15 Can't Miss Activities for Your Argentina Itinerary
I absolutely adored my five weeks spent in Argentina. With a rich mix of cultures, vast landscape and diverse terrain of more than a million square miles, this country has a lot to offer to travelers!
Argentina is the largest Spanish-speaking nation located in the southern half of South America. It is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world - with a significant ecosystem of 35 national parks.
Now that travel restrictions have dropped, get ready to explore and experience the best things in Argentina! From fishing and mountaineering to tango and wine, it’ll be one of the most exciting journeys you can find.
So here’s a guide to enjoying the top 15 experiences in Argentina.
1. Be one with the Gauchos
In case you aren’t familiar, Gauchos are the South America version of Cowboys in North America. Dressed in baggy trousers and bladed knives dangling from their leather belts, they portray a romantic figure - nomadic and colorful horsemen who grew in the 18th Century and generally seen as folk heros. The vast plains of Argentina are home to these Gauchos.
The travelers too can jump on horseback and be one among the Gauchos through an entertaining experience. Enjoy a peaceful ride through the mountainous landscape, savor a home cooked meal, then put on your dancing shoes and learn a jig or two as Gauchos play guitar to soulful sounds.
*During the Gauco Experience, there is also a….ummm what’s the best way of putting this….sensual horse dance. It’s serious, but I couldn’t stop laughing (because I have a gutter mind and the maturity of a twelve year old boy). I’d send people back for this alone - but just be prepared to take deep breaths and subdue your laughter.
2. Visit the jaw-dropping Iguazu Falls
A visit to this mesmerizing waterfall is a must on your trip to Argentina. It is considered one of the natural wonders of the world. These falls lie right on the border between Brazil and Argentina - in a vast stretch of rainforest, made up of over 275 falls and attracts a huge crowd of visitors.
The noise and power of the rapids will mark one’s memories forever - it is truly breath-taking to observe & hear! With various tough and easy trails to hike through, “Devil’s Throat” is a thrilling trail to experience the power of mother nature.
A major part of the Iguazu Falls lie in the Argentina’s Parque Nacional Iguazu. These falls can be reached easily through both borders of Argentina and Brazil. You can stay in Puerto Iguazu, on the Argentina side, or in Foz do Iguacu which is on the Brazillian side.
There is also a speedboat ride which gives an immensely thrilling experience to it’s riders. The boat slowly speeds up and disappears into the swirling haze. Hold your breath as the boat submerges in the waterfall. Then gradually you find solace when the boat surfaces the waterfall, leaving you with a bewildering memory (and rather wet occasionally).
This jaw-dropping marvel is a must-do for any Argentina itinerary!
3. Get to know Buenos Aires
Buenos Aries, the capital of Argentina, is a place I absolutely fell in love with. It’s always lively with activity! Be it the fascinating art or the fabulous food, there’s something for everyone here! This city is lush with green spaces and you can skate through the streets to explore like a local.
The speakeasy scene is on point in this city - with many cool and unusual entrances into trendy bars where you can drink cocktails and dance the night away. Or if you aren’t so much into the wild partying scene, enjoy a tango show in San Telmo - where you can watch professionals on the dance floor as you sip champagne or even get up and dance yourself.
But don’t stay out too late - because you’ll definitely want to catch one of the city’s wonderful walking tours to learn more about it’s history and get your bearings.
With so many fascinating neighborhoods to explore, scrumptious dinners to be savored, or streets to wander, you’re bound to have an amazing experience in Buenos Aires.
4. Watch the giant whales
Valdes Peninsula, UNESCO’s World Heritage site, is an exquisite wildlife reserves that is home to numerous creatures like sea lions, orca whales, elephant seals, Magellanic penguins, and many seabirds. Around 80 thousand visitors visit this wildlife reserve every year.
Having a total area of 3600 square km with a coastal line of more than 400 square km, the coastline is home to varied marine animals. And Puerto Piramides is the perfect place to whale watch. The biggest attraction here is the endangered “southern right whale” (also known as ballena franca austral). These whales hover across your boat like they’re waving at you!
If you haven’t seen a whale in the wild before, you are missing out on one of nature’s coolest experiences. Go book your ticket now!
5. Tango at the milonga
Buenos Aires, the global capital of tango, is actually the place where tango was born and evolved. You can visit the neighborhoods of Buenos Aries to feel the beat of this special dance - which continues to bring light to the lives of locals & foreigners alike during the night.
And while in Argentina, why not give tango a try?! It is truly one of the sexiest and most sophisticated dance forms to fire you up at night! Even if you don’t know the dance, there are many dance lessons to be found across Buenos Aires.
Whether you want to watch a tango show at the milonga or get yourself moving, San Telmo is the place to go.
6. Walk on glaciers in Patagonia
Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Los Glaciares National Park, has a total area of 1600 square miles with 47 major glaciers. Perito Moreno is one of the glaciers which is still growing and is about 196 feet above Lake Argentina. And you can actually book trekking tours to walk on Perito Moreno!
Within the Patagonia region of South America, there are over 300 glaciers on the UNESCO World Heritage list. And in Los Glaciares National Park (which has 1600 squares lilies and 47 major glaciers) you can actually take a walk on Perito Moreno!!
There are two options - the first is Mini Trekking - which involves about an hour of walking on the glacier….don’t expect to get a workout in, this is more of a leisurely walk with many stops for Instagram photos. But don’t get me wrong, I still loved the experience. And the second is the Big Ice which is a multi-hour trek on the glacier that takes you the long route and occasionally through ice caves.
**Make sure to book your glacier trek ahead of time as there is only ONE company that is authorized to run them and space fills up quickly.
The place to stay for glacier trekking is the small town of El Calafate. It’s small but cute and has a number of shops and restaurants to explore when you aren't out in nature. Make sure to stop by the ice bar in town - to don a cape, drink vodka from the ice bar, and take some silly photos.
Another beauty in the Los Glaciers National Park is the Monte Fitz Roy, a 3359- meter tall mountain, with a stunning picturesque which is harder than Mount Everest to climb. Here you can partake in a challenging, but rewarding hike.
7. Climbing the Andes
Apart from the mountains in Asia, the Andes Mountain Range are the tallest mountain range in the world that lies in Argentina. On the borders of Mendoza, lies the highest peak of Aconcagua which is 6962 meters above sea level.
You can plan a trekking expedition to reach the summit of this peak, enjoying the mesmerizing view of the stunning mountain ranges. Climbing Mount Aconcagua is a challenging task with its freezing temperature and highest altitude, but it sure does offer a spectacular view that cannot be missed at any cost!
Having a proper plan and a guide, you can have the best mountaineering experience.
8. Trek to the salt flats
Salinas Grandes is where you’ll find Argentina’s vast salt flats. Located in the far northwest of Argentina, it looks like an astounding white desert. The tour to the Salt Flats is the most twisted and tempting tour which provides a picturesque landscape view.
You can reach there by taking the train called Tre a las Nubes Railways which means ‘Train in the Clouds’ as it runs at a high altitude of about 3450 meters above sea level. This place also has unique salt structures carved by local artists and they shine under the rays of Sun-like glitter. Definitely a sight not to be missed!
9. Sip wine in Mendoza
Mendoza is one of Argentina’s most popular wine regions. Although there are other vineyards and wine regions throughout Argentina, Mendoza is one of the most prolific - sporting amazing view of the magnificent Andes Mountain range.
I recommend booking a wine tour - as no one wants to be the Designated Driver while on vacation lol. We used UnCorking Argentina to book a private wine tour for a group of 12. They did a fantastic job shuttling us to a variety of wineries that really allowed us to sample the best of Mendoza, in some pretty fabulous, scenic locations. They also do a cooking class that was pretty great too (plus it came with a hot Chef hehe).
Argentinian wine is some of the best in the world - so if you like wine at all, you absolutely must make a stop in Mendoza. You won’t regret it!
10. Skiing on the White Carpet
Andes Mountain Ranges are the majestic mountain ranges in Antarctica and home to most ski resorts. These ski resorts are easily accessible from the city and offer fantastic winter wonderland ski conditions. Locals and tourists alike flock together in winter (usually from June to the end of October) to enjoy an amazing skiing experience on the white carpet of snow.
The northernmost ski resorts of Penitentes and Las Lenas are situated near the wine lover’s paradise of Mendoza - making it a great addition to any itinerary (why not work off some of that wine with some physical activity!?)
Las Lenas is also enjoying it’s status as a trendy and hot nightlife destination - so after your ski you can keep the party going all night long!
11. Dance the night away in Buenos Aires
If you love a good night out, you will be in heaven in Buenos Aires. This a city that stays up late and nows how to party. From cool trendy rooftop bars like Sky Bar to underground speakeasies, there is sure to be something that vibes with everyone.
One of my FAVORITE events in Buenos Aires and is a MUST DO for anyone is La Bomba de Tiempo - an amazing precussion show with thumping beats and the best energy of any party I’ve ever seen. Everyone is dancing their asses off for the entire 2 hour performance. Each show is improvised and therefore different, so I came back multiple times and it never disappointed.
I also highly recommend you visit a speakeasy or two - they are a big thing in Buenos Aires and the city boasts some of the best I’ve ever visited. Uptown was one of my favorites….you enter through what looks like the underground passage to the subway, bypass a subway cable car, before entering a massive dance party with killer beats and good vibes. A few other great contenders are Frank’s and JW Marriott for chill vibes and good drinks.
12. Walk with the Penguins
If you cannot go to Antarctica, you can visit Martillo Island which is an attraction perfect for nature lovers. There you can witness playful penguins, as well as more than 100 nests of other bird species such as vultures, skuas, cormorants, petrels, and more.
Every year thousands of penguins come to the southern part of Argentina to nest and treat on the bountiful fishes before they migrate. These adorable animals are extremely comfortable walking around humans - which has made a visit here a popular activity in the region. But just be prepared for your heart to melt over these silly little tuxedo wearing creatures! You will never want to leave!
13. Walk through the Graveyard
If you formerly thought cemeteries are depressing and dark, be prepared for a surprise. Recoleta Cemetary in Buenos Aries will completely revamp your opinion of cementaries. The site is considered the most unusual cemetery in the world - as the graves are built above ground.
This is not a normal graveyard that people fear visiting, but an eye-opening walk through miniature Baroque cathedrals and Greek temples. There are final resting places of presidents, scientists, and prominent members of the Argentine family. And every year, crowds gathers around to acknowledge and celebrate Argentina’s famous lady, Eva Peron.
Located in a lovely neighborhood atop a hill, you can get lost in the graveyard as it consists of more than 6400 graves, uniquely constructed with varied architectural styles. Be prepared to spend hours strolling through this graveyard - which is a one-of-a-kind experience in itself.
This cemetery is a must-visit place when in Argentina! You can either visit it on your own or take a guided tour listening to interesting stories on the way.
14. Eat Like a Local
When it comes to eating out in Argentina, get ready to salivate and enthrall your taste buds. Argentina dining is an inexpensive, but tasty treat.
Buenos Aries has a culinary culture marked by hidden restaurants that are known only to the locals. One of my favorites is Nicky NY - where you’ll walk by restaurant diners, to a dark room and pass through an old machine to be welcomed to a 1920s prohibition style bar - where they serve wonderful wine and fantastic sushiI!
The three things you absolutely cannot leave Argentina without tasting are steak, wine, and empanadas. Empanadas come in a myriad of flavors and are some of the cheapest and tastiest morsels you can find. I ate them literally every day. It was a sad day if Lauren didn't get her empanada.
Also, a small tip would be to learn a bit of Spanish to order food as most of the localities do not know English. A simple ‘Me gustaria dos [2] empanadas de queso’ can go a long way!
15. Stand at the End of the World
What’s more wonderful than ending your Argentina adventure at Ushuaia, the southernmost tip of the world (which lies in Argentina). Ushuaia is the kickoff point for all Antarctica cruises, so if you have the big bucks to spend (these trips cost upwards of $10k) that could be a great two part trip.
But even if you aren’t continuing on to Antarctica, Ushuaia can still be a fanstastic destination to visit. Facing the Beagle Channel, and with a mesmerizing view of the glaciers and peaks, it is filled with a plethora of wildlife - such as giant crabs, birds, sea lions, penguins and more.
Although it’s undoubtedly a remote place to visit, there is a lot of luxury offered by the hotels with varied amenities and with magnificent scenery! The End of the World Lighthouse and the End of the World Museum are popular places that are worth a visit as well.
Final Thoughts
Argentina totally blew my mind and I’m sure it will do the same for you. There are so many experiences to be had - it is truly a destination that has something for everyone, be it the architecture or the adventure, culture or nightlife.
You can never get enough of Argentina - there are endless exciting and unique things to do. So book that ticket, hop on that plane, and get ready to explore this lively destination!