9-Day Glaciers, Falls and Tango – Buenos Aires, El Calafate and Iguazu Falls

Experience the Magnificence of Argentina in 9 Days: Glaciers, Waterfalls, and Tango

This 9-day tour covers some of Argentina’s most iconic sights—Buenos Aires, the Perito Moreno Glacier, and Iguazu Falls—for a total immersion in natural beauty and lively culture. Priced at $1,970 per person, it offers a balanced mix of guided city tours, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic local experiences. You get the convenience of all accommodations, transfers, and tours included, making it a hassle-free way to see much of what Argentina has to offer.

What we love most about this trip is how it combines cultural exploration with awe-inspiring scenery. The guided city tour in Buenos Aires introduces you to the city’s vibrant neighborhoods—San Telmo, La Boca, and Recoleta—each with its unique flavor. Later, the chance to enjoy a tango dinner show is a highlight, blending dance, music, and excellent Argentine cuisine. In Patagonia, walking on the Perito Moreno Glacier or boat-cruising alongside it offers a real sense of the world’s most dramatic icy landscapes. And Iguazu Falls? Well, you’ll be overwhelmed by the sheer power and scale of the falls from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides.

A possible consideration is the tight schedule and multiple flights. While the itinerary covers a lot, it involves several domestic flights and some early mornings, so travelers should be comfortable with moving quickly and managing travel logistics. But if you’re eager to see Argentina’s most remarkable natural wonders in one trip, this tour strikes a good balance between organized sightseeing and free time.

This trip is best suited for adventurous travelers who love both culture and nature. It’s ideal if you want a comprehensive experience without the hassle of planning every detail, especially for first-time visitors eager to explore Argentina’s diversity.

Key Points

• Diverse destinations: Combines urban culture, Patagonian glaciers, and world-famous waterfalls.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides help deepen your understanding of each site.
• Inclusive package: Accommodations, breakfasts, transfers, and tours are all included for value.
• Flexible options: Optional upgrades like glacier hikes add excitement.
• Balanced pace: Good mix of guided activities and free time.
• Authentic experiences: Enjoy local food, tango shows, and stunning scenery in a seamless itinerary.

A Deep Dive into the 9-Day Argentina Adventure

This tour is a well-rounded introduction to Argentina’s natural and cultural treasures, designed for travelers who want to see the highlights without the stress of organizing logistics. We’ll walk through each day, highlighting what makes each stop special—and what you might want to prepare for.

Buenos Aires: The Heartbeat of Argentina

Beginning in Buenos Aires, you’ll arrive at Ezeiza International Airport, where a friendly Destination Host will meet you for a private transfer to your hotel. This personalized introduction sets the tone—expect a warm welcome and helpful tips from your host about the city’s best restaurants, neighborhoods, and hidden gems. Spending your first day free gives you time to adjust or start exploring on your own.

The following day features a guided city tour lasting about three hours. You’ll visit the historic May Square, stroll through San Telmo’s cobblestone streets, see the colorful houses of La Boca, and admire the elegant Recoleta district, where grand palaces and the famous cemetery evoke Parisian charm. Our favorite part? The guides excel at weaving stories about Buenos Aires’ fascinating history and vibrant culture, making each neighborhood come alive.

In the evening, the highlight is a Dinner and Tango Show at Aljibe Tango. You’ll enjoy delicious Argentine cuisine—think grilled meats and local wines—while watching passionate dancers perform traditional tango. The setting offers an intimate, authentic experience that captures the city’s soul. As one reviewer noted, guides and staff are courteous and accommodating, making the evening memorable.

From City Lights to Glaciers: El Calafate

Early the next day, a private transfer takes you to the domestic airport for your flight to El Calafate in Patagonia—a journey that transports you from bustling urban streets to breathtaking icy landscapes. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and taken to your hotel, leaving you free to explore or relax.

El Calafate is a charming gateway town with ample local shops and cafés. We recommend a walk to Laguna Nimez, where, as some travelers have noted, “you can witness a beautiful sunset,” providing a peaceful way to connect with the wilderness.

The biggest day here is our visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier, part of Los Glaciares National Park. The glacier is a true spectacle—rivers of ice towering 30 to 60 meters above the water, stretching nearly 20 miles long. The guided tour, which lasts about five hours, includes a boat cruise that gets you close enough to feel the glacier’s icy breath, and walking along the trails to viewing platforms offers stunning perspectives. One traveler shared, “We loved the way the glacier seemed alive, constantly calving chunks into the water,” making this a highlight for nature lovers.

For those craving more adventure, optional mini-trekking or Big Ice excursions are available, allowing you to hike on the glacier itself—an unforgettable experience if you’re prepared for extra effort and cost.

Time to Return and Fly North

After a relaxed morning and some souvenir shopping, you’ll transfer back to the El Calafate airport for a flight to Buenos Aires, where you’ll have an evening free. The next day, your journey continues as you fly to Puerto Iguazu, home to the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls.

The Magnificent Iguazu Falls

Arriving in Puerto Iguazu, you’ll be driven to your hotel, then embark on a half-day tour of the Brazilian side of the falls. From this vantage point, the panoramic views are breathtaking—sheer waterfalls spilling over cliffs in all directions, with mist rising from the depths. One reviewer said, “The views from the Brazilian side let you see the entire system of waterfalls—truly unforgettable.”

The following day is dedicated to the Argentine side, which offers a more immersive experience. Expect a full-day adventure with an ecological train ride, getting you close enough to Devil’s Throat, the largest and most dramatic waterfall. Walking the lower and upper circuits provides both intimate jungle vistas and sweeping panoramas. One traveler remarked, “The jungle walkways felt like you were walking into the heart of the falls,” emphasizing how close you can get to nature’s power.

Guides will help you navigate the park’s extensive trails, and optional boat tours—if upgraded—add even more thrill with a splashy ride beneath the falls.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive yet manageable way to see Argentina’s crown jewels. It suits those who want to combine cultural insights with natural marvels—think enjoying tango and city life, then marveling at glaciers and waterfalls. The tour is also perfect for first-time visitors eager to tick off major highlights without the hassle of independent planning.

While the schedule is brisk, the balance of guided tours and free time allows you to soak in each experience without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, the inclusion of all major transportation and accommodations means you won’t have to worry about logistics—just focus on enjoying every moment.

Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Tour for You?

If you’re the type of traveler who appreciates guided insight, loves spectacular scenery, and wants a well-organized way to explore a big country in a short time, this tour offers excellent value. The expert guides, especially in national parks, deepen your appreciation of each site, while the included logistics make the trip smoother. The stunning vistas of glaciers and waterfalls are the kind of sights that linger in your memory long after you leave.

However, if you prefer to explore at a more leisurely pace, or want to include more off-the-beaten-path adventures, this trip might feel somewhat packed. The focus on major highlights means some areas—like Buenos Aires’ neighborhoods or the full extent of Iguazu’s trails—may be somewhat condensed.

Overall, for first-timers or those eager to see Argentina’s top sights efficiently, this tour offers a great mix of natural grandeur and cultural charm. It’s a solid choice to tick off the country’s must-see destinations with comfort and expert guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include flights?
No, the tour price covers accommodations, transfers, and guided tours. You need to book your international and domestic flights separately.

Are all park entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to the national parks are not included in the price. You’ll purchase tickets on-site or in advance if desired.

Can I upgrade the glacier experience?
Yes, optional upgrades like Mini-Trekking or Big Ice excursions are available, which allow you to hike on the glacier itself.

What is the group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of 24 travelers, which generally allows for a more personal experience without feeling crowded.

Is there free time?
Yes, the itinerary includes some free hours—such as in El Calafate and Buenos Aires—so you can explore at your own pace or relax.

Are meals included?
Breakfast is included each day. The tour also provides dinner on the first evening in Buenos Aires, but other meals are at your discretion.

What should I pack?
Bring layers suitable for city sightseeing, outdoor walking shoes for glaciers and waterfalls, and rain gear—especially for Iguazu, where mist and humidity are common.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most travelers find it engaging, check with the provider if traveling with young children, especially for optional glacier hikes.

Do I need special visas?
If you are traveling from certain countries like the U.S., Canada, or Japan, a visa for Brazil is required to visit Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side. Make sure your passport is valid for international border crossings.

This 9-day Argentina adventure offers a carefully curated glimpse into the country’s diverse landscapes and lively culture. Whether you’re gazing at glaciers, experiencing roaring waterfalls, or feeling the rhythm of tango, you’ll find yourself with stories to tell for years to come.