Argentina has officially reopened its borders to fully vaccinated U.S. travelers! To make the most of this, luxury travel agency Scott Dunn has created a number of epic itineraries to help you explore this incredibly diverse and beautiful country.
Ride Argentina
Explore the rich history of Córdoba on horseback, experience a family-run working ranch in the wild heart of Patagonia and delve into the tranquility of the Pampas to relax and escape the stress of everyday life.
Between the vast grasslands of the Pampas and the rugged trails of Patagonia, Argentina is rich in riding country. Touch down in one of Latin America’s most electrifying cities, Buenos Aires, and prepare for energy, passion and tantalizing cuisine. Have a traditional asado experience, watching from close quarters as succulent cuts of meat are fired up on the grill, and a chance to be dazzled by the city’s favorite pastime: tango. Fly south to El Calafate in Patagonia, where travelers will stay at a working cattle ranch located right inside the park amidst authentic trails of its captivating wilderness. Against a backdrop of the Andes Mountains and with utterly panoramic viewpoints (some stretch as far as the spine-tingling beauty of Perito Moreno Glacier), spend days out and about on a trusty steed exploring quiet tracks away from the well-trodden tourist routes. Experience a number of farming activities, ranging from cattle branding and milking to sheep shearing and herding. From the remote and wild Patagonia, transfer to Estancia La Sofía, home base in the Pampas for the next few nights. A colonial-style property surrounded by countryside, La Sofía offers a homely experience and an opportunity to learn about the traditional Gaucho lifestyle. Join in the daily riding lessons and excursions around the estancia’s ground, which are included and adapted towards the guest’s level of riding experience. Polo lessons are also on offer, taught by the owner, who used to be an international player. End the trip on a high, relaxing amidst the wild beauty and pristine serenity of the Pampas.
Booking Info: Rates start at $5,900 per person, based on 12 nights and selected experiences. For more information, please visit scottdunn.com/us/ argentina/tours/ride-argentina.
Family Fun in Argentina
From dough kneading in the energetic city of Buenos Aires to traversing the sprawling grasslands of the Pampas, spend quality time adventuring across the Argentine playground.
For adventurous families looking to get a little further afield, plunge into deep blue lakes, ride bicycles through sprawling parks and grasslands and tuck into delicious picnics under the shade of a tree. Begin in Buenos Aires, a city with an irrepressible energy and no shortage of activities to keep the kids amused. Head out to the leafy suburb of San Isidro where travelers learn to cook their own empanadas in the home of a local chef. Venture to the Tigre area on the outskirts of the city to embark on a three-hour boat trip on the Parana Delta. Continue the adventure in the Lake District amidst panoramic region of vivacious lakes, native forest and endless rugged trails on which to get lost – not to mention it’s also the chocolate capital of Argentina. Other highlights include hiking woodland trails searching for creatures great and small, from insects and birds to bouncing deer. Transfer to a 200-hectare working ranch among the sprawling grasslands of the Pampas where the kids will have lots of freedom to explore. There are ample trails to traverse on foot or borrow a few of the estancia’s bikes and discover this rugged region on two wheels. The estancia is also a birding paradise and La Bandada have put together a brilliant self-guided program that makes for the perfect family activity.
Booking Info: Rates start at $5,700 per person, based on nine nights and selected experiences. For more information, please visit scottdunn.com/us/ argentina/tours/family-fun-in-argentina.
Scott Dunn’s Favorite Places to Stay in The Pampas
Estancia La Sofia
Authentic colonial-style, the estancia offers a peaceful break and homely hospitality just outside the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires. Here you can go horseback riding, watch a polo match (you can even get involved) and help the gauchos tend to the fire pit, learning about the different cuts of meat and even how to prepare some of the dishes themselves. Be sure to chill out by the pool with a good book and a glass of wine or enjoy a revitalizing massage to ensure a full reset of the body before the next stage of the trip!
Estancia La Bamba
This beautiful colonial-style hotel blends a sense of a bygone era with contemporary design and prides itself as a place of relaxation, serenity and hospitality. Enjoy lazy afternoons after a delicious traditional Argentine asado cooked by gauchos. Be amazed by the local horse whisperer who puts on an unforgettable show each afternoon.
Estancia La Bandada
Traditional colonial style, the estancia has just seven rooms set on a 250-acre plot of pastureland in the heart of the Argentine Pampas. Learn about the gaucho lifestyle whilst taking a ride around the property on one of their horses that are used to all levels of riders. Enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding countryside and spectacular sunsets; swim in the pool, walk across the fields and spot wildlife. A short (one and a half hour) drive from the international airport makes this an idyllic final stop before flying home.
