Situated on the eastern side of the southern chain of the Andes mountains, Argentina is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. It offers a heady mix of natural wonders, vibrant culture and gastronomic delights making it an irresistible destination for discerning travellers.
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Why Argentina?
From the awe-inspiring expanse of Patagonia’s glaciers to the rhythmic beats of Buenos Aires’ tango halls, Argentina promises a rich tapestry of experiences. The country’s diverse natural terrain, rich cultural heritage and immersive adventures make it a fascinating country to visit whether you seek adventure or relaxation.
“We saw such incredible scenery and met such wonderful people.”
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Language
Argentina boasts a linguistic landscape as varied as its geography. While Spanish is the official language, the country is home to a myriad of indigenous languages such as Quecha, Mapuche and Guarani spoken by these communities. Additionally, due to successive waves of immigration, pockets of Italian, German and other European languages persist, especially in urban centres.
Geography
Argentina’s territory covers 2,300+ miles from north to south. It spans an incredible medley of divergent landscapes, climates and wildlife whether you visit the wetlands and forests of the sub-tropical north or the arid steppelands and wild Atlantic shores of the frigid south.
Argentina borders five South American countries; Bolivia, Uruguay, Brazil, Chile and Paraguay. It also has an extensive and rugged coastline of nearly 3,000 miles from the mouth of the Rio de la Plata in Buenos Aires to the country’s tip in Ushuaia, largely recognized as the southern most city in the world.
Whether you dream of visiting the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier in the Patagonian south or watching the swallows dart in and out from their nests behind the thundering Iguazu Falls, nature is the dominating force and she makes her presence known in this immense and fascinating country.
People
As with neighbouring Chile, the population of Argentina represents centuries of intermingling peoples and cultures. Before the Spanish arrival, Argentina’s indigenous people thrived across diverse and contrasting landscapes from the Andean highlands to the fertile plains. Tribes such as Mapuche, Guarani and Quechua inhabited these regions each with unique languages, customs and spiritual beliefs. They practiced agriculture, hunting and fishing cultivating a deep connection to the land. Rich oral traditions passed down stories of creation while intricate art and craftmanship adorned their communities.
Despite the challenges of colonization, the indigenous peoples of Argentina persevered, leaving an indellible mark on the nation’s cultural heritage which serves as a testament to their resilience and enduring legacy.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Argentina witnessed waves of European immigration including Italians, Germans, Spaniards and others all bringing their customs, cuisines and craftmanship. This infusion of cultures enriched Argentina’s cultural fabric leaving lasting imprints. Today Argentina has evolved into a captivating mosaic of identities, each contributing to and shaping the character of the country.
The iconic gauchos, emblematic of Argentina’s rural heritage epitomize the spirit of the countryside with their equestrian prowess and folkloric traditions. Meanwhile the sophisticated porteños of Buenos Aires embody the essence of urban sophistication.
Throughout Argentina’s history, its people have cultivated a deep appreciation for gastronomy, music and sports, notably soccer, which transcends social divides and unites the nation in collective fervor.
Climate
Spanning a vast expanse of land from north to south, Argentina encompasses a contrasting range of climates with each region characterized by its own unique weather patterns. In the northern provinces bordering Bolivia and Paraguay, the climate is predominantly tropical marked by hot and humid conditions with distinct wet and dry seasons. The summer months, from December to February, bring scorching temperatures and frequent rainfall while the winter months, from June to August, offer milder temperatures and driver conditions. This tropical climate fosters lush rainforests and vibrant biodiversity making regions like Misiones province a haven for ecotourism and wildlife.
Moving southward to central Argentina, the climate transitions to a temperate zone typified by moderate temperatures and well defined seasons. The pampas region, including provinces such as Buenos Aires and Cordoba, experiences warm summers and cold winters with rain distributed evenly throughout the year. Spring and autumn bring pleasant temperatures and colourful landscapes.
Further south, Patagonia unveils a land of rugged beauty and dramatic contrasts. Here the climate varies from subpolar in the Andean west to temperate in the eastern lowlands along the Atlantic coast. Summers are short and relatively mild while winters are cold and windy with snowfall common on higher elevations. Patagonia’s dynamic climate adds an element of unpredictability to every visitor’s schedule which needs to be considered in the planning stages.
Time Zone
Time Zone GMT minus three throughout the year. Argentina has not observed daylight saving since 2009 so the time remains constant throughout the year.
Argentina’s Food
Argentina offers a diverse culinary landscape comprised of a rich tapestry of flavours all woven from the country’s cultural influences and regional ingredients. Drawing inspiration from its indigenous heritage, European immigration and gaucho traditions the food of Argentina boasts an array of flavours and textures. From the fertile plains come the prized beef cattle that form the cornerstone of the country’s renowned meat-centric dishes. Meanwhile the fertile soil yields an abundance of crops such as corn, potatoes and squash. European immigration has contributed to the widespread consumption of pastas, bread and dairy products while also influencing the culture of wine making in regions such as Mendoza.
Specialities
The asado, the beloved gaucho barbeque reigns supreme showcasing succulent cuts of beef and sausage grilled to perfection over an open flame. Paired with a glass of Malbec, Argentina’s signature wine, this is a quintessentially Argentine experience not soon forgotten.
Empanadas, savoury pastry pockets filled with meat, cheese or vegetables offer a taste of tradition with each bite. Whether baked or fried, these handheld delights are perfect for a quick snack or a satisfying meal on the go.
Dive deeper into the country’s gastronomic heritage with a steaming bowl of locro, a hearty stew brimming with corn, beans and meat reflecting the country’s indigenous roots.
For those with a sweet tooth, no journey to Argentina would be complete without indulging in dulce de leche, a caramelized milk confection that finds its way into countless desserts from the classic alfajores to a simple flan. Rich, creamy, and irresistibly decadent, dulce de leche is a treat that encapsulates the country’s love affiar with all things sweet.
Destinations in Argentina
Travel styles in Argentina
Activities in Argentina
We can craft your own personalized itinerary that delves into the heart of Argentine culture, it’s people and it’s landscapes. Here are a few of our favourites: immerse yourself in the sultry rhythm of the iconic tango dance in Buenos Aires’ historic milongas, hike some of Fitzroy’s famous and exhilarating trails in southern Patagonia, explore the lush jungles and fascinating heritage of the Misiones province, don crampons and hike up onto the ice of a towering valley glacier before watching the mesmerizing spectacle of huge chunks of ice calving into the lake below, take a wildlife safari to see orcas hunt in the rugged Atlantic waters of the Valdes Peninsula, explore some of Argentina’s most exquisite vineyards for tastings from the comfort of your luxury lodge, ride out into Patagonia as the local gauchos have done for centuries with nights in basic huts with zero light pollution or other humans.
While we specialize in operating trips in the wild south of Patagonia from our base in Puerto Natales we can design and organise trips in other parts of Chile, Argentina and Antarctica. Whether you want to fill a few days or a few weeks we can help you maximise your holiday by offering honest, specialist advice. With your own dedicated trip planner and travelling privately for the most part, you can choose the activities and travel style that suits you, your fitness, abilities, desires, travel times and budget.