BOHEMIAN AND BOUTIQUE ARGENTINA

From dancing the tango to playing football, locals are fiercely passionate about everything they do, and it’s easy to get swept up in their enthusiasm. Food and drink are a source of national pride, with some of the best New World wines produced in the Mendoza region. Steak frequently appears on menus in Buenos Aires, the beguiling capital, while a parrilla in the Pampas gives a taste of rural gaucho living. Get drenched by the mighty cataracts of Iguazu Falls and do a Horse ride through the Andes Argentina is bohemian heaven and one of the most accessible and rewarding destinations in South America.

 

Argentine Accordion

 

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is Argentina's capital and cultural capital Argentina with enthralling bohemian neighborhoods waiting to be explored.

La Boca 

Full of charismatic, authentic streets lined with painted wooden and corrugated metal houses. Some still have the original paint from the Italian immigrants who constructed them nearly 100 years ago. El Caminito, located in La Boca, is the most famous area and is a street museum of colorfully painted houses typical of the immigrant dwellings that characterized this portside area towards the end of the 19th century. Several works by Argentine artists are incorporated as part of the street museum, and the Caminito has become a favorite with visitors to the city. Several restaurants offer tango and folk shows, and its street fills with artists offering original crafts and paintings.

 

El Caminito

 

Recoleta

Polished and beautiful, Recoleta is fancy but with an alternative streak. Walk its gorgeous, tree-lined streets while looking at mansions turned into embassies and luxury hotels. Wander the maze of crypts and tombstones at Recoleta Cemetery, then check out the neighborhood's weekend handicrafts fair. Alongside beautiful architecture, Recoleta is a cultural center. You can go to a concert, see art exhibits, or watch break dancers on Sundays on the roof of the Centro Cultural Recoleta, all for free. Soak up some rays in Plaza Francia, then cool off in one of the many surrounding museums, like the MALBA or El Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. If you so please, bring your skateboard to ride down the hill behind Plaza Mitre.

 

San Telmo

For a small-town, bohemian vibe with a lot of history, go to the cobblestone streets of San Telmo. Head to the San Telmo Mercado to have your pick of international cuisine, third-wave coffee shops, record stores, or fruit stalls all jumbled together. See professional tango dancers whirl around in Plaza Dorrego, pick up some good reads in English at Walrus Books, or buy antiques. On Sundays, the heartbeat of San Telmo  San Telmo on Sundfensa Street turns into a giant street fair where artisans sell their wares, musicians play, and street performers pose as living statues.

 

Tango

 

Palermo

Whether you want to run along tree-lined paths in stunning parks, eat at a classic parrilla like Don Julio, drink good coffee, bar hop in Plaza Serrano, or take a yoga class in English, Palermo offers all these comforts and more. As Buenos Aires’ largest barrio, be prepared to walk a lot while exploring it, or just rent a scooter with your smartphone to save time and your feet. If you time your visit right, make sure to join the unofficial monthly full moon party on the grounds of the planetarium.

 

Mendoza 

There is something for everyone in the picturesque province of Mendoza, located close to the Chilean border and in the foothills of the Andes.  Mendoza is most famous for its incredible wine. Wine lovers flock to Mendoza to sample the region’s famous Malbec, and even the most novice drinker or fan will have a blast in Mendoza. Rent a bike and do a self-guided tour of the many small wine bodegas and larger-scale wineries that proliferate around Chacras de Coria, which also makes up some of Lujan de Cuyo. If you have a few more days, hire a driver to take you to the Uco Valley for an afternoon. Mendoza’s stunning location at the foothills of the Andes. There is a wealth of activities for those interested in action and adventure, from rock climbing to white water rafting to hiking, trekking, and even skiing in winter. Those who want a sprinkle of activity in their holiday might want to take a horseback ride through the Andes. 

 

Mendoza Vineyard

 

Iguazu Falls

Posada Puerto Bemberg is a boutique hotel emphasizing sustainable tourism and exquisite service. This colonial-style lodge sits within the protected rainforest perched above the Parana River, just 35 minutes from Iguazu Falls. The 14 spacious rooms have high ceilings, large windows, traditional furniture and quality fabrics complemented by modern amenities. Each has a private patio with views over the rainforest. The restaurant serves fusion cuisine, giving an international flavor to local produce. An onsite wine cellar complements it with an extensive list of Argentine wines.  Head out jungle trekking, join a guided nature walk, take a speedboat ride into the heart of the reserve, or visit local attractions, including Iguazu Falls. Back at the lodge, enjoy a refreshing dip in the rainforest-surrounded pool and sip a cocktail at sunset on the deck of the observation tower looking over the Parana River. The perfect base to explore the Iguazu falls on the Argentinian side.

 

Iguazu Falls

 

Bariloche

 

Colloquially called the “Patagonian Garden,” Villa La Angostura has long been a holiday destination for wealthy Argentines. Today, it also attracts international tourists who leave Bariloche searching for a more relaxing place. Charming and comfortable, Villa La Angostura is surrounded by mountains, lakeside beaches, wooden and stone buildings, and the relatively small but stunning Los Arrayanes National Park. Ideally located along the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, visitors have many options for boat tours, sailing and kayaking. While the town remains peaceful and beautiful, its many food options, spa resorts, and tour companies offering a variety of outdoor activities such as horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and biking are sure to cater to visitors.

 

Villa La Angostura

Book a The Boutique Argentina Tour today and experience the more boutique and bohemian side of the country.