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For first-time visitors, the big sights are Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls, and Patagonia’s Moreno Glacier. Since most will arrive in Buenos Aires, this simplifies logistics, but great distances mean that flying to Iguazú and Patagonia is unavoidable.
If you have just seven nights, figure at least two in Buenos Aires (at the beginning and end), two in Iguazú, and three at El Calafate, gateway to the glacier. With two or three extra days, you could spend more time in the capital, take an excursion to the Fitz Roy sector of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, or perhaps stay at an estancia near Buenos Aires or El Calafate.
Day 1
Arrive at Aeropuerto Internacional Ministro Pistarini (Ezeiza) and transfer to a Buenos Aires hotel, with the afternoon free for sightseeing.
Day 2
Catch an early-morning flight to Puerto Iguazú, with the afternoon at the falls; if the timing’s right, take the full-moon tour.
Day 3
Take an excursion to the Brazilian side of the falls or, alternatively, hike the rainforest on the Argentine side. Or, visit the historic Jesuit mission of San Ignacio MinÃ.
Day 4
A morning flight back to Buenos Aires and on to El Calafate will take most of the day. Take an evening excursion to a nearby estancia for an asado.
Day 5
Plan for a full-day excursion to the Moreno Glacier in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares.
Day 6
Travel overland by bus or rental car to the Fitz Roy sector of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, with accommodations at the hamlet of El Chaltén. With an early arrival time and good weather, you’ll have time for a swift hike to view the glaciated needle of Cerro Torre.
Day 7
The strenuous full-day hike to Laguna de los Tres is worth it for stupendous views of Cerro Fitz Roy. In the evening, return to El Calafate.
Day 8
Spend a relaxing day at an estancia like the rustic Estancia Nibepo Aike or the more luxurious HosterÃa Alta Vista, on Estancia Anita.
Day 9
After the return flight to Buenos Aires, you’ll have the afternoon and evening free for sightseeing and perhaps a tango floor show.
Day 10
Explore Buenos Aires during the day before your evening flight home.
© Wayne Bernhardson from Moon Argentina, 2nd edition
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