Argentina With Kids: How to Plan a Family Trip to Argentina

Argentina is one of those countries that surprises families. The food is approachable, the people are incredibly warm with kids, and there is enough variety to fill two or three weeks without repeating anything.

Buenos Aires feels like a European capital with South American energy. Patagonia is raw, wide open wilderness. Mendoza is vineyards against the Andes. Ushuaia is the end of the world, and kids think that is the coolest thing they have ever heard.

The exchange rate has been favorable for US travelers, which means the trip goes further than you expect. Steak dinners, private wine tours, boutique hotels. All of it costs less than you think.

When to go

Argentina on a US school calendar

1. 1October through December

   Southern spring

   One of the two best windows. Patagonia opens up, temperatures are comfortable in Buenos Aires, and Mendoza’s vineyards are green. November is ideal for most of the country.

2. 2January through March

   Southern summer

   Peak season in Patagonia with the longest days and warmest temperatures. Buenos Aires empties out as locals head to the coast. January is the hottest month in the capital. This lines up with US winter break for January trips.

3. 3April through June

   Southern autumn

   Beautiful in Mendoza with harvest season and autumn colors. Patagonia starts closing down as days shorten. Buenos Aires is comfortable. Good for spring break trips that fall in April.

4. 4July through September

   Southern winter

   Ski season in Bariloche and the Andes. Buenos Aires is cool but manageable. Patagonia is largely shut down. This lines up with US summer break, and skiing in July is a novelty kids love.

Where to go

Buenos Aires first, then pick your region

Start with two or three days in Buenos Aires. After that, the question is what your family wants. Glaciers and hiking? Patagonia. Wine and mountains? Mendoza. The end of the world? Ushuaia.

Wine + mountains

Mendoza

Vineyards against the Andes, family friendly wine tours (yes, they exist), horseback riding, and rafting on the Mendoza River. Three days is the sweet spot.

End of the world

Ushuaia

The southernmost city in the world. Beagle Channel boat tours, Tierra del Fuego National Park, and the bragging rights of standing at the bottom of the map. Two to three days.

Where to sleep

Rooms for a family of 4 or 5

Argentina has excellent hotels at every level. Buenos Aires has boutique hotels in Palermo and Recoleta that feel like home. Patagonia lodges are an experience in themselves. Mendoza has wine estate stays that work for families.

Getting around

Flights, distances, and what to know

• Direct flights from Miami, Houston, Dallas and New York to Buenos Aires take 10 to 12 hours. Overnight flights work well and arrive in the morning
• Argentina is huge. Domestic flights connect Buenos Aires to Mendoza (2 hours), Ushuaia (3.5 hours), and El Calafate for the glaciers (3 hours)
• No visa needed for US citizens. Just a valid passport
• The peso fluctuates. Check the exchange rate before you go and bring US dollars. The official and unofficial rates have historically differed
• Dinner starts at 9 PM or later. Kids are welcome at restaurants at all hours. Adjust your schedule or eat early at your hotel
• Tipping is 10 percent at restaurants. Not expected in taxis but appreciated
• Spanish is the language. English is spoken in tourist areas of Buenos Aires but less so elsewhere. A few phrases go a long way

Before you go

The boring stuff, sorted

Quick answers