Travel Guide: Argentina

The hum of the holidays falls silent as January starts the clock on a new year. Between the cold air and low light, if you’re settled in the northern hemisphere, it’s the perfect excuse to cross the equator for brighter skies, warmer temperatures, and outdoor activities. For this southern hemisphere summer excursion, Argentina has moments of awe to offer every member of your travel group. From the northern border with Brazil, weave a path through the subtropic jungles alongside cascading waterfalls to the coastal city of Buenos Aires with a stopover in the hills of Mendoza to indulge in New World wine varietals. The adventure of learning the Tango before sitting down to a late Asado meal or hiking Iguazu Falls before a massage with the jungle as your backdrop is all possible. Step off your flight and into the magic that is Argentina.

Iguazu Falls

Discovered in 1542, Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca became the first European to document and report the falls while leading an expedition to the Spanish colony of Asunción in modern-day Paraguay. The falls' legend originates with the Caingangue and Tupi-Guarani Indigenous tribes. Iguazú Falls was created by the wrath of a serpent god named Mboi, who discovered that Naipí, a maiden promised to him, had fled with her lover Tarobá in a canoe. Enraged, Mboi split the river, creating the massive chasm now known as the Devil’s Throat, where the raging waters swallowed the lovers. It is said that Naipí became a central rock in the falls, while Tarobá transformed into a palm tree, forever watching over her.

Part of The Iguazu Falls seen from the Argentinian National Park. Photo credit: ivotheeditors, iStock / Getty Images Plus

The trails of Iguazú Falls, starting from the Gran Meliá Iguazú Hotel, immerse you in nature’s beauty, where waterfalls and jungle coexist in harmony. The Upper Circuit is a gentle 1.9-mile loop offering stunning views of waterfalls like Salto Dos Hermanas and Salto Bossetti. This family-friendly path allows for quiet reflection amidst lush greenery and is open year-round. The Lower Circuit is a 1.4-mile journey that takes you closer to the powerful cascades and is a moderately challenging trail through the jungle, revealing intimate views and the sounds of wildlife, with opportunities for boat tours to experience the falls up close.

The best accommodations in the area are at the Gran Meliá Iguazú. The infinity pool offers the perfect vantage point to take in the hum of Iguazú Falls in the air, a natural symphony that blends with the rustle of jungle leaves. After a morning exploring the park’s trails, it’s a place to let tired muscles rest and your mind wander. Whether you choose a room with a view of the jungle or the breathtaking Iguazú Falls, private balconies enhance the experience. The rooms are furnished with modern amenities, including king-size or twin beds, spacious bathrooms, and comfortable work areas, ensuring a luxurious and restful stay. The spa is a recovery haven, offering treatments like geothermal massages to soothe deep tension, steam rooms for detoxification, and hydrating body wraps to restore balance.

The night ends at the Merkado Restaurant, the on-site dining experience at Gran Meliá Iguazú. The diverse menu offers grilled specialties that showcase the region's culinary heritage. Guests can savor dishes like tender Argentine beef, fresh local fish, and vibrant seasonal vegetables, all prepared with a contemporary twist. Complementing the dining experience, the restaurant provides breathtaking views of the Iguazú Falls, creating a memorable ambiance for each meal.

Sunset in the vineyard, Mendoza, Argentina. Photo credit: Edsel Querini, iStock / Getty Images Plus

New World Wine in the Heart of the Andes

Argentina’s winemaking story began in the 16th century when Spanish settlers planted the first vines. Over time, Mendoza became the heart of the industry, with its high-altitude vineyards and ideal climate. By the late 19th century, European immigrants revolutionized the craft, introducing advanced techniques and grapes like Malbec, which would later catapult Argentina to global fame during the "Malbec Boom" of the early 2000s. Today, Mendoza’s wineries, such as Catena Zapata and Bodega Norton, invite travelers to immerse themselves in Argentina’s wine culture.

Finca Adalgisa & Azafrán

For those seeking a hands-on, rustic escape to the vineyards, Finca Adalgisa offers a cozy retreat in the heart of a working vineyard. The hotel has only 11 rooms and operates seasonally. It is ideal for wine lovers who want to immerse themselves in the vine-to-glass experience. Guests can observe grape harvesting and olive oil production or even join a cooking class to learn traditional empanada-making in a clay oven.

Dining at Michelin-starred Azafrán takes the adventure to the culinary realm. Chef Sebastián Weigandt curates tasting menus inspired by local ingredients and historical food traditions. Highlights include Mendoza-style Tomaticán stew and black rice with trout and apple, each paired with superb regional wines. The menu is a perfect blend of modern creativity and deep-rooted gastronomic heritage.

The Vines Resort & Spa & Siete Fuegos

For a luxurious escape, The Vines Resort & Spa in the Uco Valley is unparalleled. Sprawling across 1,500 acres of vineyards, this exclusive resort offers rustic-chic villas with private terraces, plunge pools, and panoramic Andes views. Guests can indulge in wine tastings, horseback rides with gauchos, or spa treatments, all while savoring the tranquility of this secluded paradise.

The Vines Resort & Spa offers multiple opportunities to immerse yourself in the natural bounty of the Uco Valley. Participate in the Winemaking Camp to hand-pick grapes and celebrate with a toast, or try the Blending Session to create your custom wine blend. Enhance your wine knowledge with a Varietal Discovery session featuring blind tastings or explore the impact of oak on aging in the Oak and Wine experience.

Chef Francis Mallmann is onsite at the helm of the restaurant, Siete Fuego. Chef Mallmann has mastered the art of open-flame techniques, creating unforgettable dishes such as salt-encrusted fish and slow-grilled rib eye. Every plate celebrates Argentina’s famed meats and seasonal produce, perfectly paired with boutique wines from the surrounding vineyards.

Unbelievable Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a city where history and modernity walk hand in hand along its broad boulevards and cobbled streets. Founded twice—first in 1536 by Pedro de Mendoza and later in 1580 by Juan de Garay—the city has evolved from a colonial outpost to a bustling cosmopolitan capital. Buenos Aires thrived despite isolation during the Spanish empire, creating its own vibrant identity through ranching and contraband trade. By the 19th century, it became the heart of Argentina's independence movement. It later transformed into the "Paris of South America," with grand avenues like 9 de Julio and European-style mansions reflecting its newfound wealth. Buenos Aires in 2024 is a cultural powerhouse, pulsating with tango rhythms, world-class cuisine, and a spirit shaped by centuries of struggle and celebration.

Buenos Aires at Dusk. Photo credit: halbergman, iStock / Getty Images Plus

The rich history of Buenos Aires can be readily experienced on a walk through the city. The ornate mausoleums of the Recoleta Cemetery tell the stories of Argentina's elite, including Eva Perón. The San Telmo Sunday Market is the cultural immersion you hope for, with its mix of antiques, local crafts, and impromptu tango performances filling the cobbled streets. Culture enthusiasts will find inspiration at the Teatro Colón, one of the most magnificent opera houses in the world, where guided tours of its lavish interior are available. For a quieter escape, Parque Tres de Febrero invites visitors to stroll its rose garden or paddle across its tranquil lakes. As night falls, the rhythm of tango beckons at a local milonga, where the dance floor becomes a celebration of the city’s enduring passion.

With so many places to go and see, you will no doubt work up a substantial appetite. Dining in Buenos Aires is as much about atmosphere and culture as it is about the incredible food. The city offers a symphony of flavors, from the rich, smoky essence of traditional parrillas like Don Julio, where locals and tourists alike gather to savor perfectly grilled sweetbreads, morcilla, and tender cuts of beef, to the light and vibrant dishes at El Preferido de Palermo, where fresh salamis, radicchio salads, and inventive desserts encourage long, communal sobremesas. For those seeking something beyond Argentina’s famed meat, innovative spots like Julia craft delicate seafood and vegetable-forward plates with care and creativity.

Traditional asado from Argentina. Photo credit: AlexPhotoStock, iStock / Getty Images Plus

Just as hard as settling on a place to dine with so many good options around, you will equally struggle to choose a hotel, but two stand out. For those seeking luxury steeped in history, the Alvear Palace Hotel in Recoleta is the top choice. This Belle Époque icon exudes European elegance, featuring gilded decor, marble finishes, and a legendary afternoon tea service at L’Orangerie. It’s ideal for travelers wanting to immerse themselves in classic sophistication, steps from the city’s cultural treasures like Recoleta Cemetery and fine art museums. On the other hand, the Faena Hotel in Puerto Madero is a masterpiece of modern design where renowned designer Philippe Starck creates interiors blending drama and whimsy through deep red velvets, moody lighting, and eclectic details. Here, you can enjoy waterfront views, a lively pool scene, and inventive cuisine, making it perfect for those who crave a vibrant, contemporary stay in Buenos Aires’ rejuvenated docklands district.

Waterfalls to Tango: The Perfect Summer Getaway

Argentina is a land of endless wonders, where every step invites discovery. From the thunderous roar of Iguazú Falls to the sun-soaked vineyards of Mendoza and the vibrant rhythm of Buenos Aires, the country offers a non-stop buffet of unforgettable experiences. Memories of savoring Malbec under Andean skies, hiking through lush jungle trails, or twirling on a tango dance floor late into the night will linger long after you’ve returned home.

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