ARGENTINA
Introduction
Straddling the southern cone of South America, Argentina captivates with its dramatic landscapes, passionate culture, and world-class gastronomy. From the elegant boulevards of Buenos Aires and the thunder of Iguazu Falls to the towering Andes, vast pampas, and the icy wonders of Patagonia, the country offers a perfect blend of urban sophistication, outdoor adventure, and unforgettable natural beauty.
Top Regions to Explore
Buenos Aires
The sophisticated capital, known as the “Paris of South America,” famous for tango, European-inspired architecture, vibrant neighborhoods like San Telmo and La Boca, and a thriving cultural scene.
Bariloche
In the scenic Lake District, offering Swiss-style alpine landscapes, pristine lakes, chocolate shops, and year-round outdoor pursuits.
Mendoza
Nestled against the Andes, Argentina’s premier wine region renowned for Malbec vineyards, mountain views, and adventure activities.
Iguazu Falls
One of the planet’s most spectacular waterfalls, shared with Brazil, set within lush subtropical rainforest.
Patagonia (Ushuaia & El Calafate)
The dramatic southern frontier featuring the Perito Moreno Glacier, Tierra del Fuego National Park, and the primary gateway for Antarctica expeditions.
Key Cultural and Historical Highlights
Cultural Practices
Warm and expressive greetings (one kiss on the cheek); late dining (after 9 PM) with lingering “sobremesa” conversations; football as a national passion.
Major Festival
Carnival (February/March)
Buenos Aires Tango Festival (August)
Vendimia Wine Festival in Mendoza (March).
Seasonal Connection
Summer evenings for outdoor milongas and al fresco dining; winter for cozy fireside mate sessions.
UNESCO Sites
Iguazu National Park, Los Glaciares National Park, Cueva de las Manos, Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jesuit Blocks of Córdoba.
Unique Experiences
Tango in Buenos Aires
Immerse yourself in Argentina’s iconic dance at a traditional milonga or enjoy an elegant dinner show in San Telmo.
Antarctica Expedition from Ushuaia
Depart from the world’s southernmost city on a classic sea cruise across the Drake Passage to explore the pristine White Continent, its wildlife, and towering icebergs.
Wine Tasting in Mendoza
Tour high-altitude vineyards, sample award-winning Malbecs, and savor gourmet pairings with stunning Andean backdrops.
Gaucho Day in the Pampas
Escape the city and explore the Argentine countryside on a day trip from Buenos Aires. Visit the town of San Antonio de Areco, a traditional Estancia, and enjoy a barbecue lunch.
Signature Food
Asado
Grilled meats central to social gatherings and national identity.
Empanadas
Savory pastries filled with beef, cheese, or vegetables.
Malbec
Bold, velvety red wine from Mendoza’s high-altitude vineyards.
Mate
Bitter herbal infusion shared in a communal gourd.
Sample Itineraries
5-Day Wine Country Wonders: Buenos Aires & Mendoza
Embark on a luxurious 5-day journey through Argentina’s most passionate corners, starting in the sophisticated streets of Buenos Aires and ascending to the sun-drenched vineyards of Mendoza at the foot of the Andes. This itinerary weaves together urban elegance, world-class Malbec tastings, and dramatic mountain landscapes for an unforgettable taste of Argentine soul.
- Discover Buenos Aires’ iconic landmarks, from the towering Obelisco to the romantic waterfront of Puerto Madero.
- Stroll Mendoza’s elegant plazas and tree-lined boulevards in the heart of Argentina’s wine country.
- Tour premier bodegas in Luján de Cuyo with sweeping Andean views and multi-course wine-paired lunches.
- Kayak on the turquoise lake of Potrerillos, surrounded by jagged Andean peaks.
Day 1: Arrival in the Paris of South America (Buenos Aires)
Touch down in Buenos Aires; private transfer to your boutique hotel.
Settle in and explore the vibrant city center.
Visit the iconic Obelisco on Avenida 9 de Julio (the world’s widest street), marvel at the neoclassical grandeur of Teatro Colón, and take a sunset stroll across Puente de la Mujer in Puerto Madero.
Savor a thick, juicy steak at a traditional parilla, drizzled with chimichurri sauce – dinner often starts after 9 PM in true porteño style.
Day 2: To the Heart of Wine Country (Buenos Aires → Mendoza)
Morning flight to Mendoza.
Upon arrival, private transfer to your hotel in the relaxed city center.
Afternoon at leisure to wander expansive plazas like Plaza Independencia with its fountains and shady sycamores, or Parque General San Martín’s manicured gardens.
Dine at a landmark restaurant featuring open-flame grilled meats and regional specialties.
Day 3: Vineyard Immersion (Luján de Cuyo)
Full-day private wine tour in the cradle of Malbec. Visit three distinctive bodegas with a multilingual guide, learning the art of winemaking amid centuries-old vineyards.
Lunch: A delicious three-course meal perfectly paired with estate wines, enjoyed with panoramic views of the Andes.
Overnight in Mendoza.
Day 4: Andean Kayaking Adventure (Potrerillos)
Morning transfer (about 1 hour) to the foothills town of Potrerillos. Gear up for a guided kayaking expedition on the scenic artificial lake created by the dammed Mendoza River.
Paddle across turquoise waters framed by dramatic mountain peaks, with professional instruction and plenty of photo stops.
Return to Mendoza in the afternoon for relaxation and perhaps a final wine tasting.
Day 5: Return to Buenos Aires & Departure
Morning flight back to Buenos Aires.
Private transfer to the international airport for your onward journey, with lingering memories of wine, mountains, and Argentine passion.
7-Day Luxury Patagonia & Lake District: Buenos Aires to El Calafate
Discover Argentina’s wild heart on this luxurious 7-day escape, blending the seductive energy of Buenos Aires with the pristine beauty of the Lake District and the raw drama of Patagonia. Stay at iconic hotels, kayak on glacial lakes, trek across ancient ice, and stargaze under some of the clearest skies on Earth.
- Experience Buenos Aires’ tango passion with a private city tour and cabaret show.
- Stay at the legendary Hotel Llao Llao overlooking Nahuel Huapi Lake.
- Kayak azure waters and hike to breathtaking viewpoints in Bariloche.
- Trek the surface of Perito Moreno Glacier with crampons and ice axes.
- Spot wildlife on a 4WD safari across the vast Patagonian steppe.
Day 1: Tango & City Lights (Buenos Aires)
Arrival: Private transfer from the airport to your 5-star hotel in Puerto Madero.
Private half-day walking tour: Plaza de Mayo and the pink Casa Rosada, cobblestone streets of San Telmo, and colorful Caminito in La Boca.
Evening: Three-course dinner and live tango performance at a glamorous cabaret.
Day 2: To the Lake District (Buenos Aires → Bariloche)
Morning flight to San Carlos de Bariloche. Transfer to the iconic Hotel Llao Llao.
Afternoon to relax by the pool or enjoy the spa.
Evening: Private stargazing tour in a remote, light-pollution-free wilderness spot.
Day 3: Kayaking & Hiking on Nahuel Huapi
Private transfer to López Bay for a 1.5-hour kayak on the glassy, azure waters of Nahuel Huapi Lake.
Picnic lunch with Argentine wine on a secluded shore, followed by a brisk 2.5-hour hike to the Brazo Tristeza viewpoint—stunning vistas of islands and Mount Tronador.
Return to the hotel for a relaxing evening.
Day 4: Mountain Trek to Refugio Frey
Chairlift ride up Cerro Catedral, then guided hike through rocky terrain and lenga forests to Schmoll and Toncek lagoons.
Lunch beside the water beneath jagged red granite peaks, with a stop at the historic Refugio Frey mountain hut.
Day 5: To the Glaciers (Bariloche → El Calafate)
Morning flight to El Calafate. Transfer to the luxurious EOLO ranch-style lodge on the Patagonian steppe.
Evening: Gourmet dinner at Rancho Aparte featuring organic Patagonian lamb and regional wines.
Day 6: Perito Moreno Glacier Trek
Private tour to Los Glaciares National Park. Boat across Lago Argentino, then strap on crampons for a thrilling mini-trek across the massive blue ice of Perito Moreno Glacier—crevasses, meltwater streams, and unforgettable views.
Day 7: Patagonian Steppe Safari & Departure
Morning 4WD safari across the endless steppe—spot condors, guanacos, and foxes.
Afternoon transfer to El Calafate Airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires and onward connections.
10-Day Classic Argentina: Bariloche, Mendoza & Iguazú Falls
Immerse yourself in Argentina’s greatest natural wonders on this epic 10-day adventure, from the alpine lakes of Bariloche to the wine paradise of Mendoza and the thunderous majesty of Iguazú Falls. This journey delivers kayaking, vineyard tours, rainforest hikes, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
- Kayak and trek through ancient forests in the Lake District.
- Sail to Victoria Island and the magical Myrtle Forest on Nahuel Huapi Lake.
- Taste world-famous Malbecs at three Mendoza bodegas with Andean backdrops.
- Walk the upper, lower, and Devil’s Throat circuits at Iguazú Falls.
- Experience the falls from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides for panoramic drama.
Day 1: Arrival in Buenos Aires
Private transfer to your hotel. Explore the city center: the Obelisco, Teatro Colón, and Puerto Madero.
Evening: Traditional parilla dinner with chimichurri and fine Argentine wine.
Day 2: To the Lake District (Buenos Aires → Bariloche)
Morning flight to Bariloche.
Private half-day scenic drive through the Lakes District—meadows, forests, and Nahuel Huapi Lake.
Evening: Craft beer tasting with panoramic lake views.
Day 3: Kayaking & Trekking on Lago Mascardi
Drive to Lago Mascardi for a full day of kayaking to pebble beaches and trekking through native coihue forests to a hidden lagoon.
Lunch on the shore in pristine wilderness.
Day 4: Catamaran to Victoria Island & Myrtle Forest
Morning catamaran cruise across Nahuel Huapi to Victoria Island for forest walks and legends.
Continue to the enchanting Myrtle Forest on Quetrihue Peninsula—snow-white bark and surreal beauty against the Andes.
Day 5: To Wine Country (Bariloche → Mendoza)
Morning flight to Mendoza.
Afternoon at leisure to explore the city or relax by the pool.
Day 6: Full-Day Mendoza Wine Tour
Private tour of three bodegas in Luján de Cuyo.
Learn about Malbec production and enjoy a three-course lunch with vineyard-to-mountain views.
Day 7: To the Falls (Mendoza → Iguazú)
Flight to Puerto Iguazú.
Optional afternoon visit to the Brazilian side for an easy introduction to the falls and exotic wildlife.
Day 8: Argentine Side of Iguazú Falls
Full day in Iguazú National Park.
Hike the Upper Circuit for panoramas, Lower Circuit for close-up torrents, and the thrilling Devil’s Throat walkway 82 meters above the roaring water.
Day 9: Brazilian Side & Return to Buenos Aires
Morning panoramic views from the Brazilian side of Iguazú.
Afternoon flight back to Buenos Aires for a final evening in the city.
Day 10: Departure
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Private transfer to the airport.
- Safe travels with a heart full of Argentine wonders.
Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
Hakone
~1.5 hours by train
Kamakura
~1 hours by train
Yokohama
~30 minutes by train
Accommodation Highlights
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
Sky-high luxury with Imperial Palace views
Fairmont Tokyo
PAW-tastic luxury for your pet
The Peninsula Tokyo
Impeccable service, Ginza location
The Okura Tokyo
Mid-century elegance, Japanese garden serenity
Aman Tokyo
Urban sanctuary, Japanese minimalist luxury
Conrad Tokyo
Sleek skyscraper luxury, stunning bay views
Best Time to Visits by Activities
September to November (Spring)
Blooming wildflowers and comfortable weather for city tours and vineyard visits. Highlight: Shoulder season with good availability and lower rates.
December to February (Summer)
Ideal for Patagonia, Ushuaia, and Antarctica cruises with long daylight hours and peak wildlife viewing. Highlight: Mild weather for glacier hikes and beach time in the north.
March to May (Autumn)
Pleasant temperatures and wine harvest season in Mendoza; fewer crowds nationwide. Highlight: Stunning fall foliage in the Lake District.
June to August (Winter)
Excellent for skiing in the Andes and indoor cultural experiences in cities. Highlight: Snow-dusted Patagonian landscapes (some southern areas limited).
Summary Notes
Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) offer the best overall balance for most regions, while summer is essential for southern adventures including Antarctica expeditions.
Travel Practicalities
Visa and Entry Requirements
Visa-free for 90 days for most nationalities (including US, EU, UK, Australia).
Passport valid 6 months beyond stay.
Currency
- Official Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)
- High inflation – use USD cash or international cards where possible; monitor daily rates.
Language
Spanish: Official
Spanish with local lunfardo slang in Buenos Aires.
English widely spoken in tourist areas
Local Transportation
Domestic Flights
Bus
Buenos Aires Subte (Subway)
Taxis (Uber)
Local Tips and Culture
Learn basic tango steps – it’s cultural immersion, not just performance.
Accept mate when offered; follow the passing ritual politely.
Dinner reservations recommended in popular Buenos Aires restaurants.
Safety and Practical Tips
Safe to explore
Generally safe in tourist zones; exercise standard precautions against petty crime in busy areas; stay alert in cities at night; avoid isolated areas.
Health Precautions
Tap water is potable in most cities.
Emergency
All Emergencies: (911); Tourist Police: (+54 11 4346-5748)