Argentina blew us away! We spent over three weeks exploring different parts of the country and fell in love with its diversity, stunning nature, incredible food, and accessibility. We started in Mendoza, headed to parts of Patagonia, spent a little time in Buenos Aires, and finished with the iconic Iguazu Falls. It is an ideal country for all types of travelers and ranks highly on our list because of all there is to do and see.
- Visit The Wine Region
- Ride Horses In The Country Side
- Try Delicious Argentinian Cuisine
- Explore Buenos Aires
- Visit The Argentinian Patagonia
- Explore Iguazu Falls
1. Visit The Wine Region in Mendoza
Mendoza is known worldwide for its production of wine and scenic countryside views. It is one of Argentina’s most popular cities and was our first stop when visiting the country. We did a wine-tasting tour that included visiting three locations and an olive oil plantation, all in one day. We really enjoyed being able to see a variety of locations and learning so much about what makes Argentinian wines unique. At the end of each wine-tasting there is an opportunity to buy exclusive wines, which are often offered at a discounted rate at the vineyard. For wine enthusiasts, we highly recommend booking a few tours, as there are plenty to choose from.
Here are the places we visited during our wine tasting tour:
- El Cerno: A beautiful organic vineyard where visitors can see the barrels in its different aging processes and experience their in depth wine tasting .
- Vistandes: A more modern vineyard with incredible wines, including Kelvyn’s personal favorite, Carmenere.
- Di Tommaso (Bodega Esencia): One of the oldest and most historic vineyards in Mendoza, EST.1884.
- Centenario Olivicola: A scenic olive farm where you can wander through the groves and learn about the process behind the olive oils produced.
Additional wineries we didn’t visit but were recommended to us include Trapiche and Benegas.
You can book your wine tour tickets here!
Tip: Most airlines in Argentina allow one case of wine to be taken as a carry-on item within the country, as long as it’s properly sealed and packaged. Make sure to check regulations for transporting it outside of the country, as some airlines will require it to be checked baggage.
2. Ride Horses in the Countryside
Views from the beginning of the horseback riding tour.
One of our favorite activities in Argentina was horseback riding in the countryside during the sunset. It was beautiful and quite adventurous it reminded us of being in picturesque Tuscany, Italy! Though it was considered a beginner-friendly activity, it was a bit more challenging than other horseback riding activities due to the steep terrain and large horses. It was a wonderful experience, followed by the most amazing dinner: a local asado tasting where we got to try different cuts of steak, chorizo, and morcilla (blood sausage), making it the perfect ending to an unforgettable evening.
Our tour was with Los Pingos Horse Riding, we had an incredible experience.
Click here to view other horseback riding options.
Tip: Make sure to inquire with the company you are using ahead of time to see if previous experience is required or recommended. We saw a few people who had a hard time during their ride due to their lack of experience.
3. Try Delicious Argentinian Cuisine
Street style sandwich in Buenos Aires.
Argentina does many things right, including the food! Whether you are in the mood for asado, desserts, or a healthy meal, it has it all—at least that was our experience.
Here are a few of the things you must try when visiting:
- Asado: Argentinian BBQ where different cuts of steak and sausage are grilled and served with a side of potatoes, bread, salads, or veggies.
- Choripán: A chorizo placed in a bun (like a hotdog) with a traditional chimichurri sauce.
- Dulce de Leche: A sweet milk sauce similar to caramel, but thicker and richer in taste.
One of Argentina’s staples that can be found in almost any store and local desserts. - Alfajor: A delicious cookie sandwich filled with dulce de leche. One of our favorite treats throughout our travels.
- Entre Dos: This was the best brand of Alfajor that we tried, especially the coffee and rum flavor.
- Artisanal Chocolate: Primarily in the Bariloche region. The most popular brands include Rapanui, Mamushka, and El Reino de los Chocolates.
- Yerba Mate: A traditional caffeinated herbal drink famous in many South American countries, including Argentina.
4. Explore Buenos Aires
The beauty of Buenos Aires comes from its combination of culture, city life, and greenery. You can explore its historical sites, watch a tango show or football match, or visit markets where you can taste many of their staple dishes while doing a bit of shopping. The parks around the city provide a place to step away from the busy streets and enjoy a walk with relaxing views.
Street near San Telmo Fair
Buenos Aires offers infinite ways to learn about the Argentine history and immerse in the culture. Though we didn’t get to spend too much time exploring, these are a few of the most popular and recommended things to do:
- Watch a Tango Show : Piazzolla Tango and El Querandi are two of the most popular in the region.
- Book your tickets ahead of time to guarantee entry and preferred seating areas.
- Teatro Colón: A 1908 Opera house known for its architecture and acoustics.
- Experience a Soccer/Football Match: La Bombonera (Boca Juniors Stadium) a soccer fans dream.
- Café Tortoni: A delicious yet iconic French styled cafe opened in 1858 that also offers live tango shows at night.
- Obelisk: The monument that marks where Buenos Aires was first founded in 1936 and is made from Cordoba white stone.
- El Ateneo Theater: A theater that was opened in 1919 and later converted into what is now considered one of the world’s most beautiful book stores.
- Caminito – Traditional alley with bright-colored houses inspired a famous tango song. Watch live tango performances.
Jardín Japonés, Buenos Aires.
We happened to be in Buenos Aires during one of the craziest storms of 2023. We woke up on our second day to many fallen trees and most of its famous parks destroyed. Luckily, we were safe but saw the city turned completely upside down by what was said to be the worst storm they had in decades. Many of the parks were closed following this event, limiting the ones we could visit. Since then, the parks have been restored and are open once again.
Here are a few of the most popular parks we recommend visiting in Buenos Aires:
- Paseo El Rosedal Garden
- Jardín Japonés
- Floralis Generica
5. Visit The Argentinian Patagonia
Drone view from Villa La Angostura.
Oh, how our hearts were taken by Patagonia the moment we stepped off our very long overnight bus ride from Mendoza to Bariloche. We were in awe immediately from the beauty and most perfect combination of yellows, blues, and white in the landscape. We heard of Patagonia’s magic but did not expect it to be so apparent right away, especially because we only explored a small part of the region. We highly recommend renting a car so you have the freedom to create your own schedule and visit the locations you want.
These are a few of the places we visited in Patagonia:
Town of Bariloche.
Bariloche
A cute small town in the beginning of the Patagonia region known for its artisanal chocolate, winter sports, and beautiful views of the surrounding Nahuel Huapi Lake. We spent a few days relaxing and enjoying all that the town had to offer, including the delicious food and lively culture in the main square. It was our favorite destination in Argentina, as it was a perfect to unwind and served as a great base for day trips to nearby attractions.
- Colonia Suiza: A small town that was designed to look like parts of Switzerland, including similar shops and architecture.
- Drive around the Circuito Chico: A small loop area near downtown Bariloche, where you’ll find a few breweries and hikes along the drive.
- Visit Local Breweries: Patagonia, Berlin km 12, Cervecería Wesley.
- Cerro Llao Llao: A hike along the Circuito Chico that offers views of the surrounding lake and town.
Day trips from Bariloche:
- Villa La Angostura: A cute small town located at the beginning of the Seven Lakes route.
- San Martín de los Andes: A town located at the end of the Seven Lakes road with beautiful views of lake Lacar.
You can take buses or do day tours, but they are not frequent, so plan accordingly. Hitch hiking is also very common in this region of Argentina in case it is something you want to try.
Nahuel Huapi Lake.
El Bolson
This is another beautiful region not too far from Bariloche known for its waterfalls and hiking trails. These are a few places we recommend:
- Bahia El Desafío (Lago Epuyen)
- Mallin Ahogado
- Cascada La Solitaria
- Cascada Escondida
Bonus: Visit Patagonia Laberinto, the largest man-made labyrinth in South America. Whether you decide to simply walk through, take pictures, or have fun getting lost in the maze, it is a beautiful place to visit. There’s also a café on the premises, where we stopped by to have coffee and tried a few really delicious slices of cake while enjoying the beautiful nature surrounding the area.
Click here to learn more about the labyrinth.
Explore Other Parts of Patagonia
Our time in Patagonia was limited, leaving us with many incredible places still to explore. Here are a few additional highly recommended sights that are on our list and can be added to yours if you’re looking for more adventures.
Though we are not hikers, we know many who are and consider Patagonia a hikers dream. Prepare and pack accordingly if hiking is something you plan on doing during your time in Patagonia.
6. Explore Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls Argentina.
Iguazu Falls has been considered one of the seven wonders of “nature” in the world. It is on so many people’s bucket list, and upon visiting, we understand why. It is an activity unlike any other and provides plenty of opportunities to be blown away—figuratively and literally, if you are not careful. We spent half a day exploring the Argentinian side and another day exploring the Brazilian side, but both can be done in one day if necessary.
- Tickets can be purchased in person at the park or online by clicking here.
- The park entrance ticket does not include additional activities such as the boat ride within the falls.
- Lockers are available at an additional cost in case you need to leave your belongings or luggage prior to entering.
Viewpoint on the Argentina side of the falls.
Brazilian Falls (Iguaçu)
If you are visiting the falls in Argentina and are eager to explore the Brazilian side as well, it is possible to do both on the same day. However, we recommend starting early and understanding the process of transferring from one side to the other. Keep in mind you’ll be crossing a border, so make sure to have your passport and visa, if required, to enter Brazil (Check your requirements based on your Nationality prior to visiting).
You can purchase entrance tickets here.
We enjoyed the unique views and activities on both sides of the park, however, we preferred being on the Brazilian side because you get a better view of the overall falls.
Tip: Keep in mind that there is a lot of walking involved, so start early to avoid large crowds and extreme heat. Be mindful of rainy/dry seasons, as they significantly impact how the falls look.
We loved Argentina!
Our time exploring Argentina was truly amazing. While we moved through most of the country quickly, we still managed to experience so much of its beauty—from breathtaking landscapes in Patagonia, Mendoza, and Iguazu Falls, to rich culture and cuisine in Buenos Aires. Though typically a pricier destination compared to other South American countries, its fluctuating currency has recently made it more affordable, attracting travelers from all over the world. Its location also makes it convenient for visiting nearby countries such as Brazil, Chile, Bolivia, and Uruguay. In case Argentina is not on your travel bucket list yet, we highly recommend making room for it!
What are you looking forward to doing in Argentina? Let us know if you are planning to visit Patagonia while you are there! Make sure to follow our journey on Instagram @THETRAVELERINUS
Disclaimer: All the information shared is based on our research and experiences. Please note that we are not travel consultants, tour guides, or financial advisors and are not held liable for any misinformation. We give suggestions, but advise each person to do their own research and make the decision that best suits them. This blog posts also contains affiliate links, by using the links we provide you are helping us at no additional cost to you. Photos on this page belong strictly to The Traveler In Us and are not allowed to be saved or used for any reason unless granted permission so by the owners.
