Whether you’re seeking culture-packed cities or unrivalled natural beauty, Argentina never fails to impress. The vast South American nation is well-known for its stark yet stunning landscapes, from the undulating valleys and lush vineyards of Salta to the dramatic glaciers and windswept coastlines of Patagonia. As well as having an intriguing history and exceptional natural beauty, Argentina also shares its borders with several equally fascinating countries. You could either delve deeper into Argentina or combine your getaway with a multi-centre trip to Brazil, Chile or Uruguay.
Are you dreaming of a holiday in Argentina? Allow us to help you curate the perfect itinerary with the following tips from our globe-trotting experts on what to see and do while you’re here.
Tour the monuments of Buenos Aires
First-timers to Argentina shouldn’t skip the chance to explore Buenos Aires. The country’s capital is almost 500 years old and awash with some truly stunning architecture.
A highlight of any trip to the city has to be Casa Rosada. The pink-hued mansion sits on the east side of Plaza de Mayo and it’s famed for being Argentina’s Presidential Palace. You might just recognise Casa Rosado from the 1996 film Evita when Madonna (playing Eva Peron) sings Don’t Cry For Me Argentina from one of the ornate balconies. You’ll be able to soak up the building’s grandeur during a guided tour or find out more about its general history at the Casa Rosada Museum.
Elsewhere, you’ll discover the final resting place of several key Argentinian figures, including the real-life Eva Peron, at the Cementerio de la Recoleta. Peron was a well-known activist during the 1940s and the First Lady of Argentina until 1952. Not far from the cemetery is where you’ll find the Palacio Duhau, a magnificent white mansion that looks like it’s been transplanted from 18th-century Paris. It currently houses the Park Hyatt Hotel and is worth dropping in to to admire its intricate interiors and landscaped grounds.
Don't miss this bustling market!
Feeling peckish? Buenos Aires has no shortage of amazing dining venues where you can sample its delectable cuisine. Perhaps the most atmospheric destination is the Mercado San Telmo. This fantastic indoor market was first established in 1897 and is a treasure trove of exquisite antiques, souvenirs and mouth-watering fresh produce.
Gaze awestruck at Iguazu Falls
A trip to the ethereal Iguazu Falls is easily one of our top experiences in Argentina. The waterfall system is the largest on the planet and stretches across three different countries, with the largest section found in northern Argentina.
The tumbling cascades can be reached via a network of pathways which take you through the lush jungles of Iguazu Falls National Park. The Devil’s Throat is perhaps the most famous and there’s a purpose-built walkway close by where you can watch hundreds of litres of water tumble down through the air for over 250 feet.
Wildlife at Iguazu Falls National Park
As well as admiring the 200-odd cascades, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the national park’s extraordinary local flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for vibrant butterflies, numerous bird species and the occasional elusive jaguar.
Savour fine wines in Mendoza
From fine wines and roasted meats to savoury empanadas, there’s plenty to please the palate in Argentina.
One location that’s needs to be on every foodie’s radar is Mendoza. The cosmopolitan city sits in the heart of Argentina’s wine country, with its beautiful vineyards that produce some of the country’s most famous wines. You’ll have the chance to sample some Malbec, Syrah or Cabernet during a Mendoza winery tour. Many venues also provide exceptional farm-to-table culinary experiences, including rustic asados (traditional barbecues).
In Mendoza, you’ll be spoiled for choice with charming cafes around the city’s spacious plazas and along its tree-lined avenues. Thanks to its location close to the Andes, Mendoza is also a perfect starting point for skiing, climbing, rafting or horse-riding adventures within the majestic mountain range.
Wineries around Mendoza
Uco Valley, south of Mendoza, is one of Argentina’s chief wine regions and is home to some of the country’s most beautiful vineyards. Further northwest, Salta and Cafayate come alive with stellar wineries, jaw-dropping scenery and quaint eateries serving farm-to-table food.
Travel to the end of the world in Ushuaia
Always wanted to know what the edge of the world looks like? Make your way to Ushuaia and you’ll be able to do just that!
Ushuaia sits in Argentina’s tranquil Tierra del Fuego archipelago and it’s best known for being Earth’s southernmost town. Besides its incredible location beneath the snow-capped Martial Mountains, the seaside resort has its fair share of one-of-a-kind attractions.
Discover more about the area’s local and natural history at the End of the World Museum or stop in at the 19th-century former prison turned museum to view exhilarating exhibits on Antarctic exploration. Down by the old harbour, you’ll find plenty of tempting dining venues where you can try Ushuaia’s best-known dish: freshly-caught spider crab.
Want to include Ushuaia on your itinerary?
The small, southerly city is often visited on Argentina and Chile tours thanks to spectacular nearby natural attractions such as Tierra del Fuego National Park and the breathtaking Beagle Channel. This makes the area an oasis for outdoors lovers, with skiing, hiking, kayaking and scuba diving on the agenda.
Set out on a Seven Lakes Tour
You can look forward to chocolate tasting, horse trekking and memorable boat trips when you take a tour of the Seven Lakes.
These heavenly water bodies are tucked away in Argentina’s southwest corner, just a short distance from the city of Bariloche, and they’re ideal for those seeking an intrepid adventure. The Seven Lakes region is particularly famed for its verdant vegetation and vast alpine forests. Combined with a backdrop of dramatic, snow-capped peaks, it’s not much of a stretch to compare it to the Swiss Alps. Cosy wooden chalets and a handful of local chocolatiers add to the idyllic illusion, too.
Whether you want to sample sensational sweet treats or set off on a walking tour alongside the bright blue waters of Los Canteros Lagoon, there’s no shortage of options in this sublime region of Argentina.
When to visit the Seven Lakes region
The period between October and March offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and adventure, while also opening you up to stunning vistas of mountainscapes and lakes set against clear blue skies.
Take in the raw beauty of Patagonia
Patagonia is perhaps South America’s most idyllic and untouched region. Straddling both Argentina and Chile, the region is filled with wondrous sights.
Los Glaciares National Park is truly unmissable if you’re touring Argentinian Patagonia. It’s a land of glistening glaciers, jagged mountain summits and thick virgin forests – and there are numerous ways in which to explore them. Wildlife lovers will feel particularly at home thanks to the UNESCO World Heritage park’s dozens of native bird species, including rare rheas and black-chested buzzard eagles.
On the opposite side of the region is Puerto Madryn, a coastal town where you can set off on boat excursions between September and December to see newborn southern right whales.
Best Time To Spot Wildlife
Orcas, sea lions and elephant seals can be spotted all year round in the Valdés peninsula, while thousands of Magellanic penguins typically congregate near Punta Tombo between March and September to breed.
Feeling inspired to plan a trip to this magical corner of South America? Get in touch with our team today and we’ll help put together the ultimate tailored itinerary for your next Argentina vacation.
Check out these sample itineraries
Argentina Food Tour
Tour of Argentina and Chile
Argentina inspiration
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