Old Patagonian Express Railway, Argentina

Lake District & the Old Patagonian Express

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

16 Days

Prices Start from

$8,830pp(ex. flights)

From the picturesque Lake District of the north to the wild glaciers of the south and the soaring Andes of the west to the wildlife-rich Atlantic of the east, this journey traverses the extremes of Argentinian Patagonia.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Old Patagonian Express Railway, Argentina 1

Patagonian Express

Journey on the old and iconic steam locomotive from Esquel to Nahuel Pan.

Magellanic Penguin, Peninsula Valdes, Patagonia, Argentina 2

The Atlantic Coast

Travel off-the-beaten-track in Peninsula Valdes on the stunning Atlantic Coast.

Balcony View, Estancia Rincon Chico, Puerto Madryn, Argentina 3

Estancia Rincon Chico

Stay in a remarkable estancia in remote Peninsula Valdes for magnificent wildlife watching.

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina 4

Perito Moreno Glacier

Visit a magnificent carving glacier, perhaps sipping a whisky cooled with its ice shards.

Why we like it

An in-depth look at the hugely varying landscapes that make up this expansive region of Argentina, our ultimate Patagonia journey idea includes everything from estancia stays and horseback riding to a jaunt on the Old Patagonian Express and whale-watching. Travelling mostly by hire car on an epic road trip that features just a sprinkling of internal flights, this route cuts across the entirety of Argentinian Patagonia.

Explore our suggested itinerary

Discover the locations of our suggested highlights as this journey crosses Argentinian Patagonia.

  • Days 1-2

    Buenos Aires

  • Day 3

    Buenos Aires - Bariloche

  • Days 4-5

    Bariloche

  • Day 6

    Bariloche - Esquel

  • Day 7

    The Patagonian Express: Esquel - Nahuel Pan - Esquel

  • Day 8

    Esquel - Puerto Madryn

  • Day 9

    Puerto Madryn - Peninsula Valdes

  • Days 10-11

    Peninsula Valdes

  • Day 12

    Peninsula Valdes - El Calafate

  • Days 13-14

    El Calafate

  • Day 15

    El Calafate - Buenos Aires

  • Day 16

    Buenos Aires

Days 1-2

Buenos Aires

Day 3

Buenos Aires - Bariloche

Days 4-5

Bariloche

Lake Victoria, Bariloche, Argentina

Explore the remarkable alpine scenery on horseback or head out on hikes along trails that pass waterfalls.

Day 6

Bariloche - Esquel

Day 7

The Patagonian Express: Esquel - Nahuel Pan - Esquel

Nahuel Pan, Argentina

Journey on the old and iconic steam locomotive from Esquel to Nahuel Pan.

Day 8

Esquel - Puerto Madryn

Day 9

Puerto Madryn - Peninsula Valdes

Days 10-11

Peninsula Valdes

Sea Lions, Peninsula Valdes, Patagonia, Argentina

Travel the breadth of the county with a private guide, all the way to the Atlantic Coast.

Day 12

Peninsula Valdes - El Calafate

Days 13-14

El Calafate

Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia, Argentina

Visit a magnificent carving glacier, perhaps sipping a whiskey cooled with its ice shards.

Day 15

El Calafate - Buenos Aires

Day 16

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
Lake Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche, Lake District, Argentina
Lake Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche, Lake District, Argentina

Mountain Mindfulness

Fly from Buenos Aires to Bariloche, one of the most beautiful regions in the country known for its crisp alpine air and aqua blue lakes. Perhaps stay in a property that overlooks dazzling Lake Gutirrez, and explore the remarkable alpine scenery on horseback or on foot. Go birding in the majestic forests, kayaking over the calm waters of the bay, or practise mindfulness in the mountains with yoga or tai chi practise. This is a truly special place for self-driving journeys, and you might even cross the border into Chile.

Old Patagonian Express Railway, Argentina
Old Patagonian Express Railway, Argentina

The Old Patagonian Express

Journey south to Esquel to board The Old Patagonian Express steam train for a round trip to the small town of Nahuel Pan. Known locally as La Trochita, this is one of the most southerly railways in the world and retains much of its authenticity.

Sea Lions, Peninsula Valdes, Patagonia, Argentina
Sea Lions, Peninsula Valdes, Patagonia, Argentina
Estancia Rincon Chico, Peninsula Valdes, Patagonia, Argentina
Estancia Rincon Chico, Peninsula Valdes, Patagonia, Argentina

Explore Private Atlantic Coastline

Travel to Peninsula Valdes, an extraordinary haven for wildlife despite its seemingly barren landscape. From the charming Estancia Rincon Chico, head out to visit penguin colonies, hike on off-the-beaten-track wildlife trails in search of guanacos and rheas, or try your hand at mountain biking across the steppe. It is also possible to lend a hand with the sheep on the ranch, go walking along the inland dunes, or saddle up to ride the wild-looking horses along the coastline.

Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia, Argentina
Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia, Argentina

Sip a Glacier-Cooled Whiskey

Fly to El Calafate in southern Patagonia, visiting Los Glaciares National Park to board a scenic boat trip to the base of the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier, perhaps sipping a whiskey cooled with ice shards from its carved chunks. For those that like to trek, consider donning a pair of crampons and hiking across the glittering blue ice.

Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile
Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile

Suggestion: Torres del Paine Extension

Those wishing to experience all that Patagonia has to offer might like to extend their trip with a journey to Torres del Paine National Park in bordering Chilean Patagonia. This iconic landscape, dominated by three granite towers, is the ideal location for hiking, horse-riding and mountain biking.

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Nuss Buenos Aires Soho £££££

  • Argentina
  • City

Tucked in the heart of trendy Palermo Soho with fine restaurants and sought-after watering holes all around, Nuss Buenos Aires Soho is situated at the meeting of two tree-lined streets and housed inside a 100-year-old former convent building. The admired in-house pastry chef Inès Maciel creates delicacies for the property’s own self-service deli, while an open-air rooftop terrace boasts inviting sun loungers and a contemporary plunge pool.

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Legado Mitico Buenos Aires £££££

  • Argentina
  • Boutique

A highly conceptual property founded on the notion of Argentine identity, Legado Mitico is a boutique property that is all at once avant-garde and undeniably homely. Despite its position in the hub of the bohemian barrio of Palermo Soho, the townhouse is a tranquil oasis peppered with foliage and draping vegetation.

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Estancia Peuma Hue £££££

  • Argentina
  • Farmstead and Ranches

Set amongst the dramatic backdrop of Nahuel Huapi National Park and a stones’ throw from the charming alpine town of Bariloche, Estancia Peuma Hué is an enchanting eco-lodge at the gateway to the northern Patagonian Andes. Overlooking the dazzling Lake Gutirrez and nestled within 500 acres of peaceful wilderness, the estancia boasts its own greenhouse, boathouse, horse stables and organic vegetable garden that yields produce harvested from the Patagonian soil for use in delicious locally-inspired meals.

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Estancia Rincon Chico £££££

  • Argentina
  • Farmstead and Ranches

The most significant marine mammal sanctuary in the world, Estancia Rincon Chico is an exclusive and utterly isolated wildlife-centric hideaway that sits within a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. One of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet, the property is flanked on one side by the Patagonia Sea, with its resident populations of orca whales, elephant seals and penguins, and on the other by the steppe and its native terrestrial mammals. Whether by boat, 4×4, horseback or foot, guests of the estancia can discover this last frontier of wilderness in an authentic and memorable way.

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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 $8,830 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.

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