View of a road across gentle grasslands towards huge snow- and glacier-capped peaks in Argentina.

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Why go to Argentina

From the beauty of natural wonders like the Iguazú Falls and the cultural riches of cities like Córdoba, to the famous wines of Mendoza and salt flats of the Salinas Grandes, an Argentina holiday is a spectacle for all the senses.

City breaks don’t come much better than Buenos Aires. Take in the national pastime with a football match at La Bombonera, wander the cobbled streets of San Telmo for a taste of days gone by and watch locals tango in one of the city’s charming cafés.

For outdoor adventure, saddle up with the gauchos on Las Pampas (the plains). Ride across the grasslands, sleep under the stars and eat asado barbecue next to the open fire. Or why not watch the enormous bergs of the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares as they creak their way across the continent’s largest icefield in Patagonia? Trek through the (almost) antarctic tundra or take your hiking books further north if you prefer your mountain climbs a little less glacial.

If it’s history you want, Argentina has no shortage of historic and spiritual sites. Learn more about the old world at the UNESCO-recognised San Ignacio Miní or the capital’s Catedral Metropolitana and iconic Casa Rosada.

Whether you want to immerse yourself in culture and history, marvel at the natural world or simply enjoy cosmopolitan city life, holidays to Argentina have it all.

Stretching over 3,800km (2,360 miles) down the tail of South America, Argentina is a vast, lush and diverse destination with a long history and a distinct culture shaped by South American, European and African influences. Plan your itinerary well and you can experience a great deal of what the country has to offer.

Food and drink

The list of must-try foods in Argentina is about as long as the country itself, but an asado is a great place to start. Find one of Buenos Aires’ best barbecue restaurants to sit beside the grill grazing on glorious meats. Pair it with a side of chimichurri for two local greats in one. To add to the authenticity, head out to gaucho country in the Pampas region to cook over the fire with locals.

If you’re a fan of the vino, head to Mendoza. Argentina’s largest wine region is undoubtedly the place to indulge yourself on earthy yet velvet-smooth malbec.

Hiking

Pack your walking boots because a holiday in Argentina is heaven for hikers. Sign up to a trail in the Andes, which ranges from arid deserts in the north to cold and frosty Patagonian trails further south. Book a stay in a mountain town to dip in for a day hike or camp overnight at refugios (mountain refuges), which can be found along trekking routes.

For treks that are hard to find anywhere else, head for the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. From imposing peaks to tranquil lakes and miles-long glaciers, the scenery here is as diverse as it is awe inspiring.

Dancing

In the home of the tango, there’s plenty of opportunity to bust a move or two. Head to Buenos Aires’ Maldita Milonga to test out your footwork with locals on the dancefloor. If you’d rather leave it to the experts, visit the Faena Hotel to sit in comfort and take in the legendary Rojo Tango show.

For a more contemporary boogie, head to the heart of the capital’s club scene, Niceto Vega in Palermo, for your pick of live music and late-night DJs.

Nature and wildlife

The natural world is on full and glorious display almost everywhere in Argentina. When you’re not trekking the Andes or being transfixed by glaciers, you can take in the crashing Iguazú Falls, get up close with capybaras in Parque Esteros del Iberá or ride the riverboats of the Paraná Delta.

Like the kind of creatures you can only find under the sea? Book a boat trip off the coast of Patagonia to spot marine life such as whales, dolphins and penguins.

History and culture

If you visit Argentina between February and July, grab the opportunity to experience one of the country’s primary passions – football! Take your pick between River Plate’s El Monumental and Boca Juniors’ La Bombonera stadiums for a boisterous match you’re unlikely to forget.

For an altogether different cultural experience, spend a few days with the gauchos of Pampas where you can learn to ride, eat, drink and sleep like a traditional Argentine cowboy.

When to go to Argentina

The best time to visit Argentina will depend on whether you want to explore the cities, trek the Andes or check out the glacial flows in the south. If you want the warmest weather and don’t mind crowds, visit during the peak summer season between December and January.

When is the cheapest time to visit?

The cheapest time to visit Argentina is outside the high season, between April and November. But if you plan to visit mid-winter, between June and September, be sure to pack a waterproof. Note that many smaller tourist towns effectively shut down during this time, so check before you book.

When should I go for the best weather?

If you want the warmest possible temperatures, visit in December and January. But for the perfect exploring weather (warm and dry), book a trip between September and October or March and June. During these times you can expect highs between 20C and 26C with little chance of rain.

For family holidays

If you’re a family of outdoor enthusiasts, head for the Lake District in the northwest of Patagonia. Here you can trek through enormous forests, around glacial lakes and in the foothills of extinct volcanoes. You’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in Switzerland at San Carlos de Bariloche, a great base for families exploring the region.

For a little more urban family time, you can’t beat Buenos Aires. The colourful barrios of La Boca and San Telmo are packed with steak houses, tango bars, cafes, markets and plenty more to keep all ages entertained.

For cheap holidays

Buenos Aires is a good option for cheap holidays in Argentina. Travel in the off-season and you’ll find plenty of affordable accommodation. To keep costs down even more, make the most of free tango shows, cheap eats (think empanadas) and free attractions, from museums and galleries to historic buildings and national parks.

Stay near the trails of Paso de Las Nubes in San Carlos de Bariloche for a bargain break in the great outdoors. Hike the surrounding trails for free and pitch up at the many campsites along the way for a cheap place to sleep.

For couples’ holidays

Argentina’s wine region, Mendoza, has all the makings of a perfect couples’ holiday – think stunning scenery, hot springs, mineral spa treatments, amazing restaurants and, of course, some of the world’s best wines.

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, Mendoza is also a great starting point for hikes in the foothills of the Andes. Whether you stay in Maipú, Lujan de Cuyo or the Uco Valley, you can take in the beautiful surroundings at your own pace before a massage and your choice of beauty treatments back at your luxurious resort.

For action and adventure

Adventure is abundant in Argentina. Book a stay near Iguazú Falls to spend your days trekking, climbing and kayaking your way around more than 250 waterfalls. Take a tour of the rainforest to spot monkeys, toucans and maybe a jaguar or two.

There’s plenty of action in Patagonia, too. Here you can climb gigantic glaciers at Parque Nacional Los Glaciares or wander the less precarious trails of Lago Lácar and the Lanín National Park. If you want to spot some rare wildlife, South America’s largest penguin colony can be found at Punta Tombo, also in Patagonia.

People want to know

FAQs

Do I need to have a visa to go to Argentina?

In most cases, no. UK citizens can visit Argentina as a tourist for up to three months without a visa.

Are there any local customs I need to be aware of?

Many regions of Argentina still engage in the custom of siesta. Don’t be surprised to see many closed businesses between midday and 4pm, particularly in the hotter months.

What travel adaptor do I need to take?

There are several types of sockets in use in Argentina, with Type I the most common, followed by Type C. It is advisable to pack a universal adaptor to make sure you can stay connected.

What’s the best way to travel around Argentina?

Argentina’s bus network stretches across most of the country and offers a cheap way to explore. If you want more freedom over where you travel, a hire car is the best option.

How long does it take to get to Argentina?

The direct flight time from London to Buenos Aires is approximately 13 hours 55 minutes. However, some major carriers include a short stopover in Sao Paulo, which extends the travel time to around 16 hours.