Traveller’s Calendar 2024: Where to Go in Argentina Based on Each Month
In order to start the year with the traveller’s planner ready, we recommend an Argentinian region according to the month of the year. Weather, seasonality, and the most important natural events guide the traveller’s compass through the calendar this 2024. Do you want to know where to go? Note down.
There is a destination for each month. Argentina is full of endless possibilities across the country, and this article is here to prove it.
January
Beaches and Summer on the Atlantic Coast
Whether in Buenos Aires, Río Negro, Chubut, Santa Cruz or Tierra del Fuego, Argentina's Atlantic coast is the perfect circuit for wave and sea lovers. There are many options, from turquoise waters to cliff beaches and spectacular postcards.
Mar del Plata, called the Happy City, is one of the favourite destinations for Argentinians. Its nickname says it all, it is a seaside city bringing joy to people; and it is five hours away from the capital city of Buenos Aires, which is key to a successful getaway. Las Grutas, on the other hand, along with Punta Perdices and Conchillas, makes up what many call the Patagonian Caribbean. Being called like that, it is impossible not to go during the sunny season. All three are located in Río Negro, and are summed up in crystal-clear waters, breath-taking panoramic views and water sports for all tastes. Chubut, meanwhile, has one of the beaches that in 2019 entered the ranking of the best beaches in South America, according to TripAdvisor's “The Traveller's Choice”: Canteras beach. Statistics aside, it is the key to coastal relaxation. Santa Cruz and Tierra del Fuego are not far behind, with destinations such as Cabo Curioso and Reserva Playa Larga beaches, respectively.
February
Carnival in the Litoral Region
Just enjoy and have fun. In February, the Litoral Region is full of a unique energy: the Carnival spirit. Celebrations start early in the morning and end up with the greeting of an orange sky, dances on every corner, drinks everywhere and feathers, lots of them. All, of course, in a context of parades and floats celebrating under the open sky to the rhythm of the famous comparsas.
The city of Gualeguaychú, in Entre Ríos Province, is the official epicentre of the Argentinian carnival and organises the biggest open-air musical show in the country. Other places, such as Córdoba, Buenos Aires and the north of Argentina also have their version of this national festival. But in truth, there are no wrong choices when it comes to celebrations.
March
Grape Harvest in Cuyo
It's never a bad time to enjoy Mendoza's landscapes and wine, is it? But the chance to experience the second most important harvest festival in the world, according to National Geographic, certainly enhances the trip experience. We are talking about the Grape Harvest National Festival, or the key point to wine tourism. At the foot of the vineyards with music, fireworks and live shows, it is a celebration that was born to thank the land and the field workers for their job. In addition, there are carnival floats and parades that end up with the crowning of the Grape Harvest Queen and her grape-harvest crown. All surrounded by the immensity of the Andes Mountains range and among multi-award-winning wines.
April
One of the World’s Seven Natural Wonders in the Litoral Region
Visiting one of the World’s Seven Natural Wonders is not an everyday thing, and let us tell you that it's even better than what you think. Iguazú Falls are an incredible gift from Mother Nature, confirming that green vegetation and water are a matchless pair. Iguazú National Park comprises 275 water falls, proving our previous point. The star of the place? The Devil's Throat, an 82-metre high waterfall, showing that there is nothing like the power of water. Anyway, why travelling in April? To avoid rainy and hot months. The season continues until June and even August, though.
May
Northern Argentina Colours
There are outdoor tours, landscapes from another planet and a myriad of colours. Northern Argentina is the best example of a natural rainbow. The canvas? The hillsides. Its painter? The passage of time. Also, artisans and their vibrant colours of handicrafts blend with this unique and unrepeatable piece of nature. Proof of this is the Quebrada of Humahuaca in Jujuy.
Salinas Grandes, in Salta and Jujuy, far from being multicoloured, are exponents of pure white. It is the fourth-largest salt flat in South America, with 525 square kilometres in size, enchanting whoever steps on it. Its panoramic views create water mirrors reflecting the colour of the national flag, and give rise to the most creative and amusing photographs.
June
Córdoba Sierras in Autumn
There is no season in which tourists do not fall in love with Córdoba if the sierras decorate the landscape. But autumn, with no doubt, has its charm. It is its colours and weather, which at this time of year there are no extremes of cold or hot temperature.
So, what to visit? Calamuchita Valley is a key point and has locations for all tastes. For example, Santa Rosa de Calamuchita is the most inhabited town in the area. Cumbrecita is the only pedestrian village in Argentina and one of the most popular in the highlands. Cerro Champaquí hill is 2790 metres above sea level and is the highest point in the province. In any case, nature is present in each and every plan with hikes, streams and stunning views.
July
Ski Resorts in Patagonia
How to spend winter? Surround yourself with the Andes Mountain range and nothing can go wrong. At very affordable prices and from June to October, a season full of mountaintops capped with snow offers unique and adventurous moments. The possibilities are endless when it comes to Patagonia, and for all skill levels, of course. The best part? Prices are around half of what it costs skiing in the rest of the world.
Cerro Chapelco mountain in San Martín de los Andes has been honoured by the World Ski Awards four years in a row. Cerro Catedral mountain in Bariloche is the largest ski resort in South America. In Caviahue, Neuquén, you can try out the experience at the foot of a volcano. Skiing at the End of the World is also possible, more precisely at Cerro Castor mountain. And in Mendoza, the wine capital, you can find Las Leñas ski resort, a key place for extreme sports fans for its excellent off-piste facilities.
August
Pachamama Day in Northern Argentina
The wonderful colours of northern Argentina take on an even better hue when celebration knocks on its door. In this case, August 1st is a time to celebrate Mother Nature. Pacha (according to the native languages of the region) means earth, world, time, and universe. Mama doesn't even need to be explained. Putting these two words together, it means Mother Earth.
But how is it celebrated? It depends on the province. In Salta, for instance, there are many rituals that have been practised since Inca times. They want to commemorate the natural creation and remind the importance of taking care of it. For this reason, after the celebration ceremony, some people light incense to attract prosperity and ward off possible evils. Others, depending on the place they want to honour, dig a hole in the ground and bury their offerings (coca leaves, corn grains, yerba herbs, wine or other types of alcohol, dried fruit, etc). In Jujuy, they also do so. They organise gratitude ceremonies and after burying their offerings, they hold hands in community around the hole and dance to the rhythm of Jujuy melodies.
September
Watching Marine Wildlife in Patagonia
Penguins, elephant seals, and the show’s star: the Southern Right Whale. The spectacle is such that it brings people from all over the world. And although the season runs from May to December, September is when most whales come to the shore.
Where can you unlock the experience? In Chubut Province, a place combining turquoise waters and cliffs. It is tempting, isn't it? Precisely in Puerto Madryn, which serves as access to the Valdés Peninsula, an amazing coastal accident that has become a key point to watch cetaceans majesty. In fact, it has been designated a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
The show can be seen either on a tour trip from Puerto Pirámides by boat, motorboat, rubber dinghy and even submarines, it is an adventure in every sense of the word; or from the shore, for those who prefer to be on dry land. El Doradillo is an isolated and peaceful beach where you can witness these unique images with mate at hand.
October
Tulips in Patagonia
In the province of Chubut, in the town of Trevelin, is the prised Tulip Field belonging to the Ledesma family. It is a universe of textures and tonalities, hypnotizing any lucky person who can tell how the Patagonian mountains and flowers are the perfect pairing.
Every year, from October 1st to November 6th, the tulips blossom to offer a unique scene. They arise like a carpet at the foot of the Gorsedd and Cwmwl hills. The best thing? Besides the fact that you are visiting Patagonia, of course, you can round off this trip worthy of beautiful postcards in the local confectionery and indulge in Welsh delicacies.
November
The Violet Colour of Jacaranda Trees in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires combined with the violet colour of jacaranda trees, it is a recipe that cannot fail. Are we talking about flowers again? Yes, but this time mountains disappear and Buenos Aires streets make their triumphal entry. When Mother Nature meets the city, nothing can go wrong, and even more in the middle of summer.
In Palermo, Belgrano, and Recoleta neighbourhoods, the heat welcomes the blossoming of a tree symbolising the country's history and culture. It is an indigenous species native to the north of Argentina that arrived in the city at the end of the 19th century to decorate the streets and avenues of Buenos Aires City. Lilac, light blue and even blue tones dress up some of the most iconic places in the capital city. A must-see image? The famous Law School of the University of Buenos Aires, surrounded by a perfect violet colour.
Fun fact: in 2015, the jacaranda tree was declared a distinctive tree of the city. The title says it all; so to test it, you'll have to see it.
December
Lakes, Road-trips and a Glacier Mantle in Patagonia
It is 5 kilometres long and 60 metres high: a millenary ice sheet, attracting tourists from all over the world for its hypnotic detachments. Where is it? It is in none other than the declared World Heritage Site, Los Glaciares National Park. The star glacier we are talking about is the famous Perito Moreno glacier, and the best time to visit it is from December to March, in order to take advantage of warmer temperatures.
However, as incredible as it may sound, it is not the only gold card in Patagonian summer. The Seven Lakes Route, for example, is an unmissable slope for adventurers who like travelling on bike and admiring the marvellous panoramic views of lakes between mountains.