Just Back From… Argentina with Sophie

How did you get there?

I flew via São Paulo to Buenos Aires with LATAM. The transit in São Paulo was relatively smooth despite a few queues and it was a bonus arriving to the domestic airport in Buenos Aires as it meant a short transfer to the hotel.

Whereabouts did you go?

After a night in Buenos Aires, I flew to the North West of Argentina for a week, then to the wine region of Mendoza before ending on the coast in Welsh Patagonia.

Had you been before?

I’ve been to Argentina a number of times but it was my first time to Mendoza and Welsh Patagonia.

If so, any notable differences?

No notable differences although I was surprised by the state of the economy. The prices fluctuated even within the 2 weeks I was there by quite a bit! Great for tourists as prices are very low for us but not so great for locals.

Which was your favourite:

Place: I really liked northern Argentina and the areas around Salta – the scenery is so dramatic especially the salt flats in the far north.

Hotel: Cavas Wine lodge in Mendoza. This place has the wow factor and I loved it – service is impeccable, food excellent and the rooms are to die for! Sitting on my outdoor private terrace with the fire roaring and a glass of wine was perfect.

Excursion: From Puerto Madryn in Welsh Patagonia, I visited the penguin colony at El Pedral. The whole day was excellent especially seeing the penguins waddling around their nests or along the beach!

What was your most memorable moment?

Probably hiring a 4x4 and self-driving in the northwest of Argentina. It was great to travel on my own timetable and explore the area with many photo stops along the way!

Were there any surprises along the way?

Having a Welsh tea in the middle of Patagonia complete with a teapot and colourful tea cosy was certainly unexpected.

What tips do you have for travellers wanting to visit the same destinations?

Argentina is so big that it’s difficult to see/do everything. I’d suggest not packing things in too much and prepare to return for a second trip instead! September/October is a great time to combine Buenos Aires, the Northwest of Argentina and Welsh Patagonia.

Is there anything indispensable to pack or prepare for?

I found that Aerolineas Argentinas were a bit stricter on the 15kg limit on luggage than on previous trips.

Any local snacks, dishes or drinks that should be sampled?

Steak and Malbec for sure!

Any restaurant or bar recommendations?

Not a restaurant as such, but in Buenos Aires, I went to an interactive dinner called the Argentine Experience. It’s a communal dinner where you can make your own empanadas as well as sample some excellent local cuisine including juicy steak! It was a sociable, enjoyable evening and I can highly recommend it!

Sum up your trip in a sentence

The trip was so unique and varied from driving through immense mountain gorges in the north to sampling excellent wine in Mendoza to seeing some incredible wildlife (including penguins, elephant seals and Southern Right whales) in Puerto Madryn!