Adventure Activities in Argentina

The very word Argentina evokes passion and extremes – think tango, Maradona, Eva Peron – but it is only as you stand among some of the world’s most shapely and forbidding mountains, or teeter at the roaring edge of Iguazú Falls, that you realise the extremes here are natural.

The highest peak outside of the Himalayas rises in Argentina, not far from a vast expanse of flat, outback-like pampas the size of neighbouring Chile. The world’s largest waterfall system thunders through rainforest, and glaciers crackle around the ankles of the Andes – almost 50 of them in one national park alone.

Argentina boasts towns synonymous with adventure such as El Chaltén, Mendoza, and Bariloche, featuring peaks that stir anxiety in even the boldest mountaineers.

Moreover, the Andes form a serrated barrier along the entirety of the country’s western border, stretching for all 5000km. These peaks are shaped by some of the world’s fiercest weather, with both the Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties slicing through the country. Consequently, you will find various Southern Hemisphere summer adventure opportunities beckoning: trekking, mountaineering, white-water rafting… even land sailing.

Diving

Fancy diving off the southernmost continental tip in the world? Ushuaia has a number of great dive sites, including plenty of shipwrecks and swirling kelp forests through the Beagle Channel – needless to say, drysuits are essential. At Punta Loma on Península Valdés, you can dive (or snorkel) among a colony of sea lions. For a unique experience, head to Bariloche to dive in the alpine Nahuel Huapi Lake, 760m above sea level, where you will encounter trout and explore an underwater museum of submerged log sculptures around Isla de las Gallinas.

Whitewater Paddling

Rivers run like veins from the Andes, offering a wealth of whitewater opportunities. Mendoza is an excellent base for rafting, with commercial trips available on four rivers, including the famed Atuel and the class IV Mendoza and Diamante rivers. For paddlers, Patagonia provides masterful scenery that enhances the activity. The milky, forest-wrapped waters of the Río Hua Hum (San Martín de los Andes) and the boulder-strewn Río Corcovado (Esquel) are particularly stunning.

Cycle Touring

The roads of Argentina are a playground for cyclists willing to explore, but for a truly memorable experience, let the ripio (dirt roads) guide you. Steer away from the tourist hotspots of the south and head instead to the lesser-frequented northeast regions of Catamarca, La Rioja, and Mendoza. If you’re pressed for time, dive right in with a one-day off-road adventure on the old road from Londres to Tinogasta, where you’ll pedal through dusty Wild West-esque landscapes filled with flowering cacti.

If near Mendoza, take the tough Route 13 to Uspallata. Expect steep inclines leading to a highpoint at 3200m above sea level, rewarded with swooping condors and sublime sunsets. Don’t miss out on the ride from Salta to the vineyard mecca of Cafayate, where you can enjoy breathtaking landscapes and indulge in a glass of vino tinto.

Mountain Biking

Though mountain biking remains fairly undeveloped in Argentina, it offers unique experiences. Bariloche, the thriving heart of Argentina’s Lake District, features a summer mountain-bike park among the ski fields of Cerro Catedral. Expect loose, dusty riding in this established area, which has hosted events like the Enduro World Series.

Windsurfing & Kitesurfing

Wind is a driving force at the well-named Dique Cuesta del Viento, or ‘slope of the wind reservoir’. Nestled in a desert-like landscape, this location is considered one of South America’s premier kitesurfing and windsurfing spots. Mornings are deceptively calm, making way for reliable afternoon winds from October to early May.

Land Sailing

When a lake is devoid of water, conventional sailing is impossible; however, across the clay surface of Pampa El Leoncito, 25km from Barreal, land sailing, or carrovelismo, flourishes. ‘Wind cars’ achieve speeds over 100km/h across the smooth, 13km-long lake bed, with reliable evening winds providing ample propulsion. You can take a tandem joyride with a guide or work your way up to driving your own single-seater.

Trail Running

Argentina is home to rigorous ultramarathons, such as the Patagonia Run, which sends runners through stunning Andean scenes and offers various distances up to 145km. This event serves as a qualifier for prestigious races like the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc.

Also keep an eye out for The North Face Endurance Challenge, involving distances up to 80km and set in changing locations that include Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes. In addition, San Martín de los Andes hosts La Mision, a four-day self-sufficient trekking event where participants navigate 160km or 200km of epic Andean terrain.

Mountaineering & Climbing

El Chaltén is renowned as a mountaineers’ haven, with peaks such as Monte Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre attracting the hardiest climbers. The formidable Cerro Torre is known for its challenging climbs, with a history rife with intrigue.

If the heights of Fitz Roy and Torre seem too intimidating, consider the moderate ascent of 2248m Cerro Solo, which offers spectacular views without excessive technical demands.

Trekking

Argentina’s Andean mountain range, which serves as a 5000km spine, is perfect for trekking enthusiasts. Explore the storied landscape through numerous trails, particularly those surrounding Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre.

Patagonia

Patagonia’s rugged beauty, characterized by monumental glaciers, windswept landscapes, and extreme weather, presents incredible opportunities for trekking. The Torres del Paine trek, located just across the border in Chile, is world-famous, but hiking from El Chaltén into Parque Nacional Los Glaciares is equally breathtaking, leading you to the iconic Monte Fitz Roy.

The Lake District

Bariloche and the surrounding area provide fantastic trekking opportunities among stunning peaks and alpine lakes. The Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi is a beautiful destination for multi-day treks, where you can encounter Andean condors soaring overhead.

Tierra del Fuego

In Argentina’s southernmost region, a gateway to Antarctica, explore the rugged Fuegian Andes and elusive trails that reveal the untouched beauty of nature. Here, conditions can be harsh, but the sense of remote exploration is unparalleled.

Further north, Aconcagua (6962m), the highest mountain outside the Himalayas, is a tremendous allure for trekkers and climbers alike. Its ascent typically requires a two-week commitment, where the challenges of altitude and weather are ever-present. Popular routes lead through Plaza de Mulas and offer scenic mountain vistas.

Moreover, there are numerous prime rock-climbing spots throughout this diverse country. Frey, situated on the granite spires of Cerro Catedral, is often regarded as the finest climbing area in South America, while Los Gigantes boasts limestone crags and a plethora of routes.