The best time to visit Argentina, per experts
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When you think about planning your next trip, the debate of whether or not you’d like to be in a cold climate (perhaps a ski trip in the mountains), maybe a warmer tropical location by the water or perhaps a vacation filled with history, culture, food, and shopping in an urban setting. But what if you could enjoy all of these things in one place?
Introducing: Argentina — where you can be sipping on fabulous wine in Mendoza one second and climbing a glacier in Patagonia the next.
“Argentina is a beautiful country that appeals to everyone. There are options for all travelers, whether on a budget or traveling in luxury,” Tracey Nichol, Destination Lead at Kensington Tours, who lived in Argentina for many years and has almost a decade of experience in the industry, told The Post. “Location wise, Argentina is ideal for Americans. Buenos Aires is a direct flight from [most] major US cities and there is very minimal time change. Argentina is the perfect place for a romantic getaway, a family adventure, a journey with friends or even a solo trip.”
As the eighth largest country in the world and the second largest in South America, there is a lot of ground to cover if you want to see all that Argentina has to offer in just one trip. While all the experts we spoke with recommended at least 10 days to explore, you could easily spend an entire month (or lifetime!) in each region of the country.
In an effort to help you plan your next trip, we spoke with three different travel agents that specialize in Argentina travel (including a native!) and it’s surrounding areas to help you get the lowdown on the best times to visit, where to stay, what to do and even what to eat.
What areas to visit in Argentina, where to stay and what to do
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is a must-visit for anyone vacationing in the country for the first time — an easy city to visit on your trip, since you’ll likely be flying in and out of the city from the United States.
“It’s easy to see the local passions of the country’s capital: history, art, asado, tango, literature, and fashion. Walking along cobble stone streets and exploring different neighborhoods can easily fill your days,” Nichol said. “The true beauty of the city is the abundance of parks — they are everywhere, and it’s evident that there’s a big sense of pride in open, green spaces.”
What to do in Buenos Aires
As Buenos Aires is a massive city, there’s really something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to eat your way through the South American city on a food tour, want to shop like the locals, learn about the culture in the cities’ many museums or learn how to tango, Buenos Aires has it all.
“Buenos Aires has many neighborhoods, each having something different to offer. I recommend a full city tour that visits each neighborhood. My personal favorite is the hustle and bustle of San Telmo and La Boca,” said Nichol.
“You absolutely have to catch a football (soccer) game here and if it’s between Boca and River Plate [Argentina’s two most famous teams], even better! That is one of the most famous rivalries in all of sports,” Johnson said. “The energy and passion you see at an Argentine football game is incredible and one of my clients favorite experiences here.”
Expert tip: Before buying a football ticket, be sure to select the special seating areas for tourists, as hooliganism can be an issue.
Where to stay in Buenos Aires
Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt Buenos Aires
For a luxury experience in one of the most sought after neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, this Hyatt will not disappoint.
“Located on Avenida Alvear [in the Recoleta neighborhood], one of the most beautiful and glamorous streets of Buenos Aires, the hotels’s main building is a 1930s palace,” said Ana Johnson, Travel Advisor at The Crafted Travel, part of Global Travel Collection, who is originally from Argentina. “Step into their courtyard for some magnificent gardens!”
“This luxury hotel is classically elegant with impressive architecture,” Nichol said. “The location is within walking distance to some of the best shopping and restaurants in the city. Recoleta is in the north end of the city which is very close to the domestic Aeroparque Airport (AEP). Be sure to check out the rooftop bar!”
Faena Hotel Buenos Aires
Ideal for those who are flying in and out of EZE airport, the Faena Hotel in Buenos Aires is well-liked hotel in the city for convenience, beauty and tango.
“Located in Puerto Madero, this red brick, lavish hotel is a transformed historic agriculture building. Fit for romance, foodies and those who love a show. Faena hosts the famous and sexy, Rojo Tango Show,” Nichol shared. “Puerto Madero is in the south end of the city which is closest to the Ezeiza International Airport (EZE). Staying in Puerto Madero is ideal for a Buenos Aires stay at the end of your trip.”
Mendoza
Calling all wine enthusiasts! To experience the exquisite malbec of Argentina, Mendoza is the place to be.
“Mendoza is where you will find the wine lovers and those who enjoy slow travel,” said Jude Vargas, Travel Advisor at Art of Voyage, part of Global Travel Collection. “Hop on a bicycle and explore at your leisure sort of vibe.”
“Argentina’s world-renowned wine country. Nestled in the foothills of the Andes are over 1000 vineyards that grow the famous Malbec grape. For thrill seekers, this Andean landscape also offers active adventures like hiking, ziplining and white-water rafting,” Nichol said.
What to do in Mendoza
Drink wine of course!
“Mendoza is all about wine tasting and incredible food. But after you’ve done wine tasting all throughout the region, I recommend a horseback ride in the Andes at sunset. Your guide can arrange a special sundowner and snacks as you watch the cotton candy colors of the sky,” Johnson said.
As for specific vineyards, Nichol recommends visiting Susana Balbo Winery in the Uco Valley. Susana is Argentina’s first female winemaker.
Where to stay in Mendoza
The Vines Resort & Spa
Since children under the age of 12 are not allowed on property, The Vines makes a truly romantic resort to experience the slow pace of Mendoza.
“Perfectly blending rustic and luxury, it doesn’t get much better than staying in your own villa, overlooking a pristine vineyard. A true highlight of the property is the Siete Fuegos open flame dining experience by celebrity chef Francis Mallman,” Nichol said.
“The Vines is absolutely stunning if you are into modern architecture, nature, horses, spa, food and wine. The property has a wide variety [of options] to keep anyone occupied for more than a few nights. This particular property is a larger, full-service resort,” Vargas said.
Cavas Wine Lodge
For a more intimidate experience, all three of our experts recommended the Cavas Wine Lodge.
“The Cavas Vine Lodge has a luxury boutique vibe in a more intimate setting. The property only has 17 rooms inspired by the Moorish architecture and design with a focus on nature, wellness, food, wine and horses,” Vargas said.
“The ultimate romantic retreat! A beautiful colonial main building surrounded by contemporary casitas. Each evening, an in-house sommelier offers complimentary wine tasting,” Nichol said, who also recommended booking this hotel about a year in advance to ensure you get the dates you’re looking for.
“I absolutely love this hotel. Each room is its own 900 foot adobe-walled suite with a living room, plunge pool, and a rooftop terrace with a wood-burning fireplace to enjoy that delicious glass of Malbec from the vineyards,” Johnson said. Sounds good to us!
Patagonia
While you could certainly spend weeks and even months exploring all that Patagonia has to offer, it’s still possible to get a glimpse during a 10-day vacation if you fly in and out of the right place. Our suggestion? El Calafate.
“This vast region of southern Argentina is a nature lovers paradise. Iconic mountain ranges, turquoise blue lagoons, towering glaciers, and penguin colonies are just a glimpse of the regional highlights,” Nichol said.
While there are so many different parts of Patagonia to explore, El Chalten and El Calafate are two very popular areas, as well as the Bariloche/Lake region in northern Patagonia.
“With 7 lakes, mountains, and rivers, Bariloche is an outdoors person’s paradise! Patagonia has some of the world’s best fly fishing between its lakes, streams and white water rivers. The typical fish caught is trout and the season runs from mid-November to mid-April,” Johnson said.
What to do in Patagonia
The options are endless from hiking, boating, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding and more.
“Visit the Perrito Moreno glacier, the third largest fresh water reserve in the world (after Antarctica and Greenland ice sheets),” Johnson said. “You can walk on the glacier, visit from a boat, or even sea kayak. Also, hiking around Torres del Paine and Glacier National Park is some of the best hiking in the world!”
As for Bariloche and the lake region: “White water rafting on the Manso River is fantastic! And a personal favorite activity is hiking on the hills and mountains of the stunning glacier lake of Nahuel Huapi and finishing with a mountainside gourmet picnic,” Johnson said. “In the winter (US summer), ski Cerro Catedral outside of Bariloche. It has great terrain for families, off-piste trails and snowboarding and also incredible views of Nahuel Huapi and the surrounding mountains. Plus it has the village of Bariloche nearby for dinners, shopping and nightlife.”
Where to stay in Patagonia
Estancia Cristina
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, look no further than Estancia Cristina in El Calafate, Argentina where you can see the jaw dropping beauty of Patagonia.
The property features five casas (named Montaña, Estepa, Bosque, Río, and Familia) surrounding the main lodge where you’ll eat. Each one features four private suite rooms with a bow window and the chance to connect with the natural strength of a breathtaking view — thousands of acres of wilderness. Set in a glacier valley, the lodge is protected by the winds, lakes, mountains, and astonishing views that remain fully present through panoramic windows.
Available activities include horseback riding, hiking, riding a 4×4, fishing and more.
“Only accessible by boat, this unique and remote lodge is a must see when visiting El Calafate. The estancia is situated in the heart of Los Glaciares National Park and the views of the surrounding mountains are unparalleled,” Nichol said. “Estancia Cristina is the gateway to the Upsala Glacier, the largest glacier in South America. I recommend at least two nights here.”
If staying at Estancia Cristina is out of your budget, it is also possible to take a full day trip there. Tours are offered daily. Note that it does take about two hours to get to the estancia by boat after departing from El Calafate.
Los Ponchos Hotel
For a two night stay at Estancia Cristina, it’s best to sandwich your stay by booking a room in the town of El Calafate the night before embarking on your early journey to Estancia Cristina as well as the last day at the estancia as you get back to El Calafate in the late evening.
One of the best places to stay is without a doubt Los Ponchos Hotel, which is located about a mile away from downtown El Calafate, between steppe and glaciers. Enjoy a unique experience in one of the 4-star hotel’s 10 cozy rooms, decorated with Hispano-American art. Each room offers an impressive view of Lago Argentino.
Note: this hotel only allows a minimum stay of 2 nights or more.
Explora El Chalten
Explora El Chalten is located within the private 14,000-acre Los Huemules Conservation Reserve — ten miles north of El Chaltén (about a 45 min drive due to the bumpy terrain).
“Explora El Chalten combines a minimalist luxury experience with the utmost in adventure experiences. It’s location near the Glacier National Park and Desert Lake zone afford access to incredible hiking, high mountain ascents, bird viewing, wildlife, and more,” Johnson said.
“Recently built, this luxury eco-lodge is one of a kind in El Chalten. With its remote location overlooking the Electric Valley, Explora El Chalten is within walking distance to many of the iconic trail heads,” Nichol said.
Iguazú Falls
Iguazú Falls is a magical part of Argentina (and Brazil!) that will make your treehouse-loving, hiking, forest dreams come true.
“The thunderous Iguazú Falls borders both Argentina and Brazil. This bucket-list natural wonder has hundreds of individual waterfalls, stretching kilometers wide. I highly recommend viewing the falls from both the Argentinian and Brazilian side,” Nichol said.
“Iguazú Falls is absolutely gorgeous and there is so much to do there in terms of nature. You’ll need at least 2 nights here,” Vargas said.
What to do in Iguazú Falls
Aside from simply marveling at the beauty of Iguazú Falls, consider taking a full moon night tour where you can see hundreds of waterfalls and experience the sounds of nocturnal life. In addition, bike tours, helicopter rides, bird sightings, wildlife expeditions, wine tasting and much more are all at your fingertips.
“I always recommend visiting Iguazú from both the Argentine and Brazilian side. It does not matter which side your hotel is on; you can take a day trip to the other side,” Nichol recommended.
Vargas recommended a specific tour company called Macuco Safari (based on the Brazilian side) that offers tours where you can “go under the falls, access restricted areas of the park and see the conservation side of things, birds lovers’ paradise, kayaking, cool group dinner experiences and more.”
Where to stay in Iguazú Falls
Awasi Iguazú
For an incredible all-inclusive, ultra-luxury stay, the Awasi Iguazù property is the way to go. The Relais and Chateaux hotel is built on stilts for minimal environmental impact, 14 villas are spread throughout the jungle for privacy among guests but within easy distance of the main lodge.
Each villa has a private plunge pool and a spacious living area. While most guests come here to enjoy the outdoors and seclusion, if you’re looking to socialize, you can do so at the bar and restaurant located in the main lodge.
“Located on the Argentina side of the falls at the banks of the Iguazu River, this ultra-luxe lodge offers an elevated Iguazù experience. Complete with your own villa, private guide, and 4×4, you’ll have flexibility to explore the National Park as you wish,” Nichol said.
Loi Suites Iguazú Hotel
For a treehouse-safari feel without the hefty price tag, consider Loi Suites Iguazú Hotel that is right near the falls on the Argentinian side with a restaurant on property, multiple pools and incredible staff.
“Possibly the best views of the falls and you’ll want to be on this side to have access to all the fun outdoor adventure,” Vargas said.
Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Iguassu Falls
While not technically in Argentina, the Hotel das Cataratas is just a stones throw away on the Brazilian side of the Iguazù Falls and one of the most specular options the area has to offer.
“The only hotel inside the national park on the Brazilian side. It is no surprise that the Belmond Das Cataratas offers a direct view to the falls. With the Devil’s Throat Platform in walking distance, this location can’t be beat,” Nichol said.
Enjoy five-star accommodations, incredible service and the opportunity to see the falls before the park opens to the general public in the early morning, as well a moon light experience after hours.
Salta
Salta will make you feel like you’re stuck in a stunning screen savor! The region is known for the beautiful, natural scenery of the valleys in the region and situated in the Andes Mountains in the southernmost region of what was once the Inca Empire.
“A cultural gem off the beaten path. Those who visit this northwest region of Argentina will experience Andean and Quechan culture that isn’t prevalent in other regions. Here you can visit Salinas Grandes (Salt Flats) and the northern wine country, Cafayate,” said Nichol.
“Salta is rich in natural beauty, cultural experiences, historical architecture and landmarks. One of the most stunning landscapes can be found in the Andes Mountains, Cerro de los Siete Colores, which is definitely worth the drive if you venture to Salta,” Vargas said. “Walking around Salta or neighboring towns is like stepping back in time with colonial-era buildings and vibrant culture.”
What to do in Salta
Salta offers a little bit of everything: wine, history, incredible cuisine, great scenery and much more.
“If you won’t be visiting Mendoza, then definitely visit the wine region of Salta – Cafayate. I highly recommend spending at least one day in the countryside at an estancia,” Nichol said.
“Take a deeper dive into learning about pre-Columbian history and step into the MAAM museum. Or hop onto the cable car up to Cerro San Bernardo to watch the sunset over the city of Salta with an epic panoramic view,” Vargas recommended.
Where to stay in Salta
House of Jasmines
“[House of Jasmines is] a warm, serene estancia in the foothills of the Andes. Relax by the immaculate pool, visit the spa, and be sure to enjoy the al fresco asado lunch served in the garden. A perfect place to stay before traveling back to busy Buenos Aires,” Nichol said.
Another option, located in the heart of the city is Legado Mítico Salta. “This boutique property pays homage to the traditions of Salta. Staying in the city is an ideal home base for day trips to the countryside,” Nichol told The Post.
What is the best time to visit each region in Argentina?
Argentina’s season are opposite to the United States so their summer is our winter and vice versa. Generally, most regions of the country are great to visit any time of year but to get a better idea on peak times for each destination, we specifically inquired with our experts about each region mentioned in this article. The following information can be attributed to Nichol.
- Buenos Aires‘s peak season is from December to February, but it is important to note that Buenos Aires can be very hot and humid, come January. My favorite time to travel is October or November when the temperature is ideal and jacaranda trees are in bloom.
- Unlike other vineyards around the world, Mendoza is a destination that can certainly be visited year-round. The most pleasant times to visit Mendoza are from March through May (Autumn) and September through November (Spring). Harvest is February through April.
- Patagonia is a seasonal destination. The best time to visit is from October to April. October through November is spring, so weather could still be a bit cold, but this is considered shoulder season so there will be minimal crowds. December through February is summer and peak travel season. December holiday season is extremely popular so if you are thinking of traveling during this time, I recommend booking 10-12 months in advance. March through April is autumn, which offers stunning fall colors. It is a photographer’s paradise. Temperatures will be colder but there will be less crowds.
- Iguazú Falls is a fantastic destination year-round.
- Salta‘s most ideal times to visit are Spring (September through November) and Autumn (March through May). Summer (December through February) is also a lovely time to visit but it will be much warmer.
What is the best food to eat in Argentina?
“Argentina is most famous for asado/parrillada (BBQ) and this is their national dish. Experiencing asado is more than a meal, it’s a social event and the true essence of Argentine culture,” Nichol said. “Argentina is known for world-class beef, so asado will not disappoint. Be sure to top your grilled meats with chimichurri.”
Argentina-native, Johnson, agrees! “Argentina has some of the best grass-fed beef and lamb in the world,” she said. “I recommend eating beef with no sauce! Use chimichurri or just salt and pepper.”
Johnson also mentioned the country’s world famous empanadas, grilled vegetables, and trying incredible ice cream. My favorite flavor is anything with dulce de leche. If you are in the Patagonia area, be sure to taste the grass-fed lamb.
The 411 on the exchange rate for Americans
In short, the exchange rate is very favorable for those holding US dollars and is recommended that American tourists bring and use US cash during travels to Argentina.
“There is a very well-functioning ‘blue market’ for US currency in Argentina, and especially in Buenos Aires,” Nichol said. “Argentines are going through a tough devaluation and inflation, and USD cash is preferred by many shops and restaurants. This will give you a much higher unofficial exchange rate (100% higher than the official rate).”
“On arrival, you can exchange some USD to Argentine Pesos to use in places where the American dollar is not accepted,” Nichol recommended. “Taking out money from ATM’s is not a good idea as they also charge high fees and only allow a small amount. Guides and drivers also prefer USD as it’s stronger.”
“While cash is king here (and still the primary way to pay for everything), the government recently introduced a tourist exchange rate that allows holders of foreign credit cards to use credit cards at an exchange rate that is more favorable than the official rate,” Johnson shared.
General tips for booking your first (or next!) Argentina trip, according to experts
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