ARGENTINA
Tango, Malbec, Gauchos & Asado from the Andes to the End of the World
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Your holiday - Your way
COUNTRY GUIDE
BEST TIME TO GO - October to December and April to June.
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December to March are best in the south. If you're doing the second trip down south to Ushuaia this is the time to go.
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Central is pleasant all year round.
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The north is warm and dry
STAY - Most hotels are available on Booking.com unless otherwise stated. It's best to get bookings with free cancellation and pay on site when you get there. Hotels chosen are usually 3 or 4 or 5 star if they are good value. 1 or 2 stars in expensive areas. They are chosen firstly for their location, value for money, positive testimonials regarding cleanliness and service and features like rooftop terraces and great views.
Since the end of Covid a lot of prices have gone through the roof. So if the selected hotel is out of your price range click on the location map and choose something cheaper nearby. Or you might prefer something else but try to stay in the same area.
VISAS - Click here to find out your situation.
FLIGHTS -
There are 2 main airports in Buenos Aires you will need to fly to Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) the largest airport with direct flights to 57 destinations in 18 countries (including the Americas and Europe) or Buenos Aires Jorge Newberry Airpark (AEP). which has direct flights to other South American cities as well as Miami and New York. Information on other flights will be in the relevant places below.
TICKETS -
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Once you've bought your tickets get some travel insurance to cover yourself.
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BUDGET - Argentina can be reasonably cheap country to travel in. But with high inflation and a volatile economy it can also be unpredictable and expensive. Click here to learn the intricacies on how to prepare for it. ATM's have exorbitant fees so avoid using as much as possible.
BOOKINGS - Book accommodation, rent a cars, transport, tours etc. before you leave. Get travel insurance as soon as you book your airline tickets to cover yourself.
POPULATION - 45,809,000
CAPITAL - Buenos Aires (Good Airs)
RELIGION - Mainly Christian (Roman Catholic)
ETHNICITY - European (mainly Italian and Spanish) and Mestizo (European and Amerindian mix)
LANGUAGE - Spanish
BORN - 1816
NATIONAL DRINK - Fernet and Coke - / Yerba Mate - herbal tea
GOVERNMENT - Democratic Republic
NATIONAL DISH - Asados - BBQ meats
CURRENCY - Argentine Peso ARS $1 = 65 ARS
LITERACY - 99%
LIFE EXPECTANCY - 77
TOURISTS PER YEAR - 6 million
NO.1 TOURIST SITE - Perito Moreno Glacier
HELLO - Hola
THANK YOU - Gracias
CHEERS - Salud (Health)
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BA is an exciting city and there is a lot to do here. Have a look through the following tours for anything that appeals. There are some unique opportunities to sample the local culture and understand what it's all about. From riding with the gauchos, learning how to play polo, cook asado and drink malbec, see how passionate they are about the world game and a whole more. Did I forget to mention learning the tango and seeing it being performed by the best there is.
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Buenos Aires Tours
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Argentine Asada
BUENOS AIRES 2 HUMAHUACA 27 N
Part Road Trip
HIGHLIGHTS - wine country & colourful canyons
Buenos Aires 4N
Rosario 2N
Cordoba 3N
Mendoza 4N
La Rioja 2N
Cafayate 3N
Salta 3N
Purmamarca 2N
Tilcara 2N
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Tango
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World's best Steak and Malbec
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World's most beautiful bookstore
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Evita Museum and Cemetery
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Old neighborhoods, cafes
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World's most passionate football game
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Long lunch at Plaza de San Martin
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Che's house and museum
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Mendoza wineries and scenic hot springs
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Horseback ride through the Andes
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White water rafting
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Cooking class in Mendoza
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The best empanadas in Argentina
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Termas de Reyes - hot springs spa
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Hike to Mars
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The 14 Colored Mountain of Humahuaca
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Train to the clouds - Argentina's most famous train trip
Buenos Aires - 4n
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Spend a few days enjoying what this exciting city has to offer. Begin your steak and Malbec diet. La Biela Cafe has some of the best steak in the world which makes it a good place to start. Take in a Tango show (Bar Sur is more than adequate) or put on your own one. Visit Evita (Museo Evita) and maybe take in a football match. The Boca Juniors at La Bombonera Stadium is about as passionate as it gets. Plaza de Mayo is a place of major historical importance and should be on your list. Shoppers (and others) may like to have a look at a few of these markets.
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Stay at or near the Malevo Murana Hostel
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Or the Hotel Costa Rica *** both in the nightlife, restaurant and history area of Palermo
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There are 2 old cafes on Corrientes Ave that are worth a look. La Giralda which is famous for its Churros and Hot Chocolate and El Gato Negro - the black cat.
Rosario - 2n
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300 km up to Rosario with it's 15 km stretch of waterfront and bar packed nightlife. You can take the train or bus. It is the birthplace of Che Guevara and the National flag. And it is the ice cream capital of Argentina. Try these 3 traditional dishes.
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Stay in or near the Amplio depto. con cochera apartment - in a good area close to the River Parana and the nightlife
Cordoba - 3n
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The Che trail continues in Cordoba where he lived in the nearby town of Alta Gracia (museum and house where he spent 11 years of his childhood). The bus will be the best way to get here unless they've finally built the high speed rail line. Relax over brunch and long lunches at Plaza San Martin. This is Argentina's second largest city and is a mix of the old and the new. The Museo de la Memoria will educate you about the goings on of "the Dirty War". Try these local restaurants for traditional dishes and when you're finished they have a good nightlife here. During the day there's plenty to see and do.
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Stay in or near the 531 Hostel - which is 150 metres from Plaza San Martin , 100 metres from the Central Market and 450 metres from the bus terminal
Mendoza - 4n
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Take the bus to everyone's favourite town, Mendoza. Check out the wineries and relax in the hot springs later. Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow spent some time here when he was filming seven years in Tibet. Lots of plazas, cafes, restaurants and bars particularly along Avenue Aristides Villanueva. And wine of course. It is the wine capital of Argentina after all.
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Stay in or near the Jaque Mate Hostel ** - close to Aristides Ave where the nightlife lives
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Here are some more wine tasting options available
Click for City map
Tango
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Mendoza Tours 1
Go to Mendoza Tours 2
La Rioja - 2n
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Break the bus trip to Cafayate in half by stopping off at the little visited La Rioja. Surrounded by wineries and with a charming town centre this little surprise packet could well be one of the highlights of the trip. There is plenty to see in this area including some interesting parks, reserves and villages. Try some of these food specialties and check out the local nightlife.
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Stay in or near the GM Rooms Rental Suites - close to Plaza 25 de Mayo
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Image by Julian Hacker from Pixabay
Rainbow Mountain
Cafayate - 3n
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Continuing north, you'll need to change buses in Belen about half way. All up you should be there in about 12 hours so you'll need to get an early start. Cafayate will keep the wine buzz humming along. If you're missing Mendoza this place might leapfrog its way into your affections. Especially after a nice long lunch at a nearby winery. Ice cream lovers aren't forgotten, with famous wine flavoured treats. The town is pleasantly small and relaxed and there are plenty of activities for non winos - (beeros). Try these dining suggestions and you'll find plenty of night time entertainment around the adjacent Plaza de Cafayate.
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Stay at or near the Hostal Virgen del Rosario Cafayate - by the Plaza de Cafayate in the centre of town
Salta - 3n
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A 4 hour bus ride up to the beautiful old colonial town of Salta, the birthplace of the Argentinian empanada. They are famous around Argentina and the best are said to come from here so here is a few places to try them. The towns just keep getting better and Salta doesn't disappoint. It has everything that keeps a traveller happy, good weather, wineries, al fresco dining, museums and the most attractive streets and plazas you can imagine. Make sure you try these top 5 local foods. This is the land of Gaucho culture and train buffs can ride the Train to the Clouds. At the end of the day Balcarce Street is the place to head for the nightlife area.
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Stay in or near the Hotel Regidor ** - by Plaza 9 de Julio de Salta
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You may want to hire a car🚗 to do this last section. You will need it for 6 to 7 days. Pick up and drop off here. These are small towns so if your hotel doesn't have parking you should be able to get one nearby. It will make it easier to get around to the different sights and enjoy the spectacular drives along the way. (Check out things to see and do for stops along the way). When you're ready just drive back to Salta, drop the car off and fly back to Buenos Aires. Or drop it off at Humahuaca if you're going through to Bolivia. Buses are available if you'd rather stick to public transport.
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If you need to save time or would rather not drive have a look through the tours below⬇️.
Purmamarca - 2n 156km / 3 h
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Follow the UNESCO Inca Trade route up the Rio Grande river valley and stay in some amazing towns along the way. Don't miss the Termas de Reyas for a hike, mud bath, hot springs and lunch an the way through. Two night stop Purmamarca a picture postcard town with a Rainbow Mountain for a backdrop. For a small place it has a good range of restaurants to choose from with some nice al fresco places as well as some street food. There is less choice for nightlife but you will be able to find somewhere for a drink and even a bit of live music.
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Stay in or near the La Posada de la Calandria (Street Parking) - near the Plaza 9 de Julio
Tilcara - 2n 26 km / ½ H
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A short trip up the road today to lively little Tilcara. It has a good food and nightlife scene, not to mention the many attractions around the town. For starters there is the UNESCO listed coloured mountain valley, a rare high altitude winery and a host of outdoor activities. Check out the market for lunch. Don't miss a night out at a Pena to soak up some local culture and alcohol.
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For a great location try Hostería La Celestina
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Or for an amazing view (with a bit of a climb) try Hostal de Altura. The town isn't that big and you can pretty much walk everywhere
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Enroute today you may want to stop off in Uquia for a hike that will make you think you are walking on Mars. It is to a place called Cuevis de Uquia. Just stop in at the Tourist Information office near the entrance to the town to find out the details. When you get back with an appetite stop in at nearby Cerro Las Senoritas.
Humahuaca - 2n 45km 50 Min
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Last stop is the very old colonial town of Humahuaca, with it's stunning location and cobblestone streets. There are artisan markets if you need to catch up on some last minute souvenir and gift shopping. Plenty of options if you want to rest up or go out and be active. Try these local food specialties. You should find enough night time entertainment within walking distance of your hotel. Just wander towards the nearby plazas and see what's about.
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Lots of hiking possibilities including the popular UNESCO listed areas of Quebrada de Humhuaca and the 14 coloured Serrania del Hornocal. If you feel like a drive head out the amazing village of Iruya which is 75 km north. It is 218kms and three and a quarter hours drive back to Salta. From here you can drop the car off and get a flight back to Buenos Aires.
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There is not a lot of 5***** hotels in Humahuaca or even 3*** places. Stay in the excellently located Casa de la Flia. Sánchez which has a beautiful central courtyard that is shared with a restaurant. (you will need to find a car park around the corner somewhere)
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Quebrada de Humahuaca Tours
LAND OF FIRE & PATAGONIA 28 N
Part Road Trip
glaciers, lakes & the end of the world
Buenos Aires 4N
Ushuaia 4N -
El Calafate 3N (Perito Moreno Glacier)
Villa La Angostura 2N -
Mendoza 4N
Cordoba 2N
Buenos Aires 1N = 28N
HIGHLIGHTS
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World's most beautiful bookstore
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World's best Steak and Malbec
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Evita Museum and Cemetery
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Old neighbourhoods, cafes
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Seven Lakes district
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White water rafting
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Moreno Glacier
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Tango
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Che's house and museum
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Cooking class in Mendoza
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Beagle Channel and Penguins
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Horseback ride through the Andes
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Drive the Route of the Seven Lakes
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Long lunch at Plaza de San Martin
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World's most passionate football game
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Mendoza wineries and scenic hot springs
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Get a Giant Souvenir Passport Stamp from the End of the World
There is a bit of everything in this trip from the big city to the end of the world. Stunning scenery, adventure, wine, history and the beautiful lakes district. If you love to be active in the great outdoors this one's for you.
Buenos aires - 4n
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Make your way to Argentina and the capital Buenos Aires. Spend a few days taking in what this exciting city has to offer. Begin your steak and Malbec diet. La Biela Cafe has some of the best steak in the world which makes it a good place to start. Take in a Tango show (Bar Sur is more than adequate) or put on your own one. Visit Evita (Museo Evita) or maybe take in a football match. The Boca Juniors at La Bombonera Stadium is about as passionate as it gets. Plaza de Mayo is a place of major historical importance and should be on your list. Shoppers (and others) might like to check out some of these markets.
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Stay at or near the Malevo Murana Hostel
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Or the Hotel Costa Rica *** both in the nightlife, restaurant and history area of Palermo
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There are 2 old cafes on Corrientes Ave that are worth a look. La Giralda which is famous for its Churros and Hot Chocolate and El Gato Negro - the black cat.
Ushuaia - 4n
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Fly down to Ushuaia and check out the end of the world and one of Patagonia's nicest cities. The airport is only a 10 minute drive away from the town. As the gateway to Tierra del Fuego National Park there is plenty of adventure and activity to be had here. And the scenery is stunning. Like Charles Darwin you can take a cruise on the Beagle Channel and see the wildlife. You could ride the southernmost railway in the world. As this is also the gateway for Antarctic cruises there is plenty of tourist infrastructure available to make sure you have a comfortable stay.
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As you would imagine fresh seafood is in plentiful supply and the other local protein delicacy is lamb done one the parilla.
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Stay in or near the De Los Andes Hotel *** - anywhere close to the waterfront and the nightlife.
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Have a look through the Patagonian Tours at the bottom of the page⬇️.
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You have a few of options for the next leg of the trip. You could take a direct flight which takes 1 hour 20 mins and could cost between AUD$90 and $400. Check your dates to see how lucky you are. Option 2 is the bus which leaves at 7 am takes 10 hours and arrives at Rio Gallegos at 5 pm. You could spend the night here but I don't see much point. Why not stretch your legs, have a meal and then continue on. The bus for El Calafate leaves here at 8.30 pm and arrives at 12.30 am and you have a choice of bed or semi bed on the bus. If you can't cope just get a cheap room for the night in Rio Gallegos.
el calafate - 3n
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Fun little El Calafate is the jumping off point for the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier UNESCO World Heritage Site and other spectacular landscapes and attractions. Hopefully there's still a bit left by the time you get there. It's also a good place for a little self pampering. It is a bit of an industry here and they have a range of spa treatments at reasonable prices. You might want to tack on an extra day or two in this magical place. There's plenty of places for eating and drinking and making new friends.
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Stay in or near the Apart Hotel Libertador ** - in the centre on the main road
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Have a look through the Patagonian Tours at the bottom of the page⬇️.
San Carlos de Bariloche - 4n
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Continuing north it's off to San Carlos de Bariloche and the scenic seven lakes district. It's a 30 hour bus trip or a 1 hour 45 minutes direct flight, which is probably the better option. The prices jump around a lot so pick a day when it's direct and cheap. Check flight bookings here. When you arrive you will think you're in Europe. There are plenty of natural attractions around here as well as a great main street. Get out and see the great outdoors by - hiking, horse riding, chair lift, white water rafting, kayaking or even with a round of golf. Don't miss the hippie town El Bolson. Bariloche has a great range of tea houses, restaurants and bars. Don't miss the native Curanto at Colonial Suiza on Wednesdays and weekends.
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Bariloche was also a haven for Nazis after WWll.
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You will want to pick up a car🚗 to get around here and the next two destinations. You'll need it for about 8 days. Pick up and drop off here. To avoid a 20 hour bus trip you will be driving back here to fly to Mendoza so you can drop it off at the airport on your way out.
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Stay at or near Hotel Tres Reyes *** - with it's lake views to the snow capped Andes and close proximity to town for the restaurants and bars. Private parking at the hotel.
Click for City map
Buenos Aires
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Photo by Fabien Moliné on Unsplash
The Seven Lakes
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San Carlos de Bariloche Tours
villa la angostura - 2n 83km
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This is the first leg of the stunningly scenic Route of the 7 Lakes. It's only a little over an hours drive to the next destination Villa La Angostura aka "the Garden of the Patagonia". Situated on the lake and surrounded by mountains the town has a laid back and charming atmosphere. The Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes should be on your agenda for a great walk through a preserved forest. There are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy and then some hot springs to ease the pain in those aching muscles.
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This town is known for its food scene and the unusually high number of good chefs it attracts. There are over 80 cafes and restaurants in the area. Night life is a bit quieter here but you won't have any problems finding a place to have a drink, listen to some music and have a dance.
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Stay at or near the Tierra De Mestizos (Free Parking) - accommodation is very expensive in this town - work out if you want to stay near the main street in town or out in the forest.
san martin de los andes - 4n 108k
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San Martín de los Andes is a stunning 2 hour drive away on the second leg of the Route of the 7 Lakes. It is another big stop on the Che Guevara trail. There are plenty of lake related activities as well as horse riding, white water rafting, zip lining a volcano and some more hot springs. If you're interested in Che Guevara's travels on the continent don't miss La Pastera where he stayed during the "Motorcycle Diaries" trip.
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Here are some traditional restaurants to try and there are around a dozen bars around town.
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It is a 191 km drive back to San Carlos de Bariloche. You should time it to coincide with your flight to Mendoza. Give yourself a bit of time to drop the car off at the airport.
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For a good value cheapie stay in the Casa de Guias in a good location near the centre. You can park on the street. This is another expensive town for accommodation.
Mendoza - 4n
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You have 3 options on how to get to Mendoza and I'm sure you'll go for option 1. Which is redo that fantastic 3 hour lake drive in the opposite direction and take the cheap 1 hour and 40 minutes flight to Mendoza. Option 2 - 18 hour bus trip with a change of buses for the same price. Option 3 fly via Buenos Aires which takes over twice as long and costs 3 to 4 times as much. Your flight should arrive around 5.30 pm, just in time to check in and then head out to explore the town. Check out the wineries and relax in the hot springs later. They have pools of varying temperatures, saunas, mud baths and a pretty good buffet lunch. Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow spent some time here when he was filming Seven Years in Tibet. Lots of plazas, cafes, restaurants and bars. And wine of course. Everyone loves Mendoza!
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If you want to see the north of Argentina you could switch to Mendoza in the northern trip here.
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Stay in or near the Jaque Mate Hostel ** - close to Aristides Ave where the nightlife lives.
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Mendoza is famous for its wines and here are a few tasting options
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Mendoza Tours 2
Go to Mendoza Tours 1
Cordoba - 2n
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It's a 10 hour bus trip to the next stop. The Che trail continues in Cordoba where he lived in the nearby town of Alta Gracia (museum and house where he spent 11 years of his childhood). The bus will be the best way to get here unless they've finally built the high speed rail line. Relax over brunch and long lunches at Plaza San Martin. This is Argentina's second largest city and is a mix of the old and the new. The Museo de la Memoria will educate you about the goings on of "the Dirty War". There is a good nightlife here and plenty to see and do.
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Stay in or near the 531 Hostel - which is 150 metres from Plaza San Martin , 100 metres from the Central Market and 450 metres from the bus terminal
buenos aires - 1n
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Last stop will be Buenos Aires on your way home. Depending on your flight time it might be easier to have one last night in the big city to celebrate a memorable trip. You can take a train but the bus is much quicker. Unless of course they've got around to finishing that high speed version. Or you could fly and match up with your flight home. Flights are good value here and you could probably use them a bit more. But you want to see some of the countryside and not fly over everything. Don't you?
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If you are here in February and have some time and money up your sleeve you might want to think about hopping over to Easter Island for the amazing Tapati Festival. It's one of a kind and will be an enduring memory.
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