Matthew Stein
Matthew Stein
Argentina Should be a Bucket List Destination
Incredible Iguazu Falls
Argentina is one of my favorite countries to visit. Everything you can want is there, from great food, even better wine, art, dancing, sports, and activities. No matter the reason you visit, there are plenty of luxurious options.
Beautiful Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is where you’ll likely start a vacation in Argentina. The passion and energy of the city are contagious.
The city has five luxury hotels: Alvear Palace, Faena Hotel, the Four Seasons, Palacio Duhau (Park Hyatt), and Park Tower (A Luxury Collection.) Alvear Palace is my choice for a traditional luxury city stay and is ideally located for tourists.
What to See
About 500 yards away from Alvear Palace is the famous Recoleta Cemetery. It’s a great place to start your sightseeing. Built 200 years ago, you’ll sometimes think you’re walking through a garden, art museum, or school for architects. It’s also the final resting place for past presidents, writers, and entertainers, including Eva Peron.
Often considered the Paris of South America, there’s plenty to see and do in Buenos Aires. Plaza de Mayo is one area where you can spend hours. It’s where you will find Casa Rosada. The Pink House is the home of Argentina’s national government and where the president works. The building’s balconies are where Eva Peron addressed massive crowds in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Plaza de Mayo is also the oldest public square in Buenos Aires. It’s been the home of public gatherings since 1580. The plaza also contains the Cabildo and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Some other favorites include El Ateneo Grand Splendid (a massive bookstore), Teatro Colon, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Museo Evita, and 9 de Julio Avenue, where you’ll spot the city’s famous Obelisco.
Sensational Steaks in Palermo
One night make the journey to the city’s Palermo barrio. Buenos Aires is world-renowned for its parillas (meat.) Indulge in as many of the steakhouses as possible because it’s an experience hard to find anywhere else. The steaks and service are unparalleled. Two of my favorites in Palermo are La Cabrera and Don Julio. Another great steakhouse is La Brigada in the San Telmo barrio.
Experience the Tango
After dinner in Palermo, you’ll want to stay for one of the city’s world-famous Tango shows. The must-see experience is on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Soccer Rivalry
If you’re a sports fan, a soccer match should be on your list of things to do. Boca Juniors is one of the most popular teams in the country. But don’t say you’re going to Alberto Jose Armando Stadium; everyone calls it La Bombonera. It’s an electric atmosphere I’ll never forget. If you go to La Bombonera don’t wear red, it’s the color or intracity rival River Plate. And leave the yellow and blue at the hotel if you go to a River Plate game at Monumental Stadium.
Iguazu Falls
There’s a lot more to Argentina than Buenos Aires. Iguazu Falls is something you need to see to believe. It’s the second largest waterfall in the world—the falls stretch across the border of Argentina and Brazil, double the size of Niagara Falls.
How to Explore
Inspiring and extraordinary are the words that come to mind when I think of my visit to Iguazu Falls. You can see rainbows through the water as it falls. The sound of the water drowns out any stress or worries in your everyday life.
I suggest visiting from both Argentina and the Brazilian side. You can almost walk up to the falls from Argentina for unparalleled views. On the Brazilian side, you can hop on a ship for a tour around the falls. Or, if you like adventure, a skiff boat for a very wet view. Another way to experience Iguazu Falls is by helicopter.
Where to Stay
Iguazu Falls is best as a two-day journey. There are two hotels inside the park, Hotel Das Cataratas (A Belmond Hotel) on the Brazilian side and Hotel Gran Melia on the Argentinian side. Both are great luxury options; Hotel Gran Melia’s rooms are larger.
Mendoza & Wine Country
Oenophiles can enjoy vineyards, tours, and tastings in the Mendoza area. This is where you’ll find the best Malbec in the world. Mendoza’s high elevation, in the foothill of the Andes Mountains, is ideal for growing grapes.
Some of the best wineries open their doors to tourists wanting to learn more about the winemaking process. It’s a unique experience in making the world’s best Malbec.
Because Mendoza is in the mountains, the area is also popular with adventure travelers. You’ll find climbing, skiing, rafting, and hiking a short drive outside the city. The Park Hyatt Mendoza is my luxury hotel of choice while visiting. The Vines Resort & Spa is also a great luxury option but is about 90 minutes south.
Contact Me
Patagonia and Ushuaia are located farther south in Argentina. We also have a guide with what to see, what to do, and where to stay in those beautiful destinations. Email [email protected] to help make your dream vacation a reality.
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