The Freely guide to Argentina

Sip and cycle between high-altitude wineries and bodegas, visit might Iguazu Falls and catch some live tango in Buenos Aires.
Written by:
Matt Cheok

Imagine the smell of asado (barbecued meats) wafting through the streets of Buenos Aires, or tucking into a juicy steak and washing it down with a local malbec wine.

I’m already salivating at the thought, but it sounds pretty good, right? Travelling through Argentina offers just as much in hearty food as it does in dreamy landscapes — so strap in for a sensory adventure with our destination guide to experiencing it all.

Boogie through Buenos Aires

Argentina’s capital combines the aesthetic of a European city, with its colonial and gothic architecture, and the pulsating energy of a Latin city. So, if you’re only able to experience one thing, let it be Fuerza Bruta – a Latin American twist on Cirque du Soleil — combining artistic dance, acrobatics and dazzling lights.

While in town, head over to La Boca, a lively, blue-collar neighbourhood known for its passionate football culture. Wander through El Caminito Street, catch a live tango performance, and enjoy some meaty goodness at one of the many outdoor restaurants. 

The vibrant and football-obsessed neighbourhood of La Boca, Buenos Aires 📸 Matt Cheok

Of course, no visit to Buenos Aires is complete without dining at Don Julio Parrilla, a beloved institution serving perfectly cooked steaks paired with exceptional local wines. This intimate eatery is renowned for its quality and charm, all at a surprisingly reasonable price. 

Interestingly, one of the city’s prized sightseeing activities is a visit to La Recoleta Cemetery. With over 4,800 graves raised above the ground, it feels more like a museum than a cemetery, filled with intricate scrollwork and stunning pillars.

The surrounding Recoleta area is littered with bars and restaurants making it perfect for a post-visit meal or drink.

La Recoleta cemetery, in Buenos Aires, is home to over 4,800 mausoleums and tombs. 📸 Matt Cheok

If you’re in Buenos Aires on a Sunday, be sure to visit the San Telmo Sunday Fair. This flea market offers an incredible mix of artisanal shops, tapas, and outdoor bars. The market only comes alive in the afternoon, so you can take your time (especially if you’ve just returned home from a long evening of partying the night before). 

Stroll along Avenida Libertador and Avenida 9 de Julio and stop by the iconic Plaza de Mayo. Every Thursday, mothers gather here to protest the disappearance of their loved ones during Argentina’s dictatorship era.

If you’re curious, the novel The Memory Stones by Caroline Brothers presents a particularly informative insight into this period of Argentina’s history.

If your schedule allows, consider extending your stay. There is no shortage of things to see and do in this captivating city.

Sip and cycle through Mendoza, Argentina’s wine region 

If you love wine, sunshine, and cycling, head to the west of Argentina. Nestled at the foothills of the Andes, Maipú is a breathtaking wine-growing region known for its high-altitude vineyards and bodegas.

A day of cycling here gives visitors an opportunity to dive into Argentinean viticulture while tasting some of the country’s finest wines.

Maipu is lauded as one of the premier regions for viticulture in South America 📸 Matt Cheok

Our favourite winery in the region is Bodega Domiciano. Here, grapes are harvested at night to preserve their aroma and flavour profiles. This family-owned vineyard, located in Barrancas south of the Mendoza River, also offers free tastings.

There’s also Bodega Familia Di Tommaso, with an especially amazing vineyard courtyard for a relaxed lunch or a sunny wine-tasting session.

For a modern twist, visit Tempus Alba. Their sleek grounds and rooftop terrace offer stunning vineyard views, the perfect setting for a memorable lunch featuring classic steak and Syrah wine. 📸 Matt Cheok

There are several bike rental options in Maipú, but we highly recommend Maipú Bikes.

For around $15 AUD (9,500 Argentine Pesos), you get an all-day bike rental (10am - 6pm, Monday to Saturday), a helmet, a detailed map of the area’s wineries, and as an additional sweetener, after dropping your bikes back, a long happy hour complete with empanadas and wine.

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