Buenos Aires + El Calafate is the most sought-after trip combination in Argentina. Two completely different destinations, joined by a 3-hour flight, that together offer one of the richest travel experiences in South America: the most European city on the continent and one of the wildest landscapes on the planet.

This guide was written as a collaboration between DePasseios, a private-tour company in Buenos Aires, and OnlyPatagonia, a local operator in El Calafate. Both ends of the trip, covered by those who know them best.

There are hundreds of guides about Buenos Aires and hundreds about El Calafate. But almost none cover the complete route: how to combine the two destinations into a coherent trip, how many days to dedicate to each, and how to avoid the logistical mistakes that ruin the trip's timing.

Buenos Aires has two airports. International flights arrive at Ezeiza (EZE), 40 km from downtown. Domestic flights — including the flight to El Calafate — leave from Aeroparque (AEP), 20 minutes from the city center. If you're arriving from abroad, you'll need to transfer between the two airports.

The flight from Aeroparque to El Calafate takes about three and a half hours. Aerolíneas Argentinas operates this route daily. Prices vary quite a bit depending on how far in advance you book: reserving 2 or 3 months ahead gets you much more affordable fares.

The ideal distribution for a 10-to-14-day trip is: 3 nights in Buenos Aires, 4 nights in El Calafate, and, if budget allows, 2 additional nights in Ushuaia or Torres del Paine (Chile).

With fewer days, the minimum recommended distribution is: 2 nights in Buenos Aires (enough for a full tour plus some food and nightlife) and 3 nights in El Calafate (enough for the Perito Moreno Glacier, Lake Argentino, and one extra excursion).

The 4-hour private city tour covers the must-see neighborhoods of Buenos Aires with a guide exclusive to your group. For travelers coming from far away with little time, this is the most efficient way to get to know the city without wasting hours on transfers and unnecessary stops.

If you have 3 nights, on the second day you can add an excursion to the Tigre Delta: 45 minutes from Buenos Aires, it's one of the most unique river ecosystems in the world and a completely different experience from the city.

Don't leave Buenos Aires without eating an asado at a neighborhood parrilla, trying empanadas from a local rotisería, and having a coffee with medialunas at a historic café. These are experiences you can't replicate anywhere else in the world.

The Perito Moreno is one of the few ice masses in the world still actively growing. With a 5 km front and 60 meters of height above the water, it's one of the most impressive natural experiences on the planet. From El Calafate, OnlyPatagonia arranges private excursions at different intensity levels: from panoramic walkways to full trekking on the glacier.

Lake Argentino is the largest freshwater lake in Argentina. Sailing among the icebergs that break off the surrounding glaciers is a priceless experience. OnlyPatagonia arranges private boat outings with a specialized guide.

From El Calafate, Torres del Paine (Chile) is 3 hours away by car. It's a long day but doable: departure at 7am, border crossing, a hike in the park, and return at dusk. OnlyPatagonia arranges this excursion with private transfer and a bilingual guide.