Our Favourite Family Things to Do in Argentina

The famous Perito Moreno glacier near El Calafate makes for an imposing sight. Its rugged blue face rises 240 feet above Lake Argentino as huge chunks of ice calve off into the waters below. Witness this enormous glacier up close on a mini ice trekking adventure: hike through the surrounding forest before strapping on your crampons for an exhilarating walk on the ice itself. 

This is a thrilling experience that will make a unique memory for families with children aged eight and over. Top it off with a boat ride across the lake to observe the glacier’s full size.

Bahia Bustamante is known as ‘the other Galápagos’ – its pristine coastline and crystal–clear waters attract a whole host of wildlife, as well as being one of Latin America’s top whale watching destinations. Stay at Bahia Bustamante luxury lodge for an immersive experience in the area’s natural beauty.

Southern right whales migrate through these waters from June to December, although you should also keep an eye out for orcas from February to April, and dolphins throughout the year. It’s possible to spot them from the shoreline, where sea lions and thousands of elephant seals flock for breeding and birthing. You can also observe Magellan penguin colonies on a guided walking exploration led by biologists and naturalists.

The grassy plains of the Pampas stretch all the way from the Atlantic coast to the foothills of the Andes. Here, Argentina’s traditional gaucho way of life can be experienced at estancias, or ranches, such as La Bamba de Areco, where the whole family can discover the culture, traditions and skills behind this rich heritage.

Live out childhood dreams of evening campfires and long, sunny days in nature as you feel the thrilling freedom of riding a horse through the wild grasslands, led by an experienced gaucho. Sip mate, a traditional Argentinian drink, while the gauchos tell you about their expertise and mastery of the land, followed by a traditional Argentine asado.

Famous for its wine production, Mendoza’s mountain landscapes make it one of our favourite lesser-known recommendations if you’re travelling to Argentina with kids. Mountain biking is one of the best ways to explore, on a route that has been tailored precisely for your family. Your expert guide will lead on quiet lanes and off-road tracks, surrounded by uplifting scenery and fresh mountain air.

There are also plenty of other ways to explore the mountains. Try a scenic horseback ride through El Paso de La Carrera, or savour a delicious gourmet picnic, set up for you to enjoy privately in a carefully chosen, remote beauty spot.

Sitting on Argentina’s border with Brazil, the mighty Iguazú Falls are truly a sight to behold, and there are many angles from which to take in this awe–inspiring spectacle. For families with children aged 12 and over, prepare to be thrilled (and drenched) on a speedboat ride to the base of the giant cascades.

Hop on the park’s miniature train, or walk if you wish, to the Devil’s Throat viewpoint, where you can bask in the spray from the base of the falls, while various trails offer glimpses of the cascades through the greenery. At the Melia Iguazú, the only hotel within the Argentinean side of the national park, you and your family will have exclusive access to some of the routes.

A prime culinary destination, Buenos Aires is famous for many delicious delights, including steak, choripan, empanadas and alfajores. Head to the tree lined avenues of the Palermo neighbourhood for a hands-on cooking class led by experienced chef Paula Comparatore.

Paula will help you master the art of Argentine cuisine, showing you how to craft traditional empanadas, flavourful lamb or beef dishes, fresh salads and delectable desserts. This is a fun way to learn a new skill, and of course, you’ll get to savour your tasty creations at the end.

Snow–capped peaks, forested slopes and crystalline lakes and rivers make Argentina’s Lake District a natural adventure playground. Combined with the region’s cool climate and fresh mountain air, it’s a great spot for an Argentina family vacation. Boat trips are a great way to take in the landscapes, although families with older children will also love kayaking on the faster flowing rivers.

Our favourite family experience is a boat trip to hidden waterfalls in Nahuel Huapi National Park, a remote wilderness just waiting to be explored. Navigating the trails by boat and on foot, you’ll find your way through a glacially carved inlet and the lush Valdivian Forest, spotting local flora and fauna as you go.

This extraordinary forest is set within the Iguazú national park, and is one of the last remaining segments of the Atlantic Forest. These towering trees and dense vegetation are home to a plethora of wildlife, including endemic species you won’t find anywhere else on earth.

Families of all ages can explore this jungle paradise, keeping an eye out for some of the 400 bird species which reside here. Tick off colourful toucans and hummingbirds, as well as rarer and more elusive varieties such as the Harpy Eagle and Band Tailed Manakin. For multi-generational groups with older children, the exclusive Awasi Iguazu offers private excursions to explore the forest.

Head to Northwest Argentina for a truly remote family experience within martian-like landscapes. Climb into your own 4×4, bound for the Salinas Grandes salt flats, your experienced driver navigating winding tracks that weave between mountains. Enjoy a picnic breakfast in the middle of nowhere as the sunrise paints the surrounding volcanoes pink and orange and then set out on foot, the brilliant white salt crunching.

 We recommend playing around the perspective, having fun creating mind-bending family portraits. Stay at El Manantial del Silencio in North Jujuy just north of Salta, which sits at the base of the spellbinding Seven Colours Hill.