SUNSET: 
Here’s your chance to watch one of the greatest celestial spectacles — an annular solar eclipse on February 6, 2027 — amid some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth.
Come along with Sky & Telescope’s eclipse experts on a solar-eclipse tour! Our week-long expedition to the Southern Hemisphere (February 2–10, 2027) starts and ends in colorful Buenos Aires — and in between we’ll explore the beautiful lakes region of Patagonia in west-central Argentina.
By day you’ll experience breathtaking vistas of the lush landscape, and by night you’ll immerse yourself in the incomparable stars of the southern sky. This eclipse adventure includes 5-star accommodations, fully escorted tours, and, of course, an exclusive, well-appointed eclipse viewing site with S&T staff on hand. And you’ll have the option of visiting Argentina’s world-famous Iguazú Falls before the main tour begins.
Our travel partner for 2027’s annular solar eclipse is Royal Adventures (CST#2009579-40), a company that specializes in tours to South America and prides itself on providing travel experiences of unmatched quality.
Click below to get the full details:
• Itinerary for our 7-day eclipse and sightseeing tour
• Itinerary for optional 4-day pre-eclipse extension to Iguazú Falls
• What is and isn’t included; what to expect
• Pricing & Terms
• Reserve your place on this tour now!
Highlights of the PATAGONIA ANNULAR Eclipse Tour
Buenos Aires
This elegant, cosmopolitan city of roughly 3 million people offers a friendly atmosphere and European flavor. There’ll be much to see and do — the Rio de la Plata waterfront, beautiful parks, great museums, excellent restaurants, and the amazing Recoleta Cemetery (just a few blocks from our hotel) — along with the Argentines’ unmatched hospitality. Fun fact: Buenos Aires narrowly missed being in the path of 2019’s total solar eclipse!
Nahuel Huapi National Park
Covering roughly 1¾ million acres (705,000 hectares), Nahuel Huapi ranks as the largest national park in this region of Argentina — and also the first (created in 1934). Its landscapes are an excellent example of the north Patagonian Andean Zone. With Chile’s towering Andes forming its western border, the park encompasses many rivers, waterfalls, glaciers, extensive forests, and of course Lake Nahuel Huapi itself.
JeffreyGroup
Sky & Telescope’s Exclusive Eclipse-Viewing Site
Our carefully selected viewing site is the charming Museo Leleque, located on a huge, historic sheep farm called Estancia Leleque. The museum documents the relationship between immigrant pioneers who arrived in the early a9th century with with the native Mapuche Indians and showcases artifacts from that era. The cluster of buildings includes a small general store and a restaurant — a comfortable setting for our group! Weather prospects here are quite good (about the best anywhere along the path), with roughly 70% chance of a clear sky on eclipse day and an average mid-day temperature near 74°F (23°C). Here are the specifics of the eclipse from this location:
Annular Solar Eclipse of February 6, 2027
as viewed from Museo Leleque, Argentina (71.09°W, 42.40°S)
| Event | Univ. Time | Local time | Sun's alt. | Sun's az. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partial eclipse begins (C1) | 13:23 | 10:23 a.m. | 37° | 77° |
| Annular eclipse begins (C2) | 14:53 | 11:53 a.m. | 52° | 55° |
| Midpoint of eclipse | 14:57 | 11:57 a.m. | 53° | 54° |
| Annular eclipse ends (C3) | 15:00 | 12:00 p.m. | 53° | 52° |
| Partial eclipse ends (C4) | 16:37 | 1:37 p.m. | 63° | 11° |
Data courtesy Xavier Jubier
Iguazú Falls (on optional pre-eclipse extension)
Located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazú Falls are the most overwhelming cascades in South America. Iguazú means “Great Waters” in the Guaraní Indian tongue, and these horseshoe-shaped falls plunge over a precipice 250 feet tall (half again taller than Niagara’s falls) into the mysterious Devil’s Throat gorge at a rate of 6,000 cubic feet per second. The Iguazú Falls form the crown jewel of a park that encompasses more than 210 square miles (55,000 hectares) of pristine subtropical rain forest, red earth, and amazing wildlife. The 2,000+ plant and animal species include black howler monkeys, capybaras, jaguars, pumas, and more than 400 species of birds.
Amazing Accommodations
Located in the heart of a vibrant city-center district, this 5-star property is a short walk from Recoleta Cemetery and Bellas Artes Museum — as well as refined restaurants, traditional cafes, art galleries, and boutiques. Many rooms overlook the beautiful Rio de la Plata or the hotel’s lush, quiet garden. All 175 rooms feature classic, elegant décor.
This beautiful, well-appointed venue sits in natural surroundings of crystalline lakes and offers stunning views of the region’s mountain vistas. Located on the shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake, El Casco Art Hotel offers the ideal combination of the magic of nature along with the high-quality comfort that its guests have come to expect. And it’s isolated enough from downtown San Carlos de Bariloche to provide decently dark skies for stargazing.
Located within Iguazú National Park, this is the only hotel with rooms and suites overlooking the world-famous Iguazú Falls as they plunge majestically alongside the property — and we’ve arranged for your rooms and suites to view the falls directly. The Gran Meliá Iguazú, winner of TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best” award, will be your luxurious base for explorations of the falls from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides during the tour’s optional four-day extension.
Itinerary for S&T's 2027 PATAGONIA ANNULAR Eclipse Tour
| Date | Itinerary at a Glance | Accommodation | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, Feb. 2 | Depart for Argentina | (overnight flight) | Meals aloft |
| Wednesday, Feb. 3 | Buenos Aires | Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta | D |
| Thursday, Feb. 4 | Buenos Aires | Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta | B, L, D |
| Friday, Feb. 5 | Buenos Aires to Bariloche | El Casco Art Hotel | B, L, D |
| Saturday, Feb. 6 | Annular Eclipse! | El Casco Art Hotel | B, L |
| Sunday, Feb. 7 | Nahuel Huapi | El Casco Art Hotel | B, L |
| Monday, Feb. 8 | Bariloche to Buenos Aires | Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta | B, L |
| Tuesday, Feb. 9 | Estancia La Bandada; Departure | (overnight flight) | B, L |
| Wednesday, Feb. 10 | Arrive at home | — | Meals aloft |
Day 0: Tuesday, February 2 — Depart from Your Home
Today you’ll depart from home for Buenos Aires, typically on an overnight flight that offers dinner and breakfast while aloft. Arrival is the next morning.
Day 1: Wednesday, February 3 — Arrive in Buenos Aires
After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, you’ll be met inside the arrivals terminal and transferred to our hotel. Its location, directly across from Patio Bullrich (the city’s most upscale shopping gallery), offers easy access to the city’s main sites and sits within walking distance of the best restaurants, shops, art galleries, and museums. In the afternoon, you are free to explore the city and its strikingly diverse neighborhoods, then gather back at the hotel for cocktails and a festive welcome dinner.
Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta (D)
Day 2: Thursday, February 4 — Buenos Aires
After breakfast we’ll board a comfortable excursion bus and begin a half-day tour of this vibrant city. This tour’s highlights include the main square (Plaza de Mayo) with its neo-classical cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the old neighborhood of San Telmo with its narrow, cobbled-stone streets, the elegant Barrio Norte neighborhood, and Palermo’s wonderful parks, monuments, and magnificent mansions. Along the way enjoy a group lunch, with beer and wine included, before returning to the hotel. Then we’re off to Michelangelo Legend restaurant for dinner and the city’s best tango and folklore show.
Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta (B, L, D)
Day 3: Friday, February 5 — Buenos Aires to San Carlos de Bariloche
After breakfast we transfer to the city’s regional airport for a 2½-hour flight to San Carlos de Bariloche, located in the heart of the Nahuel Huapi National Park. After landing, enjoy a group lunch at a local restaurant, then ride a chair lift to the summit of Mount Campanario (3,400 feet), from which you’ll have a commanding view of Nahuel Huapi Lake. Check in at the hotel, followed by a group dinner and an eclipse update by your Sky & Telescope astronomy director.
El Casco Art Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 4: Saturday, February 6 — Eclipse Day!
After breakfast, we board buses for the 3-hour ride to Museo Leleque, our exclusive viewing site. There everything will be ready to make our eclipse-viewing experience comfortable and memorable. Set up your gear for the big event, then have lunch and tour the museum and its adjacent general store. Once the spectacle is over, we’ll head back to San Carlos de Bariloche to relax, swap images, and enjoy dinner on your own.
El Casco Art Hotel (B, L)
Eliot M. Herman
Day 5: Sunday, February 7 — Nahuel Huapi / Isla Victoria / Arrayanes Forest
With yesterday’s excitement still fresh, we spend a relaxing day of sightseeing. Enjoy some free time after breakfast, then transfer to Puerto Pañuelo and board a catamaran for a 5-hour sailing on Nahuel Huapi Lake. We’ll stop so you can explore Quetrihué Peninsula and a very particular myrtle forest, one of only a few left in the world. Take an easy hike on Victoria Island to the Arrayanes Forest with expert local guides. One of the trails leads to Playa del Toro, where you can see rock paintings in a cave and relax at a beach of volcanic sand. Boxed lunch provided. After returning to the hotel, dinner is on your own.
El Casco Art Hotel (B, L)
Day 6: Monday, February 8 — San Carlos di Bariloche to Buenos Aires
After breakfast, transfer to Bariloche airport for a flight back to Buenos Aires (AEP). We’ll gather for a group lunch at a local restaurant, then use free time in the afternoon to explore the city at your leisure. Dinner is on your own.
Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta (B, L)
Day 7: Tuesday, February 9 — Estancia La Bandada and Departure
After breakfast and hotel check-out, travel by coach to Estancia La Bandada for a full-day experience that includes horse riding and the use of this expansive property’s facilities (including swimming). We’ll gather for a sumptuous farewell lunch featuring typical Argentine barbecue and local wines. Tea service in afternoon. Then transfer to Buenos Aires’ international airport (EZE) and check in for your overnight flight home.
(B, L, meals aloft)
Day 8: Wednesday, February 10 — Arrive Home!
Arrive home after an overnight flight from Buenos Aires.
Optional Pre-ECLIPSE Extension to Iguazú Falls
U. S. Geological Survey
Itinerary for Pre-Eclipse Extension to Iguazú Falls
| Date | Itinerary at a Glance | Accommodation | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, Jan. 30 | Depart for Argentina | — | meals aloft |
| Sunday, Jan. 31 | Buenos Aires | Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta | reception |
| Monday, Feb. 1 | Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú | Gran Meliá Iguazú | B, L |
| Tuesday, Feb. 2 | Iguazú National Park | Gran Meliá Iguazú | B, L |
| Wednesday, Feb. 3 | Puerto Iguazú to Buenos Aires | Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta | B, D |
Day 0: Saturday, January 30 — Depart from Home
Depart for Buenos Aires, typically on an overnight flight that offers dinner and breakfast while aloft. Arrival is the next morning.
Day 1: Sunday, January 31 — Buenos Aires
After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, transfer by private bus to your hotel in the heart of the city’s Recoleta district. Relax during the afternoon, or take a stroll through the neighborhood. Lunch and dinner are on our own, but join others in the group for late-afternoon drinks at the hotel.
Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta (afternoon reception)
Day 2: Monday, February 1 — Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú / Iguazú Falls (Argentina side)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the city’s regional airport (AEP) for a flight to Puerto Iguazú (IGR). Then transfer to the Gran Meliá Iguazú hotel, and take your first view of the falls from your room. Gather for a group lunch at the hotel restaurant (El Merkado). Afterward, enjoy a walking tour of the Upper Falls area. Then take a park train to the catwalk suspended over Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat). Return to the hotel; dinner on your own.
Gran Meliá Iguazú (B, L)
Day 3: Tuesday, February 2 — Iguazú Falls (Brazil side)
Today we cross into Brazil to see the falls from a different perspective. The Brazilian side offers several panoramic views along an easy-to-navigate boardwalk. At the end of the catwalk is a fantastic close-up encounter — prepare to be drenched! After lunch at the Espaço Porto Canoas (itself offering a lovely lookout over the Iguazú River), a bus takes you back to your hotel on the Argentina side of the falls. Dinner on our own.
Gran Meliá Iguazú (B, L)
Day 4: Wednesday, February 3 — Iguazú to Buenos Aires
After breakfast, enjoy a stroll through the Lower Circuit of the falls for a more intimate experience with the landscape and a deeper contact with nature. Lunch on your own. Later in the day, you’ll return to Puerto Iguazú airport and fly back to Buenos Aires. Then get a transfer to your hotel and join the rest of our tour group (who will have arrived that morning).
Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta (D)
WHAT CONDITIONS TO EXPECT ON THE TOUR
This exclusive Sky & Telescope expedition is designed for travelers who are interested in witnessing an annular solar eclipse, experiencing the rich culture of Buenos Aires, and exploring the superb natural landscapes of Argentine Patagonia.
We describe this trip as “lightly active.” Travel is by jet aircraft and motorcoach. The tour program involves some walking on uneven and/or unpaved surfaces. To enjoy this experience, you must be in good physical and mental health. Participants requiring extraordinary assistance must be accompanied by someone who can and will provide all required assistance.
February is mid-summer in Argentina. Temperatures in Buenos Aires will be pleasant, averaging near 80°F during the day and near 70°F at night. Temperatures in the Bariloche region will be somewhat cooler, especially after sunset, averaging near 75°F during the day and near 45°F at night. Clothing that can be layered, as well as a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended on this trip. Bring a swimsuit if you wish to take advantage of optional swimming at Estancia La Bandada on February 9th.
WHAT'S INCLUDED (MAIN TOUR)
- In-tour flights within Argentina (Note: any significant increase in airfare may result in a surcharge that will be included with your final invoice.)
- Accommodation in 5-star hotels
- English-speaking Tour Director exclusive to Sky & Telescope group
- Sky & Telescope astronomy director
- Professional English-speaking guides at all locations
- Group transfer from airport to hotel and to airport on return
- Land transport by private motor coach
- Meals as indicated on the itinerary, including a special welcome and farewell meals.
- Wine with all meals
- Bottled water during outings
- Baggage handling
- Tips to local guides, drivers, service charges, and taxes
- Entrance fees on itinerary excursions and visits
- All normal administrative expenses, coordination, and mailings to the participants
- Registration of participants through Royal Adventures portal
- Invoicing
- International airline ticketing (if requested)
- Customized luggage tags and name tags with Sky & Telescope logo
- Pre-trip notes including a Travel Guide
WHAT'S INCLUDED (PRE-ECLIPSE EXTENSION)
- 1 night’s accommodation at Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta (5-star)
- 2 nights’ accommodation in Gran Meliá Iguazú (5-star) with falls-view rooms
- Transfers between airports and hotels
- Excursions with local English-speaking guide
- All breakfasts, 2 lunches
- English-speaking tour director
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- International airfare to and from Buenos Aires
- Flights within Argentina for the main tour (about $475 based on current costs; these flights are booked by Royal Adventures but paid for by you)
- Flights for the optional extension to Iguazú Falls (about $465 based on current costs; these flights are booked by Royal Adventures but paid for by you)
- E-visa for entrance to Brazil (about $81) during pre-eclipse extension
- Optional boat excursion at the base of the Iguazú Falls (about $132) during pre-eclipse extension
- Excess-baggage fees
- Passport fees
- Room service and meals not specified in itinerary
- Food and/or beverages not specified in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages except as noted
- Personal items such as laundry, email, and telephone calls
- Private transfers or other transportation
- Travel, evacuation, and medical insurance
- Medical expenses incurred during tour (including any/all COVID-related costs)
- Fuel surcharges
- Tip for the Tour Director is at your discretion
Pricing for 2027 PATAGONIA ANNULAR Eclipse Tour
| Pricing (per person) | Two per room | One per room |
|---|---|---|
| Annular Solar Eclipse & Patagonia Tour | US$8,700 | US$9,950 |
| Pre-Eclipse Extension to Iguazú Falls | US$2,950 | US$3,950 |
Note: All tour prices are based on costs and U.S. dollar exchange rates in effect at the time of posting. As such, prices listed here are subject to change. Sky & Telescope and/or Royal Adventures will inform clients of any changes prior to departure.
Payments & Terms for 2027 PATAGONIA ANNULAR Eclipse Tour
- To make a reservation: A reservation request can be submitted by completing this form. Reservations are recorded and acknowledged in order of receipt. Royal Adventures (CST #2009579-40) handles all invoicing.
- Deposits: An advance payment of US$1,500 per person, along with US$500 per person for the Iguazú Falls extension, is required to secure your reservation. Initial deposits may be charged to a credit card. All subsequent payments must be made by check payable to “Royal Adventures.” A second deposit of US$1,500 per person, along with US$500 per person for the Iguazú Falls extension, must be made by February 1, 2026. Final payment is due July 31, 2026.
- To cancel a reservation: Notification must be received in writing (via mail or email; see contact info above) by Royal Adventures from the participant. Cancellations received within the first 14 days of booking will receive a full refund of the trip deposit. Cancellations received after the first 14 days of booking but before July 31, 2026, will be assessed a cancellation fee of $1,500. Cancellations received on or after July 31, 2026, are subject to a 100% penalty on all deposits and payments, regardless of the booking date. There are no refunds for unused meals, accommodations, or other trip features.
- Itinerary: The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of Sky & Telescope and Royal Adventures. All tour prices are based on costs and U.S. dollar exchange rates in effect at the time of posting. As such, prices listed here are subject to change. In particular, any increases in the fares for in-tour flights, security, and/or fuel surcharges will be paid by the participants. Sky & Telescope and/or Royal Adventures will inform clients of any changes prior to departure.
- Eclipse-day weather: Argentina will be a prime location to experience February 2027’s annular solar eclipse. We will provide an optimal viewing location to experience this phenomenon. However, because witnessing the eclipse will be weather-dependent, there is always a chance that tour participants will not be able to view it or to view it only for a short period of time. Royal Adventures, AAS Sky Publishing LLC, and Sky & Telescope make no guarantees as to the viewing of the total solar eclipse.
- Travel insurance (highly recommended!): Trip cancellation insurance can be purchased through our recommended providers: Generali: Call 1-800-874-2442 and mention Royal Adventures #20241120. (Note: you need to call to purchase insurance for this program — the self-service link will not allow you to purchase insurance yourself until closer to departure.)
Travel Insured International: Call 1-800-243-3174 and mention Royal Adventures #53140
Or you can purchase insurance from the company of your choice. NOTE: Most insurance plans need to be purchased within 14 days of paying the initial deposit in order to waive preexisting medical conditions as well as to purchase “Cancel for Any Reason” insurance. - Disclaimer: Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented here. Royal Adventures, AAS Sky Publishing LLC, and Sky & Telescope are not responsible for errors in or damages resulting from use of the information contained herein. Information contained here is subject to change.
- Responsibility: Royal Adventures, its owners, and its employees act only as an agent for the various independent suppliers and contractors providing transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant and other services connected with this tour. Such travel and services are subject to the terms and conditions under which such accommodations, services and transportation are offered or provided. AAS Sky Publishing LLC, Sky & Telescope, and Royal Adventures (and their respective, employees, agents, representatives, and assigns) accept no liability therefor. AAS Sky Publishing LLC, Sky & Telescope, and Royal Adventures assume no liability for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or other irregularity which may be caused by the defect of any aircraft or vehicle or the negligence or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out or performing any of the services involved. Additionally, responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages or expenses of any kind due to sickness, weather, earthquake, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, quarantine, force majeure, injury including: eye injury, animal or insect bites, altitude-related sickness, or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws of the country in which they are provided. AAS Sky Publishing LLC, Sky & Telescope, and Royal Adventures reserve the right to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their sole judgment, conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the tour participants. They reserve the right to withdraw this tour without penalty, in which case participants will be issued a full refund, except if the tour is cancelled due to force majeure or other forces beyond our control in which case the recoverable portion of unused services or accommodations will be refunded. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour, or to substitute another qualified leader or special guest. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. The price of the program is given in good faith based on current tariffs and rates and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange rate, or fuel increases will be passed on to participants. The air ticket when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the airline concerned. There are no refunds for unused meals, accommodations, or other features. As part of the consideration and right to participate in this tour, each participant will be asked to sign a liability release.
- Questions: Please contact Royal Adventures at [email protected] or call 800-453-4754 or 925-820-6260 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time).
