Explore where locals vacation in Argentina

Where Locals Go showcases hidden vacation spots that tourists often miss but are loved by residents. We consulted three Argentine experts for their top recommendations.

From the vineyards of Mendoza to the elegance of Buenos Aires and the breathtaking Igazú Falls, Argentina offers a diverse array of landscapes and experiences that make it a favorite destination worldwide. If you're looking to venture off the usual tourist path, we asked three local experts to reveal their personal vacation spots.

Historic taverns and gaucho heritage: San Antonio de Areco

Federico Perelmuter is a freelance writer and critic based in Buenos Aires.

Arriving in San Antonio de Areco from the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires always feels like entering another realm.

Just two hours from the capital by car, this quaint rural town features colonial-style buildings and sunlit cobblestone streets that evoke a sense of timelessness. Known as the “cradle of tradition,” this Pampas town was a lively center of gaucho culture in the 19th century, vividly illustrated in Ricardo Güiraldes’ novel Don Segundo Sombra. To truly immerse yourself in gaucho traditions, a visit to the Güiraldes Museum is essential. Situated in Güiraldes’ ancestral home, the museum displays a collection of well-preserved items that highlight essential aspects of gaucho life, from boleadoras (tools for catching cattle) to pulperías (grocery stores that also served as bars).

One of my favorite pastimes is to relax in one of the town’s sun-kissed squares while savoring alfajores from La Olla de Cobre, Areco’s famous chocolate shop. For lodging, I highly recommend the Santa Ana Boutique Hostel: it’s centrally located, beautifully decorated, and offers reasonable rates. If you’re looking to dine out, just a five-minute drive from town leads you to Restaurante Histórico Lacarra, where you can enjoy exquisite, traditional Argentine cuisine in the charming setting of an old townhouse. And of course, no trip to San Antonio de Areco is complete without a visit to the iconic Boliche de Bessonart Bar for a refreshing Fernet Cola. This historic bar, over 200 years old, feels like a scene from a Western film and is the perfect spot to mingle with local families, gauchos, and fellow travelers.

A -hour flight – and a world apart – from Buenos Aires: Ushuaia

Sorrel Moseley-Williams, a British travel, food, and drink journalist as well as a sommelier, has called Buenos Aires home since 2006.

Stunning Patagonian wilderness envelops Ushuaia, just a -hour flight south of Buenos Aires.

This water enthusiast loves staying at Arakur, perched atop Cerro Alarkén, thanks to its amazing indoor/outdoor swimming pool and 360-degree views. Conveniently, the Vinos al Sur wine fair is also hosted here. Besides wandering through Alarkén’s native forest, you can explore more adventurous terrains in Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, where snow-capped peaks, icy waters, and gusty lenga forests always clear my mind of Buenos Aires’ hustle. After working up an appetite, my treat is the Tierra del Fuego-inspired tasting menu at Kalma, featuring merluza negra (Patagonian toothfish) as the highlight.

For an escape within an escape, I recently visited Estancia Harberton for the first time. Just a 90-minute drive from Ushuaia, this historic ranch – established in 1886 and currently run by Abby Goodall, the fifth generation of the Bridges family – is a national gem. After enjoying merinda (maté tea with snacks), I explored the Museo Acatashun, which houses the best collection of marine animals and birds from South America’s southernmost region. The remote charm of Harberton adds a unique allure. On my next trip, I plan to reserve a cottage along the Beagle Canal at the far southern tip for an even more remarkable getaway.

Incredible wildlife amidst untouched wetlands: Iberá National Park

Diego Jemio is an arts and culture journalist hailing from Buenos Aires.

I first journeyed to Corrientes Province a decade ago to experience the Fiesta Nacional del Chamamé, a lively January festival in the northeast that honors chamamé, the ancestral music of the Guaraní people living in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Through its melodies, chamamé narrates stories of the region’s wetlands and abundant wildlife. Moved by the festival, I ventured deeper into the province, ultimately reaching the famous Iberá National Park, an area once home to the Guaraní. Spanning an incredible 3.2 million acres (1.3 million hectares), these restored wetlands proudly represent one of the largest freshwater reserves on Earth. It remains one of my favorite destinations in Argentina.

While several towns and villages provide entry to Iberá, I find myself repeatedly drawn to the charming town of Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, located in the southeast of Corrientes. With a modest population of just 1,000, this serene town sits on the banks of the Iberá Lagoon. My preferred activity here is a leisurely canoe ride through the waterways, especially in the morning or early afternoon. In this peaceful haven, herons soar gracefully overhead, yacare caimans sunbathe contentedly (don’t worry; they are well-fed), and capybaras wander along the shores. In Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, you'll discover numerous tour companies offering guided boat and kayak excursions on the lagoon.

When it comes to satisfying my culinary cravings in the village, my favorite spot is Jajetopa, a cozy restaurant run by the talented chef Sara Medina. At this culinary treasure, Medina serves simple yet delightful dishes, often displayed on a chalkboard. Occasionally, the menu includes mbaipu – a Guaraní specialty made with chicken, manioc flour, and lamb stew – which never fails to impress me. I typically stay at the Casa de Esteros hotel, where you can unwind next to a crackling bonfire in the hotel’s expansive gardens at night.

A quick tip: don’t forget to bring mosquito repellent, as these little pests can become quite voracious at sunset in this area.