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9 things to do in Argentina and event guide for 2021

Tips for making the most of your time in the land of tango: Argentina

Stephanie Yip
Stephanie Yip

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Courtney Edwards
Courtney Edwards

Updated

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There are almost 6,500 kilometres between Salta province in the north of Argentina and Santa Cruz in the south. Fitting in everything the country has to offer into one trip isn't easy. Here's a breakdown of Argentina's most unmissable sights and experiences, from visiting the thunderous Iguazu Falls to taking a tango lesson in Buenos Aires.

What's in this guide?

  1. Top things to do in Argentina
  2. Top things to do in Buenos Aires
  3. Things to do in Mendoza
  4. Seasonal events in Argentina
  5. Book your flights
  6. Argentina deals

Top things to do in Argentina

1. Go chasing waterfalls at Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls is one of Argentina's top sights and the waterfalls here spread out for three kilometres. There are almost 300 cascades to see and waterfall freefalls for 82 metres from the top of the tallest. The sound here is like a natural percussion band. You can listen to the baseline of the water as you walk around the bridges and pathways that lead from fall to fall. It's possible to take a guided tour of the site, or for something more adrenaline-inducing, you can ride a speedboat up to the base of the waterfall.

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2. See a tango show

Tango is a national passion in Argentina. There are places all over the country where you can experience the art for yourself. You can book seats at a dedicated staged tango show or find a traditional milonga and join the locals as they practice the dance for themselves. For the full experience, you can book an organised night of tango that includes a sample lesson, a show with live music and a traditional Argentine dinner.

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3. Discover Argentine sights by bike

Exploring on two wheels is a good option in Argentina. Guided cycling tours are available in big cities like Buenos Aires so you can take in sights like the Obelisk, La Bombonera stadium and Plaza de Mayo.

There's the option to take a bike tour with a specific focus like urban art and graffiti. For something a bit more white knuckle, you can take a mountain biking tour and go off-road in places like El Calafate. This place is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, which is spiky with mountain peaks. Downhill biking is a popular activity here, too.

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Top things to do in Buenos Aires

4. Explore the region’s food and wine

Argentine wine needs no introduction. This country is one of the world's largest wine producers and it's responsible for some seriously good Malbecs, tempranillos and chardonnays. You don't have to leave Buenos Aires to go wine tasting as some of the best bars offer tasting sessions. Argentina takes its food seriously, too. Asado is one the country's greatest traditions. It's basically the Argentinian version of barbeque, in which everything from sausages to ribs and huge dinosaur-sized steaks are flame-grilled.

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5. Discover Buenos Aires with a boat tour

Discover Buenos Aires a different way with a boat cruise that will take you around to observe the environment, landscape and five rivers of the Tigre Delta.

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6. Visit the theatre

A roll call of legendary artists have taken to the stage at Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires over time. Pavarotti, Margot Fonteyn, Maria Callas and Rudolf Nureyev have all stood beneath the theatre's spotlights. You can learn all about their appearances on a guided tour of the theatre. As you explore, you'll see everything from frescoes and marble to chandeliers and stained glass.

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Things to do in Mendoza

7. Taste wine from the Mendoza Desert region

Walk among vineyards as you discover how the Mendoza Desert region became one of the "Nine World Capitals of Wine." Taste some of the best wines the region has to offer, including a selection of Malbec wines.

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8. Take a city tour of Mendoza

Mendoza is known for its architectural layout and trenches that run along the streets to provide a sufficient water supply for approximately 100,000 trees in the city centre. As you can imagine, Mendoza is a picturesque place to explore with both the old and new city coming together. Discover landmarks including Our Lady of Loreto Cathedral, visit the contemporary art space in the previous location of the Bank of Mendoza and see breathtaking views of the mountains from the Virgin of Lourdes.

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9. Take a day trip from Mendoza to the Andes

Immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience by exploring the Andes. Catch mountain views from the highest point in the Andes and stop at serene viewpoints to capture epic shots. If you want to spruce up the adventure, enjoy an exhilarating river rafting journey through the Mendoza River while you take in views of the Andes.

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Seasonal events in Argentina

Things to do in Argentina in summer

  • Carnival Porteño
  • Buenos Aires Tango Festival

Things to do in Argentina in winter

  • Fashion Week
  • Fiesta de la Noche Mas Larga

Things to do in Argentina in autumn

  • Fashion Week
  • Fiesta de la Noche Mas Larga

Things to do in Argentina in spring

  • Buenos Aires Gay Pride
  • International Buenos Aires Jazz Festival

Book your flights

Feeling inspired? Book your flights to Argentina below:

Argentina deals

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