Argentina tours & vacations

Argentina spans over 2485 miles from subtropical north to subpolar south, so the climate is as diverse as its landscapes, offering something for every type of traveler. For Patagonia, the best time to visit is during summer (December to February) when the weather is sunny and dry, perfect for hiking. But this also means it’s the busiest season.  

In Buenos Aires, skip the hot, humid summer and visit in the fall (March to May) or in spring (September to November). These seasons offer mild weather and fewer crowds, making it ideal for exploring the city’s neighborhoods, cafes, and tango shows at a more relaxed pace.  

Iguazu Falls is incredible year-round, but during the wet season (December to March), the monsoon rains make the falls even more dramatic.  

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds but still enjoy mild, beautiful weather, consider visiting in October to November or February to April, which are ideal times for outdoor adventures with a little more solitude.  

Learn more about the best time to visit Argentina 

Things to try in Argentina

Asado

With Spanish origins, asado describes succulent barbequed meat, slow-cooked on a metal frame over an open fire or a bed of hardwood charcoal. Essentially the Argentine version of barbecue, asado is equal parts a dish and a social gathering.  

Provoleta

Soft provolone cheese is grilled in a skillet and topped with oregano, chilli flakes or other herbs. A typical asado starter, provoleta is crisp on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside and delicious all around.

Chimichurri

A piquant combination of diced garlic, chopped parsley and oregano, olive oil and vinegar, this classic Argentinean condiment is the quintessential accompaniment to grilled meat.

Malbec wine

Argentina has one of the world’s most renowned wine regions. Malbecs from the wineries of Mendoza are famous around the world (and happen to pair well with steak), though other provinces also produce quality wines, including Torrontes from Cafayate and Syrahs from San Juan. 

Alfajores

Argentina’s favorite sweet biscuit. Take two round shortbreads, fill them with dulce de leche (a decadent caramel made from condensed milk) coat them in chocolate... et voila.

Helado

Argentineans take ice cream seriously. Don't miss helado de dulce de leche, the national flavor of Argentina.

Dulce de leche

Condensed milk is slowly reduced and sweetened to create a thick, sticky caramel. Find it in alfajores, dessert empanadas, drizzled on ice cream or just eat it by the spoonful!

Yerba maté

This is Argentina's national drink. A caffeine-rich concoction of chopped and dried yerba maté is prepared in a gourd (maté) and drunk through a silver straw (bombilla). It's rich in antioxidants and polyphenols and has long been used by Indigenous people in South America.

Argentina, the second-largest country in South America, presents a revolving door of terrain and landscapes. Bordered by Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay, it spans everything from the ice-capped peaks of Patagonia to the lush Pampas grasslands. A quick hop from one region to the next can take you from glaciers and towering waterfalls to rolling hills and vast wetlands.  

Whether you’re trekking the rugged Andes, sipping wine in Mendoza’s sun-soaked vineyards or spotting wildlife in the wetlands, Argentina offers an adventure for every type of traveler.  

1. Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is an elegant metropolis of colorful buildings, charming boulevards and cobbled laneways that lead to huge street murals. This city offers something for everyone from traditional cafe bars to trendy closed-door restaurants, speakeasy bars to tango clubs, and mercados to shopping malls.

2. Ushuaia

Welcome to the southernmost city in the world! Ushuaia is also the gateway to the seventh continent, AKA Antarctica. After taking in the spectacular sights of Tierra del Fuego National Park, wander the craft markets or feast on delicious Fuegian cuisine.

3. Mendoza

With leafy streets and direct access to one of the world's best wine regions, Mendoza has a more relaxed vibe than Buenos Aires. Indulge in the city's brilliant food scene or venture a little further to enjoy a glass of wine while the sun sets over the Andean mountain range.

4. Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls is a must-see when you’re in Argentina. Stretching nearly 2 miles along the Argentina-Brazil border, it boasts more than 270 powerful cascades that tower up to 260 feet high, making it taller than Niagra Falls and wider than Victoria Falls, which makes it the largest waterfall system in the world. Get even closer with a Zodiac boat ride right up to its roaring base then step back in time with visit to a Guarani community, where you’ll learn about the tools, traditions and stories of one of the region’s original cultures.

5. Ibera Wetlands

The Ibera Wetlands in northern Argentina is a vast, wild wonderland covering over 5700 square miles – about the size of Belgium, for reference. Its swamps, lakes and lagoons are teeming with biodiversity, from capybara to hundreds of bird species. Whether you’re taking a walking tour or a car safari, you might even spot an anaconda if you're lucky.  

Argentina’s history is a blend of indigenous culture, European colonization and a quest for independence. After centuries under Spanish rule, the country declared its independence in 1816; However, it wasn’t until 1983, following a military dictatorship, that democracy was finally restored.  

The country’s culture is vibrant, to say the least. Known for their warmth and passion, Argentinians live and breathe soccer (futbol), where the sport is more than just a pastime – it's a way of life. The country also boasts significant contributions to art, music and cuisine, with the tango standing out as one of its most iconic cultural exports as both a music genre and a dance. The catholic religion and food also play central roles in social life, with family and friends often gathering around a parrilla (grill) to share a meal.  

Festivals and cultural events add even more color to their vibrant lives, with highlights such as the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia, the Buenos Aires Tango Festival and Carnival – a multi-cultural celebration brimming with extravagant costumes, dances and parades, all fueled by a deep love of their country and culture.  

The official currency of Argentina is the Argentine Pes (ARS).  

Major credit cards are widely accepted in Argentina’s large cities and towns but may not be accepted in small towns and rural areas. Your best bet is to make sure you have enough cash before visiting these smaller areas in case cards are not an option.  

ATMs are widely available in larger cities but are less common in smaller villages or rural areas, so visit an ATM before leaving urban areas.