Argentina is one of the most striking countries in all of South America. Huge in both size and cultural impact, it has introduced tango, wine, asado, and more to a global audience. It also boasts some of the most mesmerizing landscapes and landmarks in all of the world! From glaciers to beaches, jungles, and deserts, you’ll want to pack a versatile wardrobe on this life changing trip!
First stop: Buenos Aires! The capital of Argentina is one of the most adored and famous metropolises in the whole world—In fact, it’s sometimes referred to as “The Paris of South America!” The lovely city is known for its European-inspired art-nouveau architecture, bustling nightlife, and its status as a hub for culture and art.
Buenos Aires is also referred to as “The City of Barrios,” with barrios meaning neighborhoods. This is because many of its neighborhoods act as tourist destinations themselves. One of these barrios that you should visit is La Boca, famous for its vibrant and colorful buildings that look like they’ve just hopped out of an imaginative children’s book. Here you can wander through El Caminito, a street museum and traditional alley. There’s lots to see down this little street, with outdoor tango lessons, buildings in every shade of the rainbow, sculptures, and even vendors selling art and other souvenirs.
Don’t hesitate to check out other popular barrios as well. Recoleta is another area that is fascinating to explore. Make sure to stop by Recoleta Cemetery, which is the most-visited attraction in all of Buenos Aires. The amazing cemetery, which was constructed in 1822, is so massive that it’s built like an actual city, with blocks and tree-lined avenues. The remains of plenty of Argentina’s famous icons lie here, including past military commanders, presidents, and even Evita Perón, a legendary figure in Argentinian politics.
In Monserrat, you can gaze at some significant public buildings like the beautiful Casa Rosada, or “Pink House.” This building rose to iconic status when Eva Perón, who was First Lady of Argentina from 1946 to 1952, addressed supporters from the balcony. It was also featured in the musical Evita which starred Madonna as Perón and saw her singing the signature song, “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.” Another incredible building you must see is Palacio Barolo, a 22-story building modeled after Dante’s Divine Comedy. Its fascinating composition contains three levels representing hell, purgatory, and heaven. Book a tour and you’ll get to roam around inside the building, where you can ride in a 1920’s vintage elevator, and gaze out from the rooftop lighthouse. On the 16th floor you can even get a special treat: a cocktail bar and café, Salón 1923, offers beautiful views and delectable libations.
CULTURAL FACTS
TANGO: The romantic, sensual dance that is the tango is almost synonymous with Argentina at this point. Tango first came about in the 1880’s in the small neighborhood of La Boca in Buenos Aires, and it borrows elements from both African and European cultures to create delicate, intricate dance moves. The music that accompanies the movements often talk about love, lust, and nostalgic times, making the nature of the dance even more dramatic.
ASADO: Argentinians love their asados, traditional barbecues that also act as social gatherings. The asado began in the pampa region in the 18th century, when gauchos (cowboys) would take advantage of the wild cattle that roamed the fields. Gauchos would slow cook meat using flavorful branches from the quebracho tree, resulting in a smoky, distinct taste. Today, asados are cooked on a parrilla (grill) in the same simplistic way—just fire, salt, and a whole lot of meat. Delicioso!
TOP PLACES TO GO
1.IGUAZÚ FALLS
Argentina’s Iguazú Falls provide some of the most jaw-dropping views in all of South America. The collection of 150-300 waterfalls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, actually lies along the Argentinian-Brazilian border, and is located in Argentina’s Iguazú National Park. The park is home to numerous unique animal species like toucans, anacondas, caimans, tapirs, and anteaters.
2. PERITO MORENO GLACIER
Stare down some magnificent glaciers at Los Glaciares National Park. The most famous, Perito Moreno Glacier, is one of the most significant icons of Argentina’s Patagonia. It’s a whopping 19 miles long! You can see it by hiking one of the trails, or if you wish to get a closer look, you can book a glacier climbing tour!
3. USHUAIA
The world’s most southernmost city, Ushuaia, has lots to see and discover. Dive into its history as a former penal colony at the Maritime and Prison Museum. Then stop by popular tourist spots: The End of the World Lighthouse, Tierra del Fuego National Park, and Isla Yécapasela, an island famous for its population of penguins.
4. BARILOCHE
Bariloche is a town that’s right in the middle of the action! It borders a glacial lake (Nahuel Huapi) that’s surrounded by the Andes Mountains and is close to Tronador, an extinct volcano, and Cerro Catedral, a mountain that’s also a ski resort. Bariloche is just as known for its chocolate shops and charming Swiss alpine-style architecture.
5. VALDÉS PENINSULA
Marine life lovers, you must get a glimpse of the Valdés Peninsula! This Patagonian nature reserve will get you close-up views of whales, penguins, sea lions, and elephant seals. There’s also tons of breathtaking beaches here like Los Molinos, which has an abandoned windmill and Puerto Pirámides, which was once a salt-mining port.
6. CÓRDOBA
Córdoba, Argentina’s second largest city, was declared the Cultural Capital of the Americas, and it fits that title impeccably. Catch up on Argentinian history, art, and architecture as you explore Spanish colonial buildings, the 18th century Cathedral of Córdoba, Evita Fine Arts Museum, food and arts markets, and Cabildo, a cultural center where you can test out your tango skills.
7. QUEBRADA DE HUMAHUACA
This narrow mountain valley is where nature really gets its chance to show off. The dramatic mountain range features striking rock formations, multicolored peaks, and interesting indigenous Quechuan villages below them. A major highlight is the Seven Colors Hill, a multi-hued mountain that looks as if someone reached down and painted all over it.
8. TALAMPAYA NATIONAL PARK
The country is known for being geologically diverse and now that you’ve appreciated its glaciers, beaches, and jungles, it’s time for you to discover its desert. At this national park, you can prowl the orange sands and canyons and marvel at the sandstone cliffs and ancient petroglyphs—maybe you’ll even spot an Andean condor sailing overhead!
9. MENDOZA
If you’ve come for the vino, head to Mendoza, the heart of Argentina’s wine country. Numerous wineries function here, and a tour of at least one of them is highly recommended. Check out Zuccardi Winery, which is a family-owned business that was founded in 1963. Make sure to taste plenty of Malbec variations— it’s the country’s most famous wine. Cheers!
WHERE TO STAY
LLAO LLAO RESORT, GOLF, & SPA
This 5-star hotel in Bariloche is perched right in the middle of some astounding scenes of nature. Take a look around and you’ll see the Cerro Lopez and Tronador mountain peaks and the Moreno and Nahuel Huapi lakes. The hotel is home to a 37-acre park, including an 18-hole golf course, a marina, beach, spa, infinity edge swimming pools, and a solarium. The property also has five restaurants and offers a variety, with both international dishes and traditional local favorites. llaollao.com
ARAKUR RESORT & SPA
This Ushuaia resort places you right at the “end of the world!” It offers 3,229 sq. ft. of “water bodies resulting from rainfall and glacier melting,” which have been heated. There’s also watersports, a fitness center, two bars, and a restaurant called “La Cravia,” which serves up Argentine and international meals. A highlight is the outdoor activities; you can trek some trails in the Cerro Alarkén nature reserve, check out the Río Chico Waterfall, and climb Cortés Hill, to name a few. arakur.com
WHERE TO EAT
THE ARGENTINE EXPERIENCE
Fitz Roy 2110, Buenos Aires, Argentina
theargentineexperience.com
If you want to take an interactive deep dive into Argentinean culture through cuisine, this is the restaurant for you. This eatery offers a unique dinner party concept where you can have fun with your food all while meeting other travelers and learning about the culture of Argentina. The dine begins with a Malbec wine-based cocktail. Then you suit up in an apron and chef’s hat as you learn how to close empanadas using the “repulga” techniques, how to order a steak in Spanish, and how to prepare the country’s popular “mate” drink and “alfajores” (dulce de leche sandwich cookies) dessert.
FOGÓN ASADO
Uriarte 1423, C1414 CABA, Argentina
fogonasado.com
What is a trip to Argentina without a proper asado? At Fogón Asado, prepare to unleash your inner carnivore as you chow down on some of the best cuts the country has to offer. Here you will be treated to an 8-course tasting menu that takes you through tried and true Argentine recipes. Begin with an Argentinian empanada that has been cooked over open embers, and then work your way through scrumptious dishes such as caramelized provoleta cheese, glazed pork belly, two cuts of Argentine beef, roasted ratatouille, and pancakes with dulce de leche as dessert. Talk about a full meal!
WHERE TO PARTY
JET LOUNGE
If there’s one thing Buenos Aires is known for, it’s the boliches, or nightclubs. An exclusive one is Jet Lounge, where resident DJs spin all night. Located on the Río de la Plata, you can sip from the open-air dance floor and enjoy some great panoramic views. jet.com
VERNE COCKTAIL CLUB
This speakeasy is themed around French novelist Jules Verne’s classic, Around the World in 80 Days. Everything in this bar has been inspired by Verne, from the logo to the interior design. The classy, swanky speakeasy pours up tasty libations like Elefante Blanco (white rum, ginger, cream, and ginger ale). vernecocktailclub.com
TERRAZAS DEL ESTE
This massive nightclub in Costanera has music for every taste and ear. Reggaeton, dance pop, cumbia, and hip hop all blast from the speakers of the four dance floors here. There’s also 10 different bars and space for 3,000 people throughout its decks, gardens, and cabanas. facebook.com/TDEba
By Aaliyah Pasols