Argentina

Argentina stretches from the subtropical north to the glaciers of Patagonia, offering some of South America’s most dramatic landscapes for active travellers. Hike beneath the iconic granite spires of Mount Fitz Roy, trek across the vast Perito Moreno glacier, explore the rolling vineyards of Mendoza, and experience the passionate culture of Buenos Aires.

Patagonia is the crown jewel for trekkers. The trails around El Chalten rival anything in the Himalayas, with the added bonus of far fewer crowds. Further south, Tierra del Fuego National Park and the Beagle Channel offer a true end-of-the-world adventure. In the north, the thundering Iguazu Falls — one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature — are a spectacle you will never forget.

Beyond the wilderness, Argentina’s cities pulse with energy. Buenos Aires is a cultural powerhouse of tango, world-class steak houses, and vibrant neighbourhoods like San Telmo and La Boca. Mendoza, nestled against the Andes, is the gateway to Argentina’s celebrated Malbec wine region and a base for those attempting South America’s highest peak, Aconcagua.

The best time to visit Argentine Patagonia is November to March (Southern Hemisphere summer), when trails are accessible and days are long. Buenos Aires and the north are pleasant year-round. The currency is the Argentine peso, and English is spoken in tourist areas. No visa is required for British passport holders.