Choose from 191 Fun Things to Do in Argentina
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Barrio Del Abasto
While San Telmo gets much of the attention as the center of tango culture in the Argentine capital, the neighborhood of Abasto has equally deep roots. It was in this barrio just outside the city center where Carlos Gardel, the nation’s most famous tango star of the 1920s and 1930s, lived. While off the typical tourist track, present day Abasto is home to many milongas where visitors can come practice the tango, as well as Casa Carlos Gardel, a small museum dedicated to the singer.
If you don’t come for the tango, come for the shopping. Barrio del Abasto is anchored by the Abasto Shopping Center, one of the biggest and best commercial centers. Formerly a produce market, the mall within the brilliantly restored historic building now features top local and international brands, as well as a cinema.
Barrio del Abasto is also home of the largest Jewish population in Buenos Aires. Scattered throughout the neighborhood visitors will find temples and restaurants, including the only kosher McDonalds outside Israel.
Practical Info
The easiest way to reach Barrio del Abasto is to take subway Line B to Carlos Gardel station.
Address: Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 60
Bodega Renacer
One of Mendoza's most cutting-edge wineries, Bodega Renacer has incorporated new technology into its Argentine winemaking process since 2004. A collaboration between owner Patricio Reich and renowned winemaker Alberto Antonini, the contemporary winery is renowned for its excellent malbecs.
The Basics
Wine enthusiasts can experience the winery on a tour with guided tastings of Renacer's red and white wines. After admiring the site's architecture, visitors then tour the vineyards and wine cellars to discover how science and tradition meet to create some of Argentina's most interesting new wines. The unique tour even includes a virtual reality winemaking experience.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The legal drinking age in Argentina is 18.
- Advance booking is required for winery tours and tastings, which are conducted in both Spanish and English.
- The winery features a restaurant that serves seasonal cuisine from the region paired with Renacer wines.
How to Get There
Bodega Renacer is located about a 30-minute drive south of Mendoza city in the Perdriel region. Biking is a popular way to reach the winery, but the hop-on hop-off Vitivinicola bus also stops outside.
When to Get There
The winery is open daily. Although wine tours are possible year-round, the most pleasant time to explore the vineyards is in spring and summer, from October through March.
Exploring the Perdriel Wine Region
Perdriel, a Lujan de Cuyo subregion, is known for its terroir, which is credited with producing some of Mendoza's top malbecs. The area features some of Mendoza's oldest vines, and its slightly higher altitude and proximity to the Mendoza River offer a moderately cooler climate that produces soils ideal for growing malbec and cabernet sauvignon grapes. Made in one of few regions that still carries the Controlled Designation of Origin mark, Perdriel wines are known to be top quality.
Address: Brandsen 1863, Lujan de Cuyo 5509, Argentina
From $ 10
Achaval Ferrer Winery
The Achaval Ferrer Winery traces its history back only to 1998, shortly after the beginning of the Malbec boom in Mendoza. The winery is Argentine and Italian owned, and the winemakers all have decades of experience extending back to far before this project began.
The boutique winery has four different vineyards on which grapes are grown, representing four different terriors with flood irrigation that decreases the chances of phyloxera. In some cases, there are cherry or olive trees lining the vineyards. Grapes are harvested by hand, and in the early morning hours. In case of hail damage (which happens occasionally), damaged grapes are removed from the plants to keep bitterness at bay in the final product. These practices, as well as several others (such as low density of plants), keeps production low, but quality high.
The Bella Vista Estate in Mendoza’s Luján de Cuyo is on the south bank of the Mendoza River, and this is where Achaval Ferer receives visitors for tastings and winery tours.
Practical Info
The single-vineyard wines from Achaval Ferrer have all scored 94 or above in Wine Spectator ratings for the 2012 vintage, which makes this one of the highest-scoring vineyards in the area.
Address: Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Saturday-Sunday 9am-1pm
From $ 200
Buenos Aires Cruise Port
Often referred to as “the Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires features chic neighborhoods, world class museums and nonstop shopping. With French, Spanish and Italian influences and a distinct European feel, the capital of Argentina is diverse and cosmopolitan, while retaining a fair amount of old world charm.
How to Get to Buenos Aires
Your ship will dock at the pier about a half-mile from the center of Buenos Aires. Complimentary shuttle buses may be available to take you into town. Otherwise, taxis are plentiful and many offer set prices to certain neighborhoods. Walking from the port into the center of the city is not recommended.
One Day in Buenos Aires
Start your day in El Centro, the cultural, historical and financial center of Buenos Aires. Ask your taxi to drop you off at the Plaza de Mayo. There, check out the 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral and catch a glimpse of the Casa Rosado, where Eva Peron addressed Argentinian crowds from the balcony. Then, make your way on foot along the pedestrian shopping street, Calle Florida, to the Plaza San Martin. From there, head north to the upscale Recoleta neighborhood, where you can spend the rest of your morning.
The prime attraction in Recoleta is the Recoleta Cemetery, the burial place for the city’s aristocracy since 1822. Covering four square blocks, it is lined with elaborately designed tombs and mausoleums, and is the final resting place for Eva Peron. If you are visiting on a weekend, your next stop should be the nearby Plaza Independiente Alvear, home to a lively crafts and souvenir market. If not, take some time to visit the Museum of Fine Arts, the largest museum in the country, or take in some of the art galleries throughout the neighborhood.
By now, you may be so hungry you could eat a steak - and you should, since Argentina has some of the best! If you won’t have time to enjoy dinner in the city, take a break at lunch to enjoy both a glass of Argentina’s fine wine and a nice steak. Whether you hang around Recoleta or return to Calle Florida, you’ll find plenty of restaurants to choose from.
After lunch, grab a taxi or retrace your steps along Calle Florida to Plaza de Mayo, and then make your way to the working class neighborhood of La Boca. In La Boca, you’ll discover a colorful artists’ quarter where the tango was born. Wander around the cobbled streets before heading to El Caminito, a pedestrian marketplace for craftsmen where you may also catch couples dancing the tango.
Alternatively, you may want to spend your afternoon exploring some of Buenos Aires’ fine museums, including the National Museum of Decorative Arts, the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires and the National History Museum. Opera fans may also want to take a guided tour of the Colon Theater, one of the most lavish opera houses in the world.
Don’t forget to grab a few souvenirs before heading back to your ship – leather goods, wine, gems and handicrafts are all excellent options.
Port Information
The official language is a form of Spanish known as Castellano, but English is generally spoken in hotels and shops. The currency is the Argentinian peso, but you may be able to use US dollars in some instances. ATM's can be found throughout the city and credit cards are widely accepted.
How to Get to Buenos Aires
Your ship will dock at the pier about a half-mile from the center of Buenos Aires. Complimentary shuttle buses may be available to take you into town. Otherwise, taxis are plentiful and many offer set prices to certain neighborhoods. Walking from the port into the center of the city is not recommended.
One Day in Buenos Aires
Start your day in El Centro, the cultural, historical and financial center of Buenos Aires. Ask your taxi to drop you off at the Plaza de Mayo. There, check out the 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral and catch a glimpse of the Casa Rosado, where Eva Peron addressed Argentinian crowds from the balcony. Then, make your way on foot along the pedestrian shopping street, Calle Florida, to the Plaza San Martin. From there, head north to the upscale Recoleta neighborhood, where you can spend the rest of your morning.
The prime attraction in Recoleta is the Recoleta Cemetery, the burial place for the city’s aristocracy since 1822. Covering four square blocks, it is lined with elaborately designed tombs and mausoleums, and is the final resting place for Eva Peron. If you are visiting on a weekend, your next stop should be the nearby Plaza Independiente Alvear, home to a lively crafts and souvenir market. If not, take some time to visit the Museum of Fine Arts, the largest museum in the country, or take in some of the art galleries throughout the neighborhood.
By now, you may be so hungry you could eat a steak - and you should, since Argentina has some of the best! If you won’t have time to enjoy dinner in the city, take a break at lunch to enjoy both a glass of Argentina’s fine wine and a nice steak. Whether you hang around Recoleta or return to Calle Florida, you’ll find plenty of restaurants to choose from.
After lunch, grab a taxi or retrace your steps along Calle Florida to Plaza de Mayo, and then make your way to the working class neighborhood of La Boca. In La Boca, you’ll discover a colorful artists’ quarter where the tango was born. Wander around the cobbled streets before heading to El Caminito, a pedestrian marketplace for craftsmen where you may also catch couples dancing the tango.
Alternatively, you may want to spend your afternoon exploring some of Buenos Aires’ fine museums, including the National Museum of Decorative Arts, the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires and the National History Museum. Opera fans may also want to take a guided tour of the Colon Theater, one of the most lavish opera houses in the world.
Don’t forget to grab a few souvenirs before heading back to your ship – leather goods, wine, gems and handicrafts are all excellent options.
Port Information
The official language is a form of Spanish known as Castellano, but English is generally spoken in hotels and shops. The currency is the Argentinian peso, but you may be able to use US dollars in some instances. ATM's can be found throughout the city and credit cards are widely accepted.
Address: Port of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 33
Bosque de Arrayanes
Los Arrayanes National Park was established in 1971 to protect the rare arrayán trees (Chilean myrtle trees) that grow in the area. Up until that time, the forest was part of the Nahuel Huapi National Park. In order to protect the soil and roots of these fragile, slow-growing trees, a wooden path runs throughout the park for tourists to wander through without causing harm. The arrayan trees have and irregular white spots on their narrows trunks, as well as cinnamon-colored bark that is cool to the touch and peels off as the tree grows. These evergreen trees bloom white in the summer (January and February) and produce an edible, blue-black fruit in early autumn. Some are up to 650 years old.
The national park covers an area of about 4,332 acres on the Quetrihué Peninsula along the northern shores of the Nahuel Huapi Lake and is easily accessible from Villa La Angostura. Travelers can explore the park on foot, by horse or on bike. Many animals and birds live in the forest, including pudú and huemul deer, guanacos, monitos de monte, small foxes, condors, eagles, hawks and woodpeckers.
Practical Info:
The closest town to Los Arrayanes National Park is Villa la Angostura, 51 miles north of Bariloche. The park is accessible via a seven-mile-long pathway, or from Nahuel Huapi Lake.
Address: Argentina
From $ 69
Aconcagua Provincial Park
It would be a shame if, while visiting Mendoza, Argentina’s most populous city in the western part of the country, you didn’t make it up to the Andes. Not only to see the border between Chile and Argentina, but most importantly, to glimpse these giants of the mountain world, including Aconcagua, which is the tallest mountain in the western hemisphere, at 6962 meters or 22,841 feet. A winding drive up from Mendoza reveals snowcapped peaks at every turn, and short turnoff brings you to a mirador, or lookout point, for Aconcagua itself.
While climbing the mountain is a serious affair, subject to permits, regulations and climbing fees, visiting the Provincial park of Aconcagua requires little more than a three-hour drive from Mendoza, and also puts you close to the Puente del Inca, a nearby natural attraction. Once at the Aconcagua Park, you have a few options for day hikes, including a one-hour loop suitable for children. Keep an eye out for the llama-like guanaco, or possibly red foxes, and overhead, it is common to see Andean condors.
Practical Info
Despite the usually warm weather in Mendoza, rest assured that in the shadow of Aconcagua, very cold temperatures are a real possibility. Dress warmly, protect against sun exposure, and bring a thermos of something warm to keep even more toasty.
Address: Argentina
From $ 40
Beagle Channel
The narrow Beagle Channel, separating Argentina's island chain of Tierra del Fuego to the north from remote Chilean islands to the south, serves as a waterway for the world's southernmost city, Ushuaia. It’s also one of the most important bodies of water in South America.
The Basics
Most travelers experience this part of the world on multi-day cruises from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas in Chile, and it’s also a fantastic location for whale watching and spotting glaciers (the area is nicknamed Glacier Alley). Those based in Ushuaia can experience the channel in multiple ways; paddle a canoe from Lapataia Bay, sail through on a sightseeing cruise by yacht or catamaran, or explore some of the islands, including rocky islets known for their nesting seabirds or Seal Island.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Beagle Channel is a must-see for adventure travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers in Patagonia.
- Day trips to the Beagle Channel can last anywhere from three to 10 hours, while multi-day tours last up to five days.
- Don’t forget to dress in warm layers, as temperatures rarely go above 70 degrees, even during the South American summer.
- Bring along a good pair of binoculars for better wildlife-spotting opportunities.
How to Get There
The nearest airport to the Beagle Channel is in Ushuaia, served by daily flights from Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile. Once in town, the easiest way to experience the channel is by booking a sightseeing cruise or other guided tour.
When to Get There
For the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds, plan to visit during the spring or fall. The best weather falls between December and February, but winds can be strong, creating rougher waters in the Beagle Channel.
The Lighthouse (Not Quite) at the End of the World
Many tours through the Beagle Channel include a visit to Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, sometimes called the Lighthouse at the End of the World. While the photogenic lighthouse certainly feels far enough from civilization to warrant the nickname, the title actually applies to a lighthouse on Isla de los Estados.
Address: Argentina
From $ 53
Bodegas Salentein
The Bodegas Salentein, located in Mendoza’s Valle del Uco (Uco Valley) has the largest “cool climate estate” in Mendoza. The estate covers almost five thousand acres, over 1,000 of which are planted with grapes in three different plantations, ranging in altitude from 3,000 to about 5,500 feet. They plant 80 percent red and 20 percent white grapes, and are well-known for their malbec, merlot, chardonnay and pinot noir wines.
In addition to wine tours through the cellars with more than 5,000 barrels, and tastings, the winery also has a restaurant and wine bar serving Argentine food beside their award-winning wines. There is also an exhibition space called Killka which houses paintings by Argentine and Dutch masters. Finally, there is a chapel on the grounds, inspired by Andean architecture, with earthen walls, which features lead and granite sculpture and benches carved from old olive trees. The chapel is shaded by carob trees.
Practical Info
Make a day of it by taking a tour that includes architecture, art and wine, or even add a horseback riding tour at the Salentein winery.
Address: Ruta 89 s/n, Km 14, Valle de Uco, Mendoza 5560, Argentina
From $ 22
Barrio Norte
Flanking the borders of Palermo and Recoleta in northern Buenos Aires, the area known as Barrio Norte is one of Buenos Aires’ most affluent residential districts. Travelers flock to this neighborhood to browse the shops, stroll around the Japanese Gardens, sip cocktails with the locals, and visit the Evita Museum.
The Basics
Barrio Norte is often included on tours of north Buenos Aires. A walking or bike tour typically explores the neighboring districts of Palermo and Recoleta, stopping at attractions such as Recoleta Cemetery, the Botanical Gardens, and the Floralis Genérica statue. Other popular destinations in Barrio Norte include Las Heras Park; from there it’s a short walk to the Evita Museum, the José Hernández Popular Art museum, and the Book and Language Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most of the bars, restaurants, and shops in Barrio Norte can be found in the area between Plaza Güemes and Las Heras Park.
- Most shops in Barrio Norte open between 9am and 10am and close between 8pm and 9pm.
- Many of the area’s museums are closed Mondays.
How to Get There
Barrio Norte isn’t an official neighborhood, so you won’t find it on a map. Start your explorations near Plaza Güemes and make your way south along Santa Fe Avenue toward downtown. The closest subway stations are Santa Fe (Line H) and Bulnes (Line D).
When to Get There
Barrio Norte is liveliest on weekends, when locals flock to Las Heras Park or hit the shops along Sante Fe. In the evenings, particularly Friday and Saturday, the area’s bars and clubs are filled with well-heeled partygoers.
Shopping in Barrio Norte
Barrio Norte is a popular shopping haunt, and the main boulevard of Sante Fe is home to a huge selection of shops. Alto Palermo Shopping Center offers a mix of mainstream and designer stores and a large food court. Also along Sante Fe Avenue is the El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore, housed in an old theater quirky Galería Bond Street mall; and Galería 5ta Avenida, a favorite for vintage finds.
Address: Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 15
Buenos Aires Botanical Garden
Located in the heart of the Palermo neighborhood, the Buenos Aires Botanical Garden opened in 1898 based on a design by French architect Carlos Thays. Today the national monument encompasses 18 acres (7 hectares) of gardens showcasing some 5,500 species of plants from six different continents: Asia, Africa, Oceana Europe and the Americas.
Highlights of the green space include a Roman garden, designed by Carlos Thays in the fashion of early Christian-era gardens, as well as a French garden inspired by the gardens of Versailles. While not open to the public, the botanical garden also houses a stunning Art Nouveau greenhouse that was displayed at the 1889 Paris World Fair.
Aside from the plants, the botanical gardens also serve as a home to a sizable population of cats, most abandoned by their owners but now cared for by a local volunteer committee.
Practical Info
The Buenos Aires Botanical Garden is closed on Mondays.
Address: Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 35
Bodega Tierras Altas
Opened in 1999, Bodega Tierras Altas was one of Mendoza's first boutique wineries. Run by the Arizu family with more than a century of experience in winemaking, the winery (bodega) produces malbec, cabernet sauvignon, and malbec rose wines, as well as a range of extra virgin olive oils.
The Basics
Wine lovers can discover the secrets of Argentina's most famous wine during a guided tour at Tierras Altas. Stroll around the vineyards, peek behind the scenes of the winemaking process, and visit the wine cellars. After learning the step-by-step process of wine production, enjoy a guided wine tasting, straight from the barrel.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The legal drinking age in Argentina is 18.
- Advance booking is required for winery tours and tastings, which are conducted in both Spanish and English.
- There is also a winery restaurant that serves lunch and dinner, with wine tastings included.
How to Get There
Bodega Tierras Altas is located 20 minutes south of Mendoza city by road. Biking is a popular way to reach the winery, but the hop-on hop-off Vitivinicola bus also stops right outside.
When to Get There
The winery is open Tuesday through Sunday. Although wine tours are possible year-round, the most pleasant time to explore the vineyards is in spring and summer, from October through March.
Exploring the Mendoza Wine Region
Mendoza is the largest wine region in South America, with three main appellations: Lujan de Cuyo, Valle de Uco, and Maipu Valley, plus more than 1,500 wineries dotting the fertile mountain valleys. The region is most famous for its malbec, which is shipped all around the world, but it's also possible to find excellent cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and syrah, as well as some white wine varieties, such as chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, and riesling.
Address: Acceso Sur 6501, Lujan de Cuyo M5505, Argentina
From $ 12
Bella Vista Hill (Cerro Bella Vista)
Cerro Bella Vista is a mountain in the province of Rio Negro near Bariloche, Argentina and falls within Nahuel Huapi National Park. It is 5,577 feet high and fairly easy to climb, but a hike to the summit can take between two to four hours, and descending can take two to three hours. It's not as well-known as some of the other peaks in the area, but it is visible from Bariloche and from the nearby heights. It also offers spectacular views of the nearby peaks, Nahuel Huapi Lake, Lake Moreno, and sections of Nahuel Huapi National Park. During the climb, you will hike through a forest of coihue trees and lenga trees. You will also have the chance to see flowers and birds that are native to the Patagonian Andes.
The best time to hike up Cerro Bella Vista is during the summer, which runs mid-December to mid-March. The weather should also be mild from November to May. Snow is possible during the winter months.
Practical Info
Cerro Bella Vista is west of Barlioche. To get there, take a collectivo or bus from Bariloche to Colonia Suiza, which takes about an hour. You will be dropped off a little less than four miles from the trail head. With private transportation, you can get there in about 20 minutes and park closer to the trail head. It is recommended to hike with a guide or tour.
Address: Cerro Bella Vista, Río Negro Province, Argentina
From $ 69
Avenida 9 De Julio
Porteños often boast about Avenida 9 De Julio as the world’s widest boulevard, and with a width of 460 feet (140 meters) with 12 lanes of traffic, they might just be right. Construction on the avenue began in 1937, modeled after the Champs Elysees but twice as wide, and built to commemorate Argentina’s Independence Day, July 9, 1816. It wasn’t fully completed until 1980.
Neo-classical and Beaux Arts buildings line the monumental street, but it’s most recognizable feature is the iconic Obelisco that towers over a small park at the intersection of Avenida 9 De Julio and Avenida Corrientes.
Practical Info
Don’t try to rush across the avenue. On average, a pedestrian needs two to three green lights to make it all the way across.
Address: Avenida 9 de Julio, Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 15
Bodega Cruzat
While most of Mendoza's wineries specialize in rich reds, most notably malbec, Bodega Cruzat has carved a niche for itself producing sparkling wines. Founded by winemaker Pedro Federico Rosell in 2004, Cruzat grows pinot noir and chardonnay grapes, and produces a selection of fine white and rose sparkling wines using traditional methods.
The Basics
On a Cruzat winery tour, visitors can discover the entire wine-making process, from growing and harvesting grapes to the traditional "champenoise" method that involves a second fermentation in the bottle and produces sparkling wines. After peeking behind-the-scenes at the production area, including the wine cellars, disgorging machine, and bottle-labeling machine, sample the wines during a guided wine tasting.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The legal drinking age in Argentina is 18.
- Advance booking is required for winery tours and tastings.
- Tours are conducted in both Spanish and English.
How to Get There
Bodega Cruzat is located about a 30-minute drive south of Mendoza city in the Lujan de Cuyo region. Biking is a popular way to reach the winery, and the hop-on hop-off Vitivinicola bus also stops there every Tuesday.
When to Get There
The winery is open Monday through Saturday. Vitivinicola wine buses arrive on Tuesdays, making it one of the busiest days. Although wine tours run year-round, the most pleasant time to explore the vineyards is from October through March.
Sampling Mendoza's Sparkling Wines
Mendoza's wine scene has constantly evolved since the millennium, and while red varietals still lead the way, a number of wineries are now devoted to producing high-quality sparkling wines. French Champagne house Moet & Chandon first realized Mendoza's potential for producing sparkling wines, setting up the Chandon Argentina winery in the 1950s. Today, along with Chandon and Cruzat, popular wineries along Mendoza's Sparkling Wine Trail include Norton and Septima.
Address: Costa Flores s/n Perdriel, Lujan de Cuyo 5509, Argentina
From $ 22
Buenos Aires Chinatown (Barrio Chino)
Buenos Aires’ Chinatown (Barrio Chino) has been a popular gathering place for the city’s Taiwanese and Chinese immigrants since the late 1980s. Tucked in the heart of the Belgrano residential area, the small 4-block area is a colorful ode to the city’s Asian population and a foodie hot spot.
The Basics
The best way to explore Chinatown is on foot, and highlights of a walking tour include the Buddhist Tzong Kuan temple and the monumental arch that stands at the corner of Juramento and Arribeños. Bike tours of Buenos Aires’ northern neighborhoods also often make a stop in Chinatown on the way to nearby Palermo and Nuñez.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Leave yourself plenty of time to browse the shops and supermarkets, where you’ll find foods and other items that can’t be found anywhere else in Buenos Aires.
- Most shops in Chinatown are open from 9am to 9pm.
- Many of the area’s restaurants are closed on Mondays.
How to Get There
Buenos Aires’ Chinatown is generally denoted as the area bordered by Juramento, Arribeños, Montañeses, and Monroe Avenues. The closest subway (subte) station is Juramento Station (Line D), or you can catch the train from Retiro to Belgrano C.
When to Get There
Chinatown draws a large crowd during the annual Lunar New Year celebrations, when central Arribeños street comes alive with a vibrant street market, and revelers can enjoy live music and costumed entertainers. Chinatown is also a great dining destination any evening.
Dining in Chinatown
For most locals, the main reason to visit Chinatown is the food, and the streets are lined with family-run restaurants and street food vendors. This is the go-to place for authentic Chinese food, but there are also restaurants serving Japanese, Thai, and Korean cuisine. Swap your steak knife for chopsticks (palitos) and enjoy home-cooked delicacies like pad thai, black bean tofu, steamed dumplings, and duck pancakes.
Address: Argentina
From $ 35
Andeluna Cellars
The name Andeluna comes from a combination of the words Andes, in the foothills of which these grapes are grown, and luna (moon), which the winemakers say impart magic and inspiration to their winemaking. Andeluna harvests Argentine grapes from vineyards originally planted 125 years ago by early Italian immigrants. These are brought to a 48,000 square foot winemaking facility for the de-stemming, crush and fermentation. Andeluna was started in 2003 under the tutelage of one Argentine and one American investor, H. Ward Lay, of the Lays potato chip fortune.
The winery is located in Tupungato, Argentina, near Mendoza, and here they grow Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc, all at altitude, in this case at up to 4300 feet above sea level. The winery features classic architecture with views of the Andes Mountains, over some of the area’s prime grape vines. There is a bar, tasting room, reserve tastings in the wine cellar where they also store 1,200 barrels of wine, and a kitchen and dining room for gourmet lunches.
Practical Info
While Andeluna grows some of the same varietals as nearby wineries, and makes two different kinds of Malbec, they also make a more European-styled wine, the exclusive Grand Reserve Pasionado, made in a Bordeaux style. They also conduct tastings in four different areas of the winery, depending on visitors’ preference.
Address: Ruta Provincial 89 s/n. km 11 Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina
From $ 22
Barolo Palace (Palacio Barolo)
Once the tallest building in South America, the grand Barolo Palace (Palacio Barolo) might have since been eclipsed by Buenos Aires’ modern skyscrapers, but its magnificent architecture has still stood the test of time. Built by Italian architect Mario Palanti in 1923, the building’s fanciful style was inspired by Dante Alighieri’s ‘The Divine Comedy’, with its three parts representing Hell, Purgatory and Heaven.
The most famous part of the building is its central lighthouse, which looms 100-meters over the central boulevard of Plaza de Mayo and once shone a beacon that could be seen in neighboring Uruguay. Today, the Barolo Palace is open to the public by guided tour and the undisputed highlight is a visit to the top of the tower, from where the 360-degree views span Plaza de Mayo, Plaza de Congreso and much of the city.
Practical Info
Barolo Palace is located on Avenida de Mayo, close to Plaza de Congreso in central Buenos Aires. Guided tours run from Monday to Saturday between 12 and 8pm, and must be booked in advance.
Address: Av. de Mayo 1370, 1085, Argentina
Hours: Mon-Sat:12-8pm
Admission: By guided tour only
From $ 42
Bodega El Tránsito
In the late nineteenth century, an Italian immigrant left his home in Rosciolo and began making wine in Cafayate. Bodega El Tránsito moved to a new location in 1952 but remained in the family. Today the fourth generation of the Nanni family carries on the family’s winemaking heritage.
The boutique winery in the center of town produces Torrontés, Cabernet sauvignon and Malbec, along with several blends. Unlike many wineries in Cafayate, Bodega El Tránsito offers both free tours and tastings. The tour is short — typically around 15 minutes — followed by a chance to sample four different wines.
Practical Info
It’s location near the center of Cafayate makes Bodega El Tránsito a good option for travelers who are without a car or pressed for time.
Address: Belgrano 102, Cafayate, Salta, Argentina 4472, Argentina
From $ 43
Bodega Domingo Hermanos
Bodega Domingo Hermanos began producing wines in the 1960s, taking advantage of the high-altitude conditions of Salta. Today, the winery has a tank capacity of 1.6 million gallons (6 million
liters). The altitude — about 5,500 feet (1,700 meters) — creates excellent conditions for growing Torrontés grapes, a varietal for which Bodega Domingo Hermanos is famous.
Tours of the production facilities give visitors an insight into a more traditional method of wine making, and the table wines available for purchase at the bodega are among the best in the
region.
Practical Info
Bodega Domingo Hermanos is located at the intersection of Av. Gral. Güemes and 25 de Mayo near the plaza in Cafayate.
Address: Nuestra Sra del Rosario s/n, Cafayate, Salta 4427, Argentina
Hours: Opening hours: Monday-Friday 9am - 12:30pm and 3pm - 7pm; Saturday 9am - 12:30pm and 3pm - 6pm; Sundays and holidays 10:30am - 1pm
From $ 43
Andes Mountains
The Andes Mountains, which form Argentina’s backbone, are to the far west of the country, and separate this nation from bordering Chile. They extend most of the length of South America (some 4,300 miles), stretching down from Venezuela through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and finally, Argentina. At their widest, the Andes are about 430 miles wide and measure an average of 13,000 feet high, which means they are visible from many miles away.
Most visitors to Argentina’s closest connection with the Andes will be from near Mendoza, one of the main wine-growing regions in the country, with its popular Malbec (red) wine. Mendoza is just east of the Andes, and from here, it is possible to visit a lookout point with a good view of Aconcagua, the tallest mountain on the continent, as a day trip. The 22,841 foot mountain is a favorite among mountain climbers, but it an intensive trip that requires planning, training and high-mountain gear. Most visitors will content themselves with seeing, rather than climbing the Andes.
Practical Info
Though parts of the Andes may look barren, there is often abundant wildlife, including guanacos, slim-necked relatives of the llama, and it is fairly common to see Andean condors, with a wingspan measuring as much as 10.5 feet in width, coasting on thermal updrafts.
Address: Argentina
From $ 156