unique experiences in classic destinations in Argentina

Summer vacations are coming and many of those who have already defined their destination begin to dream and plan their days off.

If you are already looking for what to do, here we propose a series of not so classic activities in traditional destinationsand suggestions to keep in mind.

It is worth clarifying: in times of inflation and uncertainty, the prices recorded are those collected last week.

And summer and year-round classic. For a short getaway or to stay all month. With beaches in the center and others further away, 5-star hotels, hostels and campsites, activities in nature and other very urban ones, spas with all the services, a gastronomy that is going strong, a beer circuit and much more.

Among the countless proposals that this spa city has, here we choose three options.

The first, go up to the viewpoint of the Tank Tower (Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; weekends and holidays, consult 451-4681). Built in 1943 on the Stella Maris hill, it offers a panoramic viewpoint and access is free.

A dream for many that is renewed every summer: Learn to surf. The Mar del Plata Surf School (www.escueladesurfmdp.com.ar) is in Spa 8 of Playa Grande, better known as Biología.

Classes last 90 minutes and include all equipment: special learning boards and a wetsuit. There are group classes every day at 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17. No reservation is needed (yes for private classes); Arrive 15 minutes before the chosen time. Per class, $9,000. Courses of 5 and 10 classes ($42,500 and $83,000). Minimum age, 5 years.

Y something calmer for the afternoon: visit a craft beer factory with tasting.

With the factory located outside the tourist circuit, Antares – which is celebrating its 25 years – conducts guided tours on Fridays and Saturdays at 6 p.m. (they may add hours in the summer).

It currently costs $6,000 per person and includes a half-pint glass, tastings during the tour and a half-pint to drink at the factory bar after the visit (Whatsapp 223 3445326; Instagram @bardelafabrica).

Patagonia’s star destination: wide variety of hotel offerings, gastronomy, tour options for all tastes and very good air connectivity. Bariloche is synonymous with beach and mate afternoons next to a lake, trekking between mountains and forests, great landscapes from different viewpoints and Patagonian flavors.

Have you ever slept – or, at least, stopped – in a shelter, on top of a mountain? In Bariloche you can make trips of a few hours, a day or several, using the network of mountain refuges connected by trails.

Some of the best known:

• Frey, 1,700 m on the shores of the Toncek lagoon. With 35 beds, it offers meals, overnight stays and excursions (overnight stays from $15,000);

• Agostino Rocca is on the eastern slope of Cerro Tronador and stands out for its unparalleled views;

• Jakob ranks among the best, with capacity for 60 people (overnight from $12,000).

• El López, at 1,629 meters above sea level, accommodates up to 100 people and offers the most beautiful panoramic view of Lake Nahuel Huapi, El Moreno and surrounding areas (overnight stay from $15,000);

• and Berghof, where the founder of the Bariloche Andean Club, Otto Meiling, lived, which is for day use (barilocheturismo. gob.ar/es/aventura-refugios).

More adventure? A rafting on the Manso River It ensures adrenaline and spectacular landscapes. Manso Villegas is the most family-friendly option (from 5 years old). The jumps are category II and III (beginner/intermediate) and the adventure lasts 5 and a half hours. It is one hour from Bariloche to the meeting point with the guides. Preseason rate, $42,000 per person with transfer.

The most adventurous option – for those over 14 years old and in good physical condition; is likely to fall into the water – it is Manso Frontera. You leave Bariloche at 8am and return at 6pm. From $68,000 (www.extremosur.com).

Land of great landscapes, traditions, adventure and very good wines. A little over a year ago, this unmissable destination in Salta added a new way to enjoy the region: in hot air balloon.

Con Advance reservation, the balloons leave very early, the sun barely rises, since it is the best time due to the weather conditions. “We receive the passengers with breakfast, we give them an instructional talk and then it’s time for the flight, which lasts between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the direction and speed of the wind,” they explain in Plumaria, a company that also offers transfers and panoramic rides by plane and gliders.

The closure is in keeping with the region: cheese and wine tasting of the area, where the balloon lands.

The flight can carry between 3 and 4 passengers (depending on weight and conditions of the day) and the entire activity, from the moment the passengers are received until they return to the Cafayate airport, base of operations, lasts about three hours. It costs about US$150 per person (plumaria.ar).

It’s one of the main destinations in Chubut every summer; not only for its extensive sandy beach and the calm sea of ​​the San Matías Gulf, but also for its incredible variety of fauna and the activities that can be practiced.

In summer the whales are not there, but there is no shortage of protagonists: penguinselephant seals, dolphins and orcas, as well as sea lions, which are there all year round and with whom you can dive and snorkel.

The National Diving Capital It has a large underwater park to learn to dive, boarded excursions in search of dolphins, walks and mountain biking through the nearby hills and 4×4 outings, among other options.

And alternatives such as “Sunset Penguins”, an excursion to enjoy the sunset on the seashore among penguins and culminate with dinner at a ranch. Two proposals: the San Lorenzo ranch, 160 km from Madryn, in Peninsula Valdés, or El Pedral, in Punta Ninfas, 75 km southeast of the city.

In both cases, the outing includes a guide, round-trip transfers from Madryn, entry to the Peninsula Valdés protected area in the case of San Lorenzo, exclusive tour of the penguin colony, dinner with drinks, refreshments and snacks. For two people, US$295 each; more than two, US$200 (MEP dollar; 0280 466-3431; terravaldes.com).

Another interesting and not so common excursion here is the Stargazingsomething like a “tourist circuit” through the Solar System, the constellations, bright stars, Greek mythology and Tehuelche worldview.

You visit the San Guillermo ranch at sunset and observe the Moon with a telescope and binoculars, a stove (depending on weather conditions), and a hot drink and a snack are included. December rate, $23,000 for adults, $18,400 for children from 6 to 11 years old.

In addition, there are special departures on full moon nights and with eclipses, equinoxes and solstices (0280-467-8583; patagoniasky.com.ar).

Undoubtedly the Los Glaciares National Parkwith the Perito Moreno glacier and navigations in search of other glaciers such as Upsala and Onelli, are the main attractions of this Santa Cruz destination every summer.

But, protected from an increasing influx of visitors from all over the world, El Calafate was increasing its offer of activities, from 4×4 excursions to mountain bike outings, days of stay or horseback riding, among many others.

An example is the “Nativo Experience” excursion, which ends with a meal in a cave with rock paintings on the shores of Lake Argentinobetween cliffs and with views of the Cordillera.

The outing focuses on the first contacts of the pioneer expeditionaries with the native peoples, to then enter the “Tehuelche world”, upon reaching the caves where thousands of years ago that culture left its marks.

About 500 meters of the archaeological site are covered, interpreting the cave paintings, and the visit culminates with a traditional Patagonian meal (lunch or dinner) in that unique location, where thousands of years ago the original inhabitants ate. In December the rate is $50,000 per person (www.patago niadreams.com.ar).

And when it comes to marveling at the ancient Patagonian ice, the not-so-known option of “Perito Moreno Kayak Experience” appears, to feel the grandeur of the most famous glacier.

It’s a silent and “from below” approach” to the ice (respecting safe distances), paddling for almost an hour and a half near the majestic icebergs floating in the lake and with impressive views.

There is a “base” option and another “full day” option, which includes transfers from the hotel in El Calafate and an extra hour to walk the walkways (base rate in December, $115,000; www. patagoniadreams.com.ar).

It is the greatest mirror of South American salt water -fifth in the world- and is home to more than 370 species of birds, including one of the most important flamingo colonies on the continent.

The Mar Chiquita lagoon, or Mar de Ansenuzawhere the Ansenuza National Park was recently created, is outside the circuit of the mountains, but in summer it attracts with its spas, the plus of history and rural tourism.

There are water sports and boat rides through this internal “sea,” in addition to land activities such as horseback riding or trekking.

A must-see is a visit to the ruins of the Grand Hotel Viennafamous for its past of opulence and its ghosts (guided tours $1,500; night -by reservation- $2,000; WhatsApp +54 9 3563 414731).

Walk the catwalks and admire the Iguazu Falls from different perspectives and lose your gaze on the powerful Devil’s Throat: it is clear that the first thing one wants to do when arriving at the Iguazú National Park, in Misiones, is to enjoy this natural wonder, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

But if you like trekking and escape for a while from the usual circuits, the recommendation is to take the Sendero Macuco: 3.5 km – 7 km round trip – within the Park to the Arrechea Falls, more than 20 meters.

It is a wild place, without services, you have to follow the instructions of the park rangers and complete the route with natural light. Entrance to the Park costs $2,500.

News of the destination: this year the Glamping Selva Iguazú opened, 20 kilometers from the Falls.