One Week in Argentina: The Ultimate Itinerary

Day 6: Fitz Roy Trek

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Arrange for breakfast and transport early in the morning. Nap during the drive to El Chalten, as the drive is two and a half hours. Once there, you’ll embark on one of the most famous hikes in all of Patagonia, Laguna de Los Tres, also known as “the Fitz Roy Trek.” The hike in total is about 8 hours and covers 16.16 miles, if you include a stop at the Piedras Blancas Glacier. A mostly moderate trail, the last hour can be difficult due to a steep incline and 400-meter (1,607-foot) gain in altitude.

 

However, any struggle is worth El Chalten’s scenery. You’ll see multiple lagoons and an iconic view of Mount Fitz Roy, other mountains, and more glaciers. Although it is a more challenging hike than what you did in Bariloche, a guide is not really needed. All of the trails in El Chalten are well-marked. However, if you would prefer some shorter or more moderate hikes of only a few hours, consider Los Condores, a two-hour hike, perfect for sunrise and with great views of Mount Fitz Roy, or Laguna Capri, a more challenging four-hour hike also with views of Mount Fitz Roy.

 

Make sure to wear a sweat-wicking layer, as it can get hot, a lightweight raincoat, and waterproof hiking books. Pack a sack lunch and plenty of nutritious snacks. Arrange with the hotel for transport back, and enjoy the deep sleep that comes after a long hike.

Day 7: Ushuaia

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Drop your bags at your hotel and go to Pira Tours for a day of boating and wildlife. Book their Penguin Rookery and Beagle Channel tour prior for a full day of boating and wildlife viewing. You’ll see boisterous sea lions on Sea Lions Island as you cruise down the Beagle Channel, then your zodiac boat will land on the chilly, windy Martillo Island. Here Magellanic and gentoo penguins waddle in droves. Your bilingual guide will instruct you on how to safely walk amongst the penguins without hurting their habitat. Preservations measures strict, so only 80 people can walk with penguins each day. Be sure to book in advance.

 

For your last dinner in Argentina, eat the regional specialty: centolla (king crab). For a large, delicious portion, go to Kaupe Restaurant. Pair it with a glass of Torrontes wine (a particular Argentine white wine).

 

Retire to your hotel to prepare for travel the next day. Either fly back to Buenos Aires then homeward, or book a cruise to Antarctica for the adventure to continue.