Where Locals Go features under-the-radar holiday destinations often overlooked by visitors but cherished by locals. Here, we ask three experts on Argentina for their top picks.
From the wineries of Mendoza to the sophistication of Buenos Aires to the splendor of Iguazú Falls, Argentina boasts a range of landscapes and experiences that make it a beloved destination worldwide. However, if you’re looking to plan a trip that strays from the typical tourist track, read on as three Argentina-based experts share their vacation favorites.
Historic Bars and Gaucho Culture: San Antonio de Areco
Federico Perelmuter is a freelance writer and critic who lives in Buenos Aires.
Arriving in San Antonio de Areco from bustling Buenos Aires feels like stepping into a different world.
This small rural town, located two hours from the capital by car, offers colonial architecture and cobblestone streets that glisten under the sun, making it feel timeless. It is nicknamed the “cradle of tradition” and was once a vibrant hub of gaucho life during the 19th century. To delve deeper into gaucho culture, a visit to the Güiraldes Museum is a must. Housed in the former family estate of Ricardo Güiraldes, the museum showcases well-preserved artifacts representing key elements of gaucho culture, from boleadoras to pulperías.
One of my favorite experiences is to sit in one of the town’s sunny squares while indulging in alfajores from La Olla de Cobre, Areco’s renowned chocolate shop. For your stay, consider the Santa Ana Boutique Hostel, which is centrally located and boasts beautiful interiors at reasonable prices. Furthermore, just a five-minute drive from town takes you to Restaurante Histórico Lacarra, where you can savor delicious Argentine cuisine within the ambiance of an old townhouse. No visit to San Antonio de Areco is complete without stopping at the historic Boliche de Bessonart Bar, where you can enjoy a Fernet Cola and mingle with local families and gauchos.
A 3.5-Hour Flight – and a World Away – from BA: Ushuaia
Buenos Aires-based Sorrel Moseley-Williams is a British travel, food, and drink journalist who has been living in Argentina since 2006.
Breathtaking Patagonian wilderness surrounds Ushuaia, a 3.5-hour flight south of Buenos Aires. This water lover adores staying at Arakur, located atop Cerro Alarkén, for its fabulous in/out swimming pool and stunning 360° panoramas. Moreover, the Vinos al Sur wine fair takes place here, showcasing local excellence. After strolling through Alarkén’s native forest, explore adventurous terrains in Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, featuring snow-capped mountains and frigid waters.
After working up an appetite, enjoy the Tierra del Fuego–led tasting menu at Kalma, where the star dish is merluza negra (Patagonian toothfish). For an escape on top of an escape, visit Estancia Harberton, a historic ranch founded in 1886. This national treasure offers an otherworldly charm and guests can enjoy merinda (maté tea with snacks) followed by time spent at the Museo Acatashun, which boasts an extensive collection of marine animals and birds.
Amazing Wildlife in Pristine Wetlands: Iberá National Park
Diego Jemio is an arts and culture writer from Buenos Aires.
I first traveled to Corrientes Province to attend the Fiesta Nacional del Chamamé, a vibrant January festival celebrating the music of the indigenous Guaraní. This festival inspired me to delve deeper into the region, leading me to Iberá National Park, a vast area of restored wetlands, spanning an astonishing 3.2 million acres and one of the largest freshwater reserves on our planet.
While numerous towns provide access to Iberá, I find myself repeatedly drawn to the quaint town of Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, resting on the shores of the Iberá Lagoon. Here, I enjoy a simple canoe ride along the waterways, particularly in the morning or early afternoon. This tranquil oasis is home to gracefully gliding herons, yacare caimans, and roaming capybaras. Many local tour companies offer guided boat and kayak tours of the lagoon.
To satisfy your culinary desires, Jajetopa is a delightful small restaurant owned by talented cook Sara Medina, offering seasonal dishes often announced on a blackboard. Occasionally, their menu features mbaipu, a Guaraní delicacy that never fails to impress. For lodging, the Casa de Esteros hotel provides a cozy spot beside a bonfire in its expansive gardens at night. Just a piece of advice: remember to bring mosquito repellent, as these tiny creatures can become pesky at sunset.
