As the world’s eighth largest country, Argentina covers a vast expanse of the southern portion of South America. Within its borders are all types of terrain, including deserts, open plains, tundra, forests, mountains, rivers and beaches. Because of its easy access to these different types of environments, there are a lot of options for things to do in Argentina. This is especially true if you’re interested in the outdoors and nature tourism. It’s also true if you’re a wine tourist! Here are 4 things to do if you’re traveling to Argentina.
Tour Buenos Aires
Even if you are not visiting Argentina to see its capital city, you should make a special day trip over to experience “The Paris of South America.” In fact, we could do a whole article on things to do just in this city, which means you won’t fit it all into a day trip, but you’ll get the gist of it. This city is known for its museums and dancing. There are more museums than you can count and hundreds of art galleries and theaters. If you’re short on time, make sure to at least visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, the Museo Historico Nacional, and the Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art.
Next, you’ll want to make it to a tango show while you’re in town. There are a few well-known places you can go for this. Check out La Catedral Club, located at Sarmiento 4006, which specializes in milongas-style tango, Esquina Carlos Gardel, and/or Maldita & Bendita, which holds classes for beginners starting at 9pm if you want to get involved yourself!
Finally, walk down the Avenida Corrientes, the “street that never sleeps,” to get a good view of the city happening around you. Walking tours are hosted there so that you can peruse the area.
Visit Iguazú Falls
These falls are considered one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, and visiting Argentina without making a stop to see them would mean really missing out! The waterfalls are situated in Iguazú National Park, in the north province of the country, bordering Brazil. You can visit them from either side of the border. There are more than 270 falls, and the area is structured with cliffs and there are islets scattered around. The falls span nearly 2 miles wide, so there are falls as far as the eye can see from some viewpoints. Even the first Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was said to have been in awe when she visited, rumored to have said, “Poor Niagara,” when looking out at them. Tourists can walk along the upper or lower paths, or even take a train around the falls to capture the jaw-dropping views.
Boat or Trek around the Glaciar Perito Moreno
Located in the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, the giant Glaciar Perito Moreno covers about 121 square miles, rising an average of 240 feet above the water. It is part of an ice field that reaches over in Chile, and it is the third largest reserve of freshwater in the world.
While there are viewing platforms all around, it is more fun for some to take the 45-minute boat ride around the base. There are also trekking tours that will take you out over the ice itself, which is still growing by 2m each day! If you sit and watch long enough, you may even get to witness a large ice chunk or two breaking off into the water. The roar it makes is massive, and there’s nothing quite like it. This visit should top your list of things to do in Argentina.
Go Wine Tasting
Argentina is famous for its wine, and if you head to its wine regions, you’re likely to be able to visit several wineries in just one day. Head to Mendoza for the Malbec and San Juan for the Syrah! If you really want to get a good feel for the Argentine wines, head to Maipú, a small town near Mendoza. It is packed with both wineries and olive oil farms and you can schedule tours through any of the vineyards. Some companies in Maipú even offer electric scooter and bike rentals so that you can cruise around at your own leisure, visiting any of the gourmet businesses you choose. Just remember it can be hard to lug around your purchases that way! There is no shortage of things to do in Argentina if you are an enthusiastic wine tourist!
Things to do in Argentina
Whether you are just visiting or scoping out your future home away from home, there is so much to do in this vast country. Make sure to include each of these items when planning your itinerary!
