Argentina

Perfect experiences in Argentina

Polo on the Pampas
Estancias—much like cattle ranches in the western U.S.—are a part of the very fabric of Argentine history and culture. They gave rise to the gauchos, still a romantic lifestyle that’s still very much alive in the country. A visit to Argentina isn’t complete without a trek to a working estancia; fortunately, there are quite a few options where “roughing it” isn’t part of the package. About an hour south of Buenos Aires in the grassy plain of the Pampas is Estancia El Rocio, a luxurious property where you’ll be treated like family but pampered like royalty. The five individually-styled guestrooms are a short walk from the main house, giving visitors lots of privacy, while also offering activities such as massage treatments, poolside sunbathing, and candlelight dining that can be enjoyed solo or with loved ones. This estancia is particularly known for its polo opportunities—including individual and group lessons for beginners through experts and also organizing matches for riders of all levels.

See the Estanica El Rocio official website for more details »

Stay at a Tango Academy
Five-star amenities? Check. Dance academy steps from your guestroom? Check. Tango is more than a dance in Argentina; it’s a way of life and a rite of passage for Argentineans. If your group has come to the country in part to learn this traditional, sensual dance, you’ll want to check into the Hotel Mansion Dandi Royal & Tango Academy in the San Telmo neighbourhood of Buenos Aires. The 30 exclusive rooms are elegantly decorated with artistic items and murals that evoke the divine tango. In addition to a long list of top-notch amenities, the Dandi boasts a wooden ballroom that hosts both open group classes and private instruction, as well as the opportunity to participate in milongas (where tango lovers gather together and dance) and professional shows right inside the hotel. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the tango tradition by living and breathing it all hours of the day.

Visit the Hotel Mansion Dandi Royal & Tango Academy official website for more information »

Touch Clouds Outside Your Train Window
El Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) lives up to its name by transporting passengers into the clouds on a railway that’s the third highest in the world. Rising 4,200 metres at its pinnacle, the train starts in the city of Salta, the capital of the Salta province, and travels 217 km (which takes about 16 hours) before pulling into La Polvorilla Viaduct. Along the way, the train passes through tunnels and makes plenty of twists and turns, treating guests to amazing views: plunging canyons, gorgeously hued valleys, the jagged peaks of the Quebrada del Toro, and actual clouds that hang around under bridges and along sloping terrain. It makes several stops, with each site featuring the crafts and products of the local villagers.

For more details on El Tren a las Nubes visit the official site »

Get Lost in Jesuit Ruins
Nearly 400 years ago, Jesuits from Europe came to the region that’s now Misiones (as well as many other places in the Americas) and established a large centre for learning and art, forging a friendship and alliance with the native population that goes down in history as probably one of the only success stories of its kind between natives and foreign settlers. Their goal was to convert the people they came across—and, based on the fact that the county is predominantly Catholic, they appear to have done a good job—but what these priests are perhaps best known for now is the fascinating Colonial architecture they left behind. The San Ignacio ruins are the finest preserved example of any Jesuit mission, with the massive church—complete with incredible sculptural detail and colourful red sandstone walls—as the highlight. Adjacent to the plaza is a compound that included a kitchen, workshops, dining hall, as well as hundreds of residences. A museum has also been built at the ruins to offer education and insight into the world of the Jesuits and native peoples. The ruins are so spectacular that they have been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Learn to Cook Asado
Argentines love their steak, but if the country had a national dish, it would probably be asado—their name for barbecue. You’ll undoubtedly taste asado many times during your trip, so why not learn to make it for your friends and family back home? Cooking with Teresita in Buenos Aires provides a hands-on class in the art and science of cooking asado, with private classes available for individuals or groups. The class begins with a trip to the butcher shop, where you’ll learn how to select the best cut of beef. The cooking aspect kicks off with a lesson in asado side dishes, including the chimichurri sauce, the green parsley-garlic sauce that provides the perfect topping for grilled meat. Then it’s on to the barbecue: the Asador (barbecue expert) will teach you about the perfect way to light the fire, how to season the meat, how long to grill it, and how to serve your perfectly prepared asado the Argentine way. Finally, no meal is complete without a complementary wine pairing, so you’ll learn—and sample—ideal pairings. You’ve never brought home a tastier souvenir!

See the official site for Teresita’s for more information »

Perfect experiences in Argentina

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