Here are our top five reasons to visit this safe and child-friendly country with your family:
Outdoor activities: if there’s one thing Argentina is not short of, it’s space. Covering most of the southern part of South America, and the world’s eighth largest country, Argentina encompasses plains and pampas, rainforest, tundra, mountain ranges and thousands of miles of coastline. The variety of habitat and topography gives rise to an equally diverse range of activities for the whole family to try, including: white-water rafting on the Mendoza River; canoeing and ziplining through rainforest; rock climbing and horseback riding; hiking on the Moreno Glacier; and sheep-shearing! Oh, and there are some fantastic beaches on the Atlantic coast – bring your sun cream and swimming costumes.
The spectacular Iguazu Falls: lying on the border between Brazil and Argentina in the north-east of the country, the Iguazu (meaning ‘big water’) Falls comprise the largest waterfall system in the world. Whilst the River Iguazu flows mainly through Brazil, most of the three-kilometre-long ‘falls’ lie on the Argentinian side, surrounded by rainforest which is home to some unique flora and fauna. The falls are one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders – getting close to them, and having the chance to get soaked from the spray and mist generated by the vast quantity of falling water, is a chance not to be missed. There are plenty of other activities to enjoy here too, including birdwatching in the rainforest and an exhilarating ziplining ride.
Superb wildlife: Iguazu – the abundant flora and fauna of the tropical forest surrounding the falls includes some 500 species of butterfly, 400 birds and 2,000 plants, with orchids growing next to pines, bamboo next to palms, and mosses beside lianas and colourful begonias. You’re very likely to see coatis here too – look out for ring-tailed racoon-like mammals with an uncanny ability to appear just as you start eating your sandwiches! Valdes Peninsula – lying on the north-east tip of Patagonia, the Valdes Peninsula is a dramatic landscape of vast bays and gulfs, and an ideal place to see large numbers of sea lions, right whales, dolphins, Magellanic penguins and huge colonies of bird species.
Mendoza: if you love the odd glass of Argentinian red, you’re in for a treat in the scenic region of Mendoza – this is one of Argentina’s premier wine-growing areas, famous for its Malbec grapes. Adults can enjoy some wine-tasting and a vineyard tour, but the area’s attractions do not begin and end with alcohol. There’s a host of activities for the whole family to enjoy including rafting along the Mendoza River, and abseiling alongside a waterfall.
Buenos Aires: while you might assume that the characterful city of Buenos Aires has more to offer adults than children, there’s actually plenty of interest for the whole family, including watching locals dance the tango (and having a go yourselves!), visiting museums, doing a cycling tour of the main city sites, and enjoying some retail therapy in shopping malls, many of which have kids’ playgrounds. The locals eat late, but the good news is that staff/fellow diners are all very welcoming and considerate of children’s needs and offer enticing children’s menus. Cabs are cheap too, so you don’t need to worry about how you’ll get back to your hotel late in the evening after dinner.
A few more tips:
- Look out for child discounts on tickets etc.
- Shopping centres often have playgrounds
- The beaches are family-friendly
- Ranches & cabins are often a good choice for accommodation; or anywhere with a kitchenette
- There’s good food, tasty child-pleasing snacks & lots of ice cream most places you go!
Find out about our tailor-made family holidays to Argentina or contact us if you have any questions.
