Parker Elizabeth Travel
luxury travel planning services for off-the-beaten-path destinations

Central & South America

Guide to Buenos Aires & Northern Argentina

Combining travel to Buenos Aires and Northern Argentina is the perfect blend of city and countryside lifestyles. Buenos Aires' bustling cafe culture and extensive culture lures city dwellers in, while Northern Argentina is a bit more off-the-beaten-path and a less touristy spot for vineyard visiting and hiking. Both Salta and Cafayate have incredible hikes, restaurants and vineyards that are great spots for those who want to live more like the locals. 

BUENOS AIRES

Stay

  • Alvear Palace Hotel: Located in Buenos Aires’ chic La Recoleta neighborhood, this luxury palatial hotel boasts multiple restaurants and a rooftop bar with city views.

  • Estancia La Bamba de Areco: Historic-style hotel located on sprawling grounds with first-class equestrian heritage.

Eat

  • El Preferido de Palermo: This is probably my favorite restaurant in Buenos Aires. In a charming pink-painted house, El Preferedio is set in a quiet corner of Palermo Soho. The shrimp scampi is a must.

  • Don Julio: One of the most popular steakhouses in Buenos Aires you cannot go wrong with eating here. Indulge in the rich steaks and wine in an intimate ambiance.

  • Bar Presidente: A swanky bar set in Recoleta that creates unique cocktails. The majority of the ingredients are original to Argentina.

  • Casa Cavia: The perfect spot for a swanky lunch as it is in an historic Buenos Aires Building from 1927. Surrounded by a garden and courtyard, this modern menu will leave your palate satisfied from the unique flavors.

Activities

  • Recoleta Cemetery: A stunning cemetery that is the home of notable Argentinian people. Visitors feel a deep sense of culture and history.

  • Jardin Japones: As one of the largest Japanese Gardens of the world, this tranquil spot is perfect for an afternoon stroll to escape the bustling city life.

  • Tango Show: An Argentine pastime, attending a tango show is a must! Teatro Astor Piazzolla is a classic and pays homage to Astor Piazzolla. This show is in the glamorous Galeria Guemes and dinner can be added on.

  • Shop & dine in Palermo Soho: Visit this beautiful Buenos Aires neighborhood to experience the true cafe culture of the city. Grab a sweet treat and espresso for an afternoon of people watching.

SALTA

Stay

  • Legado Mítico Salta: Colorful art-forward boutique hotel with authentic northern Argentinian culture.

  • House of Jasmines: Rugged-chic hotel and spa set at the base of the Andes.

Eat

  • Jose Balcarce Bistro - The best restaurant I've eaten at in Northern Argentina. The service was impeccable and the flavors of the food were powerful and unique.

  • La Cefira - A unique gourmet pasta house located in the heart of Salta. Try the unique combinations of pasta and sauces and ask the attentive servers for wine pairing recommendations.

Activities

  • Teleferico San Bernardo: A funicular that takes you to the top of San Bernardo’s Hill where you can enjoy sweeping views of the Lerma Valley. Grab an espresso at the top of the hill at one of the cafes and then take a leisurely hike down the mountain.

  • Salt Flats: Purmamarca y Salinas Grandes are the Salt flats of Jujuy and Salta. The unique wide white desert draws visitors here. This is typically an all day excursion from Salta with the option to go with a tour group.

CAFAYATE

Stay

  • Patios De Cafayate: Upscale hotel furnished with charming country decor in the heart of Argentina wine country.

  • Grace Cafayate: Luxury hotel and spa with relaxed rooms, a restaurant, wine bar, and cigar lounge set in the Argentinian countryside.

Eat

  • Patios de Cafayate - A classic Argentinian menu filled with steaks and vegetable side alternatives. Go here for lunch for a view of the vineyard or in the evening for a more elegant atmosphere.

  • Pacha Cocina de Autor - Unique menu with innovative flavors and ingredients, Pacha is the place for a foodie who wants more of an extravagant dining experience. A sophisticated spot with tasteful presentation.

Activities

  • Wineries! Some of my favorites in the Cafayate region are Bodega El Esteco, Porvenir, Piattelli, Finca Los Nubes and many more. You can schedule tasting and tours ahead of time, or stay to enjoy lunch and the view.

  • La Quebrada de Las Conchas hiking: One of the most iconic drives in Northern Argentina and plenty of places to hike along the way. My favorite stops along these red canyon rocks include hiking to Los Estratos, Devil’s Throat (La Garganta del Diablo), The Toad (El Sapo), The Obelisk (El Obelisco) and many more. Stop at El Anfiteatro for a great photo opp and a delicious tortilla con queso from a small wood-fired kitchen at the entrance.

Want curated travel advice for off-the-beaten-path activities and a full travel itinerary with detailed recommendations? Get additional hotel perks by booking through me, including upgrade on arrive, daily breakfast, $100 food & beverage credit and more. Send me a note!

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