Argentina Travel Guide

Seductive and full of character, Argentina draws travellers with its wide-open spaces, rich culture and sense of adventure. Stretching more than 2,200 miles (3,650 km) from north to south, the country offers a remarkable range of landscapes, from the grassy plains of the Pampas to the remote glaciers and penguin colonies of Tierra del Fuego.

In between lies Buenos Aires, the nation's cosmopolitan capital and cultural heart. Known as the birthplace of tango, it's a city of striking contrasts, where grand 19th-century architecture stands alongside colourful neighbourhoods such as La Boca. The city is also home to an impressive mix of restaurants, theatres, cafés, and late-night dance halls. South of the capital, Mar del Plata remains Argentina's most popular beach resort, drawing millions of domestic visitors every summer.

Many of the country's most memorable destinations are found outside its cities. The spectacular Iguazú Falls, named one of the New7Wonders of Nature in 2011, are a major highlight in the subtropical north. To the west, Mendoza's vineyards offer world-class wine tasting at the foot of the Andes. In winter, the ski resorts of Bariloche and Las Leñas attract snow lovers from across the region.

Argentina is a country of dramatic landscapes and diverse traditions, shaped by a deep sense of place and history. Whether it's the wild southern reaches or a quiet evening in wine country, this is a destination that stays with those who visit.

Best time to visit Argentina

The weather in Argentina varies significantly from north to south, so the best time to visit depends largely on the region. For Patagonia and the southern Andes, the ideal time is during the summer months (December to February), when temperatures are milder and conditions are best for hiking and sightseeing. Further north, including Iguazú Falls, the cooler, drier winter months (June to August) offer more comfortable conditions for travel. Buenos Aires is at its best in spring and autumn (September to November and March to May), when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. Argentina's ski season typically runs from June to early October, depending on snowfall.

What to see in Argentina

-Visit Iguazu National Park and the only remaining Guarani settlements in Argentina.

-See the grand Casa Rosada, the bright pink home of Juan and Eva Peron.

-Hike on the spectacular ice formations of Los Glaciares National Park.

-Visit the penguin colonies in southern Patagonia.

What to do in Argentina

-Learn to tango in the nightclubs of Buenos Aires.

-Go skiing at Argentinian ski resorts such as Cerro Catedral and Los Penitentes.

-Sample local wines in the vineyards of Mendoza.

-Go white-water rafting down the Rio Manso in the Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi.

Getting to Argentina

Getting to Argentina is relatively straightforward, with direct flights available from several major cities in the United States as well as from London. Direct flights from London to Buenos Aires typically take around 13 to 14 hours. Most international flights arrive at Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza), located just outside the capital.

Read

On Heroes and Tombs by Ernesto Sabato, and Evita: In My Own Words by Eva Peron.

Listen

La Revancha del Tango (Gotan Project)

Watch

Evita (1996), Naked Tango (1991) and X-Men: First Class (2011)

Drink

Mate and Argentinian wine.

Eat

Asado, hot empanadas and dulce de Leche.

Buy in Argentina

Argentinian wine, tango albums and leather goods such as handbags and jackets.

Pack for Argentina

It's worth packing a few smart-casual outfits for evenings in Buenos Aires, particularly for upscale restaurants or cocktail bars, where locals tend to dress stylishly. That said, casual dining spots and laid-back neighbourhood bars are common and don't typically require any special dress code.

What's on in Argentina

See world-class dancers at the Buenos Aires Tango Festival each August, where the city hosts international competitions and performances. The Argentine Open Polo Championship, held in November and December, draws the world's top polo players to Palermo's historic polo grounds. In October, the Buenos Aires International Guitar Festival features a broad mix of musical styles, from classical and jazz to tango and occasional flamenco.

Did you know?

-Pato, a traditional horseback game that blends elements of polo and basketball, is Argentina's official national sport, though football is by far the country's most popular.

-Around a third of Argentina's population lives in the Greater Buenos Aires area, making it one of the largest urban centres in South America.

-The largest dinosaur to ever walk the Earth was discovered by a Patagonian shepherd in 2014.

A final word

The sultry lure of tango and the vibrant culture of Argentina make it a great choice for travellers looking for energy, charm and a bit of adventure.