argentina
Argentina, home of delicious wines, famous steaks, passionate tango dancers and a love of football.
At 2.78 million square kilometres (1m sq. miles), Argentina is the 8th largest country in the world. Its territory encompasses the Andes mountains, pampas grasslands and Patagonia.*
Patagonia spans more than a million squared kilometres across Chile and Argentina and encompasses six national parks. Sparsely populated with just 2 million inhabitants, Patagonia is the perfect place for hiking, skiing and climbing.*
Natural wonders such as the Perito Moreno Glacier and Iguazú Falls wow even the most experience traveller with their size and beauty.
Fast Facts
- Argentina has been one of the world’s leading producers of wine since the 16th century and has approximately 1,800 wineries today. It is the world’s fifth leading producer of wine.*
- Argentina is the third biggest producer of beef in the world. It produces around 2.8 to 3.5 million tons a year.*
- The tango originated in the slaughterhouse district of Buenos Aires around the end of the 19th century. Sometimes described as 'making love in a vertical position', it was thought to originally be a dance for men. When the two men danced together, it resembled a duel.*
- Measuring 30km long, 5km wide and 60m high, the Perito Moreno Glacier is the third largest reserve of freshwater in the world. It is also constantly moving, inching forward up to 2m per day. It is one of the world's few glaciers that is still growing.*
When to Go
Nature lovers: Iguazú Falls experiences warm tropical weather, making a good choice year-round. The best time to visit Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego is December to March with longer daylight hours to enjoy the icy scenery. Temperatures sit around 5°C (41°F) so wrap up warm. The winter months (July and August) are not recommended due to extreme cold and lack of amenities.
Wine quaffers: Mendoza has a Mediterranean climate, perfect for year-round travel. Visit in March to experience the popular National Grape Harvest Festival. Autumn (March to May) is a great time to see the colourful vineyard foliage, although temperatures can be cooler.
City slickers: Buenos Aires is hot and humid during its peak summer season (December to February). If tango is your thing, check out the Buenos Aires Tango Festival (August) and El Día Nacional de Tango (December).
Ski bunnies: Head to the Andean slopes during the winter months of June to August. Chilly and wet elsewhere.
Argentinians typically holiday during January, Easter and July. At this time travel costs increase considerably.
Our Posts
- Come with us on our first glacier hike in Ice Ice Baby: Hiking the Perito Moreno Glacier
- Going Native in Buenos Aires as we try and get our heads around the lingo in Spanish school
- Getting WET WET WET at the colossal Iguazu Falls
- Exploring the breathtaking Salta region, not everything went according to plan, A Pinch of Salt Part One: Road Tripping the Salta Region
