Argentina Safaris

A formidable cocktail of bustling cosmopolitan cities, glacial landscapes, delicate vineyards and wild desert canyons, Argentina will inevitably seduce those who first step foot here. The largest of the countries in the Southern Cone, South America’s most prosperous region, Argentina has a strong cultural identity and personality. When leaving the bustling Buenos Aires city limits, Argentina begins to unveil its own natural charm. A country of thundering waterfalls, calving blue glaciers, tropical rainforests and open plains, there’s no shortage of extremes in Argentina’s landscapes. No shortage of empty space either: the wild, remote puna of the north and the endless grasslands don’t hold many people or, in fairness, much wildlife. This is more than counterbalanced by other areas however; such as the marine mammals of Valdes to the exuberance of the rainforests around Iguassu.

Argentina travel is an exciting and diverse experience that offers a blend of cultural and natural attractions. The country's vibrant cities, including Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Mendoza, provide a mix of modern and traditional architecture, museums, theaters, and nightlife. Meanwhile, the breathtaking landscapes range from the Andes mountains to the Pampas plains, from the Iguazu Falls to the glaciers in the south. Argentina is famous for its tango music and dance, as well as its delicious food and wine, including asado, empanadas, and Malbec wines. The locals are warm and hospitable, offering a welcoming environment for visitors, making travel here a unique and memorable experience for those who seek to explore a fascinating and diverse country.

Why Natural World Safaris for your Argentina safari?

Over the 17 years that Natural World Safaris has been established, we’ve sent clients all over the globe, to some of the most remote and least travelled parts of the planet. We are well recognised as the leading experts in our field; our awards and press coverage pay testament to this. Whilst most other travel companies mainly sell generalist hiking or horse riding trips in Argentina, our main focus, as ever, is the extraordinary wildlife.

Whether it’s seeking out giant anteaters in the wetlands, elephant seals on the Valdes Peninsula, or the southern right whales offshore, we will never compromise on your wildlife experience in Argentina. Our team of specialists have extensive on-the-ground knowledge and have all lived, guided or explored in great detail the destinations that they sell. They will design your journey around you, at the right place at the right time.

How Much Does Argentina Cost?

For a 9-day safari in the tropical north of the country, expect to budget around $6000 per person. This will typically include private transfers, first class accommodation with most meals, and a range of private and shared wildlife excursions. To spend 13 days on a trip through Patagonia, staying in 3 areas (plus Buenos Aires), expect to spend around $8500 per person, to include all transfers, flights, accommodation and excursions. For a comprehensive 15-day trip exploring the north and south of the country, staying at several higher-end properties, expect to budget around $12500 per person.

Argentina’s diversity of geography means that your safari experience is perhaps more disjointed in a sense than in some parts of the world, but we believe that variation is all part of the adventure. You may be meandering through the waterways of Iberá looking for caiman one day, and a couple of days later find yourself crunching in crampons across the ice of an ancient glacier.

Whether you’re sharing a warming maté de coca, tucking into a fresh lamb asado, or tasting a juicy Malbec, food and wine will likely form a central part of your experience. As will the wonderful Argentine hospitality, whether you find yourself on a rustic Patagonia estancia or in a sophisticated boutique hotel in an arty suburb of Buenos Aires.

You may wish to include the following in your Argentina itinerary:

• Wetlands exploration – the northern expanse of Iberá is Argentina’s answer to the Pantanal, home to caiman, jaguar, capybara
• Whale Watching – Argentina’s Atlantic coastline plays host to an abundance of both southern right whales and fearsome orcas
• The End of the World – rugged and raw, not many people make it beyond the wild mountains and coast of Tierra del Fuego
• Wine tasting – Mendoza may be the home to Malbec, but there are more hidden treasures in the winelands near northern Salta too
• Waterfall wonders – feel the spray in your face as you explore the mighty Iguassu Falls from above and below
• Jungle discovery – not far from the falls you have a surprising amount of flora, fauna and birdlife to discover
• Conservation - learn about the conservation efforts of the Iberá wetlands and their inhabitants from researchers
• Hiking and horse riding – the mountains of Patagonia and the endless ranch lands make Argentina one of the quintessential walking and riding destinations
• Ocean safaris - spend time on the coast spotting marine species such as penguins, elephant seals, and whales.

Where to Stay in Argentina?

True elegance in accommodation is not difficult to find in Argentina, whether it’s Italian-influenced colonial splendour or cutting-edge boutique design. European influence can also be felt in the wilder reaches of the country, with Alpine-type structures standing proud among snow-capped Andean mountains. Across the Pampas, and in the heart of Patagonia, the estancia is king, as befits this land of ranching pioneers. These vary in style from luxuriously genteel homes to traditional wooden homesteads full of sheep skins, but invariably you will find a sense of warmth and friendship.

When to Go to Argentina?

The spring and summer months, October through to March, are the warmest and most accessible for visiting Patagonia, while the Atlantic Ocean means that winter makes coastal Patagonia too bleak to be appealing. The best time here is spring, September to November, when penguins are nesting, whales are calving and elephant seals are giving birth. This combines well with southern Patagonia and the north east if you’re on a comprehensive trip. Read more about when to go to Argentina.