Argentina: Luxury & Private Trips

Overflowing with charm, resounding to the rhythm of sultry tango, and intensified by natural beauty at every turn—Argentina seduces the senses. Raw yet refined, it’s an unfathomably diverse land of sizzling asado, lively neighborhoods, gaucho culture, and fútbol fever.

Explore beyond the faded elegance of Buenos Aires‘ jacaranda-lined streets and you’ll discover a landscape of thundering waterfalls and sky-blue glaciers—a world where gauchos patrol the open plains and talented vintners lovingly tend to their vines.

From the untamed beauty of the wide-open plains to the snow-capped peaks of the mighty Andes, you’ll find yourself enthralled by a country where passion reigns supreme in every walk of life. Enjoy being on the receiving end of a gracious flow of hospitality when you stay at a family-run hotel, make new friends as you share a piping-hot gourd of traditional yerba mate—a social ceremony that’s an integral part of everyday life in Argentina—or rub shoulders with fellow fervent fútbol fans as you order a pre-game snack of choripán at a street food stall.

Argentina luxury travel is perfect for the adventurous traveler who wants to throw themselves into the wild and embrace local traditions—but it’s also ideal for those who simply want to sit back, soak up the scenery and allow nature’s wonderous symphony to wash over them.

The only issue? When you’re planning your Argentina luxury travel adventure, it’s easy to slip into the “this is a one-off trip” kind of mentality, when in reality, the bonds you’ll form with this enchanting country will beckon you back time and time again.

What is Argentina best known for?

Argentina is a heady cocktail of dramatic landscapes, tumultuous history, fútbol fervor, mouthwatering asado (grilled proteins), seductive tango, passionate people, and superb wines. Prepare for a complete palate overload.

Argentina travel highlights

  • Horse-riding and wine-tasting in Mendoza.
  • Hiking the iconic Mount Fitz Roy in Los Glaciares National Park, Patagonia.
  • Experiencing the immense, powerful rush of Iguazu Falls.
  • Wandering Buenos Aires’ wonderfully diverse neighborhoods, sampling incredible street food, and taking in a graffiti or Evita tour along the way.
  • Standing in awe at Perito Moreno Glacier just outside El Calafate.
  • White-water rafting or fly-fishing adventures in the Lake District.
  • Road tripping through the desert landscapes of Salta and the Northwest.
  • Hopping on a boat at Puerto Madryn to go whale-watching along Patagonia’s biodiverse Atlantic coast.
  • Travel to Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, South America’s southernmost city, which earns itself the moniker: “the end of the world.”
  • Coming face to face with capybara and caiman when you paddle through the Iberá wetlands in a canoe.
  • Riding horses alongside bona fide gauchos when you stay at a traditional estancia farmhouse in Buenos Aires Province, Cordoba, Mendoza, or El Calafate.

What to expect on a luxury trip to Argentina

  • Character-filled accommodation: Argentina luxury travel is all about enjoying the country’s winning combination of chic boutique hotels (Legado Mitico, Buenos Aires), luxurious rustic lodges (Estancia Rincon Chico, Península Valdés), experiential all-inclusive hotels (Explora El Chalten) and a select number of exclusive, uber-luxurious properties (Vines Resort & Spa, Mendoza).
  • Expert local guides: Argentines are very proud of their country and guides are passionate about providing the most rewarding experience.
  • Exclusive experiences: Every trip we design is bespoke; there are no copy-and-paste itineraries. Your luxury Argentina trip can be rugged and adventurous or relaxed and refined—or a mix of both. You can expect private tours, classes or workshops, and excursions. Share your niche interests with your South America travel specialist and we’ll do our best to unlock exclusive experiences with our golden concierge key.
  • Seamless, worry-free travel: Argentina is a big country with complicated flight patterns and long driving distances. We maximize the time you spend experiencing the very best of the country on the ground, while minimizing the time you spend in transit.
  • 24/7 in-destination support: Our job doesn’t end when your boarding pass is printed. Extraordinary Journeys is always by your side—even while traveling. We have reliable boots-on-the-ground support and a 24/7 concierge just a phone call away.

Argentina FAQs

You could spend an entire year in Argentina and still be aching to see more. However, a good starting point for the first-time traveler is to spend one to four days in Buenos Aires followed by three to five days in a few other destinations, depending on your interests. From the United States, the flight time to Argentina is anywhere between nine and 15 hours, so it’s well worth spending at least a week there to make the most of the destination.

Spanish is spoken with a ‘Castellano’ accent. The majority of people working in the hospitality industry speak English. Especially outside of Buenos Aires, you will encounter waiters or cab drivers do not speak English. If you wish to wander on your own, some basic phrases will be helpful. Extraordinary Journeys will arrange English-speaking guides and drivers for your trip.

The currency of Argentina is the Argentine Peso, which is subject to almost-daily inflation. We are happy to help you navigate the intricacies of its exchange rate, which even affects credit card charges.

No, American citizens do not need a tourist visa to visit Argentina.

Yes, Argentina is safe to visit. Buenos Aires, like any big city, has good and bad areas. However, the neighborhoods that travelers typically visit and stay in are generally very safe. Practice common sense and situational awareness in urban centers; do not wear flashy jewelry or unnecessarily draw attention to yourself as a traveler.

The most common airport for American travelers arriving in Argentina is Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport (EZE). Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) is located near downtown Buenos Aires and supports domestic routes.

Alternatively, you can arrive at Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU) for Iguazu Falls. Note, this airport is on the Brazilian side, but it’s just a quick transfer into Argentina

When is the best time to travel to Argentina?

Best
Mar
Apr
Oct
Nov
Good
Jan
Feb
Sep
Dec
Avoid
Jun
Jul
Aug

The best time to visit Argentina is the spring, summer, and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere (October to April). The weather is pleasant in the majority of regions at this time. However, it’s wise to consider the following when planning luxury travel in Argentina:

  • In the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are the opposite of those in North America.
  • The weather in Argentina varies drastically from one region to another.
  • December and January are peak travel season, and can be brutally hot in some parts of the country—Buenos Aires and Iguazu in particular.
  • It can become quite cold as you travel south.
  • Southern Patagonia (Ushuaia/Tierra del Fuego up through El Calafate/El Chaltén) is cold all year round. It can also be very windy.
  • The tropical jungles surrounding Iguazu Falls frequently experience rain and high humidity.
  • Aside from some villages in the Northwest, altitude is not a concern in Argentina as much of the country is around sea level.

Click to read more about The Best Time to Visit Argentina, including a month-by-month guide.

Where to travel to in Argentina

With immense plains, rugged deserts, dazzling cities, mighty mountains, lush forests, and miles and miles of coastline to explore, sometimes it’s hard to know where to start when you’re planning luxury trips to Argentina. There really is no limit to how much time you can spend exploring this fascinating country, but as a guide, anything from eight days to three weeks is a good option for your first-time Argentina luxury vacation.

Buenos Aires

Argentina’s thriving port-side capital will set your senses alight with its intoxicating mix of mouth-watering parrillas, fascinating museums, and a wonderfully social culture displayed in buzzing cafes, bars, and parks. Expect to be amazed by the stunning architecture–the city’s elegant mansions, which were built during decades of relative wealth, are juxtaposed with the brutalist buildings constructed during the dictatorship. This is a city of stark contrasts, and its architecture is a superb illustration of that.

Iguazu Falls

Feel the raw power of Mother Nature at Iguazu National Park. The park’s system of walkways is designed to take visitors over spectacular gorges so you can get up close and personal with the immense rushing power of the largest waterfall system in the world.

Mendoza

Find the perfect blend of breathtaking mountain scenery and divine award-winning wines in Mendoza. When you’re not busy sampling iconic Malbecs, go hiking, cycling, or white-water rafting in the Andean foothills.

Bariloche & the Lake District

Lose yourself among the lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains of Argentina’s idyllic Lake District. In the alpine town of San Carlos de Bariloche, spend happy days relaxing and simply enjoying the views, or get active and head to Nahuel Huapi National Park to go trekking, cycling, and kayaking.

El Calafate

Sitting deep in Patagonia’s snow-capped hinterland, El Calafate has become an essential pitstop on the way to Los Glaciares National Park. Famous for its spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier—an enormous ice cap composed of dozens of smaller glaciers—it’s an excellent spot for outdoor adventure lovers.

Salta & the Northwest

History, culture, award-winning wine, and outstanding natural beauty collide in Argentina’s magnificent Northwest. Experience non-stop, ever-changing vistas—from the leafy plazas of Salta to the countryside’s stunning cacti valleys, expansive salt flats, and lush vineyards.

El Chaltén

Grab your hiking boots and make a beeline for El Chaltén— Argentina’s trekking capital. Walk just one hour out of the town center and you’ll find yourself in the iconic Los Glaciares National Park. Soak up the incredible views of its majestic glaciers, towering rocky summits, and rolling forests.

Ushuaia

Located in Argentine Tierra del Fuego, this windswept outpost has an identity and land’s-end ethos. Indigenous Fuegians, European settlement, and the establishment of a notorious penal colony offer a fascinating account of Ushuaia’s history. Otherwise, visitors can spy marine life plying the waters of the Beagle Channel, hike wilderness trails leading to picture-pretty glaciers and emerald lakes, and dine on the ultimate surf and turf: asado and king crab. Many travelers who journey so far as Ushuaia, “the end of the world,” arrive in great anticipation—to board a ship that will carry them to Antarctica. However, it would be a shame to pass through South America’s southernmost city without taking pause.

Córdoba

Soak up a thrilling mix of colonial grandeur and modern sophistication in Córdoba. Stroll through the well-preserved Jesuit Block—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—before heading to the Sierras de Córdoba mountain range to go hiking or horseback riding. Indulge in a little rustic opulence and stay at a historic estancia countryside estate.

Esteros del Iberá

Glide through the tranquil waters of one of the largest freshwater reservoirs in the world—Esteros del Iberá—to spot capybara, caiman, howler monkey, and jaguar. The incredible sunsets here demonstrate why the indigenous communities named this area “I-Bera,” which means “shining waters.”

Puerto Madryn

Experience jaw-dropping wildlife-watching in the natural wonderland of Puerto Madryn—the gateway to Argentina’s Patagonian coast. Go whale-watching to see orcas beach themselves to hunt for sea lion pups, or head to Peninsula Valdés to spot elephant seals, sea lions, and Magellanic penguins.

Salta & the Northwest

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El Chaltén

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Esteros del Iberá

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Córdoba

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Puerto Madryn

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El Calafate

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Ushuaia

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Iguazu Falls

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Bariloche & the Lake District

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Mendoza

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Argentine Patagonia

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Buenos Aires

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Easy extensions

  • Chile: Connect to Chilean Patagonia (Torres del Paine, Lake District) from the Lake District (you can drive across the border) or from El Calafate to Torres del Paine (a five-hour drive.)
  • Antarctica: Set sail for Antarctica from the south of Argentina. Antarctic cruises depart from Ushuaia.
  • Brazil: Iguazu Falls spans Argentina’s border, so extending your stay to visit Brazil is a great option.
  • Uruguay: Hop on a ferry over the Rio de la Plata to Colonia de Sacramento or Montevideo. Afterward, continue on to Jose Ignacio for some quality beach time.

Some of our favorite luxury Argentina trip itineraries

Mountains and lakes
  • Itinerary

Grand Tour of Argentine Patagonia

The untamed beauty of Patagonia: from Tierra del Fuego to the Northern Lake District

12 Days | $9,850 per person
Red grapes growing from vines
  • Itinerary

Argentina: Wine and Waterfalls

Wine tasting in Mendoza, natural wonders at Iguazu Falls, urban charms in Buenos Aires

8 Days | $7,075 per person
Vineyards in front of snow capped mountains
  • Itinerary

The Best of Argentina

Argentine lakes, glaciers, waterfalls and wine-tasting

15 Days | $13,025 per person

Our favorite luxury Argentina hotels & lodges

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Emma Fritz in Cusco Emma Fritz