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Martín Gunter - Instituto Fueguino de Turismo | Ushuaia
Martín Gunter - Instituto Fueguino de Turismo

Winter Holidays: 10 Getaways in Argentina Beyond the Usual Destinations

Food escapes near Buenos Aires, the Beagle Channel and the Puna: a guide to the best winter getaways for July and August.

Carola Cinto
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If there's one thing Argentina has, it's variety. Across the country you'll find countless landscapes to discover and unique travel experiences to enjoy. Winter holidays and long weekends are the perfect excuse to break away from routine and explore everything from snow-covered mountains and charming villages to wine routes, hot springs and unforgettable food experiences.

If you still haven't decided where to go, we've put together a selection of ideal winter escapes. These ten destinations combine nature, adventure, relaxation, culture and gastronomy. From the Quebrada de Humahuaca to Patagonia, the list includes Córdoba, Catamarca, Río Negro and Santiago del Estero.

1. Ride Through Jujuy's Villages by Train

There are few opportunities to explore Argentina by train, so this one is worth taking. The Solar Train of the Quebrada is just two years old and is the only solar-powered train in Latin America. The route stops at Volcán, Tumbaya, Purmamarca, Posta de Hornillos, Maimará and Tilcara.

The 360 Experience lets you travel the entire line in a single day, accompanied by a specialized guide, with activities at each station and free time to explore every village. It's one of the best ways to discover the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Good to know: The train features floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, offering spectacular views throughout the journey. They also organize themed departures, including nighttime trips with astronomical observation and dinner under the stars.

Getting there: The experience starts in Volcán, about 40 minutes from San Salvador de Jujuy. When purchasing your train ticket, you can also book transfers to Volcán.

2. Follow the Wine Route in Río Negro

Stretching from Alto Valle to the Atlantic coast, Río Negro is one of Argentina's top wine regions and the country's leading destination for Pinot Noir. This scenic route winds through rivers and valleys and includes more than 22 wineries and producers, each offering a different experience.

In General Roca you'll find the iconic Bodega Hugo Canale. Along the Colorado River sits the modern Bodega Trina, while Villa Regina is home to the Cider and Wine Museum. In El Bolsón, Bodega Familia de Bernardi lies at the foot of Piltriquitrón Hill.

Good to know: Most wineries along the route offer guided tours, tastings and immersive wine experiences.

Getting there: The wineries are spread along National Route 22, passing through towns such as General Fernández Oro, Cipolletti, General Roca, Mainqué, Ingeniero Huergo and Villa Regina.

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3. Ski at Cerro Bayo

If you love snow sports, this is the perfect winter getaway. Located in Villa La Angostura, Cerro Bayo is one of Argentina's favorite ski resorts thanks to its excellent slopes and mountain lodges overlooking Nahuel Huapi Lake.

In addition to its 24 ski runs, ranging from beginner to expert, and 11 lifts, the resort offers snowshoe hikes, tubing, sledding and several dining options. This season it also unveiled a new quad chairlift and upgraded its snowmaking system.

Good to know: Lift passes can be purchased online with multi-day promotions and interest-free installment plans.

Getting there: Fly or drive to Bariloche, then continue approximately 86 km along National Route 40 to reach the resort.

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4. Mountain Views and an Adults-Only Hotel in Traslasierra

If you're looking to disconnect and enjoy a romantic getaway, this is the place. Nestled in the heart of Traslasierra and surrounded by native forest, Calma Nono offers breathtaking views of the Altas Cumbres mountains and the tranquility that defines the region. The suites feature wood-burning fireplaces, private terraces and panoramic double jacuzzis designed to immerse guests in the mountain landscape.

Good to know: The hotel is exclusively for guests over 18, making it perfect for a peaceful winter escape for couples.

Getting there: Paraje La Quebrada s/n, Las Calles, Traslasierra Valley, Córdoba Province. From Buenos Aires, take National Route 9 to Río Segundo and continue via the Altas Cumbres Road.

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5. Relax in Río Hondo's Thermal Waters

Taking a dip outdoors in the middle of winter deserves a place on any bucket list. Río Hondo is one of Latin America's most important thermal destinations, combining wellness, nature and an extensive selection of hotels.

Most accommodations feature spas, thermal circuits, family-friendly pools and excellent restaurants. While you're there, don't miss the Automobile Museum, home to several historic cars, or the Frontal Dam and waterfront promenade.

Good to know: Río Hondo's thermal waters come from one of Latin America's largest hydrothermal basins, making it one of Argentina's leading wellness destinations.

Getting there: The city is about 75 km from Santiago del Estero. From Buenos Aires, direct flights from Aeroparque take approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes.

6. Spa and Outstanding Dining in Córdoba City

If you're looking for an urban getaway, Azur Hotel & Spa offers a boutique experience that blends historic architecture, contemporary design and Córdoba's rich heritage. Located in the city's historic center, it's one of Córdoba's most distinctive hotels thanks to its wellness-focused philosophy and thoughtful details.

In addition to its renowned spa, the hotel is home to La Despensa, a restaurant showcasing Córdoba's artisan producers, seasonal ingredients and native forest products. The menu is based on organic, locally sourced ingredients and changes with the natural rhythms of regional producers.

Good to know: For every reservation, the hotel plants a native tree, contributing to the reforestation of Córdoba Province.

Getting there: San Jerónimo 257, Córdoba's historic center.

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7. Nature, History and a Remote Ranch in El Calafate

Estancia Cristina is one of El Calafate's signature experiences, combining nature, history and adventure. Located inside Los Glaciares National Park and accessible only by boat, it offers access to some of Patagonia's most spectacular scenery.

The excursion includes sailing among the icebergs of Lago Argentino, touring the historic ranch founded in 1914, hiking through the Caterina River Valley and visiting the Upsala Lookout, one of the few viewpoints overlooking the immense Upsala Glacier and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Visitors can also explore the historic museum, enjoy trekking routes and sample Patagonian cuisine.

You may also like: 10 Argentine Villages with Fewer Than 400 Inhabitants Worth Visiting

Good to know: The only way to reach Estancia Cristina is by navigating across Lago Argentino among towering icebergs. Check out our guide to the must-see attractions in El Calafate for more inspiration.

Getting there: Located inside Los Glaciares National Park, about 45 km from El Calafate in Santa Cruz Province. Boat departures leave from Puerto Punta Bandera.

8. Sail the Beagle Channel and Experience Ushuaia's Winter Centers

Ushuaia can't be summed up in a single experience, but in winter two activities stand out: sailing the Beagle Channel and exploring some of the world's southernmost snow centers. Surrounded by mountains, forests and the sea, the city looks like a postcard year-round.

Boat tours along the Beagle Channel visit landmarks such as Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, Sea Lion Island and Bird Island, while longer excursions continue to the penguin colony and Estancia Harberton. Tierra Mayor, Llanos del Castor and Cerro Castor offer cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledding and cozy mountain dining.

Good to know: Ushuaia is one of the few places in the world where you can sail among islands and marine wildlife in the morning, then spend the afternoon enjoying snow activities surrounded by Fuegian forests.

Getting there: Boat tours depart from Ushuaia's tourist port, while the main winter centers are located between 15 and 30 km from downtown.

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9. A Food-Focused Escape Less Than Two Hours from Buenos Aires

If you're looking for an easy getaway from Buenos Aires, Capilla del Señor combines history, gastronomy and the charm of a town where life moves at a slower pace. Recognized as a National Historic Heritage Site, it preserves peaceful streets, century-old buildings and a strong identity shaped by family-run cafés, restaurants and inns.

Beyond strolling through its historic center, the town is a fantastic destination for food lovers. Stop at La Vermutería for a relaxed atmosphere and a regional charcuterie board, head to La Dominga for breakfast or afternoon tea, and enjoy a three-course lunch at Casa Oliva.

Good to know: Many of Capilla del Señor's standout restaurants and accommodations are family-owned, making every meal an opportunity to discover the stories behind the town's identity.

Getting there: Capilla del Señor, Exaltación de la Cruz district, Buenos Aires Province, less than 100 km from Buenos Aires City.

You may also like: The 12 Best Towns in Buenos Aires Province for a Weekend Escape

10. Explore Catamarca's Otherworldly Landscapes

Catamarca remains one of Argentina's hidden gems, yet it's home to some of the country's most extraordinary scenery. Volcanoes, salt flats, high-altitude lagoons and dramatic geological formations make it a dream destination for adventurers, nature lovers and photographers.

Highlights include Campo de Piedra Pómez, an immense white volcanic desert; the Route of the Six-Thousanders, lined with some of the highest volcanoes in the Americas; the scenic Cuesta del Portezuelo; and the White Dunes of Tatón, a stunning sea of sand in the heart of the Puna.

Good to know: Campo de Piedra Pómez covers more than 75,000 hectares, and its landscape—formed by ancient volcanic eruptions—is often compared to the surface of another planet.

Getting there: Most of these attractions are located in Catamarca's Puna region, particularly in the departments of Antofagasta de la Sierra, Tinogasta and Fiambalá, in the western part of the province.

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