Carnival Holiday 2026: the best destinations to visit in Argentina

From February 12 to 17, the entire province transforms into a vibrant festival celebrating local traditions. Carnival kicks off with "Comadres' Thursday," a day when women take center stage, gathering in groups of friends to celebrate. On Saturday, the "Unburying of the Carnival Devil" takes place, one of the most significant rituals that marks the beginning of two days of pure festivity.

The Carnival celebration in Jujuy takes place in the streets of its towns and cities. Parades fill the streets, groups of friends share drinks on every corner, and expect lots of foam, talcum powder, and water. The most colorful places to experience this event are Purmamarca, Tilcara, and Humahuaca.

Tip: Visit different towns throughout the weekend to experience their unique traditions. You can travel by bus, but be patient—Jujuy attracts thousands of tourists during this time.

When it comes to colorful Carnivals, Gualeguaychú undoubtedly takes the prize. Known as the Carnival of the Country, unlike Jujuy, the true stars here are the samba schools that parade every weekend in January and February at the city's Corsódromo.

The spectacle is worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime. Each samba school dazzles with feathered costumes, sparkling outfits, music, and monumental floats. During the Carnival weekend, one samba school will be crowned as the winner.

Just like Jujuy, it's important to book well in advance because the city is often overwhelmed with visitors.

Tip: There are different seating options inside the Corsódromo, from seats in the stands to VIP passes. Tickets can be purchased online via this link.

Where: Maestra Piccini 1100, Gualeguaychú.

Lincoln, a city in the northeast of the province, has been filling its streets with color, comparsas and live shows for more than 100 years. One of the highlights of this celebration is the famous cabezudos: giant papier-mâché figures that parade through the streets. There will also be floats, batucadas and comparsas marching along Avenida Masse.

This year, Carnival celebrations in Lincoln will take place on February 6, 7 and 8, and then again on Carnival weekend: February 14, 15 and 16.

Good to know: at this link, Lincoln’s Tourism Subsecretariat has created a map with geolocated hotels, restaurants and other attractions.

“La Feliz” is one of Argentinians’ most popular destinations for Carnival weekend. It boasts 47 kilometers of coastline where you can enjoy the last warm days of summer, along with activities such as surf schools and beach sports. There are also after-beach gatherings, parties with live DJs, and a packed theater lineup.

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In addition to its beaches, food scene and year-round attractions, the city adds even more color and rhythm with its street parades during Carnival.

Córdoba is always a great choice for a getaway: it’s full of mountain- and river-surrounded spots to discover while avoiding the biggest tourist crowds. Although El Durazno, located in the Calamuchita Valley, has become more popular recently, it still retains its small-town feel.

Its namesake river is its greatest treasure, with crystal-clear, calm waters. There are shallow areas for families and natural pools for those looking to take a dip. The town also offers other attractions, such as a lavender trail connecting four local producers and even an outdoor complex with heated pools.

Good to know: the town has several trekking trails, tea houses and restaurants for a well-rounded stay.

Of all Córdoba’s destinations, Villa Carlos Paz is usually the most popular and best known. Like Mar del Plata, many people choose it for its theater offerings and lively nightlife, making it a favorite among groups of friends.

The city also features a lake ideal for water sports and is close to quieter towns with crystal-clear rivers, such as Villa Icho Cruz, Cuesta Blanca and Tala Huasi. Another advantage is its proximity to Córdoba City, just 40 minutes away by highway.

Good to know: Carlos Paz is also famous for its varied theater scene, making Carnival weekend a great opportunity to catch a show.

Alongside Gualeguaychú, Corrientes’ Carnival is one of the most colorful in the country. Considered the National Capital of Carnival, the city prepares all year for this celebration. More than 4,000 performers take part in parades held over 10 nights at the Nolo Alías Corsodrome. Tickets are available at this link.

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The city has plenty to explore, but one of its main attractions is the Paraná River, with its small beaches, river bars and recreational activities. A must-do is a boat trip to one of the river’s nearly uninhabited islands. If you have a few extra days, we recommend visiting Iberá National Park—a place you should experience at least once in your lifetime.

Good to know: Iberá covers more than 700,000 hectares, making it one of Argentina’s largest national parks. It has several access points offering activities such as horseback riding, boat trips and stargazing.

This is one of the most sought-after destinations for long weekends thanks to its accessibility, with direct flights from most major cities in the country.

The main reason to visit is the impressive Iguazú National Park. The circuit takes at least a full day—possibly more if you want to add activities like the “Great Adventure” boat ride that brings you close to the waterfalls, or the full-moon walk.

Other worthwhile attractions if you’re staying several days or have already seen the Falls include the Moconá Falls, Salto Encantado Provincial Park, and the Tea Route in Oberá, among many others featured in this article.

Good to know: beyond its landscapes, Iguazú also gears up for the weekend with a comparsa competition.

Carnival marks the lead-up to the Grape Harvest Festival (Vendimia), one of the best times to visit the province. A long weekend here should include winery visits, scenic drives through the mountains, and—why not—a bit of nightlife in the capital city.

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No Mendoza plan is complete without dining at a local restaurant or making a strategic stop at an olive oil factory to buy souvenirs. If you’re looking for more ideas, you can find inspiration in this article.

Good to know: Mendoza was chosen by Time Out Travel as one of the destinations worth visiting in 2026