Argentina holidays
Argentina holidays at a glance
Most trips begin in Buenos Aires, one of the world’s great cities. We’ll wander the colourful barrios of La Boca and San Telmo, visit the ornate Recoleta Cemetery where Eva Perón is buried, and end the night at a parrilla with a thick-cut steak and a glass of Malbec.
Beyond the capital, the landscapes open out, from the Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park to the red-rock canyons around Salta and the glacial lakes of the lake district.
Mendoza is the heartland of Malbec, and we’ll take you through the vineyards with the Andes filling the horizon. Out on the pampas, you can ride with gauchos and eat asado under huge skies.
Our Argentina holidays take you across a country that runs from the subtropics to the sub-Antarctic. The eighth-largest country in the world, it has the Andes down its western border and an extraordinary range of landscapes in between, from cosmopolitan Buenos Aires and the thundering Iguazú Falls to the wild steppe of Patagonia and some of the finest wine regions on earth.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Argentina
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
“Don’t try to see all of Argentina in two weeks. Pick two or three regions and give yourself time to enjoy them. And whatever you do, don’t skip Buenos Aires. Give it at least three nights.”
When to visit Argentina
Wondering when is the best time of year to go to Argentina? Explore our in-depth guide to the weather in Argentina by seasons, as well as wildlife spectacles and cultural events throughout the year.
Summer is peak season in Patagonia and the Lake District, with long days and the warmest temperatures for trekking and glacier visits. Buenos Aires can be hot and humid, so book ahead and expect the south to be busy.
Autumn brings harvest season in Mendoza, golden foliage in the Lake District and quieter, milder conditions across the south, one of the loveliest times to travel.
Winter suits Buenos Aires and the northwest, with skiing around Bariloche and the city’s tango festival in August. It’s also the start of the whale season at Península Valdés.
Spring is excellent for wildlife, as Magellanic penguins return to the coast and the jacarandas bloom purple across Buenos Aires. Iguazú Falls can be visited year- round, though autumn brings pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
Places to visit in Argentina
Argentina’s sheer size means it pays to focus your trip rather than try to see everything at once. Most holidays pair Buenos Aires with two or three regions, linked by short domestic flights. Here’s where we recommend spending your time on a holiday in Argentina.
Buenos Aires
Discover Argentina’s elegant and energetic capital, where grand European-style architecture, vibrant neighbourhoods, world-class cuisine and the passion of tango come together to create one of South America’s most captivating cities. Dynamic, stylish and nostalgic in equal measure, Buenos Aires is a destination worthy of a trip in its own right.
Stand on the boardwalks as house-sized blocks of ice crack from the Perito Moreno glacier, strap on crampons to walk on the ice itself, and cruise Lago Argentino past floating bergs to the glaciers beyond. Gateway to Argentina’s greatest ice fields, El Calafate is where Patagonia turns blue and white.
Iguazu Falls – Argentinian side
Walk the spray-soaked catwalks that carry you out over the falls, take the ecological train through the jungle to the Devil’s Throat and ride a speedboat into the base of the cascades. The Argentinian side of Iguazú puts you closer to the water than anywhere else, deep inside the national park and its wildlife-rich forest.
Top Things to do in Argentina
Argentina is built for the outdoors and for culture in equal measure. From glacier boat trips and wine tastings to tango lessons and estancia stays, here’s what we recommend for your Argentina trip.
Don’t miss the chance to see the passionate tango performed live in Buenos Aires’ most atmospheric quarter.
Visit the Andean Mendoza region in western Argentina to discover the heartland of celebrated Malbec wines.
Admire a true marvel of nature from panoramic viewing platforms and up close on a short lake cruise.
Accommodation in Argentina
We hand-pick every property for character, location and quality. In Buenos Aires we book around Palermo, San Telmo and Recoleta, close to the best restaurants and nightlife. In Patagonia we choose hotels and estancias inside or beside the national parks, so you’re on the trail before the day visitors arrive. In Mendoza, small wine-estate guesthouses put you among the vineyards.
Awasi Iguazú is a first class superior lodge offering exclusive, personalised guided adventures from luxury accommodation.
Awasi Patagonia is a luxurious lodge overlooking Torres del Paine National Park offering exclusivity and private guided explorations.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Holidays to Argentina
From unforgettable landscapes and rich wildlife to vibrant cultures and fascinating history, our Argentina holidays reveal the many sides of this captivating destination. With expert planning and first-hand knowledge, we’ll help you experience the highlights as well as the places that make Argentina truly special.
Group Argentina Tours
Our group tours follow expertly designed, well-planned routes with an experienced local guide throughout. Prefer to keep it to your own party? Book the same trips privately for four or more.
Charito: Pure Patagonia
Places visited: Santiago and the vineyards · Chilean Lake District (south) · Torres del Paine National Park · El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park · Buenos Aires
12 days from £3,685
Gaucho: Vintage Argentina
Places visited: Santiago and the vineyards · Mendoza and the vineyards · Salta · Iguazu Falls – Argentinian side · Buenos Aires
12 days from £3,791
Lapwing: Patagonian Odyssey
Places visited: Santiago and the vineyards · Torres del Paine National Park · El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park · Tierra del Fuego · Buenos Aires
14 days from £6,673
Tailor-Made Argentina Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Active Argentina: Walking in Patagonia
Places visited: Buenos Aires · Argentinian lake district · El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park · El Chalten and the Fitz Roy Massif · Tierra del Fuego
15 days from £4,800
Argentina Wildlife: Tropical wetlands and Patagonia
Places visited: Buenos Aires · Ibera wetlands · Valdes Peninsula and Atlantic Patagonia
12 days from £7,600
Luxury Argentina: Vineyards, glaciers and gauchos
Places visited: Buenos Aires · The Pampas · Mendoza and the vineyards · El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park
13 days from £11,600
FAQs about visiting Argentina
Argentina is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- Do I need a visa to visit Argentina?
British passport holders don’t need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the start of your trip. If you’re routing through the US, you’ll need an ESTA in advance. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel, as rules can change.
- How do I get to Argentina from the UK?
British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow to Buenos Aires in about 13.5 hours. There are also connecting routes via Madrid, São Paulo and other hubs, taking roughly 16 to 17 hours depending on the routing. We arrange all flights and transfers, and can quote them separately based on your dates.
- What’s the best way to travel around Argentina?
The country’s size makes domestic flights the most practical way to cover long distances, and most routes connect through Buenos Aires. Within regions, we arrange private transfers and guided excursions, while self-driving works well in the Lake District, Mendoza and parts of Patagonia, where the roads are good, and the scenery is spectacular.
- What currency does Argentina use?
The official currency is the Argentine peso. US dollars are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, and it’s worth carrying some. ATMs are available in cities and larger towns but can have low withdrawal limits, and credit cards are taken in hotels and restaurants in the main destinations. We’ll advise on the latest currency situation before you travel.
- How long should I spend in Argentina?
Two weeks works well for a first trip, pairing Buenos Aires with Iguazú and Patagonia, or with Mendoza and the lake district. To go further and add the northwest, Península Valdés or an estancia stay, allow three weeks or more. We’ll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.
- What language is spoken in Argentina?
Spanish is the official language, spoken with a distinctive Argentine accent and plenty of Italian influence. English is widely spoken in hotels and tourist areas, less so beyond them, so a few basic Spanish phrases go a long way.
- Is Argentina safe for travellers?
Argentina is generally safe for visitors, especially in the main tourist areas. As in any large city, take sensible precautions in Buenos Aires: keep an eye on your surroundings, avoid flashy valuables, and use licensed taxis or ride apps. Our Travel Experts will advise on anything specific to the regions you’re visiting.
- What can I combine with Argentina?
Argentina pairs naturally with Chile, crossing the Andes from Mendoza, taking the lake crossing from Bariloche or linking a Patagonia trip across both countries. Brazil is a popular add-on to Iguazú Falls; Uruguay is a short ferry ride from Buenos Aires; and Peru pairs well with a broader South America itinerary. Our Travel Experts can design a multi-country trip around you.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.
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