Argentina holidays

What can you find in Argentina that you won’t find elsewhere?

Nowhere else will you find such vast cultural and geographical diversity contained within one country than on an Argentina holiday. The northwest’s vivid red and ochre mountains are the backdrop to a rich indigenous culture and seductively crumbling colonial cities, while in the north east, the Guarani people - and a seemingly infinite number of birds - inhabit the lush rainforest surrounding the incredible Iguazu Falls which tumble down between Argentina and Brazil. In the great romantic sprawl of Buenos Aires, real tango can be found alive and kicking in packed milongas. And even Patagonia has its extremes: from the wine-growing north, and the snow-capped jagged mountains in the middle, descending through forest into vivid blue and green lakes, to the epic glaciers of the south. Gaze out over the end of the world from Ushuaia on the 'Land of Fire', Tierra del Fuego, before getting up close to penguins, seals and whales on the Atlantic coast. Probably the best steak in the world can be eaten here, together with a very fine Malbec, a grape variety Argentinian winemakers have taken to new heights. Those friendly Argentines will inevitably invite you to drink mate, the national drink beloved of gauchos (and once Che Guevara).

Who are Argentina holidays best for?

Lovers of nightlife, Buenos Aires is for you. It is a city whose heart beats to the rhythm of tango. Dinner starts at ten, no one heads out before midnight, and the chic bars of Palermo are thrumming till dawn.

Adventurers will love to scale many of the mountains in the Andes, from Aconcagua to more modest peaks near Bariloche, from which the views are nevertheless heart-stopping. Riders should saddle up to the Patagonian steppe, or Cordoba, for breath-taking rides and unparalleled hospitality, while anyone keen to see whales cavort next to their boat should head straight for Peninsula Valdes in Patagonia. Perito Moreno glacier, one of Argentina’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is frankly awe-inspiring for anyone.

Wine lovers should travel to Mendoza, the heart of the Argentinian wine industry and known for producing fantastic Malbec wine. Stay either in the city of Mendoza itself, or in the foothills of the Andes mountains to explore the region’s high-altitude vineyards. Spend an afternoon sampling the best wines on offer, before stocking up on a few bottles to bring home with you.

What are the best ways to discover Argentina?

Argentina is immense. You’d need a lifetime to do it justice. So on your Argentina holiday, concentrate on one or two areas that really sing to you, and give them enough time to go deeper. Families will love the jungle life and giant butterflies around Iguazu, or the excitement of hiking the peaks in no less than four national parks in the Lake District. Buenos Aires makes a romantic place to start for couples, with chic boutique hotels galore, before touring Mendoza’s wineries or trekking out together on the ancient glacier near El Calafate. If culture’s your thing, head north west to Salta, and up the Quebrada to Purmamarca. Even in the extreme wilderness, expect a warm Argentinian welcome.

Best Time to Visit Argentina

Given the sheer size of Argentina (it is the eighth largest country in the world), the best time to visit depends on which area of the country you are wanting to explore. Situated in the southern hemisphere, Argentina’s seasons are opposite to ours here in the UK, meaning our autumn and winter is a great time to explore cities such as Buenos Aires, to enjoy the balmy spring and summer weather. Head to our Best time to visit Argentina page for more.

Special things to do in Argentina

1. Take tango lessons in Buenos Aires from a pro.
2. Stay on a grand Pampas estancia and learn to ride, gaucho style.
3. Get away from absolutely everything in the spectacular landscapes of southern Patagonia and stay in a wonderful wilderness hotel.

Where to go in Argentina?

South America's second-largest country (after Brazil) has a wealth of stunning scenery to enjoy on a luxury holiday, from the sub-Antarctic regions of Patagonia in the south to sub-tropical jungle in the north. In the west, the impressive Andes (home to the highest peak in the western hemisphere, Mount Aconcagua) run the length of the country and form a natural frontier with neighbouring Chile. The centre of Argentina is dominated by the Pampas – vast, fertile grasslands – and is also home to cultural and fun Cordoba (Argentina’s second city), and the country’s ever more impressive winelands in Mendoza. Finally, cosmopolitan Buenos Aires is a passionate and lively city to visit while enjoying a luxury holiday – it’s a melting pot of people from Europe and Latin America. And speaking of passion, Argentina is one of the Original Travel team’s favourite places, and we know it intimately.

Argentina hosts contrasting landscapes from the vibrancy and colour of Buenos Aires to the cool magnificent glaciers of Patagonia. Buenos Aires is a particular luxury holiday favourite of ours, if not for the opportunities to dabble in some tango dancing but for its historic heritage and contrasting modern docks. The pampas are the fertile plains that house great ranches, otherwise known as estancias, for horse riding and immersing yourself in endless Argentinean countryside, you can go on a long ride and not even see another soul – bliss.

If there is an epic photo opportunity to be had, however, it’s of the Iguazu Falls, where Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil meet. Mendoza, at the foothills of the Andes, is home to some of South America’s finest wine, and a tour round the vineyards is a must. However, what makes Argentina that much more attractive as a luxury holiday destination is its wildlife. There’s Magellanic penguins in the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, whales and seals along the Peninsula Valdes and more incredible wildlife in the Ibera wetlands, from anteaters and monkeys to caiman.

There is so much to see and do on an Argentina holiday that one visit may not suffice, yet with a little help from us we can tailor make a trip of a lifetime.

Why read a review online when you can talk to someone at Original Travel who has visited all the latest chic hotels in BA's Palermo district or can advise on where to try your hand at polo? Our Latin America team have the inside track on all the best places to go and things to see on a luxury holiday to Argentina.