10 Unmissable Experiences in Argentina
Argentina covers most of the surface area of southern South America and is the eighth largest country in the world. As such, it offers the traveller a cornucopia of vistas and experiences. Here is our choice of 10 unmissable experiences which Argentina has to offer.
Iguazu falls Great Adventure Tour
The Iguazu falls, straddling the border of Argentina and Brazil, is one of the world’s largest collection of waterfalls. The Great Advenure tour (Gran Aventura), which can be added to your day tour to the Argentine falls, includes a jungle walk and sailing the Lower Iguazu towards the waterfalls area, enjoying plentiful rapids. Breathtaking.
Walking Tour, Downtown Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is one of South America’s most charismatic and vibrant cities. What better way to explore and get a feel for the city but on a walking tour of down town Buenos Aires accompanied by your own local guide. Stroll the buzzing streets, stop to see the sites, take in the atmosphere and pause for a coffee break to watch the world go by. Charming.
Trek to Cerro Bella Vista, Bariloche
San Carlos de Bariloche nestles into the central Andes and is surrounded by snow capped volcanoes, intense blue lakes and lush green forests. The summit of Cerro Bellavista ,1800 metres above sea level, is reached after a steady uphill 2 hour trek through beech forests. Once there, the reward is 360º views of the surrounding countryside. Stunning.
Perito Moreno Glacier, El Calafate
The Perito Moreno Glacier terminus is a 3 mile (5 Km) wide and on average 240 foot (74 m) high wall of ice slowly moving forward. It is one of the few glaciers in the world that is not retreating. There are a series of walkways which mean that you can get up close and witness calving – spectacular chunks of ice thunderously breaking off. Impressive.
Laguna De Los Tres Trek, El Chalten
This 8 hour round trip trek from El Chalten takes you into the heart of the Glaciares National Park. The highlight is reaching Laguna de Los Tres, a glacial lake, after a one hour climb up a moraine. Once there, witness the granite spires of Fitzroy Mountain towering above. Patagonia’s climate is a gamble, so the view you get of the spires will depend on the roll of the dice. Amazing.
Sailing The Beagle Channel, Ushuaia
The Beagle Channel is a strait, steeped with history, running from west to east in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago at the very end of the South American continent. Set sail on these waters from Ushuaia enjoying the scenery and sea lions and cormorants on small islands. From November to March, take the opportunity to visit a Penguin Colony too. Wonderful.
Wine Tour, Mendoza
Argentina’s Malbec wines are some of the finest in the World. The main wine producing country is around Mendoza, a city in the foothills of the high Andes. Take a tour, see how the wine is produced and taste wine in situ. Sensational.
Wildlife Spotting, Ibera Wetlands
The Iberá in the north of Argentina is an important fresh water reservoir of swamps, bogs, lagoons and channels brimming with wildlife. Set off on a small boat and keep your eyes peeled for turtles, black caiman, monkeys, swamp deer, capybara, anaconda, otter, wildcat and many bird species. Spectacular.
Quebrada De Las Conchas, Cafayate, Salta
The Quebrada De Las Conchas (Shell gorge) is a deep gorge that stretches for around 30 miles (50 Km) between Salta and Cafayate. As a result of geological upheaval the scene is a wild twisted view of sedimetary strata in various tones of red, yellow and green interspersed with multicoloured and unearthly rock formations. These formations stand alone and many have names such as The Monk, The Castle, The Devil’s Throat and more. Astounding.
Whale Watching , Peninsula Valdez
From June to September Southern Right Whales swim off the coast of the Valdez Peninsula in Central Argentina. These mammals can grow up to 20 meters in length and can weigh up to 50 tonnes in weight. A good time to see the whales breaching is in the early part of the season particularly from June to September. There are boat trips to get closer and even the option of kayaking for the more intrepid. Phenomenal.
More experiences
These are just 10 of a multitude of amazing experiences that can be had in Argentina.
