10 reasons to cruise to Argentina

Every traveller that’s cruised to Argentina will give you a different but equally enticing reason to visit. It is a country that epitomises diversity; from deserts to glaciers, mountain ranges to dense jungles, its landscapes alone offer something for almost every interest. Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world but most of the population is concentrated within its cities, meaning there are vast corners that are completely untouched. If you need an excuse to book a cruise, here are 10 reasons to cruise to Argentina: 

South America is a continent blessed with wonderful natural landscapes. Standing out above the rest is Argentina. The scenery mystifies visitors, even well-travelled individuals will be blown away by some of the sights the country offers. How are we so sure? Anyone who has spent time in Argentina will tell you that even the locals ask what they have done to deserve such a beautiful place to live. 

You’ll see vast expanses where wild horses roam free, arguably the most incredible waterfalls in the world and even a UNESCO site in Talampaya National Park. In the north of the country, you’ll find the more barren, otherworldly settings, while in the south you’ll discover glaciers and the incredible mountains of Patagonia. 

Argentina is vast. It has an area of approximately 2,780,400 square kilometres, meaning it is roughly 11 times the size of the United Kingdom. And still, despite its vast size, its population is well below that of the UK at roughly 44 million, meaning there’s plenty of wilderness to enjoy. Out of its 23 provinces, just four do not contain a designated national park. Four of the national parks in Argentina have also been named UNESCO World Heritage sites. They are; Iguazú National Park, Los Glaciares National Park, Ischigualasto Provincial Park, Talampaya National Park and Los Alerces National Park. 

“Everyone should plan a trip to Argentina to experience the incredible Los Glaciares National Park,” Jackie from The Globetrotting Teacher explains. “Take in the vast beauty of Perito Moreno Glacier before trekking out onto the blue ice. If you time your visit for the fall, the contrast between the glacier and the colourful fall foliage will take your breath away. Then, base yourself for a few nights in El Chaltén to hike the park’s trails. The most famous, of course, is the Laguna de Los Tres hike to the Mount Fitz-Roy viewpoint - seeing the jagged peaks up close is simply spectacular!”

Thousands visit the vineyards of France, Italy and Australia each year to see where their favourite bottle comes from or to discover a new favourite. But you might wish to spend your time in Argentina discovering its renowned wineries. The wine produced in Argentina, like their popular Malbec, can certainly rival that of Europe, North America and Australia. Wine is a common feature of many meals and holds a significant place in the country’s culture.

Much of the credit for such fine wine comes down to the varied climates, or specifically, terroir. This is a combination of environmental factors that affects a crop’s characteristics. As we’ve previously mentioned, you’ll find many imposing mountain ranges and barren expanses of land in Argentina, meaning these climates produce distinctive tastes and qualities unique to the country. 

Argentinians are extremely passionate about food. The country has been revered by the world around for the quality of its beef, something you should not miss when on your luxury cruise holiday. Locals will tell you that their nation’s beef is the best on the planet. 

Asado is the national dish but this is so much more than your usual barbecue food. It is a South American way of preparing food, typically served at events and special occasions. The best cuts of beef, sausages and other meats are prepared and are either cooked on a large grill or over an open fire. 

Another dish to try is Locro, a stew commonly served on the 25th of May to celebrate Argentina’s May Revolution. Along with a few vegetables, Locro is made up of corn, red chorizo, beef and tripe. Alternatively, if you have more of a sweet tooth, try Alfajores. Similar to shortbread, these are a crumbly delight, filled with jam, mousse or a dulce de leche filling. 

If you need some fuel to keep you going as you explore the towns and cities, pick up Argentina’s favourite street food. Empanadas will probably remind you of a Cornish pasty and like that classic British dish, they come with a variety of fillings for meat eaters and vegetarians. Empanadas do vary depending on the region. In some areas, you may find some stuffed with quinoa and goat's cheese or beef, spring onion, egg and potato in another. 

The capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, is the birthplace of the tango, one of the most popular and recognised dance forms. It is also one of the cultural hubs of South America. You will be able to identify with the architecture, the design of which has been significantly influenced by Europe, before diving into Argentinian culture. Buenos Aires is certainly not for shy and retiring travellers. The locals are extremely friendly and inquisitive and want you to experience everything the city has to offer. Buenos Aires has also been battling against capitalist materialism for years, meaning that there are far more independent stores and stalls than in other major cities around the world. 

For lovers of the great outdoors, Argentina is a dream destination. With such a dynamic landscape, opportunities for rock climbing, ice climbing, skiing, rafting, horse riding, biking, hiking and so much more. 

Horses are a big part of Argentinian culture, so try riding with gauchos for something a little different. Considered nomads, or outlaws, gauchos became known as freedom fighters but you might liken them to cowboys. Throughout the country, you can spend some time with them wrestling cattle, riding through the remote countryside and enjoying folk songs over some authentic Asado. If you are the kind of person who just cannot stay indoors for long, then you simply will not be able to find another destination that satisfies your hunger for action quite like Argentina. 

No amount of words or pictures can do one of Argentina’s most famous natural wonders justice. The late first lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt, was reported to have exclaimed “Poor Niagara,” referring to Niagara Falls in New York when she first came across Iguazú Falls. Meaning ‘big water,’ the falls were formed some 120 million years ago and can be found in the Iguazú National Park, near the Province of Misiones. 

A quarter of a million gallons of water cascade down these cliffs - some of which are taller than the Statue of Liberty - every second. This is where you’ll find the greatest annual flow of any waterfall in the world. Designated as a Natural World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1984, more than one million people visit the falls each year. You will run out of words to describe just how staggering this place is and nothing will be able to describe the sound and feel of the water crashing into the plunge pools below. 

Angela from Chasing the Unexpected told us, “I absolutely adored the Iguazú Falls, to the point that they make for a reason for me to go back to Argentina. It was a beautiful sunny day and even though our guide told us that the water was not at its highest level, our eyes couldn’t get enough of the power of its flow. As part of the adventure, we went on a little boat tour to admire the rich vegetation and colourful wildlife, and before leaving, we obviously ventured to the Devil’s Throat, the tallest among the hundreds of waterfalls forming this natural wonder. Any word or superlative I could use to describe it wouldn’t be enough to give an honest idea of such natural power, the best and only thing you can do is to visit it yourself. For sure, I will always remember this as one of the highlights of my South American trip.” 

Looking at pictures of Argentina, you may be forgiven for thinking that most of its landscapes look inhospitable and void of life. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. It is a vast country and as such, has an incredible variety of animals to entice nature lovers.

Endearing and loveable, capybaras are the world’s largest rodents. They can be found along Argentina’s waterways, marshes, swamps and lakes, particularly the Ibera Wetlands. A close relative to the guinea pig, these animals can weigh up to 66kg but thanks to their webbed feet, they are proficient swimmers. 

An extremely rare sight, jaguars have been known to prowl parts of northern Argentina. These are the largest cats in South America and are held in high regard by indigenous cultures. Sadly, though, their numbers have depleted dramatically due to poaching and habitat loss. Any sighting is a real treasure and should be savoured. 

Across South America, there are three species of flamingo; the Andean, Chilean and James. You can find all three in Argentina in their large colonies on salt flats and lakes. Living off algae and plankton, one of the best places to spot the vibrant flamingo is the Salinas Grandes in the Jujuy and Salta provinces. 

More intriguing animals include the bizarre pink fairy armadillo, which is just six inches long and features a distinctive rose shell. These unusual animals can be found in Central Argentina. There is also the Patagonian hare, a rabbit that can grow to the size of a small deer and the guanaco, which resembles a mix between a camel and a llama. 

Argentinians take sport very seriously. The country’s national sport is football and has been since it was introduced by British soldiers in the 1860s, with its international side becoming one of the most successful teams in the world. Similarly, Argentinians continue to dominate the world of polo, winning Olympic gold in 1924. Elsewhere, the likes of volleyball, boxing, basketball, hockey, tennis and rugby are all very popular. 

There are some dates in particular that are circled in red each year, though. Widely considered to be football’s biggest and most fiercely contested rivalry belongs to River Plate and Boca Juniors. On average, the match between the two sides generates at least two red cards. It may, to some people, boil down to just 90 minutes of football but the build-up and the post-match reverberations can be felt for weeks after the final whistle. If you are a football fan or have never been to a match before, this spectacle ranks among the very best in sport.  

One stop on your Argentina cruise will be Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. Ushuaia is, in fact, closer to the South Pole than it is to Argentina’s border with Bolivia in the north. If you weren’t travelling by water you would have to navigate dense scrublands, crumbling mountain roads and desolate forests. If visiting the end of the world and the most southerly city isn’t enough for you, the area is actually incredibly beautiful. The backdrops are made up of dramatic mountain ranges, interspersed with dense woodland.