Solitudes of Argentina (10 Days)

Day 1 - International Arrival Buenos Aires. Overnight Buenos Aires

Arrival to Buenos Aires International Airport. Private transfer to Alvear Palace Hotel Buenos Aires.

Day 2 - Colón Theatre & Private Art Gallery Visits - Meet The Artist Colón Theatre

Explore one of the most important opera houses in the world! On this guided tour you will gain insight to a theatrical icon celebrating in excess of one hundred years at the service of Argentine culture. Touring the Hall, the Main Foyer, the Gallery of Busts and the Golden Hall, visitors can absorb insightful details about the architecture, the staircases, sculptures, ceilings and stained-glass aesthetics during the visit. Its rich and prestigious history, exceptional acoustics and architectural features, rank it among the best in the world. In a league of theatres such as Teatro alla Scala in Milan, the Paris Opera House, the Vienna State Opera, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. At the outset, the theatre recruited opera companies from other countries, but as of 1925 it has had its own permanent companies (orchestra, ballet and choir) and its own production workshops, which have allowed the theatre to organize its own seasons since the 1930s. Since then, the Colón renewed its repertoire annually.

Private art gallery visits and meet the artist. Private English- speaking art curator and host for the day, at your behest. Some of our guests wish their trip in Argentina to be a unique where they can discover different local expressions and learn directly from their authors and creators. For those who have a serious interest in art, we invite them to discover an alternative side of Buenos Aires, visiting museums and art galleries as seen by the eyes of contemporary artists. This experience is an exclusive opportunity for visitors to meet artists in the intimacy of their atelier and move beyond the typical anonymous gallery or museum encounters. Our art curator will share a personalized journey through the finest hidden art gems of Buenos Aires. Closed-door private galleries, exquisite private home collections, more than just an exhibition space, beyond the rigidity of other galleries.

Day 3 - Flight to Córdoba. Country Estancia Los Potreros

Private transfer to Buenos Aires Airport and take a flight to Córdoba. Here you will be transferred on a journey of almost two hours to the country residence of Estanica Los Potreros (The Paddocks). This ranch is a 6,500-acre working organic cattle and stud farm set atop the Sierras Chicas. Under the stewardship of our friends Kevin and Louisa Begg it is a haven of solitude for those wishing to return to the essentials of life. Accommodations are traditional estancia style, well-appointed and comfortable with a homely warmth in all that prevails. Furnishings bear testament to days gone by with antique bookcases, wood burning stoves and open fires adding to the ambiance. This is a special place for both the heart and mind.

Day 4 - Country Estancia Los Potreros

The beauty of days at this estancia is that you can do as much or as little as you please. Equestrian activities are highly recommended for beginners or experienced riders. The experienced ones can even vie with the local gauchos to beat them in some of their games of skill or watch a game of polo while sipping a glass of fine Malbec wine. The trail rides here are a wonderful way of exploring the countryside for all standards of riders. Meandering to visit hidden waterfalls, wooded paths, sleepy rural life across delightful valleys in a setting much unchanged across generations.

For those seeking less activity feel free to visit the kitchens at the estancia. Here the chefs will be glad to show you the secrets of making homemade empanadas, pastas and breads or even an Argentinean asado barbecue. These are the perfect complement to Argentinian wines where Kevin, the estancia owner, may well appear to lend a guiding hand on the best selections.

Day 5 - Country Estancia Los Potreros

The charm of Los Potreros is that no two days are the same. As a working estancia you are invited to partake in the daily activities, whatever they may be. These could include, riding out with gauchos to gather or move cattle, horses, foals and so forth. You may become adept to the skills of roping cattle and decide never to leave! Even if you do leave, for sure the warm friendships and memories you create here will live in your heart forever.

Day 6 - Country Estancia Los Potreros. Flight El Calafate

With heavy heart we bid farewell to the Los Potreros and fly south to the lands of the glaciers at El Calafate. On arrival you will be transferred to the region of El Chaltén. This is a drive of almost about 3 ½ hours into the heartland of the scenic steppes at Los Glaciares National Park. Tonight’s accommodation is within the solitude of the immense horizons of Argentina Patagonia. Chaltén Camp is nestled within the native Southern Beech forest, between Río de las Vueltas and a backdrop of a massive granite wall. Far from the madding crowds to be at one with nature and yet close enough to access the nearby El Chaltén village on foot.

Chaltén Camp comprises just four exclusive stilted geodesic iron domed tents covered in canvas and insulated. The domes have individual private areas, wood stove, bathrooms and a good standard of amenities. In addition, there is a main dome structure for dining. Outside the main dome there exists a fire pit which is the perfect setting to enjoy a fireside glass of wine underneath the diamond studded dark skies of Patagonia.

Day 7 - Chaltén Camp Patagonia

Awaking in your dome to a vista across at Mount Fitzroy is the perfect setting to admire the prodigal bounties of mother nature. The beauty here is that you can be as adventurous to your hearts content or while away the time lazing in hammock with your favorite book. Perhaps a read of Lady Florence Dixie’s Across Patagonia. The landscape has changed little since her captivating lines from 1879.

Hiking here would rank high on the recommendations at this unique vantage point. The nearby National Park Los Glaciares holds the stunning peaks of Mount Fitzroy 3,405 m (11,171 ft) and Mount Cerro Torre 3,128 m (10,262 ft). You can choose from a selection of half and full day discovery treks into this pristine landscape. Two of our favorites full day excursions are the hikes Fitz Roy & Laguna de los Tres- 8 to 9 hours or Loma del Pliegue Tumbado- 8 hours. For a half day, Laguna Capri at 4 ½ hours is a great option. Speak to your expert adviser for advice.

De las Vueltas River Kayak Experience (5 hours). Kayaking is a fun day for all. We practice firstly at the calm Laguna Cóndor before paddling downstream surrounded by native lenga forest, mountains and glaciers, with superb views of the Fitzroy massif. En route to El Chaltén we have lunch at a scenic rest stop. After lunch continue to navigate downstream to arrive home, invigorated, at your riverside beach camp.

Lago del Desierto & Rio de Las Vueltas Fishing Day (8 hours). This day is a great combination of both relaxation and adventure. Here it is the extra special Chinook or King Salmon that are the prize. These huge migratory fish can often reach sizes of 10 – 15 kgs (22 -34 lbs.) and even to 25 kg. We also cast for Rainbow and Brown Trout depending on the season. Delicious barbecue lakeside lunch included.

Day 8 - Chaltén Camp Patagonia

Today you again have freedom to decide on relaxation or even more trekking. Some additional easier excursions, if you had a long hike yesterday, could be some riverside mountain biking, bird watching or a visit to the nearby Madsen House Museum. At this museum you can enjoy the story of the Danish Andreas Madsen and his family’s pioneering forays to these lands in 1905.

Day 9 - Flight to Buenos Aires. Overnight Buenos Aires

We take a transfer from El Chaltén to El Calafate Airport and fly north to Buenos Aires. Private transfer to Alvear Palace Hotel Buenos Aires.

Day 10 - Transfer to International Airport & Departure

Private transfer to Buenos Aires international airport (EZE) and departure.

“There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in its roar:
I love not man the less, but nature more”
(Lord Byron)