Choose from 191 Fun Things to Do in Argentina
ShowingFilter 41-60 of 191 listings.
Cacheuta
Argentina’s hot-spring spa town of Cacheuta has been a popular Andean resort since the early 1900s. Hot springs are a feature of the Andean foothills, and Cacheuta is one of the country’s major spa resorts. The first resort opened in 1904, and became a byword for luxurious relaxation, with bathing establishments and direct access to the spa from the town’s train station.
All this was swept away by the floods of 1934. Today, the ruins of the original spa are preserved within the new resort. Visitors can swim in the resort’s pools, have mud baths and spas in a series of rock pools lining the river, indulge in massage therapies, or go horseback riding and walking. The spa hotel offers luxury accommodation, and day visitors can use the day spa facilities, including sauna, thermal pools and relaxation areas. The resort also has an aqua park for all the family, with pools, slides and waterfalls.
All this was swept away by the floods of 1934. Today, the ruins of the original spa are preserved within the new resort. Visitors can swim in the resort’s pools, have mud baths and spas in a series of rock pools lining the river, indulge in massage therapies, or go horseback riding and walking. The spa hotel offers luxury accommodation, and day visitors can use the day spa facilities, including sauna, thermal pools and relaxation areas. The resort also has an aqua park for all the family, with pools, slides and waterfalls.
Practical Info
Cacheuta is 30 minutes southwest of Mendoza, not far from Embalse Potrerillos.
Address: Argentina
Admission: From AR$650
From $ 15
Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno)
Located in a former tobacco warehouse in the historic San Telmo neighborhood, the Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno), or MAMBA for short, showcases a 7,000-piece permanent collection of contemporary art from largely Argentine artists.
While the building has been renovated, its exposed brick facade and wrought-iron fixtures remain throughout, where gallery spaces display art from the 1920s through to the present day. While paintings and other more traditional mediums are represented, the collection also encompasses photography, graphic design, printmaking, concrete sculpture, audiovisual experiences and works of new media.
Practical Info
Don’t miss the temporary exhibitions, which highlight works of local and Latin American artists working in a variety of (sometimes unusual) mediums.
Address: Av. San Juan 350, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hours: Open Tues-Fri 11am-7pm; Sat-Sun 11am-8pm
Admission: AR$20. Tuesdays free
From $ 53
Cafayate
The town of Cafayate and the region that surrounds it have earned the nickname “Tuscany of Argentina” for its position as the nation’s second major wine producer after Mendoza. While much of Salta is dominated by arid landscapes, the microclimate surrounding Cafayate is home to some of the planet’s highest altitude vineyards — considered by some to be the most spectacular as well.
While Mendoza is known for its malbec, Cafayate is famous for its Torrontés, a wholly Argentine white grape that produces crisp, dry and citrus-y whites with a distinct floral nose. The bodegas scattered around town all pour this Argentine white, but the area also produces excellent Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet sauvignon.
While it’s safe to say that life in Cafayate revolves around wine, the non-wine drinker will find plenty of appeal as well, whether in the excellent restaurants and artisanías surrounding the central plaza or in the scenic surrounding landscape, dominated by green vineyards backed by arid peaks.
Practical Info
Cafayate can be reached via a 3.5-hour bus ride from Salta, which departs three to four times daily. While it’s possible to see Cafayate on a day trip from Salta, the range of accommodations and variety of activities make it worthwhile to spend a night or two.
Address: Cafayate, Salta, Argentina
Hours: Daily
From $ 43
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
Caminito
Few places in Buenos Aires are photographed as frequently as Caminito Street. The main artery of the waterfront La Boca neighborhood is a jumble of old buildings, brightly painted facades, and street-side market stalls, with hawkers, buskers, and tango dancers adding to the atmosphere.
The Basics
Most Buenos Aires city tours stop at Caminito Street, and the buildings make a colorful backdrop for travel photos; look out for statues of Argentine political figures like Eva Perón and Che Guevara, and soccer hero Diego Maradona peeking out from doorways and balconies. Visitors can browse the street market, where stalls sell souvenirs and handicrafts; drink a yerba mate (tea) at one of the terrace cafés; or watch the street tango dancers.
Things to Know Before You Go
- La Boca is known as one of Buenos Aires’ less safe neighborhoods; it’s advisable to stick to the main tourist areas and take a taxi if you’re traveling at night.
- Tours of Caminito Street are often combined with other La Boca attractions, such as La Bombonera stadium.
- There are a number of bars, cafés, and restaurants along Caminito Street
- Caminito Street is wheelchair accessible, though it is mostly cobblestoned and uneven in places.
How to Get There
Caminito Street is located in the neighborhood of La Boca, just south of downtown Buenos Aires. There is no subway service to La Boca, but several buses run from downtown, stopping along the waterfront at the eastern end of Caminito. Alternatively, it’s a short taxi ride.
When to Get There
Caminito Street can get busy, especially during peak season. For crowd-free photos, arrive before 11am, as most tour buses arrive in late morning or early afternoon. Due to safety concerns, it’s best to avoid visiting at night.
The History of Caminito
Caminito means “little path.” This pedestrian area was first settled by Italian immigrants, who worked at the neighboring port. Their haphazardly built homes—known as conventillos—were constructed from corrugated metal and wood, and painted in bright colors using leftover paint from the ships. By the 1950s, the street had become popular with artists and tango dancers, and local artist Benito Quinquela Martín transformed many of the buildings with street art.
Address: Caminito, Buenos Aires C1059ABC, Argentina
Admission: Free
From $ 15
Calchaqui Valley
The Calchaqui Valley in northwestern Argentina is one of the country’s most spectacular natural wonders—an often overlooked gem replete with picturesque vistas, ancient ruins, friendly locals and good local wine to wash it all down at the end of the day.
Perhaps the most famous attraction in the Calchaqui Valley is Cafayate, an up-and-coming wine region famous for growing Argentina’s native grape, torrontés. Cachi, a small village on Ruta 40, serves as a popular base for exploring the archaeological sites and smaller valleys within the northern portion of the Calchaqui Valley. In the Tucumán segment of the valley, you’ll find the Ruins of Quilmes, the archaeological remains of one of Argentina’s largest pre-Colombian settlements.
Practical Info
The best roads for exploring the Calchaqui Valley are Provincial Route 33 and National Routes 40 and 68.
Address: Calchaqui Valley, Argentina
From $ 36
Fortabat Art Collection (Coleccion de Arte Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat)
Located in the northern part of Puerto Madero, the Fortabat Art Collection (Coleccion de Arte Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat) houses and displays Argentine and international art from the collection of the late cement heiress and socialite Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat.
Argentina’s wealthiest woman was closely involved in the design of the largely concrete building, designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly and completed in 2003, and among the pieces on display are a colorful Warhol portrait of the woman herself, as well as several works my her granddaughter.
The museum is divided between Argentine art — with galleries devoted to Raúl Soldi and Antonio Berni — and international works. Highlights include pieces by Salvador Dalí, Auguste Rodin, Brueghel and Pablo Picasso.
The museum’s dockside cafe is a wonderful spot to watch the sunset in the evening.
Practical Info
Photography is not permitted within the museum and mobile phones should be turned off.
Address: Olga Cossettini 141, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hours: Open Tues-Sun Noon-8pm
Admission: AR$70
From $ 53
Calafate Mountain Park
Perched atop El Calafate’s nearest peak, with access to a vast stretch of snow-blanketed slopes and rugged mountain trails, the Calafate Mountain Park is an obvious choice for outdoors enthusiasts and there is a range of activities on offer. Winter visitors can make the most of the snow by skiing and tubing, or venture into the wilderness on a snowshoeing or snowmobiling excursion, while summer activities include downhill mountain biking and quad biking, along with kayaking and rafting tours around the nearby lakes and rivers.
Even the journey to the Calafate Mountain Park is impressive and riding the chairlift to the 1,050-meter peak of Mt Huyliche serves up jaw dropping views over Argentino Lake and El Calafate below.
Practical Info
The Calafate Mountain Park is located on Mt Huyliche, 15 km south of El Calafate, Patagonia, and can be reached by shuttle bus and cable car from the town. The park is open daily from 10am-4pm all year-round.
Address: El Calafate, Argentina
From $ 150
Caf e de los Angelitos
With a legacy dating back to the 1890s, Café de los Angelitos is one of the most historic and atmospheric tango venues in Buenos Aires. Once a favorite hangout of tango legends Carlos Gardel and José Razzano, the café was immortalized in their 1944 song “Café de los Angelitos.”
The Basics
Though daytime visitors stop by for lunch or coffee in the café, the highlight of a visit is attending an evening tango performance, held in the auditorium. It’s a spectacular show, with a cast of around 30 tango dancers and live musicians, dazzling costumes, and a variety of tango styles. Visitors can opt to attend the show with drinks included, enjoy a 3-course pre-show dinner at the venue, or watch from the VIP balconies.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is no dress code for the evening tango shows, but most guests wear smart-casual attire.
- The main café area serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and live music is often performed in the afternoons.
- Free Wi-Fi is available on-site.
- The café and auditorium are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get to There
The café is located on the corner of Rincon and Rivadavia, three blocks west of Plaza de Congreso or about a 5-minute walk. The closest metro (subte) stations are Pasco (Line A) and Congreso (Line A), both around 2 blocks away.
When to Get There
Tango shows are held nightly year-round and typically start late (after 9pm), so it’s worth opting for a tour that includes hotel pickup and drop-off.
Tango in Buenos Aires
The Argentine tango became popular in the bars and brothels of Buenos Aires’ working class neighborhoods during the 19th century, and today, the traditional dance is on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Tango is everywhere in Buenos Aires, whether dancers are performing at San Telmo’s Sunday market, a glamorous tango dinner show, or a local milonga. Buenos Aires also hosts the International Tango Festival each August.
Address: Av. Rivadavia 2100 (esq. Rincón), Buenos Aires, Argentina
Admission: Varies
From $ 42
Buenos Aires Zoo
With over 350 different animal species and an acclaimed exotic breeding program, Buenos Aires Zoo is the go-to place for urban wildlife spotting, hitting headlines at the start of 2013 when one of its Bengal White Tigers produced a rare litter of four cubs. Located close to Plaza Italia in the heart of the city’s Palermo district, the zoo has been running since 1888 and today houses over 2,500 animal inhabitants, as well as spearheading Argentina’s zoological research, education and preservation efforts.
The 18-hectare park aims to mimic a range of different ecosystems, with a variety of unique enclosures and architecturally impressive buildings, set around a boating lake and island inhabited by a population of Madagascan Lemurs. Highlights include the subtropical jungle exhibition, where a suspension bridge offers a prime view of the lush vegetation and birdlife; an aquarium where piranhas, sea sharks and tropical fish are displayed alongside a penguin and seal pool; a Japanese style pagoda housing a family of Giant pandas; and a dimly-lit bat enclosure. Giraffes, rhinoceros, pumas, lions, monkeys and elephants are just some of the zoo’s animal inhabitants, along with some more unique specimens like Red Pandas, Orangutans and a colorful array of native birdlife. There’s even a petting zoo where visitors can interact and feed goats, donkeys, llamas and Shetland ponies. The zoo also frequently opens its doors during the evening hours with after-dark visits offering the chance to see a different side of the animals’ lifestyle as well as getting the rare opportunity to watch the zoo’s nocturnal animals at large.
The 18-hectare park aims to mimic a range of different ecosystems, with a variety of unique enclosures and architecturally impressive buildings, set around a boating lake and island inhabited by a population of Madagascan Lemurs. Highlights include the subtropical jungle exhibition, where a suspension bridge offers a prime view of the lush vegetation and birdlife; an aquarium where piranhas, sea sharks and tropical fish are displayed alongside a penguin and seal pool; a Japanese style pagoda housing a family of Giant pandas; and a dimly-lit bat enclosure. Giraffes, rhinoceros, pumas, lions, monkeys and elephants are just some of the zoo’s animal inhabitants, along with some more unique specimens like Red Pandas, Orangutans and a colorful array of native birdlife. There’s even a petting zoo where visitors can interact and feed goats, donkeys, llamas and Shetland ponies. The zoo also frequently opens its doors during the evening hours with after-dark visits offering the chance to see a different side of the animals’ lifestyle as well as getting the rare opportunity to watch the zoo’s nocturnal animals at large.
Practical Info
Routes to take by transit: Bus: 10, 12, 15, 21, 29, 34, 57, 59, 60, 64, 67, 68, 93, 95, 111, 118, 128, 141, 152, 160, 161, 188, 194. Subway: Line D (at Plaza Italia). Train: Metropolitano (at Palermo Station).
Address: Av Sarmiento y Av Las Heras, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hours: Open Tue-Sun: 10am - 5pm, park closes at 6pm.
Admission: Zoo Passport: 60 Pesos
From $ 16
Galileo Galilei Planetarium
The neighborhood of Palermo is not just fashion and shopping and tony places to drink wine. It is also home to the ñeafu park 3 de Febrero, and inside, is the Galileo Galilei Planetarium. At night the exterior is lit up with blue and purple lights, and during the day, you’ll recognize it by its distinctive dome.
The building’s dome is 66 feet in diameter and seats 260 people. Shows are put on display with 100 different projectors and the use of Dolby 5.1 audio, meaning that in addition to the sun, moon and visible planets, nearly 9,000 other astral features such as stars, constellations and nebulas can be seen. The seating is 4-D and interactive, for an immersive experience for guests, and while the shows, such as Colisiones Cósmicas, are narrated in Spanish, they are mostly visual in nature, which means you’ll still get a lot out of it, even if you don’t know the language. There is a special show for children, one that combines stars and tango, and there are programs for blind and deaf patrons as well.
In the small adjoining museum, there is a piece of lunar rock, and fossils of 100 million-year-old sea life, and at the entry there is a metallic meteorite from Argentina’s Chaco province, and on Saturdays and Sundays during the day there is free use of a telescope to observe the sun.
Practical Info
In the summer this space is used for a concert series called “Música Bajo Las Estrellas” or music under the stars, just in case combining music and the cosmos is your thing.
Address: Avenida Sarmiento s/n, Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina
From $ 16
Cabildo
El Cabildo, a modest, two-story colonial building along the edge of Plaza de Mayo, once served as Buenos Aires’s original city hall. Within the white facade, meetings were held about Argentina’s declaration of independence in the first decades of the nineteenth century, the Uruguayan constitution was signed within the building in 1830, and it housed the National Court of Justice during the late 1800s.
Today, Cabildo is one of the few colonial structures still standing in Buenos Aires. The facade now houses a small museum showcasing paintings, furniture, antiques and costumes from the colonial period. The windows of the building offer some of the best views of the historic plaza just outside.
Practical Info
Plan your visit to Cabildo near the top of the hour to see the changing of the guards ceremony staged out front. On Thursday and Friday afternoons, a craft market is held in the back patio of the building.
Address: Bolívar 65, Buenos Aires 1066, Argentina
From $ 16
Cachi
Cachi, a tiny pueblo of only 5,000 people in northwestern Argentina, offers visitors a blissfully quiet base for exploring the Calchaquí Valley and surrounding archaeological sites, many of which exist well off Salta’s usual tourist path.
While locals call it “the city,” Cachi is little more than a smattering of houses, a 17th-century Spanish colonial church, an impressive archaeological museum, the Centro Artesanal (a great place to buy hand-woven ponchos) and a couple of restaurants and hotels, all surrounded by the arid mountains of the province.
The reason people come to Cachi isn’t the town, per se, but the archaeological sites that lie just outside. La Paya, about six miles (10 km) to the south, and Potrero de Payogasta to the north are considered the most important. The cactus-laden landscape surrounding Cachi, particularly through the Calchaquí Valley, is perfect for exploring on horseback.
Practical Info
The journey between Salta and Cachi is served by only a single bus company and takes just over four hours. There’s also a fixed-price taxi service.
Address: Cachi, Salta, Argentina
Hours: Daily
From $ 36
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
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
Fuegian Andes
The Fuegian Andes, which cross the entire Tierra Del Fuego Archipelago, are the southernmost chain of the Andes Mountains. Although quite small compared to other areas of South America’s mountain chain, its tallest peaks still look quite formidable because they rise straight out of the ocean to heights just over 2,500 meters.
Lago Escondido and Lago Fagnano are two popular summer destinations in the region, especially for keen sport fishermen as both lakes support tremendous populations of Rainbow and brown trout. Endless hiking trails and several backcountry refugios make exploring much of the mountain range closer to Ushuaia possible throughout the summer months. Wildlife is quite limited, but there is an abundance of rabbits, guanacos, condors and non-native Canadian beavers throughout the mountains. Mountain lions – known locally as pumas – are rarely seen.
Because of their southern latitude, the Fuegian Andes have long cold winters comparable to other regions in South America. Cerro Castor holds the title as the world’s most southern ski field. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular near the lakes.
Practical Info
Ushuaia, Argentina, is the largest city in Tierra Del Fuego and the natural starting point to explore the Fuegian Andes. The hiking and climbing season lasts from December to March, while the ski season begins in late June and continues until September.
Address: Argentina
From $ 61
Canon del Atuel
Wild whitewater-rafting at its best surges along the Canon del Atuel, a gorge stretching from the Nihuil hydroelectric reservoir in Mendoza Province.
Kayakers, windsurfers, jetskiers, river-rafters, cyclists and all kinds of adventurers head to the canyon to take on the rapids and rugged landscapes, carved over the centuries by wind and water.
The river is bordered by steep cliffs, and natural rock sculptures formed by the elements have whimsical names like the Hanging Gardens, Monsters, Toad and Enchanted City.
A huge magnet for visitors, the Atuel region has a great range of hotels, country clubs and outdoor adventure facilities to choose from.
Follow Ruta Provincial 144 to the Nihuil reservoir for expansive valley views, or travel to the neighboring Valle Grande reservoir for more whitewater rafting on the River Atuel.
Kayakers, windsurfers, jetskiers, river-rafters, cyclists and all kinds of adventurers head to the canyon to take on the rapids and rugged landscapes, carved over the centuries by wind and water.
The river is bordered by steep cliffs, and natural rock sculptures formed by the elements have whimsical names like the Hanging Gardens, Monsters, Toad and Enchanted City.
A huge magnet for visitors, the Atuel region has a great range of hotels, country clubs and outdoor adventure facilities to choose from.
Follow Ruta Provincial 144 to the Nihuil reservoir for expansive valley views, or travel to the neighboring Valle Grande reservoir for more whitewater rafting on the River Atuel.
Practical Info
Running for 60km (37 miles), the Atuel Canyon is 40km (25 miles) south of San Rafael, which in turn is 240km (148 miles) from Mendoza in the Valle Grande.
Address: Argentina
From $ 50
Galerias Pacifico
Located on the already shopping-centric Florida Street in Buenos Aires, Galerias Pacifico is one of the city’s most historic shopping centers. The Beaux Arts building — it was inspired by the Gallerias Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan — was built during the 1890s as the Argentine headquarters of Le Bon Marche, a Parisian department store. Soon other businesses began renting other parts of the building, including offices of the Buenos Aires and Pacific Railway, which lent the building its name.
A range of midrange and upscale international brands now make their home within Galerias Pacifico, including Adidas, Chanel, Swarovski and Tommy Hilfiger. But what sets it apart from similar malls in the capital is the architecture of the building itself. Of particular note are the huge murals painted across the interior dome of the mall, commissioned in 1947 and painted by Argentina’s best artists of the time.
Practical Info
Galerias Pacifico is located about halfway between metro stops General San Martin and Lavalle.
Address: Florida 753, Buenos Aires, Retiro, Argentina, Argentina
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat-Sun Noon-9pm
From $ 16
Cafe Tortoni
Buenos Aires enjoys a vibrant cafe culture, but few of the city’s cafes are quite as iconic as Cafe Tortoni. Opened in 1858 by a French immigrant, the cafe soon became a popular haunt of tango singers and literati, most notably the founding members of La Peña. Many of their old photos still adorn the walls.
Much like in the early twentieth century, Cafe Tortoni remains a popular place where locals come to chat over a morning or afternoon coffee. The art nouveau cafe, filled with marble tables and Tiffany lamps, specializes on coffee and pastries, but visitors with a bigger appetite will also find sandwiches, salads and steaks on the menu. Each evening, Cafe Tortoni hosts a live tango show.
Practical Info
Cafe Tortoni is located along Avenida de Mayo, within walking distance of both Plaza de Mayo and the Obelisk. The nearest subway stop is Piedras.
Address: Av. de Mayo 825, Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 44
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