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The Argentine Patagonia: Ushuaia & El Calafate
A traditional 6-night program to enjoy the best of the Argentine Patagonia: Ushuaia and el Calafate
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Best Season | Shoulder Season | Low Season | Not Available
A traditional 6-night tour to visit the best of Ushuaia and El Calafate in Patagonia
Discover Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, and El Calafate with the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier
Ushuaia, often referred to as the “City at the End of the World”, is the southernmost settlement on the planet and serves as the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica, and South Atlantic Islands Province. Tucked between the Martial Mountains and the Beagle Channel, the city is surrounded by extraordinary scenery—snowcapped peaks, sprawling glaciers, and dense forests.
As the main gateway to Antarctica and the remote southern regions of South America, Ushuaia has become a top destination for adventurers and nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, from trekking and hiking to skiing, snowboarding, and spotting native wildlife.
One of its greatest attractions is Tierra del Fuego National Park, located just a short drive from downtown. Here, travelers can wander along scenic trails, take boat rides across tranquil lakes, and encounter the unique flora and fauna of Patagonia.
Ushuaia also preserves a remarkable seafaring history. Landmarks such as the End of the World Museum and the Maritime Museum showcase its nautical past and cultural evolution. Beyond its history and nature, Ushuaia offers a lively dining scene, where visitors can enjoy everything from fresh seafood and traditional Argentine cuisine to international flavors. Altogether, Ushuaia combines adventure, culture, and spectacular landscapes, creating an unforgettable destination at the southern tip of the globe.
El Calafate, a picturesque town in the heart of Argentine Patagonia, is renowned as the entryway to the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier. Located on the shores of Lake Argentino, it serves as the perfect base for exploring some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the region.
The star attraction is the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most impressive and easily accessible glaciers on Earth. Covering more than 250 square kilometers and rising about 70 meters above the lake’s surface, its vast walls of blue ice leave every visitor amazed.
A series of panoramic walkways and viewing balconies provide stunning perspectives of the glacier, while the dramatic sound of massive ice blocks calving into the water adds to the spectacle. For the adventurous, guided ice trekking excursions allow travelers to step onto the glacier itself, exploring crevasses and surreal ice formations up close.
Beyond the glacier, El Calafate offers plenty of outdoor experiences—horseback riding across the steppe, birdwatching, boat trips on nearby lakes, and visits to traditional Patagonian ranches. The town is also home to a flourishing culinary scene, where dishes like Patagonian lamb, freshly caught fish, and homemade desserts crafted with local ingredients take center stage.
Together, El Calafate and the Perito Moreno Glacier present an extraordinary combination of striking landscapes, thrilling adventures, and authentic cultural traditions—making them essential stops for anyone exploring the wonders of Patagonia.
OUR RECOMMENDATION
If you want to truly capture the essence of Patagonia, I personally recommend this program that combines Ushuaia and El Calafate with the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Starting in Ushuaia, the “End of the World City,” you’ll be amazed by the landscapes that surround it—the Beagle Channel, the Martial Mountains, and the endless forests. Activities such as exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park, sailing the Beagle Channel, or simply enjoying the city’s rich maritime history make Ushuaia one of my favorite destinations in Argentina. It offers the perfect balance of adventure, scenery, and culture.
Moving on to El Calafate, you’ll experience the magic of the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. Whether you admire it from the walkways, listen to the thunder of the ice breaking into the lake, or even walk across its surface on a guided trek, the glacier never fails to leave visitors speechless. El Calafate also allows you to enjoy authentic Patagonian traditions, from visiting estancias to tasting delicious local lamb.
I truly believe this combination offers the most complete experience of Argentine Patagonia. It blends nature, adventure, and culture in a way that very few itineraries can. If you’re considering Patagonia, this is the journey I would wholeheartedly recommend.
RAMIRO RODRIGUEZ
Sales & Marketing Manager at MiniTrekking.com & RipioTurismo
ITINERARY
The Best of the Argentine Patagonia: Ushuaia and El Calafate
DAY 1
Arrive to Ushuaia
Arrive at Ushuaia International Airport, the gateway to the “End of the World.” Ushuaia, the southernmost city on the planet, is framed by the Martial Mountains and the Beagle Channel, offering a spectacular blend of peaks, glaciers, and forests. After your transfer to the hotel, enjoy free time to relax or add one of the optional activities available.
Optional Excursions & Tours:
DAY 2
Tierra del Fuego National Park + Beagle Channel Navigation
After breakfast, discover Tierra del Fuego National Park on a half-day excursion. Walk among pristine forests, rivers, and mountains, and marvel at Lapataia Bay, the southern end of the Pan-American Highway. If you wish, you can ride the famous “End of the World Train” through scenic valleys and learn about the region’s history.
In the afternoon, embark on a navigation of the Beagle Channel. Sail past Isla de Lobos to watch colonies of sea lions and seabirds, and admire the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. Overnight in Ushuaia.
DAY 3
Free time
Today is free for optional tours: hike to Laguna Esmeralda or Laguna Turquesa, sail to see Magellanic and Gentoo penguins, kayak along remote shores, or visit the scenic Fagnano and Escondido Lakes.
Optional Excursions & Tours:
4×4 Lakes Adventure: Off-Road Exploration from Ushuaia
Excursion to Fagnano and Escondido Lakes from Ushuaia
Gable Island and Penguin Reserve Excursion with Harberton Ranch and Canoe Adventure from Ushuaia
Half Day Ushuaia City Tour
Helicopter Tour over Emerald Lagoon in Ushuaia
Punta Paraná & Puerto Almanza: Beagle Channel Adventure
Trekking to Emerald Lagoon
Trekking to Turquesa Lagoon and Carbajal Mount from Ushuaia
DAY 4
Goodbye Ushuaia - Arrive to El Calafate
Breakfast and transfer to the airport. Depending on your flight schedule, you may add an additional excursion before your departure.
Then, flight to El Calafate. Arrive and tranfser to your hotel. Free time
Optional Excursions & Tours:
DAY 5
Perito Moreno Glacier
After breakfast, we will start the excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentine Patagonia, an awe-inspiring journey into one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. Departing from the charming town of El Calafate, travelers embark on a scenic drive through the rugged Patagonian landscape to Los Glaciares National Park. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the breathtaking sight of the towering ice walls of the glacier, which rise dramatically above the turquoise waters of Lake Argentino. Guided tours lead guests to strategically positioned viewing platforms, where they can marvel at the glacier’s dynamic movements and listen to the thunderous crashes of ice calving into the lake. Some excursions also include a boat tour, providing an up-close perspective of the glacier’s sheer size and scale. For the adventurous, guided ice trekking tours offer the chance to explore the glacier’s surface, navigating its crevasses and seracs with the assistance of experienced guides. Throughout the excursion, knowledgeable guides provide insights into the glacier’s formation, geology, and ecological significance, enhancing the experience with their expertise and passion for the natural world. Overall, the excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier offers a captivating blend of adventure, natural beauty, and educational enrichment, making it an unforgettable highlight of any visit to Argentine Patagonia.
DAY 6
Choose from options available
After breakfast, the day is free for you, to choose any of the boat navigations available to visit different glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park, visit a typical estancia, or even visit El Chaltén. Check the list below
DAY 7
Goodbye El Calafate!
After breakfast, free time until transfer to airport or bus station to continue your trip.
You can add optional activities if your flight leaves late.
About Us
VisitUshuaia.com, a site by RipioTurismo, celebrates South America as the vibrant garden of our world, rich in colorful landscapes, cultural heritage, gastronomy, and warm hospitality. With +20 years of expertise, we craft custom trips across Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Our carefully selected hotels and local partners ensure the best service possible. We cater to FITs, groups, adventure seekers, and the 50+ age group with luxury tours.
GALLERY
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Transfers in/out airport to hotel
- 6 nights of accommodation with breakfast
- Activities as detailed in the itinerary
- Tips
- Meals not detailed in the itinerary
- Internal flights that can be quoted separately
FAQs
What is the best season to do this tour?
Definitely during spring and summer, ideal for outdoors activities. So, October to April period. Also during winter season if you´re looking for snow and winter activities in Ushuaia.
Can I add extra nights?
Yes, absolutely. You can add extra nights in any of the destinations included in the program. Just contact us
Can I see penguins during my trip to Ushuaia?
Well, check the penguin calendar first.
Penguin Season in Ushuaia:
Main Season: Penguins are present from October to April (spring and summer in the Southern Hemisphere). This is when Magellanic and Gentoo penguins come to Isla Martillo to nest and raise their chicks. During these months you can do either a walking tour on the island or a boat tour to see them.
Off-Season (May to September):
The Magellanic and Gentoo penguins migrate north once the cold, dark winter sets in. Tours to Isla Martillo do not operate because there are no large colonies to observe.
Can I enjoy snow in Ushuaia during my trip?
Well, check the following information:
Main snow season:
Runs from late June to early October
The peak is usually July and August, coinciding with Argentine winter school holidays. Snow can still be found in May/early June and sometimes in late October, but it’s less reliable.
Where you’ll find snow:
Cerro Castor – the southernmost ski resort in the world, about 26 km from Ushuaia. Open typically mid-June to early October depending on snowfall.
Valle de Tierra Mayor & Valle de Lobos – great for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and snowmobiles.
Martial Glacier – accessible from the city, often with snow early and late in the season.
We have some tours and packages specially prepared for winter season. Check our vacation packages area
Can I add internal flights to my trip?
Yes, we can quote it for you. The price for internal flights are not included in our quotation, but can be added on request. Just check with your travel designer what´s the price for flights to connect destinations in Patagonia.
Can I combine this tour with another destination in Patagonia?
Yes absolutely. You can cross to Chile and visit Torres del Paine and Santiago after the tour, or may be Buenos Aires before your flight to Ushuaia. You also can add Bariloche or Puerto Madryn and Peninsula Valdes, amazing destinations in Patagonia.
Are the entrance to national parks included in the package?
Yes, the entrance to National Parks are included in your program. Anyway, check with your travel designer if you prefer to pay the entrance fee on the spot on your own. It´s also possible.
Request Tour
What Happens After I Send the Request?
Prepare to receive a tailored quote and valuable email suggestions from our travel agent shortly. We emphasize grasping your distinct travel preferences and crafting a personalized itinerary for your upcoming journey.
Irrespective of your chosen destination, our commitment lies in guaranteeing an exceptionally memorable experience for you.
How Do I Book?
Once our travel agent designs your ideal tour, making the payment is convenient through PayPal. If you choose, you can use PayPal without needing to create an account. Additionally, we offer the option of bank transfers as an alternative payment method.
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