Beautiful hikes and scenery
Argentina
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Dec 22 - Jan 1, 2026
We had an amazing time in El Chalten and Ushuaia. Erin was very patient in organising things to suit our interests, and dealt with lots of changes and tweaks as we finalised our flight details and other parts of our month long trip elsewhere. Highlights were our treks in El Chalten (delicious lunches delivered to our hotel each morning) and walking with the Penguins on the Isla Martillo. We didn't really see much of Buenos Aires as being December 31/January 1 as most places were closed (had we known we might have chosen to spend out time elsewhere on those days). The accomodation was excellent throughout as were our guides Laura and Martin in Ushuaia. The scenery from El Chalten to Ushuaia is spectacular and we would go back in an instant.
Hotel Reviews
Very comfortable and clean hotel with great breakfast options. We had a quiet room facing the side of the building (rooms facing the roads may not be so quiet) and found the rooms to be quite spacious. Bathroom was nice and roomy too. It was great to be able to adjust the heating to our taste (not always the case in hotels).
Modern boutique hotel with very comfortable beds, great aircon (essential in BA), well equipped and roomy bathroom and all very clean. Nice options for breakfast and good coffee. Nicolas on the front desk was a treasure. My only point would be that the rooms are quite noisy and we could clearly hear people in the room above, and were woken several times by people returning to their rooms late.
Activity Reviews
The glacier itself is of course spectacular, and we appreciated being able to walk around and enjoy the numerous pathways at our own pace. The sounds of the glacier was also amazing surprise - did not expect it and when we could find a quieter section to sit and listen was quite humbling.
Laura was an excellent guide on this fascinating overview of the history, flora and fauna of the national park, which is truly beautiful. Personally would have preferred one long hike as opposed to driving between three shorter walks but this is a personal preference. My recommendation would be to ask for more details of the day before confirming (which is what I wish I had done)
It was such a special experience to walk among the penguins, and learn about their lives. It was reassuring to hear how protected they are despite the tourism (their numbers are growing, a good sign) and our guide Pablo was perfectly strict about respecting them and their environment, which I really appreciated. A long boat trip there, for part of which we did see seals and cormorants, and a long bus trip back (great for a nap) but all worth it for the experience.
Mixed feelings on this trek - the view at the end was absolutely spectacular so well worth the effort, and the walk through varied landscapes to get there was also appreciated.
