Argentina Patagonia, Biking and Wine Tour
Argentina is located in South America and is the second largest country in Latin America and eighth largest in the world. It boasts the highest and the lowest points in South America. Spanish is the official language spoken. While Argentina’s big cities have a lot of urban comforts to offer like the bustle and tango of Buenos Aires which is a passionate, dynamic city that’s always on the move. Reminiscent of a cosmopolitan and cultured European city: city life really flashes and passes you by at a very brisk pace. There are chic boutiques, restaurants and hip bars spotted around the city, but step into a milonga and the mysterious rituals of the tango that originated centuries ago. However the real purpose is always to propel our adventurers into the greatest attraction offered by Argentina, the natural surroundings and beautiful landscapes that await.
From the steamy equatorial jungles to the loud roaring splash of icebergs in Los Glaciares National Park.The country is home to some of the Andes’ most lofty peaks, quite a few of them top six thousand metres near Mendoza as well as San Juan. We endeavour to explore this amazing region, admiring all the spectacular views of the area known as the Paine massif, with upright towering granite, extensive glaciers and spectacular bright blue lakes you’ll find our treks and the views that come with it will leave you breathless. Come here and experience one of the most remote wilderness destinations of the world.
Argentina is also home to rich swamplands that could rival Brazil’s famous Pantanal area, majestic peaks painted in the most majestic rustic colours, deserts that are dotted with cacti as far as the eye can see, massive fields of ice and arid savanna’s in Patagonia, cool swamp Valdivian forests, Andean salt flats, glacial lakes containing a spectacular Lake District, penguins, armadillos, oppossum, caimans, flamingos and more. There are so many unforgettable sights and sounds for you to experience making Argentina one of the most amazing countries in the world to visit.
Tour Highlights include
Sampling the cuisine, culture and night life of Buenos Aires. Tango lessons and a professional tango dinner show are all available. Check out the world’s southernmost city Ushuaia. Whitewater rafting will be an option for many on this amazing trip. Travel through the beautiful Argentine wine country. Have you ever experienced an Argentine Malbec, Cabernet or Syrah? This country is now the fifth largest producer of wine in the world. Our trip dishes up several wine regions of South American with some incredible food pairings. Cooking classes and learning how to make chimichurri to add to that wonderful red meat you’ll be indulging in throughout this country.
Trekking in Glacier National Park and Torres del Paine, become awe struck at Perito Moreno Glacier, admire and soak in the pristine scenery of Patagonia a must see destination for adventure travelers. Optional kayaking day trips will be available as well boat trips and ice climbing. We will spend several days hiking and exploring this incredible place.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Buenos Aires
Welcome to Argentina! Upon arrival in Buenos Aires you will be met at the airport and will be transferred privately to your hotel. On your first day in the city you will be contacted by one of our Destination Hosts, who will go over the details of your itinerary, provide you with the printed documentation, and add any information you might need. She/he will be your local contact while you are traveling with us and will be ready to answer your questions, give you tips about places to go, restaurants to eat and anything else you might be interested in. Not just about Buenos Aires, also about the different places you will visit during your whole itinerary. You will have the rest of the day to enjoy this vibrant city, leaving you the remainder of the day to explore the historic neighborhoods and enjoy the cafe culture of Buenos Aires. Will meet up as a group and go for a welcoming dinner at a local restaurant near our hotel. Meals included: Dinner
Day 2 – Buenos Aires Bike Tour & Tango Show
In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel to enjoy our Bike City Tour. Over the course of a half day you will have the chance to visit the historical and political centre of the city; San Telmo with its cobblestone streets, La Boca where Buenos Aires turns colorful and tango is ever present & Puerto Madero. Riding around this neighborhood we will stop at “La Reserva Ecologica” park. In the evening you will be picked up from your hotel to be driven to one of Buenos Aires’ most emblematic cultural highlight’s; a Dinner and Tango Show offering a spectacular demonstration of the finest local dancing accompanied by delicious Argentine cuisine and all the malbec you’d like.
Day 3 – Buenos Aires / El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier
At the appropriate time in the morning you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to El Calafate.
Welcome to Southern Patagonia! El Calafate is located in the Patagonian steppe, dry and dramatic. It is on the border of Lago Argentino (Argentina’s biggest lake), considered capital of the glaciers. It is the gateway to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the only glaciers in the world that is still advancing. Upon arrival you will leave on a full day excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier, in Los Glaciers National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981 and home to one of the most awe inspiring landscapes in Argentina. Perito Moreno Glacier is a site to behold and you will be amazed. In the evening, you will transfer to the Adventure Domes, where you will spend the next 2 nights. The Adventure Domes in El Calafate are a different way of traveling focusing our senses on the preservation of the environment. (http://adventure-domes.com)
Day 4 – El Calafate: Adventure Domes & Hiking in Peninsula de las Colonias
As soon as we finish with the breakfast, you’ll start an interpretation trek of the flora and the fauna through the peninsula Las Colonias, where guanacos, foxes, ñandúes (a small kind of ostrich) and condors can be seen. This is the day in which you are going to be the closest to nature with nothing but mountains, lakes and forests for miles. You will also appreciate the main wall of Perito Moreno Glacier, located just twelve kilometres from the Adventure Domes.
Day 5 – El Calafate / El Chalten
After breakfast you will have a private transfer to El Chalten. El Chalten is the top rated trekking destination, the Argentinean capital of trekking. Located at the foot of Fitz Roy Mountain, surrounded by glaciers, lakes, rivers and forest, it is still a hidden gem of the south. This charming little village is also the starting point for most paths. It truly is a paradise for walkers and trekkers alike. Upon arrival you will be taken to the hotel. You will have the rest of the day to explore the surroundings, have a stroll around a little waterfall, or just relax in the local brewery.
Day 6 – El Chalten: Mount Fitz Roy & Laguna de los Tres
Be prepared for an exciting day in the wild nature. El Chalten offers a range of options for all difficulty levels for trekking. Full day of trekking with guide (English Speaking) to assist the group to the base of Mount Fitz Roy, Laguna de los Tres. This is the closest spot to Mt. Fitz Roy and with no doubt the most famous of all hikes. This morning, you’ll transfer to Hosteria del Pilar from where you’ll start hiking. After 2 hours of trekking, you’ll already have an excellent view of the Fitz-Roy mountain range. From there, the path continues in ascent approximately 400m until you reach Laguna de los Tres. The trail finishes at the old moraine ridge with an extraordinary view of the lagoon and De los Tres glacier. It takes 8-9 hours in total. Difficulty: medium. Ascent: 700 m. Return to your hotel in El Chalten in the evening.
Day 7 – El Chalten – Mountains and Lakes
Be prepared for another exciting day in this absolutely gorgeous area. El Chalten offers a range of options for all kinds of difficulties of hiking. Full day trekking guide assisted (English Speaking) From the door of your hotel, you can go for a short 3 K walk, with views of the Rio de las Vueltas, lenga forest and the chance to see all kind of birds (great woodpecker spotting opportunity). If you are looking for great mountain views, in one hour and a half you can be at the Cerro Torre view point. For trekking fans, continue all the way to Torre base (So, if the group is active that`s the hiking option we recommend) However you can also choose where and when to go, and at your own pace, since the paths are selfguided and very well marked and maintained. We will provide you with complete trekking information of the park, so that you can decide the best plan to make the best of your day.
Day 8 – El Chalten / El Calafate / Mendoza
At the appropriate time you will be transferred from your hotel to El Calafate’s airport for your flight to Mendoza. Remember airport taxes are not included; refer to the end of the itinerary for airport tax fee, to be paid locally at the airport.
Welcome to Mendoza! Argentina’s main wine region and heartland for the Malbec grape. This region also has impressive mountains (like Aconcagua, climbers world known summit), outdoor sports (adventurous rafting) and breathtaking landscapes. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel.
Day 9 – Mendoza Wine tour by bike with Gourmet lunch
Today you will experience Argentine wine and learn all about it. On this tour we explore Mendoza’s Wine Road by bicycle, visiting some of the most important wineries in the area.
After a safety briefing, we begin our journey cycling along the Wine Road which will lead us to some of Argentina’s most prestigious wineries. In about 7 hours you will visit three different wineries accompanied by a specialized guide.
Day 10 – Mountain in Las Vegas, Potrerillos
In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel to enjoy a hike in the mountains on trails formed by animals and baqueanos. Potrerillos is located in the Andes mountains, in Luján de Cuyo & Las Heras, it is an ancient settlement consolidated as part of the construction of the Trans-Andean Railway Station at the end of the 19th century. It is 69 km from Mendoza city, on the Andes road. An area of traditional breeding, farms and pastures, it is home to many picturesque spots with distinctive qualities: Las Carditas, El Salto, Las Vegas, Valle del Sol, Piedras Blancas y el Centro de Esquí Vallecitos. This is the perfect location for an informative and enjoyable mountain experience.
Day 11 – Mendoza / Buenos Aires
At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport to take your flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival you will be taken to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Day 12 – Buenos Aires
Volunteering activity. (We are still working on the specifics) or a day at leisure to explore the cobbled, tree lined streets of Palermo Soho. There you’ll be in search of one of a kind Porteño fashion, sit in cafés and enjoy a perfectly aged glass of malbec, or perhaps to sip yerba mate (local tea) out of your newly purchased mate gourd while people watching in one of the parks that make up the Palermo Bosques. Will all meet up at a local restaurant for a farewell dinner.
Day 13 – Buenos Aires
At the appropriate time you will have a private transfer to the international airport for your flight back home. You might have an opportunity to do some more volunteering depending on the time of your departure flight. Have a great trip!
