Argentina - Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
Covering an area of close to 1 million sq. miles, Argentina has everything, ranging from natural beauty and sultry lifestyles to exotic cuisine and a splendid culture. Considering that the country gave the world things like futbol, beef and tango, a trip to Argentina is sure to be nothing short of spectacular.
The delightful Iguazu Falls, the enchanting Glaciar Perito Moreno, Patagonia… Argentina has its fair share of exhilarating natural beauty. It is home to beautiful wetlands, rustic mountains, vast arid deserts, steppes, Valdivian forests, salt flats, lake districts and ice fields and all kinds of birds and animals that come with these regions.
Tour Highlights
- Dance the tango at a milonga in Buenos Aires, the city where the dance was invented
- Visit the Iguazu Falls
- Try ice hiking on Glacier Perito Moreno
- See an opera at Teatro Colon (the third best opera house in the world)
- Travel to The Hill of Seven Colors
Travel Tips
- Argentinian cuisine is very meat heavy, and rare meatless dishes are often covered in cheese. If you're a vegetarian or a vegan, be sure to do your research beforehand to find a restaurant that caters to you.
- When on a holiday in Argentina, do as the locals do. Slow down and find a new appreciation for time. Relax, enjoy your meals, and (if you can avoid it) try not to rush.
- The idea of personal space doesn't always apply in Argentina. Expect locals to stand close to you when chatting. They may also reach out and touch you. Try to remember this is their sociable culture and is not intended to make you feel uncomfortable.
- Counterfeit money is very common in Argentina. Always double check your notes. Look for the bill's clear hologram by holding it up to the natural light, and run your fingers over the pictured diplomat's suit to ensure it is textured.
- Around Christmas time, the city of Buenos Aires shuts down almost completely as locals head to the coast. Shops and restaurants (even fast food chains) will likely be closed, so plan ahead if visiting at this time. Consider visiting when the weather is best during Argentinian fall (March to May) or spring (September to November).
Popular tour types in Argentina
- Argentina private tours: Argentina private tours allow you to explore this beautiful country on your own terms. Discover the hidden corners of Palermo in Buenos Aires then move to Iguazu where you can marvel at the impressive collection of waterfalls and diverse wildlife. Afterward, head out on a self-drive adventure to Salta to see the Salt Field of the High Plateau, colorful Gorges, and picturesque valleys.
- Argentina guided tours: Join our Argentina guided tours for an unforgettable sightseeing tour all over the country. You will start with a live tango performance in Buenos Aires and then proceed to Iguazu Falls. Next, take a trip to the picturesque landscape of Salta and hike the towering glaciers of Patagonia. End your journey in Ushuaia, dubbed the "end of the world." Absorb the culture, history, and contrasts of Argentina with friendly and experienced tour guides.
- Argentina budget tours: If you wish to explore all the natural wonders of Argentina without breaking the bank, our collection of Argentina budget tours has you covered. Experience the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires, marvel at the resounding flow of Iguazu Falls, or take an unforgettable trip to Salta to discover the amazing culture and natural landscapes at the Quebrada de Humahuaca. These affordable tours promise to show you the best of Argentina while going easy on your wallet.
- Argentina group tours: Argentina group tours are the perfect excuse to enjoy this beautiful South American country in the company of dozens of wonderful people from all over the world. Stroll around Buenos Aires and marvel at the city’s architecture while enjoying some Tango. Then proceed to hike the amazing trails of Iguazu Falls and spot some wildlife. Alternatively, you can head to El Calafate to set eyes on the wondrous Perito Moreno Glacier and other glaciers at the Los Glaciares National Park.
- Argentina luxury tours: Enjoy the tranquility of Patagonia while relaxing in opulent seaside resorts or embark on exhilarating expeditions like a wildlife tour. Travel from the idyllic town of Bariloche to Torres del Paine National Park in a private vehicle to take Patagonia's untamed natural beauty. Our Argentina luxury tours promise the most genuine experiences.
- Argentina customized tours: Our Argentina customized tours are perfect for people looking to craft a personal trip to the country that promises something for everyone. Wander through the historical sites in Buenos Aires, go skiing in the white snows of Patagonia, gaze at the stars in the night skies of vast deserts in Salta, or enjoy a train trip to the end of the world, Ushuaia. You can always customize your Argentina trip to suit your tastes and time.
Activity-based Argentina tours
- Trekking tours: Our Argentina trekking tours offer the ideal way to take in all of Argentina's natural beauty. Trek to Bariloche, through Dona Rosa which is a challenging route but a fantastic way to experience Nahuel Huapi National Park's majestic mountains. Trek through other well-known locations, such as The Missioners Jungle, El Chalten, Las Cascades, etc. The trekking tours afford the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views of each destination.
- Adventure tours: Discover Argentina adventure tours that are packed with unique experiences, such as trekking on glaciers in Patagonia or riding horses on a traditional ranch in the Andean foothills. You can even enroll for a long trip that includes hiking, fly fishing, cruise tours, and other activities.
- Sightseeing tours: Our excellent Argentina sightseeing tours take you to all the wondrous places in the country, from the mesmerizing Iguazu Falls to the massive glaciers in Patagonia to the vast deserts in Salta. The tours are offered by tested and trusted local travel operators, so you can rest assured that you will get to visit the top spots and learn a lot about their history.
- Wine tasting tours: The City of Mendoza is famous for having the best wine in Argentina, but it is certainly not the only place where you can get fine wine. Our Argentina wine tasting tours expose you to the good life by showing you all the hotspots for excellent wine, from Mendoza to Buenos Aires to Salta to Lujan de Cordoba. Get ready to get heady as you sample excellent wine straight from their source, all of them set in beautiful locations.
- Argentina cruise tours: Argentina’s cruise tours is yet another reason why you should not miss a trip to the country. Enjoy the voyage on small ship cruises that offer whale watching, wildlife exploration, snorkeling, and a host of other water and land recreational activities. You will also get to explore significant landmarks like the Port of Ushuaia, Puerto Madryn, Beagle Channel, and the End of the World in our cruise tours.
- Wildlife tours: With more than 30 national parks, there’s no shortage of options for ardent wildlife explorers who visit Argentina. Argentina wildlife tours expose you to this aspect of life in the country with the help of expert guides. You will get the chance to marvel at the wildlife splendor of Argentina as you seek the mammals and birds in the many forests in the Patagonia region. Also, do not forget to take a tour of the coast of Peninsula Valdes, home to sea lions, whales, and penguins, among other animals.
Popular durations for Argentina trip
Due to Argentina’s vast size and wealth of destinations, tourists often wish they could spend more time whenever they visit Argentina. Typically, we recommend a 14-day itinerary for anyone visiting Argentina for the first time to enjoy the country’s major highlights. However, if you want a fully immersive experience, you will need an Argentina travel itinerary of three weeks.
Argentina tours — Top destinations to visit
- Hike the famous trails in Patagonia: Windswept plains, enormous glaciers, enormous mountains, and turquoise lakes with crystal clear water can all be found in Patagonia. Any trip to Patagonia must include a trip to the Perito Moreno glacier, where icebergs collide in an awe-inspiring spectacle. Avid hikers will love the opportunity to navigate the difficult trails and take in the breathtaking views from panoramic walkways. Mount FitzRoy and Paine offer many hiking opportunities if you travel further north.
- Visit the end of the world in Ushuaia: Visit Ushuaia which offers breathtaking views of Argentina's countryside, a massive glacier system, and an array of wildlife. This is Argentina's southernmost point that provides a gateway to Antarctica. A scenic train journey takes you to the city's farthest southern point. Take a boat ride across the Beagle Channel to see the penguin colony on Martillo Island. Also, take the chance to see the Patagonian scenery at Tierra del Fuego National Park. If you enjoy skiing and other winter sports, the region has an abundance of snow and ski resorts.
- Immerse yourself in the bustling Buenos Aires: It is difficult not to fall in love with Buenos Aires. Known as the Paris of South America, the city’s stunning architecture, exciting nightlife, lush parks, and diverse cuisines will hold visitors in thrall. A tour of Buenos Aires would take you to La Boca, the location of early European settlers; Plaza de Mayo, the magnificent memorial square honoring Argentine independence; Teatro Colon, one of the most breathtaking concert venues in the world; and many other locations. In addition, you can partake in a wine tasting session, taste a premium steak, watch a football match, and enjoy the elegant and seductive movements of Tango dancers.
- Take in the magic of Iguazu Falls: The magnificent Iguazu Falls is the world's largest system of natural waterfalls. They are known for their awesome strength and thunderous flow of gushing water. Feel the raw force of nature as you take a boat ride to look down at the renowned Devil's Throat, a section of the falls that generates almost half of the flow of the entire fall. Participate in watersports like rafting and kayaking for a more immersive experience. If you do not feel like getting wet, there are also five paved hiking trails as well as wildlife viewing areas.
- Admire the glaciers in El Calafate: El Calafate is the gateway to Patagonia and it is known for its magnificent glaciers. While you are there, make it a point of visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier. It is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world, and the sight of large ice chunks crashing into the ice field surrounding the glacier is simply awe-inspiring. In Los Glaciares National Park, visit Spegazzini Glacier, Upsala Glacier and Mount Fitz Roy. Explore the city of El Calafate which also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, boating on crystal-clear rivers and lakes, hiking in the Andes, and riding horses on historic estancias.
- Experience the breath of fresh air in Salta: The northern city of Salta offers radically different experiences from the glaciers and waterfalls that Argentina is known for. You will get to enjoy Salta's desert landscapes, arid altitude views, and laidback way of life. Marvel at the renowned fourteen-colored rainbow mountains, learn about the city's past, sample some fine wine in Cafayate, climb the Cerro San Bernardo hill and snap some photos of the Salinas Grandes. There are so many things to see and do in Salta.
Peak and low season tours in Argentina
- Peak season: The summer months (December, January, and February) are the peak tourist season in Argentina. All the resorts are open around this time, and the beaches are just warm enough for an enjoyable experience. You will enjoy a nice time trekking the Andes and exploring Tierra del Fuego, El Calafate, and Bariloche. The water levels in Iguazu Falls are also optimal and most of the hiking trails are open during the summer.
- Low season: Argentina's winter season (June to August) is the off-peak travel season in the country. Still, numerous ski resorts in Ushuaia and Bariloche are still ideal for skiers to visit during this time. Since Buenos Aires has ideal weather conditions all year round, visitors will have no trouble enjoying the bustling capital city of Argentina. The Buenos Aires Tango Festival also takes place in the winter season. You can also see whales at Peninsula Valdes as they migrate around this time.
Popular Argentina trip travel guide
If you are planning a trip to Argentina, you will want to know about the best time to visit Argentina as well as check out all the available Argentina tours. You may also wish to learn more about the top things to do in Argentina. Once you are sure about some of the activities you wish to experience in Argentina, along with the destinations you want to visit, you may want to consider how many days to stay in Argentina. We generally recommend staying at least 7 days in Argentina, but recommend 10 days in Argentina or more, to get the most out of your trip to Argentina.
Next, we recommend you start thinking about the money you can allocate to the trip to know whether you should be looking for a budget tour, a luxury tour, or perhaps a completely customized tour to Argentina. If you are in doubt, check out all our Argentina tours at the top of this page.
Argentina is an amazing country to visit, and there may be other key factors that you wish to consider before traveling there. Please check our "Argentina travel guide" which will give you a lot of relevant information about traveling to Argentina.