Argentina is perfect for energetic family holidays where you can mix outdoor adventures in Patagonia or the Pampas with exotic rainforest and exhilarating waterfalls as well as plenty of chances to see unique wildlife.
Argentina is easy to access, being one of the very few South American countries with direct flights from the UK to Buenos Aires, although its size does mean some internal air travel when you arrive, making it more suited to older children and teenagers ideally. Football fans of all ages would love a visit the Boca Juniors stadium or a chance to watch a game. The European feel and style of its capital city and many of its other regions will make you feel right at home but still with exotic touches to remind you of its Latin spirit. Colourful districts like La Boca where tango is danced on the street should put a smile on your faces and plenty of good casual dining options including a lot of ice-cream stores should keep everyone happy!
If you all love riding and the great outdoors, then head west and south of the city to one of a number of beautiful family run estancias, remote wilderness lodges and farms where you can all range across the plains on horseback. Kids especially will love trying on the gaucho costumes and eating hearty simple uncomplicated fare cooked over an open fire. Some of these ranches in Patagonia and the Pampas can arrange overnight camping trips in the summer months, always a favourite adventure for families. And as many of the estancias have their own polo fields and teams, we can also suggest good places for polo lessons and practice for budding players.
Another wonderful region is the Lakes District. We know a great country lodge where you can hike along trails and across rivers, followed by the resident dogs who know the way for you, close to a pretty alpine style lakeside town which also specialises in chocolate – a perfect place to see them making their specialities and taste them – of course! Go kayaking on the lake or even skiing in their winter (July – August) for a holiday with a difference for powder fiends of all ages who hate it when the season ends in the northern hemisphere.
Another great place to go for families is to Iguazu Falls right on the border with Brazil (perfect to then continue on for some beach R&R before flying home). There are a whole host of active adventures here amid tropical rainforest. Stay right in the heart of the park and look out for cheeky coatimundi along the pathways alongside exotic birds such as toucans and hummingbirds. Take speedboat rides under some of the falls and get really wet, try some kayaking on the lower rivers, rapelling, a tree-top zipline ride and an exhilarating view of the Falls by helicopter!
