As the second largest country in South America after Brazil, Argentina is vast. You can’t realistically tick it all off in one trip, but Stubborn Mule’s MD Liddy (with Mum in tow) recently travelled around as much of the country as possible, visiting Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and the remote north-west of the country.
Liddy says, “Argentina is undoubtedly one of the jewels of South America and my recent recce was one of my favourite trips in years. I loved Buenos Aires and Iguazu, but particularly lost my heart to the north-west. There’s something about the remote landscapes and isolation that makes for a special kind of beautiful. Mum provided the multi-generational perspective and firmly came to the verdict that this is a winner for active grandparents. My kids would have loved it too, particularly the variety of activities – including biking, horse-riding, walking with llamas, cooking empanadas, capybara spotting and star-gazing. And the mountains of steak of course!”
Want to know more about what to expect in this truly fascinating region, including when to visit Argentina and places to visit in Argentina? Join us on a pictorial journey to give you a Malbec-and-steak-flavoured, tango-inspired whistle-stop tour at a glance.
Buenos Aires: Argentina’s vibrant capital
Don’t cry for me, Argentina? If you recognise the balconies of Casa Rosada, you’re not imagining it. As the Argentine president’s office and government house, it was here in the Plaza de Mayo that Juan and ‘Evita’ Peron addressed the masses during the late 1940s and 50s. Today, modern-day Buenos Aires is as famous for its cosmopolitan European-like vibe and café culture as it is for its historic architecture. It’s divine!
The 20-metre high Floralis Generica sculpture in United Nations Square may look like a ‘beam me up, Scottie’ installation, but it is just one of the fascinating things you’ll see on a cycle tour around Buenos Aires. The city is BIG on cycling, with cycle paths along wide tree-lined boulevards and around upmarket residential areas home to footballers and popstars.
The buzzing food market in the cool neighbourhood of San Telmo is uncannily like London’s Borough Market, only with more empanadas. Elasticated waistbands are highly recommended.
Bright, colourful and the heart of Buenos Aires’ football district, La Boca is a must to explore. Football is the cultural lifeblood of Argentina, with over 2.6 million players and 90% of the population active footie fans.
Argentina is well known as a world-class food and wine capital. As the size of this steak shows (and that’s accompanied by a huge array of side dishes), it’s probably best to avoid the weighing scales for a few weeks after your return.
Salta & the Valley of the Shells
It’s like arriving in a different world when you fly from Buenos Aires to Salta, both a city and a province in the mountainous northwest. Choose between self-drive or a driver-guide for the journey from Salta to Cafayate. Liddy says, “This drive was one of my favourite parts of the trip, offering our first taste of the dramatic and ever-changing landscapes of this part of Argentina. From red rock canyons to gently rolling farmland to immaculately tended vineyards, it was all spectacular”.
“My kids would love exploring the narrow rock canyons and clambering up the scree slopes for stonking views. Granny stayed at the bottom in the role of photographer”.
“We couldn’t help but stop at this roadside stall where these wonderful women served us delicious empanadas hot from the oven.”
No matter how remote, the influence of football is all-pervasive, and you’ll see murals of the football greats like Messi and Maradona, above, everywhere. If you want to experience a game for yourself, we can also buy your tickets!
Stunning landscapes in Molinas & Cachi
The drive from Molinas to Cachi puts the middle finger up to lesser landscapes. With a backdrop of stunning mountains, the vineyards and agricultural heartland show what a rich and productive area this is. Pretty, too! Easter and October half terms are the ideal times to visit the centre and north of Argentina; find out more about when to go to Argentina.
If your budget allows, we know of an extraordinary hacienda-style hotel complete with fountains, frothy lavender beds, outstanding food and drink and a gorgeous pool. It’s a rather refined setting and experience, an oasis of luxury probably best suited to teens and adults rather than younger children.
Argentina boasts a lively artisan scene, as Liddy discovered; “Clearly I’m not a gifted potter. My ‘cup’ was wonky and probably unsafe for a hot drink. But our pottery class was a great break in a longer journey and kids would love it.”
Humahuaca Valley & Rainbow Mountains
One of Argentina’s most iconic landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2003, the Rainbow Mountains in the 160-kilometre Quebrada de Humahuaca are even more extraordinary and vivid in real life. It’s a great area for hiking, and you’ll instantly notice that this area has much more in common with Andean and Peruvian culture and landscape than elsewhere in Argentina.
From artisan stalls and traditional weavings to foodie offerings, opting when and where to stop is one of the joys of driving days.
Mule, meet Llama. Llama, meet Mule. There are hundreds of these adorable creatures in this area, and after grooming and feeding one, we went on a llama walk. Kids will love this, as we did. They squeak, you know?!
Can you take a llama to water AND make it drink? Find out on our sample 15-day Northern Argentina itinerary.
When it comes to hidden gems, this is one. Located deep in the northern Argentine landscape and surrounded by dramatic desert scenery is a secret canyon through the cliffs. Narrowing at points to just 1 metre across, the acoustics here are amazing, whilst you’ll be wowed by the bright red rock formations within. Extraordinary!
Salinas Grandes Salt Flats
And now, for some serious indulgence! The Salinas Grande salt flats are an extraordinary landscape but to experience them at their best, you can stay in luxury bubble tents, which come with their own hot tub. By moonlight, it’s a lunar-like landscape, whilst on moon-free nights you’ll be wowed by the stars.
Your room with a view, madam? If you can bear to pull yourselves away, e-bike across the salt flats, whooping as you go! Now that’s a ride you won’t forget in a hurry!
Iguazu Falls: Argentina’s spectacular natural wonder
Trust us. Allow days not hours to spend at Iguazu Falls, the world’s largest waterfall system comprising 275 cascades which span nearly 3 kilometres across the Argentine and Brazilian borders. The ‘Devil’s Throat’ drop is the most famous, but you’ll be utterly mesmerised by the sheer scale of all of it. Must you do both sides? DEFINITELY. They’re completely different.
Prepare to get utterly soaked as you move to different points to see the waterfall’s many cascades. You’ll also love a boat trip to get truly up close! Hairbrush optional.
Iberá Wetlands wildlife & serenity
The Iberá Wetlands in northeast Argentina are the second-largest freshwater wetland in the world after Brazil’s Pantanal. Exploring by small boat or canoe, you’ll see abundant wild and plant life, from cayman, capybaras, colourful birds and stunning waterlilies.
You can also stay deep in the wetlands in a cabin on a private island…barring a private chef and your guide, you’ll have the whole place to yourselves! See where to stay in Argentina for other ideas.
It may not be uber-luxurious but after watching the sun set from the jetty, sit around the fire to watch the stars come out before retiring to the cabin. Breakfast is enjoyed al fresco whilst jabiru storks fly past.
Gaucho life in the Pampas
Just over a hundred kilometres from Buenos Aires is one of the most elegant and authentic Estancias we know. Here, after an afternoon on horseback, you’ll be treated to a traditional BBQ and be plied with delicious wines.
Taking a ride out with the gauchos (Argentinean ‘cowboys’) across the grasslands is a quintessential Argentine experience, whether you’re an accomplished equestrian or not. Away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, you’ll experience a way of life practically unchanged for centuries. A fitting end to a wonderful trip.
Has our Northern Argentina photo journey inspired you?
If yes, and you want to know more about why Northern Argentina is Stubborn Mule’s MD Liddy’s “favourite trip ever”, take a look at our Argentina family holidays pages for more in-depth information, including sample Argentina itineraries, price guide, and customer reviews.
If you are ready to start planning, or just have a question, ring us at 01728 752 751 or email us using our website form.
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