Patagonia is a true paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and photographers, offering a landscape defined by towering snow-capped mountains, pristine forests, and a stunning array of colorful lakes. From the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to the remote, sacred valleys of Los Antiguos and the ancient rock art of Las Manos Cave, this region promises an unforgettable journey through some of the most beautiful and untouched corners of the world.
Discover the magic of the Argentine Lake District and the dramatic beauty of the Marble Caves on our exclusive 2-week Lakes and Glaciers tour. Whether you are looking to explore the rugged wilderness, experience the unique local culture, or simply relax in the serene surroundings of the Andes, Patagonia offers an unparalleled travel experience that blends adventure with luxury.
Villa La Angostura
Buenos Aires
With its wide, European-style boulevards, incredible food, and raucous nightlife, Buenos Aires is a city unlike any other. The capital city of Buenos Aires offers a pulsating and eclectic atmosphere of sophistication. Argentina´s capital is dotted with many fine eateries, a thriving arts and culture scene, packed nightclubs, and world-class accommodations. The city is flanked by the Rio de la Plata, the world’s largest estuary, and the lowlands of the Pampas. Make sure you visit the Plaza de Mayo and Cementerio de la Recoleta, as well as the variety of eclectic neighborhoods, such as La Boca, for football and Tango, San Telmo for antiques and trinkets in its bohemian market, and Palermo for a vibrant nightlife that doesn’t fully come alive until most cities have already gone to sleep, with many nightclubs staying open when most are heading off to work. Buenos Aires nightlife is varied and sure to please any visitor’s style.
Esquel
Esquel is a town in the Chubut province that provides a laid-back base for exploring the outdoors. This Welsh-founded village of just 28,000 people is the perfect place to relax after checking off all the must-do items on your Patagonia bucket list. The unspoiled Parque Nacional Los Alerces is just next door and its turquoise waters and protected forests are some of the most beautiful in Argentina. Go horseback riding, learn how to fly fish or rock climb, or go whitewater rafting while staying in this friendly little town. Hop onboard the Patagonian Express to feel like you’ve been transported back in the time to the days of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Take a ride on this old-school locomotive that joins Esquel and the town of El Maitén. La Trochita has been making this journey since 1939, and it runs on a limited schedule for tourists these days.
Los Antiguos
“I-Keu-Khon”, or “place of the old”: is the name given by the Tehuelches to this magical valley. It is situated on the South margin of Lake Buenos Aires, by the Los Antiguos river. The region was deemed sacred by the ancient Tehuelches, due to its unique microclimate, which allows for highly productive cultivation of fine fruit, such as cherries, strawberries, and raspberries. There are other very important resources, such as honey, apples, peaches, pears, and plums. This is somewhat miraculous, taking into account that the region is in the middle of the desert. Los Antiguos is surrounded by the snowy peaks of The Andes and the immense Lake Buenos Aires, with an extension of 2240 km, placed second in size in South America after Lake Titicaca. Its blue waters shelter other important resources to Los Antiguos, such as trout, salmon, and perch.
The Marble Caves
Los Antiguos is located very close to the Chilean town Chile Chico, which may be visited only by crossing a footbridge over the Jeinemeni river and we will visit the magnificent Marble Caves on the Chilean side of the border. The Marble Caves were one of Chile's best-kept secrets in the Patagonia area. The Marble Caves of Chile are one of the most fantastic tourist destinations globally. Caves draw people from all across the globe with their vivid spiraling formations and clear aquamarine waters. Travelers touring the Marble Caves should spend time looking down and enjoying the glass clear of water since it makes things easier to notice the layers of rock beneath the surface. This cave has crystals as big as multiple skyscrapers, as well as a beautiful underwater jewel that seamlessly blend into each other. Salmon and trout are the most frequent freshwater species spotted in the cave. Algae or other marine life are also present. Furthermore, the water inside the cave is immaculate, allowing guests to appreciate the corals and fish.
Las Manos Cave
Las Manos Cave is not so much a single cave as a series of rock overhangs at the base of a cliff-face in the remote and spectacular Cañón de Río Pinturas in Patagonia. The site is most famous for its breathtaking collage of more than 800 black, white, red, and ochre handprints, painted over 9,000 years ago, but there are also excellent depictions of guanacos, rheas, as well as pumas and human prints. Cueva de las Manos is one of the most important examples of rock art in South America and it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
Lago Posadas
The shores of Lakes Posadas and Pueyrredón are not next to one another but they do share a dazzling natural space where peace and rest are guaranteed. Cerro del Indio (Indian Hill), Garganta del Río Oro (Gold River Throat), and the tour to Mount San Lorenzo -the highest in the province are just some of the most adventurous places to visit for those who dare to face the glaciers, wade in meltdown rivers and climb up mountains. Lake Pueyrredón is the largest of the two lakes. It receives water from two very important rivers that come down Mounts San Lorenzo -Paso and Oro- and it features a deep blue shade. The waters of Lake Posadas instead have a green hue whose intensity changes according to the time of the day and the sunlight. In its center, there is a curious rock formation that the prevailing winds have shaped into a bridge. It is known as El Arco (the Arch). Together with Lake Pueyrredón, they are part of the Pacific basin.
La Angostura Estate
Nicknamed the Garden of Patagonia, Villa la Angostura, and the surrounding area is known to be one of the most beautiful parts of the Argentine Lake District. Situated on the northwestern shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi north of Bariloche, Villa la Angostura has a small collection of fantastic hotels and an enviable location. Popular in the winter months for the nearby skiing the area comes alive in summer when it is a favorite destination for hikes in the Los Arrayenes forest and other outdoor activities. There are also some golf courses close by. Set by the lake, the small center of the town is a beautiful and picturesque natural harbor with small fishing boats and a wooden pier running out into the crystal waters. The Los Arrayanes National Park is one of the main attractions here and in summer, it is possible to walk, kayak, fly fish, mountain bike, and sail. Enjoy the typical warm hospitality of an Argentine Estate which is the perfect blend of exquisite food, wine, and a few fables and folklore tales in front of a log fire.
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