Argentina Country Guide
With expert insights from Carola Fresno, Travel Specialist
In our opinion, it’s impossible not to fall in love with Argentina. From food and wine, culture and dancing, hiking amidst rainforests and glaciers, exploring cities bursting with life and even football, there truly is something for everything – cliché or not! In this gigantic country with so much to see, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But fear not – we’ve put together our Argentina country guide to help you build your perfect itinerary and enjoy the trip of a lifetime.
Argentina at a glance
- Main gateway: Buenos Aires, with flights landing daily from all over the world.
- Domestic hub: Aeroparque Jorge Newberry (AEP) in Buenos Aires, for flights to Patagonia, Mendoza, Iguazu and Salta.
- For wine: Mendoza, with over 1,500 vineyards and around 320 days of sunshine a year.
- For waterfalls: Iguazu, the largest waterfall system in the world – taller than Niagara, wider than Victoria, and made up of 275 cascades.
- For glaciers and trekking: Argentinian Patagonia, from Bariloche’s Lake District down to Ushuaia, the southernmost city on Earth.
- For culture off the beaten track: Salta and the Northwest, sitting at 3,984 feet above sea level.
- Timing tip: the Fiesta de la Vendimia wine harvest festival takes place in Mendoza every March.
Where to go in Argentina
| Region | Best for | Getting there |
|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires | Tango, asado and steak, markets, nightlife, Recoleta and the Casa Rosada | Flights land daily from all over the world |
| Argentinian Patagonia | Glaciers, Mount Fitz Roy, Perito Moreno, penguins at Tierra del Fuego | From AEP: Bariloche 2.5h, El Calafate 3h15, Ushuaia 3.5h |
| Mendoza | Malbec, over 1,500 vineyards, hiking, riding, rafting and skiing | 2 hours by air from Buenos Aires, or 1 hour 45 from Salta |
| Iguazu Falls | The Devil’s Throat, boat rides at the base of the falls, jungle wildlife | 3-hour flight from AEP to Cataratas del Iguazú (IGR) |
| Salta & the Northwest | Hill of Seven Colours, Salinas Grandes salt flats, high-altitude vineyards | 2-hour flight from AEP to Güemes International Airport (SLA), 6km from the city |
A busy scene at Mercado San Telmo, Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires
The city of double takes – are you actually in Europe? – Buenos Aires is as chic as you imagine it to be. The architecture, the plethora of artists, the bustling markets, and the dazzling nightlife; it’s no wonder the city is often referred to as the ‘Paris of South America’. But look just a little closer and it will become very apparent that you’re most certainly in Argentina. Think dancers Tango-ing on street corners, Asado grills propped up outside steamy restaurants, and steak so good it can only have been sourced from the country’s rolling plains. History buffs will enjoy gazing in awe at the Casa Rosada where Eva Perón gave her famous speeches, before searching for her tomb in the maze of Recoleta Cemetery. Night owls will love that no one eats before at 8pm (at least!) and then dances the night away in La Boca, were the music keeps playing for as long as you’re dancing. If you’re searching for Argentina’s beating heart, you’ll find it right here in this spectacular city – be prepared to fall head over heels!
“Buenos Aires is the city of double takes. The architecture has you wondering whether you’re actually in Europe — and then you see the tango on street corners and the asado grills outside the restaurants, and you know exactly where you are.”
— Carola Fresno, Latin America travel specialist
How do I do it?
Buenos Aires is more than easy to reach, with flights landing daily from all over the world. Our biggest tip? Leave enough time not only to rest your head in one of the many gorgeous hotels (read on…) and shake off the jetlag, but also to explore. We guarantee you’ll want to keep exploring once you’ve begun to scratch the surface of this flamboyant city.
Where do I start?
Buenos Aires features in just about all of our trips, not only because it’s the country’s travel hub but also because we can’t let you visit Argentina without paying homage to the famous capital. Start with our Highlights of Argentina itinerary – if you’re not sure where to go or where to begin, this trip will whisk you through all high points. You’ll see everything from Buenos Aires’ beautiful streets, Mendoza’s winelands, the world’s largest waterfall system and so much more. If Argentina’s been on your must-see list for a while, this is the adventure for you.
A spectacular, icy vista in Argentinian Patagonia
Argentinian Patagonia
Meandering, rugged and astonishingly beautiful, Argentinian Patagonia starts in the postcard-perfect Lake District where clear pools are flanked by snow-topped peaks and endless countryside. The picturesque setting is rife with possibilities for hiking, horseback riding and biking, and most adventures set off from Bariloche. You could make your way from one quaint hamlet to the next along the scenic Seven Lakes Route or, if the time is right, take a ride on the steam-powered El Trochita train. Otherwise, visit the Museo Leleque, which houses a fascinating collection of artefacts, or wander through the Cueva de la Manos, home to 9,000-year-old handprints and paintings. Oh, and did we mention that Bariloche also happens to be Argentina’s chocolate capital? Enough said…
Los Glaciares National Park marks the true beginning of Patagonia in all its spine-tingling glory. A feast for the senses, your travels will take you past glaciers, mountain spires and azure lakes where guanacos munch nearby. There are trails upon trails to explore, many of which leave from El Chalten, and range from easy saunters, to the Laguna de los Tres where your (not inconsiderable) efforts will be rewarded with a face-to-face encounter with Mount Fitz Roy. Near El Calafate, hike above or boat alongside the Perito Moreno Glacier – the only glacier in Patagonia that continues to expand – then stick with the theme and grab a drink at Argentina’s first ice bar after your action-packed day. The southernmost city on Earth, Ushuaia provides your last memories of Patagonia. Set between a ridge of mountains and the famous Beagle Channel, the town is the springboard for trips to the Tierra del Fuego archipelago where colonies of King penguins and sea lions can be spotted. Have those cameras ready as you cruise the waters at the ‘end of the world’…
“Los Glaciares is where Patagonia really begins. Most of the trails leave from El Chalten, and the walk up to Laguna de los Tres rewards some not inconsiderable effort with Mount Fitz Roy face to face.”
— Carola Fresno, Latin America travel specialist
How do I do it?
The easiest way to reach Argentinian Patagonia is on a flight from Buenos Aires, but remember to factor in connection times if you’re flying straight there after arriving in the capital. From the domestic Aeroparque Jorge Newberry (AEP), you can fly to Bariloche (2.5 hours), Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego (3.5 hours) and El Calafate (3 hours, 15 minutes). From El Calafate, El Chalten is around a three-hour drive away.
Where do I start?
If you’re looking for Argentina’s CinemaScope sights, our see-it-all trip through Patagonia is just the ticket. After getting to know Buenos Aries and its famous nightlife, you’ll head south where glaciers, glimmering lakes and towering peaks await.
The Tupungato massif watching over Masi Tupungato vineyard
Mendoza
Mention Argentina and talk of Malbec is likely to follow – and with good reason. This silky-smooth red (and multiple varietals) have made Mendoza one of the wine darlings of the world, and its mountain-ringed hills boast over 1,500 vineyards to swirl and sip at. Most are concentrated around the capital (of the same name), a city spread across a lovely valley with plenty of plazas and museums to explore. Every March, the Fiesta de la Vendimia (Wine Harvest Festival) occurs, a vibrant celebration of wine preceded by a week of concerts, parades and lots of dancing. And Mendoza isn’t only about the grapes: with around 320 days of sunshine in a year, outdoor activities are always enjoyable. Hike, bike and ride horseback through the countryside, picnic beside tranquil lakes and climb the face of a cerro; white water raft, ski, or visit the barren lava deserts of La Payunia.
How do I do it?
Located in central Argentina, Mendoza is easy to reach from the country’s popular destinations. Depending on your itinerary, fly from Buenos Aires (2 hours) or Salta (1 hour, 45 minutes), which offers weekly direct flights.
Where do I start?
While you could easily spend an entire trip enjoying the wines of Mendoza, why not combine the best of Chilean Patagonia and the Iguazu Falls too? Add some history, scenery and that fabulous Malbec and you’ve got this fantastic two-week trip?
The rushing, overwhelming cascades of Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls
Millenia ago, a volcanic ripple ran through South America resulting in Iguazu Falls. Where Argentina touches Brazil, it’s the largest waterfall system in the world (taller than Niagara and wider than Victoria) and the meeting place of 275 cascades, which crash into a misty, foaming cauldron below. Boasting two thirds of the Falls, Argentina is the best place to see the thundering spectacle from every angle. Stand, awestruck, at the ‘devil’s throat’ drop-off and watch as a double rainbow appears, or take a boat ride at the base of the falls – whichever you choose, goosebumps are inevitable. There’s plenty of wildlife to be found in this remote corner of Argentina, and on hikes into the surrounds, you’ll come across incredible birdlife, monkeys and, if you’re lucky, pumas and ocelots too.
“Argentina holds two thirds of Iguazu, which makes it the best side to see the falls from every angle. Stand at the Devil’s Throat and wait for the double rainbow to appear — goosebumps are inevitable.”
— Carola Fresno, Latin America travel specialist
How do I do it?
The Iguazu Falls area is most easily reached on a 3-hour flight from Aeroparque Jorge Newberry (AEP) in Buenos Aires, which will land at the Cataratas del Iguazú (IGR) airport. Direct flights from Buenos Aires’ main Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) are less common, but convenient should you want to immediately travel to the Falls.
Where do I start?
The Iguazu Falls are more than memorable on their own, but we say make it the trip of a lifetime by hitting all Argentina’s highlights. Relive history and learn to tango in Buenos Aires and, after being blown away by the Falls, catch your breath in the winelands. End on a thrilling note in Patagonia, trekking between glaciers and Andean peaks before saying adiós to Argentina.
Surreal Serranía de Hornocal mountains, The Northwest
Salta & The Northwest
In a country of photogenic landscapes, Argentina’s Northwest is one of the most fascinating thanks to traditions that have endured in the communities who live much as their ancestors did. Sitting at 3,984 feet above sea level, Salta is the capital and the only real city for miles, characterised by churches, Spanish mansions and vibrant evenings in the square. Beyond the city limits, there are high-altitude vineyards (providing a tangy, white alternative to Malbec) and national parks to explore. Drive or hike your way across the terrain, taking in highlights like the Hill of Seven Colours (do yourself a favour and visit at sunrise or sunset), the famous Las Salinas Grandes salt flats, the ‘Arrows of the gods’ and the Yungas Jungle, home to South America’s biggest wildcat. Whichever direction you go, there will be something to marvel at…
“The Northwest is where Argentina’s oldest traditions have endured — whole communities still living much as their ancestors did. Time the Hill of Seven Colours for sunrise or sunset and you’ll see exactly why people come.”
— Carola Fresno, Latin America travel specialist
How do I do it?
Flights (2 hours) to Salta depart from Aeroparque Jorge Newberry (AEP) in Buenos Aires and arrive at the General Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport (SLA), which is just 6 kilometres from central Salta. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, board the Train to the Clouds at the San Antonio de Los Cobres station and make the scenic, multi-day journey to Salta.
Where do I start?
Get to know northern Argentina in technicolour detail on this trip, which will take you between the birthplace of Malbec, Buenos Aires and the cascading Iguazu Falls, before delving into the secrets of Salta and its superlative landscapes.
Argentina FAQs
How do you get to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires?
The easiest route is a 3-hour flight from Aeroparque Jorge Newberry (AEP), landing at Cataratas del Iguazú (IGR). Direct flights from the main Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) are less common, but useful if you want to travel to the falls immediately on arrival.
Is Iguazu bigger than Niagara or Victoria Falls?
Iguazu is the largest waterfall system in the world – taller than Niagara and wider than Victoria – and is made up of 275 cascades crashing into a misty, foaming cauldron below.
Should you see Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian or Brazilian side?
Argentina boasts two thirds of the falls, which makes it the best place to see the spectacle from every angle. Stand at the ‘devil’s throat’ drop-off for the double rainbow, or take a boat ride at the base of the falls.
How long is the flight from Buenos Aires to El Calafate?
3 hours and 15 minutes from Aeroparque Jorge Newberry (AEP). From the same airport, Bariloche takes 2.5 hours and Ushuaia 3.5 hours. El Chalten is around a three-hour drive from El Calafate.
How many vineyards are there in Mendoza?
Mendoza’s mountain-ringed hills boast over 1,500 vineyards, most of them concentrated around the city of the same name. Malbec is the headline act, though there are multiple varietals to try.
When is the wine harvest festival in Mendoza?
The Fiesta de la Vendimia takes place every March. It’s a vibrant celebration of wine, preceded by a week of concerts, parades and plenty of dancing.
What is there to see in Argentinian Patagonia?
Plenty. The Lake District around Bariloche offers hiking, riding and the Seven Lakes Route. Los Glaciares National Park has trails from El Chalten up to Mount Fitz Roy, and the Perito Moreno Glacier near El Calafate is the only glacier in Patagonia that continues to expand. Further south, Ushuaia is the springboard for King penguins and sea lions in Tierra del Fuego.
How do you get to Salta?
A 2-hour flight from Aeroparque Jorge Newberry (AEP) lands at General Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport (SLA), just 6 kilometres from central Salta. For something more adventurous, the Train to the Clouds makes a scenic, multi-day journey from San Antonio de Los Cobres.
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