-Day 3-Night Ushuaia and Calafate Adventure: Ultimate Argentina Travel Itinerary
Since both destinations have been explored and many travelers often combine them, here’s a suggested 4-day, 3-night itinerary to make the most of your trip.
Day 1:
Start your adventure by traveling from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia in the morning. Check into a hotel near the port and get ready for an exciting afternoon. At 3:30 PM, you can choose between a 3-hour boat tour to see the lighthouse or a 6-hour tour that includes both the lighthouse and penguin sightings.
If you opt for the 6-hour tour, savor a delicious king crab lunch; if you choose the 3-hour tour, you can enjoy the king crab either for lunch or dinner. After your meal, head to a local bar in the evening to sample some refreshing Patagonian beer.
Day 2:
Your morning plans will depend on the weather and your preferences:
1. If the weather is perfect and you’re up for a hike, I highly recommend heading to Laguna Esmeralda. The stunning scenery and rewarding experience surpass those of Tierra del Fuego National Park. Take an Uber, which is about a 30-minute drive.
Depart from your hotel at 8:30 AM, start hiking at 9 AM, and plan to return to the city center by 1:30 PM. If you’re not sure about your fitness level, allow some extra time.
2. If the weather is average or you prefer a more relaxed activity, hire a taxi to visit Tierra del Fuego National Park. Skip the little train as it’s not cost-effective and takes up valuable time.
If you arrive early, you might even enter the park before 7:30 AM without purchasing a ticket. For more detailed information on the park, check out my other post.
In the afternoon or evening, catch a flight to El Calafate. If you have an evening flight, spend the afternoon exploring the charming city center.
Upon arrival in El Calafate, check into your hotel and find a cozy spot to enjoy a succulent lamb dinner. We recommend Parrilla Don Pichon for a memorable dining experience.
Day 3:
Dedicate the entire day to the thrilling minitrekking project, a must-do experience in El Calafate. For booking details, refer to other travel guides. This exclusive adventure is managed by a single company and comes with a premium price tag of around $400. However, it’s an investment well worth making, as minitrekking stands out as the highlight of any visit to this stunning region.
The comprehensive package includes a scenic boat ride that takes you up close to the majestic Moreno Glacier for some unforgettable photo opportunities. You’ll then walk along a platform trail offering breathtaking views of the glacier, followed by an exhilarating hour-long hike on the glacier itself.
A knowledgeable guide will be there to share fascinating insights into the formation and history of the Moreno Glacier, making the experience both educational and awe-inspiring.
I’ve also tried another boat tour designed to view multiple glaciers, but even with a VIP ticket, it felt somewhat lackluster—essentially just a longer version of sitting on a boat. For a 4-day, 3-night trip, I strongly recommend skipping the full-day boat tours and opting for the minitrekking experience instead.
Despite its high cost, missing out would be a real pity. There are countless photos of the Moreno Glacier online, but nothing compares to the feeling of actually stepping onto it, like a mini expedition to Antarctica [selfie]. Just remember, with the current high prices, it’s crucial to plan your visit during the optimal weather months of December to February.
Also, keep in mind that meals are not included in the tour, so be sure to pack a hearty lunch.
In the evening, treat yourself to an authentic Argentine barbecue to refuel after a day of adventure. If you’ve already indulged in a barbecue, Isabel Cocina al Disco is a fantastic alternative, serving up delicious beef stew that is equally satisfying.
Day 4:
Plan your final day based on your next flight. If your departure is scheduled for the afternoon or evening, start your morning with a leisurely 2-hour stroll through the picturesque Reserva Laguna Nimez Wetland Park. Afterward, spend some time exploring the city center, where you can pick up unique souvenirs to remember your trip by, before heading to the airport.
For those who are passionate about hiking, have plenty of energy, and are traveling with a group by car, consider extending your stay in El Calafate by two days. This extra time will allow you to embark on a memorable trek to El Chalten, an adventure that is especially rewarding between December and February.
