Mendoza, Argentina is renowned throughout the world for its wine. But there's more to this beautiful region, located at the edge of the Andes, than sipping and swirling. Go sightseeing in the city, soak in thermal pools, bike through the vineyards, or venture to Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the western hemisphere.
Argentina is ripe for exploration. After you've seen the big cities and major highlights, get off the beaten path and explore its lesser-known yet equally interesting sights — from wildlife-rich wetlands and penguin colonies to giant salt flats and the remains of dinosaurs. Here are some suggestions on where to go when avoiding the crowds.
Tucked away at the end of the world, Argentina has something for everyone. For outdoor enthusiasts, there's horseback riding in gaucho country and sailing in the Strait of Magellan; for history lovers and literary travelers, there's tango in Buenos Aires and Jesuit missions in the mountains. For foodies and wine drinkers, well—where should we begin? Read on for the top 10 regions to explore on your trip to Argentina.
When is the best time to visit Argentina? It depends on what you want to do. Winter is for skiing and visiting the Northwest, summer is for hitting Patagonia's trails, and the shoulder seasons of spring and fall are beautiful in Buenos Aires (and almost everywhere else!).
With 10 to 14 days in Argentina, you can spend time getting to know two main regions, plus Buenos Aires, one of the world's great cities. Hear the mammoth Iguazú Falls roar in the north, or visit the western city of Mendoza—ground zero for wine lovers. Those with more time should consider spending much of it in the wilds of Patagonia, and those with less than a week should stick to the capital and surrounds.
January is the middle of summer in Argentina and Brazil. Temperatures soar into the high 90s and you’ll have to contend with crowds of visitors from all over the world, but it’s still a good time to see the falls—and their spray of water helps keep you cool on the hottest days. Find out what to expect and which activities to try in this monthly guide.
March is a great time to visit Iguazú: crowds have thinned out after the summertime rush, but the river level is high, making the waterfalls look especially dramatic. Whether you want to go on a boating adventure, spot exotic butterflies, or hike in the park after dark, learn more with this monthly guide on what to expect at this time of year.
November is a gorgeous month to visit Argentina. Buenos Aires is perfect for sightseeing, Patagonia finally blooms into spring, and the beach resorts open for business. It's an excellent time to visit the hot spots while the crowds and high prices are still a month away. Read this monthly guide to learn more.
In the shadow of one of the most spectacular stretches of the Andes, El Chaltén is the undisputed trekking capital of Argentina. This guide will help you plan your trip and find the best that this Patagonian town has to offer.
For most travelers, 7 to 10 days is the perfect amount of time for a Argentina trip with stops in both Buenos Aires and Mendoza. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in 5 or 6 days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Iguazu Falls, Salta, or Santiago. Get inspired with our Buenos Aires and Mendoza trip ideas below.