Travel advice for Argentina
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Argentina
Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts
written by Ros Walford
updated 25.09.2018
Travellers on a tour of Argentina often zip through the city of Mendoza, pausing only long enough to down a glass of Malbec at the famed vineyards before rushing to their next bucket-list location. Adventure travellers are missing out: the region – even containing the highest mountain in South America – is one of the best places for outdoor activities in the country.
10 days / from2650 USD
The Great Lakes and Glaciers of Argentina
Experience the great outdoors, Argentina-style! Marvel at jaw-droppingly beautiful Patagonian landscapes, walk the shores of deep-blue lakes guarded by snow-capped mountains at Bariloche, explore the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier – experience all of this, and much more, with this unique trip!
view tour ⤍13 days / from3180 USD
From Chile to Argentina, across the Andean Lakes
Travel from Chile to Argentina across the stunning Andean Lakes, also known as the Lakes District. Beginning in Santiago, you will travel to Puerto Varas, in Chile, and then across the lakes to Bariloche, Argentina, taking in the stunning mountain scenery, before ending your trip in Buenos Aires.
view tour ⤍14 days / from1933 USD
An adventure across three countries: Brazil, Argentina & Uruguay
A trip filled with history, culture and nature spread out over three beautiful and unique countries, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Visit some of the most stunning sites, like the Sugar Loaf Mountain, Iguazu Falls and UNESCO World Heritage site Colonia del Sacramento, during this 14-day trip.
view tour ⤍13 days / from2581 USD
Argentinean Patagonia: from the Coast to the Andes
Explore the region's most fascinating corners: sea life in Puerto Madryn awaits before you head to the most southern city in the world: Ushuaia. Discover Tierra del Fuego before heading out to El Calafate and Bariloche, really soaking in the Argentinean vibes.
view tour ⤍16 days / from3585 USD
Unforgettable Argentina
Argentina has a lot to offer travellers, in this itinerary you will explore the highlights in just two weeks. From busy Buenos Aires you will fly to Iguazu to marvel at the majestic waterfalls before heading south to Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia and El Calafate. Unforgettable Argentina awaits!
view tour ⤍10 days / from2650 USD
Magical Patagonia and Cultural Buenos Aires
Combine exploring the contemporary city of Buenos Aires, with all its luxuries and grand, historical buildings, together with the wild, rugged land of Patagonia. Take in the culture and observe the landscape and wildlife to gain a complete picture of the true Argentina.
view tour ⤍16 days / from5050 USD
Andean Triangle - Chile, Bolivia and Argentina
Start your South American adventure in Santiago de Chile before exploring the wonders of the Atacama desert. A short hop across the border and you'll find yourself in the middle of the Bolivian salt flat. Afterwards, you'll continue to Argentina with Salta and Buenos Aires.
view tour ⤍13 days / from2500 USD
Argentina: Tango and Glaciers
Visit the grand, edgy and famously seductive Argentine capital of Buenos Aires for tango and culture; then head northeast to see the thundering Iguazú Falls. Finally, it’s off to the end of the Americas to deepest Patagonia for adventure, glaciers and limitless horizons.
view tour ⤍13 days / from6800 USD
Wild Patagonia
Argentina has lots to offer its visitors: a glacier the size of a city, sizzling tango, fashionable barrios, artisan towns, ranches with horses and gauchos and wild untamed natural beauty. From Buenos Aires to Patagonia, you’ll get to see it all in this adventure-laden vacation.
view tour ⤍7 days / from1400 USD
Tango & Wines in Argentina
Argentina is known for its dances and gastronomy scene, both to be discovered on this trip. Explore Buenos Aires on your own and with a guide, including its famous nightlife before heading to the vineyards of Mendoza, one of the most developed wine regions in the country.
view tour ⤍14 days / from2271 USD
Multi-country adventures from salt flats to the Andes
South America is full of wonders and this trip packs Argentina, Chile and Bolivia into 2 weeks. Bustling Buenos Aires, beautiful valleys around Salta, the surreal looking surroundings of San Pedro de Atacama, the salt flat of Uyuni as well as Lake Titicaca are all part of this itinerary.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2120 USD
South American Wines Trail
All wine lovers unite! Start your tour in Buenos Aires before heading to the wine region of Mendoza. Sample some of Argentina's finest wines and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Afterwards, continue to Santiago de Chile with a day trip to Valparaiso.
view tour ⤍13 days / from2756 USD
Argentina and Chile: Dazzling Cities and Magical Landscapes
Santiago is an emerging city, whilst Buenos Aires has long been a busy metropolis. Both offer historical buildings to admire, a local gastronomy scene to savour and sensuous dances to learn. Not to mention the mountainous terrain and desert landscapes outside the cities waiting to be explored.
view tour ⤍14 days / from7857 USD
Southern Argentina & Antarctica
Explore the Antarctica on an intimate cruise from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Start in Buenos Aires before spending a few nights in El Calafate and Ushuaia to then board your cruise. 4 nights in the Antarctic are the highlight of your trip before heading to Chile's capital Santiago.
view tour ⤍4 days / from420 USD
A city escape to Buenos Aires
Soak in the unique atmosphere of Buenos Aires on this 4-day tour premium tour. Stay at one of the most exclusive hotels and discover Argentina's capital on bike during the day and in style at a Tango show at night.
view tour ⤍13 days / from2756 USD
Argentina and Chile - Wine Country Explored
Get a taste of the wines of Argentina and Chile on this tour of the country's best bodegas. Sway to the rhythm of tango in Buenos Aires before you head to high altitude towns and absorb stunning mountain scenery. Then it's across the border into Chile to sample Santiago's historic delights.
view tour ⤍14 days / from3075 USD
Self Drive on the Atlantic Patagonia Blue Route
Travel across wild Patagonia in your own rental car. Full autonomy and freedom means being able to truly go off the beaten track. You'll come across plenty of wildlife like whales and penguins, as well as following Darwin's footsteps across the steppe.
view tour ⤍13 days / from2600 USD
Argentina's Northern Highlights
Your journey begins in Bueno’s Aires, the Argentine capital and the home of tango, colonial buildings and cobbled streets. Explore museums, churches, and stunning mountain valleys; be awestruck by the roar of the Iguazú Falls; then explore the wineries of the Central Valley.
view tour ⤍7 days / from1400 USD
From the city to the jungle
Visit two of the most fascinating parts of Argentina: First, the electrifying capital of Buenos Aires in all of its glory before heading out to Puerto Iguazu to discover the majestic Iguazu waterfalls.
view tour ⤍14 days / from7500 USD
Luxury Holidays in South America
Experience the best of Argentina and Brazil in luxury. From vibrant Buenos Aires to breathtaking Argentinian Falls, stunning Bariloche, and untamed Patagonia. Conclude in Rio de Janeiro's iconic beaches before immersing in cosmopolitan Sao Paulo.
view tour ⤍9 days / from3300 USD
Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls & Wine Country
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Argentina's diverse landscapes and vibrant cities. Explore the cosmopolitan charm of Buenos Aires, marvel at the awe-inspiring natural wonder of Puerto Iguazú's majestic waterfalls, and indulge in the renowned wines of Mendoza's picturesque vineyards.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2600 USD
South Argentina and the Ends of the Earth
This trip goes to the southernmost point of Argentina and to the ends of the earth. Begin in Buenos Aires, then travel south to El Calafate and explore the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier, before continuing to the southernmost city on earth, Ushuaia, and the Tierra del Fuego National Park.
view tour ⤍11 days / from15375 USD
Classic Antarctica from Chile
Start and end your trip in Chile and discover the Antarctica on an intimate, Boutique-style expedition boat. Cruise the Drake Passage, visit Cape Horn and fly back to Punta Arenas before returning to the capital Santiago.
view tour ⤍11 days / from3600 USD
Bariloche & Buenos Aires
Explore the stunning landscapes of Bariloche and immerse yourself in nature's wonders. Then, soak up the vibrant energy of Buenos Aires, with its captivating culture, history, and lively streets. A journey of breathtaking beauty and cultural immersion awaits.
view tour ⤍12 days / from2500 USD
Islands & Waterfalls: Ihla Grande and Iguazu
A mesmerizing journey through Brazil and Argentina, starting with the vibrant energy of Rio de Janeiro. Explore the pristine paradise of Ilha Grande, then step back in time in the colonial gem of Paraty. Finally, marvel at the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls.
view tour ⤍A wine tour of the bodegas (wineries) is the top reason most tourists come to Mendoza, but visiting by bike makes the experience even more thrilling. Pedalling through acres of grape-rich vineyards lined up against the pale shimmer of the snowy Andes couldn't be lovelier – and of course stopping off at regular intervals for a tipple is a major bonus. Go easy on the drink though; you'll have to cycle back again. Maipù is the closest wine region to Mendoza but setting out on bike tour from the relaxed town of Luján de Cuyo is highly recommended.
Looking for inspiration for your trip? Don't miss our guide to the best things to do in Argentina.
Wine in Mendoza © patrickds / Shutterstock
Physical challenges don't get much bigger than this: scaling the world's second-highest peak, Mount Aconcagua (6962 metres). It's a phenomenal climb that draws international mountaineers who come to tackle one of the "Seven Summits". It's not technical so it's possible for anyone to achieve the summit, as long as they have a good level of fitness and time to acclimatise. For those with less time, shorter treks in the region include El Plata (6000 metres over seven days) and easy day-hikes, particularly around Cacheuta, Cerro Arco and El Salto. For high-altitude insights, read our interview with an Aconcagua mountain guide.
Aconcagua National Park © Ros Walford
With mountains this big, it's no wonder Mendoza is a one of the major hubs for South America's climbing community. Head out to El Conglomerado at Potrerillos, where the Mendoza River has carved out a dramatic gorge and in doing so created the perfect playground for rock-climbers of all abilities. If you're a more advanced climber, you'll want to explore Los Arenales, one of the best outdoor climbing spots in central Argentina. In either location, when you reach the top of your rope, take a moment to appreciate the spectacular natural setting – while keeping a steady eye on the task in hand, of course.
Rock climbing at Potrerillos © Ros Walford
Any self-respecting home of adventure sport will have facilities for people who get a buzz from hurling themselves off high places. If you're one of them, try bungee-jumping (or "puenting") from a 27-metre high suspension bridge at Cacheuta, 40 km out of town. Or you can speed across the Mendoza River on a 450-metre zip line. And even paraglide from Cerro Arco for views out over the foothills. People who prefer to go fast on water can try rafting on Level 3 rapids at Potrerillos, which rise to Level 4-5 in summer due to snow melt in the high mountains.
Cacheuta bridge bungee jump © Ros Walford
Whether you're already a keen flyfisher or simply want to immerse yourself in the landscape with less of an adrenaline rush, you can have a go at trout fishing between November to late April or early May. You'll stand knee-deep in a stream, casting off into the icy water that rushes straight from the mountaintop and, all being well, hooking a plump trout. Various locations offer superb fishing, including the rivers of the Valle Hermoso and Los Castillos de Pincheira near Malargue, around four hours south of Mendoza.
There are plenty of opportunities to admire the landscape on a cabalgata (horse-riding excursion), particularly in the Valle de Uco or at the Quebrada del Condor (Tupungato), both to the south of the city. Typically, you'll travel in the style of a true gaucho, crossing the plains and exploring the foothills, then stopping to share a maté (tea sipped through a metal straw from a gourd) and ending the day with a mighty asado (Argentine-style barbecue) as the sun sinks into the Cordón del Plata.
Where there are mountains, there tends to be winter sports – and the Andes is no exception. Among the peaks between Mendoza and the border with Chile, there's an established ski resort at Los Penitentes, with 24 runs suitable for beginners through to advanced skiers and snowboarders. You'll find better snow at Argentina's biggest resort, Las Leñas, four and a half hours south by car, which has one of the longest intermediate trails in the world and opportunities for heli-skiing and extreme skiing.
Las Leñas © Ros Walford
It may be macabre, but one of the most fascinating outdoor adventures here is a trekking, horse-riding or mountain biking expedition to the "Avion de los Uruguayos". This is the site of a renowned 1972 air disaster where a Uruguayan passenger plane crashed in the Valle de las Lágrimas killing 12 of the passengers including members of a student rugby team. The subsequent gruesome tale of survival was the subject of the 1993 film Alive. A trip out to the location of the wrecked fuselage not only passes through some of Argentina's most beautiful scenery but gives a unique perspective on this story of human endurance.
At the end of an action-packed day of adventure, there's no reason why the outdoor activity has to stop there. Make straight for the bars on Calle Arístides Villanueva, Mendoza's unstoppable centre of nightlife and relax over a beer or cocktail whilst sitting at outdoor tables. And if you've got the energy, let the open-air fun continue all night...
written by Ros Walford
updated 25.09.2018
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