Unfiltered nature & quiet corners Patagonia, off the beaten track

Day 1 Direct flight to Buenos Aires

On arrival, a private transfer takes you to the lively Palermo district. Behind this name lie cobblestone streets, countless small restaurants, bars, designer boutiques, and green parks where the Porteña elite, designers, and fashionistas mingle. Enjoy a two-night stay at an accommodation venue we have specially selected for its urban style and steadfast eco-friendly values. Water and energy are used efficiently; the materials in the interiors are natural and come from sustainable sources. Vertical gardens cover the walls of the facade and patio. On the rooftop, a small pool invites you to cool off before or after exploring the vibrant streets of the capital.

Day 2 Buenos Aires

On your itinerary - Buenos Aires in the footsteps of a local. The Argentine capital is a world-city. So it’s best to explore it with someone who knows it like the back of their hand. For half a day, you explore the city with a French expat - a lover of the country and Latin America, passionate about travel and multicultural encounters, who has truly become a local. He offers you not just a simple stroll, but an immersion into his personal version of Buenos Aires - its trendy spots, hidden addresses and neighbourhoods, street food, markets, and so much more. The perfect opportunity to talk about the daily life of Porteños, to gain insight into their habits, and to step into their shoes.
Things to see and do - Stroll through the chic Recoleta district and its cemetery; get lost in the charming cobbled streets of San Telmo, known for its antique shops; attend a tango show in an authentic milonga; explore the “Caminito” in the colourful La Boca district, where the first European immigrants arrived; go window-shopping in the streets of Palermo and treat yourself to a unique piece from a local designer; taste the famous Argentine beef in a renowned parrilla; take part in an Argentine wine tasting; visit the outstanding Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes; wander through the city centre and across Plaza de Mayo, the social and political heart of Buenos Aires.

Not to be missed - A tour of Buenos Aires milongas, where Porteños of all ages gather to tango. There are all kinds of milongas, from the most traditional to the most modern, from the most touristy to the most intimate. Your Concierge will point you towards those that are truly worth seeing and are part of the culture and daily life of the capital’s residents.

Day 3 Buenos Aires - San Martín de los Andes

Private transfer to Aeroparque airport and flight to Chapelco (2 hours and 20 minutes). On arrival, pick up your rental car and drive to San Martín de los Andes, which overlooks Lácar Lake from its altitude of 900 metres (2,950 feet).
On your itinerary: a boat trip on Lácar Lake, in Lanín National Park, heading to Quila Quina. This village, founded in the 1940s, is home to both private properties and land belonging to the Mapuche native community. All around, you can admire some of Patagonia’s most beautiful landscapes on a walk through oak and cypress forests along the Arroyo Grande. The path leads to a lovely waterfall and, further on, to beaches. We then share a mate, a hot, energising drink that Argentinians cannot do without.
A not-to-be-missed experience - Watch the sunset from the Mirador de los Arrayanes. About fifteen minutes’ drive from San Martín de los Andes, one of the most beautiful lookout points in the area awaits you: the setting sun reflects on the tranquil waters of Lago Roca
A two-night stay in a 1927 building, a regional landmark. For a long time, it was the headquarters of the national parks administration. After a careful restoration, it began welcoming visitors. In the rooms, you’ll find all the comforts of a modern hotel amid rustic decor. Outside, a small pool lets you splash around in the peaceful garden.

Day 4 San Martín de los Andes

Things to see and do - Return to Lanín National Park and, on the way, visit the village of Junín de los Andes, home to a beautiful church and a Mapuche cultural centre; have a picnic on the northern shore of Huechulafquen Lake - the largest lake in the Park - with spectacular views of the lake’s blue waters and impressive waves; between December and February, head to Puerto Canoa and set off on a lake cruise with the Lanín volcano as a backdrop; swim in the emerald waters of Lake Paimún; explore the region’s native forest, home to species such as the coigue and calafate; hike to the El Saltillo waterfall.
Already planned for the evening - dinner at one of the top recommended venues in San Martín de los Andes, your table has already been booked.

Day 5 San Martín de los Andes - Villa La Angostura

Optional, in the morning - Kayak outing on Lake Machónico, in private.

Drive to Villa La Angostura (2 hours) via the Road of the Seven Lakes, a section of National Route 234 that winds along seven stunning lakes in the region: Espejo, Correntoso, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, Machónico and Lácar. A magical itinerary through the wonderful landscapes of the Andes Cordillera. The sight of another lake, Nahuel Huapi Lake, surrounded by forest, signals your arrival at Villa Angostura, perched at 870 metres (2,854 feet) above sea level at the foot of the peaks. The town, which stretches for more than 20 km (12 miles) along Route 40, lets you enjoy nature in every season: a resort in winter thanks to the Cerro Bayo resort, it is also a meeting place for hikers, fishing enthusiasts and fans of other water sports from early November until the end of summer.
Overnight stay in the residential neighbourhood of Puerto Manzano, at a charming small accommodation venue set on the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake. Sheltered by tall trees, the charming building with its water-green wooden facade holds much promise. This includes that of a delightful night’s sleep, in a cosy room with modern, soothing decor. Beautiful views of the forest await, whether from the breakfast room or the lounge with its large picture windows. There are also wonderful moments of relaxation to enjoy in the lounge with its fireplace and Chesterfield sofas, on the terrace with large communal tables, or by the small pool during the warmer months. And finally, there are wonderful walks - you’re just a few steps from the bay where boats depart for Los Arrayanes National Park. As for the restaurant, it promises typically Argentine meals, with a menu featuring empanadas, grilled meat, homemade pasta, melted cheese and more.

Day 6 Villa la Angostura - San Carlos de Bariloche

Things to see and do - Discover Villa La Angostura. Take time to wander through its pleasant town centre, where restaurants and shops stretch along Siete Lagos Avenue. Don’t miss the Chapel of Our Lady of the Asunción (1936), with its typical mountain-region architecture, or El Messidor residence, a small château designed by Alejandro Bustillo, overlooking the lake and featuring beautiful French-style gardens. Puerto Angostura, the town’s port, opens onto a beautiful beach and Mansa Bay. The surrounding area hides several majestic waterfalls nestled in lush vegetation, such as the Santa Ana and Dora waterfalls (50 metres or 164 feet), where the water forms an impressive arch you can walk behind. The Bonito River waterfall (35 metres or 114 feet) plunges into an emerald green pool. Magical.
On your itinerary - Crossing the lake and hiking in Los Arrayanes National Park, which covers the entire Quetrihué Peninsula. The Park owes its name to the arrayán, a tree species with smooth, cool, cinnamon-coloured bark and white flowers, of inestimable botanical value. The largest concentration of these trees is found in the El Bosque area, which looks like an enchanted forest and is home to some specimens that are 600 years old. This is where the park office is located, the departure point for a 12 km (7 mile) hike heading towards the advice of the peninsula (in 3 hours). Along the trail, two small detours lead to the Brazo Norte and Bahía Mansa viewing platforms. This latter, particularly remarkable, overlooks the turquoise waters of Villa La Angostura beach.
Drive to San Carlos de Bariloche and check in for two nights at a hotel set on another shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake. The hotel is so close to the lake that it offers direct access to the small beach below, and to a private woodland of nearly 2 hectares (5 acres) with hidden trails leading, among other things, to a pretty natural waterfall. Despite this majestic wilderness setting, the hotel far from exudes the rustic feel of a mountain lodge. The decor is contemporary and very well done - understated yet full of character. We especially love the soothing natural tones and the carefully chosen black-and-white photos. Your room opens onto the lake through large floor-to-ceiling windows. At the restaurant, you can enjoy delicious traditional Patagonian cuisine, often after a swim in the pool with a view, a massage or a walk in the forest.

Day 7 San Carlos de Bariloche

Surrounded by pine forests and snow-capped mountains, San Carlos de Bariloche - or simply “Bariloche” - evokes Switzerland for many people, rather than Argentina. Ironically, chocolate is even made there! In the heart of these magnificent landscapes, Argentinians come to enjoy winter sports - and to celebrate. In the warmer months, explore nature by mountain bike or on horseback.
On your itinerary: a day at an estancia, an eco-lodge nestled in Nahuel Huapi National Park - the largest in Argentina - just 40 minutes south of Bariloche. There, 200 hectares (494 acres) of forest and stunning mountain views await you. On horseback or on foot, you explore this corner of paradise, following trails that wind through streams, waterfalls and enchanting woods inhabited by many wild animals.

Day 8 San Carlos de Bariloche - Esquel

Things to see and do - The Circuito Chico: a hike on the Llao Llao Peninsula that starts from the southern shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake. At the foot of Cerro Campanario, a chairlift takes you 1,000 metres (3,280 feet) higher in any season, offering a panoramic view of the region: distant mountains covered with groves, surrounded by the winding arms of the lake. An almost mystical aura hangs over these landscapes.
Drive to Esquel (4 hours) via the legendary National Route 40. First, you pass the blue waters ringed by mountains at Lakes Gutiérrez, Mascardi and Guillelmo, before reaching the hippie village of El Bolsón. Then the road crosses desert stretches against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, winding through mountain ranges and green landscapes all the way to Esquel, where you settle in for a night. Your hotel, a small and simple affair, is right in the heart of the city, just a few steps from General San Martín Square. Behind the understated facade of this small house are charming interiors with contemporary decor and eclectic furnishings, mixing retro pieces with more modern accents. We love the pretty, well-kept garden, as well as the simplicity and freshness of the rooms.
Evening schedule - dinner at one of the best restaurants in Esquel, your table has already been booked.

Day 9 Esquel - Los Alerces National Park

On your itinerary - A train journey aboard the Old Patagonian Express, nicknamed“La Trochita”, a veritable rolling museum in service since 1941. This 1922 Baldwin and Henschel steam locomotive, pulling a few wooden carriages, is notable for running on a 75 cm (30 in.) wide track - hence its nickname “Trochita”, meaning “narrow-gauge”. Immortalised by American novelist Paul Theroux in The Patagonia Express, this train was once used for the transport of goods and played a key role in the region’s development. An experience that immerses you in the Patagonia of pioneers in the blink of an eye - and with a resounding peal of a bell.
Things to see and do - Visit the Welsh village of Trevelin, a pioneer town with an interesting museum set in one of the region’s first mills; see the flour mill and the Nant and Fall waterfall; sample wines from the surrounding vineyards; watch the sunset over La Zeta Lagoon, a peaceful haven and a little paradise of biodiversity just a few kilometres (miles) from Esquel.
At the end of the day, take a quick drive to Los Alerces National Park (1 hour) and settle in for two nights at an intimate accommodation venue nestled in the heart of a 120-hectare (296-acre) expanse of unspoiled nature. Comprising two large chalets built from wood and stone, it houses a handful of comfortable rooms whose warm atmosphere, typical of mountain regions, comes from the generous use of wood and understated, tasteful decor. A simplicity that echoes the breathtaking views stretching out beyond the large windows of both the rooms and the communal spaces. In the lounge, a fire crackles in the fireplace, while the comfy sofa invites you to sink into daydreams. A special mention for the hospitality of the hosts and the valuable advice from Andrés.

Founded in 1937, Los Alerces National Park is the fourth largest park in Argentina. 236,000 hectares (583,168 acres) of pristine nature, with crystal-clear lakes - Futalaufquen, Verde and Menéndez - rapid rivers, breathtaking waterfalls and magnificent forests such as the Alerzal, a Patagonian cypress forest home to the famous “alerces”, which can reach 70 metres (229 feet) in height and live for over 3,500 years. The majestic Torrecillas Glacier watches over it all. Los Alerces National Park is part of the Andino Norpatagonica Biosphere Reserve, recognised by UNESCO, and offers many hiking opportunities. These include the Cerro Alto El Petiso trail, which starts at Puerto Mermoud on the shores of Lago Verde; the Cerro Cocinero trail, which leads to one of the highest peaks in the region; the Laguna del Toro trail, which mainly passes through the Andean Patagonian forest, home to cypresses, coihues, and ñires;, and the Laguna Escondida trail, which climbs through the forest and offers stunning views of Lago Verde and Lago Menéndez along the way.

Day 11 Los Alerces National Park - Villa Lago Rivadavia

Drive to Villa Lago Rivadavia and check in for one night at a small, intimate hostería surrounded by nature. The chalet, relatively new, is built lengthwise so that almost every room enjoys stunning views of the mountains and the river. The rooms are comfortable and fairly classic in style, no exception to the rule. We love the relaxed atmosphere here and the wild nature of the surroundings, which reminds guests that they are less than an hour from the entrance to Los Alerces National Park and Lago Verde. After returning from exploring, it’s a delight to unwind in the hot tub with a view.

Day 12 Villa Lago Rivadavia - Buenos Aires

Drive to San Carlos de Bariloche, return the vehicle, then fly to Buenos Aires. Private transfer to the historic San Telmo district and check-in for a final night at a hotel laid out around the Belgrano Passage, a former covered shopping arcade that is part of the capital’s history. The establishment has preserved the best of its heritage from its historic architecture - beautiful high ceilings, parquet floors, columns - combined with Argentine contemporary art: paintings, sculptures and even a mural of Carlos Gardel, the local tango hero, found on the rooftop terrace. This spot is also perfect at the end of the day for relaxing with a drink or a book, far removed from the city bustle. At the restaurant, an appealing fusion cuisine is served, bringing together Argentine, Peruvian and Japanese dishes on the same menu.

Days 13 & 14 Buenos Aires - Return flight

Private transfer to the airport and international return flight. Night on board, arrival the next day.