Antarctica Man looking through binoculars from the ship

Argentina & Antarctica Explorer

Buenos Aires Bridge

Argentina & Antarctica Explorer

Explore Buenos Aires & the southern-most city in the world on your way to the White Continent

Days: 16+ | Contact us for pricing

  • Includes accommodations at first class hotels that reflect the best of local culture; top selection of vessels in Antarctica
  • Includes excursions and tours with superb private guides; top naturalist guides on board vessel in Antarctica

This itinerary combines two of the Southern Hemisphere’s most captivating destinations: Argentina and Antarctica. Explore the vibrant streets and rich culture of Buenos Aires before heading south to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. From there, cross the Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula, where icebergs, penguin colonies, and pristine wilderness await. It’s a journey that offers striking contrasts—from tango halls and historic cafés to vast, ice-covered landscapes at the edge of the world.

Talk to a Vaya Travel Specialist

We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.

5-Star Reviews

We consistently receive 5 star reviews from our discerning clients.

At a Glance

  • Buenos Aires
    3 nights: explore Argentina's cosmopolitan capital city
  • Ushuaia
    2 nights: explore stunning scenery at the end of the earth
  • Antarctica
    9 nights: cruise to the Antarctic peninsula aboard a premier expedition vessel

All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates at no extra cost. Call to discuss your travel plans with one of our Specialists who know this region firsthand.

5-Star Reviews

Find out why our discerning travelers consistently rate us with 5-stars.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires - city view through window

Arrive to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s colorful capital, where your private guide will take you to your boutique hotel in the fashionable Palermo district. This is one of the best areas of town for walking around, with charming boutiques and top restaurants.

Accommodations: Mine Hotel , 3 nights

This small, modern boutique hotel has an excellent location in the vibrant Palermo SoHo neighborhood, with many cafes and restaurants right outside the front door. The 20-room hotel offers a restaurant and a private green space with a garden and small pool; most rooms overlook this quaint backyard area.

*Includes: Breakfast

Upgrades available:
Legado Mitico , Alvear Palace , Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt , and others

Day 2: Get to Know Vibrant Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires - Colored Buildings

Explore Buenos Aires with your private guide, a bilingual local who will take you through the city’s unique neighborhoods. Discover the charms of Palermo, the Recoleta, the Teatro Colon, the Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo, and La Boca. With your private guide, you have the flexibility to explore at your own pace and make detours and stops along the way.

After your tour, spend the rest of the day exploring on your own and trying out the city’s excellent restaurants – we’ll provide a list of our top recommendations!

Accommodations: Mine Hotel , 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 3: Relax and Explore the City

Argentina National Congress building facade on sunset.

Enjoy a day at leisure to delve into the city’s offerings; we’ll give you some of our favorite suggestions for things to see and do. We can also arrange privately guided day excursions to nearby sites, such as the town of Colonia, Uruguay (a well preserved 17th century Portuguese colonial town that is a UNESCO World Heritage site), or up to Tigre and the Delta (there are also biking excursions up to Tigre).

You might also enjoy an excursion to one of the traditional estancias of San Antonio de Areco, about 1.5 hours from Buenos Aires. This is an area that has preserved gaucho traditions more than any other in Argentina, and the estancias offer an in-depth experience in this fundamental aspect of Argentine culture and history.

Accommodations: Mine Hotel , 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 4: Fly to Ushuaia, Gateway to Antarctica

Ushaia - Snow capped mountains

Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. The city is located in Tierra del Fuego, so named by European sailors in the 1500s for their sighting of innumerable bonfires built by the native Yaghan people. Windswept Ushuaia is surrounded by the snowcapped Martial Mountains, and your charming boutique hotel offers sweeping views of the Beagle Channel.

Accommodations: Los Cauquenes , 2 nights

Located on the outskirts of Ushuaia and built of natural wood and stone, Los Cauquenes blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The hotel’s 54 guest rooms feature picture windows overlooking the Beagle Channel and the snowcapped peaks of the Andes. Los Cauquenes offers a restaurant and bar, fitness center, indoor/outdoor heated pool, and spa. The hotel sits about 4 miles outside of Ushuaia, on the shore of the Beagle Channel, and is a refined and exceptional option as a base for exploring Tierra del Fuego.

*Includes: Breakfast

Alternative lodging options:
Arakur

Day 5: Visit Historic Estancia Harberton and Boat Out to Beautiful Gable Island

Tierra del Fuego - Ushuaia

Enjoy a small group excursion to Estancia Harberton, a historic hacienda located on the southeastern part of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. The estancia was founded in 1886 by missionary/pioneer Thomas Bridges, whose descendants continue to operate the estancia. Continue by boat out to nearby Gable Island, a lovely place with great views of the Beagle Channel, for some light hiking. On your return you will pass Martillo Island, home to a Magellanic penguin colony and a variety of other marine and birdlife.

Please note: On this excursion you will travel by boat close to the Martillo Island penguin colony and will be able to observe the penguins from the boat. If you prefer an excursion where you disembark at the penguin colony and where there is less hiking involved, we can also arrange that. There are various options for exploring this area, including sea kayaking and more relaxed canoeing. If you are interested in learning about the different options in this area, just let us know!

Accommodations: Los Cauquenes , 2 nights

Located on the outskirts of Ushuaia and built of natural wood and stone, Los Cauquenes blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The hotel’s 54 guest rooms feature picture windows overlooking the Beagle Channel and the snowcapped peaks of the Andes. Los Cauquenes offers a restaurant and bar, fitness center, indoor/outdoor heated pool, and spa. The hotel sits about 4 miles outside of Ushuaia, on the shore of the Beagle Channel, and is a refined and exceptional option as a base for exploring Tierra del Fuego.

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 6: Tierra del Fuego National Park / Board your Antarctica Cruise

Tierra del Fuego National Park

Enjoy a a private visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park with your local guide. Hike the coastal trail along the shoreline, with views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and bays. Your guide will help you make the most of your time: taking you to the best highlight areas of the park, identifying plant and animal life, and explaining the history and culture of the region. The hiking can be as active or relaxed as you like. Finish your day by boarding your Antarctica cruise.

Accommodations: Greg Mortimer , 10 nights

Built to world-class polar standards, the Greg Mortimer is a premium expedition vessel capable of negotiating the planet’s strongest wind and waves to ensure a safe, comfortable experience no matter your destination. Each winter (or summer, in the Southern Hemisphere), it can be found navigating the waters of Antarctica before eventually following the sun north to spend the rest of the year cruising the Arctic—an endless polar summer! With an average of 120 passengers per voyage, the Greg Mortimer is well-equipped to facilitate land excursions (up to 100 individuals per outing), while simultaneously launching kayakers and divers on active explorations of each polar destination. Not only is the ship scaled to contend with adverse weather conditions, but it also redefines high-quality expedition cruising by adding creature comforts to make for a more enjoyable journey out on the open ocean. A top option for Arctic and Antarctic cruising, the Greg Mortimer focuses on offering multiple landings, flexible itineraries, and a welcoming atmosphere.

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 7-14: Explore Antarctica

During your days aboard the Antarctica cruise, each excursion brings a different facet of the White Continent into view. Set out by Zodiac to navigate ice-strewn bays and land on remote shores where gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins nest. Watch for humpbacks and orcas surfacing near the boat, and spot leopard seals resting on drifting ice. Depending on conditions, you may visit scientific research stations or historic huts that offer a glimpse into early polar exploration. Between outings, take in the views from the ship’s deck as towering glaciers and snow-covered peaks pass by in silent, frozen beauty.

Accommodations: Antarctica Cruise , 9 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Depart for Home or Your Next Destination

Today you will say goodbye and head to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination.

*Includes: Breakfast

Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary

  • Add a few extra nights in Buenos Aires. We can arrange a variety of activities, including city tours, culinary excursions, visits to historical sites, and active options such as hiking, biking, boating, and horseback riding. We can also arrange activities that cater to special interests, such as a Jewish Heritage Tour, architecture tour, visit to the Boca Juniors Stadium, tango class, or wine tours.

  • Take part in a day of polo at an estancia outside Buenos Aires: Spend the morning on a horse learning the basics of this popular equestrian sport, enjoy a traditional lunch, then put your new skills to use in a relaxed polo match in the afternoon. Great for beginners and experienced riders alike!

  • Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip. 

Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.
Contact Us +1 (800) 342-1796

The guides are all young to middle age and skilled (educated), friendly, interesting, and caring.

Nancy Cary

Wonderful trip that was well planned each step of the way.

Anne Lowe

My husband and I enjoyed this exquisite vacation. This trip was thoroughly planned out.

Karla Demirozu

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