From whale watching in Madryn to the Perito Moreno Glacier: how much do classic excursions in Argentina cost?

Winter break invites us to take a break, break from our routine, take advantage of the school break, and spend more time with our families.
For those looking to combine relaxation, excursions, and nature in Argentina, there are a wide variety of options that remain favorites year after year.
These days, many families have the opportunity to travel and experience some of the country's most spectacular landscapes, such as Iguazu Falls , Mendoza , or El Calafate... There are options for all tastes and ages.
Below are the prices for some of the most popular excursions to consider.
On the coast of Chubut , whale watching in the Valdés Peninsula is one of the must-sees every winter.
Puerto Madryn. Whale watching. Photo: Puerto Madryn Tourism Board
Between June and December, southern right whales arrive to breed, and can be seen very close to the coast or aboard boats from Puerto Pirámides.
- Whale Watching: In low season (June 15 to August 31), the cost for adults is $125,000, and for children up to 12 years old, $62,500.
In high season (September 1 to December 15), $150,000 for adults and $75,000 for children under 12.
- Snorkeling with sea lions: $165,000 per person.
- Entrance to Los Glaciares National Park costs $15,000 for national residents.
The Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. Photo: Xinhua/Martín Zabala
Hiking on the imposing Perito Moreno Glacier is a unique experience on the planet.
On Saturday, July 19, the Minitrekking season began, organized by Hielo & Aventura, the concessionaire of Los Glaciares National Park.
This adventure allows you to experience the majesty of Perito Moreno Mountain, one of the greatest natural landmarks in Argentine Patagonia, 80 km from El Calafate, from a unique perspective.
“For more than 35 years, thousands of visitors have chosen us to experience this unique adventure,” said Hernán Capone, president of Hielo & Aventura.
During the tour on the glacier surface, visitors are accompanied by professional, highly trained, bilingual mountain guides with solid technical training. They explore natural formations such as deep crevasses, deep blue lagoons, sinkholes, and, if chance and nature allow, ice caves sculpted by time and the Patagonian wind.
The experience culminates with a whiskey toast served over ancient ice, accompanied by chocolates.
Los Glaciares National Park has several trails. Photo by Diana Pazos
- Minitrekking : from $320,000.
- Blue Safari: from $160,000
- Nautical Safari : from $64,000
- Transfer : $64,000 (includes pick up, guided tour and walkways).
- Tour of the Calchaquí Valleys: $240,000 (www.latitur.com).
The day begins at 6 a.m., departing from Salta on a 560-km journey filled with natural wonders.
Los Cardones National Park, in the province of Salta. Photo: National Parks
You'll cross the Lerma Valley, continue to Cerrillos, La Merced, and Chicoana, enjoying every view. And upon reaching Laureles and the Escoipe Gorge, you'll be able to experience the grandeur of the Andes Mountains.
The Cuesta del Obispo offers breathtaking panoramic views, while the Enchanted Valley and Piedra del Molino, at 3,430 meters, will add a magical touch to your trip.
In Los Cardones National Park, you'll find giant cacti and the Cachi Snow-capped Mountain, then continue through Payogasta and Cachi, following the iconic Route 40 and the Calchaquí River. Stops in Seclantás, Molinos, and the Quebrada de las Flechas are followed by an exploration of the Quebrada de las Conchas, with its Amphitheater and Devil's Throat.
Rock formations like Sapo, Obelisco, and Los Castillos, sculpted by wind and water, are an incredible natural spectacle. The return journey passes through Alemania, Coronel Moldes, and the Lerma Valley, concluding a day full of discovery in Salta.
- Excursion to Cachi $ 35,300 (dexotic.com).
Calchaquí Valleys, Cachi.
The Cachi excursion visits a beautiful town located northwest of the Calchaquí Valleys, on the eastern slope of the Nevado de Cachi, a 6,720-meter peak.
The excursion to Cachi borders the Calchaquí River and ascends to the Calchaquí Valley, passing through the Cuesta del Obispo.
This activity is a classic option from Salta, as it allows you to come and go in a single day and explore places of immense beauty such as Los Cardones National Park, among other attractions.
- Humahuaca Gorge from Salta, $48,000. Humahuaca Gorge with Hornocal, $80,000 (www.turismolaquebrada.com.ar).
- Wine Bus : daily departures, between $44,500 (Luján and Maipú) and $65,500 (Uco Valley).
- High Mountain Excursion , between $62,400 and $70,200
Wine Bus, Mendoza.
The High Mountain Route from Mendoza begins along the famous National Route 7. The first stop, after traveling through the tunnel in the town of Cacheuta, leads to the impressive Potrerillos Dam located high above the Andes Mountains.
Upriver, the excursion continues to the mountain village of Uspallata. This site was the site of Huarpe Indigenous occupation in pre-Hispanic times and marks the transition between the foothills and the frontal mountain range.
After breakfast in Uspallata, the tour continues through mountainous scenery that includes Picheuta, Polvaredas, and Punta de Vacas, as well as the former ski resort of Los Penitentes.
Then we make a stop at the iconic Puente del Inca, a natural monument of astonishing geological beauty, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Kilometers further on, you will find the viewpoint of Cerro Aconcagua, the highest mountain in America.
The High Mountain tour culminates at the border with Chile, Las Cuevas, where you can enjoy lunch in a typical mountain restaurant.
Uspallata, Mendoza province.
Important Notice: Snow season has begun in the High Mountain region, which may affect the tour. The entire route may not be completed or access to certain high altitude areas may be restricted.
If access to Las Cuevas is not possible, lunch will be served at a restaurant in Uspallata (www.mendozatours.com.ar).
- Gourmet Snack and Classic Tour at Chandon Winery : $136,400 (www.mendozatours.com.ar).
You begin the tour with a visit and tasting, where a guide leads you through the beautiful gardens, the winemaking area, the tanks, and the cellar. You'll learn about the sparkling wine production process as you explore these iconic spaces. At the end, you'll enjoy a tasting of three exclusive sparkling wines that will give you a glimpse into the diversity and quality of the winery's products.
Afterwards, you'll head to the garden, where a gourmet appetizer awaits you surrounded by vineyards. The chef carefully selects local produce to complement a relaxing afternoon. Enjoy a selection of regional flavors, accompanied by a glass of the house sparkling wine.
Adventure at the foot of the Iguazu Falls. Photo: Clarín Archive
In the Misiones jungle, Iguazú National Park stands out for its 275 waterfalls, creating a dazzling spectacle, with the Devil's Throat as its star.
The visit to the Park includes the Lower and Upper circuits, the Green and Macuco trails, the Jungle Ecological Train, and the Visitor Center.
- Entrance to Iguazú National Park : $15,000 for national residents.
- The Great Adventure Excursion, $75,000.
- Iguazú crossing, $35,000.
Clarin