Guest post by @hecktictravels
I am not one to easily give out travel advice. I try to stay away from telling people what they must see and do because everybody is different…what I considered fabulous might be average or dismal to someone else, and vice versa.
But there is one particular question that I quickly give a bold response too. For some reason, I get this one often from random people stumbling across my website: I have one week to spend in Argentina, what should I do?
My response? Don’t bother.
For anyone to spend just seven days trying to see the sights in this large and gloriously diverse country is to not do it one ounce of justice. There are just too many jaw dropping wonders, adventurous activities, and immense cultural experiences to narrow it down – I think it’s a travesty for anyone to say that they’ve been to Argentina, unless they’ve seen and done them all.
Let me show you what I mean, with a rundown of all the best that Argentina has to offer.
Buenos Aires
If you truly only have seven days to spend in the country, then plant yourself down in BA for the entire time. The beauty of this city is such that each neighborhood has a completely different personality and feel to it. Consider even splitting your time by varying your stay in different locations. Make sure to visit the Recolleta cemetery, the colorful shops in La Boca, and eat your weight in steak at one of the fabulous restaurants in Palermo. Don’t forget to search for an underground milonga (tango event), shop in the antique stores in San Telmo, and take in a futbol match if your timing is right. See? Your week is gone already.
Iguazu Falls
A couple days are necessary to visit this world wonder (save one day for the Brazilian side!). Be sure to take the zodiac ride right up to and under the falls to feel their awesome power.
Salta
It admittedly took me a few days to warm up to this city, but when I did, I didn’t want to leave. It’s frantic, it’s diverse, and it’s also cheaper then the rest of the country! I loved to just sit in one of the many cafe’s at the main city square and people watch the day away.
Cafayate
This tiny town about a three hour drive from Salta sits in a valley of the red shale Andes, and is home to the white wine region. There are a lot of really fascinating little towns in this whole area, an exploration via car rental for a few days is one of the best ways to do it all.
Mendoza
Welcome to the red wine region and another great people-watching stop. The city is full of fantastic food, sprawling parks and great nightlife. Nearby adventure parks also cater to everything from hiking to rafting to zip-lining to paragliding.
Bariloche
Argentina’s lake district is best explored from this city, and best seen with a ride up Cerro Campanario. There are also too many chocolateria’s here to keep track of, face-stuffing is necessary and encouraged.
El Chalten
This quiet mountain town is a spectacular break from the pricey hiking offered in Chilean Patagonia. It’s free! And some of the sights are just as spectacular!
El Calafate
Get up close and personal with Perito Moreno, one of the few advancing glaciers left in the world. Spend a few hours being mesmorized by the sights and sounds as ice breaks off and you can actually hear the glacier creeping forward.
And it doesn’t stop here. Other notables include Cordoba (was named the Cultural Capital of Latin America in 2006), Alta Gracia (Che Guevara’s hometown), Ushuaia (the southermost point on the continent), Puerto Madryn (whale watching), and El Bolsen (laid back hippy town with great hiking).
One week to see and do the best of Argentina? Impossible.
A month? Now you’re talking (but still pushing it).
If you’re interested in becoming a contributor or guest blogging for A Pair of Panties & Boxers, please feel free to contact me.
Hecktic Travels
Dalene and her husband Peter sold all their belongings and have been traveling the world since 2009. After a year traipsing around South America, they are currently house sitting in Honduras. You can follow their adventures at www.hecktictravels.com
