We will be in Argentina May 23 - June 6th. We are planning to stay in BA about 5 nights and we plan to schedule some day trips from BA. We also plan to visit Iguazu Falls for one night/1.5 days. We need help planning the remaining time in Patagonia:
We are thinking of spending about 5 days in Patagonia. Right now we are considering 3 full days in El Calafate and 2 days in Ushuaia. Would love feedback on this plan, specifically based on weather in Patagonia. Do you think we can enjoy the glaciers and surrounding sites? Is it worth going to Ushuaia given the time of year? Should we avoid Ushuaia and go somewhere else or spend more time in El Calafate? Any recommendations on 3-4 star lodging in both areas? We are planning this trip with little time and we appreciate any additional opinions. thanks!
You can definatly enjoy Patagonia at this time of the year. Just bring warm clothing. I would do it the other way, 2 days in Calafate and 3 in Ushuaia. El Calafate is the glaciar and not much more. At this time of the year and with your timeframe it makes no sense to rush to El Chalten or TDP. Ushuaia offers more excursions the year round. Hotel Tolkeyen at the shore of the Beagle Channel could be a good option in Ushuaia but there are a lot.
I visited Patagonia for the about the amount of time as you have. I spent 3 nights in El Calafate and 3 nights in Ushuaia. You need at least two days in El Calafate to take both glacier tours - one day for Perito Moreno; the other for the boat tour of the other glaciers along Lago Argentino. Don't miss either tour. The boats run all year because the lakes - inexplicably - do not freeze. It is chilly on the boats but well worth it. There is not as much to do in Ushuaia at this time of year unless you are into winter sports. A boat tour of the Beagle Channel is a must (again, it runs all year) and then you will want to explore the town. You might want to spend a day at one of the nearby ski resorts. But the plane descent into Ushuaia may be worth the whole trip! Check out my photos at http://www.imageevent.com/worldtravel because they will give you an idea of what both area are like at that time of year.
Myself and my family have 7 nights in Patagonia in June... Was thinking of the following.
Day 1 - Arrive into El Calafate late afternoon.
Day 2 - Perito Moreno Glacier
Day 3 - Boat trip - Lago Argentino
Day 4 - Travel to Puerto Natales
Day 5 - Torres del Paine
Day 6 - Torres del Paine
Day 7 - Travel back to El Calafate
Day 8 - Leave Patagonia :-(
Other consideration was to skip Puerto Natales and fly to Ushuaia instead??? Such a short time and so much to see!!!
Things to consider here include, young kids / weather/cold / road access etc - If possible, short (guided?) tour with opportunities to photograph jaw-dropping scenery. (Can't travel any other time of the year)...
Any other ideas or suggestions most welcome... Many thanks.
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