The Best of Argentina: From Buenos Aires to Patagonia to Iguazú Falls

This capital, dubbed “the Paris of South America,” mixes fine art with street art, Michelin stars with local porteño-owned joints, and lively milongas (tango dance halls) with the grand Teatro Colón, home to world-class opera.

Patagonia is a hiker’s paradise. The village of El Chaltén sits at the base of iconic, jagged Fitz Roy, and is surrounded by sprawling glaciers, the Las Vueltas River, and cerulean Lago del Desierto.

Charming El Calafate lies at Perito Moreno ice field’s feet and features quaint shops, vendors selling alfajores (shortbread cookies dipped in dulce de leche), and craft markets. Explore the berg by kayak or catamaran.

One of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, Iguazú is wider than Niagra, and its thundering waters plunge into a rainforest teeming with jaguars, coatis, and caimans. Stay in treehouse villas nestled deep in the jungle.

Located in the foothills of the Andes and basking in 300 days of sunshine annually, Mendoza is renowned for its Malbec wines. Beyond the vineyards, visitors trek the surrounding peaks and encounter vicuñas or guanacos grazing.

For your final stop, immerse yourself in gaucho cowboy culture at a traditional estancia. Watch their renowned international polo team practice, gallop across livestock fields, and stroll lanes lined with plane trees.