Choose from 191 Fun Things to Do in Argentina
ShowingFilter 41-60 of 191 listings.
Don Silvano Ranch
Don Silvano Ranch (Estancia Don Silvano in Spanish) sits on the pampas outside the Argentine capital. A day trip to this ranch gives visitors a glimpse into the history, heritage and traditions of Argentina’s cowboys, or gauchos, who worked as cattle herders and have become famous for their impressive skills on horseback.
A typical visit to Don Silvano Ranch begins with an Argentine-style welcome — empanadas and wine — followed by a tour of the estancia, including its small museum and bakery. Guests can explore the surrounding countryside on horseback, play a game of bocce ball or explore the ranch on foot.
In the pampas, lunch takes the form of a gaucho-style barbecue. Ranch guests fill up on various meats cooked over an open flame and washed down with Malbec. Folk singers and dancers entertain during the meal. In the afternoon, guests are treated to a gaucho show, where the estancia cattle herders show off their skills on horseback. The afternoon draws to a close with a cup of mate, a typical Argentine tea, served with pastries.
Address: Ruta 8 Km 87,300, Capilla del Señor, Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 85
Esmeralda Lagoon (Laguna Esmeralda)
The Esmeralda Lagoon hike is a popular afternoon and evening activity just outside of Ushuaia. Set in a wide valley in the Fuegian Andes, Esmeralda Lagoon is ringed by native cohiue and lenga forests.
The hike traverses several peat bogs, which cover much of Tierra Del Fuego’s low-lying lands. After a 2-3 hour hike, visitors arrive at the shore of Esmeralda Lagoon, but the main attraction is hard to choose. Both the emerald-green glacier water and the beavers that ply its waters are equally stunning. Other native fauna, including guanaco, foxes and condors are commonly sighted along the hike to and from the lake.
Helicopter tours also depart Ushuaia airfield and fly across the Fuegian Andes, past Olivia Mountain to Esmeralda Lagoon.
In the winter months, the lake freezes and the Southern Andes are covered in snow. Tours still hike into the lake; however, it’s less about the destination and more about experiencing a rare winter wonderland.
Practical Info
The Esmeralda Lagoon Hike begins at the Tierra Mayor Valley, 20 km north east of Ushuaia. December to March is the best time to visit the lake; however, tours do operate year-round.
Address: Ushuaia, Argentina
Hours: Year-round
From $ 76
El Bolson
El Bolsón is a town in the southwest section of the Rio Negro province of Argentina. Despite its southern location, it has an unusually mild climate due to the valleys towards Chile and the Pacific Ocean. The town was originally settled by German immigrants, and in the 1970s, hippies from Buenos Aires moved there. Today El Bolsón's economy is based on tourism. Visitors come to see the outdoor artisan market, and to participate in activities such as fly fishing, trekking, rafting, climbing, and other outdoor activities in the surrounding lakes and mountains. There is also a significant production of cheeses, smoked trout, locally brewed beer, regional chocolates and ice cream, as well as organic and wild crafted jams and preserves. North of El Bolsón is the Rio Azul Natural Protected Area, which forms part of the world's largest UNESCO Temperate Biosphere Reserve and has trails for tourists throughout the mountains.
El Bolsón is a very environmentally-friendly town. It has been declared a non-nuclear zone and an ecological municipality. It's an excellent place for hiking and enjoying nature. Visitors often appreciate the down to earth atmosphere, which is in contrast to the commercialism of Bariloche.
Practical Info
El Bolsón is located about 76 miles south of Bariloche. The journey takes about two hours by bus. There are flights from Barlioche, though they are not frequent.
Address: El Bolsón, Río Negro Province, Argentina
From $ 74
Cerro Tronador
Cerro Tronador is the standout attraction among many day-trip and hiking options in Bariloche. It is named for the thunderous sound the volcano made before it went extinct, but the name (Thundering Mountain) is still apt, for the rumbling icefalls as giant pieces of ice shed from the glacier, which are audible at a safe distance. The main attraction is the Ventisquero Negro (also called El Manso), which means black glacier, and it’s easy to see why. It is mainly covered in darkish soil and moraine, and small pieces that have broken off float in a milky lake at its foot.
The glacier is the source of one of the nearby rivers, called Río Manso (tame river), which you can also see, and there are waterfalls, including the impressive Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), where several waterfalls come together.
Cerro Tronador looms over the hamlet of Pampa Linda, you arrive at after driving along U-shaped, pale blue Mascardi lake. Visitors can hike up to the glacier at Refugio Otto Meiling (where you can also spend the night) and keep going until the road ends at the Garganta del Diablo falls. You can also do this part by bike. In either case, you’ll want to be careful not to get too close to the falls’ edge.
The glacier is the source of one of the nearby rivers, called Río Manso (tame river), which you can also see, and there are waterfalls, including the impressive Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), where several waterfalls come together.
Cerro Tronador looms over the hamlet of Pampa Linda, you arrive at after driving along U-shaped, pale blue Mascardi lake. Visitors can hike up to the glacier at Refugio Otto Meiling (where you can also spend the night) and keep going until the road ends at the Garganta del Diablo falls. You can also do this part by bike. In either case, you’ll want to be careful not to get too close to the falls’ edge.
Practical Info:
The gravel road out of Bariloche does one-way service to Cerro Tronador in the morning, and back in the afternoons, and it is slow going, as it is unsealed (ripio). The drive can take two hours or more, but unpaved roads are what crisscross most of the region, including the Ruta 40 which runs down the spine of Argentina’s part of Patagonia, so this is fairly typical outside of the well-touristed part of this region. You’ll have to rent a car or do a tour to visit the Cerro, as there is no public transportation.
Address: Argentina
From $ 51
El Querandi
Red wine and red-hot tango are two of Argentina’s top exports and few places do both as well as El Querandi, one of the most famous tango venues in Buenos Aires. The atmospheric restaurant and wine bar is as popular with locals, who fill up on lunchtime steaks, as it is with tourists, who frequent the legendary dinner tango shows, and serves up an acclaimed menu of Argentine cuisine and local wines.
The historic venue has been making its mark in the tango world since it first opened its doors in 1920 and while the nightly dinner shows are now mostly for the benefit of tourists, the passion and artistry of the tango is still very much alive. Tracing the history of the sultry tango from the late 19th century bordellos, through its many generational interpretations and including plenty of gasp-inducing modern twists, the El Querandi tango show is a stylish introduction to the iconic dance. Entering the dimly lit venue is like stepping back in time, with tuxedoed waiters and glittering chandeliers bringing a touch of old world glamor, film reels showcasing clips of the tango greats and dazzling costumes and performances by some of the city’s most talented dancers.
The historic venue has been making its mark in the tango world since it first opened its doors in 1920 and while the nightly dinner shows are now mostly for the benefit of tourists, the passion and artistry of the tango is still very much alive. Tracing the history of the sultry tango from the late 19th century bordellos, through its many generational interpretations and including plenty of gasp-inducing modern twists, the El Querandi tango show is a stylish introduction to the iconic dance. Entering the dimly lit venue is like stepping back in time, with tuxedoed waiters and glittering chandeliers bringing a touch of old world glamor, film reels showcasing clips of the tango greats and dazzling costumes and performances by some of the city’s most talented dancers.
Address: El Querandi, Monserrat, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Admission: Only Show: $55, Dinner and Show: $125, VIP Dinner Show: $230
From $ 30
Esquina Homero Manzi
Few tango venues have as illustrious a history as the Esquina Homero Manzi, built in 1917 and earning a reputation as an important cultural hub in the 1940s, where local tango musicians, dancers and poets would gather to drink, talk and perform. Today, the protected building has been beautifully restored in period style and named after one of its most famous former visitors – legendary tango lyricist Homero Manzi, who wrote his famous tango 'Sur' within its walls.
The atmospheric 300-seat restaurant now hosts one of the city’s best tango dinner shows, where guests can dine on Argentine cuisine and wine, and watch a nostalgic show of iconic tango songs and dances by talented local performers.
Practical Info
Esquina Homero Manzi is located at the corner of Av. San Juan and Boedo in Buenos Aires’ Boedo neighborhood, and hosts daily tango shows.
Address: Av San Juan 3601, Bueno Aires, Argentina
Admission: Show: AR$330, Show & Dinner: From AR$550
From $ 20
El Monumental Stadium
The Basics
Few activities whip Argentines into a frenzy like a football (soccer) match, and watching local team River Plate—one of the country’s top teams—playing at their home stadium is an experience like no other. Football fans can also explore behind the scenes on a guided stadium tour, including the press conference room, training field, and trophy hall, or even combine it with a guided stadium tour of La Bombonera.
The stadium is also home to the River Plate Museum, a huge sporting museum with a 360-degree movie theater, multimedia exhibitions, and displays of trophies, original uniforms, and club memorabilia.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is a café and gift shop on-site, and game-day visitors have many more food options.
- Stadium tours typically include entrance to the museum.
- The stadium and museum are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get to There
El Monumental Stadium is located in the Belgrano district of Buenos Aires. The closest metro station is Congreso de Tucumán (Line D), about 20 minutes’ walk away. Several buses (colectivos) pass the stadium, including No. 29, which runs from Plaza de Mayo and No. 15 from Avenida Santa Fé in Palermo. An easier option is to take a taxi or opt for a tour with hotel pickup and drop-off.
When to Get There
The main football seasons in Buenos Aires run from August to December, and February to July. Most matches are held on weekends, or occasionally on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings. Unless you’re attending a game, it’s best to avoid visiting on match days when the stadium will be overrun with crowds.
Memorable Events at El Monumental Stadium
Built in 1937, El Monumental Stadium boasts an illustrious history, hosting many of the nation’s most prominent sporting events, including the 1978 World Cup finals and the First Pan American Games in 1951. The 75,000-capacity stadium is also used as a concert venue for international artists. Performers who have taken the stage here include Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, the Rolling Stones, U2, and Madonna.
Address: Av Pres Figueroa Alcorta 7597, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo)
With 14 cascades tumbling over 260 feet (80 meters) into a cloudy mist as they hit the frothing water below, Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo) is easily the star of Iguazu Falls. The tallest of Iguazu’s 275 waterfalls, Devil’s Throat is evenly split across the border of Argentina and Brazil, making it easy to visit no matter your starting point.
The Basics
Many tours visit both sides of Iguazu Falls so you can get the best of both vistas. The Argentinean side of Devil’s Throat offers better hiking options, including a catwalk that gets close enough for you to get soaked with spray, as well as a boat ride that takes you beneath the famous cascades. The Brazilian side boasts postcard-perfect views of the U-shaped falls: Ride an elevator to the top of a viewing platform for the best vista. Those interested in seeing Devil’s Throat from above can catch a helicopter ride on the Brazilian side (the Argentinean side does not support helicopters in the park). For a full-day adventure, look for tours that combine a trip to Devil’s Throat with other activities such as rafting trips and safaris.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Brazilian vistas are open year-round.
- Be sure to wear waterproof clothes, and pack your electronics and valuables in waterproof bags.
- Plan to spend at least two days visiting Devil’s Throat and the rest of the falls, especially if you plan to see both sides.
How to Get There
In Argentina, Iguazu National Park is located 10 miles (17 kilometers) from Puerto Iguazu. Buses run from Puerto Iguazu to the park every half hour during park hours. If you're coming from Buenos Aires, take a 90-minute flight or a 24-hour bus ride. On the Brazilian side, the closest town to Iguassu (Iguaçu) National Park is Foz do Iguaçu. Catch a bus from town to the park for only a few dollars; buses and taxis also run directly from the airport. Foz do Iguaçu is a two-hour flight from Rio de Janeiro.
When to Get There
Devil’s Throat is accessible year-round. For the best weather and the smallest crowds, plan to go between July and October or February and April. The falls are at their most powerful during the rainy season, which can sometimes result in trail closures on the Argentinean side. Morning visits sometimes afford rainbows in the ever-present mist of Devil’s Throat.
Visa Requirements
Be sure to check the visa requirements for your country before crossing the Argentina-Brazil border.
Address: RA 12, KM17 Puerto Iguazu, Argentina
Hours: Open daily 8am - 5pm
Admission: US$23
From $ 32
Cultural Center of the Americas (Centro Cultural America)
The Cultural Center of the Americas is a building and organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting cultural events in Salta, Argentina. Events held here include concerts, art exhibits, educational workshops, and cultural, social and business groups. The building was designed by renowned architect and engineer Arturo Prins, and it was built in a French Neo-Baroque style in the early 1900s. Its original intent was to house the 20th of February Club, but the building was expropriated by Ricardo Durán, the governor of Salta at the time. It was a government building for about 40 years after that.
In 1987 the building underwent renovations and became the cultural center it is today. Artists from around the world come here to present their work in art shows, musicians perform here, political and economic conventions are held here, and many other organizations use the cultural center as an entertainment venue.
Practical Info
The Cultural Center of the Americas is located at Bartolomé Mitre 23.
Address: Bartolomé Mitre 23, Salta, Argentina
From $ 20
Colon Theatre (Teatro Colón)
With its opulent architecture and fine acoustics, the Colon Theatre (Teatro Colón) ranks alongside Paris’ Opera Garnier and London’s Royal Opera House as one of the world’s most impressive theaters. Reopened after extensive renovations in 2010, the Colon Theatre is the premier venue for opera, ballet, and classical music in Buenos Aires.
The Basics
The regal façade of the Colon Theatre makes a popular photo stop on sightseeing tours of Buenos Aires, but visitors can also admire the lavish interiors on a guided theater tour. Tours take in all the highlights, including the Golden Hall, the Gallery of Busts, and the Main Foyer. Attending a performance at the luxurious, 7-story, 2,500-seat theater is an even more memorable experience.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an admission fee for visitors without performance tickets to enter the theater; a guided tour is included.
- Tours run daily, every 15 minutes (except during performance times) and last about 50 minutes.
- Tours are offered in multiple languages, including English.
- There is a range of seating options and ticket prices available for performances, but advance booking is always recommended.
- The theater is fully wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Colon Theatre is on the corner of Cerrito and Tucuman in downtown Buenos Aires. The closest subway (subte) station is Tribunales (Line D).
When to Get There
Head to the Colon Theatre in the evening to watch a performance; the striking building is most magnificent after dark, when it’s dramatically illuminated. Free performances are held monthly, usually on a Saturday or Sunday at 11am.
History of the Colon Theatre
The theater took more than 20 years and three architects to complete, before opening its doors in 1908. It has hosted some of the world’s greatest conductors, opera singers, and ballet dancers. Artists who have appeared include Igor Stravinsky, Maria Callas, Luciano Pavarotti, and Plácido Domingo. The theater is also famed for its set and costume workshops, as well as the Instituto Superior de Arte, where dancers Julio Bocca and Maximiliano Guerra trained.
Address: Argentina
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
Chachin Waterfall
At the far western end of Lake Lacár by the placid shores of Lake Nonthué, Chachin Waterfall spills 66 feet through the green Valdivian forest. This isolated cascade near the Chilean border is a highlight of Lake Lacár boat trips, and one of the most popular outings and day trips from San Martin de los Andes. Admiring the tumbling waterfall itself only takes a couple of minutes, but it’s the journey to get there that makes it such a popular and enjoyable trip. To reach Chachin waterfall, visitors must board a three-hour cruise from the port in San Martin de los Andes, and disembark by the port of Chachin on Lake Lacár’s western end. The cruise to Chichin passes small islands that spring from the impossibly blue lake, and skirts past sea caves that were once used by indigenous Mapuche settlers. Or, to drive to the waterfall, rather than cruise, the drive down gravel Route 48 passes numerous hidden beaches. Once in Chichin, a 30 minute hike leads through temperate rainforest to the lookout over the falls, where snowmelt gathering from the Andean peaks will eventually make its way down to Lake Nonthué and on to the big blue Pacific.
Practical Info
While the trail to Chichin waterfall isn’t long, it’s important to still use caution on the trail since it’s often slippery and wet. If visiting by car, continue the trip with a stop in Hua Hum just a few miles closer to the border, although in the event of rain, the dirt road can quickly turn to mud and potentially become impassable. When sunny, however, the drive from San Martin to Chichin Waterfall should take approximately 45 minutes.
Address: San Martin de los Andes, Argentina
From $ 159
El Viejo Almacen
One of Buenos Aires’ biggest draws for visitors is the chance to see a live tango show. And while there are tango performances on the street (for example, on El Caminito), or even in San Telmo, it would be difficult to beat the all-encompassing experience of going to a tango show. One of the leaders in this arena is the Viejo Almacen, a name which means “old general store,” and behind the traditional old exterior in San Telmo is space for eating, dancing, and even a third floor terrace for outdoor dining. The building dates back to the late 18th century, and has been used for the dinner tango show since 1969.
The show (with or without dinner, you decide), features more than 20 tango dancers, interspersed with Andean pan pipe music, and other forms of music, dance and even poetry. Dinner consists of traditional Argentine empanadas, pastas, vegetable risotto and two glasses of wine per adult.
Practical Info
In comparison to some of the other tango shows in Buenos Aires, the one at the El Viejo Almacen is smaller, which means you are closer to the dancers and music, which provides a more intimate experience.
Address: Balcarce 799, Buenos Aires C1064AAO, Argentina
From $ 50
El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center
El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center, a small museum in El Calafate, covers a big chunk of history — 100 million years of history. Recently renovated, the museum provides an excellent introduction to the natural and human history of southern Patagonia from the time it was formed through to today.
The collection, divided into five rooms, includes fossilized skeletons of dinosaurs and mega mammals found in the area, as well as recreations of prehistoric cave paintings and collections of objects, tools and relics from the native Aonikenk culture and colonizers who showed up later.
Practical Info
Plan to spend an hour or so at the Interpretation Center at the start of your visit, as it will give you a better appreciation for the rest of your time in Patagonia.
Address: Av. Brown and G. Bonmelli, El Calafate, Argentina
Hours: Open daily Sept-Apr 10am-8pm; May-Aug 11am-5pm Wed-Mon
Admission: AR$95
From $ 11
End of the World Train (Tren del Fin del Mundo)
For the ultimate end-of-the-earth adventure, ride the world’s southernmost train to Tierra del Fuego National Park. Leave from outside Ushuaia and follow the historic convict train route, passing beech forests, peat bogs, and reminders of the timber-felling worksites of Ushuaia prisoners from 1901 to 1941.
The Basics
The hourlong train ride to Tierra del Fuego National Park departs three times per day in heated coaches with large windows perfect for viewing the passing scenery. An onboard audio tour in English, Spanish, and Portuguese offers a history of the convict train. Combine your train ticket with a half-day tour of the national park for a hassle-free day trip from Ushuaia.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The train is a must-do for families with kids and history buffs.
- A one-way train ride lasts about an hour and round-trip transport takes an hour and 45 minutes.
- The price of the train ticket does not include entrance to the national park.
- Don’t forget to dress in layers; the train is heated but it’s often chilly outside.
How to Get There
The Tren del Fin del Mundo's station is located 5 miles (8 kilometers) outside Ushuaia. The easiest way to get there is by car or taxi; it’s about a 25-minute drive.
When to Get There
The End of the World Train operates yearlong, even during periods of heavy snow. Riders can choose from three departures daily. Much of the national park is closed between June and September.
Tierra del Fuego National Park
Measuring 232 square miles (601 square kilometers), there’s plenty to explore within Tierra del Fuego National Park. Visit Lago Roca, a lake surrounded by mountain peaks, or trek through peat bogs and native forests. The views from the top of Cerro Guanaco are well worth the climb.
Address: Argentina
Admission: Varies
From $ 32
Cerro Lopez
With its alpine peaks, crystalline lakes, and wealth of artisanal chocolate, Bariloches is a dream destination for South American travelers. In summer, the hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing are some of the best in Patagonia, and the accessibility and ease of access make them easy for travelers to enjoy.
In terms of hiking and views of Bariloches, one of the best trails in northern Patagonia is the climb up Cerro Lopez. This 7,178-foot mountain towers above Bariloches, and offers unparalleled, panoramic views of the entire Argentinian Lakes District. Standing atop the windswept summit, gaze out towards active volcanoes that rise from the spine of the Andes. Down in the valley, thousands of feet below, the outline of Lake Nahuel Huapi shimmers and weaves through the hills, and the summit holds an inspiring and energizing sense of alpine freedom.
To reach the summit of Cerro Lopez—or at least get near the top—there are a number of different options for travelers depending on fitness and skill. Making the climb all the way to the top requires 7 to 8 hours of hiking, with a short stop at Refugio Lopez at 5,300 feet. From here, it’s an hour-long scramble up Pico Turista to an area close to the summit, or simply finish at Refugio Lopez and order a meal and drink. Alternatively, there’s a 4x4 road that climbs its way up the bumpy spine of the mountain, which is used by tour companies accessing the refugio or ziplining their way back down.
Practical Info
To reach the trailhead for Cerro Lopez from downtown Bariloches, take the bus toward Colonia Suiza and stop at Arroyo Lopez. The best season for hiking on Cerro Lopez is from December-March, and there might be snow and inclement weather during the early spring or fall. Always be sure to check the weather before hiking, as well as pack appropriate clothing and emergency supplies for the trip.
Address: Cerro López, Bariloche, Argentina
Hours: Daily
From $ 84
End of the World Museum (Museo del Fin del Mundo)
Celebrate your visit to the world’s southernmost city by exploring the Museo del Fin del Mundo.
The museum focuses on Ushuaia’s natural and indigenous history, including a menagerie of stuffed animals and the tools used to hunt them.
The collection is displayed in a series of interconnecting rooms, starting off with travelers and ethnography, including mementos of past visitors such as the shipwrecked figurehead of the HMS Duchess of Albany, which came to grief off the coast of Tierra del Fuego in 1893.
The grocery store exhibit is a hit with kids of all ages, displaying the essential shopping items of Ushuaia’s far-flung citizens in times gone by.
Seabirds like albatrosses and petrels are featured in the Birds of Fire room, along with penguins, shorebirds, ducks, swans, flamingos and waterfowl.
The final exhibit displays the safes, security doors, sturdy furniture and log books of Argentina’s National Bank.
The museum focuses on Ushuaia’s natural and indigenous history, including a menagerie of stuffed animals and the tools used to hunt them.
The collection is displayed in a series of interconnecting rooms, starting off with travelers and ethnography, including mementos of past visitors such as the shipwrecked figurehead of the HMS Duchess of Albany, which came to grief off the coast of Tierra del Fuego in 1893.
The grocery store exhibit is a hit with kids of all ages, displaying the essential shopping items of Ushuaia’s far-flung citizens in times gone by.
Seabirds like albatrosses and petrels are featured in the Birds of Fire room, along with penguins, shorebirds, ducks, swans, flamingos and waterfowl.
The final exhibit displays the safes, security doors, sturdy furniture and log books of Argentina’s National Bank.
Practical Info
The Museo del Fin del Mundo is on Ushuaia’s main street overlooking the waterfront, Av Maipu, just a short walk from the pier.
The entry fee also gives you admission to the former Government House, nearby at Av Maipu 465.
The entry fee also gives you admission to the former Government House, nearby at Av Maipu 465.
Address: Av Maipu 179, Ushuaia, Argentina
Hours: Open daily, Oct - Apr 9am - 8pm, May - Sept noon - 7pm.
Admission: Adults: AR$30
From $ 18
El Chalten
A magnet for hikers and lovers of mountains, the village of El Chalten is flanked by the snowcapped peaks of the mighty Fitz Roy mountain range.
Mountaineers come from around the world to climb the 3440m (1,1283-feet) Fitz Roy peak, while hikers follow mountain trails to backcountry campsites and hilltop lakes.
El Chalten is not only a climbing and hiking hub, it’s also Argentina’s newest town, founded on October 12, 1985. The isolated little town takes great pride in its pristine surroundings and natural environment.
The hiking season is December to March. Rug up, as even in summer the peaks can be covered in cloud and it can feel like a cold and wet winter’s day. Due to the increasingly wintery weather, the town shuts down from April to October.
Depending on your level of hiking experience, you can hike to the Fitz Roy lookout in under two hours, or to the blue waters of Lake Capri. Other moderate hikes include Chorrillo del Salto and Piedra del Fraile.
Longer hikes up to four hours each way wind to the Rio Blanco waterway, Laguna de los Tres and the Maestri lookout. Guided walks for advanced climbers take to the glacier for ice climbing.
Mountaineers come from around the world to climb the 3440m (1,1283-feet) Fitz Roy peak, while hikers follow mountain trails to backcountry campsites and hilltop lakes.
El Chalten is not only a climbing and hiking hub, it’s also Argentina’s newest town, founded on October 12, 1985. The isolated little town takes great pride in its pristine surroundings and natural environment.
The hiking season is December to March. Rug up, as even in summer the peaks can be covered in cloud and it can feel like a cold and wet winter’s day. Due to the increasingly wintery weather, the town shuts down from April to October.
Depending on your level of hiking experience, you can hike to the Fitz Roy lookout in under two hours, or to the blue waters of Lake Capri. Other moderate hikes include Chorrillo del Salto and Piedra del Fraile.
Longer hikes up to four hours each way wind to the Rio Blanco waterway, Laguna de los Tres and the Maestri lookout. Guided walks for advanced climbers take to the glacier for ice climbing.
Practical Info
El Chalten is in Santa Cruz Province, beside the Vueltas River in Los Glaciares National Park. El Calafate is 220km (136 miles) away to the south.
Address: Argentina
From $ 616
Esquina Carlos Gardel
Tango is the word on everyone’s lips when visiting Buenos Aires. It was here where the sultry dance was born and survived through a period of outlaw, and the passionate heart of the Argentine arts scene that emanates out from San Telmo. Though it isn’t in the San Telmo neighborhood, Esquina Carlos Gardel is regarded as one of the city’s best tango shows, and is named for the singer, Carlos Gardel, who brought the tango to fame. More than just honoring him by name, however, the show takes place in the very building where Gardel would croon his tango hits throughout the 1920s. From humble beginnings in this Abasto neighborhood, Gardel would rise to international fame for his passionate, mournful songs—many of which are performed here today as part of this elegant show. Even though the theater seats 410 people there isn’t a bad seat in the house, where after a dinner that’s paired with wine, you’re treated to performances by 25 different dancers, musicians, and singers. It’s a moody evening full of romance and lust, of talent, history, and desire, and a great way to spend a night on the town in the city where tango was born.
Practical Info
Transportation to and from the theater is included with the price of a ticket. Dinner begins at 8:30pm, and the show runs from 10:30pm-midnight. Dress code is formal and semi-formal.
Did You Know? In 1915, Che Guevara’s father shot Carlos Gardel in the chest after a late-night bar room brawl. The bullet remained lodged in his left lung for the rest of his career as a singer.
Address: 3200 Carlos Gardel Street, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hours: Dinner begins at 8:30pm on every day of the year.
From $ 11
Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop's Slope)
Cuesta del Obispo, or Bishop’s Slope, is a hill southwest of Salta, Argentina along the way to the village of Cachí. Its name derives from the 1600s when a bishop was traveling through the area. He was so mesmerized by the sky that he decided he had to stop and sleep under the stars that night. The locals started calling the hill the Slope Where the Bishop Slept, and eventually it was shortened to Bishop's Slope.
The hill is in the Calchaquí Valley, which was once much more populated, but the natives were conquered by the Incas who were later conquered by the Spaniards. The hill offers a perfect viewpoint over the Enchanted Valley. The slope itself is a long dirt road that leads up the hill and ends at La Piedra del Molino (the Millstone) at an elevation of nearly 11,000 feet above sea level.
Practical Info
Bishop's Slope is located approximately 64 miles southwest of Salta, Argentina. To get there, take routes 68 and 33, or join a tour of the region.
Address: Argentina
From $ 36
Domaine Bousquet
This winery that grows organic grapes is easily accessible from Mendoza, in the Uco Valley, with the closest town being diminutive Tupungato. Domaine Bosquet dates to the 1990s when the Bosquet family, with a long history of winemaking in their native southern France, came to Mendoza. They eventually bought land in 1998 at the current location, where they grow grapes at approximately 1,200 meters in altitude, which makes it one of the highest altitude wineries in Mendoza and in the world. Much of the harvest is done by hand, and Domain Bousquet prides itself on combining French and Argentine traditions.
The winery has a capacity of 2.5 million liters, divided among Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, a sweet Malbec and a sparkling wine. The grapes are certified organic, and the Domaine Bosquet has been certified as fair trade as well. They offer four different types of tastings, including one that is all Malbec, and another that gives samples from the various lines, such as Reserve or Grand Reserve.
Practical Info
There is a restaurant on site serving organic foods in taster menus (with vegetarian and celiac options available), and there is a small inn onsite with apartments or suites for overnight guests, and the winery also offers cooking classes.
Address: Ruta 89 Km. 7, Tupungato, Mendoza 5561, Argentina
Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm
Saturday-Sunday 11am-9pm
From $ 200