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Opulent architecture, folkloric culture and dramatic natural wonder — Argentina has irresistible charisma. From dancing tango to playing football, locals are fiercely passionate about everything they do and it’s easy to get swept up in their enthusiasm.

Food and drink are a source of national pride, with some of the best New World wines produced in the Mendoza region. Steak frequently appears on menus in Buenos Aires, the beguiling capital, while a parilla in the Pampas gives a taste of rural gaucho living.

Outside of the cities, landscapes vary wildly from the rust red canyons of Salta in the northwest to the turquoise glacier lakes surrounding Mount Fitzroy in the south. Get drenched by the mighty cataracts of Iguazu Falls and hike across the surface of Perito Moreno glacier. Argentina is a real all-rounder — and one of the most accessible and rewarding destinations in Latin America.

Main image: Mount Fitzroy at sunrise (Getty Images)

Arguably the most beautiful city in South America, Buenos Aires* charms every visitor with its enduringly good looks. Ornate neoclassical buildings decorate historic barrios and belle epoque interiors tell the story of a glamorous past.

Some of the most photogenic façades can be found in San Telmo, the city’s oldest neighbourhood, populated by dockworkers and brickmakers in the 17th century. Today, bohemian cafés, clandestine bars and tango parlours are scattered along the cobblestone streets. Every Sunday stalls trail along main street, Calle Defensa, as part of a weekly market selling crafts and antiques.

Nearby La Boca is just as lively. Settled by Genoese in the early 1870s, it has a strong Italian influence. Watch tango dancers perform outside colourful buildings on pedestrian street Caminito and join a guided tour of the Boca Juniors stadium where Diego Maradona made his name.

In the centre of town, the magnificent Teatro Colon* shimmers with polished marble and even the city’s Recoleta cemetery, where political activist Eva Perón was laid to rest, makes a striking tourist attraction.

In the far north, Argentina shares the Iguazu Falls* with Brazil. Laying claim to a wilder and larger segment of the jungle-swathed natural wonder, the park has camera-drenching views of the cascades. From here, it’s also possible to hop over the border for the day to see what’s on the other side.

Another natural spectacle can be seen further south in a cooler climate. Part of Los Glaciares National Park* in Patagonia, the Perito Moreno glacier is one of the world’s largest reserves of fresh water. Hop in a boat and motor past to see it calving or join a guide for a crampon trek across the whipped peaks. Combine a visit with a trip to El Chalten*, for hikes beneath the jagged Mount Fitzroy.

At the very bottom of the country, Ushuaia is the jumping off point for travellers to Antarctica. Between November and March, colonies of Magellanic penguins can be seen along the Beagle Channel and on Martillo Island*.

Arguably the most beautiful city in South America, Buenos Aires charms every visitor

Most travellers who visit Argentina will spend a few days in the capital Buenos Aires, where international and domestic flights connect. In the centre of town, where streets extend from Plaza de Mayo, you’ll find multiple high-rise hotels. Most boutique, independent properties are in the pretty Palermo Hollywood* and Palermo Soho* neighbourhoods, along with trendy restaurants and fashion boutiques.

You can head out of the city to the Pampas and learn about gaucho life on a converted estancia or hacienda. Or for an immersion in wine production, visit Mendoza and the Uco Valley, where extravagant villas and spa resorts have been built around vineyards.

Further south, in the Lake District, gateway town Bariloche is perched between forest, mountain and extinct volcanoes. Stay in large spa resorts, cosy alpine cabins or stylish luxury properties. Use it as a starting point to drive south along the Ruta Nacional 40 which winds through popular towns.

To reach the northern section of Patagonia, fly into Calafate. Family guest houses can be found in the town, while design lodges lie further afield in wilderness areas. Built by European settlers, many estancias scattered across Patagonia have been converted into hotels. For a more affordable option, campsites are an option in hiking playground El Chalten.

Ushuaia* is the most convenient fly-in base for exploring the south. Several luxury hotels command hilltop views, while more affordable guest houses and hostels are located closer to the water.

A wild, windswept crop of land poking into the Atlantic Ocean, Peninsula Valdes is recognised by Unesco as a significant conservation area for marine mammals. Migratory birds nest in the wetlands and colonies of elephant seals lollop on beaches. From June to December, southern right whales cruise past the coastline, and there’s also a chance to witness one of the world’s most dramatic wildlife spectacles when pods of orcas hunt seals close to the shore.

Stay in Puerto Madryn, where Welsh communities arrived in the mid-19th century. The language is still spoken by many residents and quaint tearooms line the streets.

Get even closer to nature at Punta Tombo*, a three-and-a-half-hour drive south. The coastline has been commandeered by a thriving colony of Magellanic penguins, seen from September to mid-March. Continue south to Bahia Bustamente — a pristine ecosystem often referred to as Argentina’s answer to the Galapagos.

Bahia Bustamente is often called Argentina’s answer to the Galapagos

Argentina can be visited year-round, depending on where you visit; some areas and activities are climate sensitive. Patagonia and the far south of the country is best from October to March, when temperatures are milder and hiking areas are more accessible. For whale-watching further north along the coastline, time your visit for the end of the year.

Anyone eager to ski on the slopes of the Lake District should aim for July to October. The best time to visit Iguazu Falls is from late March to May, or August to October; avoid December and January when crowds descend.

Which part of Argentina is best?
Spanning so many climates, Argentina is a varied country and each area has a different appeal. One essential stop on every itinerary is Buenos Aires, the fly-in entry point for all international visitors. Stay a few days to dine in excellent steak restaurants, watch emotive tango shows and admire the belle époque architecture.

How many days do I need in Argentina?
A circuit combining the classic highlights tour of Iguazu Falls, Perito Moreno, Buenos Aires and Mendoza can be done in ten days. Distances between locations are vast so allow a decent amount of time. If you plan to focus on Patagonia, at least seven days are needed to explore the area — ideally longer.

Which part of Patagonia is better — Argentina or Chile?
The Andes provide a natural border between the two countries, but the landscape is very similar. Argentina’s trump card is the remarkably accessible Perito Moreno, one of the few icy formations that can be viewed up close. It’s fairly easy to cross between Argentina and Chile if you’re keen to sample both sides.

Currency Argentine peso

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