Mountains, Lakes and Malbec

Snow-capped peaks along the craggy spine of the Andes, vast sapphire blue lakes, lush and ancient temperate forest, one of the finest wine-growing regions in the world—we’ve put them all together to create a unique journey that explores the best of central Argentina. On our insider’s adventure, we hike and kayak the cerulean lakes of the Patagonian Lake District from a lakeside lodge, boat across the lake for a hike and traditional asado (barbecue) on a remote island, and savor wine tasting, vineyard lunches, and  biking from winery to winery in Argentina’s prime wine country. Our overnights include a historic estancia and a delightful family-run wine estate with a welcoming ambiance. Join us for this active, moveable feast in the Andes!

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-4
Buenos Aires / Estancia La Bamba

After a day in Buenos Aires to experience its cosmopolitan pulse and enjoy a tango show, we travel to the elegant Estancia La Bamba, one of the oldest Argentine colonial estancias. On its park-like grounds, we hike, explore by horseback or carriage, and savor an introduction to gaucho life, cuisine, music, and wine.

Days 5-8
Bariloche / Lake Nahuel Huapi

Flying to the mountain town of Bariloche, we enjoy hikes and lake adventures at Nahuel Huapi National Park, a wild landscape where the snow-capped Andes meet the golden Patagonian steppe. We kayak the lake, with its fjords and temperate rainforest, and hike trails to spectacular viewpoints, including magnificent, glacier-clad Cerro Tronodor (11,453'). On one day we enjoy a private yacht crossing of the lake, stopping on a remote island and peninsula to hike through ancient forests and enjoy a special asado criollo, a classic Argentine barbecue. Our accommodation is a boutique lodge in a tranquil lakeside setting with views stretching out over the waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi.

Days 9-12
Mendoza Wine Country

A flight brings us to Mendoza, Argentina’s wine capital, with its rose gardens and sycamore-shaded streets. We head out of town to the Valle de Uco, where the most prestigious and state-of-the-art wineries are found. Our explorations include a hike in the mountains and biking from winery to winery in the Clos de los Siete, a magnificent collective of avant-garde wineries, where we delight in a special estate lunch—and taste wines, of course! Our overnights are at Casa Antucura, a small family-run retreat set among the vineyards. Depart on Day 12 via Buenos Aires, or join our Iguazu Falls Extension.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 3, Moderate. It features sightseeing with day walks and hikes and some long drives on rough, unpaved roads. Appropriate time for rest and acclimatization is included in the itinerary, but for your own enjoyment of the trip, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. Throughout the trip, we enjoy hotel and lodge accommodations.

Explanation of Trip Levels