I've always dreamed of visiting South America, and when I saw Under30Experiences' Buenos Aires & Patagonia trip, I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity. So, I texted one of my best friends, and we made it happen. Argentina is a destination that combines vibrant city life, stunning natural beauty, and rich culture—and this trip provided all of that and more. Now that I've returned, I want to share my incredible journey through Argentina and the highlights of this unforgettable trip.
The Beginning: Days in Buenos Aires
The adventure began in the bustling capital of Argentina—Buenos Aires. From the moment I arrived, I was taken aback by the energy of the city. Known for its tango, incredible food, and historical architecture, Buenos Aires quickly became one of my favorite cities. Our flight got in early in the morning, so rather than spend hours at the airport for the included shuttle, we decided to take an Uber into the city and explore on our own before meeting up with the group for the welcome dinner later that night. When it came time for dinner, our trip leader Tomás orchestrated a perfect evening that helped us all settle in and get to know each other.
Buenos Aires: The Heartbeat of Argentina
On the first day of the trip, we met up with a local guide for a tour of Buenos Aires including the Plaza de Mayo, La Boca, Puerto Madero, San Telmo, Ateneo Grand Splendid, and the Recoleta Cemetery. The sights were amazing, and our guide took the time to share pieces of Argentina's history and culture at each spot. After spending the morning touring the city, we had the afternoon to explore on our own. We spent some time at a local artisan's market which is held in a park just outside the cemetery and found some great souvenirs and of course we had to track down some dulce de leche ice cream which definitely lived up to the hype (we even found a vegan version!). We ended the day with a fun tango lesson and a 3-course meal with a tango show that immersed us in Argentina's passion and culture.
Adventures in Patagonia
After a few exciting days in Buenos Aires, we boarded a flight to El Calafate to begin our adventure in Patagonia.
Unveiling the Beauty of El Chalten and Los Glaciares National Park
We had a packed itinerary, with day trips to explore some of Patagonia's most iconic destinations. Our first stop was Chaltén, which quickly became my favourite place. It's a small community nestled among the mountains, serving as our basecamp for the next few nights.
The Majestic Trails of Chaltén Argentinian Patagonia
Laguna de los Tres: A Detailed Overview
Our first full day in Patagonia was spent hiking to Laguna de los Tres. Growing up in British Columbia, I've spent much of my life hiking in some pretty fantastic scenery, but this hike blew me away. We began just after sunrise and the entire hike took us through beautiful landscapes as we ascended into the mountains. While physically demanding, especially in the final 2 kilometers, the reward of eating lunch at the lake in front of Mt Fitz Roy was absolutely worth it.
With all of the optional activities for the next day, it was tough to decide between another hike and rafting Rio de las Vueltas. I along with most of my group chose rafting which turned out to be a day to remember. We even spotted a few condors flying overhead!
On our last night in Chaltén, we had my favourite meal of the trip, a 5-course dinner at The Asadores accompanied by a performance by local musicians who introduced us to traditional Argentinian music – but more later. After the adventures in Chaltén, our last stop on the trip was Calafate, which was a perfect place to wind down after a packed few days and prepare for our final adventure. We spent the day wandering around town, souvenir shopping, and enjoying the sunshine. Calafate is known for having a large population of stray dogs who liked to tag along when we walked or ate on restaurant patios.
Read More: My 8-Day Trip Experience in Buenos Aires and Patagonia
Exploring the Glaciers: A Journey to Perito Moreno
On the last day of the trip, we had the incredible opportunity to trek on the Perito Moreno Glacier, an experience that was the perfect finale to our adventure in Patagonia. Our entire group opted in to the trekking and in my opinion it's a must-do activity.
Having been glacier trekking in Canada and Iceland before, I'll admit that I wasn't immediately sold on the idea of spending another $320 on this optional activity, but as soon as it began I immediately realized this was an experience like no other. We took a short boat ride to the meeting point and after gearing up with crampons, we set off across the glacier's vast ice fields, marveling at the surreal, otherworldly landscape. Our guides led us through crevasses and ice formations, explaining the glacier's history and the science behind its unique formation and stunning blue hues.
To cap off this once-in-a-lifetime experience, we stopped for drinks on the glacier, enjoying a well-deserved glass of whiskey on the rocks made with glacier ice. It was the perfect end to a trip filled with adventure, beauty, and unforgettable memories.
After the hike, we took a nautical safari boat tour that brought us closer to the glacier's face. We then spent a few hours wandering the boardwalks, observing its enormity from different vantage points. We even saw the glacier calving into the water. That night, we had our farewell dinner before flying back to Buenos Aires the next morning, still in awe of all we had experienced in Patagonia.
My Experience: Comfort and Safety in Argentina
Traveling in Patagonia was a dream come true, but it came with its own set of challenges. Distances are vast in this region, and getting from one place to another requires patience. For instance, we took several long bus rides to travel between Calafate, Chaltén, and other towns. While it was a bit tiring, the buses were comfortable, allowing me to relax and take in the landscapes. Safety in Argentina was something I kept in mind throughout the trip, especially in Buenos Aires, but our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the area and provided great advice on how to stay safe. I always felt well-informed and taken care of.
Accommodation in Argentina was a pleasant surprise. From the boutique hotel in Buenos Aires to the cozy hostels in Patagonia, we stayed in comfortable places that allowed us to unwind after a full day of activities. The beautiful lakeside hotel in El Calafate was great for relaxing and enjoying the stunning views.
Wondering if Chile is safe? Check out our Guide to Safety in Chile.
A Moment for Argentinian Food
For me, one of the unexpected highlights of the trip was the food. As a vegan traveler, I often worry about limited choices, but Argentina's culinary scene exceeded all expectations. Argentina is known for its steaks, so I didn't have high hopes for my ability to try more traditional Argentinian foods. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of vegan and vegetarian options available. One of the most memorable dining experiences was at The Asadores in Chaltén, where we were treated to an unforgettable five-course dinner. The restaurant, known for its Argentine barbecue (asado), has a pre-set 5-course meal with a choice between meat-based, vegetarian, or vegan options. Each dish was crafted with fresh local ingredients and every course was a delicious celebration of Argentina's culinary creativity.
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Travel Tips for Buenos Aires & Patagonia
If you're considering this trip, here are a few travel tips that I learned along the way:
- If you arrive early in Buenos Aires and want to explore the city, take an Uber rather than a taxi. Uber is easy to navigate and ensures secure payment through the app, avoiding the ever-prevalent taxi scams.
- Pack layers: Patagonia's weather can be unpredictable. Even in the summer months, temperatures can vary, so it's important to pack layers to stay comfortable during outdoor adventures. I went in December, and during our hike to Laguna de los Tres, we went through everything from warm, sunny weather where we were happy in t-shirts to cold, rain, and crazy winds which had me chilly even under three layers.
- Bring cash: While many places accept credit cards, it's still a good idea to carry some cash with you, especially in smaller towns. Argentina widely accepts USD, but be sure to take out cash before you arrive as ATM fees can be high. Keep in mind that any optional activities are paid for in cash, so you'll want to factor that in to how much you bring! Our trip leader also arranged a cash “tipping kitty” for local guides which we all pooled a set amount of money into at the start of the trip.
So, long story short on Argentinian Patagonia…
Whether you're a solo traveler looking to connect with like-minded people, or you're travelling with a friend and want the security of a group, this trip offers a perfect balance of culture, nature, and unforgettable experiences. Is it a more expensive trip? Yes. But I'll forever cherish the memories I made, Argentina has so much to offer, and if you're thinking of embarking on a similar adventure, I couldn't recommend Under30Experiences more. It's a journey you won't want to miss!
Check out Under30Experiences 9-day Buenos Aires & Patagonia itinerary.
