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Destination:

Argentina


Strategies

Getting There

Argentina is closer and easier to reach than you might think – there are direct flights to Buenos Aires from Houston, which take approximately 10 hours. The time difference is pretty minimal too (1-2 hours ahead of EST, depending on the time of year), so jet lag isn’t a big issue.

Getting Around

In Buenos Aires, I recommend hiring an experienced local guide and driver. Each barrio has own character, and you'll miss so much if you're not taken around by someone who is passionate about the city and wants to show it off.

The distances between the other areas we wanted to visit were huge. Private planes were best way to get in and out of Glacier National Park, Patagonia and Iguazu Falls. Our main guide accompanied us on the entire trip and had naturalists, park guides, mountaineering guides, tours and activities all in place so we could make the most of our trip.

Iguazu Falls

There are a handful of truly outstanding falls in the world – Iguazu (on the border of Argentina and Brazil) is definitely one of them, and Victoria Falls (on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe) is another. We didn’t go to Victoria Falls when we were in Africa because, amazing though they are, they’re also rather predictable – everyone goes there, and everyone experiences them the same way. Iguazu is different. Magnificent, historic, astonishingly wide, Iguazu Falls are a little out of the way, but well worth the trip. Be sure to view them from the Brazilian side as well as the Argentinian side – you get a whole different perspective. The surrounding rainforest is filled with amazing flora and fauna as well as multiple opportunities for light adventure.

Beagle Channel

This destination at the far southern tip of Argentina is often listed as a must-see, because it allows travelers to follow in Darwin’s footsteps. You should be aware that the Beagle Channel is extremely rugged and remote – we only recommend it if you are on your way to Antarctica.