Jake Takes on OWR Argentina: One Epic South American Ride

After smashing it in Vietnam & Cambodia with OWR last year, Jake didn’t hesitate when Argentina popped up on the trip list. First time in South America? No problem.

He was packed, prepped, and ready to tango (literally). Here’s what went down on OWR’s first-ever Argentina adventure—stormy hikes, glacier walks, cowboy moments and all.

After my incredible experience visiting Vietnam & Cambodia last year, it took me approximately five seconds to decide I would be booking on to OWR’s inaugural trip to Argentina. This would be my first venture into South America and I can think of no other company I would trust more with this experience, unsurprisingly, I had an absolute blast.

“THE PRE-TRIP COMMUNICATION AND ORGANISATION IS IMPECCABLE, AND IT IS SUCH A NICE FEELING TO KNOW THAT EVERYTHING IS SORTED OUT FOR YOU”

I remember I was a bit of a nervous wreck before my first OWR trip as I had no idea what to expect, but with this one I was as calm as one can possibly be before a big adventure!

The pre-trip communication and organisation is impeccable, and it is such a nice feeling to know that everything is sorted out for you. After a couple of flights and an airport transfer waiting for me, I was in Buenos Aires and raring to go!

We kicked things off with a delicious welcome meal getting to know my fellow travellers and our amazing Tour Leader, Virginia.

Of course, the main reason everyone goes on these trips is to have unforgettable experiences and see the wonders that this world has to offer. 

However, the other factor that perhaps is overlooked is the wonderful opportunity these trips give you to create new friendships and meet like-minded people from all over the planet. 

“TRIPS SUCH AS THESE HAVE INTRODUCED ME TO SO MANY AMAZING PEOPLE THAT I WILL NO DOUBT BE STAYING IN TOUCH WITH”

From personal experience, I have found it can be harder in your 30s to make new friends, but trips such as these have introduced me to so many amazing people that I will no doubt be staying in touch with.

We had a big group on this trip and they were all absolutely brilliant, they made the overall experience even better. 

If you’re nervous about that side of things, don’t be, you’ll hopefully be as lucky as I am and leave with new friendships that will last forever.

Right now, I’m raising a glass to all my Argentina buddies and would just like to say thank you if you’re reading this, it was an absolute joy to get to know you all and I hope I see you all again soon! 

“IN STANDARD OWR FASHION, WE GOT TO EXPLORE A FEW UNIQUE THINGS AS WELL, NAMELY A TANGO LESSON WITH TWO PROFESSIONALS”

But back to the action! The first few days saw us travel Buenos Aires, a city I very quickly fell in love with. Full of rich culture, stunning architecture and ridiculously good steaks, (yes, the stereotype is very much justified) there is something for everyone in this big and bustling city.

In standard OWR fashion, we got to experience a few unique things as well, namely a Tango lesson with two professionals. 

Now, I never thought I would see myself having a go at the Tango, let alone enjoying it, but here we are!

My advice, don’t be embarrassed, don’t worry about other people watching, just go for it and have a laugh!

The fun of these trips is sometimes going out of your comfort zone and doing something you would never normally do. I don’t think you’ll be seeing me at a milonga anytime soon, but I’m not saying my Tango career is over just yet!

“I HAVE NO DOUBT I WILL BE BACK ONE DAY”

After a lovely taste of city life, it was time to leave the hustle and bustle behind and head over to Patagonia (which seemed to be what most of us were looking forward to the most!).

After a long drive through a barren yet stunning wilderness, we ended up in the beautiful mountain village of El Chaltén, it’s known as Argentina’s trekking capital and it stole my heart instantly.

A small, quaint and peaceful town in the middle of nowhere situated at the base of a stunning mountain range. It’s one of those places that just feels cosy and inviting and I genuinely could have stayed there for weeks, I have no doubt I will be back one day. 

The original plan was to trek to Mount Fitzroy the next day, but we found ourselves at the mercy of a brutal storm battering us with winds well over 60mph.

This meant that our hiking route had to be tweaked slightly but this didn’t dampen our spirits and the new route did not disappoint.

We embraced Mother Nature’s brutality that day and did not let the elements dampen our spirits, and we were rewarded with some of the most stunning views I have ever seen. 

If you like treks, then the trip is worth it for this day alone. The experience will stick with me forever and to be honest, the awful weather just added to the charm of it all!

After a long day hiking, some drinks and food in this gorgeous little village were well earned, and a lovely reminder that these are the kind of moments we live for. 

“I HAD NEVER RIDDEN A HORSE BEFORE, BUT I CAN’T THINK OF A BETTER PLACE FOR MY FIRST TIME”

Next up was El Calafate, another large town in the middle of nowhere, but full of life. This was to be our hub or a couple of days. Many of us partook in an optional activity which involved horse riding in nearby Cerro Frias.

I had never ridden a horse before, but I can’t think of a better place for my first time. The views were spectacular and as someone who has just started recently watching Yellowstone, I lived my Dutton fantasy for a couple of hours. (If you do this tour, highly recommend adding this on!)

“NO WORDS OF PHOTOS WILL EVER BE ABLE TO DO THIS PLACE OR EXPERIENCE JUSTICE”

The fun didn’t stop there though, because the next day it was time not only to see the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier, but to walk on it as well!

No words or photos will ever be able to do this place or experience justice. But all I will say is that I was taken aback by the mesmerising natural beauty and getting to walk through it will go down as one of the most incredible experiences of my life and a story I will never stop telling to others. 

I would have been more than content to end the trip there, but OWR continue to deliver the goods, so it was time for some more stunning natural wonders in Iguazu. We were treated to every single angle of the incredible Iguazu Falls on both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides.

Again, another experience that has to be seen with the naked eye to really do it any justice. 

The sheer, raw power of these waterfalls is hypnotising and you don’t just get to look at them, you get to go in a boat and get right next to one as well. Our Tour Leader said it was like being hit with ten fire hoses at the same time… I didn’t believe him, he was obviously exaggerating!

He wasn’t. 

“IT SOMETIMES ISN’T UNTIL YOU GET HOME AND REFLECT YOU REALISE JUST HOW MANY MEMORIES YOU MADE AND HOW MANY INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCES YOU HAD”

As with every OWR trip, you pack so much in to such a short amount of time it sometimes isn’t until you get home and reflect you realise just how many memories you made and how many incredible experiences you had.

This Argentina trip is no different and it has genuinely got something for everyone. 

These trips are so well organised and so expertly planned, you will have no doubt in your mind that you’re seeing the best that each country has to offer. I left Argentina not only fully satisfied, but eager to return. I’ve made memories that will last a lifetime and met the most incredible people. 

If you’re thinking about booking, stop thinking, in the words of Shia LeBeouf: Just Do It! I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed. 

Thanks OWR, until the next time!