Buenos Aires

Argentina’s capital city retains a distinctly European flavor; some call it the “Paris of the South.” Italian- and French-style palatial architecture adorns the well-planned streets, radiating outward from the Plaza de Mayo, which commemorates the fight for Argentinean independence, and houses the seat of the current government. Travelers from around the world flock to Buenos Aires to visit iconic locations like the colorful and bohemian La Boca district, and Recoleta Cemetery, a baroque city of the dead where the famous first lady Eva Peron and other revered Argentinians have been laid to rest.

Buenos Aires’ people—nicknamed porteños, or “people of the port”—exhibit European sensibilities, too. While the city is no stranger to hustle and bustle, its citizens know how to slow down and take pleasure in the simple things. By day, you’ll find the city’s parks and cafes overflowing with locals and visitors bonding over mate, the famous and invigorating herbal brew which keeps Argentina moving. In Argentina, mate is more than just a drink; it’s a key part of social life, and if you haven’t had it here, served in a traditional gourd and sipped through a silver straw, you haven’t really had it at all.

At night, porteños take their time to get ready—similar to Spain, restaurants don’t start to fill until 9pm, and the parties don’t get into full swing until well after midnight—but once they get going, they don’t stop. On any given night in Buenos Aires you’ll find dozens of milongas, or dance parties, where tango reigns supreme well into the dawn.

The easy pace of life in Buenos Aires belies a deeply rooted pride in their nation. This passion affects not just art, music, dance, and cuisine, but civic duty, as well. By law, every Argentinean over the age of 18 is required to vote in elections.

Explore Buenos Aires with O.A.T. on:

• Antarctic Circle Expedition: Journey through Antarctica
• The Wilderness Beyond: Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego & the Chilean Fjords
• Chile & Argentina: The Andes to Patagonia
• Antarctica's White Wilderness
• New! Exploring South America: Rio, Buenos Aires, Patagonia & Chilean Fjord Cruise
• Pre Trip:Buenos Aires & Uruguay on New! Brazil in Depth: Rio de Janeiro, Amazon Cruise & the Pantanal

Patagonia

Patagonia is the ruggedly beautiful region encompassing the southernmost portion of South America, from the Pacific coast of Chile to the Atlantic shores of Argentina. It’s a colorful mélange of wind-blasted steppes, blooming expanses of lush yellow flowers, icy blue glaciers, and craggy white Andean peaks.

At the very edge of the continent you’ll find Tierra del Fuego, the “Land of Fire” at the end of the world. The archipelago was given its name by Ferdinand Magellan, who passed through on his famous mission to circumnavigate the globe. Although, as the shipwrecks dotting the landscape will attest, Tierra del Fuego’s treacherously narrow straits have been the final stop for many less successful expeditions, too.

In the southwest, on the shores of Lago Argentino, lies El Calafate, a chaotic landscape carved into a series of interconnected fjords and channels by volcanic eruptions and glacial activity.

And just 50 miles away you’ll find one of Patagonia’s must-see attractions: Perito Moreno Glacier, an ever-changing pale blue wall of ice at the heart of Los Glaciares National Park. Nearly 200 feet tall and 20 miles long, Perito Moreno is an unforgettable force of nature, known mostly for its ice calving; periodically, massive chunks of ice will break off and fall from the glacial façade, crashing deafeningly into the waters of Lago Argentino below. It’s an experience unlike any other, and elevated walkways throughout the park offer visitors the perfect vantage point to watch the show.

Explore Patagonia with O.A.T. on:

• The Wilderness Beyond: Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego & the Chilean Fjords
• Chile & Argentina: The Andes to Patagonia
• New! Exploring South America: Rio, Buenos Aires, Patagonia & Chilean Fjord Cruise

Ushuaia

Ushuaia, which translates to “bay that stretches into the sunset” is a bustling port city at the end of the world. Although most people who come here are on their way to somewhere else—the city is the gateway to Antarctica, and Tierra del Fuego National Park is only 7 miles away—Ushuaia’s not without its own independent charms.

Sitting on the edge of the Beagle Channel, the city boasts beautiful bays and beaches, as well as dramatic mountain views. Visitors can take advantage of opportunities to seek out the local unique wildlife, including colonies of Magellanic and Gentoo penguins, and about 20 species of mammal, including red foxes, otters, and even Canadian beavers, imported in an (unsuccessful) effort to kick start a local fur trade.

Explore Ushuaia with O.A.T. on:

• The Wilderness Beyond: Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego & the Chilean Fjords
• Antarctica's White Wilderness

Bariloche

Bariloche is a sweet taste of the Alps tucked away into the foothills of the Andes. Nicknamed “Little Switzerland,” the relatively young city—founded just over 100 years ago in 1902 by primarily German-speaking immigrants—exhibits a clear European influence in its wood-and-stone architecture and cobblestone streets.

The city’s settlers brought their chocolatiering secrets with them, too. Bariloche is the largest chocolate producer in Argentina, and candied delicacies can be found in shops throughout the city, concentrated especially on Mitre Avenue, known to Argentineans as “The Avenue of Chocolate Dreams.”

Beneath Bariloche’s gentle façade, however, hides a darker past; at the end of World War II, some Nazis treated the city as a hiding place in their flight from justice. In the decades following Germany’s surrender, stories and controversies of exposed war criminals have arisen over time.

Outside of the city limits, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in this region, including skiing, hiking, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting. Travelers can also ride a chairlift to the summit of nearby Campanario Hill for a breathtaking view of the panorama below. Bariloche is surrounded by some of Argentina’s most beautiful scenery, including Nahuel Huapi Lake, Gutierrez Lake, and Moreno Lake, as well as the Andean peaks of Tronador, Cerro Catedral, and Cerro Lopez.

Explore Bariloche with O.A.T. on:

• Chile & Argentina: The Andes to Patagonia