This country with a heavy European influence spans almost half of the length of South America — expect diversity enough to satisfy a wealth of interests, from tango and fine dining in urban centers like Buenos Aires to wine tasting and horseback riding in the Pampas, and even skiing and penguin watching in the southernmost climes. You’ll invest in airfare to get here — BA is a nine-hour flight from Miami — but expect to find savings on the ground, thanks to a consistently strong exchange rate and great values on locally produced goods, from wines to leather shoes and bags.
Wedding Requirements Although Argentina offers a rich culture and landscapes perfect for honeymoons, by law no marriages can be performed unless either partner is a resident of the country. Argentina was also the first country in South America to legally approve gay marriages, but the non-resident law still applies. For more details, visit argentina.usembassy.gov.
What to Do
Culture Many aspects of Buenos Aires would have you believing you’ve landed in Europe: old-world architecture, sidewalk cafes and dinner parties that start at 10 p.m. But the blending of worlds makes this a capital like no other. Head to La Boca, a colorful artist community at the mouth of the Matanza River, to watch street performers practice the tango, perhaps the most-exported piece of Argentine culture. Then make a stop at Plaza de Mayo, the historic gathering spot for citizens and demonstrations, to see the Casa Rosada, the pink-hued presidential palace where Eva Peron gave her famous “don’t cry for me” speech. (You can learn more about her at the small-but-comprehensive Evita Museum and then pay your respects at the hauntingly beautiful Recoleta Cemetery.) Shopping is a must in the this stylish city, be it for antiques or folk art from street vendors in artsy San Telmo or for cutting-edge fashion at high-end boutiques in Soho-esque Palermo Viejo.
Ranches Just outside Buenos Aires, the flat pampas region sprawls with estancias, charming cattle ranches that welcome guests for an old-school slice of country life. Argentines share the gaucho lifestyle easily through horseback riding and the occasional polo lesson. (The country produces some of the world’s best players.) Work up an appetite, because you’ll want to taste everything at a traditional parrilla, a feast of grilled meats including (at minimum) multiple cuts of beef (Argentina is said have the highest beef consumption in the world), plus lamb, chicken, a few types of sausage and plentiful sides like salads and empanadas.
Wine Country To the north, the wine country of Mendoza, just a two-hour flight from Buenos Aires, is an up-and-coming region with a stellar reputation for unique varietals like malbecs and torrontes. A private tour with stops at multiple wineries offers you the chance to taste, as well as to learn the history of the region; some of the wineries date back to the late 1800s. When it’s time to work off the wine, the area’s location in the foothills of the Andes gives visitors easy access to mountainous pursuits like hiking, white-water rafting and even skiing in winter (our summer) months.
Patagonia The southernmost Patagonia region is a must for outdoor enthusiasts eager to hike among glaciers and view wildlife that includes whales and penguins. Non-extremists should look no further than the stunning mountain scenery of the Lake District. The milder climate makes the area more accessible for active pursuits, and the variety of restaurants dishing up hearty yet inspired cuisine makes for a cushy experience. At the Parque Nacional los Glaciares, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 47 major glaciers create an impressive backdrop for hiking or for sailing on the park’s three lakes. Head to the northern most part of Patagonia to the Valdes Peninsula, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, to witness Magellan penguins, elephant seals, sea lions and killer whales in the wild. Bonus: June through December, right whales pass through to breed and bear young.
Off the Beaten Path Stretching almost 2 miles wide, the horseshoe-shaped Iguacu Falls straddle the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay; to access the Argentine side, travel to Puerto Iguazu. Several carriers, including LAN Airlines, make the two-hour flight several times per day, making the area just doable as a day trip, but it’s better to take your time and spend at least one night there. — Brooke Morton
