Argentina Tours & Holidays

Like many other aspects of Argentinian culture, its cuisine has been heavily influenced by European immigration. Mix Spanish and Italian flavours with Argentina's top quality (and affordable!) beef and dairy products, and you have a combination worth jumping on that long-haul flight for. Check our guide on all things food in South America.

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 don't actually begin dinner until 9 or 10 pm.

Here are some must-try dishes and drinks 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 equal parts a dish and a social gathering – both of which you'll 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. Chimichurri

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. Take two round shortbreads, fill them with dulce de leche (a decadent caramel made from condensed milk) coat them in chocolate... et voila.

6. Helado

Argentineans take ice cream seriously. Don't 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 (a crumbly biscuit sandwich filled with dulce de leche), dessert empanadas, drizzled on ice cream or just eat it by the spoonful!

8. Yerba maté

This is Argentina's national drink. A caffeine-rich concoction of chopped and dried yerba maté is prepared in a gourd (maté) and drunk through a silver straw (bombilla). It's rich in antioxidants and polyphenols and has long been used by Indigenous people in South America.

Learn more about drinking mate in Argentina

Argentinian 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, especially 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 hugs

Expect a farewell hug and a 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

Siestas are particularly popular in provinces such as Mendoza, San Juan, Salta. Shops may close from 1pm to 4pm and reopen until around 8-9pm.

5. Dinner is late

Dinner with locals can be 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.

6. Nightlife is well and truly nightlife

Pubs, clubs and events don’t kick off until 1-2am…no kidding!

7. The majority of Argentinians are Catholic

Between 70-80% of the population are Catholic, 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-shirts, 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.

8. Avoid talking about the Falkland Islands War

Talking about the Falkland Islands war 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 giant glaciers, gushing waterfalls and snow-topped granite pillars of Patagonia to the green grasslands of the Pampas (not to mention the lofty Andes of the north to the steamy wetlands of the north-east), Argentina contains a wealth of biodiversity.

Chile and Argentina both stake a claim over Patagonia. Check out our guide to help you decide which South American country to visit.

1. Confiteria Ideal

Be charmed by the grand building, old waiters and genuine tango classes 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 are 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.

Experience a tango lesson with professional dancers on our 15 day Premium Chile, Argentina & Brazil trip

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're 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 it might be worth the effort depending on how much shopping you do.

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

1. Leather goods

Leather goods are normally top of the shopping list for every traveller – 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!

2. 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.

3. Wine

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

Argentinians are a lively bunch and like to party. Below are four of the biggest festivals of the year.

1. Buenos Aires Tango Festival - August

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.

2. Fiesta de la Vendimia (Grape Harvest Festival) - March

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

3. Carnaval (or Carnival) - February/March

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 right before Ash Wednesday, the best parties are in Gualeguay-chu and Corrientes.

4. Dia de la Tradicion (Day of Tradition) - November

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.

1. Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is an elegant metropolis of colourful buildings, charming boulevards and cobbled laneways that lead to huge street murals. This city offers something for everyone from traditional cafe bars to trendy closed-door restaurants, speakeasy bars to tango clubs, and mercados to shopping malls.

Discover the best of Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil

2. Ushuaia

Welcome to the southernmost city in the world! Ushuaia is also the gateway to the seventh continent, AKA Antarctica. After taking in the spectacular sights of Tierra del Fuego National Park, wander the craft markets or feast on delicious Fuegian cuisine

Explore Ushuaia on our 15day Patagonia Wilderness tour

Embark on the ultimate adventure on our 11 day Best of Antarctica trip

3. Mendoza

With leafy streets and direct access to one of the world's best wine regions, Mendoza has a more relaxed vibe than Buenos Aires. Indulge in the city's brilliant food scene or venture a little further to enjoy a glass of wine while the sun sets over the Andean mountain range.

Explore Mendoza on our 9 day Premium Chile & Argentina trip

Inspired by Argentina but still curious about other destinations? Check out our tours to neighbouring countries:

• Brazil
• Uruguay
• Paraguay
• Bolivia
• Chile