Argentina serves up a taste of everything, from the magnificent Iguazu Falls in the sub-tropical jungle, to Quechua Indian villages, and colonial towns like Salta and San Juan. Let our South American specialists organise a tailor-made journey for you exploring the wonder that is Argentina.
From the thundering Iguazu Falls, on the border with Brazil, to the Land of Fire – Tierra Del Fuego in the South, Argentina is a destination that has incredible diversity. Our team can take you to the mountains of Patagonia (Los Galaciares National Park), Perito Moreno Glacier, Buenos Aires (home of the tango), Ibera Marshalnds or Purmamarca (Seven coloured mountains). Relax at one of the many wonderful luxury lodges, Estancias or Wineries where you can enjoy traditional Argentine hospitality and lifestyle – perhaps even a game of polo.
At South America Travel Centre it is through our personal experience exploring Latin America combined with our attention to detail that can help you create your unique and unforgettable travel experience.
Los Misiones province is a tropical region containing magnificent rainforest, deep flowing rivers and ‘the Great Waters’ – the mighty Iguazu Falls. The thundering waterfalls are an incredible sight-and-sound sensation, 3km wide and plunging 70m into the gorge that divides Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. You can see the wide-angle view of Iguazu from the Brazilian side and more close-up detail from the Argentine side. The area has extraordinary flora and fauna including, in particular, many beautiful butterflies.
Buenos Aires is a charming, sophisticated city with a strong European influence and culture. With its blend of Spanish, French and Italian architectural styles, its great variety of nightspots, and its cultural life, it is often referred to as the ‘South American Paris’.
The wild and stunning landscapes of Argentine Patagonia will remain imprinted on your mind forever. Among the unforgettable images are the spectacular lakes and glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park , the exceptional marine life of the Valdes Peninsula, and Tierra del Fuego – “the end of the world” and gateway to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina
Cruise across Lake Argentino, passing among huge icebergs to view some of the most spectacular glaciers in the world, including the largest glacier in the park, Upsala.
Fitz Roy
A wild, isolated and scenically dramatic area offering walks and excursions for all levels of fitness.
This breathtaking landscape of sparkling lakes, waterfalls, snowy peaks and vast green forests, is often likened to Europe’s alpine regions and incorporates several spectacular national parks. It offers remarkable year-round opportunities to enjoy its natural wonders – hiking, biking, riding and fishing, summer sailing and winter skiing – or simply to relax for a few days and immerse yourself in all of its splendour.
The Lakes District bus-and-boat route across the Andes between Argentina and Chile is a scenic sensation. Begin from the Swiss-style town of Bariloche with a chance to explore the surrounding countryside. Depart by bus and boat to the remote settlement of Peulla for an overnight stop midway with time to really absorb the region’s beauty. Cruise across Lake Todos los Santos, considered the most beautiful lake in southern Chile with emerald waters surrounded by thick forests and views of snow-capped volcanoes, including the perfect cone of Osorno (2,652m) to reach the town Puerto Varas in Chile.The old Inca capital high in the Peruvian Andes is renowned for its extensive Inca ruins, many colonial churches and monasteries built atop ancient Indian stonework.
The idea of life on an estancia conjures romantic images of colonial homesteads, redolent with old-world charm and elegance, set in tree-shaded parks and gardens, and of the legendary gauchos at work, these superb horsemen herding cattle across the wild grasslands of the Pampas.
A stay on an estancia offers you a chance to ‘step back in time’ and experience a traditional Argentine lifestyle that, despite the advances of the 21st century, still continues little-changed today. Argentina boasts very many fine estancias – Villa Maria is only one sample – and while a 2 night stay is ideal.
Mendoza is one of the great wine regions of the world. With thousands of wineries spread out over three main wine regions – Lujan de Cuyo, Valle de Uco and Maipu. In addition to sampling many fine wines you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy the stunning scenery of the region, mountain grandeur and blue skies, and some of the best winery architecture in the world.
To accompany fine wines you will also have the opportunity to unwind, enjoy great food and sample the best of Argentinean hospitality. There are several fine wineries that also offer very comfortable accommodation. Two of our favourites are Entre Cielos Wine Hotel & Spa and the family-run Finca La Azul in the Uco Valley.
Peninsular Valdes and the small town of Puerto Madryn are easily the best places in South America to watch whales. Generally speaking, the season for whale watching starts from the beginning of June and runs through until December, when they start to move off again.
Southern right whales and orcas are the stars of the show. Other wildlife includes, elephant seals, Sea lions, Magellanic penguins and rheas.
Argentina’s northwestern Salta Province is famous for its spectacular scenery of Andean peaks, multi coloured valleys (near Purmamarca) and vineyards (in particular near Cafayate). The city of Salta was founded in 1582 by the Spanish commander Hernando de Lerma, as such it has many fine colonial buildings. Salta adds a very different aspect to a tour of Argentina. There are several find hotels and Estancias, House of Jasmines being one of our clients favourites.
Some clients use Salta as a gateway into Bolivia and the Uyuni Salts flats, with their journey ending in the Atacama Desert in Chile.
Ushuaia is located on the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego in Southern Patagonia. Its claim to fame is being the southernmost city in the world. Due to this southerly location and its proximity to the Antarctic Peninsula, Ushuaia is also the main port for cruises sailing to Antarctica and has seen a significant increase in visitors over the past 10 years due to the ever increasing popularity of these voyages.
A short distance from Buenos Aires is the beautiful Estancia La Bamba de Areco. Not only does this working estancia provide superb accommodation and a great introduction to rural life in Argentina but it is one of the few places where you can witness firsthand gauchos who practice the art of ‘horse whispering’, a strange and almost mystical way to tame and train horses. For those lucky enough to witness a Horse Whisperer demonstration, the experience is truly amazing.
The term “horse whispering” refers to the method of taming a horse according to its nature, avoiding fear and pain, and by earning its trust and loyalty. Gentle, repetitive, persuasive techniques help build up trust between the rider and horse. In Argentina this technique is known as ‘Doma India’.
“As the gaucho enters the arena they apply gentle pressure to the horse and it lies down effortlessly on the ground. They lie alongside and gently breathe into the horse’s nostrils. The animal is totally at ease, calm and trance-like. The horse is rolled onto its back with its legs in the air and the rider climbs gently onto the animal’s stomach. The demonstration continues for ten minutes until finally the horse returns to all fours still totally at ease.”
Mention Argentina and your mind may readily conjure an image of sultry and sexy dancers, closely entwined as they twist and glide across the floor – because if there’s one thing Argentina is known for, it’s the tango! In August each year, tango aficionados and international visitors celebrate ‘the world’s biggest tango extravaganza’ in the city that gave birth to this dramatic dance. And while most of Buenos Aires has tango fever all year round, this is the big one, the city’s – and therefore the world’s – most important tango festival.
Officially 18 days long, it begins with La Festival, a nine-day gala of tango orchestras, shows, film screenings, exhibitions, milongas, free dance lessons and other tango-related festivities. It opens with a massive open-air milonga where you’ll find tens of thousands of tangueros dancing across the cobbled streets of central Buenos Aires. The excitement builds as the festival ultimately morphs into the Tango World Championship, an elegant, classy affair where the world’s best tango dancers compete for glory, performing myriad variations of the traditional form.
Classes and milongas take place every day for tango enthusiasts of all skill levels. Although no one can say the tango is easy, it’s not as hard as you think – just bring your passion!
It’s like Carnival for wine enthusiasts and is Argentina’s biggest wine party, bringing together everyone from field workers to vineyard owners and much of the wine-loving world to enjoy four of life’s great pleasures – music, dancing, fireworks, and lots and lots of wine! In the first weekend of March, at the start of the grape-picking season, Argentinians in the Malbec region raise their glasses and celebrate with a festival that dates back to the 17th century. The tradition started out as a simple religious ceremony to give thanks for the year’s harvest but centuries later has evolved into a mega-party that draws crowds from all over the country and tourists from abroad.
The festival has been extended over 10 intense days of parades, music and art celebrations, and performing artists from all over South America are welcomed into Mendoza, creating an on-going carnival-like atmosphere in the streets. However the major attractions are on that first weekend, beginning on Friday evening with a parade of 18 Wine Queens from the provincial districts; people line the streets for a glimpse of the contestants and the chance to catch the bunches of grapes the women toss into the crowd. But why have just one parade when you can have two? On Saturday, a second parade features the chariot-driven queens, gaucho-styled men on horseback, and traditionally-costumed dancers representing the various regional cultures. Saturday night is the grand finale with the ‘Acto Central’ (Central Act), a dazzling large-scale, Vegas-styled (ticketed) spectacle in the main amphitheatre, with more than a thousand costumed performers performing to live music. And, at last, the moment arrives when the Queen of the Harvest is announced and crowned with a tiara of grape leaves, the evening ending in an explosion of fireworks.
If you are in Mendoza for any length of time, you may also come across unofficial, offshoot celebrations, each with their own particular flavour, such as the Crush of Grapes Night, Electro-Dance Harvest Night, and the outrageous Gay National Harvest (Drag) Queen which started off as a parody but now attracts many visitors in its own right!
fairs and sporting events (particularly equestrian).
The Puerta Cerrada or ‘Closed Door’ restaurant is the latest culinary craze to hit Argentina’s restaurant scene. Chefs are giving up their normal jobs to turn their homes into a unique dining experience, for tourists and locals alike. Set in apartments and houses throughout the city, the settings are intimate and typically cater for around 10 people. The atmosphere is relaxed as it should be in a home and the conversation is usually lively and interesting as everyone joins in the evening. The menu is already set and, when it comes to what will be served, you are literally placing yourself in the chef’s hands. Each course is carefully explained and perfectly paired with a great Argentine wine. In the private homes of the chefs, you will not only dine on the finest cuisine but will also enjoy a true cultural experience.
Here we’ve recommended two of Buenos Aires’ finest ‘puerta cerrada’ restaurants:
Adentro Dinner Club
GrillRated in Tripadvisor as one of the 10 best dining experiences in Buenos Aires, this Puerta Cerrada restaurant is run by chef Gabriel and host Kelly. Gabriel’s specialty is the Argentine ‘asado’, the most representative and beloved food tradition in the country. Everything is homemade including the country-style bread, the chimichurri sauce and the passionfruit liquer served with champagne. Food is served ‘family style’ – take as much or as little as you like of the empanadas, salads, ribs, chorizo, steak, corn on the cob, portobellos, grilled prawns, etc. It’s no wonder that this home dining experience proves for many to be a highlight of their stay.
Open: Wednesday and Friday evenings only.
Hub Porteno
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Top class design and the finest facilities. Usually located in a spectacular setting it may be an exclusive hotel in a meticulously restored historic building, or recognised as the leading property of an international chain.
Legado Mitico
Buenos Aires, Argentina
A perfect alternative to the big brand hotels:
exclusive and independently-owned properties with a smaller number of rooms and highly personalised services.
Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa
Ushuaia, Argentina
High quality with an excellent room standard, a full range of facilities and first-rate service; may be a new property or regularly refurbished with attention to ongoing maintenance.
La Bamba de Areco
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Haciendas ‘estates’ are found across much of South America and may have been plantations, cattle or sheep ranches. Most date from the 18th & 19th centuries and offer guests an opportunity to glimpse the world of the land barons and their famed horsemen. These beautiful colonial residences, set in extensive gardens or on wide farmland, retain their original style and ambiance, with high beamed ceilings, open fireplaces, and spacious rooms filled with antique furnishings.
Los Cerros
El Chalten, Argentina
Lodges in Argentina offer access to some the countries most remote and stunningly beautiful wilderness areas. The small town of El Chalten offers access into Argentinian Patagonia and the Fitzroy Massif. Many offer a range of activities; trekking, fly-fishing and horse riding. All offer excellent cuisine and a warm welcome.
Entre Cielos Wine Hotel & Spa
Mendoza, Argentina
Entre Cielos lies in the foothills of the spectacular Andes, surrounded by vineyards that produce the world’s finest Malbec wines. Design and architecture, gourmet experiences, the authentic hammam and spa, plus Mendoza’s great outdoors.
Tourist-superior and tourist class accommodation is also available. For more information on the accommodation we offer, call 1300 784 794 or email contact@satc.com.au.
South America Travel Centre can look after all aspects of your holiday, including flights and travel insurance.
We start by asking you what your interests are and where you are interested in, when, for how long, what standard and style of accommodation (it can be a combination – for example you may wish to celebrate a special occasion while you’re away by staying in a very special property or place). Once we have a good understanding of just what you’re looking for, we can begin to create a holiday to meet your time and budget requirements and, most importantly, that will deliver interest and enjoyment in an experience to exceed your expectations.
Please book early. Many of the hotels, lodges and cruise vessels we recommend are relatively small. For example the deluxe boutique hotel Hub Porteno (Buenos Aires) offers only 11 suites. This exclusivity combined with high demand means they can be booked out up to 6-8 months in advance.
If you’re thinking of travelling during any major holidays like Christmas, New Year and Easter, or during any festivals, our advice is simply to book as early as you can, even 12 months or more, and we can add flights as soon as they become available.
The Argentine Reciprocity Fee Is No Longer Required (as of 1 July 2017)
You will need to hold a valid passport and have a return ticket when you arrival.
Vaccinations are advised for common diseases like Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid as well as Influenza. There are no compulsory vaccinations.
We advise you to consult a Travel Doctor specialist prior to departure to assess any health risks in relation to your medical history and travel plans.
We have access to a wide range of airfares and have excellent relationships with our key airline partners. Our two main airline partners in Latin America are LATAM Airlines, QANTAS Airlines and Air New Zealand. We can also arrange internal flights for you within Latin America.
Irrespective of whether you book directly with us or with your preferred travel agent, we’ll request the details of all of your fights to ensure if there are any changes your transfers and other arrangements are adjusted accordingly.
Argentina’s weather is as diverse as its geography – 3,650km from north to south, highest point of 6,959m (Aconcagua) – so the weather varies greatly
North-west Argentina: Best time – April to October. Wet season in summer – December to March, (very hot and humid Jan & Feb)
Lakes District: Year-round – best time October to April. Very cold in winter – June to August
Patagonia Cruises: Best time – November to March (no operations winter – May to Aug/Sep)
Patagonia: Best time – November to March
Argentina is one of South America’s great horse and cattle producing countries. The vast plains of the Pampas extend westward across central Argentina from the Atlantic Ocean to the Andean foothills and are home to the country’s legendary gauchos....
'It's the end of the world as we know it. But here you'll feel fine.' Craig Plat, travel writer for Traveller, shares his experience in Ushuaia, Argentina staying at the Arakur hotel. 'The place: Arakur, Ushuaia. The location: It's the end of the world - Ushuaia is the southernmost city on the planet, located on the tip of South America on the island of Tierra del Fuego.'...
There are a growing number of excellent properties in South America that are now part of ‘Relais & Chateaux’. We thought we’d tell you a little about some of the properties our guests regularly experience and thoroughly enjoy....
One of the many highlights of South America is undoubtedly the magnificent Iguazu Falls. Situated on the border of Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls is one of the widest waterfalls in the world spanning a width of 2,700m across, consisting of 275 individual falls, and spilling 13 million liters of water over the falls every second. I have always been an enthusiast for nature’s wonders and to say the Iguazu Falls were amazing is an understatement. The day I spent exploring this natural wonder left me humbled and in awe of its size and power. Below is a brief overview of my day tour of Iguazu Falls, Argentina and what you can expect....
Now back in Sydney after a wonderful holiday. The EcoCamp was also fantastic! The whole holiday was co-ordinated beautifully – everything just flowed from one adventure to the next without a single problem. We now have 100’s and 100’s of absolutely spectacular photos to sort through. Interestedly we had 8 different flights whilst we were away and each one of them was either full or nearly full – people are obviously travelling again. Thank you so much for all your assistance in co-ordinating our Patagonia experience. With Kindest regards Joe & Judy
Now back in Sydney after a wonderful holiday. The EcoCamp was also fantastic! The whole holiday was co-ordinated beautifully – everything just flowed from one adventure to the next without a single problem. We now have 100’s and 100’s of absolutely spectacular photos to sort through. Interestedly we had 8 different flights whilst we were away and each one of them was either full or nearly full – people are obviously travelling again. Thank you so much for all your assistance in co-ordinating our Patagonia experience. With Kindest regards, Joe & Judy
We cannot recommend Hayley from South America Travel Centre (SATC) more highly. Our entire trip was planned perfectly from the second we left Sydney. Not only did she incorporate all of our preferred destinations, Hayley also made suggestions on additional places based on our preferences and some of these turned out to be the highlights of our trip! We tend to be more independent travellers and Hayley was able to create the perfect mix of seamless travel with the flexibility for us throughout the journey to take advantage of any unexpected opportunities that arose. The guides at every location were extremely knowledgeable and offered excellent suggestions on everything from safety through to restaurants and laundry locations. I absolutely cannot fault the services provided both locally and in Australia from the SATC team.
Each pickup/drop off was on time. My guides were very friendly, had great English, and were passionate about what they did. All hotels were faultless. I would have to say that Andrea from Buenos Aires was the best guide of a fantastic bunch. Andrea was there to greet me on my first arrival into BA, took me to the ferry for my trip to Colonia and made sure I was checked in, and was there to pick me up. She was also there to send me on my way to Ushuaia at the ungodly hour of the morning and pick me up again after the cruise, to sending me on my way the next day to Iguazu. I was most impressed at the efforts the guides went to in order to streamline the check-in process at the airport, making sure I got to the immigration area. I have never seen or experienced such attentiveness or helpfulness. Thank you for putting this trip together for me, it was the best trip that I have been on, and I have done some out there trips. From the hotels, to the destinations, the ground arrangements, everything went off without a hitch. I truly appreciate what you did to make this trip amazing.
Our trip was absolutely outstanding thank you so much for your incredible efforts in what was such an incredibly short turn around. We are so grateful, it was the most amazing trip and every day was as good as the other! Anyone who has asked about our trip or has mentioned they are travelling or wanting to travel to South America I have put them straight onto South America Travel Centre. Thank you for all of your prompt responses, quick turn around and thorough knowledge, understanding, expertise and advice. Your service was second to none. It was outstanding and we are truly grateful. Please pass on our gratitude to the wider team as well for helping pull a once in a lifetime experience together for us in three days! We are so thankful for the afterhours and overtime you put in also, we couldn’t have had the amazing trip that we did at such late notice without you.
Being in our late 70 and having only travelled with groups, never on our own, we were a little apprehensive not speaking Spanish how well we would manage? I have nothing but praise for the service we received from South America Travel Centre. We were met at every destination by a knowledgeable person not always able to speak English but well able to take us to hotels, return us to bus stations and air ports, and check us in. Those who spoke English told us about their town the best places to eat. A wonderful holiday expertly organised and every little detail taken care of. Thank you South America Travel Centre.
We found our itinerary absolutely perfect. By that I mean not only were our superb boutique hotels great, the guides in each city friendly, courteous, well-spoken and knowledgeable but the time in each city or location and the balance between site seeing “work" and leisure time “play” was also perfect. The most difficult question by friends on our return has been “what was the highlight”. An impossible question when considering the merits of, inter alia, Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, Christ the Redeemer, Inti Raymi Festival, Lake Titicaca. The purpose of our trip to South America, in truth, was to see as much as we could of the continent with a view to probably not returning as we explored other opportunities. I have to now say that the chance of us revisiting South America is extremely high.
I write to thank you for organising our recent trip to South America. Everything went like clockwork, and the arrangements were very satisfactory. The guides always turned up at the right time, and the people meeting us at the airports were always there. We had a wonderful trip, and we will have to plan another one now, so that we can see Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia and Uruguay and maybe more. But first it’s back to work to earn some more money! For me the greatest highlight was Machu Picchu; it far exceeded my expectations. Once again, thanks so much, Alistair Macindoe.
We had a fabulous time!! The countries we visited have such a rich and fascinating cultural & geographical diversity. We loved learning about the Incans and visiting the ruins in Peru, we loved seeing all the creatures of the Galapagos Islands and the volcanoes of Ecuador. We loved the magnificent scenery of the Atacama. What a fantastic palette at sunset! The adobe hotel, Altiplanico, was wonderful & San Pedro de Atacama was a funky place. We appreciated the structure of our holiday too, there was a nice blend of guided time and free time. It was nice to be in one place on the boat in Galapagos after moving to a different place each day through Ecuador. Some of the haciendas we visited would be lovely to stay for a longer time. Everything went very smoothly in terms of timely airport transfers & pickups, informative and friendly guides/drivers at all times. The local people were very friendly & were helpful with our attempts at speaking Spanish. We enjoyed the cuisine very much & look forward to trying some home-made Locro de papa soup & Pisco sour. Thanks for helping us with a great holiday. Kind regards Della & John
Having local guides and local knowledge was sensational and gave us a great insight into the cities and countries we visited. We loved the whole trip. One very big positive was every single time we arrived at a destination, there was someone already there to meet us and a transfer waiting to take us to the hotel or airport. We didn’t use trains and only used buses in Cuba which were very good for what we were doing. Our SATC consultant and her knowledge and experience was invaluable in both the lead up and the trip itself, with numerous hints and tips being very useful as well. The detail and documentation provided was excellent throughout and we used it extensively on our trip.
One of the most delightful things after travelling long distances is to be met at the airport, bags carried and be taken to the accommodation. It is just so good to see that sign with your name. Our latest itinerary with South America Travel Centre, in June 2016, took us to Costa Rica, Guatemala and Honduras. Costa Rica was about flowers, wildlife, volcanoes and zip lining. Guatemala and Honduras were about Mayan ruins with some wildlife in between. Although it was the rainy season, we found that rain sometimes occurred as a thunderstorm in the late afternoon, lasting about an hour. It was always a delightful surprise to find that our accommodation is not in a multistorey type edifice but in an architecturally interesting building with fascinating décor and views. We found this at each place we visited. Many of the breakfast rooms had a wonderful view of water, forest or volcano where we could sit and enjoy the local tropical fruits. Breakfast always included tropical fruit and fruit juice. We have returned home with photos galore.
The incredible amount of work you put into the planning and organising really paid off. The South America Travel Centre documentation provided in the pouch before the trip was excellent. The selection and sequence of things worked well. The spiral bound book was used a lot during the trip. And on arrival back home, a pleasant surprise CD from your company. The chosen hotels were all very good to excellent to grand, and again the guides always made sure that we were properly checked in. Hotel locations are very important as this allows easy walking around the neighbourhood to explore at one’s own pace. Overall a ‘high five” for you and your team and agents. Thank you very much for your efforts and hope that our paths will cross again at some point in the future.
We have now been back from our wonderful holiday to South America for about 2 1/2 weeks, and I wanted to thank you very, very much for arranging such a fantastic trip for us. Everything went so smoothly, from the airport pickups, to the guides and drivers, to the wonderful accommodation – everything! We kept waiting for some little blip to occur, but it didn’t! You provided us with such a varied itinerary, we kept busy the whole time, and thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip. We both particularly enjoyed the Galapagos cruise, and also Machu Picchu. We all four climbed Huayna Picchu on our second day back at the site, and it was well worth the effort. Our guides and drivers were fantastic; we particularly enjoyed Silvia our guide and driver Marquito for the 5 days Andes experience in Ecuador. Once again, thank you so much for using your talents to give us such a memorable holiday. We will certainly be recommending you to our friends. With best wishes, Tony & Jan BURN
Back home safe and sound after an amazing holiday. Cannot say enough about South America Travel Centre – and will definitely recommend to anyone travelling to this continent. The guides Beatriz, Natoli Mary and 1 gentleman (Puno – cannot remember his name) were delightful, and drivers were very careful and drove to conditions. All accommodation suited our needs – especially loved Arequipa, Colca Lodge, Ollentaytambo and Inkaterra Amazonica!!! The care of your staff was above and beyond when situations arose due to not feeling so good. The day we left Colca Canyon Sue was unwell but Beatriz was amazing and after 24 hours all was ok. John requested medical attention on return to Cuzco and within 20 minutes a Dr appeared and then short time after a nurse appeared with medication – just fantastic. A big thank you to you for all your organisation and for playing a big part in making this holiday such a memorable one for all us.
