Patagonia is where the Andes crumble into wind-scoured steppe, turquoise lakes, and blue ice. In El Calafate, the Perito Moreno Glacier calves thunderously into Lago Argentino; a few hours north, trailheads at El Chaltén lead straight to Fitz Roy’s granite spires. Pair this with a taste of Buenos Aires—birthplace of tango and home to legendary steakhouses—and you’ve got an 8-day Argentina itinerary that balances culture with epic nature.

Indigenous Tehuelche once roamed these plains; today, hikers come for front-row glacier views, boat navigations among icebergs, and day hikes with condors circling overhead. In the capital, cobblestone San Telmo and colorful La Boca tell the city’s immigrant story, while Palermo’s leafy avenues hide third-wave coffee bars and bodegones serving rib-sticking porteño classics.

Practical notes: Patagonia’s weather changes fast—pack layers, a waterproof shell, and sun protection year-round. Visitor services take cards widely, but carry some pesos for smaller spots. Peak hiking season runs October–April; Perito Moreno “minitrekking” typically operates roughly August–May (check current schedules). This plan keeps a mid-range budget in mind while leaning into your adventurous, hiking-focused vibe.

Buenos Aires

The “Paris of South America” mixes Belle Époque grandeur with grit and creativity. Start in San Telmo’s antique arcades, swing past La Boca’s Caminito for a splash of color and street tango, then end in Palermo’s leafy grid of cool cafés and parrillas.

• Top neighborhoods: San Telmo (antiques, Sunday market), La Boca (street art), Recoleta (cemetery and architecture), Palermo (food, bars, parks).
• Can’t-miss bites: empanadas, choripán, beef from the parrilla, fugazzeta pizza, dulce de leche everything. Coffee culture is strong—plan café stops.
• Getting in: Most international flights land at EZE; domestic hops often use AEP (close to the center). See flight options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Where to stay (mix of budget to boutique): Browse stays on VRBO Buenos Aires or Hotels.com Buenos Aires. Specific picks: Palo Santo Hotel (eco-boutique in Palermo), Circus Hostel & Hotel (budget-friendly, San Telmo), splurge: Alvear Palace Hotel. Social-budget: Milhouse Hostel Avenue.

Great eats and sips: Parrilla Peña (classic steakhouse), El Preferido (bodegón favorites), Guerrín (iconic pizza), Lab Coffee Roasters or Lattente (espresso stops), BA Verde (veg-forward bowls), La Fuerza (vermouth bar).

Bookable experiences:

• Buenos Aires Small-Group City Tour

  

• Local Foodie Adventure in Buenos Aires with Sherpa Food Tours

  

• La Ventana Tango Show in Buenos Aires

  

El Calafate (Patagonia)

El Calafate is the jumping-off town for Los Glaciares National Park. Its namesake berry flavors local liqueurs and ice cream; nearby, the Perito Moreno Glacier advances 2 meters a day, calving into milky-blue waters in a spectacle you can see—and hear—from panoramic walkways.

• Why go: world-class glacier viewpoints, boat navigations among icebergs, and access to day hikes near El Chaltén (Fitz Roy).
• Seasonal note: Winds are common; dress in layers and bring a buff, gloves, and sun protection. Book major tours a few weeks ahead in peak months.
• Getting there: 3h20m nonstop flight from Buenos Aires (AEP/EZE to FTE), typically from about the low $100s–$200s one-way depending on season; search on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Airport to town is ~20 minutes by taxi/minibus.

Where to stay: Use VRBO El Calafate and Hotels.com El Calafate to find mid-range lodges and cabins near the center or overlooking Lago Argentino.

Food & drink: Pura Vida (Argentine comfort dishes), Mi Rancho (cozy Patagonian plates), La Tablita (classic lamb and parrilla), La Zorra (craft beer and pub fare), Olivia Coffee Shop (breakfast), Borges y Alvarez (bookish bar for nightcaps). Pick up trail sandwiches at Panadería Don Luis.

Bookable experiences:

• Perito Moreno Glacier with Navigation from El Calafate

  

• Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrekking Excursion

  

• Glaciares Gourmet Navigation: Spegazzini, Upsala & Perito Moreno

  

• El Chaltén Complete Experience Full Day Tour from El Calafate

  

Day 1: Arrive Buenos Aires (Afternoon Start)

Afternoon: Land in Buenos Aires (EZE or AEP). Ride 30–60 minutes into town and settle in Palermo or San Telmo. Stretch your legs in Parque Tres de Febrero’s rose garden or people-watch around Plaza Armenia.

Evening: Steak night. Book Parrilla Peña for a classic experience (provoleta cheese, ojo de bife, papas fritas). Prefer something lighter? Share empanadas and a bottle of Malbec at El Preferido. Cap with a vermouth at La Fuerza or gelato at Cadore.

Day 2: Classic BA, Food Tour, and Tango

Morning: Get oriented with a guided overview: Buenos Aires Small-Group City Tour for San Telmo, La Boca, Plaza de Mayo, and Recoleta (great for photos and stories).

Afternoon: Dive into Palermo’s flavors on the Local Foodie Adventure—think empanadas, bodegón favorites, and sweet endings. Coffee stop at Lab Coffee or Lattente in between tastings.

Evening: Experience tango’s drama at La Ventana Tango Show in San Telmo. If you skipped dinner at the show, try late-night pizza at Guerrín (order a slice of fugazzeta).

Day 3: Fly to El Calafate

Morning: Early flight BA to FTE (≈3h20m). Compare fares and times on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Taxi/minibus to your lodge (≈20 minutes).

Afternoon: Shake out travel legs with an easy walk at Laguna Nimez Reserve (boardwalks, flamingos in season). Espresso and cake at Olivia Coffee Shop or waffles at Wafflería.

Evening: Dinner at Pura Vida for Patagonian comfort food (shepherd’s pie, stews) or Mi Rancho (cozy, reserve ahead). Craft beers at La Zorra before turning in.

Day 4: Perito Moreno Walkways + Boat Navigation (Full-Day Tour)

Full-day adventure: Join the Perito Moreno Glacier with Navigation tour. Drive the scenic 80 km to Los Glaciares NP, then wander the steel walkways for multiple angles of the ice front—watch for a dramatic calving. Add the short boat ride to feel the glacier’s 70-meter face looming overhead. Pack layers; winds can whip suddenly. Dinner back in town at La Tablita (Patagonian lamb) or La Zaina (game meats, good wine list).

Day 5: Ice Trek on Perito Moreno (Full-Day Tour)

Full-day adventure: Strap on crampons for the Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrekking. After a lakeside boat transfer, guides lead you across undulating blue ice past crevasses and meltwater streams. Safety briefings and gear are included; age/fitness restrictions apply and departures are seasonal (typically Aug–May). Celebrate with hot chocolate back in town.

Day 6: El Chaltén Day Trip and Hikes (Full-Day Tour)

Full-day adventure: If you’re chasing views of Mount Fitz Roy without changing bases, book the El Chaltén Complete Experience. Expect stops at viewpoints along Route 40 and the Río de las Vueltas, plus time for short hikes like Mirador de los Cóndores or Laguna Capri (bring trail snacks—Panadería Don Luis is perfect). It’s a long but rewarding day for hikers.

Day 7: Glaciares Gourmet Cruise (Full-Day Tour)

Full-day adventure: Sail deep into Lago Argentino on the Glaciares Gourmet Navigation, threading past icebergs to Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers (the latter is the tallest in the park). Many departures offer a landing for short walks and viewpoints; bring warm layers for the open decks. Back in town, dine at La Zaina or sample Patagonian trout and salads if you’re steak-ed out.

Day 8: Patagonian Morning and Departure

Morning: If time allows before your afternoon flight, saddle up for panoramic views on Cerro Frías Horseback Riding (short versions available), or take a low-key 4x4-and-history outing on the Nativo Experience along Lago Argentino’s bluffs. Otherwise, linger over coffee and medialunas at Olivia or shop for calafate-berry liqueur souvenirs.

Afternoon: Taxi/minibus to FTE for your flight back to Buenos Aires or onward. Compare return options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Aim to be at the airport 2 hours before departure; flights are ~3h20m.

Optional Swap (weather/energy): Torres del Paine Day Trip

If you prefer a one-day Chile crossover instead of another glacier day, consider Torres del Paine Full Day Tour departing from El Calafate. It’s very long (border formalities) but offers iconic views of the Cuernos and turquoise lakes. Choose this in place of Day 7 and keep your passport handy.

Budget tips (aiming ~50/100): Mix mid-range hotels with a few casual meals (choripán, empanadas) and one splurge dinner. Buy snacks in town for tour days. Book flights and key tours a few weeks ahead for better rates. In Patagonia, shared tours are excellent value compared with private transfers.

In eight days you’ll dance through Buenos Aires’ history, then trade city streets for Patagonian trails, ice, and open skies. With smart timing and a few guided adventures, this itinerary delivers big views, memorable meals, and the kind of hiking you came for.