This journey is designed to be a comprehensive exploration of Argentina's scenic and natural diversity en route to a voyage to Antarctica.  In the tropical north, we include a guided exploration of the spectacular Iguazu Falls World Heritage Site from both its Argentinian and Brazilian side.  In Patagonia, we take you to see the 5km wide Perito Merino Glacier, famous for its dramatic calving into Lake Argentina.  And in Tierra del Fuego, the gateway to Antarctica, we take you into Argentina's first coastal national park set at the tip of South America.

This journey also incorporates time in the charismatic colonial city of Buenos Aires, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in South America.

Iguazu Falls

Higher than Niagara and more than 2km across, this world heritage site is spectacular in its sheer power and size and incredible noise. It sits between the borders of Brazil Argentina and Paraguay at the centre of  550,000 acres of protected Atlantic sub-tropical rainforest.  These forests close to the falls are especially luxuriant, whilst beyond it provides home to wildlife which includes pumas and jaguars, though rarely observed.  More common close to the falls are the South American coati, the endangered tegu lizard and a great diversity of birds, butterflies and other smaller mammal such as guinea pigs.
 
In terms of scenery, the falls rank as one of the most spectacular settings on the continent.  Your guide will take you to see the falls along a 6km network of walkways, platforms and viewpoints.  The best panoramic view of the falls are from the Brazilian side, whilst in Argentina you can experience their full power falls at the entrance to the Devil's Throat.  You can also enjoy a couple of hours white water rafting which can provide a whole new perspective to the scenery.

Los Glaciares National Park

A guided visit to the impressive Los Glaciares National Park will prove a memorable highlight to your stay in Argentina. A designated UNESCO world heritage site, the park covers an area of some 600,000 hectares with 47 glaciers, including the famous Perito Moreno Glacier.  Formed by Pacific precipitation falling into a gap in the Andes, these glaciers are spectacular in size and scale and are amongst the only known growing glaciers in the world.  The Moreno, by far the star of the show, is highly dynamic with a terminus 5km wide. Its 60m high ice face performs dramatic calving on a regular basis. Your base for the visit will be the small but lively town of  El Calafate situated on the border of Lake Argentina.
 
Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine, with its giant, granite towers is just over the border in Chile. A fully guided day trip into and around this National Park is also possible from El Calafate. Camalids (the family that include llamas, alpaca, vicuña and guanacos) roam the grasslands and Andean Condors can be seen hugging the thermals on warm days. The raw and rugged scenery is remarkable, with spectacular bird life. As well as the condor one may observe: black-chested buzzard eagle, Chilean flamingo, austral parakeet, austral pygmy owl, Magellenic woodpecker, Chilean flicker, and rare birds such as the bronze-winged (spectacled) duck, great shrike-tyrant and Patagonian tinamou.

Buenos Aires

Since your international flights will take you through Buenos Aires, the opportunity to spend at least a couple of days in this exciting city should not be missed.  Buenos Aires is known as the Paris of the South and it is full of style and flair, just like the Argentineans themselves. Tree-lined avenues lead past fashionable restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and galleries, many of which are housed in French-style buildings. The city is split into distinct districts, or barrios.  Recoleta is a chic neighbourhood where you can visit Eva Peron's tomb and walk the tree lined avenues. San Telmo, one of the oldest districts, hosts the weekend Antique Market and is famous for its outdoor Tango shows.  The colourfully painted colonial buildings of La Boca form the backdrop for lively street markets, performing local artists and ad hoc tango sidewalk tango.

Tierra Del Fuego National Park

Tierra del Fuego was the site of Argentina's first coastal national park - an area which offers fantastic hiking and real wilderness opportunities.  The wildlife diversity is limited this far south (55º S).  Given this, much of what is found there is rare and localised. The stunted forests are made up of only six tree species, including three Nothofagus species.

For a short visit, we recommend that you enjoy the area by means of a steam train journey (El Tren del Fin de Mundo) and gentle guided trekking our guide will provide you with an insight into the rare and localised ecology found here.  Look for the rare bicoloured hawk, white-throated caracara and three very scarce species: white-bellied seed-snipe, gray-flanked cinclodes and yellow-bridled finch.

Please contact us for sample itineraries.  Please note that all of our itineraries are tailor made and can be adjusted, reduced or added to depending upon your time and interests.

Click here to see a Draft Itinerary

Photographs kindly provided by Chloe Burnett, Emma Laing and Reidun Anette Hagen