Buenos Aires & Patagonia Trip details

Introduction

Welcome to Argentina! 

Spend two nights in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires before taking a flight to the Patagonia region of Argentina. Take some time to explore and familiarize yourself with your new Buenos Aires surroundings. For the second half of your adventure, you will go hiking in the mountains in Patagonia. Everywhere you turn, you will be surrounded by breathtaking mountains and glaciers, making Patagonia one of the most unique places in Argentina!

Duration: 8 days & 7 nights

Start: Please be ready to depart Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) at 3:00 p.m.

Finish: The trip ends in Buenos Aires at 6:00 p.m.

We recommend booking your flight to arrive a few hours before this time.

Departure time is not mandatory, but guarantees include group transportation.

Airfare booking details will be sent after registration--please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions.

What's Included

  • 8 days & 7 nights shared accommodations in boutique hotel rooms
  • 7 breakfasts & 7 dinners
  • Private airport pick-up upon arrival
  • Private airport drop-off upon departure
  • Round trip flight Buenos Aires–El Calafate
  • Private Transfer from El Calafate to El Chaltén
  • Tango Dinner Show
  • Full Day Perito Moreno Glacier & Safari Nautico Boat Experience 
  • Full-day trekking in Laguna de Los Tres 
  • Under30Experiences Trip Leader
  • Personal recommendations for optional activities
  • The chance to meet some kick-ass people
  • Access to the Under30Experiences Community
  • Taxes are always included, there are never hidden fees, & NO blackout dates.

Travelers are responsible for international airfare arriving in Buenos Aires.

Public transportation and optional activities are not included.

Highlights

  • Enjoy vibrant Buenos Aires
  • Experience a tango show
  • Take in Perito Moreno Glacier by land and water 
  • Trekk the Laguna de Los Tres

Is this Trip for You?

Looking for city life, cultural immersion, and adventure? This is the trip for you! We suggest having an active lifestyle to allow you to enjoy the trekking portion of this trip, though anyone is welcome.

-Age requirement: 21+

-Group size: 16 max, average 12-14

-Physical rating: Challenging. Some activities include physical activity like hiking.

Travel Community

Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.

Before your trip, you'll have the opportunity to join a custom WhatsApp group and connect with other members of your group. Many travelers meet at the airport or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others coordinate plans to stay in a country after their trip.

During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to foster an open, supportive environment where people feel safe to truly be themselves.

After your trip, you'll be an official U30X Alumni and part of our larger online Travel community, where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We are constantly hosting meetups in local cities around the US and Canada that range from simple happy hours to hikes to outdoor movie nights.

More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.

Itinerary Disclaimer

Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.

While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into it, and on occasion, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Meals

Breakfast: In Argentina, breakfast is typically a simple meal consisting of two main staples: tostadas (toast) or medialunas (similar to croissants). These options are usually served with coffee and orange juice. Any restaurants or cafes that offer more elaborate breakfast options, such as cooked eggs, yogurt, or fruit, are likely catering to tourists.

Lunch and Dinner: Asado is a method of grilling, a multi-step process that often lasts several hours. Expect to find beef, pork, ribs, sausages, blood sausages, and sweetbreads hot off the fire. 

Chimichurri is an herbaceous green salsa made of finely chopped parsley, oregano, onion, garlic, chili pepper flakes, olive oil, and a touch of lemon or vinegar, which is classically paired with grilled meats, especially beef, or used as a marinade. 

Grilled provoleta (provolone) cheese is popular before a meal or as a side to barbecued meats.

Empanadas are stuffed dough pockets, deep-fried or baked, then filled with sweet or savory stuffing, depending on the province.

Transportation

You will be traveling by private, air-conditioned ground transportation throughout your trip. You will also be taking an included flight in economy seating.

Private ground transportation to and from the airport (Included).

Public bus and taxi (Not Included).

Some optional activities do not include transportation.

Accommodation

You will be staying in shared boutique hotel rooms for the duration of the trip.

Laundry is available at the hotel for an additional fee. Ask your Trip Leader for details.

Accommodations may vary but will be the same quality.

Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender.

Private room options are available upon request, subject to hotel availability for an extra charge.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory in order to participate in any of our trips.

When selecting a travel insurance policy, please bear in mind that all travelers must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of 200,000 USD for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, loss of luggage, and personal effects. Please ensure that all the activities you plan on participating in are covered by your travel insurance.

We recommend using either Wanderwell or World Nomads to purchase your policy. The Wanderwell “Preferred Plan” or the World Nomads “Explorer Plan” will cover all included activities on U30X trips. Wanderwell donates at least one percent of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Under30Experiences.

If you have travel insurance with your credit card, we require proof of purchase of the trip in the form of a receipt or credit card statement on a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage, and emergency contact telephone number.

Cancellation Policy

Flexible

Give us at least 60 days’ notice, and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.

If you have an emergency cancellation that is less than 60 days before your trip, please refer to your travel insurance company, as they may cover you for some expenses. We are not able to transfer trips or hold experience credits within 60 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.

Trip Leader Expectations

All Under30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.

The goal of the Trip Leader is to facilitate an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends.

You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.

Packing List

Please be eco-friendly!

  • Bring a reusable water bottle to refill from the tap.
  • Bring a reusable straw to limit the use of single-use plastic waste.
  • Use as little plastic as possible by declining straws and plastic bags at restaurants and when shopping.
  • Please avoid aerosol bug sprays as they negatively affect the environment.
  • Bring "reef safe" sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate because they kill coral.

Your flight ticket from Buenos Aires to El Calafate will be booked with Aerolineas Argentinas. Your airfare includes 1 carry-on bag of a maximum of 17 pounds and 1 checked baggage of a maximum of 30 pounds. Measurements: the sum of the 3 dimensions should not exceed 62 inches (158 cm). We recommend keeping luggage to 30 pounds (15 kilograms) or under due to luggage restrictions. If you wish to bring more baggage, you may pay the additional fee at the airline counter.

A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

Below are our staff picks of the best items we travel with! All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and are organically inspired when possible.

Do not forget waterproof trekking boots, a water bottle, sunscreen, a waterproof rain jacket, sunglasses, and a hat! You can bring walking poles or rent them in Patagonia. 

Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, Under30Experiences will earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Passport & Visas

Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders:

A visa is not required to enter Argentina for US passport holders.

Make sure you have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State with any more questions.

Make sure there is no damage to your passport. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn-out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.

Health & Insurance

Check out our Travel Alerts Page for up-to-date COVID requirements.

Our suggested travel insurance vendor is World Nomads which has a minimum of 200,000 USD coverage.

Please consult with your doctor before traveling regarding physical activity and vaccinations.

No inoculations are required to enter Buenos Aires from the United States but the Center for Disease Control suggests vaccinating for Covid-19, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B. 

More specific health information for Travelers to Argentina can be found on the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Money & Currency

We suggest bringing 400 USD in cash to be used at establishments that do not accept credit cards.

We recommend bringing USD to exchange into Argentinian pesos. Your Trip Leader will be able to find a much better exchange rate than offered by banks at home, or ATMs in Argentina.

This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.

The official currency of Argentina is the Argentinan peso (ARS).

For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the XE Currency Exchange App.

Safety & Security

Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance, vaccination card, and passport with you. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup.

Keep your passport and any valuables locked in the safe at the hotel.

Don’t leave valuables unattended.

Leave flashy jewelry at home.

US citizens, please consider registering with the US State Department's “SMART Traveler Program,” who can contact your family in case of emergency.

Make sure you have the address of your hotel in the event that you're separated from your Trip Leader.

Weather

Buenos Aires: November is the last month of spring in Buenos Aires. High temperatures fluctuate between the 60s and 80s Fahrenheit (15-25 Celsius).

January and February are considered summer months in Buenos Aires, with daily high temperatures around 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 Celsius)... rarely falling below 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius) or exceeding 90 degrees Farenheit (32 Celsius).

Patagonia: The weather in Patagonia in November is chilly, with temperatures between 37 degrees Farenheit (3 degrees Celsius) and 51 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celsius).

The temperatures in Patagonia in January and February are a bit warmer, between 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius) and 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius).

cultural information

Key Phrases

  • Hello -- Hola
  • Excuse me -- Perdón
  • How are you? -- ¿Como esta?
  • Thank you -- Gracias
  • Please -- Por favor
  • A beer please -- Una cerveza por favor

Tipping Customs

While tipping is customary, it is certainly appreciated especially when you have received great service. Be sure to tip in the local currency (ARS–Argentinian Pesos) to ensure the recipient does not have to pay additional fees when exchanging.

Optional Activities

Whitewater Rafting Rio Electrico – TBD (Per Person)

Mini Trekking at Perito Moreno 200 USD (Per person)

General Rules

Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to, fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.

Do your best to keep yourself and fellow travelers out of harm’s way.

It’s important to obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes but is not limited to, wearing appropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, take time to educate yourself or ask.

Travel involves contact with new cultures. When confronted with a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.

Know your limits! This applies to physical ability, emotional space, social situations, and alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.

Trip Leaders are working in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something, it’s not because they’re tyrants, but because they want you to have a good time!

Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.

Staying longer or arriving early?

Extend your stay in Buenos Aires at Patios de San Telmo

Still need to book your flight?

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