Why Visit Argentina?
Argentina is known for its natural wonders, unique cultures, and world-renowned wine and cuisine. From the glacial lakes and rugged peaks of Patagonia, to the lush jungle and waterfalls of Iguazú, and the vine-filled valleys of Mendoza to the cosmopolitan capital of Buenos Aires, Argentina has something for everyone. At Knowmad, we love to take your custom Argentina trips from great to unforgettable, whether you’re focusing on Argentina alone or combining it with another country, either via Patagonia or elsewhere. However, since Argentina is such a vast country, it can be hard to decide which regions to visit. See below for ideas on where to go based on what each region has to offer.
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WHICH ARGENTINA DESTINATIONS SHOULD YOU VISIT?
Buenos Aires
DESCRIPTION:While many tend to treat Buenos Aires as a connection point between their international flight and the next destination, this vibrant city is so much more. Here at Knowmad, we like to have our travelers spend a few days in the city exploring the unique architecture and beautiful plazas, experiencing tango shows and milonga lessons, or even enjoying a cooking class. You may also use your time here to visit the nearby San Antonio de Areco to experience estancias and the gaucho lifestyle, or take the ferry across the river to visit the coastal cities of Uruguay.
FAVORITE ACCOMMODATIONS:There are two main neighborhoods that we most often recommend staying in when visiting Buenos Aires: Recoleta & Palermo.
Palermo is known for its trendy vibes, delicious restaurants, and boutique hotels. One of our favorites here is Legado Mítico, which has excellent service and rooms themed after famous Argentine legends. Another is Nuss, a former monastery located in a vibrant area.
In the downtown area, Recoleta is known for its broad, tree-lined avenues and European architecture, along with its many plazas and green spaces. For a boutique experience here, our favorite is the luxurious Algodon Mansion. Loi Recoleta offers a more budget-friendly option with the Recoleta Cemetery right next door. For those who love history and old-world elegance and are okay with a larger property, Alvear Palace hits the mark.
RECOMMENDED LENGTH OF STAY:2-3 nights. Most travelers will need at least one night in Buenos Aires before flying to Patagonia, since there are two airports: an international airport (EZE) one hour outside of the city and a regional airport (AEP) inside the city. We don’t recommend connecting directly from an international flight to a regional flight, as it makes for an extremely long travel day due to the additional transfer and the extra buffer time needed to get from one airport to the other. It can also be a riskier connection if there are flight delays or flight time changes. Since one night is needed, it’s easy to extend this stay a bit longer in order to experience the city before continuing onward.
GREAT FOR:Culture, city life, architecture, & tango
Calafate
DESCRIPTION:Gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and the Perito Moreno Glacier, Calafate is a highlight of southern Patagonia. Here, the wide-open plains meet the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Visit the glaciers, experience historic estancias to learn about the culture, horseback ride with gauchos, boat or kayak amongst icebergs, and trek in the mountains in this perfect destination for adventure and nature-lovers alike.
FAVORITE ACCOMMODATIONS:In town, Mabra is a new boutique with a central location. Outside of town, you can find the only luxury accommodations, the in-demand Relais & Châteaux property Eolo, or stay at a rustic working ranch like Nibepo Aike. With more time, Estancia Cristina is as remote as it gets, requiring an approximately 3-hour boat ride to get there, though it does require 1-2 nights on either end of a stay for logistics.
RECOMMENDED LENGTH OF STAY:2 nights is the absolute minimum required to visit Perito Moreno, but adding time allows you to get off the beaten path and experience the region in depth.
GREAT FOR:Glaciers, hiking, horseback riding, & nature
Chaltén
DESCRIPTION:Known as the hiking capital of Argentina, Chaltén is perfect for travelers looking to explore the trails! A small mountain town, Chaltén offers an incredible range of hiking trails, from easy-to-moderate shorter walks to full-day, demanding treks or even options for multi-day hikes with camping. Many trails are well-marked, so here you could choose to hike on your own, though we recommend having at least one day with a guide to get the lay of the land and help you reach the summit of a more challenging hike.
FAVORITE ACCOMMODATIONS:Explora Chaltén is an all-inclusive luxury lodge that specializes in off-the-beaten-path hikes and offers the ability to plan your small-group hikes during your stay, perfect for those who want maximum flexibility and hiking options. In town, you’ll find mostly 3-star hotels. Hostería Senderos has a cozy vibe, and Pudu Lodge is our favorite upgrade for their Suite Rooms; these are great basecamps for Chaltén’s most well-known highlight hikes, as well as for those who want to enjoy independent hiking on the easily accessible, well-marked trails that surround the town.
RECOMMENDED LENGTH OF STAY:2 nights minimum, but ideally 3 or more for hiking enthusiasts who would like to include the two full-day flagship hikes: Fitz Roy (Laguna de los Tres) and Cerro Torre (Laguna Torre).
GREAT FOR:Hiking & mountain landscapes
Bariloche (Lakes District/Northern Patagonia)
DESCRIPTION:Bariloche is situated in the more moderate climate of Argentina’s Northern Patagonia Lakes District. Bariloche is unique from its southern counterparts due to its clear blue glacial lakes, lush woodlands, and extinct volcanoes. Here, we love to spend the first day introducing travelers to the area and its cuisine, and the next few days discovering the lakes by boat or kayak, enjoying cooking classes, and exploring the nearby steppe landscape.
FAVORITE ACCOMMODATIONS:One of the most famous accommodations in Bariloche is the Llao Llao Hotel, located about 40 minutes outside of town. It includes a range of rooms, from more modern in the Moreno Wing to more traditional in the Bustillo Wing. Another excellent option outside of town is Hotel Aldebaran, a homey-feeling boutique that offers travelers solitude and gorgeous lake views. In town, Cacique Inacayal is a good option to have the town center and restaurants within walking distance, while still enjoying lake views.
For a Relais & Châteaux experience near Bariloche, Las Balsas, around a 1.5-hour drive away in Villa La Angostura, is the perfect place for you. Lastly, if you are a fan of fly fishing, there are many fishing lodges in the area surrounding Bariloche, our favorites being Rio Manso Lodge & Tipiliuke.
RECOMMENDED LENGTH OF STAY:3-4 nights. This gives you 2-3 full days to have a day each for the mountains and a water-centered activity. It is always a good idea to leave the arrival free of any planned activities in case of any flight changes.
GREAT FOR:Mountains, water activities, active adventure, German & European influence in food & architecture
MENDOZA
DESCRIPTION:Nestled at the foot of the Andes, the wine mecca of Mendoza is a great place to relax at the end of your trip. Here, visitors can enjoy the luxurious wine lodges and delicious local cuisine while taking in the stunning views of the mountains. Some of our favorite things to do here are to take a few days to explore the different wine regions, enjoy an authentic cooking experience, and go horseback riding or hiking through the mountains.
FAVORITE ACCOMMODATIONS:A Knowmad favorite in this region for a relaxing and authentic Argentine experience is Finca Adalgisa, a boutique hotel and vineyard. The Vines, located in Valle de Uco, charms with its amazing service, modern feel, and on-site activities. Here, you can also enjoy the famous on-site restaurant, Siete Fuegos by Francis Mallmann. Awasi Mendoza (also known as Cavas Wine Lodge) is a romantic and luxurious Relais & Châteaux lodge with delicious wine and cuisine, huge rooms, and stunning views of the Andes.
RECOMMENDED LENGTH OF STAY:3-4 nights. We recommend having at least 2 full days (3 nights) to get the most out of your stay, but 4 nights will give you more time to take in the tranquility of this region.
GREAT FOR:Wine & culinary scene, & relaxation at the end of a trip
Iguazú Falls
DESCRIPTION:With more than 270 individual waterfalls, Iguazú Falls are an awe-inspiring natural wonder. The Argentine and Brazilian sides of the falls each have their own distinct perspectives. Argentina offers various boardwalk routes with close-up views of the falls, while Brazil* features a one-way path full of panoramic views of the falls from across the Paraná River. Here you can take a boat ride near the falls, see a variety of species at the Parque Das Aves bird rehabilitation center, hike through the rainforest, bike, or visit a private rainforest reserve to learn more about the history, culture, and ecosystems of the region, and possibly do some kayaking.
*Brazil requires a tourist visa for US, Canadian, & Australian citizens. This has a small fee and can be obtained online. Knowmad provides instructions on how to complete the process.
FAVORITE ACCOMMODATIONS:For a Relais & Châteaux experience, Awasi Iguazú is a Knowmad favorite with its delicious cuisine and flexible private excursions. As this all-inclusive lodge tends to fill up quickly, be sure to begin planning well in advance of your travel dates to secure your spot. For hotels, Melia Iguazú is a good option that makes it easy to wander the falls at your leisure due to its prime location inside the park. On the Brazilian side, with a luxurious feel and views of the falls, Belmond Das Cataratas is great for those who will continue their travels into Brazil. For a more budget-friendly option, we recommend Loi Suites Iguazú, nestled in the jungle.
RECOMMENDED LENGTH OF STAY:3 nights. At Knowmad, we recommend 3 nights to be able to see the falls in all their glory and not be rushed. Due to border crossings and the logistics of the Brazil visa, 3 nights will establish a nice pace with 2 full days to explore both sides of the falls in depth. Add another night to include additional activities at or around the falls, or to have a more relaxed pace.
GREAT FOR:Jungle, nature, wildlife, culture, & landscapes
Iberá Wetlands
DESCRIPTION:Connect overland from Iguazú Falls to the Iberá Wetlands, seeing Jesuit ruins along the way. This off-the-beaten-path destination is an important site for conservation with its rich ecosystem and untouched wilderness. Hike, boat, kayak, or horseback ride through the second-largest wetlands in the world while taking in a plethora of breathtaking flora and fauna.
FAVORITE ACCOMMODATIONS:Puerto Valle is a small, inclusive lodge located on the Paraná River at the north end of the Iberá wetlands. This lodge is a favorite due to its accessible location, beautiful views, and variety of excursions. Rincón del Socorro, an authentic, conservation-focused estancia, is located in the south of the wetlands. While stunning and an incredible location for fauna, this lodge is extremely isolated and more complicated to get to.
RECOMMENDED LENGTH OF STAY:3-4 nights. Transferring in, as well as out, of the wetlands can be lengthy, particularly for Rincón del Socorro. Due to flight schedules and longer transfer times to get to the lodges in the wetlands, arriving can often take up an entire day. Take advantage of the close location to Iguazú to marry these two regions, transferring by land and visiting the San Ignacio Ruins en route.
GREAT FOR:Wetland nature & wildlife, Jesuit history, & off the beaten path
Northwest Argentina
DESCRIPTION:Here you will find red rock mountains, high-altitude deserts, salt flats, and forested Yungas. This region is also one of Argentina’s top wine-producing areas and a great location to enjoy wine from some of the highest vineyards in the world. At Knowmad, we recommend a guided driving itinerary, traveling along the many towns in this region, instead of staying in one location (see Knowmad travelers Rick & Carol’s exploration through this region here).
FAVORITE ACCOMMODATIONS:As we recommend seeing the Northwest as a traveling itinerary, we tend not to spend as much time in one hotel. However, a couple of Knowmad favorites in the region are the relaxing Relais & Châteaux estancia near Salta, House of Jasmines, and Patios de Cafayate, an old colonial house in Cafayate. Outside of Cafayate, Colomé is a top luxury option that offers a beautiful vineyard location and the James Turrell Museum. Some areas of the Northwest, particularly north of Salta, offer only more rustic accommodations that grant you access to an incredible variety of landscapes.
RECOMMENDED LENGTH OF STAY:3-6 nights. With 3-4 nights, you can choose between exploring the southern portion of the Northwest, which focuses on food and wine, or exploring the northern portion, which is more rugged and better for active outdoor adventure. With closer to a week, you can explore both of these regions.
GREAT FOR:Culture, mountains, wine, active adventure, & off the beaten path
Atlantic Patagonia
DESCRIPTION:Atlantic Patagonia is a region not often explored by international travelers due to the more complex travel logistics. However, it’s well worth it for the rugged ocean coastlines, unique landscapes, and wide array of marine life. Travelers can walk along the pristine beaches, explore the water for a variety of aquatic animals, and even go horseback riding along the shore. June-September is peak whale-watching for Southern Right Whales, and September-October, you can catch whales along with penguin chicks. Sea lions, seabirds, and other wildlife can be spotted year-round, and penguins usually remain in the area until March or April.
FAVORITE ACCOMMODATIONS:Offering an exclusive experience, Bahía Bustamante is a haven for marine wildlife, including Magellanic penguins, sea lions, and seabirds. Enjoy the activities guided by on-site specialists, including navigation on the water and excursions on land. Read more about Bahia Bustamante and our favorite private villas in South America here. Bahia Bustamante is open between October and early April; outside of these dates, consider a hotel in town in Puerto Madryn.
RECOMMENDED LENGTH OF STAY:3-4 nights. Sparse direct flights often lead to a mandatory layover in Buenos Aires on either end of a stay. This, in addition to the isolated locations of our favorite lodges, makes for long arrival and departure days from this region. Due to this, transfer days will not normally include excursions, and a longer stay is needed to fully explore the area.
GREAT FOR:Coastal views, marine life, water activities, active adventure, & off the beaten path
With so many amazing regions to explore, Knowmad would love to help you craft your custom trip to Argentina and make each portion of your adventure special. If you have any questions we can help answer, or if you’d like to discuss planning your own adventure to Argentina, give one of our Trip Specialists a call today at 612-315-2894, or email us at [email protected] to begin planning your personalized Argentina itinerary.
Saludos,
Krista
Krista is a Trip Specialist at Knowmad Adventures, a company dedicated to creating unique, private, and custom trips in South America. She has lived in six countries on four continents and visited more than fifty countries, but is now settled back in her home state of Minnesota, where she loves sharing her passion and knowledge with fellow travelers.
