THE ARGENTINIAN PATAGONIA AUSTRAL – Self Drive

Arrival to the city of Buenos Aires and private transfer to your hotel. Free day at leisure to discover the town.

Overnight in Buenos Aires.

After breakfast, pick up from your hotel for a private city tour through the city. During this tour, you will visit the most beautiful, historical and important places of the city. You will get the chance to do it at your own pace. Discover the history of “Plaza de Mayo” the site of the most important historical events in the country since it ́s foundation. Once you leave May Square along May Avenue and enjoy a coffee at the historical “Café Tortoni”. If you like, take a short trip on the first ever subway line in South America.

Wonder in awe at the oldest residential neighborhood in Buenos Aires: San Telmo. Walk along it ́s cobble-stoned streets and discover its antiques shops and picturesque buildings. Live and feel the original Tango in the neighborhood of La Boca: walk along “Caminito Street” and enjoy the dancers and souvenir shops. See the mythical Boca Juniors soccer stadium. If you will we can take you to the Pasión Boquense Museum and take a look around. On the next stop you can contemplate the modernization of the city while traveling along Madero Port and its exclusive docks walking through Retiro you will come to one of the most aristocratic areas of the city: Recoleta. Once you get there, there ́s a lot to discover, but the most important one is the Recoleta Cemetery where Eva Peron, "Evita" rest in peace.  

You can also visit Palermo and its most exclusive residential area before finally returning to your hotel. If you wish to add other places to your tour or choose some of these, you can tell us and we will arrange it for you.

Overnight in Buenos Aires

Tour Milonga

At the appropriate time you´ll be picked up from your hotel in order to start with your ¨Milongas¨ tour. Buenos Aires and Tango are synonymous; visitors can easily find a Tango tour that will include a beautiful stage show that you won’t find outside of Argentina. We want to take you one step further to where the Porteño goes – to the Milongas. At theMilongas, your experience will include an introduction to the codes, traditions, etc. of Tango before you have the opportunity to learn the dance and enjoy the real Tango together with the locals. At the end of the tour you´ll be taken back to your accommodation.

Overnight in Buenos Aires

At the designated time you will have a private transfer to Buenos Aires Domestic Airport for your flight to the Southern City of America, "The End of the World City", Ushuaia, in Tierra del Fuego Province.

Ushuaia, Patagonia, Argentina…these names awake the fantasy of thousands of people all around the world. Walking along it the visitor can observe Mother Earth's motion. At the end of the plains of Patagonia, in Tierra del Fuego Province, Antártida e Islas del Atlántico Sur, Los Andes cordillera stands out in the landscape displaying its glacier-meltwater valleys, peat bogs and ancient forests to show a paradise in the south. Ushuaia, one of a kind city, capital of the Province offers its natural and cultural beauties and service infrastructure making of it a hard to forget destination.

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in a shared service.  

Beagle Channel Navigation on board Kams Yatch

At the designated time in the afternoon you will be transfer to the pier to enjoy an afternoon Navigation. Depart from the local pier towards Alicia Island, where we will find a colony of South American sea lions. Then we sail to Birds Island to watch king shags and imperial shags living close to their nests, and from spring through fall we can even find their breeds. Again, we head east towards another small island that, depending on the season, we can view South American fur seals. Very close to this island is Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, an authentic symbol of Ushuaia, built in 1919. From there we have a view of the island where rock shags live. On our way back to Ushuaia, we disembark at Bridges Island to walk along a path for the interpretation of wildlife, while listening to the history of the native inhabitants, the Yamanas. On this island, we can find the largest Yamana's "concheros" (shelly deposits) of the region. As this is the largest island, we reach the highest panoramic point from which we can enjoy amazing views of the Beagle Channel with the town of Ushuaia in the distance.

Overnight in Ushuaia

After covering the 10 km from Ushuaia to Tierra del Fuego National Park, this tour visits its most relevant attractions. On foot, and in contact with Nature, along the undulating 8-km-long Coastal Path, this medium-difficulty hike should not pose a big challenge to those passengers used to exercise, and with the appropriate attire. Those who prefer a less demanding activity may choose to walk along a few shorter, and softer trails (please request the “Soft Trekk” option in advance). Near to the border of Lapataia River, lunch will be served with a great panoramic view from inside a heated dome-tent, to avoid wind or rain. Afterwards, all participants will be equipped with rubber boots, coverpants and lifejackets: the excursion will continue from Lake Acigami aboard inflatable canoes (duckies) for about an hour through the freshwater of the Lapataia and Ovando rivers until reaching the sea in Lapataia Bay. This canoe activity ends near the point where Route 3 (also called Pan-American Highway) meet its southern end.

Overnight in Ushuaia

This program is a beautiful journey into the almost uninhabited, peaceful location of the first "estancia" in Tierra del Fuego: Harberton Ranch. This full-day, active tour takes passengers for a ride, to navigate, to walk and to make discoveries in one of the roughest and most beautiful places in the Beagle Channel. From the hotel, we leave Ushuaia Eastbound along National Route No. 3 and Route "J". Once at Harberton Ranch we propose to visit the Marine Mammal Museum, and the surroundings of one of the first white men settlements in Tierra del Fuego. On board of a motorboat we will leave towards Martillo Island. From the boat, we'll have the chance to see penguins in their breeding lair. Navigation on the motorboat continues up to the main attraction of the day: the enormous Gable Island, where lunch with a good Patagonian wine, soft drink and mineral water await. After coffee, go for a hike to know more of this gorgeous island, crossing over beaver damms and through the forest to reach the Beagle Channel shore. From there take the boat to reach Puerto Harberton, and to hop on the bus to Ushuaia.

Overnight in Ushuaia

Today you will pick up a rental car in Ushuaia city to discover the area on your own.

Today we recommend one of the most classic walks in the city of Ushuaia, its access is only 12kms from the exit of the city, a few meters before reaching the winter center "Valle de Lobos".

The trail is fully signposted with no chance of getting lost, even so it is always recommended to pay attention to the marks on the trees; In it you will find all kinds of terrain, from trails through the middle of the forest to peat bogs depending on the time of year you decide to hike. This hike can be done at any time of the year as long as you take the corresponding safety measures (in winter it is never a bad idea to wear crampons, especially knowing that on very cold days ice sheets form on the trail). Approximately 9kms round trip starting from RN3; going at a slow pace in 2 hours at most you get to the lagoon. Although it is not a very long walk, it is recommended to calculate the hours of light depending on the time of year you decide to go, it is necessary to take into account in winter the light is always more limited.

Overnight in Ushuaia

Today we recommend visiting Martial Glacier. This attraction is located at short distance from the city (7 Km from downtown). It is ideal for a half-day tour. The main trail is a - 900 m -walk with incredible viewpoints of Ushuaia. Winter snow makes it perfect for beginners willing to practice alpine ski and snowboard. In summer time, visitors are welcome to experience hiking and trekking.

Overnight in Ushuaia

Today you will head north on Route 3, up to Tolhuin town.

Amongst its distinctive features, Ushuaia is the only trans-Andean city in the country. The range comes in a straight line from Alaska but it bends in Tierra del Fuego Island towards the east, relocating itself among the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

In order to cross the mountain range from Ushuaia towards the North of Argentina it is mandatory to go through Garibaldi Crossing, located 60 Km from the city, it is the narrowest point to go through mountain. This spot is surrounded by the waters of Escondido Lake and the never-ending Fagnano Lake.

Leaving behind the Cordillera, the scenery slowly changes and gets fully dominated by Fagnano waters, an extense lake (shared between Argentina and Chile). It has a 104 Km extension and 200 m depth. The city of Tolhuin is located at the head of the lake and it is known as the Heart of the Island as its translation from Shelkham language indicates.

The city of Tolhuin is the youngest in the province. Fagnano lake, Jeujepén Mountain and the soft ruggedness of the land provide a beautiful landscape with almost no human impact, it has perfect conditions for outdoor activities. Hiking, photographic safari, flora and fauna spotting, camping. Near the city, Laguna Negra and Río Valdez “Heart of the Island Reserve” you’ll be able to practice the mentioned activities.

Sport fishing is possible in both Laguna Negra and Fagnano lake as long as you have fishing permit and apply to regulations. Tolhuin offers accommodation, transport and restoration services.

Overnight in Tolhuin

This beautiful and lonely place is located between the city of Rio Grande and Tolhuin. To get there, you must follow route 3, up to where route A begins. Along this gravel road we will have to travel 46 km more. Although this route is not paved, it is not necessary to have any special vehicle, since the road is quite firm and in good condition.

The path is very beautiful, with many forests of lengas and small rivers. In this route we will also go through some rooms, until we reach this cape on the Atlantic Ocean. It should be mentioned that there is no means of public transport that makes this tour, so the options are to do it with our own car or hire a tour to take us. We recommend the one offered by CIVITATIS.

Until you reach the end of the route, a good idea is to stop to visit one of the lonely roads. Although most are part of different rooms, it is possible to take walks. If we stop a few kilometers before reaching the coast, we can reach beaches like those in the image.

Once the road was completed, we arrived at a well-known postcard, where we will see Cabo San Pablo and the image of a ship that was intentionally stranded on the coast to avoid the shipwreck, after having suffered the routine of the hull. The name of the cargo ship is "Desdemona" built in Hamburg, Germany. It has been there since September 9, 1985.

After exploring this mysterious giant, we visit Estancia Rolito, a charming country house that preserves the spirit of family entrepreneurship based on sheep tradition and is a pioneer in opening its gate to rural tourism.

Overnight in Tolhuin.

Continue on Route 3, 100km up north. From Tolhuin you will reach Rio Grande.

Place of privileged skies, with pink sunrises and orange twilights, it is characterized by having a cold and windy climate.

The steppe landscape, transition forests, sea and river surround the city. Recognized as "the International Capital of Trout", it is appreciated by fans of sport fishing due to the high quality and number of trout that inhabit its river.

The many ranches that gave rise to the former Agricultural and Livestock Colony of Río Grande currently function as a center of attraction in themselves.

Overnight in Rio Grande

Day at your own leisure to discover the hidden spots of the area.

Overnight in Rio Grande

Today you will continue your journey on Route 3, up to Rio Gallegos, you will exit Tierra del Fuego Island, enter Chile, to enter again into Argentina into Santa Cruz province, up to Rio Gallegos city. You will have to cover a 375km distance, but we recommend you departing early morning, to assure the Magellan Strair crossing, as it is subjetc to the weather conditions for the ferry to cross.

On this drive, you will enjoy one of the highlights of the trip. You will cross the Strait of Magellan is a maritime pass located in the extreme south of Chile, between Patagonia, the Big Island of Tierra del Fuego and several islands located west of it towards the Pacific Ocean. It is the main natural passage between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

Continue up to Rio Gallegos city.

With more than 110,000 inhabitants, it is the capital of the Province of Santa Cruz and acts as a distribution center for tourist activities in the area. The city's offer is made up of museums, historical-cultural monuments and urban circuits; as well as an estuary that houses thousands of resident and migratory birds.

Overnight in Rio Gallegos

Today we suggest visiting Cabo Virgenes (South) or Monte Leon National Park (North). Monte León National Park (210 km up Norht) is a federal protected area located on the maritime coast of the province of Santa Cruz, in the Patagonia of Argentina. It constitutes a representative sample of the biodiversity of the steppe and Patagonian coast in a good state of conservation, with sites of paleontological value.

Outside the urban area, you can opt for the hospitality of tourist stays, a tour of the volcanic landscape of Laguna Azul or an excursion to the Cabo Vírgenes Faunal Reserve (120km South from Rio Gallegos), one of the largest penguins in South America that houses, from October to April, more than 150,000 Magellanic penguins.

Overnight in Rio Gallegos

Today you will drive 305 Km up on Route 5 and 40, to reach El Calafate city. Home of Perito Moreno Glacier.

In the evening, you could also walk to the Laguna Nimez Reserve to look at the huge variety of birds in the sanctuary and enjoy the beautiful Patagonian sunset over Lago Argentino.

Overnight in El Calafate

Minitrekking (shared service)

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel for your transfer to "Los Glaciares National Park". Upon arrival at "Bajo de las Sombras" pier, you embark on a 20-minute sailing trip across the Rico Arm, enjoying breathtaking views of the glacier's front walls and Icebergs Channel. You disembark on the opposite shore, where specialized mountain guides welcome you and lead you to a small shelter. After a short briefing, groups of 10 follow their guides along the lake's shore towards the edge of the glacier. Once on the ice the guides give each participant a pair of crampons and explain how to use them. The two hours circuit that follows introduces you to the fascinating landscape of the glaciers: streams, small lagoons, gullies, crevasses and plenty of ice formations in the most incredible blue colors. The flora, fauna and general geography of the region will be explained to you and also the particular phenomenon that happens in the Perito Moreno Glacier that eventually produces its rupture. After the walk, a stroll through the forest brings you back to the shelter where you will embark back and spend some time on the catwalks. In the afternoon, return to the hotel.

Overnight in Calafate

Today you will depart from El Calafate travel across the mythical Route 40 to arrive to one of the most amazing destinations in South America.

As an independent traveler, El Chalten trekking town is a must. Immersed in virgin nature all your senses are activated. You walk along paths that cross forests full of magic, and at each viewpoint you stop to contemplate mountains and glaciers that you will never forget. Your body is recharged with energy and fresh air

At the town entrance, stop by the ranger's office to collect information about the various walks and hikes available in the area.  There are a number of short day hikes that can be done; get a different perspective on the town from the Los Condores and Las Aguilas viewpoints (40 mins), or check out the Chorillo del Salto waterfall (2 hrs).

Spend the night at the hotel or discover the town, known for its laid-back atmosphere, for yourself.  

Overnight in El Chalten

The trail begins at the Ceferino Fonzo Visitor Center National Park, where a small gate indicates two paths: to the left, the path to Los Cóndores and Las Águilas lookouts, and to the right towards Pliegue Tumbado and Laguna Toro / Paso del Viento This trail maintains an ascending slope of approximately 1100 meters in total, until reaching the viewpoint located at about 1500 meters above sea level. Due to its high height, the absence of trees and total exposure to the wind, you should go prepared with windbreaker jacket and shelter since a small snowfall is not uncommon even in the middle of summer. After an hour of starting the road, the trail crosses a plain called Pampa De las Carretas, from where you can appreciate the impressive Huemul hill, to the south the Viedma lake and to the Northwest the whole imposing of the Andes unfolds where they stand out Cerro Torre and Cerro Chaltén. The trail then enters a beautiful forest until reaching an altitude of approximately 1000 meters above sea level, where the landscape changes abruptly: the trees give rise to bushes and scrubby vegetation, and among the many stones that occur Around the road it is possible to find remains of marine fossils 100 million years old. The last part of the road is blurred but it is still marked with yellow rods until it reaches the top of the Pliegue Tumbado -which can be snowed and in this case it is not recommended to walk- with an extraordinary panoramic view.

Overnight in El Chalten

From El Chaltén there are two path heads that go to the Torre lagoon; both trails are unified 5 minutes from its start. The road enters the valley of the Fitz Roy River and continues up the course of this river to its source. Only 15 minutes from the beginning of the hike, there is access to a first viewpoint located in a gorge of the Fitz Roy River, which offers a panoramic view of the Solo hills, Adela cordon, Torre hill and Mount Fitz Roy. On the other side of the river is the Margarita waterfall. Halfway down the path you will reach a natural viewpoint with an incomparable panoramic view of the Adela cord and the Torre hill and the granite needles that accompany it. The road finally crosses the DeAgostini base camp where it is possible to spend the night, and 15 minutes later it ends at the Torre lagoon. This lagoon tends to group numerous icebergs on its shore that break off from the front of the Grande glacier.

Overnight in El Chalten

The head of the trail begins at the end of Avenida San Martín, where the urban ejido of El Chaltén ends. There it is possible to park vehicles in an area designated for that purpose. During the first hour of hiking, the slope is somewhat steep, until entering the valley of the Del Salto stream towards El Chalten (the Fitz Roy massif). The ñires begin to be more and more numerous around the footpath and approximately an hour and a half of the journey you get to a well-signposted natural rocky viewpoint, with a sign that allows you to interpret the mountainous and glacier landscape that is presented in front of the traveller. The path continues always up the Del Salto stream to the drainage area of the Madre y Hija lagoons. About 4 hours after leaving from El Chaltén, you will arrive first at Poincenot Base Camp (one of the busiest National Park camping sites) and after crossing the Blanco River, to the Río Blanco base camp (only for climbers). From here the path continues with a steep slope of approximately 400 meters of height to the Tres lagoon, which will require more than an hour of effort. The road ends at the ancient moraine ridge (huge arc-shaped formation that currently contains the lagoon, formed by the action of the advance and subsequent glacial retreat), with an extraordinary view of the lagoon and glacier of the Three. This is the closest view of the granitic wall of El Chalten (the Fitz Roy massif) and its peripheral needles. Going down the moraine, you can continue along a path that goes around the lagoon to its mouth, and at the end of the trail you can see the desolate Sucia lagoon and its hanging glaciers.

Overnight in El Chalten

After breakfast you will say goodbye to El Chalten and drive back to El Calafate airport, where you will return the rental car.

Board a flight back to Buenos Aires, where a private transfer will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel.

You will have the afternoon and night on your own. Enjoy the exciting nightlife Buenos Aires has to offer, or just relax at the hotel.

Overnight in Buenos Aires

At appropriate time, you will be transferred to the international airport, to take your flight.

End of our services