Argentina: Adventure Tourism

Argentina has become a favourite destination among adventure tourismenthusiasts. Its wide range of climates, geography and landscapes make it an ideal place to enjoy the outdoors whilst taking part in adventure activities of all levels. There are specialist adventure tourism guides throughout the country.

For trekking, mountaineering and climbing, the options are endless. Key places include: the Calchaquíes Valleys (Salta), the legendary Aconcagua (Mendoza), Villa General Belgrano (Córdoba), Merlo (San Luis), Tandil and Sierra de la Ventana (Buenos Aires), San Martín de Los Andes, Bariloche and El Bolsón (Río Negro), Lanín and Domuyo volcanoes (Neuquén), Esquel, El Calafate and El Chaltén -the Argentine mecca for trekkers- with its famous Mount Fitz Roy (Santa Cruz), and Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego).

One of the best ways to explore the hidden corners of Argentina is onhorseback. The vast majority of estancias (ranches) and country hotels have horses for their guests to use. Rides are organised for all ages and abilities. Longer treks, that cross the Andes, travel through unknown Patagonia or explore the hills of San Luis and Cordoba (to name a few), can be arranged for those looking for more demanding horse-riding holidays.

For sailing, Argentina’s immense lakes, impressive rivers and never-ending coast offer diverse and challenging alternatives. The central and Patagonian Andean regions are the most popular for kayaking. It is also possible to kayak on the Delta in Tigre, just half an hour’s drive from Buenos Aires city. 

White water rafting fans have any number of Andean rivers, of varying difficulty, to choose from. The rivers Manso and Limay in Bariloche, the River Hua Hum in San Martín de los Andes, the Futaleufú in Esquel, the Santa Cruz in El Calafate, the Atuel, Mendoza and Diamante in Mendoza, and the Juramento in Salta are some of the best.

Hang gliding is an exhilarating way to take in the Andes, the central hills around Cordoba, the valleys and rock formations of Salta and the North West, the rolling hills of southern Buenos Aires and the beaches of Atlantic Patagonia. There are hang gliding schools in Bariloche and Cuchi Corral, in Cordoba.

Atlantic Patagonia is Argentina’s diving region, due to its clear water and abundant marine wildlife. The main diving centres are based in Puerto Madryn but divers can also explore the lakes of northern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego’s Beagle Channel. 

Last but by no means least, Argentina’s contrasting plains and craggy peaks make it a wonderful country to discover by mountain bike. Circuits include Patagonian wilderness trails, high-altitude Andean adventures, gentle spins in the Pampas, and subtropical jungle expeditions around Iguazú.