Ultimate Argentina
Cave dining, wine making, glacier hikes and Patagonia kayaking
What's Included
- Max 14 travellers per group
- Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
- All activities mentioned on the itinerary
About your trip
Argentina is as exciting as it is big – fitting world-class wines, vibrant cities and epic landscapes into its borders. On this trip, you’ll sample it all.
Join us on a dazzling 10-day trip that’ll take you right to the beating heart of Patagonia, with an ice hike across Perito Moreno Glacier and dining in a prehistoric cave.
You’ll be trekking and kayaking through snow-capped peaks, staying in a remote cabin with views out to soaring mountains. You’ll be sampling the very best of the Great Outdoors and Argentina city life, with immersive dining, Tango dancing and street food picnics. From making your own-brand wine in Mendoza, to eyeing up mighty Mount Fitz Roy, amazing Argentina has it all.
Welcome to beautiful Buenos Aires. On arrival, you’ll be swept by private transfer to your boutique hotel in one of the city’s most eclectic neighborhoods full of restaurants, bars and pop-up exhibitions.
In the evening, you’ll gather as a group for a welcome glass of Malbec with your guide. Then it’s on to a nearby restaurant for an immersive dining experience. Get to know your fellow Flashpackers as you learn how to make wine cocktails, empanadas, mouthwatering steak and dulce de leche desserts – not to mention a cup of maté, the country’s beloved national drink. This unique and fun dinner party is a great intro to Argentina and the many delights to come.
Expect a few theatrical/foodie surprises today, as you take an inside look at some of Buenos Aires’ most vibrant parks and barrios. You’ll start off with a bike tour before exploring the cobbled streets of San Telmo by foot, soaking in its artistic, Tango-infused spirit from a local’s perspective.
Later, you’ll stop for a street food lunch – including choripan (sausage in a bun) – in the spectacular San Telmo market, with its maze of stalls and 19th-century Italian architecture. A wander around the colorful streets of La Boca follows, then we’ll head for dinner at an atmospheric local restaurant and enjoy a tango show full of drama, sharp footwork and evocative music.
Today you’ll swap bright lights for Patagonian heights, as we fly south to El Calafate – the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Your hotel here overlooks Argentino Lake, a vast light blue lagoon framed by giant glaciers and snow-capped peaks.
This evening we’ll follow in the nomadic footsteps of the Tehuelche people of Patagonia, on a 4×4 “lakes and caves” adventure. Prepare for a spot of off-roading as we discover ancient rock art and stencilled handprints dating back thousands of years, in a series of remote canyons and caves on the shores of the lake. The highlight comes with an intimate dinner in one of the larger caves, surrounded by prehistoric artwork and the whispers of cave-dweller history all around.
Crampons at the ready: today we’ll come face-to-face with the thrill of the mighty outdoors, as we ice-hike across Perito Moreno Glacier. This two-hour circuit is led by experienced mountain guides, and requires moderate fitness to navigate a series of dazzling blue surfaces and ice formations.
Immerse yourself in a phenomenal landscape of streams, lagoons, gullies and crevasses scattered across the 18,000-year-old glacier – one of Patagonia’s most breathtaking sights. We’ll share a picnic lunch enroute and this evening is free time back in El Calafate.
Today you’ll travel overland to El Chaltén, Argentina’s trekking capital located in the shadow of Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy mountains. Your new base is an alpine refuge nestled in a dreamlike landscape by the Río de las Vueltas, surrounded by nature and snow-capped Andean peaks. After the glacial drama of yesterday, this is a great place to unwind in the unspoilt outdoors. You’ll share a welcome beer and tapas lunch before a free afternoon for nearby waterfall hiking or mountain bike trails. Or you might prefer to kick back and take in the epic scenery from the comfort of your refuge. In the evening, you’ll have a set meal with wine in the cosy restaurant.
Today you embark on a challenging yet brilliant nine-hour hike to the foot of Mount Fitz Roy, with panoramic views. This remote and extraordinary trail gives you a front-row seat to the Patagonian wilderness, in all its rugged beauty. We’ll pass dazzling white glaciers, mirror-still lakes and lush green valleys as we climb 800 metres to Laguna de los Tres viewpoint.
We’ll stop for lunch before heading back to the mountain lodge on the 15-mile+ hike. Your reward is a traditional lamb BBQ supper (veggie options also available), cooked outdoors in true Argentinian style.
You’ve explored Patagonia in forests and by glaciers: today is the turn of the river. Give those weary feet a rest in a two-hour kayaking expedition down Río de las Vueltas. The adventure starts from the riverbank of our mountain refuge, so you can roll from breakfast straight into your vessel (with a safety briefing en-route).
You’ll then kayak downstream, taking in jaw-dropping views of Mount Fitz Roy and the surrounding Patagonian scenery en-route, before reaching your picnic lunch on a riverbank at the other end. We’ll then transfer back to El Chaltén, where you relax in our new cosy hotel with an evening of free time.
Today you’ll make an early start for two internal flights to Mendoza – the largest wine-producing region in South America. In the foothills of the Andes, surrounded by bodegas (wineries) and highland vineyards, the city itself is a bustling place known for its wide, leafy avenues, atmospheric cafe-lined plazas and well-preserved art deco buildings. You’ll settle into your boutique retreat before tucking into a light tapas supper: think empanadas and cold cut meat/cheese platters, with olives, freshly baked bread and plenty of delicious vino.
Today you’ll visit a beautiful, family-owned winery. Test your palette as you learn all about the wine-making process on a private guided tour. Then it’s time to create your very own tailor-made blend of red under the expert eye of generations of winemakers.
Afterwards, you’ll hop on over to the Susana Balbo winery – home of Argentina’s first female winemaker – for a three-course gourmet lunch. A “Mendoza by night” experience follows, where you’ll see all the city’s best sights lit up in the magic of darkness. You’ll finish with a farewell feast at Los Toneles winery, with its majestic 1920s architecture and speciality of traditional aged meats.
After 10 days of glacier trekking, wine making, cave dining and more, you must bid farewell to your amazing Argentinian getaway.
After breakfast, it’s time to depart – the hotel can help in arranging your onward transfers. Or you may just choose to stay put with your homemade vino by the hotel pool for a few days. It’s been an incredible trip with incredible people in an incredible land. Who could possibly blame you?
As captured on Instagram
The latest from Flashpackers in Argentina on #picsworthsharing
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OUR FAVORITE HOTELS
Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.
LAGUNA CONDOR MOUNTAIN HUT
Situated right by the Río de las Vueltas in the shadow of the snow-capped Fitz Roy, Laguna Condor Mountain Hut is all about getting back to nature. Unwind in rustic en-suite cabins surrounded by the sights and sounds of the sweeping Patagonian landscape: best enjoyed from the outdoor woodland bath.
POSADA VERDE OLIVA
This homely boutique hotel in the peaceful wine district of Mendoza produces its own olive oils and wines. A renovated 19th century property, you’ll find elegant rooms bursting with light thanks to large windows, as well as a pool and beautiful gardens with a shaded verandah.
MIRADOR DEL LAGO HOTEL
Nestled in two acres of greenery and lined by poplar trees, this lovely retreat is a great place to rest up after a day’s hiking in the surrounding Andes region. Recently updated rooms are modern and comfortable, and the Patagonian lamb is a must-try delicacy at the hotel’s La Bahía restaurant (washed down with Argentinian wine, of course).
Important Notes
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Which airport should I fly in and out of? Plus airport code
Fly into Buenos Aires where there are two airports: Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini (EZE) and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP).
Fly out of Mendoza International Airport (MDZ/SAME).
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What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
We suggest arriving in Buenos Aires before 3 pm in time for our welcome meeting at 6 pm, although we will arrange a transfer for you at whichever time you arrive. The transfer from the airport to your first hotel takes about an hour.
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What time should my flight depart on the last day?
Check-out time is 11 am but you can leave anytime that suits you. The airport is approximately 30 minutes away from your final hotel.
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Are airport transfers included?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.
We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. However, your Pack Leader will offer you support with finding a local taxi, which will cost around 3000 ARS / 12-13 USD.
e don’t include the departure transfer however, the airport is approximately 30 minutes away from the hotel, with the cost in a taxi being around 3000 ARS, the equivalent of approximately £20 / $30.
If you and other Flashpackers are getting the same flight, we recommend splitting the taxi journey.
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Do I need a visa?
You do not need a visa if you’re visiting as a tourist from the EU, UK, USA, Australia or Canada. Please check with your local consulate/embassy if the country you are travelling from requires a visa.
We recommend that you have at least six months validity remaining on your passport and that you can show a return ticket.
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Will the trip cost increase?
Domestic flights in Argentina are rarely on time, and often sell out – this means that last-minute bookings on this adventure may not be possible. If available, bookings may be charged at a higher rate due to increased airfares. For this reason, we recommend booking this adventure in advance.
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Which airlines do we use for the internal flights?
Aerolineas Argentinas for the three internal flights. The luggage limit for Aerolineas Argentinas domestic flights is 15kg for hold luggage and 8kg for carry-on.
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How much should I budget per day for extras?
This trip includes Pack Leader and driver tips and most meals are included.
Approximately $20 per day should be enough for additional meals, drinks and incidentals, but you may need a little more if you plan on doing much shopping.
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What fitness levels do I need for this trip? Plus waiver information
This is one of our more challenging trips due to the amount of hiking involved. Due to the degree of effort and difficulty for the hiking excursions, we do not recommend this trip to pregnant women or anyone unfit, or with severe health problems. We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.
Please also note at the start of your adventure, your Pack Leader will ask you to sign a standard Waiver of Responsibility. This is just to confirm that you are physically able to participate in the various activities included in the itinerary and that you understand that these activities naturally include an element of risk. If you would like to see a copy of this form prior to travel, please do feel free to get in touch with the Flash Pack team and we can go through it with you.
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Will the itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.
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What should I pack?
There’s a lot to think about when packing for your Argentina adventure. You’ll need a range of clothes for the wide variety of activities and the diverse weather conditions. The key is to bring plenty of layers that you can put on and take off when required.
Each region of Argentina has its own climate, from the hot and humid summers in Buenos Aires to the frozen glaciers in Patagonia. We recommend checking the weather forecast in each location a week before you travel to give yourself an idea of what you can expect and what you should pack.
What you pack is personal to you and our list is certainly not exhaustive. If you have any questions about what to pack for your trip to Argentina, please get in touch with one of our friendly Trip Experts.
Baggage
- A large backpack or suitcase. It’s up to you whether you bring a backpack or a suitcase, but either way, a soft-sided bag is best for packing into transfer vehicles.
- Please note there is a 15kg weight allowance for hold luggage and an 8kg weight restriction for carry-on luggage on all domestic flights. You will, however, be able to pay a fee at check-in should your checked baggage exceed the 15kg.
- A day bag. This needs to be around 20-25L to fit your daily essentials in, such as water and your camera.
Clothing
- Lightweight tops. T-shirts work well, but also consider bringing lightweight long-sleeved tops, as these will keep any insects off of your skin when hiking.
- Shorts. In the warmer areas of Argentina, shorts are ideal for keeping cool.
- Activewear. Breathable and light materials are best as a base layer for most activities.
- Lightweight outdoor pants. Outdoor pants that you don’t mind getting dirty will be perfect for hiking.
- A waterproof jacket/pants. It could rain at any time of the year, so you’ll need to bring waterproofs.
- Fleeces/jumpers/jacket. Substantially warmer layers will be required in Patagonia and during the evenings in the desert.
- Casual clothes for walking around the cities and dining at restaurants.
- Linen pants. These are always handy for keeping the warm sun off of your legs.
- Sunhat/sunglasses. The sun can be strong during the day, so protecting yourself with polarised sunglasses and a wide-brimmed sun hat is important.
- Scarf/hat. It can get very cold at night in Patagonia, so you might want to wear a scarf/hat.
- Swimwear. You’ll have a number of opportunities to swim, so make sure that you bring swimwear.
- Evening outfits. Clothes to wear to bars and restaurants in the evenings.
- Gloves. Packing a pair of gloves for Patagonia is another way to stay warm.
Shoes
- Waterproof hiking shoes and socks. There’s a lot of hiking on this adventure, so make sure that your hiking shoes are comfortable and well worn-in before your trip begins.
- Comfortable, breathable shoes. A pair of sneakers are perfect for general wear.
- Sandals/flip-flops. Great for chilling out and relaxing during the day in warm areas.
- Evening shoes. Some people might want to bring a pair of shoes to wear out to restaurants and bars.
Accessories
- A small towel will be useful for your day kayaking.
- Electricals and chargers – including your phone, camera, chargers etc.
- Plug socket adaptors. Plugs in Argentina vary between type I and type C. Type I plugs have three flat prongs and type C plugs have two round prongs. If you’re traveling from a country with a different plug type, you will need to bring an adaptor.
- A hydration bladder. Staying hydrated is very important and a hydration bladder is a convenient way to carry water on hikes.
- Refillable water bottle. Refilling a bottle instead of buying single-use bottles will help to reduce our plastic footprint.
- Eye mask and earplugs. If you’re a light sleeper, you may feel more comfortable bringing an eye mask and earplugs.
- Pocket warmer. If you feel the cold, a pocket warmer may be useful in Patagonia.
- Headtorch/torch for walking around at night in poorly lit areas.
Toiletries/medical
- Any personal medication you require.
- Personal toiletries – including a toothbrush, deodorant, razors, hairbrush etc.
- Shampoo and conditioner. Most hotels will provide these, but we recommend bringing your own to reduce plastic usage.
- Painkillers
- Anti-bacterial gel
- Insect repellent
- Lip balm with SPF
- Moisturiser
- High SPF factor sun cream
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What are the Covid-19 requirements for visiting Argentina?
Due to the changeable nature of Covid-19 entry requirements, we strongly advise Flashpackers to consult the travel advice issued by your local consular services well in advance of your departure date. Some countries do still require travelers to comply with pre-arrival testing and/or vaccination requirements. Links to the key consular services can be found on our Safety page.
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What other vaccinations and medication will I need?
We recommend checking with your local travel clinic six to eight weeks before your trip to see if any medications or vaccinations are required.
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