Argentina

Argentina is a land of superlatives. Spanning the majority of the southern cone, it is a country that sweeps from the subtropical jungles of the north to the sub-antarctic archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. It is a place where the cosmopolitan sophistication of “The Paris of the South” meets the untamed spirit of the Gaucho and the silent, towering majesty of the Andes.

Whether you are dancing the tango in a sun-drenched plaza, sipping Malbec in the shadow of a volcano, or trekking across a creaking glacier, Argentina offers a dramatic and romantic journey unlike any other on earth.

Why we love Argentina

We love Argentina for its passion. It is a country that wears its heart on its sleeve—in its football, its food, and its music. It offers a rare combination of old-world charm and raw, frontier adventure. It is the ability to enjoy a world-class opera at the Teatro Colón one day and be galloping across a wild Patagonian steppe the next that makes Argentina so intoxicatingly unique.

The Most Beautiful Places in Argentina

From the edge of the world to the thundering falls, these are the destinations you cannot miss:

1. Buenos Aires

The seductive capital of Argentina is a city of distinct “barrios.” From the colorful, tin-housed streets of La Boca to the aristocratic elegance of Recoleta and the trendy boutiques of Palermo, Buenos Aires is a city of endless discovery. It is a hub of late-night dinners, secret “speakeasy” bars, and the world’s most beautiful bookstores.

2. Patagonia & El Calafate

The ultimate wilderness. In the south, the landscape is dominated by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. The Perito Moreno Glacier is the star of the show—one of the few advancing glaciers in the world, where you can watch massive chunks of ice “calve” into the turquoise water with a roar like thunder.

3. Mendoza & The Wine Region

Nestled at the foot of the Andes, Mendoza is the heart of Argentina’s wine country. This is a land of sunny days and cool nights, producing some of the world’s finest Malbecs. Stay in a luxury “finca” (wine estate) to enjoy gourmet pairings against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.

4. Iguazú Falls

Located on the border with Brazil, these falls are a force of nature. Comprising 275 individual drops, they are wider and more powerful than Niagara. Walking the boardwalks through the mist of the “Devil’s Throat” is a sensory experience that defines the word “breathtaking.”

5. Salta & The Northwest

For a change of pace, the northwest offers high-altitude deserts, multi-colored mountains, and deep indigenous roots. The “Tren a las Nubes” (Train to the Clouds) takes you through spectacular Andean scenery, while the colonial city of Salta serves as a gateway to the surreal salt flats of Salinas Grandes.

Highlights of a Tour Through Argentina

  • The Estancia Experience: Spend a few days at a traditional ranch to learn the ways of the Gaucho, enjoy a legendary asado (BBQ), and explore the vast pampas on horseback.
  • Trekking in El Chaltén: Known as the hiking capital of Argentina, this mountain village offers world-class trails leading to the base of the iconic Mount Fitz Roy.
  • The End of the World: Visit Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, to cruise the Beagle Channel and see the penguins and sea lions that call this remote outpost home.

Essential Travel Tips

  • When to go: Because it is in the Southern Hemisphere, seasons are reversed. October to April is ideal for Patagonia and the south. The north and Iguazú are best visited during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) to avoid intense heat.
  • Getting around: Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world. Domestic flights are the most efficient way to hop between major hubs like Mendoza, Iguazú, and Patagonia.
  • Dining: Prepare to eat late! Argentinians rarely dine before 9:00 PM. The beef is world-renowned, but don’t overlook the Italian influence—the pasta and gelato are equally spectacular.
  • Currency: The economy can be complex. While ATMs are available, it is often beneficial to bring US Dollars to exchange locally. Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and luxury hotels.