The 20 Best Things to Do in Argentina

Nestled at the foot of the Andes Mountains, Mendoza is the wine-growing capital of Argentina. It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful backdrop for winery tours and tastings. Make sure to try  Malbec, the local specialty – ideally paired with gourmet cuisine.

Apart from wine and food, this region is also known for outdoor activities, from biking and rafting to hiking and horse riding. We suggest staying at Cavas Wine Lodge to soak it all in.

Close to Argentina’s southern tip you’ll find the stunning scenery of El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. This is one of the world’s best places to see glacial landscapes up close, including the massive Perito Moreno glacier.

A trip to El Calafate is an adventurous traveller’s dream. Take the opportunity to trek across the glaciers and explore the surrounding mountains before settling into a suite at Eolo.

The beguiling city of Buenos Aires has many claims to fame, but tango might just top the list. You can learn the basic steps of this beautifully complex dance by taking a lesson or even joining a milonga: a lively gathering where people come together to dance and socialise.

If you want to see how the professionals do it, Buenos Aires offers plenty of fantastic tango shows – often including dinner and wine pairings to complete the evening.

Gauchos are commonly characterised as Argentina’s take on cowboys, and it’s easy to see why. These legendary horsemen symbolise the traditional lifestyle of Las Pampas, a land of wide-open plains, grasslands and grazing cattle.

Las Pampas is also located conveniently close to Buenos Aires. Here you can get to know gaucho culture first-hand – including sipping on mate and sampling Argentina’s famous steaks straight from the source. 

The charming village of El Chaltén is among the best places in Argentina for trekking and climbing. It sits in the shadow of Mount Fitz Roy – one of the country’s most iconic peaks – whose jagged silhouette looms over the landscape.

Active travellers can enjoy scenic treks and climbing expeditions, providing epic views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, lakes and forests.

Ushuaia is certainly one of Argentina’s can’t-miss destinations for those about to embark on their remote travel adventure. Located far down south in Tierra del Fuego, it’s the final frontier before Antarctica. We highly recommend exploring the coastline on a boat trip through the Beagle Channel.

Beyond its brilliant natural beauty, Ushuaia is also rich in history. Ride the End of the World Train to discover its past as a penal colony: a great activity for families and history buffs alike.

Few places on earth can equal the sense of awe inspired by Iguazú Falls. This is the world’s largest waterfall system, consisting of 275 cataracts. Feel the force of the falls on a thrilling boat ride, or take a helicopter tour for a bird’s-eye view.

Right on the border between Brazil and Argentina, Iguazú National Park is also bursting with fascinating fauna and flora. Stay at nearby Awasi for privileged access to the park.

Argentine cuisine is nothing short of amazing, from steak and empanadas to alfajores and dulce de leche. Take a culinary tour or cooking class in Buenos Aires, and make sure to visit at least a few of its world-renowned restaurants.

Beyond the capital, cities like Salta and Mendoza are also paradise for foodies. And in many of the country’s smaller towns and villages, you’ll find inimitable local dishes and flavours.

If you’re wondering what to do for fun in Argentina, the gorgeous Lake District offers plenty of options. Whether you’re into mountain biking, horse riding, rafting, kayaking or snow sports, this is one of the country’s best places to experience the great outdoors.

The best time to visit Argentina’s Lake District is during the summer months from October to February, when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities.

Tucked into the northeast corner of Argentina, Iberá is the second-largest wetland on earth. This remote area is home to hundreds of bird species, as well as animals like capybara, caiman and giant otters.

Locally known as Esteros del Iberá, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature. Visit in May for cool temperatures and lush scenery, or September–October for great wildlife viewing.

Known as the gateway to Argentina’s beautiful northwestern region, Salta is well worth a visit in its own right. The city’s colourful architecture and delicious food make it an essential stop when exploring this part of the country. 

From Salta you can set out on expeditions to the Ruins of Quilmes or the Puna de Atacama plateau, where surreal volcanic landscapes and salt flats await you.

At certain times of the year, the streets of Buenos Aires truly come alive. Plan a trip in February to experience Carnival, complete with costumes, parades and street parties.

If you really want to dive into the culture of tango, catch the Buenos Aires Tango Festival in August. It includes dance competitions, shows, art exhibitions and much more.

There’s no better place to see Argentina’s majestic marine life than the Valdés Peninsula. Here you’ll find not only orcas and other whale species, but also seals, sea lions and penguins.

The best season to see orcas is November to April, while southern right whales tend to appear between June and December. Many other animals can be seen year round.

The Perito Moreno Glacier is among the most spectacular sites in Patagonia, and certainly one of the best things to see in Argentina. In addition to gazing up at this colossal ice formation – which is still growing – you can actually hear it cracking if you listen carefully. 

Join an expert guide for a walking tour of Los Glaciares National Park, then step aboard a small boat to glide across Lake Rico and get an up-close view of this staggering natural wonder.

In order to reach the lovely lodge of Estancia Cristina, you’ll need to traverse the Cristina Channel. Fortunately this journey couldn’t be more scenic, promising privileged views of the Upsala Glacier.Once you arrive, enjoy activities like horse riding, quad biking and hiking through the canyons of El Calafate. You’ll also be treated to a delicious lunch at the lodge, which is surrounded by magnificent mountains.

There’s no better way to experience the magic of Ushuaia than by sea. Set sail on the Akawaia, a luxurious and exclusive vessel, for front-row views of the islands and islets of this storied strait.

Glide around Alice Island, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and Karelo Island, stopping to spot sea lions, seabirds and other wildlife. You’ll also disembark at an observation point for panoramic views.

If you’ve ever wondered why Buenos Aires is known as the ‘Paris of South America’, this is your chance to find out. Exploring this elegant capital city is one of the essential things to do in Argentina – and the best way to do it is with a private guide.

See the colourful buildings of La Boca, the colonial architecture of San Telmo, the vast Plaza de Mayo and the labyrinthine Recoleta Cemetery, learning about the city’s past along the way.

Set out from Mendoza to make the two-hour journey to La Quebrada del Cóndor, an isolated natural reserve in the foothills of the Andes. The drive itself is beautiful enough, boasting views of sparkling lakes and towering peaks. 

After arriving you’ll embark on a customised guided hike through this virtually untouched landscape. Look out for foxes, rabbits and, of course, the majestic condor.

If you’re looking for remote and rugged beauty, the Argentine Northwest will exceed your expectations. Set out from Salta to explore the surreal volcanic landscapes and salt flats of the Puna de Atacama plateau or the pre-Columbian Ruins of Quilmes. 

We also highly suggest a road trip through the Calchaquí Valley, where you’ll find desolate deserts, dramatic canyons, rainbow-hued hills and high-altitude vineyards. 

If there’s one drink – apart from Malbec – that symbolises Argentina, it’s mate. This highly caffeinated herbal beverage is traditionally drunk from a dried gourd with a metal bombilla (straw) and often shared at social gatherings. 

Although the drink originated with the Indigenous Guaraní people, today it’s immensely popular throughout Argentina. Whether you’re relaxing in a Buenos Aires park or meeting gauchos in Las Pampas, mate is a ubiquitous sight – and something you have to try at least once.