Argentina holidays : introduction
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From the sub-tropical north to the freezing waters of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago – famously explored by Darwin and Fitzroy on The Beagle – Argentina is a country of dramatic contrasts.
Its long border with Chile stretches 3,000 miles along the Andes, dominated by Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Southern Hemisphere, and the magnificent glaciers and lakes of the Patagonian ice field. The mountain foothills provide ideal conditions for cultivating vines, the grapes watered by snowmelt each spring to produce some of the finest wines in the world.
To the east lie the fertile plains of the Pampas, where 85% of the country’s grain is grown and gauchos herd beef cattle on vast estancias. At the heart of this rich agricultural region is Buenos Aires, ‘the Paris of South America’; a city of broad avenues, elegant shops and hotels, imposing colonial buildings and of course the sultry tango.
More than a third of the population live in and around the capital, leaving the rest of the country sparsely inhabited. Whether you opt for city culture or wide open spaces (or both) you’ll find the people extremely welcoming. Argentines are descended from a vibrant mix of Spanish, Italian, Arab, Jewish and Welsh immigrants, and pride themselves on their warm hospitality and excellent service.
Climate and when to go
The climate ranges from sub-tropical in the north-east to cold temperate in Tierra del Fuego. The summer months of December to March are warmest in the south, although the autumn colours in late April are spectacular, particularly in the Lake District. The skiing season is from June to September. Buenos Aires can be very hot and humid in January and February, and quite cold in winter.
“The holiday was just a dream, everything worked liked clockwork and the hotels were wonderful. Staying by the Iguassu Falls on the Brazilian side was certainly the right thing to do, what a treat to have the walkways to ourselves once the visitors had gone for the day. Buenos Aires has become our favourite city, especially for the tango and we would like to go back there every year if we can. Thanks for all your help organising it for us.” - SB
“Well done and very many thanks indeed. It was a wonderful trip, well constructed and thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you so much for all the arrangements and effort you made for us both.” - PW-A
“What a holiday! So exhausting, but so much fun! Thanks for arranging it, it was a great experience and our Spanish is much improved!” - PV
“We had a great time - back this morning tired, tanned and about a stone each heavier than when we left. Thanks for putting this together for us and we will be back in touch I'm sure.” - JW
