This active Argentina adventure was phenomenal. Waking up in a rustic, luxury lodge in remote Patagonia with views of the Andes mountains peaking up over the forested lakeside of Lago del Desierto was just one part of this fantastic journey.
Sue started off her trip with a visit to the mighty Iguazu Falls where she spent time on both the Argentine and Brazilian side. She then explored the areas around Lago del Desierto and stayed at the incredible Aguas Arriba Lodge located deep in the mountains of Argentine Patagonia. Keep reading to see a fantastic photo of Sue hiking with a rainbow behind her. Details on this active Argentina adventure trip below.
Do you want to travel to Argentina? We’re regional experts here at Knowmad Adventures and pride ourselves in building custom trips that are a perfect fit for our travelers. If you’re interested in crafting an adventure combining several regions in Argentina and/or Chile, but this particular itinerary doesn’t strike your fancy, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Trip Specialists at 612-394-2894 or [email protected] to begin planning your trip today!
Active Argentina Adventure Trip Itinerary
DAY 1 USA – Buenos Aires
You will fly on an overnight flight from the U.S. arriving to Buenos Aires early the following day.
DAY 2 Buenos Aires
After arriving early in the morning in Buenos Aires (Ezeiza International Airport) you will be met at the airport by a Knowmad Adventures representative and taken on a half-day exploration of Buenos Aires; this privately guided city exploration can be tailored to your preferences based on what you’re already seen and done in BA. This city exploration will be done upon arrival should early check in not be available, or in the afternoon if early check in is available.
DAY 3 Buenos Aires – Iguazu (Brazilian Side)
You will be met by a Knowmad Adventures representative at 7:00 a.m. (please be ready and waiting with luggage 10 minutes prior) and transferred to the airport in accordance with your morning flight to Iguazu. Upon arrival you will go with your guide across the border into Brazil and spend a half-day on this alternative side of the falls. From this side of the Argentine/Brazilian border visitors enjoy a panoramic postcard view of more than 270 waterfalls in all their majesty. Here, the Iguazu River flows within a deep horseshoe shaped canyon and the views can be admired from a panoramic elevator and lookout point, experiencing the roaring thunder and majestic exuberance of the falls. After your visit you will be taken to your accomodations in Argentina.
- B – Sheraton, Falls View room
DAY 4 Iguazu (Argentine Side)
Following breakfast you will be picked up by your guide at 8:30 a.m. and taken across the board for a full day exploration of the Argentine side of Iguazu. The Iguazu Falls (in Spanish: Cataratas del Iguazú) are located on the border between Brazil and Argentina. They were declared a Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984 and a Natural Wonder of the World in 2011. It is not strictly speaking a fall, but a series of 275 waterfalls forming natural rocky wall of approximately 1 mile. You will have the opportunity to walk a variety of trails and walkways near and around the falls with a variety of panoramic views. You will also have the opportunity to take an awesome exciting boat ride to the face and along the falls. Even by Argentina standards – a country full of natural wonders – the Iguazú Falls, are an extraordinary sight. It is said that Eleanor Roosevelt exclaimed: ‘Poor Niagara!’ when she saw the broad, tranquil river tumbling into the immense chasm of the Devil’s Gorge (Garganta del Diablo), surrounded by the emerald colors of the subtropical rain forest below, where butterflies dance and birds flit and dive.
- B – Sheraton, Falls View room
DAY 5 Iguazu – Buenos Aires – El Calafate
You will be picked up at 6:00 a.m. (please be ready with luggage 10 minutes prior) and taken to the airport in accordance with your morning flight to Buenos Aires and onward to El Calafate. Upon arrival in El Calafate you will met by a Knowmad Adventures representative and taken to your accommodations.
- B – Hosteria La Estepa, Premium Room
DAY 6 El Calafate – Lago del Desierto
You will be met by a Knowmad Adventures representative at 7:30 a.m. and transferred by small group basis to to El Chalten. Along the way you will make a couple scenic stops and you will have an audio guide to curate your transfer (no physical guide on transfer). Upon arrival in El Chalten you will take another vehicle to Punta Sur, from which you will then continue by the lodge’s boat to your lodge on the east shore of Lago del Desierto. While at Aguas Arriba Lodge you will be able to choose from a range of adventurous excursions including trekking and fly-fishing. You will also enjoy fresh local food as part of your adventure inclusive package.
- B, D – Aguas Arriba Lodge, Glacier View room
DAY 7 Lago del Desierto / Patagonia
Continue enjoying your adventures throughout the region and your stay at Aguas Arriba Lodge.
- B, L, D – Aguas Arriba Lodge
DAY 8 Lago del Desierto / Patagonia
Continue enjoying your adventures throughout the region and your stay at Aguas Arriba Lodge.
- B, L, D – Aguas Arriba Lodge
DAY 9 Lago del Desierto / Patagonia
Continue enjoying your adventures throughout the region and your stay at Aguas Arriba Lodge.
- B, L, D – Aguas Arriba Lodge
DAY 10 Lago del Desierto – El Calafate
After breakfast you will begin your journey back to El Calafate, departing around 3:45 p.m. You will be taken by boat and then by cab with guide to El Chalten and onward by bus to El Calafate. Upon arrival in El Calafate you will be met by another Knowmad Adventures guide and taken to your accommodations.
- B – Hosteria La Estepa, Premium room
DAY 11 Patagonia
You will be picked up at 7:30 am by an Estancia Cristina representative to begin an incredible adventure deep into Patagonia. Estancia Cristina, named in honor of the first owner’s daughter, was founded in 1914 by Joseph Percival Masters. Passed down through generations, this property is rich in history, having once been alive with working herds of horses, cattle and sheep. After a short drive you will board a modern and comfortable catamaran sailing through icebergs on Lago Argentino with breathtaking views of the Upsala Glacier. After arriving to the port of Estancia Cristina at 11:30am you will enjoy the day at your leisure choosing from the estancia’s many activities. Activities include a visit to the Costumbrista Museum (an old shearing shed), a 4-wheel- drive up to the Continental ice hut, and a short trekking excursion to the Upsala viewpoint.
- B, box L, D – Estancia Cristina
DAY 12 Patagonia
Enjoy the day in Cristina’s vast wilderness and choose from a range of included activities such as hiking to Cañodón de los Fósilies, horseback riding to Mirador Upsala, or hiking to various magnificent viewpoints.
- B, L, D – Estancia Cristina
DAY 13 Patagonia
Continue enjoying your adventures throughout the region and your stay at Estancia Cristina.
- B, L, D – Estancia Cristina
DAY 14 Patagonia – El Calafate a
Today you will be transferred to your accommodations in El Calafate enjoying a spectacular and scenic return journey.
- B, L – Patagonia Queen
DAY 15 El Calafate – Buenos Aires – Home
You will be met by a Knowmad Adventures representative at 9:30 a.m. (please have luggage and be ready 10 minutes prior) and taken to the airport in accordance with your flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival you will be met by a Knowmad representative and will have a vehicle and driver at your disposal for a couple hours before being brought to the international terminal for your onward overnight flight home.
- B
DAY 16 Arrive Home.
Hasta Pronto, Knowmad Adventurers
Knowmad Adventures works closely with independent-minded travelers creating innovative trips to South America. Our specialists in Patagonia, Chile, Machu Picchu, Peru, Argentina, the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador and Antarctica are eager to collaborate and create a trip as unique and authentic as you are, and our experienced South American operations team guarantees you get an insider’s perspective, superior values, and a flawlessly operated trip.
