Journey to the End of the Earth: Part 3 – Colonia, El Calafate & the Cherry on Top
After everything we saw in Antarctica—the glaciers, the chinstrap penguins, the angry-bird moments—most would’ve called it a wrap. But nope. The trip still had more surprises in store.
We circled back to Buenos Aires, gave our sea legs a break, and kept the adventure rolling with a quick hop over to Uruguay and one final push into the heart of Patagonia.
🇺🇾 Colonia del Sacramento: A Day We Didn’t Want to End
Honestly, one day here wasn’t enough. Colonia del Sacramento surprised us in all the best ways—full of charm, colors, cobblestones, and that laid-back vibe you don’t realize you’re craving until you’re in it.
🛳️ We took the ferry from Buenos Aires and landed at the port in Uruguay, greeted by that bold flag on the wall. The last time I was in this country was way back in 2009—but that was Montevideo. This was something else.
We kicked things off with a walking tour (yes, I booked a guide—proud moment). First stop: the old train station district where we strolled past Florida 203. That sign hit me—being from Florida, of course—but what really stood out were the murals, giving total Havana, Cuba energy.
We passed through the historic city gate, flanked by cannons that looked straight out of a pirate movie. Colonia was once a key spot in colonial clashes between Spain and Portugal, which gives the whole place that mix of stories and stone walls.
📚 Did you know?
Colonia del Sacramento is basically the most chill tug-of-war ever.
The town was founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, but the Spanish really wanted it—so much so that they took it by force a few times over the centuries. The city changed hands more than seven times between Portugal and Spain. That’s why the streets feel like a mash-up of Portuguese azulejos and Spanish-style plazas.
Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site for exactly that reason—layers of colonial architecture with two totally different vibes blended into one historic city core.
From there it was cobblestone heaven—Plaza Mayor 25 de Mayo was the heart of it all. I could’ve just stood there all afternoon.
📚 Fun fact about Plaza Mayor 25 de Mayo:
This central square isn’t just a picturesque photo stop—it was once the main military and administrative hub during Colonia’s colonial tug-of-war era. Back in the day, this was the beating heart of power, lined with the Governor’s House, military barracks, and guard posts.
Now? It’s a peaceful place for a beer and a stroll, but those cannons near the entrance are a nod to its more... defensive past.
All that walking made me thirsty. Naturally, I had to try a local beer: Pilsen—complete with the Uruguayan flag on the label. On a hot day, it was basically hydration with style.
Next up: Vinoteca de La Colonia, a tiny wine spot on the corner that served up local wines and empanadas with serious flavor. We capped the night off at a cozy restaurant where wine kept flowing, and a cheese-and-charcuterie board showed up like it was summoned by magic.
We didn’t want to leave. One more day in Colonia would’ve been perfect.
✈️ Off to El Calafate – Patagonia’s Big Encore
We flew out the next morning and landed in El Calafate, deep in Patagonia and surrounded by stunning nothingness. Think of it as Antarctica’s cousin—but with more people, better Wi-Fi, and slightly warmer toes.
Our first stop was the one-and-only Perito Moreno Glacier—and no, I wasn’t sick of glaciers yet. This one was different. Massive, bright, alive. You don’t just look at Perito Moreno—you hear it, feel it, and basically fall into a glacier trance.
We spent a full day walking along the catwalks, watching the ice calve off into the water below. Every crack and splash felt like a stadium moment.
🏔️ El Chaltén & Fitz Roy Views for Days
The next day, we headed out to the El Chaltén area, where Mount Fitz Roy gave us a postcard-perfect view under a brilliant blue sky. The kind of sky that makes your photos look fake (in the best way).
Along the way, we spotted loads of guanacos—a cousin of the llama. Sadly, many were stuck behind fences, wandering through privately owned land that restricts their movement. A tough reminder of how even wild beauty gets boxed in sometimes.
During one roadside stop, I snapped a shot of an old wagon wheel painted with the Argentinian flag. Simple, rustic, beautiful.
We skirted the Lago Argentino, which stretches out like a dream and mirrors the sky.
📚 Fun fact about Lago Argentino:
Lago Argentino is the largest freshwater lake in Argentina, clocking in at over 1,400 square kilometers. Its stunning milky-turquoise color comes from rock flour—fine sediment from glacial melt that reflects sunlight just right.
The lake feeds off glaciers from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, including Perito Moreno, and was first officially named in 1877 during one of the early explorations of the area. It's basically the liquid signature of Patagonia.
Our last hike took us through Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, up a short trail that led to an incredible overlook. Later, we wandered through El Chaltén, a tiny town made for hikers—restaurants, gear shops, bars, and hikers with that 3-day sweat look. Loved it.
💦 Back to Buenos Aires – Poolside Vibes & IPA Cheers
With Patagonia complete, we flew back to Buenos Aires and ended our epic journey in style. Thanks to some Bonvoy points, we checked into a Park Tower, a luxury Collection hotel, dropped our bags, and immediately headed to the pool.
What better way to wrap a wild adventure than sipping Imperial IPA poolside in the Argentine sun?
🌎 Final Reflection
Antarctica. Patagonia. Uruguay. Buenos Aires.
This trip was more than miles—it was moments. Ice and heat, silence and laughter, sea crossings and IPA sips. From penguin chaos to peaceful cobblestones, we saw more than just places—we felt them.
