Family-friendly Patagonia

Day 1 : International Aiport Ezeiza

Meet your driver at Ezeiza International Airport – transfer to Buenos Aires in a private vehicle. Transfer with an English-speaking guide. Bike tour of the city (aproximately 5 hours)

Meet your guide in historic San Telmo (Peru 988), where you start your bike tour of Buenos Aires with a thorough orientation, introducing you to the city, your bike and each other.

Start with the backstreets of one of the oldest barrios in Buenos Aires, home to antique shops, historical cafés and a locals’ favourite. Your next stop is La Boca with elaborate urban art, an iconic stadium and the birthplace of Tango in colourful Caminito. Enjoy some free time to discover these vibrant 4 blocks that once greeted millions of immigrants at the turn of the 20th century.

You can now watch a completely different world in the neighbouring Puerto Madero. The obvious contrast is felt as you ride through the quiet, yet very modern streets.

Pause for lunch at a local favorite barbecue food truck (vegetarian options available).

You now head to the “Heart of the City” in Plaza de Mayo where you will learn about the political and historical events that happened right where you stand. Cycle back to San Telmo as your tour ends, to enjoy your guide’s best tips on the city and share a moment before going back to your hotel. Night at the Arc Recoleta Boutique Hotel & Spa in a standard room.

Day 2 : City Tour Buenos Aires

Visit Buenos Aires (half day,private tour).

Your tour starts with a visit of the Recoleta neighbourhood, characterized by many colonial houses, often formerly inhabited by famous historical figures, and now home to Argentinian families. Enter the luxurious Pacifico Shopping Center , characterized by its late 19th century French architecture with vaulted ceilings, or visit the Recoleta Cemetery and the world-famous tomb of Evita Perón. Stop by the Recoleta Cultural Center to visit the interactive science museum

You then head to the Palermo neighbourhood: take a stroll in the Tres de Febrero Park , inaugurated in 1875, the largest green area of the city – bike trailers are available to carry your children across the leafy paths. You can also visit the Ecoparc (former Buenos Aires zoo) to watch the ducks and flamingos.

If time allows it, go further to the Natural Science Museum : this is the country of dinosaurs, and it is hard not to share children’s excitment when they discover the bones of the big specimens excavated in Patagonia.

Return to your hotel after the visit. Excursion performed with an english speaking guide. Night at the Arc Recoleta Boutique Hotel & Spa in a standard room.

Day 3 : Buenos Aires

Transfer from your hotel to Buenos Aires Domestic Airport in a private vehicle. Domestic flight Buenos Aires* – Trelew.

*National o international airport depending on time schedule and availability. Transfer from Trelew Airport to El Pedral Lodge in a private vehicle. In Puerto Ninfas, 70km away from Puerto Madryn, the Pedral is a country hotel built in the 19th century by Basque pioneers. Its private beaches offer a close contact with Atlantic Patagonia’s wildlife.

With only 8 rooms, the Pedral has kept its original architecture and decoration. It is the perfect setting to come into contact with the diverse fauna and the early history of European pioneers who set out in the wild to find southern lands to raise their sheep on.

You will be able to visit the Lighthouse, and colonies of elephant seals and Magellanic penguins.

From the Lodge you can also observe the southern right whales near the coast or book an navigation in Puerto Piramides to get closer.

Night at El Pedral Lodge in a standard room with full board.

Day 4 : Punta Ninfas

In Puerto Ninfas, 70km away from Puerto Madryn, the Pedral is a country hotel built in the 19th century by Basque pioneers. Its private beaches offer a close contact with Atlantic Patagonia’s wildlife.

With only 8 rooms, the Pedral has kept its original architecture and decoration. It is the perfect setting to come into contact with the diverse fauna and the early history of European pioneers who set out in the wild to find southern lands to raise their sheep on.

You will be able to visit the Lighthouse, and colonies of elephant seals and Magellanic penguins.

From the Lodge you can also observe the southern right whales near the coast or book an navigation in Puerto Piramides to get closer.

Night at El Pedral Lodge in a standard room with full board. Leisure day (for activities see previous day).

Day 5 : Punta Ninfas

Leisure day (for activities see previous day). Night at the Peninsula Valdés hotel in a standard room. Private transfer from El Pedral to Puerto Madryn.

Day 6 : Puerto Madryn - El Calafate

Transfer out from the hotel in Puerto Madryn to Trelew Airport in private vehicle. Domestic flight Trelew – Calafate Transfer from El Calafate Airport to your hotel in a private vehicle. Free day in El Calafate.

Enjoy your free time to try one of the following activities:

– Visit the Laguna Nimez Natural Reserve to enjoy the wilderness and observe the flamingos and the 80 other species of birds living there. This is an easy, 20-minute walk from the city center – duration of the visit: 2 hours.

– Visit the Interpretive Center which covers various themes such as paleontology, geology, anthropology and history.

– Rent an electric bike to explore the city.

– Have a drink downtown at the ice bar. Night at the Calafate Parque Hotel in a standard room.

Day 7 : El Calafate

At 8 am, your private transfer picks you up at your hotel to take you to the Perito Moreno Glacier, 80km away from El Calafate.

This full-day excursion allows you to thoroughly enjoy the exceptional natural surroundings.

Take in the panoramic views from the footbridges : you are facing the whole glacier and its surrounding lenga beech forest.

Return trip to El Calafate around 4:30pm.

Nautical Safari tour included (1h):

From the port located at Refugio Argentino, embark on an hour-long navigation to enjoy the southern face of the Glacier that can be 70 meters high. Entrance to Los Glaciares National Park included. An English speaking guide will accompany you for the tour. Night at the Calafate Parque Hotel in a standard room.

Day 8 : El Calafate

Departure for the Nibepo Aike estancia, located 55km away from El Calafate.

This Estancia was founded by a Croatian pioneer named Don Santiago Peso, who settled on these lands in the early twentieth century. Nestled in Los Glaciares National Park, the estancia lives off cattle and sheep farming. The visit offers an insight into the history of this area and allows the visitor to discover an authentic Patagonian Estancia lifestyle – observe the rural tasks which are now open to the public, such as the traditional demonstration of sheep shearing.

Choose among the activities the Estancia offers to its guests: horseback riding to Cerro Cristales, where you can admire the Perito Moreno glacier, walks through the typical fauna and flora of Patagonia…

If you stay during the fishing season, you should try your luck at Lake Roca – Patagonia is flyfishing’s paradise.

Night at Estancia Nibepo Aike in a standard room with full board.

Day 9 : Estancia Nibepo Aike

Morning at the Estancia with activities.

Departure from the Estancia after lunch at 14:15 and arrival in El Calafate around 15:30. Night at the Calafate Parque Hotel in a standard room. Additional half day with lunch included. If the weather is nice, make the most of the natural surroundings this morning.

You can also watch the gauchos carry out seasonal activities, such as

– Cattle branding

– Sheep shearing

– Gathering cows or sheep

– Horseback farming and games

Day 10 : El Calafate - Bariloche

Transfer from El Calafate to the Airport in a private vehicle. Domestic flight Calafate – Bariloche. Transfer from the Bariloche airport to your hotel in a private vehicle. Transfer with an English-speaking guide. Leave your hotel in a private vehicle to explore the natural surroundings.

This 65km excursion skirts the Nahuel Huapi Lake and drives through important landmarks, such as El Trebol Lagoon, Moreno West and East Lake… Stop along several panoramic points along the road to watch the wonderful views. In front of Pañuelo Port, the luxurious Hotel Llao Llao and San Eduardo Chapel benefit from an incredible location. Stop by Cerro Campanario : take a chairlift to the top to admire one of Bariloche’s best view over the lakes and summits. End your excursion with a nice walk in the woods of the Municipal Llao Llao Reserve.

Note: 4 hour outing. Excursion carried out with an English speaking guide. Night at the Design Suite Hotel in a Two room Suite.

Day 11 : Victoria Island

Depart from Pañuelo Port to navigate the Nahuel Huapi Lake on a catamaran. Visit Victoria Island where you can walk through the former tree nursery – listen to the peaceful silence in this restful place. Stroll along the volcanic sand beaches.

Re-embark to cross to Port Quetrihué to visit the famous Arrayán Forest (Myrtle trees) … The latter is a unique forest boasting century-old myrtle trees, featuring a smooth, cold, cinnamon coloured bark, with white flowers reminiscing of orange blossoms, and very tasty purple berries. Return trip by boat to Pañuelo Port.

Boat departure 1.55pm – be at the port 30min before.

5-hour excursion in total. Transfer to Puerto Pañuelo in pool service. Departure from Bariloche at 09:00 or 12:30. Entrance to Nahuel Huapi National Park included. Night at the Design Suite Hotel in a Two room Suite.

Day 12 : Bariloche

Far from civilization, this stay invites you to escape and discover an indigenous culture living in Patagonia’s wilderness for several generations: the Mapuche. You are housed by one of 6 families who are part of the rural network.

Once your family has been assigned, share some fresh tortas fritas (a typical snack), with a welcoming mate. Make yourself at home in your room – the architecture displays a traditional Mapuche house characteristics – expect some low ceilings.

Horse riding, walking or craft activities, it’s up to you! In this unique and authentic setting you can learn about the flora and fauna of the Patagonian steppes with your local guide. Hands-on participation is recommended: take part in the daily tasks to discover the indigenous culture.

Night and full board in the shared house. Private transfer to and from the meeting point with your hosts.

Day 13 : Bariloche Airport

You can continue to hike with your local guide or spend the morning horseback riding to fully enjoy the landscapes. You can also participate in the family’s daily tasks.

Lunch included.

After making your farewells, return to Bariloche in the late afternoon. Domestic flight Bariloche – Buenos Aires*.

*National o international airport depending on time schedule and availability. Transfer from Buenos Aires domestic airport to your hotel in a private vehicle. Boedo Experience : Discover the historical Boedo neighbourhood in Buenos Aires and the daily life of a franco-argentinian family.

Visit the neighbourhood walking amongst the typical murales (colourful wall paintings) celebrating tango and football, before having a drink at Café Margot – a symbolic place dear to the locals.

Your hosts welcome you in their house, to teach you how to make empanadas and share a meal together. The evening ends with a kahoot game, quizzing all participants about the neighbourhood and its history. Night at the Arc Recoleta Boutique Hotel & Spa in a standard room.

Day 14 : Buenos Aires

Transfer from the hotel to Ezeiza International Airport in a private vehicle.