What to Do in Argentina on a Family Vacation

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Argentina, Out & About, South America

November 4, 2019

From streetside tango to Malbec wines and gaucho culture, Argentina’s impressive size is rivaled by its vibrant culture and diverse natural landscapes. A kid-friendly destination, there’s plenty for little ones to see and do while adults get their fill of adventure (and great wine), too.

Here’s our list of what to do in Argentina on a family vacation.

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires represents the hub for travelers to Argentina, and it’s the city you and your family will most likely pass through on your arrival and departure. When it comes to Argentina for kids, Buenos Aires offers many family-approved activities. From touring the Carlos Thays Botanical Garden and the Paseo del Rosedal (a rose garden filled with thousands of vibrant blossoms) to the Galileo Galilei Planetarium and the MALBA (a must-see art museum), prepare to take full advantage of your time in this lively metropolis.

Comprised of 48 different barrios (neighborhoods), each one has its own flavor. There’s La Boca, which remains a traveler favorite with its sidewalk tango dancers and colorful buildings. Recoleta offers upscale boutiques in a picture-perfect setting complete with tree-lined streets. Finally, Palermo’s trendy restaurants, hipster boutiques, and quirky hotels offer an eclectic vibe.

Iguazú National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Iguazú National Park is located in Misiones Province in the northeastern tip of Argentina. It boasts the massive, horseshoe-shaped Iguazú Falls. Comprised of over 270 smaller waterfalls, Iguazú Falls stretch for one and a half miles. They drop more than 263 feet at their highest point.

One of the most impressive waterfalls in the world, Iguazú’s many cascades produce vast sprays of water that vaporize into the verdant forests nearby. The subtropical rainforests surrounding the waterfalls house a large variety of wildlife from elusive ocelots and jaguars to tapirs, howler monkeys, toucans, butterflies, coatis, giant anteaters, caymans, and much more.

San Carlos de Bariloche

Known simply as “Bariloche,” this quaint city attracts families interested in year-round outdoor adventures. During the winter months, come prepared to ski or snowboard some of the best slopes in the Andes. During the spring and summer, San Carlos de Bariloche’s stunning lakes and beaches provide plenty of idyllic spots for watersports and a little R&R. There are also lake tours, horseback riding tours, and many lovely hiking paths.

Bariloche remains one of the most attractive cities in Argentina. Located near the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake and the foothills of the Andes, Bariloche celebrates its claim to fame as the “Little Switzerland” of South America. Its European-inspired architecture (with a heavy emphasis on hardwood and stone) and world-famous chocolatiers will make you question whether you’re in the Andes or the Alps.

Mendoza

While a trip to Argentina’s Malbec wine region might not seem kid-friendly on its face, dig a little deeper and you’ll find activities for all ages. The beauty of the surrounding Andes is inescapable and invites exploration in the form of zip-lining, rappelling, biking, and hiking. Or, opt for a horseback ride followed by a traditional asado (grilled meat) meal to experience Argentina’s famed gaucho culture up close.

Mendoza’s city center, Plaza Independencia remains the perfect spot for families to unwind and enjoy a sunny day. You’ll see kids playing soccer while their parents savor glasses of wine (perfectly legal here), so bring along a ball for the kids and your favorite Malbec.

Los Glaciares National Park

For active families with older kids, Los Glaciares National Park offers a stunning backdrop for an Argentina vacation. One of the most breathtaking spots on Earth, about 30 percent of the park remains covered in ice. Among its most impressive sites are the Perito Moreno Glacier as well as Cerro Torre and Mount Fitz Roy (both towering mountains in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field).

You’ll enjoy heading out on photography safaris, trout fishing expeditions, and rafting trips on the Santa Cruz River. You’ll also find plenty of biking and horseback riding opportunities. The largest national park in Argentina, keep your eyes open for birds of prey such as black-chested buzzard eagles and condors. While this isn’t a great park for small children, if you’re looking for a more adventurous itinerary with older kids, keep this area in mind.

Ushuaia, Patagonia

Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, is located in the tip of Patagonia. Known as the “end of the world,” this magical place has attracted explorers and adventurers (like Darwin and Magellan) over the centuries. Today’s visitors come for its rugged mountains, immense glaciers, and diverse animal species.

Located at the crossroads between Argentina and Chile and the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, Ushuaia sits but a few hundred miles from Antarctica. A small sliver of land surrounded by deep blue waters and the magnificent, snow-capped Andes Mountains, few places prove more breathtaking or unique.