No, but depending on the destination, especially those where you can walk through the jungle like Iguazú, some vaccines may be required. Contact us and learn more about specific requirements for your Argentina travel.
Argentina can be visited all year round. However, a trip to Patagonia is better during summer when all attractions and hiking trails are open (it snows during winter). Other regions may be affected by the change of season, but your travel won’t be troubled. For example, summer in Iguazú Falls can reach high temperatures, as in North Argentina (Salta and Jujuy). Summer is also the rainy season for northerners so if you visit Salta and Jujuy bring a raincoat! Mendoza’s vineyards blossom in spring and Buenos Aires boasts no extreme weather during the year. Travel to Argentina offers diverse experiences in different seasons.
Asado (barbecue) and empanadas are popular meals, but you can also find an excellent offer of pasta and pizzas. It is often thought that all meals have meat in Argentina and that there are no options for vegetarians, but that is not true. There are many options, and even exclusive restaurants for vegetarians, vegans, and the gluten-free public. Discovering local cuisine is a highlight of many Argentina tours.
For citizens of many countries (up to 90 days), like Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, and the United States, a visa is not required. For the latest up-to-date information visit your local embassy website before you travel to Argentina.
Bring a variety of clothes (in Patagonia we can have all four seasons in 24 hours), comfortable clothes, and bring at least one nicer outfit to enjoy the nightlife. Sunglasses and sunscreen, an adapter and/or converter for outlets, a small bag or backpack. Plus, download an online application to translate to Spanish (some people understand English and some other languages, but most don’t). Being prepared enhances your Argentina travel experience.
Argentina is large, distances can be long. It depends on each traveler. However, to visit 2 destinations in Argentina, the recommendation is no less than 10 days. The more time you have the more complete your Argentina tour will be!
What To Do in Argentina?
Diverse climate and geography and 1.7 million square miles: Argentina is one giant wonderland! The vastness of the Pampas spotted with estancias, the shining lakes and giant peaks of Patagonia, and the whales basking in the bay at Peninsula Valdes, are just some of the reasons Argentina tours are famous worldwide.
In the Northeast of Argentina, you can visit the Iguazu Falls, an impressive collection of waterfalls amidst the jungle, declared a UNESCO heritage site. In the Northwest, the landscape changes dramatically to colorful mountains and salt flat endless plains. Salya and Jujuy are the hubs of Andean culture, and you can travel to both on the same trip.
Wildlife enthusiasts can explore the vast wetlands of the Esteros del Iberá, the second-largest wetlands in the world, home to diverse species of birds, capybaras, and caimans.
Heading south, Patagonia is the great Argentine destination for adventurers. A paradise of hiking paths and climbing challenges, or self-drive experiences and camping under the stars. If you venture further, you can even start your trip to Antarctica from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.
In Buenos Aires, our capital, you’ll find the perfect begin or end of your trip. This is a cosmopolitan city similar to the European capitals but with a unique allure of Latinoamerican style. A must-visit in Patagonia is El Calafate, home to the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier. This small town serves as the gateway to one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Argentina.
You can discover Argentina on an adventure trip, a family vacation, or a self-drive experience. Stay in luxury hotels and ranches, enjoy a hiking trip through Patagonia, or have a wildlife experience. It’s your pick!
Best Destinations to Combine in Argentina
The best trips to Argentina include touring capital cities with active cultural life. But also rural experiences to discover gaucho traditions, and expeditions to uncrowded and natural places like Iguazú Falls, Patagonia, and Northern Argentina (Salta and Jujuy). For wine liver, trips to Mendoza are highly recommended. If you’re into wildlife spotting, Península Valdés in Patagonia is the spot to see whales and penguins, and Iberá Wetlands to see marsh deers, capybaras, and caimans.
Buenos Aires
The ‘Paris of South America’, this city is brimming with places and tourist attractions you wouldn’t want to miss out on. Buenos Aires sits on the coast of Río de la Plata, the widest river in the world. It takes 1 hour to reach the other coast, meaning, Uruguay!
This city is the jumping point for almost any trip to Argentina. In Buenos Aires are the international airport (best known as “Ezeiza”) and the domestic airport (called “Aeroparque”). From both, you can fly to almost everywhere in the country. We recommend staying at least 5 days in Buenos Aires to wander the streets, and the many cafés and taste the internationally famous Argentinian meat.
Mendoza
The land of “sun and delicious wine” is located in the western center of Argentina, and it is one of our favorite Argentina tours. Sitting at the foot of the Andes, Mendoza is the largest wine-producing region. It is a perfect destination for food lovers and adventurous travelers since it combines first-level gastronomic experiences with outdoor activities such as horseback riding and white water rafting.
Moreover, Mendoza is the lively home to 75% of the Malbec vines grown worldwide and a perfect location for its production. Because of the high altitude and low humidity of Mendoza, vineyards rarely face problems with insects, fungi, molds, and other grape diseases. This makes cultivation with little or no pesticides easy.
Iguazú Falls
Named one of the Seven Natural World Wonders in 2011, Iguazú Falls is the most visited destination in Argentina. These magical falls, also named Natural World Heritage, are shared by Brazil and Argentina. Both countries have national parks devoted to them, and they are sufficiently different in character to each merit a visit.
Iguazú comes from the Guarani Native language and means “big water”. This name is completely perfect for the falls since, among its 250 waterfalls, there is the Devil’s Throat which is more than 82 meters high. The closest city to the Iguazú National Park on the Argentinean side is Puerto Iguazú, where 80% of the falls are located. This city was inhabited by the Guaraníes and then colonized by the Spanish Jesuits.
Patagonia
Patagonia extends from the province of Bariloche to Tierra del Fuego. This immense region offers scenery filled with lakes, fjords, glaciers, and steppes. “Patagonia” comes from the word “patagón” which was used by the Portuguese explorer Magellan to describe the Tehuelches (native communities), whom he thought to be giants.
Shared by Chile and Argentina, both countries offer different landscapes. While the Argentine side features arid steppes, grasslands, and deserts, the Chilean side has glacial fjords and temperate rainforests. This vast region is known for Perito Moreno Glacier, the penguins of Ushuaia, the most famous hiking trails in El Chaltén, and the diverse wildlife in Península Valdés.
Northern Argentina
This is one of the most beautiful and unexplored regions of Argentina. Known for its sophisticated appeal, this region has become a favorite among curious travelers from around the globe due to its natural beauty, historic architecture, excellent weather, and welcoming demeanor. Salta and Jujuy are the main provinces known as “the North”.
Salta, founded in 1582, is the starting point to explore northern Argentina tours. From this city, nicknamed “la linda” (the beauty), travelers hit the road towards the stunning Calchaquíes Valley and the city of Cafayate, the hometown of Torrontés wine. The province of Jujuy, located north of Salta, features the Humahuca Gorge, declared World Heritage by UNESCO, and the Great Salt Flats, a white paradise that all should visit once in their life! Northern Argentina is not only a trip to see fabulous landscapes but to get closer and learn from the humility of its locals and their ancient traditions.
Iberá Wetlands
This is the perfect destination for wildlife lovers. The Iberá Wetlands is one of the most important freshwater reservoirs in South America and the second-largest wetland in the world. This destination is located in the province of Corrientes, near Iguazú Falls (just a 4-hour bus trip away). The Iberá Wetlands have an immense variety of wildlife that include caimans, capybaras, swamp deer, pampas deer, howler monkeys, giant otters, anacondas, and greater rheas. This is the paradise for birdwatchers; Iberá Wetlands is home to more than 350 species of birds.
Gaucho Culture: Trips to Estancias in Argentina
“Estancias” are essentially cattle ranches in Latin America or the southern region of the US. Argentina’s estancias are closely linked to the history and essence of its culture. They range from extremely simple — a family home with rooms for a few guests — to fancier, purpose-built country-house structures.
Estancia Cristina – El Calafate
Estancia Cristina – El Calafate
Estancia Cristina is our favorite El Calafate in Patagonia Argentina. Built in 1914, today the estancia welcomes travelers from all over the world. Time has passed but the ranch is still only reachable by boat, with no land access. Prepare to live the true Patagonian experience! The Estancia offers high-quality accommodation and expeditions to spot glaciers since the ranch was constructed right at the heart of Glacier National Park. If you’re looking for an all-inclusive lodging experience, Estancia Cristina is your feet too.
Once in the estancia, you can enjoy any of these activities:
Horseback rides.
Hikes.
Fishing.
4WD tours.
Estancia Harberton – Ushuaia
Estancia Harberton – Ushuaia
It was founded in 1886 by Thomas Bridges the first white man to live in Tierra del Fuego. This is the perfect place to learn about the history of pioneers and explore their culture. As in the estancias mentioned before, you can lodge in Harberton, or enjoy a full-day visit to the main house to see the amazing gardens, and the family cemetery and walk Tierra del Fuego National Park. Plus, Patagonian gastronomy is available for you to taste the best southernmost dishes!
In Estancia Harberton you can:
Visit replicas of Yámana huts.
Visit the Acatushun Museum of Birds and Marine Mammals.
Enjoy tea at Manacatush Tea House on top of the hill, and visit the Acawaia Restaurant.
Book a tour to walk among penguins on Martillo Island.
Club Tapiz – Mendoza
Club Tapiz – Mendoza
The best thing about this estancia in Mendoza is that it offers a combination of wine and recreation in one place. Club Tapiz in Mendoza is no different. The 22 acres of vineyards contain historical buildings, private rooms, a breathtaking vista, and a chance at a free wine tasting every evening.
What you can do in Tapiz:
Visit the Sparkling Place to taste wines made with champenoise or traditional methods.
Enjoy the spa.
Visit the Restaurant Club Tapiz.
Take a cooking class.
El Ombú de Areco – Buenos Aires
El Ombú de Areco – Buenos Aires
Located 75 miles away from Buenos Aires, El Ombú boasts an 1880 farmhouse where travelers can spend the day or lodge. This is the perfect place to relax and learn about Argentina’s gaucho culture. Twelve suites, a game room, two swimming pools, and volleyball pitches are some of the facilities you can enjoy in El Ombú. The ranch features more than 200 hectares of grazing livestock and agriculture and 350 heads of Aberdeen Angus cattle!
The many things that you have the opportunity to experience here are:
Horseback riding.
Sulky (carriage) rides.
Folk shows (live music and dancers).
Demonstrations of “Doma India” (Traditional Argentine horse whispering) or “Tropilla” (herd of horses).
Hiking.
Cycling.
Bird watching.
Exploring estancias is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the rich gaucho culture and history of Argentina. These experiences can be an integral part of your Argentina travel journey. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, estancias offer a unique and memorable way to travel to Argentina. Incorporate these visits into your Argentina tours for a truly unforgettable experience.
“Estancias” are essentially cattle ranches in Latin America or the southern region of the US. Argentina’s estancias are closely linked to the history and essence of its culture. They range from extremely simple — a family home with rooms for a few guests — to fancier, purpose-built country-house structures.
Estancia Harberton – Ushuaia
It was founded in 1886 by Thomas Bridges the first white man to live in Tierra del Fuego. This is the perfect place to learn about the history of pioneers and explore their culture. As in the estancias mentioned before, you can lodge in Harberton, or enjoy a full-day visit to the main house to see the amazing gardens, and the family cemetery and walk Tierra del Fuego National Park. Plus, Patagonian gastronomy is available for you to taste the best southernmost dishes!
In Estancia Harberton you can:
Visit replicas of Yámana huts.
Visit the Acatushun Museum of Birds and Marine Mammals.
Enjoy tea at Manacatush Tea House on top of the hill, and visit the Acawaia Restaurant.
Book a tour to walk among penguins on Martillo Island.
El Ombú de Areco – Buenos Aires
Located 75 miles away from Buenos Aires, El Ombú boasts an 1880 farmhouse where travelers can spend the day or lodge. This is the perfect place to relax and learn about Argentina’s gaucho culture. Twelve suites, a game room, two swimming pools, and volleyball pitches are some of the facilities you can enjoy in El Ombú. The ranch features more than 200 hectares of grazing livestock and agriculture and 350 heads of Aberdeen Angus cattle!
The many things that you have the opportunity to experience here are:
Horseback riding.
Sulky (carriage) rides.
Folk shows (live music and dancers).
Demonstrations of “Doma India” (Traditional Argentine horse whispering) or “Tropilla” (herd of horses).
Hiking.
Cycling.
Bird watching.
Estancia Cristina – El Calafate
Estancia Cristina is our favorite El Calafate in Patagonia Argentina. Built in 1914, today the estancia welcomes travelers from all over the world. Time has passed but the ranch is still only reachable by boat, with no land access. Prepare to live the true Patagonian experience! The Estancia offers high-quality accommodation and expeditions to spot glaciers since the ranch was constructed right at the heart of Glacier National Park. If you’re looking for an all-inclusive lodging experience, Estancia Cristina is your feet too.
Once in the estancia, you can enjoy any of these activities:
Horseback rides.
Hikes.
Fishing.
4WD tours.
Club Tapiz – Mendoza
The best thing about this estancia in Mendoza is that it offers a combination of wine and recreation in one place. Club Tapiz in Mendoza is no different. The 22 acres of vineyards contain historical buildings, private rooms, a breathtaking vista, and a chance at a free wine tasting every evening.
What you can do in Tapiz:
Visit the Sparkling Place to taste wines made with champenoise or traditional methods.
Enjoy the spa.
Visit the Restaurant Club Tapiz.
Take a cooking class.
Exploring estancias is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the rich gaucho culture and history of Argentina. These experiences can be an integral part of your Argentina travel journey. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, estancias offer a unique and memorable way to travel to Argentina. Incorporate these visits into your Argentina tours for a truly unforgettable experience.
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