Lake Victoria, Bariloche, Argentina

Self-Drive Mendoza & the Lake District

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

15 Days

Prices Start from

£5,290pp (ex. flights)

With time allotted to exploring the sophisticated capital of Buenos Aires and staying in a wineland lodge, embark on a self-drive adventure through the Argentinian Lake District to see its dazzling blue pools and snow-capped peaks.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Lake Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche, Lake District, Argentina 1

Explore the Lakes

Go kayaking, sailing or windsurfing atop the pristine waters of the Lake District.

Casa de Uco Wine Resort & Spa, Alfresco dining, Mendoza, Argentina 2

Casa de Uco

Stay in a secluded vineyard retreat in Mendoza, perhaps blending your own wine.

Wood covered bridge in the small town of Villa La Angostura 3

Villa La Angostura

Visit the pretty village-feeling town of Villa La Angostura on Lake Nahuel Huapi.

Villa La Angostura, Argentina 4

Route of Seven Lakes

Drive the iconic scenic road to Villa La Angostura, one of South America’s most beautiful routes.

Why we like it

With self-driving comes an indescribable sense of freedom and an authentically adventurous experience. Travelling through verdant landscapes that are infused with dense forests and interspersed with dazzling lakes, this journey offers the flexibility to choose your own routes and take detours, but with the addition of the security that accompanies pre-booked accommodations in remarkable locations.

Explore our suggested itinerary

  • Days 1-3

    Buenos Aires

  • Day 4

    Buenos Aires - Bariloche - Villa La Angostura

  • Day 5

    Villa La Angostura

  • Day 6

    Villa La Angostura - Melinquina

  • Day 7

    Melinquina

  • Day 8

    Melinquina - Bariloche

  • Days 9-10

    Bariloche

  • Day 11

    Bariloche - Mendoza

  • Days 12-13

    Mendoza

  • Day 14

    Mendoza - Buenos Aires

  • Day 15

    Buenos Aires

Days 1-3

Buenos Aires

Day 4

Buenos Aires - Bariloche - Villa La Angostura

Villa La Angostura, Argentina

Drive the iconic scenic route to Villa La Angostura.

Day 5

Villa La Angostura

Wood covered bridge in the small town of Villa La Angostura

Visit the pretty village-feeling town on Lake Nahuel Huapi.

Day 6

Villa La Angostura - Melinquina

Day 7

Melinquina

Kayaking, Mascardi Lake, San Carlos de Bariloche, Patagonia, Argentina

Kayak, sail or windsurf in the pristine waters of the Lake District.

Day 8

Melinquina - Bariloche

Days 9-10

Bariloche

Day 11

Bariloche - Mendoza

Days 12-13

Mendoza

Grapes and Vines, Mendoza, Argentina

Stay in a secluded vineyard in the Mendoza winelands.

Day 14

Mendoza - Buenos Aires

Day 15

Buenos Aires

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Lake Victoria, Bariloche, Lake District, Argentina
Lake Victoria, Bariloche, Lake District, Argentina

Drive the Lake District

Begin your self-drive adventure around the Lake District with a winding drive from Bariloche to Villa La Angostura, passing forests in the shadow of dramatic mountain scenery. From this pretty town on Lake Nahuel Huapi, walk to Laguna Verde to see its emerald green lagoon surrounded by coihue cypress and arrayan forests. Spend time in Bariloche, reachable on the Route of the Seven Lakes, mountaineering and horse riding through its wooded surrounds.

Vineyard, Mendoza, Argentina
Vineyard, Mendoza, Argentina
Wine, Cavas Wine Lodge, Mendoza, Argentina
Wine, Cavas Wine Lodge, Mendoza, Argentina

Stay in the Winelands

Fly to Argentina‘s wine country to stay in a panoramic vineyard resort, tucking in to gourmet dishes with specially selected wines and chatting with a sommelier about the body and bouquet of the property’s own batches. By night, dine al fresco next to a roaring fire in the expansive grounds or wonder at the star-filled clear night sky from a balcony suite.

Wine Safari, Cavas Wine Lodge, Mendoza, Argentina
Wine Safari, Cavas Wine Lodge, Mendoza, Argentina
Horseback Riding, Cavas Wine Lodge, Mendoza, Argentina
Horseback Riding, Cavas Wine Lodge, Mendoza, Argentina

Experience Mendoza

Under the blue sky and against the dramatic back-drop of the snow-capped Andes, embark on treks and horseback rides or slow the pace with a cocktail class or traditional asado lunch. Take a unhurried drive through the valleys surrounding Mendoza, heading for the hills to go hiking in the Andes under the watchful eye of Aconcagua, the highest mountain in South America. Perhaps hire a classic Citroen 3CV, a vehicle unique to Argentina, to cruise the countryside.

Cemetery in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Cemetery in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Experience Buenos Aires

Tour the elegant turn-of-the-century districts that earned Buenos Aires the sobriquet ‘the Paris of South America’. Amble the charming cobbled alleyways of San Telmo with its colonial architecture, travel up the leafy Avenida de Mayo towards the imposing grandeur of the Palace of Congress and see the historically fascinating Recoleta Cemetery. From the uber trendy Palermo Soho and the bohemian charm of La Boca, discover birthplace of tango and sift through a plethora of world-class eateries.

A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From £5,290 Per person

When to travel

Argentina in January

December to February is the peak of summer in Argentina, bringing long summer days and pleasant temperatures. As this is the busiest time of year to travel, expect peak prices and we recommend planning 9-12 months in advance for availability. Summer is the best time of year for all the outdoor experiences that the country has to offer.

Argentina in February

January and February are the peak of summer in Argentina, bringing long summer days and pleasant temperatures. As this is the busiest time of year to travel, expect peak prices and we recommend planning 9-12 months in advance for availability. Summer is the best time of year for all the outdoor experiences that the country has to offer.

Argentina in March

March brings the end of summer across the country. If you are planning to visit Patagonia, it is best to start here in early March as it is still accessible.

Argentina in April

April starts the autumn in Argentina. As the temperatures lower, crowds thin across the country. This can be a great time to avoid large numbers of visitors and to experience the autumnal colours across the countryside.

Argentina in May

As the country moves further into late autumn, temperatures continue to drop. However, cooler temperatures can make for a pleasant visit to Iguazu Falls, Mendoza and the desert avoiding the crowds.

Argentina in June

June begins the winter season across the country. Although Patagonia becomes more challenging to access, this can be a good time to visit other more popular destinations further north without the crowds. This is also the best time to view the southern right whales off the Valdes Peninsula.

Argentina in July

July and August are the depths of winter for the country. This brings much cooler temperatures and snow in some regions. Although perhaps not an ideal time to see the highlights, this can be a good time to visit Buenos Aires in an off-peak time with cooler temperatures.

Argentina in August

July and August are the depths of winter for the country. This brings much cooler temperatures and snow in some regions. Although perhaps not an ideal time to see the highlights, this can be a good time to visit Buenos Aires in an off-peak time with cooler temperatures.

Argentina in September

September officially welcomes spring across Argentina. This is a great time to experience the northern region without the peak season prices or crowds.

Argentina in October

As the country moves further into spring, the countryside starts to bloom with wildflowers. This is a great time of year to get involved with outdoor activities while temperatures are still cool and the crowds are quieter.

Argentina in November

November is a great time of year to visit as summer begins yet beating the peak season crowds that come in December. Patagonia is in full bloom and the vineyards of Mendoza are surrounded by the stunning snow-capped Andes.

Argentina in December

December in Argentina brings the start of the peak season. Temperatures are warm, although due to the size of the country these can vary so it is advisable to bring layers. Weather is at its most desirable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Following from the spring rains, the falls of Iguazu are at their most impressive during December.

Holiday Inspiration

Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.

Why Choose Steppes?

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