south-america

Argentina

Buenos Aires, Mendoza wine country and the wilds of Patagonia

Overview

Argentina is drama in three acts: the cosmopolitan rhythm of Buenos Aires, the wine valleys of Mendoza, and the raw landscapes of Patagonia. We plan Argentina for travellers who want steak and wine, tango and architecture, and the open spaces of the south — with the timing, the routing and the rooms decided before you leave, and someone reachable while you are away.

A typical Third Door itinerary here leans on Buenos Aires by neighbourhood — San Telmo, Palermo, Recoleta, Mendoza vineyards and the Andes as a backdrop, Patagonia: El Calafate, El Chaltén and the Perito Moreno glacier. We book direct with the properties we know, hold the details that matter — the room with the view, the table that is hard to get, the driver who knows the road — and keep the plan flexible enough to change once you are in it.

Quick facts

Best months
November to March for Patagonia; March to May for Mendoza; September to November for Buenos Aires
Trip length
10–14 nights, usually Buenos Aires, Mendoza and Patagonia
Feel
Urban, wine-country, wild south
Ideal for
Couples, food & wine travellers, adventurers, honeymooners
Pace
Three to four nights per base, plus flights
Budget
Mid to high; domestic flights and Patagonia lodges add cost, but Buenos Aires and Mendoza are good value.
When to visit

Best times to go

Summer

December – February

Warm in Buenos Aires and Mendoza; the best time for Patagonia. Peak season.

Autumn

March – May

Mendoza harvest season, mild weather in the cities, Patagonia still accessible.

Winter

June – August

Skiing in the Andes near Mendoza; Patagonia is cold and many lodges close.

Spring

September – November

Pleasant in the cities; Patagonia begins to reopen. Good value.

Regions

Where to go

Buenos Aires

The city of tango, steak, belle époque architecture and late nights. Plan by neighbourhood.

CityCultureFood & Wine

Mendoza

Malbec country, with the Andes rising behind the vineyards. A wine and food destination.

Food & WineMountainsRelaxation

Patagonia

Glaciers, hiking, estancias and some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world.

AdventureNatureMountains

Iguazú

The falls on the Argentine-Brazilian border. One or two nights is enough.

NatureIconicAdventure
Where to stay

Hotels, lodges & villas we like

Four Seasons Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires

Recoleta's grande dame, with a garden and a sense of occasion.

CityLuxuryHistoric

Cavas Wine Lodge

Mendoza

Wine spa, private plunger tubs and views straight to the Andes.

Food & WineRomanceSpa

EOLO

Patagonia

A design lodge in the steppe, halfway between El Calafate and the glacier.

NatureDesignAdventure

Estancia Cristina

Patagonia

Remote ranch accessible only by boat, with glacier treks from the door.

AdventureRemoteHistory
Sample itinerary

A possible first trip

Phase 1

Arrive and settle — Buenos Aires 2–3 nights

Land, unwind, and get your bearings with a private guide who sets the context rather than reading a script. The city of tango, steak, belle époque architecture and late nights. Plan by neighbourhood.

Phase 2

The heart of the trip — Mendoza 3–4 nights

Malbec country, with the Andes rising behind the vineyards. A wine and food destination. This is where most of the trip's character lives, so we give it the most room.

Phase 3

Change of pace — Patagonia 2–4 nights

Glaciers, hiking, estancias and some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. A deliberate shift in rhythm before you travel home.

Phase 4

Home, well handled Departure

Private transfers, late checkout where we can arrange it, and a single point of contact from the day you land to the day you leave.

Where to eat

Restaurants worth the table

Don Julio

Buenos Aires

The city's most famous parrilla; queues are legendary.

Tegui

Buenos Aires

Closed-door tasting menus in Palermo, one of the city's best kitchens.

FAQ

Common questions

When is the best time to visit Argentina?

November to March for Patagonia; March to May for Mendoza; September to November for Buenos Aires is the window we recommend most often. Warm in Buenos Aires and Mendoza; the best time for Patagonia. Peak season. We will steer you by what you actually want from the trip rather than by peak season alone.

How long should we spend in Argentina?

10–14 nights, usually Buenos Aires, Mendoza and Patagonia. Shorter is possible and we plan it regularly, but the pace changes: fewer bases, less driving, one region done properly instead of three done quickly.

What does a trip to Argentina cost?

Mid to high; domestic flights and Patagonia lodges add cost, but Buenos Aires and Mendoza are good value. Once we understand your dates, party and the standard of stay you have in mind, we come back with a costed proposal rather than a range.

Do you handle visas, transfers and the practical detail?

Most Western visitors do not need a visa for short stays. Reciprocity fees have been lifted for many nationalities. Domestic flights are essential for Patagonia. We flag entry requirements early, arrange ground transport and private transfers, and keep the day-to-day logistics off your plate.

Can you travel with our dog in Argentina?

Pet travel here needs more lead time and, in some cases, a different destination. We will tell you honestly what is workable and what is not, and suggest alternatives if the regulations make it unfair on the animal.

Should we visit Iguazú?

If you have two weeks, yes. With less time, we recommend Buenos Aires, Mendoza and Patagonia as the core.

Plan a trip to Argentina

Tell us your dates, party and the feeling you want. We will come back with a first proposal built around this destination.