Magical Patagonia Argentina: El Calafate & Bariloche

On your first day, get ready for an unforgettable experience at Los Glaciares National Park, one of my favorite places in Argentina. There, you’ll discover the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier. This park, created in 1937 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, will take your breath away with its towering ice walls.

You’ll be able to walk along the park’s walkways and admire the glacier from different perspectives—each view is better than the last! But if you ask me for advice, I highly recommend taking the boat tour. Getting up close to the ice walls will give you an adrenaline rush and provide views you’ll never forget. It’s a truly unique spectacle!

For your second day in this magical corner of Patagonia, I suggest something different but equally spectacular. Get ready to explore rural Patagonia at Estancia Cristina!

For this day, put on your most comfortable sneakers and wear some clothes to move around, because the adventure begins with a cruise across Lake Argentino to reach the estancia. Once there, you’ll immerse yourself in local history and traditions. The day includes hikes, a delicious lunch, and incredible views of lakes, rivers, the characteristic ñire forests, glaciers, and waterfalls.

At Estancia Cristina, adventure combines stunning nature and a true disconnection amid unique landscapes. It’s an enriching, active, and unforgettable experience, perfect for all ages looking to experience the true essence of Patagonia.

Flight day! Fly from Calafate to Bariloche to start the second part of your trip in Patagonia.

For your first day in Bariloche, let’s dive right into what makes this city so special. We’ll start by exploring its Civic Center, where the architecture feels like it’s straight out of a mountain fairy-tale, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Nahuel Huapi Lake.

While you’re wandering around, you absolutely have to check out some of Patagonia’s most famous chocolate shops. My favorites are Rapa Nui (they even have an ice rink inside!) and Mamuschka. Besides stocking up on amazing artisanal chocolates, make sure to grab a seat in their cafés and warm up with a delicious hot chocolate—it’s a must-do!

As evening rolls around, I highly recommend heading out to Refugio Patagonia. This brewery is located at kilometer 24.7 on the Circuito Chico, and it’s fantastic. You can enjoy an authentic craft beer while soaking in an incredible panoramic view of Lake Moreno. If you’re feeling hungry, you can even reserve a table for dinner there—it’s a truly recommended experience! My pro tip: definitely order the lamb burger.

For your second day in Bariloche, my absolute top recommendation is to dedicate a full day (it’s about eight hours) to the excursion to Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest. Trust me, this is an experience you won’t want to miss!

The tour kicks off with a beautiful catamaran cruise across Nahuel Huapi Lake. You’ll first arrive at Puerto Anchorena on Victoria Island, and from there, you’ll sail on to the Quetrihué Peninsula, which is where Los Arrayanes National Park is located.

Once you’re in the Arrayanes Forest, you’ll follow a charming wooden boardwalk. This path lets you get up close to magnificent specimens of these unique trees. They form such a dense forest, with truly distinct characteristics that the place has a genuinely magical feel to it.

If this is your first time in Patagonia, I wholeheartedly recommend this excursion to really immerse yourself in nature. It’s truly perfect for the whole family—fantastic for both adults and kids!

To really wrap up your time in Bariloche, my favorite way to experience the area is definitely the Circuito Chico. It’s a fantastic 60-kilometer loop, and the absolute best way to do it is on a guided tour (it usually takes around five hours).

Having a specialized guide makes all the difference! They’ll share so much fascinating information about Bariloche’s history, and all sorts of interesting facts about its surroundings, all while you’re completely immersed in the stunning natural landscapes.

These excursions also make a crucial stop at Cerro Campanario. Trust me, you’ll want to take the chairlift up here! The panoramic views from the top are simply unparalleled—you’ll see the lakes and mountains that frame this region from a perspective you won’t forget. It’s an unforgettable tour to discover Bariloche’s most iconic landscapes, and I can’t recommend it enough!