Argentina Holidays 2024 / 2025

Why visit Argentina with Original Travel ?

We’ll tailor every detail of your Argentina holiday to suit you, whether you’d rather tour Buenos Aires in a classic car or visit an authentic milonga with a local tango teacher. When it comes to accommodation, options can range from learning about gauchos at a sprawling estancia to chilling out at a colonial-era hacienda. On the ground, our excellent guides will unveil their city’s secrets and our fantastic in-country Concierges are always on hand to secure the best exchange rates or recommend their favourite haunts. So, whether you're on a family holiday or action-packed road trip, we've got you covered.

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Travel to Argentina by Region

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires holidays will have you instantly hooked on Argentina. With its architectural blend of colonial era, art deco and contemporary design, you can experience the two influences that make this city’s character - old European charm alongside the fiery passion of Latin America. Get lost in the streets of downtown Buenos Aires - often referred to as Microcentro - with its many leather stores, and stalls selling specialist tango shoes (essential for all of the moves you’ll be showing off when you get home). For a shot of culture, spend time in the city's distinct districts, known as barrios, each closely reflecting the immigrant groups that arrived in the country towards the end of the nineteenth century. The barrio of San Telmo is the oldest in the city, where you can wander cobbled streets, grab a coffee, browse for antiques or tiptoe into a tango salon. Next it’s off to the artsy barrio of La Boca where you can really feel the European influence, especially of its early Italian settlers. Brightly painted houses and huge murals created by local street artists will guide you from steakhouse to gallery to cafe; the area is an absolute must for anyone on holiday in Buenos Aires. Experience the modern Buenos Aires in Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood with their excellent shopping in concept stores and designer boutiques, stop by one of the mansions that have been transformed into lounges, or simply sit and watch the world go by.

Cordoba & Central Sierra

A short flight north-west of Buenos Aires into the geographical centre of Argentina is the large but pleasant city of Cordoba, capital of the province of the same name. A key attraction on Cordoba holidays is the city's gorgeous setting, at the foot of the 'Sierras Chicas' - the rolling hills or 'little mountains' of the central part of the country, and its temperate climate. Culture vultures should note the city is home to the country's oldest university, founded by the Jesuits in the early 1600s, and to beautifully preserved colonial architecture. The city's large student population means Cordoba has a fun, lively atmosphere. Between the pancake-flat pampas and the Andean spine that divides Argentina and Chile, Cordoba province is gaucho territory too, although the horsemen and cattle-herders here have very different terrain to deal with from their pampa or Patagonia counterparts. We can arrange stays at beautiful estancias where you can ride out with gauchos.

Iguacu Falls & the Ibera Wetlands

Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil meet where the Iguazu River joins the Parana River at the very tip of the north-eastern province of Argentina called Misiones. It is here that the Iguazu Falls (Big Water in the local Guaraní language) plunges over hard granite into a wide gorge in a series of gigantic waterfalls two miles in length and more than 240ft below. The sound of the thunderous roar of crashing water and the sight of the multi-coloured mist which rises above the falls combine to make an Iguazu Falls holiday an unforgettable experience. Further south, in the Corrientes province, the marshland region known as the Ibera Wetlands - or Esteros del Ibera - is utterly unspoilt and a haven for birding, riding safaris, walking and wildlife. Made up of lagoons, marshlands, and pools, and hugely rich in flora and fauna, the area is a game reserve similar to the Pantanal in Brazil and scenically reminiscent of Botswana's Okavango Delta. Wildlife here includes hundreds of capybara, wild boar, caiman, marsh deer, anteaters, fox, otters and howler monkeys and thousands of bird species.

North West Argentina

From the very cold high Andes to the sub-tropical jungle, with mountains and fertile sun-drenched valleys in between, North West Argentina holidays really do have it all... minus hordes of visitors, as it has been slow to establish itself on the tourist trail. The city of Salta was founded in 1582 and still has a distinct Hispanic character with its colonial houses and churches surrounded by hills. An attractive place for a luxury holiday in its own right, with several delightful boutique hotels, appealing bars and restaurants around its main square, and panoramic views from Saint Bernard Hill, it is also the base for explorations into the surrounding area. Northwards lies the Humahuaca Gorge and the pretty village of Purmamarca, with its famous Hills of Seven Colours. Several hours' drive south of Salta through spectacular gorges and valleys is the town of Cafayate, located in an area renowned for its wine production. Claiming to be some of the highest vineyards in the world, at over 6,000ft above seal level, the wineries benefit from strong sunshine and big differences in day and night temperatures, producing outstanding results which you must sample while there, although the majority is produced for export. En-route between Salta and Cafayate, you will pass through spectacular Andean scenery such as the Quebrada (gorge) de Las Conchas, with colourful and unusual sandstone rock formations; part desert, part lunar.

Northern Patagonia

Sitting pretty at the foot of the Andes in the Rio Negro province, at the heart of the Argentinian Lake District, lies the pretty town of San Carlos de Bariloche, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. As the name suggests, the Lake District in Northern Patagonia - which stretches across the mountains into the mirror image in Chile - is a land of sparkling bodies of blue water, with a backdrop of snow-dusted volcanoes and, dependent on the season, carpets of wildflowers completing the picture. This is a gentle entree into Northern Patagonia holidays; sunny, picturesque and ideal for gentle walks and taking photographs from the many panoramic viewpoints atop hills and volcanoes. In winter, this is good skiing territory, with Cerro Catedral one of the country's top resorts.

Peninsula Valdes & the Atlantic Coast

Have you ever seen that extraordinary footage of killer whales sliding up the shore to catch sea lion pups, narrated by David Attenborough in the BBC's 'Trials of Life' series? That was all filmed on the dramatic Peninsula Valdes in Patagonia, a very justified member of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Southern Patagonia

Southern Patagonia is a vast region of grassland steppe, forests, mountains, ice fields and vivid-coloured glacial lakes. While on a Southern Patagonia holiday you'll see some of the most dramatic scenery in the world that's also rich with wildlife. Picture yourself on a map when you're here and you realise how far south you are; indeed, the southernmost city in the world; Ushuaia, sits at the very southern tip of Argentinian Patagonia, after which the landmass gives way until the start of the mighty Antarctic White Continent.

Tierra del Fuego

You might think that a place that translates as 'The Land of Fire', and which is the southernmost habitable place on Earth (unless you're an emperor penguin or climate scientist), might be a less than appetising place to visit and hang out. Well, if you're an agoraphobic with a sense of adventure bypass, then Tierra del Fuego holidays might not be for you, but for anyone with even a remote interest in the great outdoors, it doesn't get much greater than this. Welcome to the end of the world.

Argentina Travel Advice & Information

Argentina Testimonials

5 reviews

4.4 / 5

"Our Argentine experience was great, thank you for all your hard work. Buenos Aires was an amazing city, we had a wonderful guide and the Tango, I know a bit of a tourist trap, but it was terrific. We were most impressed by the level of professionalism. Both hotels were perfect. Glacier was also simply perfect. "

Daniel - London
Published on 8th November 2018

"As always nothing is too small a detail to be ignored by your staff… this leads to a carefree perfect break. Not a worry anywhere along, all the plans either came together or were bettered."

Andy - Norwich
Published on 6th July 2018

"We all had an amazing trip - Argentina is a beautiful country and we all had plenty to do. It was good that we kept moving every 3-4 days as there is alot to see! All in all we had the most wonderful holiday with a perfect combination of action and relaxation all in order."

Sheridan - Buckinghamshire
Published on 9th January 2020

See all Argentina reviews

Useful information for your Argentina holiday

What can I experience in Argentina?

Towering mountains, icy glaciers, powerful waterfalls and temperate lowlands that stretch for miles are all part of the fabric of Argentina, attracting adventure-loving travellers from across the globe. From the Pampas region to Patagonia, if you love to explore the great outdoors while on your holiday, you’ll never want to leave.

When you’re craving a break from walking, you can explore the bustling city streets of Buenos Aires, learn to tango or simply enjoy a glass of wine from the Mendoza region, perhaps paired with famous Argentine beef. Or, if you want to stay outdoors but take things at a more leisurely pace, head into the historic gaucho country and explore on horseback.

You can even technically visit Antarctica – Argentina owns a small part of the northernmost tip, and you can fly there from Buenos Aires.

What are the most beautiful places to visit in Argentina?

The widespread natural beauty in Argentina means there’s plenty of scenic places to snap across the country. One of the most famous is Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site of exceptional natural beauty, including soaring peaks and icy blue glacier lakes. Or, visit the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls, where 450,000 cubic feet of water bursts over 275 individual cascades on the border of Argentina and Brazil.

There’s plenty of beauty in the urban architecture too. Salta boasts some incredible colonial architecture, while Córdoba is famous for its cathedral, built in the Moorish style – the towering arches and coloured stone are a must-see for anyone visiting Argentina.

What is Argentina famous for?

Globally, Argentina is perhaps most famous for its culinary delights – particularly beef and wine. The cows are fed on a diet of grass and grain, and farmers don’t use artificial hormones or antibiotics, resulting in a superior taste thanks to their free range lifestyle. The wine is equally renowned, owing to the country’s mountainous geography, with Malbec as the most popular variety.

Argentina is also home to the tango, a dance style that originated here in the 1880s. Make sure to catch a performance if you’re in Buenos Aires – or maybe even take to the floor yourself.

From a sport perspective, football fans can delight, as the game is incredibly popular in Argentina. In fact, Buenos Aires alone has 19 football stadiums – the most in one city in the world. Some of the game’s most iconic players have hailed from these shores, including Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona.

How big is Argentina?

The second-largest country in South America and the eighth-largest in the world, Argentina spans over 1.07 million square miles. Its elongated shape is bordered by Chile to the west, Uruguay to the north-east, and Paraguay and Bolivia to the north. The terrain is hugely varied, changing from 344ft below sea level to 22,000ft above it.

How long should I spend in Argentina?

To see everything in Argentina, you’d have to spend months there – a luxury most of us don’t have. So, it’s important to pick the parts that interest you the most, and then plan some return visits. If you’re able to, 24 days can give you a chance to see some of the biggest highlights of the country, but as little as ten days can give you a taste for this South American jewel.

Given the flight time from the UK, an average visit of two weeks is usually best to make the most of your trip.

When is the best time to visit Argentina?

The best time to visit Argentina is usually between November and March, although this varies depending on the specific region you’d like to visit. The northernmost regions tend to be the warmest, while the more southern areas can be hit by the subarctic climate – defined by long, cold winters and short, warm summers. As the country is in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to the UK, making it a great choice for some winter sun.

What is the time difference between Argentina and the UK?

Argentina uses Argentina Standard Time, which is GMT-3. While it technically falls into the same zone as western Brazil, which is GMT-4, it retains GMT-3 as a result of using daylight saving time in the 1930s, and never changing back.

What currency does Argentina use?

The primary currency in Argentina is the peso, with euros and US dollars accepted in some places, but for a poor exchange rate. Some tourist spots, such as national parks, will only accept pesos, so it’s best to withdraw some cash when you arrive. Cards are widely accepted.

What plugs are used in Argentina?

The most common plug types used in Argentina are type C and type I, so you’ll need to carry an adaptor with you. The voltage is slightly lower than the UK, at 220 volts.

What language is spoken in Argentina?

Technically, the official language of Argentina is Spanish – but it’s not quite the same as mainland Spanish. Argentinians tend to use Rioplatense Spanish, which uses different intonation, as well as some different words and grammatical structures. However, if you’re well-versed in Spanish already, this will be more than fine for your holiday. Additionally, many people speak English.

Where can I find the latest travel advice for Argentina?

The latest travel advice for Argentina can be found on the UK Government website.

How long does it take to fly to Argentina from the UK?

Because of the vast size of Argentina, flight times depend on your destination, but range from around 15 and a half hours to 23 hours, with at least one stop on the way. Some common airports include:

Buenos Aires (generally 15 hours 40 minutes from London)
Mendoza (17 hours 35 minutes)
Salta (23 hours 15 minutes)
Ushuaia (22 hours 40 minutes)
Córdoba (17 hours 55 minutes)

Do I need a visa to visit Argentina?

Holidaymakers with a British passport are able to visit Argentina for up to 90 days without a visa.

What are the passport requirements for Argentina?

Your passport simply needs to be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Argentina.

Do I need vaccinations to visit Argentina?

There are no official requirements for any vaccinations when visiting Argentina. However, the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is recommended, as is diphtheria-tetanus-polio. Depending on where you’ll be visiting, you may also want to consider vaccination against yellow fever, as there is some level of risk in Argentina.

What can you find in Argentina that you won’t find elsewhere?

Nowhere else will you find such vast cultural and geographical diversity contained within one country than on an Argentina holiday. The northwest’s vivid red and ochre mountains are the backdrop to a rich indigenous culture and seductively crumbling colonial cities, while in the north east, the Guarani people - and a seemingly infinite number of birds - inhabit the lush rainforest surrounding the incredible Iguazu Falls which tumble down between Argentina and Brazil. In the great romantic sprawl of Buenos Aires, real tango can be found alive and kicking in packed milongas. And even Patagonia has its extremes: from the wine-growing north, and the snow-capped jagged mountains in the middle, descending through forest into vivid blue and green lakes, to the epic glaciers of the south. Gaze out over the end of the world from Ushuaia on the 'Land of Fire', Tierra del Fuego, before getting up close to penguins, seals and whales on the Atlantic coast. Probably the best steak in the world can be eaten here, together with a very fine Malbec, a grape variety Argentinian winemakers have taken to new heights. Those friendly Argentines will inevitably invite you to drink mate, the national drink beloved of gauchos (and once Che Guevara).

Who are Argentina holidays best for?

Lovers of nightlife, Buenos Aires is for you. It is a city whose heart beats to the rhythm of tango. Dinner starts at ten, no one heads out before midnight, and the chic bars of Palermo are thrumming till dawn.

Adventurers will love to scale many of the mountains in the Andes, from Aconcagua to more modest peaks near Bariloche, from which the views are nevertheless heart-stopping. Riders should saddle up to the Patagonian steppe, or Cordoba, for breath-taking rides and unparalleled hospitality, while anyone keen to see whales cavort next to their boat should head straight for Peninsula Valdes in Patagonia. Perito Moreno glacier, one of Argentina’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is frankly awe-inspiring for anyone.

Wine lovers should travel to Mendoza, the heart of the Argentinian wine industry and known for producing fantastic Malbec wine. Stay either in the city of Mendoza itself, or in the foothills of the Andes mountains to explore the region’s high-altitude vineyards. Spend an afternoon sampling the best wines on offer, before stocking up on a few bottles to bring home with you.

What are the best ways to discover Argentina?

Argentina is immense. You’d need a lifetime to do it justice. So on your Argentina holiday, concentrate on one or two areas that really sing to you, and give them enough time to go deeper. Families will love the jungle life and giant butterflies around Iguazu, or the excitement of hiking the peaks in no less than four national parks in the Lake District. Buenos Aires makes a romantic place to start for couples, with chic boutique hotels galore, before touring Mendoza’s wineries or trekking out together on the ancient glacier near El Calafate. If culture’s your thing, head north west to Salta, and up the Quebrada to Purmamarca. Even in the extreme wilderness, expect a warm Argentinian welcome.

Best Time to Visit Argentina

Given the sheer size of Argentina (it is the eighth largest country in the world), the best time to visit depends on which area of the country you are wanting to explore. Situated in the southern hemisphere, Argentina’s seasons are opposite to ours here in the UK, meaning our autumn and winter is a great time to explore cities such as Buenos Aires, to enjoy the balmy spring and summer weather. Head to our Best time to visit Argentina page for more.

Special things to do in Argentina

Take tango lessons in Buenos Aires from a pro.
Stay on a grand Pampas estancia and learn to ride, gaucho style.
Get away from absolutely everything in the spectacular landscapes of southern Patagonia and stay in a wonderful wilderness hotel.

Where to go in Argentina?

South America's second-largest country (after Brazil) has a wealth of stunning scenery to enjoy on a luxury holiday, from the sub-Antarctic regions of Patagonia in the south to sub-tropical jungle in the north. In the west, the impressive Andes (home to the highest peak in the western hemisphere, Mount Aconcagua) run the length of the country and form a natural frontier with neighbouring Chile. The centre of Argentina is dominated by the Pampas – vast, fertile grasslands – and is also home to cultural and fun Cordoba (Argentina’s second city), and the country’s ever more impressive winelands in Mendoza. Finally, cosmopolitan Buenos Aires is a passionate and lively city to visit while enjoying a luxury holiday – it’s a melting pot of people from Europe and Latin America. And speaking of passion, Argentina is one of the Original Travel team’s favourite places, and we know it intimately.

Argentina hosts contrasting landscapes from the vibrancy and colour of Buenos Aires to the cool magnificent glaciers of Patagonia. Buenos Aires is a particular luxury holiday favourite of ours, if not for the opportunities to dabble in some tango dancing but for its historic heritage and contrasting modern docks. The pampas are the fertile plains that house great ranches, otherwise known as estancias, for horse riding and immersing yourself in endless Argentinean countryside, you can go on a long ride and not even see another soul – bliss.

If there is an epic photo opportunity to be had, however, it’s of the Iguazu Falls, where Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil meet. Mendoza, at the foothills of the Andes, is home to some of South America’s finest wine, and a tour round the vineyards is a must. However, what makes Argentina that much more attractive as a luxury holiday destination is its wildlife. There’s Magellanic penguins in the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, whales and seals along the Peninsula Valdes and more incredible wildlife in the Ibera wetlands, from anteaters and monkeys to caiman.

There is so much to see and do on an Argentina holiday that one visit may not suffice, yet with a little help from us we can tailor make a trip of a lifetime.

Why read a review online when you can talk to someone at Original Travel who has visited all the latest chic hotels in BA's Palermo district or can advise on where to try your hand at polo? Our Latin America team have the inside track on all the best places to go and things to see on a luxury holiday to Argentina.

Argentina Holidays

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Why visit Argentina with Original Travel ?

A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Argentina

Travel to Argentina by Region

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Argentina Guide

Argentina Testimonials

Our Argentina specialists

Useful information for your Argentina holiday

What can I experience in Argentina?

What are the most beautiful places to visit in Argentina?

Argentina holidays in more detail

What can you find in Argentina that you won’t find elsewhere?

Who are Argentina holidays best for?

What are the best ways to discover Argentina?

Best Time to Visit Argentina

Special things to do in Argentina

Where to go in Argentina?

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