Argentina tours & travel

Argentina's temperate climate means it experiences four distinct seasons. Summer (December to February) is the best time for visiting Patagonia as the weather is at its mildest. In contrast, summer can be very hot and humid in Buenos Aires, with spring and autumn offering milder weather. Autumn is a good time to visit Mendoza, Cordoba and the Lake District. The busiest times to travel in Argentina are during the main vacations - January, February and July.

As many other aspects of Argentinian culture, its cuisine has been heavily influenced by European immigration. Mix Spanish and Italian favourite dishes with Argentina top quality (and affordable!) beef and dairy products and you have a combination worth jumping on that long-haul flight for. For the low-down on all things food in South America, check out our guide that we put together here.

It’s important to keep in mind that dinner is eaten late in Argentina. Most restaurants close in the afternoon and do not reopen until 8 pm, though locals typically do not actually begin dinner until 9 or 10 pm.

Must-try food and drink in Argentina 

1. Asado

With Spanish origins, asado describes succulent barbequed meat, slow-cooked on a metal frame over an open fire or a bed of hardwood charcoal. In Argentina, asado is in equal parts a dish and a social gathering – both of which you will want to experience.

2. Provoleta

Soft provolone cheese is grilled in a skillet and topped with oregano, chilli flakes or other herbs. A typical asado starter, provoleta is crisp on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside and delicious all-around.

3. Chimmichurri

A piquant combination of diced garlic, chopped parsley and oregano, olive oil and vinegar, this classic Argentinean condiment is the quintessential accompaniment to grilled meat.

4. Malbec wine

Argentina has one of the world’s most renowned wine regions. Malbecs from the wineries of Mendoza are famous around the world (and happen to pair well with steak), though other provinces also produce quality wines, including torrontes from Cafayate and syrahs from San Juan. 

5. Alfajores

Argentina’s favourite sweet biscuit. Two round shortbreads, filled with dulce de leche (a decadent caramel made from condensed milk), often coated in chocolate. 

6. Helado

Argentineans take ice cream seriously. Do not miss helado de dulce de leche, the national flavour of Argentina.

7. Dulce de leche

Condensed milk is slowly reduced and sweetened to create a thick, sticky caramel. Find it in alfajores (crumbly biscuit sandwich filled with dulce de leche), dessert empanadas, drizzled on ice cream or just eat it by the spoonful!

Like many other aspects of Argentinian life, its culture and customs are influenced by the waves of European immigration that landed here in the 1880s and during the two World Wars. As a result of immigration, parts of the country feel notably more ‘European’ than other areas of South America.

Argentinians are famously affectionate, loud, passionate about football, and big fans of a good plate of homemade spaghetti. They have strong ties with family and friends, and the major religion is Catholicism.  

As a general guide, these are some key things you should know about Argentina:

1. A kiss on the cheek is the most common way of greeting someone – particularly a friend but it’s not uncommon between strangers, particularly if being introduced by a mutual friend. This is true whether it’s female on female, female on male or male on male.
2. If you befriend someone, expect a farewell hug and greeting hug thereafter. Again, this is true whether it’s female on female, female on male or male on male.
3. Expect to be late. Being late for social or cultural events is almost fashionable in Argentina but it can be an annoyance for travellers.
4. Siesta time is still common, particularly in provinces such as Mendoza, San Juan, Salta. Shops may close from 1pm to 4pm and reopen until around 8-9pm. Dinner with locals can be very, very late. Having dinner at 9pm, 10pm and 11pm is perfectly normal and accepted in Argentina, but can cause a few rumbling tummies with travellers. The best thing to do is keep some snacks with you and try and fall into the local pattern.
5. Nightlife is well and truly nightlife. Pubs, clubs and events don’t kick off until 1-2am…no kidding!
6. The majority of Argentinians are Catholic (between 70-80%), and you should be respectful when visiting churches, cathedrals and religious events. The dress code at religious sites is quite relaxed and no one will get in trouble for attending mass in t-shirt, shorts and thongs. However, closed shoes and trousers are preferred. Swimwear is a big no-no and it can be very offensive to the locals.
7. The Falkland Islands war is a topic that still evokes raw emotions amongst Argentinians and it's well-advised not to raise the topic with people you don’t know.

Bordered by Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay, Argentina is South America's second largest country. With a vast range of natural environments, travelling in Argentina presents a revolving door of terrain and landscapes. From the giant glaciers and icy lakes of Patagonia to the green grasslands of the Pampas; and the lofty Andes of the north to the steamy wetlands of the north-east, Argentina contains a wealth of biodiversity.

Top 5 Tango Spots of Argentina

1. Confiteria Ideal

Be charmed by the grand building, old waiters, genuine tango classes and shows that this Buenos Aires institution has been producing for more than 100 years. It might be a bit rough around the edges but authenticity is guaranteed in this historic gem.

2. Barrancas de Belgrano

On the weekends, head to this leafy park at dusk to see unpretentious locals tango as the sun sets. Try out your tango steps, mix and mingle with Argentines and tourists, and enjoy the casual, fun vibe that proliferates under the park's gazebo.

3. Plaza Dorrego

This relaxed San Telmo favourite is a top spot for alfresco people-watching, tango viewing, wine drinking and socialising.

4. La Catedral

For a slice of old Argentina, head to this bewitching warehouse of kitsch where you can learn the art of tango with locals amid walls of old posters and a giant glowing, red heart. Lessons are taught in Spanish and while the dancers here may not be technically great, their passion and love of tango is unquestionable.

5. Caminito

Purists may dismiss La Boca's showy street performers as 'tacky tangoists' but the colourful streets, flamboyant moves and suave outfits do have a bit of flair and provide quintessential Buenos Aires photo ops.

Many stores in Argentina allow travellers to shop tax-free. Look for a blue and white ‘Tax Free’ sign in store windows and make sure to ask for a Global Blue refund form when making your purchase. Get this form validated by a customs official at the airport when you are leaving the country (they’ll want to see the item and receipt as well), then take it to the Global Blue refund office to get your money back. It’s a bit of a lengthy process, but might be worth the effort depending on how much shopping you do. Find more information here.

Keep in mind that siesta is still common in some parts of Argentina. Many stores will close for a few hours in the afternoon and reopening times can be unpredictable.

Things to buy in Argentina:

Leather goods

Leather goods are normally top of the shopping list for every traveller to Argentina – and rightly so! The quality of leather products is excellent and prices can be significantly cheaper than at home. The most popular items are jackets, handbags, shoes, boots and belts. A word of warning though – be wary of cheap imitations!

Mate cup set

A popular tourist shop item, cups may be sold on their own with a straw, or as a set with loose-leaf mate as well. Quality and design can vary, so it pays to shop around

Wine

A good bottle of Argentina’s famed malbec can be bought for less than USD 10.

Buenos Aires Tango Festival

Passion oozes from Buenos Aires’ streets as tango fills the city each August. Open-air milongas (dances), film screenings, dance classes and competitions featuring world-class dancers are all part of this sizzling two-week event.

Fiesta de la Vendimia (Grape Harvest Festival)

This week-long celebration to kick off Mendoza’s grape-picking season is a barrel of fun! Held each March, the festival features parades, folkloric events and a grand coronation, as hopefuls vie to be chosen as the new Harvest Queen.

Carnaval (or Carnival)

Huge crowds turn up ready to have a good time for carnival celebrations in cities across Argentina. Like in Brazil, parades are a cacophony of colours, featuring feathered and sequined costumes and elaborate floats. Taking place in either February or March (right before Ash Wednesday), the best parties are in Gualeguay-chu and Corrientes.

Dia de la Tradicion (Day of Tradition)

Argentina’s beret-clad, nomadic cowboys, otherwise known as gauchos, are something of a national symbol. Each year on November 10th, they are celebrated with horsemanship shows, folk music, dancing, tons of barbequed meat and a big gaucho parade in San Antonio de Areco, the symbolic centre of gaucho culture.

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously, and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

Common scams:

Snatch and run:

This scam is where a thief (either quietly or sharply and fast) snatches victims belongings such as phones and cameras resting at a restaurant or café’s table – particularly while seating outside. While dinning outside, make sure you keep your belonging in your bag and your bag at your feet.

Ride-by:

This is a common scam in Buenos Aires where a thief riding a bike or motorbike snatches a traveller’s camera or bag. To avoid this, walk on the shops side of the footpath and keep back from the street when waiting to cross a road.

Stain on shirt:

This is a sophisticated form of pick-pocketing where passer-by “accidentally” spills a drink or food on unsuspecting victims. The thief then offers help cleaning up robbing you from your belongings in the process. If this was to happen to you, simply keep walking, accept no help from strangers.

Taxi:

The vast majority of taxi drivers in Buenos Aires are honest and hardworking people. However, there is a small number of them that will target travellers overcharging them or handing back counterfeit bills. To avoid this problem order taxis from hotels, restaurants or flag them at official taxi ranks.