3 February 2027 – 8 days for £4895 per person
Experience the annular "ring of fire" solar eclipse in the stunning landscapes of Patagonia, Argentina. Join expert astronomer Jamie Carter, who will guide you through the science of the sun, moon and sky with engaging talks, daytime observing sessions and unforgettable stargazing under some of South America’s clearest, darkest skies.
Explore Argentina’s natural and cultural highlights while witnessing one of astronomy’s most beautiful celestial alignments. Start your journey in Buenos Aires, exploring the vibrant neighborhoods and historic districts that have defined Argentina’s rich cultural and political heritage, as well as visiting the Galileo Galilei Planetarium – one of South America’s leading centres for public astronomy education. You then travel to Bariloche, a region long used for atmospheric studies and high-altitude observations thanks to its clear skies and stable climate patterns. The highlight is your journey to El Maitén, a prime location along the 2027 annularity path, where you’ll observe the spectacular "ring of fire" effect.
Throughout the tour, you will be accompanied by Jamie Carter, science and astronomy journalist, eclipse chaser and author of multiple books on sky-watching and solar phenomena. Jamie has covered eclipses, meteor showers, deep-sky observing and space science for publications including Forbes, Space.com and BBC Sky at Night magazine. During the trip, Jamie will offer informal talks, field guidance, safe solar viewing tips, detailed explanations of solar phenomena and observational techniques.
This trip is designed for travellers who are curious about astronomy, planetary science and the natural world. It’s ideal for amateur astronomers, eclipse enthusiasts, photographers and science-minded explorers who value context – scientific, cultural, and environmental.
In partnership with Intrepid Travel.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN BUENOS AIRES
Welcome to Argentina. You’ll arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s vibrant capital, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city.
Buenos Aires is a city of passion and culture, where grand architecture meets lively streets. With a rich history of independence, art and innovation, the city thrives on tango, cafés, bustling markets and world-class cuisine, offering an unforgettable blend of tradition and modern Argentine life.
After settling in, join a welcome briefing where you will meet Jamie, your fellow eclipse travellers and your tour leader, who will outline the days ahead and provide cultural and logistical insights. Afterwards, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant – your introduction to Argentina’s culinary traditions and the city’s energetic atmosphere.
DAY 2: BUENOS AIRES EXPLORATION AND GALILEO GALILEI PLANETARIUM
You begin your day touring Buenos Aires’s most emblematic neighbourhoods. Travel along the elegant avenues of Recoleta and Palermo, known for their green parks, French-style architecture and vibrant cultural life.
Continue to the striking Galileo Galilei Planetarium, an architectural landmark dedicated to astronomy and space exploration. Here, you will enjoy a guided visit inside the museum and exhibition areas, where you will learn about the universe through interactive displays and state-of-the-art technology.
After the visit, continue your tour towards the historic heart of Buenos Aires, passing notable sites such as the Obelisk, Teatro Colón and Avenida 9 de Julio, one of the widest avenues in the world. Your guide will share key insights into the history, traditions and artistic heritage of this fascinating city.
Conclude the experience with a traditional Argentine lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant, where you can enjoy regional dishes and experience Buenos Aires’s renowned culinary culture.
Following lunch, you will be comfortably transferred back to your hotel where you will have the remainder of the day at your leisure.
DAY 3: FLY TO BARILOCHE AND EXPLORE THE ANDEAN SMALL CIRCUIT
Today, you will be transferred to Buenos Aires airport to board your flight to Bariloche.
Upon arrival at Bariloche airport, you will be met and begin the famous Small Circuit, a scenic drive that highlights the region’s most iconic lakes, forests and mountain vistas. Winding around glacial lakes, dense Andean forests and snow-capped mountains, the route passes the Llao Llao Hotel, offering a panoramic viewpoint. On the way, you will stop to have lunch with stunning views of the surrounding lakes and mountains.
Continue to your hotel, where you will have time to relax. In the evening, meet with Jamie for a detailed briefing about the following day’s activities and the main eclipse experience. After the briefing, enjoy dinner at the hotel.
DAY 4: EL MAITÉN – ANNULAR SOLAR ECLIPSE DAY
Today's the day! Depart in the early morning and drive to El Maiten, a journey of around 2.5 hours heading south on Road 40, one of the most beautiful routes in the area with great views of Lakes Gutierrez, Mascardi and Guillelmo.
On arrival at your eclipse site, everything will be prepared for you. The partial phase begins around 10:23am local time, when the moon first starts to cover the sun. By 11:54am, annularity begins, revealing the striking "ring of fire" as the moon’s apparent diameter falls just short of fully covering the sun. Maximum eclipse occurs around 11:57am, offering the most symmetrical and dramatic view of the bright solar annulus. Annularity ends at approximately 12:00pm and the sun gradually returns to its normal appearance, with the partial phase concluding around 1:37pm.
Throughout these phases, you will experience the gradual dimming and restoration of daylight, making this a remarkable celestial event for both photography and direct observation with proper solar filters. As well as Jamie, you will also be joined by a local expert astronomer who will assist in guiding the event. Local gauchos will prepare classic Patagonian lamb for a relaxed lunch before you head back to Bariloche.
Dinner will be held at a local brewery that showcases the region’s craft culture.
DAY 5: LAKE CRUISE AND EVENING UNDER THE STARS PROGRAM
This morning, embark on a scenic cruise from Puerto Pañuelo along the striking Llao Llao peninsula, arriving at the Quetrihué peninsula, home to the rare and enchanting Bosque de Arrayanes forest. The cruise continues to Victoria Island, where trails will lead you to Playa del Toro, where you can see paintings made by the Indigenous peoples that used to live in the area. Return to Puerto Pañuelo and transfer back to your hotel.
After lunch, you will have time to rest at the hotel before heading to your last adventure in Bariloche, the Under the Stars Program. This astronomical storytelling experience is led by the President of the Bariloche Astronomy Association and is a unique evening blending science and visual exploration. Using powerful telescopes and laser-guided sky demonstrations, you’ll observe planets, star clusters, nebulae and distant galaxies while learning about the stories and science behind them.
DAY 6: RETURN TO BUENOS AIRES
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires, where you’ll be greeted on arrival and taken to a carefully selected local restaurant to enjoy lunch.
The afternoon is free for you to explore Buenos Aires.
DAY 7: ESTANCIA EXPERIENCE AND FAREWELL DINNER IN BUENOS AIRES
Today, you will travel to Ombú de Areco, one of Argentina’s most historic estancias, where gaucho culture is preserved through horse riding, folk music, traditional cattle handling demonstrations and countryside gastronomy. Spend the day learning about local agricultural life and the ecological landscape of the Pampas, home to diverse birdlife and long-established cattle-ranching practices. Then return to Buenos Aires.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Argentine dining experience at Fogón Asado, a warm and inviting restaurant known for its authentic parrilla style. Here, you’ll savour classic cuts of Argentine beef, freshly grilled over open flames, along with typical sides and local flavors that reflect the country’s rich culinary heritage.
After dinner, continue your night with an authentic Tango show at El Querandí, one of Buenos Aires’s most historic and intimate venues. Set in a beautifully restored early 20th-century building, the performance highlights the evolution of Tango through live music, passionate choreography and elegant storytelling.
DAY 8: DEPARTURE
Your tour comes to an end today and there are no activities planned. At the appropriate time, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
