Argentina Vacation

We want to start this travel guide with Argentina’s capital of culture! Buenos Aires is the main jumping off point to almost any Argentina vacation. Known as the “City that never sleeps” and also as the “Paris of South America”, this multicultural destination offers activities for all tastes and ages. This city breathes culture on every corner: walk through cobbled streets and appreciate its spectacular architecture, book some tickets to a guided tour to discover Teatro Colon’s best kept secrets, connect with Argentinian roots watching a goosebumps tango shows and feast at some of the best restaurants in South America.

Undoubtedly, one of the favorite destinations of explorers who want to visit Argentina’s main attractions is El Chaltén. A paradise for hikers, this village is the top rated hiking destination in Argentina. Countless self guided trails surrounded by lakes and glaciers are guaranteed in this area. El Chaltén hosts the one and only Mount Fitz Roy, so a great hike could be to the foot of this stunning mountain.

Travel to the land of glaciers and meet the king of Patagonia: Perito Moreno Glacier. This world famous glacier is located 78 km (48 miles) from the town of  El Calafate, within the Los Glaciares National Park, and situated on the shores of Lake Argentino. It particularly relies on being one of the few glaciers that are advancing instead of shrinking, and if you are lucky, you may even get to see a piece of ice break off and fall from the glacier wall. Attractions include sailing through the Mayo Channel, hiking through the Patagonian forest, and, to top up, hiking on the Perito Moreno Glacier itself! Definitely sounds like a great adventure on your Argentina vacation, huh?

Chosen as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Iguazú Falls is a “must attraction” on your trip to Argentina. The Natural area is shared between Argentina and Brazil, so the travel adventure to Iguazú Falls usually involves crossing borders, and easily so! This is the perfect destination to live and adventure in the rainforest, meet exotic wildlife, learn about Mate (our national drink which is produced in Iguazú), and sail near one of the most powerful waterfalls in South America.

Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. Located north of Antarctica, it is well known as the “City of the End of the World”. You will have the chance to explore the town’s unique history and to visit amazing spots such as the “Lighthouse at the End of the World” or the Tierra del Fuego National Park. But this isn’t all: from October to early April thousands of Magellanic penguins (identifiable by their distinctive white band which loops from each eye and meets at the underside of the throat) visit the isles of Ushuaia for their breeding season. Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Isla del Martillo and walk with these black and white flightless birds.

Travel to the land of the sun and the good wine! Mendoza is one of the greatest wine regions of the world, best known for producing Argentina’s most famous variety: Malbec. With more than 1,500 wineries spread out through its three main wine regions, wide-open spaces with nothing but vines, gourmet restaurants, the Andes mountain range, blue skies, and avant garde architecture, this is definitely a spot a cuisine lover can’t miss!

This is one of the most beautiful and unexplored regions of Argentina. Salta, Jujuy, and Tucumán are the main provinces known as “the North”. The natural attractions of Northern Argentina are the Calchachí Valleys (Salta), the Humahuaca Gorge (Jujuy), declared World Heritage by Unesco, and the Great Salt Flats (Jujuy). But, much more can be found in the lands of the people who worship above all the Pachamama (Mother Earth). Northern Argentina is not only a trip to see fabulous landscapes but to get closer and learn from the rich local culture and ancient traditions. 

A self drive tour through northern Argentina can be an amazing experience too!

Café Tortoni

Av. De Mayo 825.

Coffee / Confectionery

Buenos Aires’s oldest coffee will for sure be a trip to the past: its decoration and architecture create a unique and classic atmosphere. Warning: don’t expect too much from the waiters, they have a lot of orders and are very overwhelmed.

Don Julio

Guatemala 4699. Tel: 4832-6058.

Grill

Located in the neighborhood of Palermo, this grill is expensive but the quality of its products and the experience of this grill, is considered as one of the best ones in the world, will be totally worth it at the end of the day.

Piegari Ristorante

Posadas 1042. Tel: 4328-4104.

Pasta

Located near the Four Seasons hotel in the neighborhood of Recoleta, homemade pastas and an impressive variety of risottos overshadow the menu.

Guerrin

Av. Corrientes 1368. Tel: 011 4371-8141

Pizzeria

An iconic restaurant no doubt. Opened in 1936, Guerrin offers one of the best pizzas in town, and you can enjoy it seated in one of the tables of the main salon or standing at the bar tables. Their last acquisition was a new salon decorated with Italian paintings and furniture, that gives the idea of being truly eating in Italy.

Floreria Atlantico

Arroyo 872. Tel: +54 011 3984-7849

Cocktails

Considered one of the best cocktail bars in the world, it invites its guests to a unique experience. Appears to be a flower shop, but once you get through the secret door, you will discover its stunning secret bar located downstairs.

Cassimiro Biguá

Av. Libertador 963. Tel. +54 9 2966 71 0284.

Grill / Regionals

One of the most expensive options in El Calafate, still one of the best gourmet restaurants and grills, as they define themselves. It offers a selection of wines with great variety and Patagonian foods such as trout, salmon, and of course, lamb. 

We recommend it for a special night.

La Lechuza Pizzas

Av. Del Libertador 1301. Tel. (02902) 491-610.

Fast food / Pizzeria

La Lechuza is perhaps the most popular restaurant in El Calafate and strategically located in the main street. If you are going to eat at La Lechuza, you will surely come out smelling of olives, but the pizzas, empanadas and pastas are delicious.

Pura Vida

Av. Del Libertador 1876. Tel. (02902) 493356.

Natural / Vegetarian / Vegan

Homemade food, generous portions and a great variety for vegetarians. Its colorful decoration makes it a very good option for a nice meal. Recommendation: try the stuffed pumpkin… you won’t regret it!

Casa Guerrero 

Av. del Libertador 1249. Tel. (02902) 491211

Chocolate Shop

Since 1968, this chocolate shop has made homemade chocolate with their secret family recipe, charming everyone who tries it. They try not to use technological machines or processes, to maintain its homemade essence.

Casa El Enemigo

Videla Aranda 7008, Maipú. Tel: 261 15-341-1729. 

Winery / Gourmet

Alejandro Vigil, the winemaker, welcomes wine lovers from all over the world along with the chef Matías Podestá who prepares lunches and dinners accompanied by the seven labels of Premium El Enemigo wine.

Brindillas

Guardia Vieja 2898, Luján de Cuyo. Tel: 0261 559-8684. 

Gourmet

The decor is sleek and clean with no distractions. The plates are artfully prepared and smartly delivered, indeed a great culinary experience! The place is small so make a reservation and you will not be disappointed!

Tempus Alba

Carril Perito Moreno 572, Maipú. Tel. 0261 15-685-7595

Winery / Restaurant

Enjoy a wonderful lunch in Tempus Alba’s terrace with a dazzling view of their vineyards and on the west, the Cordillera de los Andes. This winery offers a self guided tour for free or private tours, and of course to conclude your visit you can delight yourself with great food paired with their wines in the restaurant located on top. 

Azafrán

Av. Sarmiento 765, Mendoza. Tel: 0261 533-4999. 

Schedule: Monday – Saturday 07:00 – 23:00. 

Wine Bar

Located in the center of Mendoza, this wine bar offers great food in a cool and relaxed atmosphere. Also, you can select your own bottle of wine from the wine cellar with the sommelier who will recommend you something based on your preferences.

Reinamora

Calle De la Ermita 3462 – Tel. (02901) 441300

Regional

If you’re looking forward to trying the Centolla (king crab), you are in the right place. Taste local flavors and discover one of the most exclusive local cuisine.

Kuar

Perito Moreno 2232 – Tel. 02901 47-6807.

Gourmet

Located on the sea, 10-minutes away from Ushuaia’s city center, Kuar offers spectacular views of the Beagle Channel while enjoying a cozy atmosphere and high-quality dishes. It is a slightly more expensive option than the previous ones, but worth a visit. The spider crab is highly recommended.

Dublin Pub

9 de Julio 168 – Tel. (02901) 430744.

Brewery / Bar

It sounds so bad to go to an Irish bar in Argentina! Open all year round, it is one of the most spectacular Irish pubs. Don’t forget to try the locally produced Beagle beer.

Tante Sara

Av. San Martín 175 – Tel. (02901) 433710.

Pastry

Although Tante Sara stands out for its pastry and confectionery, it serves from breakfast to dinner, all meals. Their service is fast and their milanesas are very tasty, as well as burgers, cakes and coffee.

The Argentine Experience

Avenida Brasil 57, Puerto Iguazú. Tel. +54 9 3757 54-0018

Latin / Argentine / Vegetarian Friendly

The Argentina Experience, as its name implies, is not just a restaurant, it is an experience itself. Taste typical Argentine food and spend an unforgettable moment with other tourists. On their website you can book the experience in both English and Portuguese and pay in advance, so you won’t get any surprises later. Vegetarian options are available.

Naipi Restaurant

Hotel Loi Suites – Selva Iriapu Sin Numero, Puerto Iguazú. Tel. +54 3757 498300.

Author / Gourmet

To get to this restaurant you have to go through the jungle: although it is a bit far from the town, it is surrounded by greenery, has excellent decoration and a nice atmosphere created by the music. It is not economical, still it is worth the visit, to at least get out of your everyday options a bit and try some gourmet delicacies.

De La Fonte

Italian Restaurant

1 de Mayo 611. Tel: 03757 15-51-2802

Italian food is served in a traditional restaurant located in Puerto Iguazu. Some evenings there are live shows of music to upgrade your experience. 

La Aripuca

Ruta 12 Km. 4,5. Tel: 03757 31-7594

Cultural Experience / Local Ice Creams

For sure an off-the-grid experience: located 10-minutes away from Puerto Iguazu’s city center, La Aripuca is a family business where you will learn about the culture of the Guaranies. The best part? You can taste new flavors of Ice-Creams: they offer their visitors Yerba Mate and Rosa Mosqueta’s ice creams. Be open to taste and try new flavors!

Viracocha

Independencia 994 – Jujuy. Tel: 0388 310-5731

Latin / Argentine 

One of the best places in Jujuy to taste local dishes, though this restaurant may not look appealing on the outside. You can order llama meat, lamb, empanadas, and for a truly local food experience you can try humitas (which are made with steamed corn dough and wrapped in a corn husk) and tamales (which are like humitas, but filled with meat).

El Nuevo Progreso

 Lavalle 351, Tilcara. Tel: (0388) 495-5237

Argentine

Gourmet food with regional ingredients. Some lighted candles and an austere but warm atmosphere. It has options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free.

Don Salvador

Vicente López 146, Salta. Tel: 0387 522-7701

International / Mediterranean

Located at the Almería Hotel, Don El Salvador restaurant offers a diverse gourmet menu: seafood, meat, Andean cuisine and pasta.

Bodega Dal Borgo

Ruta 40 Km 4349, Salta. Tel: 0387 15-519-4906

Winery / Sustainable Vineyard

Although it is one of the newest vineyards in Salta, it is one of a kind. A family business that looks out for sustainable habits during their wine production: they use ecological products, plant native tree species and compost what’s left of their wine process.

You can enjoy guided tours, picnics and buying some of their local wine in their shop.

Balcarce Street

San Salvador de Jujuy

Traditional Restaurants / Dances

This street located in the city of Jujuy is known for its open bars during the night where you can eat local food while enjoying traditional shows of dancers where everyone is invited to dance and hear local musicians play traditional songs. This night’s events in Balcarce’s Street are known as “peñas”, and will for sure make your night be a memorable one.