Hola queridxs, 

Argentina is open for travel, and we think it should be on everyone’s 2023 bucket list. One of our Heart of Travel team members, Allie, recently returned from a trip to Argentina with nothing but raving reviews! We thought we would take a moment to sit down with her and chat about what she loved about this South American country and why we’re so excited about expanding to Argentina in 2023. 

Here’s why Allie loves Argentina, and why we think you will too.

 

Buenos Aires, Argentina Travel Guide

“Buenos Aires is one of those cities that within five minutes of walking around, you say to yourself, “I could live here.” Between the perpetual breeze (hence why the city’s name translates to good airs in English), the incredible food scene, and the rich culture - BA truly has a mix of it all. I was traveling with my mother on this trip, and this city offered something for all ages and interests. We kicked off our first time in the city with a bottle of crisp white wine, Colomé Torrontés, at La Mar, followed by tiraditos which are finely cut pieces of fresh fish marinated in the likes of lime and chile. We settled on sharing the fresh catch of the day which was beautifully marinated in garlic and butter - nothing overly complicated but everything was done wonderfully. An ode I found to ring true about much of the city. After lunch we found ourselves wandering the streets, stopping in for an afternoon espresso at one of the many delightful open-air cafes that line the streets of Palmero. Buenos Aires taunts the senses with the ever-lingering scent of fresh bread, a staple in Argentine cuisine, and bakeries are only a stone's throw no matter where you may be in the city. 

 

In the evening, we made our way over to a Tango show where the wine was abundant and freely poured, and a bife de chorizo was cooked to perfection. We watched as the dancers gracefully crisscrossed the stage with elegance and drama, telling a story through lightning-quick footwork and longing stares at their dance partners. The show was artfully executed, with each dancer a master in the craft and us tourists fully in awe. From there, we made our way back to our quaint little bed and breakfast and rested up for another day. 

 

 

Personally, I’ve always found the best way to get to know a city is by walking it! Therefore, my mother and I woke early on our second day in the city to enjoy a guided tour of the city. Our guide, Simon, was originally from Venezuela yet had lived all over the world and had eventually settled in Buenos Aires. We began in the Retiro neighborhood, where we took in monuments and the massive estates that once housed the elites of Buenos Aires in 30-room palaces. Here we learned about the South American independence war and even the current struggle of Argentina trying to claim back the Islas Malvinas, also known as the Falkland Islands. We then hopped on the ever-efficient subway system of the city and popped out into the neighborhood of Recoleta, which turned out to be one of my favorites. Here we took in the historic Basílica Nuestra Señora del Pilar which is built in traditional Hispanic colonial fashion and ended our tours next to the infamous Recoleta Cemetery, which always deserves a stop in. Be sure to pop into what has been named the most beautiful bookstore in the world, the Ateneo Grand Splendid, which is a massive bookstore housed in an old theater. My mom and I then returned to Palermo where we stumbled across an incredible boot maker, La Casa de Las Botas, which turned out to be a Buenos Aires icon. The room smells of rich leather and you could spend all day running your hands over the artfully crafted riding boots that outfit the famous polo players of the region. My mother, being a professional cowgirl, reveled in the site of such craftsmanship and even had her measurements taken to order a custom pair down the road. This was what was so special about Buenos Aires, nothing felt rushed, rather our meals were long, and our strolls were leisurely. If there is one thing that Argentines have clear, that is that you can’t rush art and craftsmanship. Perhaps it was that very essence that made us fall in love with this South American city so quickly and why we can’t wait to get back.”

 

Allie and her mother only had a few short days in the city and still managed to fall in love! Buenos Aires truly offers so much that you could easily spend a month exploring and still not see it all. On our Argentina: Wine, Culture & la Patagonia trip happening April 16th - 28th, 2023 we’ll do the classic must-dos of the city but also wander off the beaten path and get a real look into the daily lives of the Argentine people. Your guide, Pam, lived in Argentina for 10 years and truly knows, understands, and appreciates the country, culture, and people. Her personal connections allow you to get a glimpse into the reality of the country and get the inside scoop that most tourists never do.

 

 

On our small group tour in Argentina, you’ll also have the chance to explore the regions of Mendoza and Patagonia, seeing it all from sprawling wineries to snow-crested peaks. We’ll go on a true Argentina wine tour while in Mendoza, with your guide Pam - a studied and certified sommelier! You’ll stay at a healthy mix of boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts, and a night of luxury at the Llao Llao Lodge Bariloche, seeing the vast nuances of the country and all it has to offer. 

We only have THREE spots left remaining on our April 2023 trip, so be sure to snag your spot today! Have any questions about this last-minute adventure? Simply send us an email at hola@theheartoftravel.org and someone from our team will reach out as soon as possible. P.S. Keep scrolling for a discount code that doesn't come around often...

Abrazos desde la bella Antigua, Guatemala

Chelsea & The Heart of Travel Team