Highlights of Argentina & Uruguay: Patagonia, Buenos Aires & Montevideo - 10 Days

Highlights

• Hop in a kayak and paddle up to the massive face of Perito Moreno Glacier
• Go hiking and stargazing in the remote wilds of Patagonia
• See a sultry tango show in Buenos Aires and go canoeing on the Río de la Plata 
• Admire historic plazas and grand architecture on tours of Montevideo
• Sample South America's finest wines in Buenos Aires and Uruguay

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in El Calafate (Argentina), Visit the Glaciarium

Welcome to Patagonia! After a flight transfer in Argentina's capital of Buenos Aires, you'll arrive at the airport in El Calafate. Sitting on the southern shore of Lago Argentino, this town is the gateway to the massive Southern Patagonian Ice Field, home to Los Glaciares National Park. Within this protected area is the region's star, Perito Moreno, a 96-square-mile (250 sq km) ice formation that is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world.

A driver will be waiting at the airport terminal to transfer you to your hotel in town. You can then spend time relaxing or wander around and enjoy the quaint cafés and souvenir shops in town. A little later, you'll learn about the region's famous glaciers on a visit to the Glaciarium, a multimedia center with an ice museum, various interactive displays, and educational information regarding glaciers. A real treat is throwing on a coat, boots, and gloves and enjoying a drink at the museum's first ice bar.

Day 2: Perito Moreno Kayak Tour

By far, the biggest tourist draw in Los Glaciares National Park is Perito Moreno, and this morning, you'll venture to the southwestern end of Lago Argentino to see it in all its glory. But you won't merely view the glacier from far-off observation platforms—you'll hop in a kayak and paddle toward it.

It starts with a vehicle transfer from your hotel to the group meeting point. There, you'll meet an expert kayaking guide who will offer a safety briefing and paddling lesson. Then the adventure begins as you put in at "Iceberg Beach." From there, paddle across the teal waters of Lago Argentino until you're about 1,968 feet (600 m) out from the glacier. At this distance, you'll not only see the awe-inspiring site of "calving"—ice breaking off Perito Moreno's massive walls—but you'll also feel its full reverberating force as the crumbling blocks hit the icy waters.

After enjoying this spectacle of Mother Nature, return to the beach and take a break to enjoy a box lunch. Later, there will be free time to hike the wooden boardwalks to different points where you can snap photos of the glacier. At the end of the day, you'll transfer back to your accommodation in El Calafate. 

Day 3: Patagonia Nature Hike, Astronomy Tour & Dinner

Lace up your hiking boots because this morning, you're off on a half-day hike around the wild Patagonian landscapes near El Calafate. It begins with a transfer by 4WD vehicle a few miles outside of town to a trailhead. There, you'll embark on a 4.3-mile (7 km) hike around valleys, canyons, and rivers that are far off the tourist trail. Besides the interesting flora and fauna in this environment, you'll also spot otherworldly geological formations—some of which contain marine fossils dating back millions of years. 

After the hike, you'll have the rest of the afternoon to relax at your hotel. Then, in the evening, you'll get a celestial introduction to Patagonia when you meet a guide for an astronomy tour. It's a half-day experience that begins with a trip just outside town to El Galpón del Glaciar.

Enjoy dinner here amid panoramic lake views overlooking the lake, then head outside to the shore and do some open-air stargazing with a telescope. As you stare up at the cosmos, your astronomer guide will reveal insights about the galaxies, nebulae, and stars above—as well as the constellations and their mythology. After marveling at the stars and doing a bit of night photography, you'll return to El Calafate.

Day 4: Fly to Buenos Aires, Wine Tasting

City life beckons, as this morning, you'll transfer to the airport and board a plane for the three-hour flight north to Buenos Aires. This grand metropolis is nicknamed the "Paris of the South" due to its Eurocentric roots, wide boulevards, leafy parks, and neoclassical and Baroque architecture. In this city, you can stroll cobbled streets while plaintive notes of tango reverberate from nearby milongas (music halls). 

Upon arrival, a driver will pick you up for the ride to your hotel. After some time to unwind after the flight, you'll meet a guide for a wine and food experience to discover the flavors of Argentina. During this small-group (or private) tasting journey, you'll sample six premium wines from almost every corner of the country. Try the aromatic torrontés white wine from the northwest, the popular pinot noir from the southern Patagonia region, and Argentina's most famous wine of all, malbec, which is produced in western Mendoza. As an added treat, all wines are paired with tasty local snacks and sweets.

Day 5: Day Trip to Tigre & Canoeing 

In the morning, head to the pier and board a boat for a one-hour trip up to the Paraña River Delta. Your destination is Tigre, a Venetian-style village whose small-town atmosphere contrasts with Buenos Aires' bustling energy. Once there, you'll hop in a wooden canoe for a leisurely paddle around the freshwater canals extending from Tigre. During this three-hour excursion, you'll pass riverine forests and sprawling manor homes overlooking the water. There will also be a stop for refreshments and a bite to eat before returning to Tigre's port and returning to Buenos Aires.

Day 6: Buenos Aires Bike Tour, Dinner & Tango Show

There's a lot of Buenos Aires to discover, and you've only got one more day to do it. Luckily, you'll maximize efficiency by traveling around the city on a bicycle. This three-hour ride will take you through the city's historic south. It begins around San Telmo and La Boca—the two oldest neighborhoods in the city. The latter is the site of Buenos Aires' original port and the birthplace of tango music. Today, it's most famous for its historic (and colorful) Caminito Street. La Boca is also home to La Bombonera, the most famous futból stadium in the country.

Continue riding along the cobbled streets of romantic San Telmo, past corner cafés, on your way to Plaza de Mayo. This historic square is where the city was founded in the 16th century and is the site of the Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace). After snapping photos of the palace's pink facade, you'll continue north to the upscale waterfront neighborhood of Puerto Madero. Visit a wetland ecological reserve in the area, then break for lunch at a boardwalk food truck specializing in Argentina's famous grilled meats. From there, finish riding back to the San Telmo area.

After your tour, enjoy dinner and a show at La Ventana in San Telmo. Take in the building's beautifully restored interiors and admire over 30 performers as they sing, play Argentine folk music, and, of course, dance the tango. This is a quintessentially Argentine form of ballroom dance; however, its roots are international—it was born in the port of La Boca from immigrants arriving from Europe, Africa, and elsewhere. If you want even more out of the experience, consider taking a tango lesson or enjoying a wine tasting at the venue.

Day 7: Boat to Montevideo (Uruguay), Carnival "Tablado" Experience

Say adiós to Argentina as you transfer to the port and board a ferry for the three-hour ride across the Río de la Plata to neighboring Uruguay. Your destination is the capital of Montevideo, which enjoys a scenic coastal location on the estuary of the Río de la Plata. (Think of it as a smaller, more laid-back version of Buenos Aires—one that features a gorgeous waterfront.) Founded in the early 18th century by the Spanish, Montevideo has a rich history shaped by colonial rule, independence struggles, and immigration. 

Upon arrival, a driver will take you to your hotel, and you can spend time relaxing or on a self-guided tour. The best place to start is Ciudad Vieja (Old City). It abounds with colonial-era buildings, Art Deco, Beaux-Arts, and eclectic architectural gems.

A little while later, you'll attend a tablado—an event showcasing the colors and flavors of Carnival. This famous religious festival is held before the fasting period of Lent and is famous for its colorful costumes, parades, music, dancing, and revelry. Learn about the deep meaning this epic party holds for the Uruguayans as your English-speaking guide leads the way into this world of music, rhythms, and customs.

Day 8: Montevideo Tour & Mercado del Puerto

Discover the famous sites of Montevideo today on a comprehensive walking tour. Leave after breakfast with your guide as you admire historic buildings like the Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral, stop at charming squares like Plaza Matriz, and take a stroll through the traditional Prado neighborhood. You'll also make a pit stop at the famous Mercado del Puerto to refuel and sample fine Uruguayan beef at one of the famous grills.

After the tour, head back to your hotel for a nap or continue exploring at your own pace. Wander along the Rambla de Montevideo, an extensive promenade stretching along the coast, or relax in the spacious Parque Rodó. Montevideo also has several beaches, such as Pocitos Beach and Ramírez Beach, where you can enjoy the sun and the sea later in the afternoon.

Day 9: Day Trip to Wine Estate & City Tour

This morning, you'll leave the city on a half-day tour of the wine region north of Montevideo. The country's viticulture heritage dates back to when the first Spanish and Italian immigrants brought the grapevine over from Europe. That was around 250 years ago, and today, wine remains a prominent part of Uruguayan culture. See for yourself with a tasting at Bodega Bouzo, a family-run wine estate offering some fine limited-edition bottles. After the wine tasting, you'll sit down for a gourmet lunch in the estate's on-site restaurant.

Upon returning to Montevideo, you'll spend the rest of the afternoon on a half-day tour. This is a good opportunity to hit some of the famous landmarks you might have missed yesterday. These include Plaza Independencia, Plaza Fabini, the Palacio Legislativo (National Congress), Estadio Centenario (the soccer stadium), and more. At the end of the day, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 10: Wine Tour & Lunch, Depart Montevideo

Go out with a bang as you spend your last day in Uruguay on a more comprehensive tour of the region's wine country. Today, you'll visit not one but two estates, each offering various fine Uruguayan wines. Start in the countryside outside Montevideo at Bodega Juanicó. Here, you'll sample Don Pascual wines accompanied by a table of delicious snacks and homemade bread. This pioneering winery, which produces both whites and reds, was the first in the area to build an underground cellar in 1830, enabling incredible quality wines due to the naturally cool environment in the cellar.

Continue to Bodega Pizzorno, located roughly 12 miles (20 km) from Montevideo in Canelón Chico, a prime area for wine production with warm days and cold nights that produce more intensely colored and flavored grapes. Tour the vineyard and taste the best selection of wines and several regional food specialties. End the visit with a three-course lunch paired with complementary wines. Afterward, you'll return to the city, transfer to the airport, and board your flight home. Safe travels!