Argentina: Top 10 Destinations & Adventure Trips
#1 - El Calafate
It is said that once you eat the El Calafate berry, which gives its name to this wonderful city, you are guaranteed to return to Patagonia. Such is the magic of El Calafate! It will hook you with an irresistible and overwhelming attraction: Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to approximately 200 glaciers. Among them the grand Perito Moreno Glacier stands out.
Over half of the Patagonian Ice field occupies this National Park, which offers many ways to discover the beauty of the glaciers,: from soft to strenuous Ice Hiking, soft Kayaking, a safari boat ride, walking through the 3 platform circuits for panoramic views and much more.
Off the beaten path: For a deeper encounter with Perito Moreno glacier we highly recommend you to book the Mini Trekking or Big Ice tours in advance.
Best time to go: El Calafate is great to visit all year round! Keep in mind that some of the best activities only operate through October to end of March.
How to get there: You can reach El Calafate through its international airport or through Chile by buses leaving from the city of Puerto Natales.
Ideal amount of time to visit: 3 to 4 days.
#2 - El Chaltén
This charming little village is the top rated hiking destination in Argentina, thanks to its strategic location overlooking the stunning northern sector of Los Glaciares National Park. At the foot of Mount Fitz Roy and surrounded by glaciers, lakes and lagoons with different shades of blue, rivers and forests, you will find many of the best hiking trails. A true paradise for adventure lovers!
Off the beaten path: for adventure seekers, camping by Mount Fitz Roy is a wonderful experience.
Best time to go: recommended from October to end of March, as most hotels close during the winter.
How to get there: Chalten is 2 ½ hours by bus from El Calafate
Ideal amount of time to visit: 3 days
#3 - Iguazú National Park (Puerto Iguazú)
This unique eco-adventure tour explores the fascinating natural scenery of northeastern Argentina and visits one of the first National Parks on the continent, now also a UNESCO Heritage Site. Straddling the Argentina-Brazilian border, Iguazu Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls, formed by a string of hundreds of falls that range in height from 200 to 270 feet, set in lush tropical rainforest. Take a zodiac ride on the Iguazu River and feel the cool spray of these mighty falls, or walk up to the edge and stare into the abyss of raging waters at Devil’s Throat.
Off the beaten path: If you are an adventurer, we recommend you do the Great Adventure where you will travel in specially conditioned 4WD vehicles and then board a zodiac boat for a 30-minute trilling boat tour that provides a close-up look of the San Martín and Bozzetti Falls.
Best time to go: The Park is open all year round! The best time to visit this destination is dictated by the weather and the crowds. It is predicted that the shoulder months of May and September are ideal to avoid the hottest summer temperatures (December to March).
How to get there: Almost 2 hours flight from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú.
Ideal amount of time to visit: 3 days
#4 - Iberá Wetlands National Park (Iberá)
Esteros del Iberá is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, perfect destination for animal lovers. The Esteros are the second-largest wetlands in the world after Pantanal in Brazil and one of the biggest fresh water reservoirs in the continent, a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Off the beaten path: Take a boat trip to see alligators and capybaras and do flora and fauna sightseeing. The natural reserve is hometown to some exotic species declared Provincial Natural Monument like the marsh deer and some impressive aquatic vegetation.
Best time to go: The best season to visit this destination is during spring, in the early September.
How to get there: Located 800 kilometers north of Buenos Aires. Can be reached by plane or by bus.
Ideal amount of time to visit: 4 days
#5 - Salta and Northwest region
The Northwest is a rugged, off-the-beaten-path region full of dramatic landscapes where one can feel the deeply-rooted indigenous culture of the Andes from the markets, to the music, to textiles and the local Andean cuisine. Traveling in this area has a slower pace, and the best way to experience it is by visiting some of the classic towns outside of Salta city. Salta and Jujuy are gateways to reach the towns of Purmamarca, Tilcara, Humahuaca, the Salt Flats, Cachi, and Cafayate. Ideally, you should combine at least 2-4 small towns for a complete experience. Purmamarca, Tilcara, Humahuaca are known for their colorful markets filled with locally-woven textiles, as well as their proximity to the Salt Flats and the famous Hill of Seven Colors. Cachi is a colonial town that feels "lost in time," surrounded by dramatic cactus-covered hills. Cafayate in the south is the heart of the vineyards famous for their Torrontés grape.
Off the beaten path: “Safari to the clouds - Salt Flats” Discover the impressive Salinas Grandes salt flats high in the Andes Mountains. Walk out onto the salt deposits for unique and astonishing views of this breathtaking landscape. Ascend up to 4,170 meters above sea level along the Cuesta de Lipan until arriving in the town of Purmamarca to visit the famous Hill of Seven Colors for additional amazing views of this exceptional scenery.
Best time to visit: All year round.
How to get there: Daily flights from Buenos Aires, Mendoza and Iguazú.
Ideal amount of time to visit: 5 to 6 days
#6 - Mendoza
There are so many reasons to choose Mendoza as your top destination. One of the best reason, of course, is because it is the Argentine`s wine region. Apart from that the scenery is incredible. So whether you are a wine lover or not, there is a great variety of adventure activities that you can do! Trekking, rafting, horseback riding and canopy between others.
Mendoza is also “The Andes”, one of the most famous mountain ranges where you can find the Aconcagua Mount, the highest peak in South America with 6.962 meters above sea level. There are people that train all year round waiting for the moment to see this marvelous Mount and challenge the heights!
Off the beaten path: “Come to Harvest” this tour takes place in the summer season, from mid February to the end of March. We will share this experience with the local people who are going to teach us how to pick the grapes from each vine!
Best time to visit: From October when is the flowering of vine, to March - April when the harvest ends. Anyway have in mind that the Mendoza region receives less than 10 inches of rainfall per year and over 300 days with sun!
How to get there: Daily flights from Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile. Also you can go by bus from Chile, crossing the emblematic Andes mountains.
Ideal amount of time to visit: 3 to 4 days
#7 - Lakes and Mountains District (Bariloche)
Patagonia's Lake District is famous for its spectacular scenery—deep blue mountain lakes, snow-capped volcanoes, and dense forests. On the southeast shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi, San Carlos de Bariloche is the gateway city to the southern section of the park and offers year-round activities. This special place is loved because of its sparkling lakeside beaches, wondrous forests, majestic mountains, and their melt-in-your-mouth chocolate!
Enjoy walking through the towering trees of Llao-Llao Nature Park, the breathtaking vistas of Moreno and Nahuel Huapi Lakes, and the impressive properties overlooking the Lopez and Capilla mountains.
Off the beaten path: Enjoy a navigation on Nahuel Huapi Lake for a complete experience of the beauties of Bariloche. Kayaking and horse riding experiences are available too.
Best time to go: Bariloche could be visited all year round! The best season to visit this destination is summer, from October to March. During the winter season: skiing is an excellent alternative
How to get there: Just over 2 hours flight from Buenos Aires to Bariloche.
Ideal amount of time to visit: 5 or 4 days
#8 - Tierra del Fuego National Park (Ushuaia)
At the southern end of Argentina, just where the snow of the Martial Mountains meets the waters of the Beagle Channel, awaits the city of Ushuaia. The so-called “City at the End of the World” is not only worth visiting for its extreme southern location but also for the beautiful and strikingly solitary landscapes that surround it.
Tierra del Fuego National Park, where trails are generally easy to moderate in difficulty, making them accessible to most travelers. It is worth noting that although visitors can only access a small part of it, this park protects 630 square kilometers of pristine forests, rivers, bays, glacial lakes, cliffs and endless landscapes.
Off the beaten path: Patagonian King Crab Experience: Live an unforgettable journey in a picturesque village by the sea, where you will learn from the locals the culinary secrets. You will feel like a local, catching your own King Crab and cooking it in the Beagle Channel.
Best time to go: The best time to go is during October to April. During July and August, winter activities like skiing are available.
How to get there: Less than a 4 hours flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.
Ideal amount of time to visit: Ideal amount of time to visit: 4 days
#9 - Puerto Madryn
You will visit one of the places selected as Natural Patrimony of the Humanity by the UNESCO, a variety of terrestrial and marine fauna not usually seen in a same place are its unique characteristics.
If you enjoy wildlife, depending on the date you visit us, you will be able to see: Whales, penguins, Orcas or killer whales, Toninas (kind of dolphin), sea lions, elephant seals, and a great variety of birds. Puerto Madryn is the gateway to Peninsula Valdes from where the whales sightseeing is done, every year, from Mid June to Mid November. And from July to September, these migrating whales come so close they can be viewed without taking a tour, either from the coast 20 km north of town or from the town pier. This experience is really one in lifetime! But not only the whales are the protagonists, penguins are the funniest creatures in this place too! Going south about 200 km you will get to Punta Tombo home to one of the world’s largest Magellanic penguin colonies.
Off the beaten path: “Dive with Sea Lions”: Embark on an adventurous journey to the coast of “Punta Loma Reserve”. There you we will be able interact with a stable colony of more than 700 animals! A really unique experience.
Best time to visit: From September to mid November, where you will be able to watch whales and penguins. Whales can be seen from June until mid November whilst penguins will stay from September until end of March.
How to get there: Daily flights from Buenos Aires
Ideal amount of time to visit: 4 days
#10 - Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is a pulsating, passionate, cosmopolitan city. The combination of rich architectural and cultural heritage, modern creative energy, electric nightlife, unique traditions, a vibrant arts scene, extensive parks, and warm, friendly hosts makes it one of the world’s most exciting capitals. Buenos Aires is a joyous and colorful destination where there is always something to see, do, or savor. The art and passion of tango lives in the spirit of Buenos Aires
Best time to go: All year round
How to get there: Lots of international flights from all over the world.
Ideal amount of time to visit: 3 days
