Andrew & Mario
Explore Argentina
Buenos Aires indoor activities
If you have inclement weather, need a low key activity, or just want a break from outside, here are some great indoor activities: Malba (modern art museum) Tango Porteño Piazzolla Tango - Galeria Güemes El Ateneo Grand Splendid (book store) Teatro Colon in Downtown Museo de Bellas Artes Galerías Pacifico Museo de Eva Peron Palacio Paz in Retiro Palacio Barolo Building
Buenos Aires outdoor activities
Since it will be spring, hopefully the weather will be nice to enjoy these fantastic outdoor activities: Rosedal (Rose Gardens)/Bosques de Palermo/Japanese Gardens Puente de La Mujer Plaza de Mayo/Casa Rosada and Congress Street markets in San Telmo and Puerto Madero Law School (University of Buenos Aires) Floralis Generica (metal flower sculpture) Caminito and La Boca (famous colorful houses - go only in daytime and pay attention because of pickpockets)
Iguazú Falls
Visit 2-3 days Iguazú Falls are on the border between Argentina and Brazil, stretching for 3km (1.85 miles) and flanked by subtropical rainforest. The Paraguay border is also nearby. This magnificent string of waterfalls is one of the greatest natural wonders on Earth. A network of trails, walkways, and bridges run through the surrounding national park, allowing visitors a close-up look at the 250-plus cascades and cataracts. The centerpiece is the Garganta del Diablo (“Devil’s Throat”), a seething mass of white water that produces a deafening roar and sends up great clouds of spray. Planning tips: Book a hotel near the falls as the views here are spectacular! Perfect for a short trip as the flight is also very short from Buenos Aires.
San Carlos de Bariloche
Visit 3-5 days With glimmering bodies of water, emerald-green forests, and towering mountains and volcanoes dusted with snow – it’s not hard to understand why Argentina's Lake District is a traveler hot spot. The gateway to this verdant region, the northwestern part of Patagonia, is the attractive lakeside city of Bariloche. Here you can pick from a wealth of outdoor activities – from hiking and mountain biking to fishing, kayaking and skiing – inside the surrounding Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi. Planning tips: Make sure you list your activities ahead of time as there is a lot to do and you need to rent a car if you want to explore. Also see: Villa La Angostura, Seven Lakes Route, San Martin de Los Andes, Traful, Arrayanes Park.
El Chaltén
Visit 3-5 days Spanning more than 5956 sq km (2300 sq miles) of iceberg-filled lakes, jagged Andean peaks and – most notably – gigantic glaciers, southern Patagonia is one of Argentina’s signature tourist attractions. The southern section – famous for the Perito Moreno Glacier – is accessed from the town of El Calafate, while the northern part, a haven for hikers and climbers, is best visited from the rustic village of El Chaltén. Bring your hiking boots, water bottles, and sunscreen! Planning tips: To get there, you fly to El Calafate and then take a bus (reserve ahead of time) about 2.5 hours. All manner of treks are possible from El Chaltén and El Calafate, from day hikes to multi-day adventures, and many routes can be attempted without a guide. Some hikes have the best views you'll ever see. If you are considering El Chaltén, reach out to Mario for a hotel/estancia recommendation and potential discount.
Mendoza
Visit 4-7 days Argentina is the world’s fifth biggest wine producer and the industry’s heartland is Mendoza province. In the midwest of the country, close to the Andes, the region is carpeted with vineyards and wineries, many of which offered guided tours, tastings, accommodations, and even the chance to help out with the harvest. And while Mendoza is rightly famous for its Malbec, plenty of other delicious wines – reds, whites and rosés – are also produced in the province. Valle de Eco and Lujan de Cuyo are only some of the must-visit regions of this perfect destination for wine lovers. Planning tips: Mendoza is endless and distances between wineries can take up to an hour in a car. Pick your wineries ahead of time so you can cover the different region and enjoy what this beautiful province has to offer! We loved staying at several different wineries in one week to break up the trip and experience different areas.
Ushuaia
Visit 5-7 days A famous sign in Ushuaia informs you that this is the “Fin del Mundo” – the physical end of the world. The far-flung capital of Argentine Tierra del Fuego sits on the shore of the Beagle Channel, more than 3000km (1865 miles) south of Buenos Aires. (Longest local flight in Argentina!) It is the gateway to rugged Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, the world’s most southerly railway line, and several winter sports centers, as well as the embarkation point for cruises to Antarctica, just 1000km (620 miles) to the south. Planning tips: bring winter clothes, lol.
Salta
Visit 4-6 days In the far northwest of Argentina, near the Chilean and Bolivian borders, this charming city is known as “Salta la Linda” (“Salta the Beautiful”). On the edge of the Lerma valley, overlooked by mountains, Salta is filled with historic mansions, churches, municipal buildings and plazas, some of which date back to the city’s founding in 1582! It also has a varied cultural scene encompassing excellent museums and galleries – such as the Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña, which explores Inca culture and the practice of human sacrifice – and atmospheric folk-music clubs called peñas. Planning tips: Weather varies from cool temperatures in the morning to hot sunny days, so bring enough clothes! November is the perfect month to tour around. Must-see: Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca are the most bright and colorful experience you’ll see in Argentina. Is also one of the highest areas in the country in altitude, so be aware of special requirements.