Visit the land of tango and the gauchos, of historical estancias, multi-coloured Andes mountains, deep blue lakes, and mighty glaciers. Bienvenidos a Argentina!
A few countries in the world hold such an iconic status in the heart of a traveller as Argentina does. Chances are, Argentina is on your bucket list already but you have never found the opportunity to plan a holiday, or you simply never know where to get started. Fear not, your wait is over, you can start planning today as Fleewinter adds Argentina to its collection of destinations!
From our Argentina expert Val: Argentina has it all and sums up the South American continent perfectly. Immense, jaw-dropping landscapes; remote regions; amazing wildlife; iconic cities, and an intoxicating culture. This is South America at its best and most mesmerising. This is a country I want to go back to over and over, and every time, it still surprises me, leaving me in awe of its beauty.
Buenos Aires will surpass your expectations. Do not hurry here, it is a city worthy of your time. On free days, explore on your own, do not follow a plan, get lost in its neighbourhoods and let the city’s beauty unfold naturally, organically.
On this particular day – pictured, I discovered a different side to La Boca, one made of local residents going about their daily life. I played footie with these children, and made some unforgettable acquaintances.
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The Andes are the ever-present giants of Argentina. No matter where you are, they are there, like a silent travel companion.
In Mendoza they create the perfect conditions for Argentina’s famous wineries, in the north they take on the colours of the rainbow, and in the south they adorn deep blue lakes, or are capped by majestic glaciers.
Take a moment when in their presence, to reconnect with yourself and nature.
Val’s top tips for Argentina
1. Go to a milonga in Buenos Aires
I would definitely recommend going to a milonga whilst in Buenos Aires. A professional tango show is a must but a milonga will provide a more authentic experience.
They are not open every night, so check before, and get ready for a night Porteño style!
2. Experience the gaucho life
Include a visit to an estancia either in the pampas near Buenos Aires or even better, in Patagonia.
Make sure to choose a working estancia, to immerse yourself in the real Argentina, its people and traditions. If you stay overnight, you can even try out the gaucho life yourself.
3. Drink mate
In Argentina everyone drinks mate. You will see people carrying the yerba mate, a flask with hot water, a gourd and a bombilla, and prepare this drink throughout the day no matter where they are!
You must try it whilst on holiday in Argentina, plus the gourd and bombilla make for wonderful souvenirs and presents.
4. Hike in Patagonia
Argentina’s Patagonia is a mesmerising place. It is an immense region, taking up a big part of the country, and although different areas have different highlights and landscapes, I always suggest to venture south to the glaciares region.
If you have time, spend a few nights in El Chalten after El Calafate, and hike to your heart’s content the many trails of the stunning Fitz Roy mountain range.
5. Take a cruise
This is no ordinary cruise, but a deep expedition through Patagonia’s fjords and remotest corners. The sole onboard entertainment is nature at its best and the promise of endless adventures.
This still ranks as one of my top travel experiences ever, and I cannot recommend it enough!
6. Go on a multi-country holiday
You can easily cross over to Chile by land in Patagonia and in the north, and Uruguay is only a short ferry ride from Buenos Aires. Or why not end your holiday on an idyllic Brazilian beach via Iguazu falls?
A trip to Argentina is a once in your life holiday, but combining it with one or more countries, is the ultimate indulgence.
Argentinians are very proud of their meat, and rightly so, it is truly exceptional. Cattle is free to roam the immense pampas of the country and they are grass-fed, resulting in a leaner and superior meat.
Experiencing an asado is not just about the food, but the convivial ceremony that goes with it. A snippet of real Argentine culture!
8. Watch a polo match
Did you know that polo is one of Britain’s biggest exports to Argentina? If you are in Buenos Aires during the polo season, going to see a match could be a wonderful way to experience a slice of Argentinian culture mixed with British heritage.
With the country’s esteemed and long tradition in the sport, you are in for a treat!
We have curated 16 itineraries to inspire you. From travelling with teenagers, to a solo holiday; from classic tours, to more off the beaten path journeys; there is plenty to get you started and inspired, and then let us do the rest.
View all our Argentina itineraries here, or check out our favourites below.
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We know Patagonia is on your bucket list, so treat yourself to a deep exploration encompassing the lakes in the north, and the glaciers and stunning mountain ranges of the south.
If the outdoors and inspiring landscapes is what makes you tick, start packing and get your camera on the ready!
A truly epic adventure to a lesser known region of Argentina! The north west is also full of history, and its landscapes are truly breathtaking.
If you are seeking an epic adventure, go on a self-driving journey, but if you are not so inclined, do not worry, we can add a driver so that you can sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.
Argentinians love the simple pleasures of life: food, wine, good weather, and to enjoy all this with the company of loved ones.
Find the Argentinian in you and go on a gastronomic journey, pairing wine with homemade food in the home of locals, and discovering pioneering high altitude wineries.
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Off the beaten path destinations…
Peninsula Valdes and the Ibera Wetlands might not pop into your mind when you think of Argentina, but they deserve a special mention. They are the country’s wildlife hotspots par excellence.
They are seasonal destinations and somewhat hard to get to, but the rewards are infinite! Find your inspiration here.
Calling all marine wildlife lovers. From August to mid December, this peninsula is home to an important breeding population of the endangered southern right whales.
Add one of the continent’s biggest Magellanic penguin colonies, sea lions, seals and orcas – in the right season – to create the most exhilarating holiday.
The Iberá is to Argentina what the Pantanal is to Brazil. These wetlands are smaller and less famous, thus providing a more intimate experience.
The region is undergoing ambitious re-wilding projects, to protect and reinstate endangered wildlife, and it is now Argentina’s largest protected area.
…and luxury boutique accommodation
There are so many accommodation choices in Argentina: from remote lodges and boutique hotels, to family owned estancias. We will hand pick the best for you, and here is a sneaky peak to some that really stand out for their own unique reasons.
This is the first Explora lodge in Argentina. It brings the same high accommodation standards and deep explorations that have made Explora a pioneer in Chile.
The best option if you want to get under the skin of the glaciares region.
Our favourite 5* hotel in Buenos Aires, a true icon of elegance and architecture in the Recoleta district.
A meticulously restored palace preserving many original features. The chocolate and macarons from their patisserie are a must try!
If you want to get lost in the peace, beauty, and remoteness of Patagonia, there is no better place than this estancia.
Retrace the steps of a family who, against all odds, made this corner of the world their home more than 80 years ago.
Do you want to hear the roar of the cascading water whilst falling asleep, and see the water sprays from your hotel room in the morning?
Gran Melia is the best hotel for waterfalls views, in a privileged location inside the National Park.
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This luxury lodge is in a wow setting, surrounded by 10k hectares of unspoilt Patagonian beauty.
It is great if you want to switch off and enjoy the peace that its remoteness brings, and is perfect if you love horse riding and amazing landscapes.
Owned and run by an Italian family who fell in love with Argentina, this finca is a true home from home,
Just outside of Salta in the north west, it is the perfect blend of sophistication, intimacy, and first class hospitality.
Get in touch with our expert Val to start planning your bespoke Argentina holiday!
“WHY I LOVE ARGENTINA” – Val
“Argentina is a country that has always allured me.
It is a land of icons: the tango; the wine; an elegant and captivating capital city; the friendliness of the people and their contagious love for life; the immensity of its landscapes and its natural beauty, which are breathtaking.
But there is something more special about Argentina. For me, it is that perfect blend of a South American culture with a little bit of Europe thrown in.
I feel comfortable and at home in the cities, and I find a reassuring sense of solitude and peace in the vastness of the landscapes.
For me Argentina is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever seen. There are so many highlights, more than any other place in the continent, so don’t expect to experience them all in one holiday.
This is a country you’ll want to go back to many times, just like I do!”
Email me to start planning your perfect Argentina holiday!
