1. Buenos Aires
Argentina’s capital is one of the most intoxicating cities in the world whose inhabitants are a glamorous and passionate lot. It is a hive of fascinating, distinctive neighbourhoods, home to some of the continent’s best culture and shopping. At night, its sensual side is unleashed. Whether it’s tango or disco you fancy be prepared to stay up late, very late.
2. Iguazú Falls
The Iguazu Falls is a stunning complex of 275 waterfalls located on the country’s border with Brazil. Its sheer scale and power often leaves many visitors overwhelmed at first. Spend two days here, first getting up close and drenched in one of the boats that sail from the Argentine side before taking in the panoramic views from Brazil.
3. Perito Moreno Glacier
Right down the other end of the country is the Perito Moreno Glacier, a giant river of ice advancing into Argentino Lake. From land you can marvel at its crystalline wall while hoping to catch the eerie sight and sound of an iceberg being calved into the lake. Then you can trek on the surface of the ice itself.
4. Reserva Faunística Península Valdés
Still in Patagonia, the Valdés Peninsula is one of Argentina’s great nature reserves where you can observe sea lions, whales, penguins and seabirds in glorious abundance. But its most stunning spectacle takes place between late February and late April when orcas thunder out of the ocean to snatch seal pups from the shore before sliding with prey back into the water.
5. The Pampa
The vast grasslands that once made Argentina wealthy now contain numerous estancias, or ranches, that welcome guests. Here you can take a horse out for the day with some working gauchos while some places also provide polo lessons. At night there is typically an asado criollo, traditional Argentine barbeque slow cooked over wood that is superior to the charcoal version in town.
6. The Andes
A whole host of destinations await you along this mountain chain that stretches the length of the entire country. For serious climbers there is Cerro Aconcagua, South America’s highest peak. For the more sedate Argentina’s best wineries can be explored from the charming city of Mendoza while in heavily indigenous Salta catch the exhilarating high-altitude Train to the Clouds.
7. Boca Juniors –v– River Plate
Argentines’ greatest passion is football and a trip to a match is one of the highlights of any visit, even for non-fans. Buenos Aires has more top-flight teams than any other major metropolis in the world and its superclássico between Boca Juniors and River Plate, the country’s two most popular sides, is one of the most visceral experiences in all sport.
8. Uruguay
A different country altogether, but a trip to Buenos Aires is a great a chance to visit one of South America’s most charming places. Grab the hydrofoil to the old colonial town of Sacramento just across the muddy River Plate or take the ferry to the charming capital, Montevideo. In summer join the party at the glamorous Punta del Este beach resort.
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