Where Can I Take A Walking Tour In Argentina?

Argentina’s stunning countryside is a playground for trekkers of all abilities. From the high Andes to subtropical rainforests, from arid valleys to ice fields, Argentina is one of Latin America’s most geographically striking hiking destinations. Whether you are interested in Argentina trip packages that include a day hike or Mendoza Argentina tours meandering through wine country, Argentina has something for everyone!

Explore the rich diversity of plant life in the Patagonian steppe as you travel over some of the world’s most diverse topography or trek across a glacier for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Most hiking trails in Argentina run through national parks or reserves, with well-marked routes and campsites or cabins for multi-day adventurers. This makes hiking in Argentina a great option for the solo adventurer. Of course, a challenging walking tour of Argentina is best attempted with a local guide, who will also be able to share information about the flora and fauna you see along the way – as well as the local culture and traditions of the area.

Our 4 Favorite Trekking Tours In Argentina

There are many famous locations to visit in Argentina, all of which offer tourists unique ways to explore and learn more about the country’s culture and traditions. If you book with a tour company that offers Argentina trip packages, many will include bike rides through the countryside of Mendoza to explore local vineyards, trekking trips up steep mountainsides, or a casual stroll through the Paris of Argentina – Buenos Aires. But if you want to get around on your own two feet, here are four of our favorite tours to consider!

 Trip #1 – A Walking Tour of Buenos Aires

With its wide, tree-lined avenues, art nouveau architecture, meandering streets, and sidewalk cafes, Buenos Aires has earned the nickname of the “Paris of South America.” Any trip to Argentina should include a stay in this magnificent city, with plenty of time to explore the wonders that lie within its many museums, urban parks, and historic neighborhoods. Some of the must-do activities to do in Buenos Aires include:

• Learning to dance the Tango! Tango was born in Buenos Aires in the late 19th century, as people from Spain, Italy, England, Poland, and multiple African nations lived alongside native Argentineans and began creating new traditions. It was the meeting of these cultures that created the sensual dance we know today as Tango!
• Visit a bookstore! Buenos Aires has the most bookstores of any city in the world – 700 to be exact, which is more shops per inhabitant than any other city in the world. Bibliophiles will get a kick out of visiting bookstores to find new books, used books, and rare books.
• Ride the metro. In 1913, the first metro system on Latin American soil opened – in Buenos Aires. Today, simply visiting the metro stations is akin to visiting a museum – each station is beautifully decorated and styled from that time. The Buenos Aires metro system is the 13th oldest metro system in the world and is definitely worth a visit during your trip.
• Stroll the Avenida 9 de Julio, which is the widest street in the world, and take in the sights – the Teatro Colon, the statue of Don Quixote, the French Embassy, and the statue of Eva Peron.
• Sign up for a tour of the city to visit the Plaza de Mayo, admire the ornate mausoleums of Recoleta Cemetery, or stroll through La Boca to view the vibrant facades of the neighborhood

Trip #2 – Explore Gaucho Life

The gaucho, or cowboy, life is very much alive and well in Argentina. This lifestyle has held a place of prominence in Argentinian culture for more than four centuries, most notably in local musical and theatrical performances. Argentina trip packages that include a visit to a working estancia (ranch) are a good way for visitors to get a first-hand look at this cultural tradition. Alternatively, you can spend a day in the gaucho town of San Antonio de Areco (just 39 miles outside of Buenos Aires) exploring on your own!

• Visit the Cathedral of San Antonio of Padua. Built in 1730, this historic church is dedicated to San Antonio of Padua. Visitors can start their adventure here by touring the church’s historic architecture, then walk through the cobblestone streets radiating out from the church to explore further.
• Explore the Draghi Museum. This exhibition hall features a collection of 19th-century gauchesco objects, including traditional knives and hand-tooled gaucho belts. The museum also has the gear worn by a gaucho’s horse on display, including bridles, saddles, bits, and stirrups – all made from pure, hand-crafted silver.
• Indulge in a shopping trip along the streets of Alsina and Arellano. This year-round tourist destination is located south of the Plaza Arellano. Find that perfect souvenir to take home to help you remember your trip!
• Stroll across the Puente Viejo, the city’s oldest bridge that was built in 1857. On the other side, you can visit the Ricardo Guiraldes Gauchesco Museum. This museum pays tribute to the famous Argentinian writer, novelist, and poet, Ricardo Guiraldes.

Trip #3 – Trek Across The Perito Moreno Glacier

The Perito Moreno Glacier is the most popular glacier in all of Patagonia.  If you take one walking tour in Argentina, this would be the one we recommend that you take! Stretching more than 96 square miles and standing 243 feet above Lake Argentino, the Perito Moreno glacier is an impressive sight. But what makes this massive sheet of ice so unique is that the glacier actually grows just as fast as it recedes! It also is very active, losing massive chunks of ice every few minutes as it puts on a show for trekkers.

Glacier Trekking is an activity where you can actually walk on top of a glacier. However, you do need to reserve one of the many Argentina trip packages that offer this activity with a guide. Two types of glacier trekking are available to travelers – Big Ice Treks or Mini Trekking. Mini trekking involves walking across the surface of the glacier with your guide, who will explain the flora and fauna you encounter along the way, as well as the general glaciology of the region. This out-and-back trek usually takes two hours. Big Ice Treks also involve walking across the surface of the glacier but exploring the ice caves, waterfalls, and crevasses that you find along the way. You also will be able to eat lunch on top of the glacier! This full-day trekking adventure is not for the faint of heart, though.

Trip #4 – Walking Tour of Mendoza City

Mendoza City is the capital of the province of Mendoza, Argentina’s largest wine-producing region. The city is located in the northern-central part of the province, on the eastern side of the Andes Mountains, in a region of rolling foothills and high plains. A visit to this historic city can be incorporated into many Argentina trip packages, and is well worth including even if your main goal is visiting a local winery or two! Here are some of our favorite destinations to visit in Mendoza:

• Stroll around the Parque San Martin. This impressive oasis was designed by famous urban planner and landscape architect Carlos Thays in the late 1800s. You can explore the 34 statues that are scattered around the park, picnic beside Regata Lake, or take a romantic walk through the park’s famous rose garden.
• Tour the Museo Nacional Del Vino. Can’t get enough of the region’s famous wines? Take a walking tour through this museum to learn more about the region’s winemaking history and the significance wine has played in Argentina’s culture and economic growth. The museum is housed inside an extravagant 19th-century mansion and is open to the public daily.
• If you like contemporary art, a trip to the Espacio Contemporaneo de Arte should be part of your Mendoza Argentina Walking Tour. Located on the Plaza San Martin, the museum’s galleries showcase the work of local 20th-century artists. The museum is open to the public daily.

Exploring Argentina On Foot!

When you reserve one of the many Argentina trip packages available to travelers, make sure they know that you want to incorporate a walking tour of Argentina! Exploring the country on foot (for at least part of your trip), is a great way to get a unique view of the landscape, the culture, and the local traditions. Whether you are wandering the streets of Buenos Aires or taking one of the popular Mendoza Argentina tours through wine country, you’ll be guaranteed an experience that is off the beaten path and unforgettable!