Argentina 2025

We caught the bus from Puerto Natales in Chile to El Calafate in Argentina. It was a long bus journey with just a stop at the borders and a quick rest stop. We drove through the Argentinian Pampas area of Patagonia to El Calafate which lies on the shore of lake Argentino. What a beautiful place … such a large lake with icebergs floating down from the glaciers, the Andes as a backdrop and hoards of wildlife. The highlight here was the Perito Moreno glacier. 4km wide and 70km high this glacier is one of the few in the world that isn’t receding. We enjoyed views from above, alongside and then from below when we got the boat to the face of the glacier (after getting soaked by the wash of a passing boat!!). So blue and so impressive, constantly creaking and groaning and then the crack and splash of a piece falling off into the lake below. Once again another picnic with a view! As well as an afternoon visit to the nature reserve to see the wildlife including the flamingos. We also managed to get in a 20km walk around the shores of the lake and have lunch with another spectacular view.

After that we spent a few days in Buenos Aires. A massive contrast to our time in Patagonia. Busy, smelly and vibrant. We headed, of course for La Boca, ignoring advice from the locals not to walk around the area there and enjoyed the beautifully coloured buildings and Tango dancers. We were even happier to find a pub selling ice cold litre bottles of beer on yet another hot and sunny day. We also visited all the sights to the North of our hotel, including the Recoleta Cemetery to see Eva Peron’s grave. Another win here as the card machine there wasn’t working, saving us $17 each entry! I love a bargain.

Next we flew to Iguazu. On the first day we went to see the Brazilian side of the famous falls (see the Brazilian page) and on day two we travelled to the Argentine side, starting with the train ride and then walk to the Devil’s throat (too impressive to even describe the power and noise). We then completed the upper and lower walkways to appreciate the falls from different angles. 270 falls in all. Just unbelievable. Can’t imagine ever forgetting this place. Truly stunning.