Here's a small taste of my favourite experiences exploring the heart of Argentina, and why I choose to specialise in travel through Argentina and South America.
I absolutely love Argentina for its sheer diversity; it feels like an entire continent wrapped into one country. There’s something incredibly special about how it blends wild, untamed landscapes with vibrant cities full of life and culture. One moment, you’re hiking through the icy glaciers and jagged peaks of Patagonia, feeling completely dwarfed by nature, another day you're exploring the colourful rock formations and indigenous culture in Salta and Jujuy, and the next, you’re sipping Malbec in Mendoza’s sun-drenched vineyards or dancing the tango in a hidden Buenos Aires milonga. It’s this constant contrast that makes it so special.
Buenos Aires is a highlight, with its seductive tango, cafe culture, and lively neighbourhoods like San Telmo and Palermo, but I love encouraging travellers to go beyond the capital. There’s so much more, like the wetlands of Ibera for wildlife, the vineyards of Cafayate, or even exploring Patagonia’s Chubut province with its surprising Welsh heritage.
The food is simply unforgettable. There’s the legendary steak and Malbec, but I love diving deeper, snacking on empanadas, tasting Patagonian lamb in the south, or booking a closed-door dining experience in Buenos Aires, where local chefs host intimate dinners in their homes. And there’s sharing mate (a tea-like beverage) with locals. It’s more than a drink, it’s actually a cultural ritual.
Joining an asado (Argentine barbecue), learning how to properly share mate, or simply embracing the late-night dinners in Buenos Aires (where a 9 pm reservation is considered early!) are the little experiences that bring the destination to life.
Argentina’s wildlife is incredible, and I think it’s often overlooked as a wildlife destination. Whether it’s watching whales off Peninsula Valdes, spotting penguins in Ushuaia, or experiencing condors high above the Andes, the natural encounters are unforgettable.
When helping travellers plan their trip through Argentina, I always start by understanding their travel style and interests. Argentina is so diverse that it can cater to almost any kind of traveller.
Because Argentina is so vast, building a thoughtful itinerary is key. I usually recommend travellers either focus on a specific region or plan a north-to-south route, starting in Buenos Aires, heading up to Iguazu Falls, then west to Salta and Mendoza, before flying south to Patagonia. But I also stress the importance of not trying to do too much. Argentina is a country best experienced slowly, so focusing on two or three regions allows for a more immersive experience.
Timing is another crucial factor. Patagonia, for instance, is best visited from November to March when the weather is more favourable, while Mendoza is best in March during the grape harvest. The northwest, around Salta and Jujuy, is great year-round.
Beyond the well-known highlights, I encourage travellers to discover Argentina’s hidden gems. The painted hills of Quebrada de Humahuaca in the northwest are breathtaking, the Ibera Wetlands offer incredible wildlife experiences away from the crowds, and the Valdes Peninsula is teeming with marine life. Adding hands-on experiences also creates deeper connections, whether it’s a cooking class in Buenos Aires, blending your own wine in Mendoza, or spending a day with gauchos on a traditional estancia.
One thing I’m passionate about is promoting sustainable and responsible travel. I encourage travellers to visit community-run lodges, support indigenous markets, and choose wildlife experiences that prioritise conservation, like responsible whale-watching tours. I also advocate for slow travel, spending more time in fewer regions not only reduces environmental impact but also allows for a deeper, more meaningful connection with the place and its people.
Some of the practical tips I consider for a smoother experience are things like using internal flights to cover Argentina’s vast distances, carrying cash for smaller towns, and knowing that while tipping isn’t obligatory, it’s always appreciated in restaurants.
Argentina is a destination full of surprises, waiting to be discovered and loved. Why not let an expert guide you through the planning experience to best discover this beautiful country? I can help you with the best routing and book you unique experiences to suit your preferences so you can relax and enjoy it. Reach out if you're planning to visit Argentina!
