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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Essential Patagonia with Iguazu Falls

Independent Argentina and Brazil tour combining Patagonia and Iguazu Falls

Illustration of Essential Patagonia with Iguazu Falls

Railbookers operates this 11-day independent rail vacation across Argentina and Brazil, starting and finishing in Buenos Aires with stops in Bariloche, El Calafate and Puerto Iguazu. Despite the rail branding, travel between cities is by domestic flight and private transfer rather than a named train journey. Private guided excursions fill many of the days, including a Buenos Aires city tour with a tango dinner, a chair-lift ride up Campanario Hill for views over Nahuel Huapi and Perito Moreno Lakes, a brewery tour in Bariloche, and a full day at the Perito Moreno Glacier. The Iguazu Falls days cover both the Argentine and Brazilian sides on foot, via the Upper Trail, Lower Trail and Garganta del Diablo viewpoint. Free days in El Calafate and on arrival in Buenos Aires are left unguided. It suits travellers who want Argentina's and Iguazu Falls' headline sights arranged for them, without needing a genuine rail journey to be part of the experience.

What to know before you look closer

  • Despite rail travel being listed as included, no day in the itinerary names an actual train; travel between Buenos Aires, Bariloche, El Calafate and Puerto Iguazu is by domestic flight and private transfer throughout.
  • Day 1 in Buenos Aires and day 7 in El Calafate are left free with no guided activity.
  • Lunch during the Iguazu Falls day (day 9) is explicitly not included, unlike most other meals on the tour.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Buenos Aires

    Your Journey Begins in Buenos Aires

    Welcome to Argentina! You will be met on your arrival at the airport, then transported to your city center hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing at your leisure. (Overnight in Buenos Aires)

  2. Day 2overnight: Buenos Aires

    Buenos Aires

    Discover Buenos Aires today on your private city tour, starting at the historic Plaza de Mayo, featuring landmarks like the Casa Rosada and Metropolitan Cathedral, and journey along Avenida de Mayo to the iconic Obelisco. Explore San Telmo's vibrant antiques market and tanguerias, and visit La Boca's colorful Caminito, showcasing the city's immigrant heritage. Experience the modernity of Puerto Madero's renovated warehouses and enjoy the elegance of Palermo and Recoleta, with its famous cemetery and cultural sites. This tour offers a glimpse into Buenos Aires's rich history, architectural diversity, and contemporary lifestyle, culminating in a return to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a dinner and tango show at La Ventana, where you can enjoy some delicious dishes of the local food -especially some good beef, accompanied by wine wines- and then enjoy the passion, the fire, and the charm of Tango. (Overnight in Buenos Aires)

  3. Day 3overnight: Bariloche

    Buenos Aires to Bariloche

    Today, you will make your way to your next destination; Bariloche. Enjoy a final breakfast in your hotel before being transferred to the airport and assisted with check-in. Board your domestic flight, and meet your representative at the airport, followed by a transfer to your centrally located hotel. Check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. In the afternoon, enjoy a private excursion to one of the most renowned breweries, accompanied by a beer tasting of Patagonian flavors. (Overnight in Bariloche)

  4. Day 4overnight: Bariloche

    Bariloche

    Depart in the afternoon from your hotel, skirting the scenic Nahuel Huapi Lake and passing the picturesque Bonita Beach on your way to Campanario Hill. Ascend to the summit via chairlift to witness breathtaking views of Nahuel Huapi and Perito Moreno Lakes, surrounding peninsulas and peaks, and the charming city of Bariloche. The journey continues past the iconic Llao Llao Peninsula, San Eduardo Chapel, and Pañuelo Port, culminating at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Moreno Lake and the Llao Llao Peninsula. Enjoy free time in the afternoon for optional excursions, including a boat trip to Victoria Island or Puerto Blest, where the stunning lake colors promise to enchant. (Overnight in Bariloche)

  5. Day 5overnight: El Calafate

    Bariloche to El Calafate

    Today, you will make your way to your next destination; El Calafate. Enjoy a final breakfast in your hotel before being transferred to the airport and assisted with check-in. Board your domestic flight, and meet your representative at the airport, followed by a transfer to your centrally located hotel. Check in to your hotel for a three-night stay. (Overnight in El Calafate)

  6. Day 6overnight: El Calafate

    Perito Moreno Glacier Excursion

    Depart from Calafate for a journey to the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier, located 80 km away in Glacier National Park, where the tour begins with scenic views of Lake Argentino and diverse bird life. Travel through the Patagonian steppe before encountering a lush forest of ñires, Lengas, and cherry trees at the park's entrance, marking a stark contrast in the landscape. The glacier, a massive river of ice spanning 257 sq. km, offers an unforgettable spectacle with its towering front wall and the thunderous sounds of shifting ice, culminating in a walk along its paths for up-close views before returning to Calafate. (Overnight in El Calafate)

  7. Day 7overnight: El Calafate

    El Calafate

    Today, spend the day relaxing and exploring El Calafate at your leisure. Wander through the town's charming streets, visiting artisan shops and local markets to discover handmade crafts and sample regional delicacies like the famous Calafate berry jams. You can relax in one of the cozy cafes, savoring Argentine coffee and pastries while enjoying views of the surrounding landscapes. (Overnight in El Calafate)

  8. Day 8overnight: Puerto Iguazu

    El Calafate to Puerto Iguazu

    Today, head back to the airport with your driver and take your domestic flight to Puerto Iguazu for the next part of your adventure. You will be met on arrival and driven to your hotel for a two-night stay. (Overnight in Puerto Iguazu)

  9. Day 9overnight: Puerto Iguazu

    Iguazu

    Explore the breathtaking Iguazú National Park through its three main circuits: the awe-inspiring Garganta Del Diablo for panoramic views of the park's most majestic falls, the Upper Trail for an overhead perspective, and the Lower Trail for an intimate experience with the lush vegetation and waterfalls. Enjoy some free time during the tour for lunch (not included) and the option to embark on The Great Adventure, a thrilling boat ride into the heart of the falls, complemented by a jungle trek. The excursion concludes with a return to your hotel in the afternoon. (Overnight in Puerto Iguazu)

  10. Day 10overnight: Buenos Aires

    Iguazu

    Today you will depart from Puerto Iguazú in the morning and journey to Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil to explore the Brazilian side of the falls. Within the National Park, follow the solitary path that guides you to the Garganta del Diablo viewpoint, offering sweeping views of all the waterfalls along the way. When the time comes, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires, and your final night in Argentina. (Overnight in Buenos Aires)

  11. Day 11

    Your Journey Ends in Buenos Aires

    You will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport in time for your flight home. B View The Full Map

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A private city tour of Buenos Aires covers Plaza de Mayo, the Casa Rosada, La Boca's Caminito and San Telmo's antiques market.
  • Day 4A chair lift climbs Campanario Hill for views over Nahuel Huapi and Perito Moreno Lakes, past the Llao Llao Peninsula.
  • Day 6The Perito Moreno Glacier excursion crosses the Patagonian steppe into a forest of nires, lengas and cherry trees before reaching the ice.
  • Day 9Iguazu National Park is explored on the Argentine side via the Garganta del Diablo viewpoint, the Upper Trail and the Lower Trail.
  • Day 10A day trip to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls follows a solitary path to the Garganta del Diablo viewpoint.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • All Airfare as per itinerary
  • All
  • Airport/Hotel/Station
  • Private Transfers Included
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Buenos Aires
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Bariloche
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Calafate
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Puerto Iguazu
  • Half-Day
  • Private City Tour of Buenos Aires
  • Dinner and Tango Show at La Ventana in Buenos Aires
  • Private
  • Half-Day tour of the Beer Breweries of Bariloche
  • Private
  • Half-Day Scenic Tour of Bariloche with Chair Lift
  • Private
  • Full-Day Tour to Perito Moreno Glacier Excursion from El Calafate
  • Private
  • Half-Day Excursion to Brazilian side of the Falls
  • Private
  • Full-Day Excursion to Argentine side of the Falls

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
The evidence lists rail travel as included, but no itinerary day names an actual train; travel between Buenos Aires, Bariloche, El Calafate and Puerto Iguazu is by domestic flight and private transfer.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It's independent travel with private transfers, though many excursions, such as the Buenos Aires city tour and the Perito Moreno Glacier trip, are privately guided.
What is included?
Rail travel and all airfare as per itinerary, private airport, hotel and station transfers, hotel stays with breakfast, a Buenos Aires city tour and tango dinner, a Bariloche brewery tour and scenic chair-lift tour, and the Perito Moreno Glacier excursion.
How much walking is involved?
Iguazu Falls is explored via the Upper Trail, Lower Trail and a path to the Garganta del Diablo viewpoint on both the Argentine and Brazilian sides, and the Perito Moreno Glacier excursion includes a walk along the glacier's viewing paths.
Is lunch included every day?
No, lunch on the Iguazu Falls day (day 9) is explicitly not included.
How much does the trip cost?
Prices start from $8,249 per person, about $750 per day.

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