Journey through Argentina with Destination Expert Caleb! From Patagonian glaciers to Buenos Aires’ vibrant streets, explore epic landscapes, savor world-class cuisine, and dive into Argentina’s rich culture—one unforgettable stop at a time. 

Hi everyone! I’m Caleb, originally from San Francisco but a longtime traveler, especially in South America. I’m excited to kick off this social media takeover, bringing you along on my journey through Argentine Patagonia, Buenos Aires, and Iguazu Falls! 

El Calafate and the Perito Moreno Glacier! 

Today, we left Chile’s Torres del Paine for Argentina, trading rugged peaks for the golden steppe. A six-hour drive took us across the border to El Calafate, a lakeside town and gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Along the way, we passed endless plains dotted with guanacos and ñandús, Patagonia’s version of an ostrich. 

Arriving at 8 p.m., we enjoyed the lingering Patagonian summer light before grabbing a quick dinner and resting up for tomorrow’s highlight—the Perito Moreno Glacier! 

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The beautiful views of the Perito Moreno Glacier! (Photo: Caleb Dorfman)

After breakfast, our guide picked us up for a full-day visit. Perito Moreno is one of the few advancing glaciers left, but like many, it faces an uncertain future. A 45-minute drive flew by as we learned about the region before our first breathtaking glimpse of the glacier’s towering blue ice. Thanks to SA’s pre-arranged permits, we skipped the ticket line and explored the park’s walkways, offering spectacular views from every angle. 

Minutes in, a thunderous crack signaled an ice calving, and we watched a massive chunk crash into the water. Later, we got even closer on a boat ride to the glacier’s southern face, braving the icy winds for an hour of jaw-dropping proximity. Afterward, we wrapped up the day with lunch and souvenir shopping in town before heading out the next morning. 

An Adventure to the Mountain Village of El Chaltén 

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A mountain bike adventure followed by a 5-course meal in El Calafate! (Photo: Caleb Dorfman)

They always say you can’t control the weather, and this rang true for our drive into the famous mountain village of El Chaltén. While the rainy weather may have prevented us from seeing the iconic Fitz Roy Mountain view on the drive into the town from El Calafate, there was one thing the rain couldn’t dampen: our spirits! Of course, it helped that we were checking into a gorgeous little boutique hotel for the next two nights. Welcome to “Hostería El Puma,” a cozy, art-filled boutique property with 17 well-decorated, comfortable rooms. Staying for two nights, thankfully we had the privilege of experiencing both the Suite and the Room.  

After enjoying a delicious hearty soup that we ordered to our room, the rain had cleared and it was time to head out on our first adventure in El Chaltén: Mountain biking under the shadow of Fitz-Roy, followed by a DE-LICIOUS 5-course meal with views of the mountain peaks made famous by the logo of the Patagonia-brand logo (and of course, due to their natural stunning beauty!) The estancia where we enjoyed our mountain biking experience also offers exciting experiences like horseback riding and a via ferrata that you can combine with lunch or dinner in their classic Patagonian dining room.  

After dinner, we were transferred back to the main part of town, and our hotel was just a short 5-minute walk away. Time for bed; tomorrow, yet another adventure awaits! 

Exploring the beauty of El Chaltén 

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Breathtaking views hiking to the Fitz Roy lookout! (Photo: Caleb Dorfman)

In Argentina, breakfast isn’t just fuel for the day—it’s part of the experience. If you have a sweet tooth, you’re in luck: every breakfast comes with dulce de leche, South America’s richer, creamier answer to caramel. Spread it on a medialuna (Argentina’s take on a croissant) and pair it with yerba mate, the country’s beloved green tea. With more caffeine than coffee, it might just replace your morning cup of joe while you’re here. 

After breakfast, we set out to explore town and took a short walk just outside of El Chaltén for the iconic Fitz Roy view we’d missed yesterday. And wow—totally worth the wait! By noon, we were ready to start our hike to the Fitz Roy lookout and Laguna Capri. The route follows the same trail as the famous (and grueling) Laguna de los Tres hike, which we had planned to do but wisely skipped after all our trekking in Chile. Luckily, SA Expeditions had arranged our trail permits, making logistics a breeze. 

The mirador (lookout) was breathtaking—Fitz Roy towering right in front of us, impossible to look away from. After a snack and some photos, we headed back to town, where another treat awaited: a feast at La Cervecería Chaltén. The highlight? Perfectly juicy beef empanadas, paired with ice-cold artisan beer brewed on-site. The perfect way to end the day. 

Heading to the Big City... Buenos Aires! 

We said adiós to the charming mountain town of El Chaltén and made our way back to El Calafate for our flight to Buenos Aires. Before boarding, we stopped at Mamushka chocolates—a staple from Bariloche—for some alfajores and chocolate treats. Three hours later, we touched down in Argentina’s vibrant capital, greeted by a glowing orange sunset. We were excited just being in a new city, but what we were most excited about was the food tour tomorrow morning. 

In many cities, you explore first and eat later. But in Buenos Aires, food is the experience! After a relaxing morning by the pool, we set off on a four-hour gastronomic tour, starting just a short walk from our hotel. 

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A delicious food tour through Buenos Aires! (Photo: Caleb Dorfman)

First stop: Picsa, where we devoured fugazzeta, a cheese-stuffed, onion-topped pizza with a thick, airy crust, followed by generously sized beef empanadas from Salta. Next, a scenic stroll through Palermo Soho led us to El Preferido de Palermo, where we enjoyed a crisp Malbec paired with a perfectly crispy milanesa de pollo. 

At Lo de Jesús, we indulged in Argentina’s famous bife de chorizo, a thick, juicy sirloin, and my favorite: choripán with plenty of chimichurri. Just when I thought I couldn’t eat more, we ended on a sweet note—dulce de leche treats from Pinocho and unique gelato flavors at Antiche Gelato. Along the way, our guide, Kate, shared fascinating insights into Argentina’s rich culinary history. A perfect way to experience Buenos Aires! 

A Hands-On Criolla Cooking Class! 

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Making empanadas from scratch in a Criolla cooking class! (Photo: Caleb Dorfman)

After yesterday’s indulgent food tour, I thought I’d never need to eat again! But 24 hours later, I was already jonesing for more, so we joined a hands-on cooking class. This intimate experience gave us a deeper appreciation for Argentina’s rich culinary traditions. 

We started by making empanadas from scratch, preparing the dough and crafting a perfectly seasoned beef filling. Our chef taught us how to fold and seal them using the signature “repulgue” technique before frying them to golden perfection. Next, we made chipá, the chewy, cheese-filled bread rolls beloved across Argentina. 

As we enjoyed our freshly made empanadas, our chef prepared a perfectly cooked sirloin steak, or “bife de chorizo,” showcasing Argentina’s world-famous beef. Each dish was paired with carefully selected local wines, with our sommelier sharing insights into Argentina’s renowned varietals. 

This experience was the perfect way to dive into Argentina’s culinary culture. We left not only with full stomachs but also with new skills, recipes, and a deeper connection to the country’s incredible food scene. 

A World-Renown Wine Discovery Experience! 

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Tasting Argentina’s world-renowned wine! (Photo: Caleb Dorfman)

In the heart of Palermo Hollywood, we embarked on an immersive wine discovery experience, a journey through Argentina’s world-renowned wine regions – without ever leaving Buenos Aires. 

Hosted in a stylish yet intimate tasting room, this experience introduced us to the country’s diverse varietals, from the bold Malbecs of Mendoza to the crisp Torrontés of Salta. Guided by an expert sommelier, we explored the nuances of each wine, learning about the unique terroirs, winemaking techniques, and cultural significance behind every bottle. 

To complement the wines, we enjoyed perfectly paired Argentine tapas, including artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and fresh-baked chipá. Each bite enhanced the flavors of the wines, creating a sensory experience that went far beyond just tasting. 

This wasn’t just a wine tasting—it was a deep dive into Argentina’s passion for winemaking. Whether a seasoned connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, this experience was an unforgettable way to connect with the country’s rich wine culture. 

Bike Tour through Buenos Aires 

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Exploring Buenos Aires by bike tour! (Photo: Caleb Dorfman)

On our final full day in Buenos Aires, we traded walking for wheels and set off on a guided bike tour to explore the city from a new perspective. Cycling through Buenos Aires' lively streets, we covered more ground than we ever could on foot, all while soaking in the city’s rich history, grand architecture, and vibrant energy. 

Our route took us through some of the city's most iconic neighborhoods, from the colorful streets of La Boca and Caminito, where tango music filled the air, to the historic avenues of San Telmo, the birthplace of Buenos Aires’ bohemian spirit. We pedaled past the striking government buildings in Plaza de Mayo, stopping to admire the famous Casa Rosada, and continued along the leafy boulevards of Puerto Madero, where modern high-rises meet the Río de la Plata. 

With plenty of stops to take in the sights, snap photos, and hear stories from our knowledgeable guide, the ride was relaxed and immersive. Whether cruising past street murals or dodging the city's famous jacaranda trees, this bike tour was the perfect way to bid farewell to Buenos Aires—fast-paced, full of life, and endlessly fascinating.