Argentina

Why Choose an Escorted Holiday to Argentina?

Argentina stretches from the subtropical north to the sub-Antarctic south: a country longer than the distance from London to Nairobi. Buenos Aires is one of the great cities of the Americas - European in its architecture, intensely Latin in its culture, with tango, football, steak and a café society that takes its conversation seriously. South, in Patagonia, lies some of the most dramatic wilderness landscape on earth: the glacier fields of Los Glaciares, the wind-scoured steppe of the Andes foothills, and the Torres del Paine peaks (shared with Chile). Getting between these places requires internal flights and careful planning that an escorted tour handles with ease.

For British-Indian passengers, Argentina is a premium long-haul destination with a level of European familiarity - in its urban culture and architectural character - that makes it accessible, alongside the extraordinary natural landscapes that make it extraordinary. Buenos Aires has a visible Indian community and good vegetarian options, and the combination of Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls with Patagonia makes for one of the finest long-haul itineraries we operate.

Indian-Friendly Features on Our Argentina Tours

• Indian dinners included on most multi-day tours, with Indian restaurants in Buenos Aires
• Vegetarian options available throughout and confirmed in advance - Argentina's restaurant culture is adaptable
• No beef compulsory in any included group meals, though Argentine beef culture is central to the country's identity and is offered as an option
• India departure add-on available on some itineraries - contact our India team on 1800 123 181 181
• Fully guided throughout in a country where Spanish is the primary language and independent navigation is challenging

Best Time to Visit Argentina

Argentina's seasons are reversed from the UK.

October to December (spring) is excellent for Buenos Aires and the northwest, Iguazu Falls at high water and the beginning of the Patagonian season. One of the best overall periods.

January and February is high summer. Buenos Aires can be very hot (35°C+) and many porteños leave the city. Patagonia is at its warmest and most accessible, though also at its busiest.

March to May (autumn) is an excellent time for Buenos Aires and the wine country around Mendoza. The Patagonian season winds down by April.

June to September is winter in Patagonia and the south - generally not the touring season there - but excellent in the northwest (Salta, Jujuy) and in the cities.

Popular Destinations Within Argentina

Buenos Aires - the Recoleta neighbourhood with its extraordinary cemetery (Eva Perón is buried here), the San Telmo antiques market, a tango milonga in the evening, the Palermo parks and the La Boca neighbourhood. A city that rewards an unhurried three or four days.

Iguazu Falls - the Argentine side of the falls allows you to walk along catwalks through the spray, right to the edge of the Devil's Throat drop. One of the most exhilarating natural experiences in South America.

Perito Moreno Glacier - the vast, moving glacier in Los Glaciares National Park near El Calafate, Patagonia. The ice calving from the 60-metre high face is continuous and extraordinary.

Torres del Paine - just across the Chilean border from El Calafate, the granite towers of this national park are one of the world's most iconic mountain landscapes. Day excursions included on our Patagonia itineraries.

Mendoza and the Wine Country - the high-altitude wine region at the foot of the Andes, producing some of the world's finest Malbec. Winery visits included on our combined itineraries.

Salta and the Northwest - colonial Spanish architecture in a desert landscape, with the multicoloured rock formations of the Quebrada de Humahuaca (UNESCO World Heritage) and a pace of life that is thoroughly un-Buenos Aires.

Practical Information

• Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS). Currency exchange rates fluctuate significantly; our tour managers provide guidance on local practices.
• Language: Spanish; English limited outside Buenos Aires hotels and tourist areas - your guide is essential
• Time zone: Argentina Time (GMT-3). No daylight saving.
• Electricity: Type I plugs (220V). A Type I adapter is needed for UK devices.
• Tipping: Included in your Star Tours holiday price
• India bookings: Call our India line free on 1800 123 181 181 (10am-7pm)
• ABTA & ATOL: All our Argentina holidays are fully protected