The journal
Argentina
Long-form pieces by our destination specialists — context, history, practical know-how, and the moments that make a trip stick.
-
Latin AmericaThings to Do in Puerto Natales: A First-Timer's Guide to Chilean Patagonia
Puerto Natales has long been treated as a mere gateway to Torres del Paine, somewhere to sleep before or after the main event. But this small fjord town, built on a century of sheep farming history, has plenty to hold its own: a 10,000 year old cave that once sheltered a giant ground sloth, boat trips across the Última Esperanza Fjord to glaciers few travellers ever reach on foot, and condors circling above landscapes still grazed by guanacos and working estancias. Add in king crab fresh from the fjord, slow-roasted Patagonian lamb, and a berry the locals swear guarantees your return, and it becomes clear why so many visitors end up giving Puerto Natales far more than a passing night. Here's everything worth doing in this corner of Chilean Patagonia, before and after the towers.
Jim Louth·17 Aug 2026 -
Latin AmericaWhat Is Argentina Famous For? 15 Icons That Define This South American Nation
Tango, steak and football are just the start. Argentina is a country of jaw-dropping contrasts — Andean salt flats and Inca ruins in the north, glaciers and granite peaks in the south, tango-filled streets in between. Here are 15 icons that show what really makes this South American nation famous, from the obvious to the wonderfully overlooked.
Jim Louth·11 Aug 2026 -
Latin AmericaThe Perfect 2-Week Argentina Itinerary: From Buenos Aires to the Andes
A 2-week Argentina itinerary from Buenos Aires to Salta and across the border into Chile's Atacama Desert, with real distances, altitude notes, and how to adapt the same route for a shorter 10-day trip.
Jim Louth·5 Aug 2026 -
Latin AmericaThings to Do in Ushuaia: A Guide to Argentina's Southernmost City
Ushuaia sits at the very tip of South America, further south than almost anywhere else people call home. From wildlife cruises on the Beagle Channel and glacier hikes above town to prison history, penguin colonies and a gateway to Antarctica, here's everything worth doing at the end of the world.
Jim Louth·4 Aug 2026 -
Latin America15 Facts About Patagonia That Reveal Why It's a Bucket-List Destination
Patagonia is a bucket-list destination because it combines rare geology, wildlife, and weather found nowhere else on Earth. Shared between Argentina and Chile, the region spans over one million square kilometres and holds one of the world's largest ice caps, the advancing Perito Moreno Glacier, and the granite spires of Fitz Roy. Add a name born from a 16th-century myth about giants, and these Patagonia facts show exactly why the region has earned its reputation.
Jim Louth·31 Jul 2026 -
Latin AmericaWhat to Do in El Calafate, Argentina: A Complete Guide to Patagonia's Glacier Capital
El Calafate is southern Patagonia's glacier gateway — a small lakeside town in Santa Cruz Province best known as the base for visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier. Beyond the ice, there's wildlife-watching at Laguna Nimez, estancia visits, and day trips to El Chaltén and Torres del Paine. Most travellers stay several days, using the town as a launchpad for boat trips, glacier walks, and the wider Patagonian region beyond it.
Jim Louth·24 Jul 2026 -
Latin AmericaArgentina Culture: A Traveller's Guide to Tango, Gauchos and the Andes
Argentina culture is far more than tango and steak— it shifts dramatically by region, from the European-flavoured streets of Buenos Aires to the gaucho traditions of the pampas and the Andean heritage of the north-west. Daily rituals like asado and mate sit alongside football, wine country customs in Cafayate, and remote Patagonian ways of life shaped by the "end of the world." This guide moves through each of these layers, showing what a traveller can actually expect to see, taste and take part in.
Jim Louth·22 Jul 2026 -
Latin AmericaThings to Do in Argentina: Exploring the Country Beyond Buenos Aires
The best things to do in Argentina stretch far beyond Buenos Aires. Head north to Salta for colonial streets, Andean wine, and painted valleys; head south to Patagonia for glaciers around El Calafate and granite peaks at El Chaltén. Add Iguazú Falls, Mendoza's vineyards, and the wildlife-rich coast of Península Valdés for a fuller Argentina itinerary. Each region rewards several dedicated days rather than a rushed stop, so it's worth planning route by region rather than city by city.
Jim Louth·8 Jul 2026 -
Latin AmericaThe Best Places to Visit in Argentina Off the Beaten Track
The best places to visit in Argentina off the beaten track are the high-altitude Puna plateau and the far south of Patagonia, not the usual Buenos Aires and Iguazú Falls stops. Think salt flats at Salinas Grandes, flamingo lagoons near Antofagasta de la Sierra, and glacier trails around El Chaltén and El Calafate. This guide covers both remote regions in full, from painted northern valleys to southern ice fields.
Jim Louth·7 Jul 2026 -
Latin AmericaBest Time to Visit Patagonia: What Every Traveller Needs to Know Before They Go
The best time to visit Patagonia is December to February, when long daylight hours and fully open trails give first-time visitors the most reliable access to the region’s glaciers and hiking routes. For quieter trails and striking autumn colour, many experienced travellers prefer the shoulder seasons of late November or March to April instead. Whatever window you choose, expect Patagonia’s famous four-seasons-in-one-day weather, and pack accordingly.
Jim Louth·17 Jun 2026 -
Latin AmericaIs Argentina Safe to Visit? Your Essential Guide to Travelling Confidently
Yes — Argentina is broadly safe for tourists, and consistently ranks among the safer countries in Latin America. Petty theft in Buenos Aires is the main risk; serious violent crime targeting visitors is rare. Solo travellers, families, and independent backpackers all travel here successfully. This guide covers Buenos Aires safety, regional crime levels, solo female travel, common scams, and practical precautions to help you travel confidently.
Jim Louth·4 Jun 2026 -
Latin AmericaBest Time to Visit Argentina — Weather & Climate Guide
Argentina can be visited year-round, but November is often the best month, offering pleasant weather across most regions. December to February is ideal for Patagonia and outdoor adventures, while spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) provide great weather with fewer crowds. Winter (June–August) is best for skiing in the Andes and exploring Buenos Aires. If visiting Patagonia during peak season, book accommodation and transport well in advance.
Jim Louth·13 May 2026
