Argentina Travel Guide

Mar del Plata

Two hundred and thirty miles (400km) south of Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata is by far Argentina's most popular beach resort. Around three million local tourists holiday here every summer, drawn to its busy beaches and lively entertainment. Visitors can alternate between spending idle days people-watching on the beach or enjoying a spot of culture at one of the city's small galleries. Families will enjoy the city's museums, zoo and aquarium. There is also the bustling port to visit, featuring numerous and colorful traditional fishing boats and noisy colony of sea lions. For a taste of the good life, the Mar del Plata has some excellent bars and restaurants and, at the height of summer, a non-stop nightlife. Some visitors prefer to travel outside the peak Christmas season when there are shorter queues for restaurants and the like. Even in winter the city doesn't close down, as there are more than 700,000 permanent residents.

Cerro Catedral

One of Argentina's most notable ski resorts, Cerro Catedral is located in the Nahuel Huapí National Park in Patagonia, just 8 miles (13 km) from the picturesque city of Bariloche in the majestic Andes Mountain Range. The stunning resort offers breathtaking views over the Nahuel Huapi Lake and the gateway city of Bariloche, famous for its trekking, climbing, chocolate and natural pristine beauty.

No other Argentinean ski area rivals Bariloche in nightlife, dining out or entertainment and, with 600 hectares (1,482 acres) of skiable snow area, 57 runs of varying difficulties and 27 chairlifts, Cerro Catedral offers some of the best skiing facilities in South America. Bariloche features a great airport making getting to Cerro Catedral a quick and easy process - perfect for families traveling with kids.

Los Penitentes

Literally translated to 'the penitents', this ski resort's name is derived from the curious forms the ice on the mountain sides make, reminiscent of 'penitents' praying on their knees, thought to be formed by the strong winds of the Andes. Located around 110 miles (180km) from Mendoza, Los Penitentes boasts 300 hectares (741 acres) of skiing with 28 pistes, incorporating every type of run from beginner and intermediate to advanced and expert runs, many of which are used for various competitions. The resort may be smaller than many of its Argentinean counterparts, but it features ski schools, kindergarten, a shopping center a variety of restaurants, a snow garden where parents can leave their kids for the day, and a disco to heat things up on those cold winter nights. The ski season at Los Penitentes lasts from mid-June to August.

Las Leñas

The biggest ski resort in Argentina, Las Leñas is nestled high in a valley south of Mendoza City. Possibly the most famous ski resort in South America, the resort opened in 1983 and attracts thrill-seeking skiers and daredevils to its extreme runs. Las Leñas is renowned for its beauty as well as its challenge, and much ski photography is done there.

The village of Las Leñas is mostly self-contained, with a number of shops, bars and restaurants and a few hotels; however the nightlife is nearly as famous as the skiing! Its isolated location means the nearest towns, San Rafael and Malargue, are several hours' drive away.

Las Grutas

One look at the beautiful beaches was all the residents at Las Grutas needed to start building what would become one of Argentina's most popular resorts. The landscape is dramatic, with cliffs and plateaus giving way to dramatic sea views and shielding hidden beaches and caves.

Las Grutas has a few main beaches numbered from zero to seven, with zero being the closest to downtown. The town's position on the Atlantic coast gives it some of the warmest waters in Argentina, and the rugged coastline makes the area ideal for paragliding, hiking and other activities. There are scuba diving facilities, and several spas that offer Thalassotherapy treatments using local resources.

Las Grutas itself is a small town with a few hotels and restaurants, but makes a great base from which to explore other interesting beaches and towns in the area, including San Antonia Oeste, Puerto Madryn, Sierra Grande, and Punta Tombo.

Mar del Plata

Two hundred and thirty miles (400km) south of Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata is by far Argentina's most popular beach resort. Around three million local tourists holiday here every summer, drawn to its busy beaches and lively entertainment. Visitors can alternate between spending idle days people-watching on the beach or enjoying a spot of culture at one of the city's small galleries. Families will enjoy the city's museums, zoo and aquarium. There is also the bustling port to visit, featuring numerous and colorful traditional fishing boats and noisy colony of sea lions. For a taste of the good life, the Mar del Plata has some excellent bars and restaurants and, at the height of summer, a non-stop nightlife. Some visitors prefer to travel outside the peak Christmas season when there are shorter queues for restaurants and the like. Even in winter the city doesn't close down, as there are more than 700,000 permanent residents.

Cerro Catedral

One of Argentina's most notable ski resorts, Cerro Catedral is located in the Nahuel Huapí National Park in Patagonia, just 8 miles (13 km) from the picturesque city of Bariloche in the majestic Andes Mountain Range. The stunning resort offers breathtaking views over the Nahuel Huapi Lake and the gateway city of Bariloche, famous for its trekking, climbing, chocolate and natural pristine beauty.

No other Argentinean ski area rivals Bariloche in nightlife, dining out or entertainment and, with 600 hectares (1,482 acres) of skiable snow area, 57 runs of varying difficulties and 27 chairlifts, Cerro Catedral offers some of the best skiing facilities in South America. Bariloche features a great airport making getting to Cerro Catedral a quick and easy process - perfect for families traveling with kids.

Los Penitentes

Literally translated to 'the penitents', this ski resort's name is derived from the curious forms the ice on the mountain sides make, reminiscent of 'penitents' praying on their knees, thought to be formed by the strong winds of the Andes. Located around 110 miles (180km) from Mendoza, Los Penitentes boasts 300 hectares (741 acres) of skiing with 28 pistes, incorporating every type of run from beginner and intermediate to advanced and expert runs, many of which are used for various competitions. The resort may be smaller than many of its Argentinean counterparts, but it features ski schools, kindergarten, a shopping center a variety of restaurants, a snow garden where parents can leave their kids for the day, and a disco to heat things up on those cold winter nights. The ski season at Los Penitentes lasts from mid-June to August.

Las Leñas

The biggest ski resort in Argentina, Las Leñas is nestled high in a valley south of Mendoza City. Possibly the most famous ski resort in South America, the resort opened in 1983 and attracts thrill-seeking skiers and daredevils to its extreme runs. Las Leñas is renowned for its beauty as well as its challenge, and much ski photography is done there.

The village of Las Leñas is mostly self-contained, with a number of shops, bars and restaurants and a few hotels; however the nightlife is nearly as famous as the skiing! Its isolated location means the nearest towns, San Rafael and Malargue, are several hours' drive away.

Las Grutas

One look at the beautiful beaches was all the residents at Las Grutas needed to start building what would become one of Argentina's most popular resorts. The landscape is dramatic, with cliffs and plateaus giving way to dramatic sea views and shielding hidden beaches and caves.

Las Grutas has a few main beaches numbered from zero to seven, with zero being the closest to downtown. The town's position on the Atlantic coast gives it some of the warmest waters in Argentina, and the rugged coastline makes the area ideal for paragliding, hiking and other activities. There are scuba diving facilities, and several spas that offer Thalassotherapy treatments using local resources.

Las Grutas itself is a small town with a few hotels and restaurants, but makes a great base from which to explore other interesting beaches and towns in the area, including San Antonia Oeste, Puerto Madryn, Sierra Grande, and Punta Tombo.

Mar del Plata

Two hundred and thirty miles (400km) south of Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata is by far Argentina's most popular beach resort. Around three million local tourists holiday here every summer, drawn to its busy beaches and lively entertainment. Visitors can alternate between spending idle days people-watching on the beach or enjoying a spot of culture at one of the city's small galleries. Families will enjoy the city's museums, zoo and aquarium. There is also the bustling port to visit, featuring numerous and colorful traditional fishing boats and noisy colony of sea lions. For a taste of the good life, the Mar del Plata has some excellent bars and restaurants and, at the height of summer, a non-stop nightlife. Some visitors prefer to travel outside the peak Christmas season when there are shorter queues for restaurants and the like. Even in winter the city doesn't close down, as there are more than 700,000 permanent residents.

Cerro Catedral

One of Argentina's most notable ski resorts, Cerro Catedral is located in the Nahuel Huapí National Park in Patagonia, just 8 miles (13 km) from the picturesque city of Bariloche in the majestic Andes Mountain Range. The stunning resort offers breathtaking views over the Nahuel Huapi Lake and the gateway city of Bariloche, famous for its trekking, climbing, chocolate and natural pristine beauty.

No other Argentinean ski area rivals Bariloche in nightlife, dining out or entertainment and, with 600 hectares (1,482 acres) of skiable snow area, 57 runs of varying difficulties and 27 chairlifts, Cerro Catedral offers some of the best skiing facilities in South America. Bariloche features a great airport making getting to Cerro Catedral a quick and easy process - perfect for families traveling with kids.

Los Penitentes

Literally translated to 'the penitents', this ski resort's name is derived from the curious forms the ice on the mountain sides make, reminiscent of 'penitents' praying on their knees, thought to be formed by the strong winds of the Andes. Located around 110 miles (180km) from Mendoza, Los Penitentes boasts 300 hectares (741 acres) of skiing with 28 pistes, incorporating every type of run from beginner and intermediate to advanced and expert runs, many of which are used for various competitions. The resort may be smaller than many of its Argentinean counterparts, but it features ski schools, kindergarten, a shopping center a variety of restaurants, a snow garden where parents can leave their kids for the day, and a disco to heat things up on those cold winter nights. The ski season at Los Penitentes lasts from mid-June to August.

Las Leñas

The biggest ski resort in Argentina, Las Leñas is nestled high in a valley south of Mendoza City. Possibly the most famous ski resort in South America, the resort opened in 1983 and attracts thrill-seeking skiers and daredevils to its extreme runs. Las Leñas is renowned for its beauty as well as its challenge, and much ski photography is done there.

The village of Las Leñas is mostly self-contained, with a number of shops, bars and restaurants and a few hotels; however the nightlife is nearly as famous as the skiing! Its isolated location means the nearest towns, San Rafael and Malargue, are several hours' drive away.

Las Grutas

One look at the beautiful beaches was all the residents at Las Grutas needed to start building what would become one of Argentina's most popular resorts. The landscape is dramatic, with cliffs and plateaus giving way to dramatic sea views and shielding hidden beaches and caves.

Las Grutas has a few main beaches numbered from zero to seven, with zero being the closest to downtown. The town's position on the Atlantic coast gives it some of the warmest waters in Argentina, and the rugged coastline makes the area ideal for paragliding, hiking and other activities. There are scuba diving facilities, and several spas that offer Thalassotherapy treatments using local resources.

Las Grutas itself is a small town with a few hotels and restaurants, but makes a great base from which to explore other interesting beaches and towns in the area, including San Antonia Oeste, Puerto Madryn, Sierra Grande, and Punta Tombo.

Mar del Plata

Two hundred and thirty miles (400km) south of Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata is by far Argentina's most popular beach resort. Around three million local tourists holiday here every summer, drawn to its busy beaches and lively entertainment. Visitors can alternate between spending idle days people-watching on the beach or enjoying a spot of culture at one of the city's small galleries. Families will enjoy the city's museums, zoo and aquarium. There is also the bustling port to visit, featuring numerous and colorful traditional fishing boats and noisy colony of sea lions. For a taste of the good life, the Mar del Plata has some excellent bars and restaurants and, at the height of summer, a non-stop nightlife. Some visitors prefer to travel outside the peak Christmas season when there are shorter queues for restaurants and the like. Even in winter the city doesn't close down, as there are more than 700,000 permanent residents.

Cerro Catedral

One of Argentina's most notable ski resorts, Cerro Catedral is located in the Nahuel Huapí National Park in Patagonia, just 8 miles (13 km) from the picturesque city of Bariloche in the majestic Andes Mountain Range. The stunning resort offers breathtaking views over the Nahuel Huapi Lake and the gateway city of Bariloche, famous for its trekking, climbing, chocolate and natural pristine beauty.

No other Argentinean ski area rivals Bariloche in nightlife, dining out or entertainment and, with 600 hectares (1,482 acres) of skiable snow area, 57 runs of varying difficulties and 27 chairlifts, Cerro Catedral offers some of the best skiing facilities in South America. Bariloche features a great airport making getting to Cerro Catedral a quick and easy process - perfect for families traveling with kids.

Los Penitentes

Literally translated to 'the penitents', this ski resort's name is derived from the curious forms the ice on the mountain sides make, reminiscent of 'penitents' praying on their knees, thought to be formed by the strong winds of the Andes. Located around 110 miles (180km) from Mendoza, Los Penitentes boasts 300 hectares (741 acres) of skiing with 28 pistes, incorporating every type of run from beginner and intermediate to advanced and expert runs, many of which are used for various competitions. The resort may be smaller than many of its Argentinean counterparts, but it features ski schools, kindergarten, a shopping center a variety of restaurants, a snow garden where parents can leave their kids for the day, and a disco to heat things up on those cold winter nights. The ski season at Los Penitentes lasts from mid-June to August.

Las Leñas

The biggest ski resort in Argentina, Las Leñas is nestled high in a valley south of Mendoza City. Possibly the most famous ski resort in South America, the resort opened in 1983 and attracts thrill-seeking skiers and daredevils to its extreme runs. Las Leñas is renowned for its beauty as well as its challenge, and much ski photography is done there.

The village of Las Leñas is mostly self-contained, with a number of shops, bars and restaurants and a few hotels; however the nightlife is nearly as famous as the skiing! Its isolated location means the nearest towns, San Rafael and Malargue, are several hours' drive away.

Las Grutas

One look at the beautiful beaches was all the residents at Las Grutas needed to start building what would become one of Argentina's most popular resorts. The landscape is dramatic, with cliffs and plateaus giving way to dramatic sea views and shielding hidden beaches and caves.

Las Grutas has a few main beaches numbered from zero to seven, with zero being the closest to downtown. The town's position on the Atlantic coast gives it some of the warmest waters in Argentina, and the rugged coastline makes the area ideal for paragliding, hiking and other activities. There are scuba diving facilities, and several spas that offer Thalassotherapy treatments using local resources.

Las Grutas itself is a small town with a few hotels and restaurants, but makes a great base from which to explore other interesting beaches and towns in the area, including San Antonia Oeste, Puerto Madryn, Sierra Grande, and Punta Tombo.