Calafate
Possibly the most famous area of Argentina, El Calafate, and the neighboring El Chalten, sit right on the edge of the Southern Ice Field, the second largest body of ice on the planet. A must for all visitors to Argentina is a visit to Glacier Perito Moreno at Los Glaciares National Park. It forms part of the Patagonian Continental Ice Field from which 13 glaciers descend on the Atlantic side to flow into the Viedma and Argentino Lakes. The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the few in the world which still advances forming a wall and containing the Brazo Rico waters. The continuous slides from its frozen walls astonish you at any time throughout the year. Los Glaciares National Park entrance is located about an hour outside of El Calafate town. Today we will enjoy a full day tour of the area and discover the breathtaking glacier views via walking tours across the catwalks. Tonight is a free night to enjoy one of the many restaurants in town. (B, L)
Wednesday, January 16 – El Calafate
Today we’ll visit Los Glaciares National Park and the famous Upsala Glacier. On our day of discovery, we’ll be sailing through the Argentino Lake to take in the beauty among the icebergs and mountains. We’ll climb onto our 4×4 adventure vehicles and tour the surrounding area, stopping at an amazing view of the Upsala Glacier. At Estancia Cristina, we’ll be doing a 45 minute trek, surrounded by the Andes mountains, glaciers and Argentino Lake and get in touch with nature in a unique, remote environment, reminiscent of the culture and lifestyle of the pioneers and explorers of a past century. We’ll visit the front of Upsala Glacier, Lake Guillermo, Southern Patagonian Ice and Andes Mountains on our day-long visit to Los Glaciares National Park. (B, L, D)
Thursday, January 17 – El Calafate – El Chalten
This morning we drive from El Calafate to El Chalten which has become the National Capital of Trekking in Patagonia because of the magnificent stunning mountains, glaciers and lakes in the area. We’ll be doing some trekking today to Chorrillo del Salto Waterfall, an easy three-hour walk through a lengas and ñires forest which takes us to a beautiful waterfall, hidden by a forest. Tonight you’ll have a free evening to enjoy a local meal and explore the area. (B)
Friday, January 18 – El Chalten
Today will be a spectacular day of hiking on this unforgettable trek in this region. We’ll take in a full day of trekking in Los Glaciares National Park, close to the border with Chile. We’ll enjoy some impressive scenery during our day of hiking to see Mount Fitz Roy and the surrounding lakes, mountains and glaciers. Along the way we’ll see lagoons of different shades of blue, imposing glaciers and campgrounds visited by famous international climbers. We depart El Chaltén on the Fitz Roy footpath. After about 20 minutes of ascent, we’ll arrive at the Valley of the Vueltas River viewpoint, a perfect example of the “U” shape valley carved by the glaciations in Patagonia. After some more gentle climbing, we arrive at the viewpoint of the Fitz Roy massif, where we’ll witness the splendor the peaks of the S, Saint Exupéry, Poincenot, Fitz Roy, Mermoz and Guillaumet. We continue for two hours on a flat part of the trail, walking through beautiful lenga forests inhabited by countless varieties of birds that will accompany you with their song before reaching the campground Río Blanco. You’ll climb 1200 feet before arriving at Lagoon of the Three where we’ll be rewarded with majestic views and the grandeur of the Fitz Roy, the Glacier of the Three and its lagoon. From here, we’ll circle Lagoon of the Three and head towards the viewpoint of the Laguna Sucia and its glacier. These breathtaking views are amazing! After a rest and a picnic lunch, we’ll begin the descent and walk back to El Chaltén passing by Capri Lagoon, a favorite spot for photographers. This evening, join together with our Amazing Journeys community as we welcome Shabbat together. After, we’ll join together for a Shabbat dinner. (B, L, D)
Saturday, January 19 – El Chalten
Today we’ll be hiking at Torre Lagoon, one of the classic treks in El Chalten, where you’ll find an impressive view of the Torre Massif, the Adela Range, Mount Solo and their respective glaciers. The footpath will take us through a wide range of landscapes, forests and panoramic spots. From El Chaltén you head off on the Torre Lagoon footpath and after a small climb you enter a small ñires wood. From here, the path starts to gain height and straighten up alongside the Fitz Roy River until we arrive at a viewpoint of the river canyon and the Margarita Waterfall. The panorama presents the valley of the Fitz Roy River and its serpentine course whose bed is filled with water, and as the backdrop the singular Mount Solo, the Adela Range and the impressive Mount Torre. After about an hour of walking we arrive at the Mount Torre viewpoint. Here we’ll see the most of the magnificent views of Mount Torre, the Adela Range and glaciers and enjoy a short break. Our next two hours will be hiking through grand lenga forests, crossing old glacial moraines and wet plains formed by the previous courses of the river until we arrive at Torre Lagoon. Here, we may spot a wide range of birds, including the Magellanic woodpecker. At Torre Lagoon, look for huge icebergs which have fallen off the Torre glacier face. We’ll continue our walk, ending the day back at El Chalten where the evening will be free for relaxation. (B, L)
Sunday, January 20 – El Chalten – Mendoza
This morning we fly to the region of Mendoza, known for its Malbec grape and the delicious wines known the world over. Upon arrival, we’ll be taken to our hotel located right in the center of town. Tonight, enjoy dinner at one of the many options in town. (B)
Monday, January 21 – Mendoza
Enjoy discovering one of the best wine areas in Argentina. We’ll taste our way through Mendoza as we experience Malbec wines that this area is known for, visiting several vineyards to understand the culture of this region. Visit Mendoza’s agricultural oasis as we visit three wineries. Lunch will be included at a local bodega. Our local guide will explain the technique of wine tasting, wine production, the importance of the cork in the bottle and the correct way to handle a glass in order to taste wine. This evening, enjoy the city of Mendoza and the local eateries in the area. (B, L)
Tuesday, January 22 – Mendoza
Today we will offer some optional tours, or spend the day relaxing in town. You will have your choice (additional cost) of either enjoying a second day of wine tasting by visiting some of the best wineries in Argentina, or taking part in a six hour trek to the camp base “Confluencia,” walking the same trails used by the trekkers who try to reach South America’s highest mountain. Tonight, join together for an Amazing Journeys Farewell Dinner. (B, D)
Wednesday, January 23 – Mendoza – Buenos Aires – Tour Ends
This morning, we’ll be transferred to the airport for our flight to Buenos Aires. Our tour will end at the domestic airport. Some will be continuing on to Iguazu Falls and others will transfer to the International airport for their flight home. (B)
Our Hotels
Day 1 Hotel Intersur Recoleta, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Day 2-4 Hotel Xelena, El Calafate, Argentina
Day 5-7 Hotel Destino Sur Lodge, El Chalten, Argentina
Day 8-10 Huentala Hotel, Mendoza, Argentina
Please note:
Alternate hotels may be used
The order of the tour may change
The highest elevation on this trip is 3,600 feet (unless you are doing the optional hike on Day 10 where the elevation is approximately 10,200 feet).
All rooms are non-smoking where we match roommates. Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website.
Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until June 7, 2018, there is a $100 penalty for cancellation. From June 8 – October 9, 2018, the cancellation penalty is the amount of the deposit. From October 10 – November 27, 2018 the cancellation penalty is 50% of the total package price including intra-air. From November 28, 2018 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the total package price including intra-air. Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey.
Travel Protection: Amazing Journeys recommends you purchase Travel Protection. Information will be sent with your trip confirmation.
Flights and Transfers: Airfare is not included with the tour cost. All passengers are required to take our group intra-air packages. For the Patagonia component, the rate is $758 (for 3 flights, including taxes) and for the Iguazu Falls Post-trip, the rate is $365 (for 2 flights, including taxes). Airport transfers are not included, however, we will provide you will options for purchase at the time of final payment. It is important that you not purchase airfare until you receive a confirmation letter from Amazing Journeys which will contain specific flight parameters.
Taxes and Gratuities: Taxes, surcharges, visa fees and government fees are subject to change. Gratuities for the tour manager, local drivers, specialty guides, luggage porters and included meals are included in the cost of the tour.
Passport and Visa: A Passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. Two blank passport pages must be available in your passport.
Argentina – Argentina has a reciprocity fee which works similar to getting a visa. US citizens are not required to have this, however those from Canada and Australia are.
Brazil – For those continuing on to Iguazu Falls who want to visit the Brazilian side of the falls, there is a visa required for citizens of all countries. The fee for US citizens is $160 and $80 for those from all other countries.
Please note that all visa and reciprocity fee information as well as rates may change from time-to-time. It is up to the individual traveler to know the most current rules before traveling.
Visas and reciprocity fees must be obtained in advance of your arrival however may not be obtained prior to 90 days before travel.
This tour is operated by SAT
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