The home of Tango, colorful culture, the Andes, delicious cuisine, renowned wine and all kinds of magical landscapes—Argentina is an amazing destination! From the magnificent glaciers of Patagonia to the roaring cascades of Iguazu Falls to the vibrant neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, there’s a lot to see in this South American gem. Even better, there are great deals on a variety of tours and travel packages right now. We’ve put together a short and simple Argentina travel guide to help you map out the all the places you won’t want to miss.

Buenos Aires

Home to Ezeiza International Airport, Buenos Aires is a great place from which to kick off your Argentina adventure. In fact, there is so much to see and do in this vibrant city, that you could spend an entire vacation in Buenos Aires alone. A very walkable city, there is also a seven-line subway and efficient bus system which make it easy to get around.

We recommend a four-day Buenos Aires City Package to truly get a taste of Buenos Aires. Visit the Teatro Colon, considered one of the most important opera houses in the world. Go shopping in San Telmo Market for antiques, curiosities and vintage clothes. Or, head to the Fera de Mataderos for a complete cultural experience featuring handicrafts, folk dancing and live music. If you like books, be sure to stop by the Ateneo Grand Splendid, a converted theater that is considered to be one of the most elegant and beautiful bookshops in the world.

For a historical view of Buenos Aires, visit the Plaza de Mayo, the square where Argentina declared independence from Spanish colonial rule in 1810. It’s also home to the Casa Rosada (or Pink House) where Evita once famously spoke from its balcony. (Recreated in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famous song “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.”) No tour would be complete without a stop at Recoleta Cemetary where you can wander past the ornate mausoleums and resting places of many of Argentina’s most famous historical figures, including Eva Peron.

Buenos Aires also features many interesting neighborhoods to explore. Head to Palermo for botanical gardens, the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires (MALBA), restaurants, boutique stores and thriving nightlife. Or, try the bright and energetic neighborhood of La Boca where even the housing is colorful. You can see tango performances in the street, a fascinating street museum in the rainbow hued Caminito, and of course, the famous football stadium La Bombonera.

Iguazu Falls

One of the most beautiful places in the world, Iguazu Falls should be on every traveler’s bucket list. This awesome UNESCO World Heritage Site combines incredible jungle flora and fauna with an immense complex of waterfalls. The falls are split into Brazilian and Argentinian sections, both breathtaking in their own ways, making up the largest water system in the world.

Over a million tourists stop here every year to admire the natural spectacle, making it one of the top Argentina tourist attractions. There are numerous Iguazu tours available that allow you to experience both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of the beautiful falls (but don’t forget to bring a VISA).You’ll have to catch a flight from Buenos Aires or cross the border from Brazil, but you can easily stay in Puerto Iguazu overnight at hostels, local hotels and luxury resorts.

Mendoza

Known worldwide for its delicious wine and beautiful vineyards, Mendoza is a paradise for outdoor lovers and foodies alike. Nestled beneath the Andes, this province is perfect for hiking, white-water rafting on the picturesque river, and even soaring over on a zip line! The province is also home to Aconcagua, which at 22,837 feet (6,961 meters) is the highest mountain outside of Asia.

In town, you’ll discover tree-lined avenues, fountain-adorned plazas, cosmopolitan cafes and bustling nightlife. If you’re just looking for a relaxing vacation in Mendoza you can enjoy wonderful wine tours and rejuvenating spa trips.

The easiest way to get to Mendoza is to fly from Buenos Aires or Santiago. However, you’ll also find a variety of multiday tours that include Mendoza on the itinerary.

Patagonia

Patagonia is one of the most ethereal and beautiful places in the world. There is a wealth of natural landscapes here to delight outdoor lovers. See over half a million penguins in Punta Tombo. Enjoy horse-riding to the pretty valley of Rio de las Vueltas. Or, explore the turquoise glaciers of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, including the impressive Perito Moreno. One of the world’s only growing glaciers, this 121-square-foot glowing blue wonder often breaks off into large chunks in the water below—an epic sight you won’t want to miss!

Other major destinations include Torres del Paine National Park, where you can come across all different types of South American wildlife; Puerto Natales, a quiet but vibrant small town; and the wonderful El Calafate and El Chaltén. Patagonia is steeped in natural beauty, and sure to impress, regardless of whether you intend to hike and adventure in , or just soak in the views.

With so many destinations and regions, there are plenty of Patagonia tours to experience everything from whale watching to hiking along the Andes.

Ushuaia

This resort town has been nicknamed the “End of the World” thanks to its geographical position on Argentina’s tip, making it the southernmost city in the world! Recent expansion has turned Ushuaia into a booming tourist destination thanks to the addition of five-star hotels, casinos and many good new restaurants. Enjoy dining on everything from fresh king crab to sea bass to fuegian lamb during your stay.

One of  Ushuaia’s biggest perks though is that it’s conveniently located just seven miles from Tierra del Fuego National Park. Argentina’s first coastal park, Tierra del Fuego features lush forests, glacial lakes and scenic Beagle Channel. You can also see a variety of interesting wildlife here including albatrosses, penguins and guanacos, an adorable creature similar to an alpaca. Ushuaia is also a great launching point for an expedition to the Falkland Islands, the South Georgia Islands and Antarctica.

Puerto Madryn

Puerto Madryn is another stunning must see on your Argentinian journey. Tourism here has soared, with the development of a shopping mall and other attractions, but its biggest draw is that it is the closest town to the Peninsula Valdes, a beautiful coastline filled with magical sights.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Peninsula Valdes is home to a variety of different and unique species that thrive in the peninsula’s ecosystems. Discovery a variety of activities that let you experience marine life in its natural environment. Head out on a whale watching cruise and see these deep blue sea giants as they build colonies for breeding and raising their calves. (Whale watching season runs May through December with September and October being the best months for glimpsing whales.) Get up close with sea lions on a snorkeling trip. Or, walk among Magellanic penguins in their habitat in Punta Tombo.

Bariloche

Bariloche is one of the most popular destinations in the whole country with over one million tourists a year. Known for its incredible beauty, and vast array of seasonal activities, you can explore Nahuel Huapi National Park, or take on the Seven Lakes Route and totally immerse yourself in the magic of mother nature.

Bring out your inner dinosaur nerd at the Paleontology Museum, where you can see life-sized dinosaur exhibits on a three-hour guided tour of a fossil covered natural walkway. You can also take on the Dinosaur route, an immersive walk that will take you back through history to the very places scientists believe dinosaurs once walked the planet.

If discovery and adventure is off the cards for you, there are also plenty of places to soak up the natural beauty on beaches and in coastal villages, like Camarones, or the cozy ranches of Los Antiguos.

When is the Best Time to Visit Argentina?

As with any place, different areas of Argentina flourish at different times of the year. June to August is wintertime in the Southern Hemisphere. A lot of resorts are closed and the summer crowds dwindled, but the beauty of the culture and landscape remains, and ski-resorts are bustling.

The best times to see Buenos Aires are from March to May, and September through November. Temperatures here are mild and enjoyable, and seasonal changes give a constantly morphing atmosphere. November through March and July is when Patagonia really comes to life and people head out to enjoy the sunshine and beautiful resorts. Argentina tour companies provide scenic city packages and day trips all throughout the year, offering adventures for every season.

Transportation in Argentina

Being the eighth biggest country in the world, Argentina has lots to explore. There are a few travel options, including buses, taxis, and flights. There are airports in the major cities of Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Ushuaia, Puerto Iguazu,  El Calafate and Mendoza; but our recommendation is to take an Argentina tour package for seamless travel throughout top destinations in the country.

Domestic flights are a popular cross-country option. During high season, we recommend booking tickets in advance or investing in a South Pass if you’ve got some serious stops to cover (this can be expensive depending on your needs), but you can also book them along the way, with most bus companies stopping at major ports like Retiro, in Buenos Aires, and other popular holiday spots, including Bariloche.

If you’re travels are taking you up and down the country, there’s also plenty of domestic flights, and if you’re flying into Buenos Aires, you can get a flight to most major cities and popular tourist destinations.

For more ideas on unforgettable vacations in Latin America, click here.