Itinerary

Day 1 Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, located on the southern shore of the Río de la Plata. The city has a spectacular legacy of architecture and parks, and its citizens consider themselves European. It is famous for the tango, superb restaurants, and the best shopping on the continent. The city has numerous museums related to history, and art in its many forms; fine, modern, decorative, popular, sacred and arts and crafts, as well as theatre and popular music. It is also known for its preserved homes of noted art collectors, writers, composers and artists.

Enjoy a private airport (International) transfer with professional driver and English speaking Guide.

Upon arrival by air in to Buenos Aires' International Airport (Ezeiza/EZE), Americans and Canadians are required to pay a reciprocity fee of $131 USD for Americans and $70 USD for Canadians. Other nationalities will vary. Upon payment for Americans, cash (Argentine Pesos or American Dollars), credit card or travelers checks, a receipt will be stapled at the back of your passport and is valid for the duration of the passport. Subject to change without notice. For Canadians, the reciprocity tax will be valid for one entry only. Please consult with the Argentine consulate for full details.

Buenos Aires is where it all happens, and we want you to immerse yourself in its beauty, history, and sheer radiance. Enjoy a private guided, half-day panoramic tour, discovering the rich parks and open spaces of the Northern Neighborhood and the eye-catching buildings and grounds of Palermo and Recoleta, in the comfort of a private vehicle. After being picked up from your hotel, you'll be driven to the Obelisk; a distinct symbol of the city. After that, you will visit different squares such as Plaza de Mayo, Plaza San Martín, Plaza del Congreso and some of the main avenues such as Corrientes, de Mayo, and 9 de Julio. Enjoy views in the historical neighborhoods of La Boca, San Telmo, Montserrat and the elegant neighborhoods of Palermo, Recoleta, and the modern Puerto Madero. Breathe in the fresh air as you pass through parks such as Lezama, Tres de Febrero and the Ecological Reserve. En route you will also get to visit financial and commercial areas and Soccer Stadiums. At the end of your tour you will be dropped back at your hotel.

Esplendor Palermo Soho Hotel is intimate, captivating and modern. These are just some of the characteristics that distinguish a boutique hotel specially thought for serenity and relaxation, which is located in one of the areas of Buenos Aires most concerned about fashion and design. The hotel features 27 rooms Concept and Suites, which exhibit works of renown Argentine artists and are equipped with the maximum comfort: Wi-Fi, LCD TV, beds with pillow top and mini-bar. The terrace on the top floor is a unique place with panoramic view, which can also be enjoyed in winter by the fireplace.

Overnight at Esplendor Palermo Soho.

Day 2 Buenos Aires

There are so many things to see and do in the city of Buenos Aires that you will be spoiled for choice. Consider a half day coastal train ride from Buenos Aires, taking in some of the sights of the city before arriving to the city of Tigre which is situated on the Lower Delta of the Paraná River, where a group of islands and streams open up like a fan. Enjoy a sail through this area and see how the complex river branches have formed attractive natural scenery and environmental landscape frequented by local wildlife. Alternatively, avail of one of the great golf courses in the suburbs of the city. Enjoy a shared tour to a traditional Argentine ranch where you can enjoy a bbq meal and see some local dances and watch the gaucho countryman perform riding, taming, and lasso tricks. Or spend the day in nearby Uruguay visiting Colonia and/or Montevideo - both historical towns worth visiting, each of which include a sailing trip from Buenos Aires. If you are interested in art, tango, cooking or exploring the cafe culture of Buenos Aires, consider a themed private tour. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in any of these tour options.

A visit to Buenos Aires would be incomplete without a tango show. Watch as professional Tango dancers take the room by storm, whipping feet, hair, dresses and heels along the floor and enchanting the audience with the romance and heat of this dance. The Argentine Tango has drawn its influences from all regions and settings, and is famous for its intermingling of styles and fusions of world dance techniques. Embrace this authentic dance in the place where it originated, as you enjoy dinner and drinks. Enjoy the unique sexual magnetism of the Tango performed by some of the best Tango dancers and singers. Its origins are traced back to the 1880’s, and its birthplace are the suburbs: which accounts for its deep malevolent, sexual, violent and troublemaker contents. Tango is – since its origins – a vital expression mixed up with the particular form of breathing, dressing, talking, and loving of the “porteños” that creates a new style: The Tango Style. Taste the most delightful typical Argentine and international dishes, the specialty is prime beef, with the best local wines in a charming atmosphere with excellent service. A superb orchestra will make you discover the secret of the music of Buenos Aires. At the end of the evening, you will be returned to your hotel.

Overnight at Esplendor Palermo Soho.

Day 3 El Calafate

El Calafate is a little village in Patagonia, Argentina. It is situated in the southern border of Lake Argentino, in the southwest part of the Santa Cruz Province, about 320 km Northwest from Río Gallegos. The city is an important tourist destination as the hub to visit different parts of the Los Glaciares National Park, including the Perito Moreno Glacier (one of the most visited in the world) and the Cerro Chaltén and Cerro Torre.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver and English speaking Guide.

Fly from Buenos Aires domestic airport to El Calafate. Please note that flights are subject to changes based on availability. The flight duration is approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes.

Enjoy a private transfer from El Calafate Airport to/from Alta Vista with vehicle and driver.

“El Calafate Balcony” is doubtlessly an activity where visitors can feel the quietness created by the silence in that place. Moreover, visitors have the possibility of gazing at the immensity of a landscape where the steppe’s dryness gives way to civilization until it blends into the Argentino Lake and the mountains.
The trip sets off from El Calafate to later on reach 1050 mts above sea level until it reaches the first Balcony where visitors enjoy a panoramic view of El Calafate and the Eastern side of the Argentino Lake. With no clouds in the sky, visitors may also be able to see both the Chaltén and Torre mounts as well as the condor’s flight.
The trip goes on until it reaches the Stones’ Labyrinth, an 85 million year-old Cretacic formation where vehicles start descending towards the “Sombreros” stones, the place chosen to have a snack and something to drink.
Without leaving the Argentino Lake’s image behind, the trip back to Calafate begins in order to complete the 35 kilometre tour.
It includes: a snack: coffee, tea and madeleines
Duration: 3 hours

Near the southernmost tip of South America, Argentine Patagonia is a wild and beautiful land of lofty mountains, deep-water lakes, and sprawling glaciers. It begs to be explored - but right now, you're happy to contemplate turquoise Argentino Lake from the in-bedroom bath of your suite at Esplendor El Calafate. Home to 57 rooms and suites, this smartly modern boutique hotel pays homage to its remote setting at the bottom of the world. The furniture and décor combine natural materials such as stone, native-sand plaster, and incense timber with resin, wood veneer, and colorful fiber. All suites at Esplendor El Calafate feature entertainment systems and king-sized beds - touches not lost on weary adventurers returning from a day at nearby Perito Moreno Glacier. Save some energy for Iglú Bar & Restaurant, which serves local cuisine and signature cocktails. Like the rest of the hotel, it's a delightfully refined window on the unspoiled Patagonian landscape.

Overnight at Hotel Esplendor.

Day 4 El Calafate

Your private driver and guide will pick you up at the hotel lobby to take you on a full day guided excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier (this excursion is lead by a guide and shared with other visitors aboard the ship).

Perito Moreno is one of Argentina's prime touristic attractions. Located only 2 hours away from El Calafate, the 30 km (19 mi) long glacier, is one of 48 glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field located in the Andes system shared with Chile, and is the world's third largest reserve of fresh water. The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of only three Patagonian glaciers that are not retreating. A large visitor centre at the site features a walking circuit which allows views of both faces, and the surface of the glacier to be seen. There is also a restaurant at the site, if you feel like stopping and having some lunch (not included). Throughout the day your guide will explain the general features of the glacier and give specific details of Glacier Perito Moreno's flora and fauna, and its particular formation.

The return transfer is with your private vehicle, only with the driver, not a guide. There is the option of including an hour and a half ice trekking on the glacier if you wish. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if this is of interest.

Overnight at Hotel Esplendor.

Day 5 El Calafate

Nestled in the core of the Los Glaciares National Park, estancia Cristina unveils its history and its natural environment. Outdoor activities, high Patagonian cuisine and multiple panoramic vantage points are wisely combined into a stay that is second to none. Its privileged location offers the best land access to the Upsala Glacier and the continental ice fields and turns it into a unique haven.

In order to reach estancia Cristina, it is necessary to get on board a luxurious catamaran which leaves from Paraje de la Cruz, 40 kilometers from El Calafate, at the Punta Bandera harbor at 7:45am. The estancia can only be reached through lake transportation. Before reaching destination, the boat sails amid ice floes and impressive landscapes located off the western shores of the Upsala Glacier. One of the most beautiful views of the glacier is its large ice flows floating adrift to the will of the wind along the Northern Arm and across Lake Argentino. The wind, the sun and the rain give shape to them.

Once at the estancia, visitors' dreams come true as they go on exploration trips on 4 x 4 vehicles, on horseback or hike and climb around the area (guides for activities at an extra cost, to be paid locally).

After an intense tour in the surroundings, where they will discover the history of the estancia and the privileged vantage points will show the best of the glacier, travelers will discover the local flora and fauna and then return to the shelter to have lunch. Chef Lorena Papasergio has wisely created a cuisine style that mingles regional flavors with signature cuisine and her dishes have her unquestionable mark. Ingredients are carefully selected. The best Argentinean meat, the Patagonian lamb and tasty smoked cheese stand out in this unique experience for the palate.

After lunch (not included in tour cost), all activities are resumed in order to discover other nooks of this particular estancia. The scientific base of the Instituto del Hielo Continental Patagónico Argentino, the Upsala, Upsala Glacier, Murallón Glacier, Cono Glacier and Nido de Cóndores refuge is visited. Visitors may access the mountain shelter, where they will see ancient radios. They will be amazed to see the view from the Upsala vantage point with a different perspective of the endless glacier. At sunset, the tour returns to the estancia harbor in order to head for Puerto Bandera once again. A snack is served on the boat and passengers are entertained with chocolates as souvenirs.

This excursion takes all day and finishes about 7:45 pm.

Overnight at Hotel Esplendor.

Day 6 El Chaltén

Located 200km north of El Calafate, El Chaltén is a small mountain village in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. It is located in the riverside of Río de las Vueltas, within the Los Glaciares National Park at the base of Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy mountains, both popular for climbing. For this reason this village is well-visited by trekkers and climbers.

Enjoy a private transfer with your own vehicle and driver from El Calafate to El Chalten. The journey is approximately 4 hours.

Hostería El Pilar, surrounded by native forests, is an antique Patagonian country house, similar to the ones inhabited by the pioneers who populated Patagonia. The hostel offers 10 very comfortable rooms in a warm and cozy atmosphere, each with private bath and view of the mountain range. It is of country-rustic style offering simple, but comfortable bedrooms in a timber-constucted building. A nice open fire is usually roaring in the dining room where wholesome home-cooked food awaits.

Overnight at Hostería El Pilar.

Day 7 El Chaltén

At about 8:30 am you will be picked up at your hotel, by van, which will take you along a route to Lodge El Pilar (18 km), where you start the hike to Fitz Roy. Venturing through the valley of Rio Blanco, you can see the first viewpoint to Piedras Blancas Glacier. From there you will walk another 1.5 hours until you reach the Rio Blanco Camp site, where another hour up the trail allows you to reach the Laguna de los Tres. From the lake, there are even better panoramic views of Cerro Fitz Roy! You can also see Laguna Sucia and Lago Viedma in the distance. After enjoying lunch (included), we start the return to El Chaten taking the trail to Laguna Capri. The tour finishes at approximately 6:00 pm.

Overnight at Hostería El Pilar.

Day 8 El Chaltén

Your private, escorte ride will arrive at 9:00 am to pick you up at your hotel. We will take the Laguna Torre trailhead from El Chalten. After an hour of hiking we will reach the look out point of Cerro Torre. From here, we walk another two hours until we reach the Laguna Torre (600m above sea level), one of the principle attractions of the area. After lunch (included), we return back to El Chalten along the same trail. We should arrive in the late afternoon.

Overnight at Hostería El Pilar.

Day 9 Buenos Aires

Enjoy a private transfer with your own vehicle and driver from El Chalten to El Calafate. The journey is approximately 4 hours.

Fly from El Calafate to Buenos Aires domestic airport. Flights are subject to changes based on availability. The flight duration is approximately 3 hour.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver and English speaking Guide.

Esplendor Palermo Soho Hotel is intimate, captivating and modern. These are just some of the characteristics that distinguish a boutique hotel specially thought for serenity and relaxation, which is located in one of the areas of Buenos Aires most concerned about fashion and design. The hotel features 27 rooms Concept and Suites, which exhibit works of renown Argentine artists and are equipped with the maximum comfort: Wi-Fi, LCD TV, beds with pillow top and mini-bar. The terrace on the top floor is a unique place with panoramic view, which can also be enjoyed in winter by the fireplace.

Overnight at Esplendor Palermo Soho.
    
Day 10 Buenos Aires

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver and English speaking Guide.

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