Best Family Road Trips in Argentina
Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world. It offers 3779 km from north to south, and 1423 km from east to west to explore. The most important routes start in Buenos Aires and are directed to the different regions of Argentina, except some of them, like the mystic National Route (NR) 40. This country has mountains, plateaus, valleys, lakes, glaciers, wetlands, waterfalls, sea, and more! road tripping Argentina is a good option when you want to visit deeply every destination. The good thing is that almost all of the destinations have options to do family activities. Stay if you want to know more about the best family road trips in Argentina for families with children above 12.
Wetlands, Ruins, and Waterfalls
This road trip starts in Buenos Aires. You drive north and cross Entre Rios Province to reach the first stop: Mercedes, in Corrientes Province. After spending the night the adventure begins! From here is easy to get to Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, the most important town to access Iberá Wetlands. Considered one of the richest ecosystems of South America, Ibera Wetlands is home to more than 350 species of birds and other animals such as alligators, marsh dears, capybaras, and many endemic species, and is surrounded by pristine landscapes. The amazing wildlife and nature give this itinerary the place as one of the best family road trips in Argentina.
After spending some days here you will drive to Posadas, the capital of Misiones Province. From here you will drive 307 km to Puerto Iguazú through one of the most interesting roads in Argentina known as Yerba Mate Road. You will drive next to Mate plantations and Jesuitic Ruins. We recommend visiting San Ignacio Ruins to learn more about how natives and the Company of Jesus lived together so peacefully.
Salta and Jujuy
Full of colors and contrasts, with Inca’s reminiscences and adobe houses that seem to be an extension of the earth, the Northwest is considered one of the most complete attractions of Argentina. During this road trip, you will enjoy an immense variety of landscapes: the arid Puna with its Llamas and the Salt fields (Salinas Grandes); Cachi with its Cactus; Quebrada de Humahuaca with the indigenous communities and the magnificent Hill of Seven Colors; the Valles Calchaquíes with Cafayate, and many other hidden pearls that enrich the souls of those who visit them. The circuit uses the City of Salta as the main hub and draws a number 8 by connecting some parts of NR 9, NR 40, and local important and mesmerizing routes. Get ready to drive some of the highest routes you will drive in your life, where you will dive over 4.000 m.a.s.l.
RN 40: from Sala and Jujuy to Mendoza
The previous circuit can be continued south through NR 40 until reaching the famous Mendoza. In between the Northwest of Argentina and the Cuyo Region are the Parks Talampaya and Valle de la Luna – UNESCO World Heritage sites, which are full of paleontological and archaeological richness. Rocks, cliffs and shapes, along with the regional flora and fauna, form a spectacular scenery worth seeing. Is a very interesting and fun destination to enjoy the best family road trip in Argentina. Mendoza is a very important city in Argentina, it produces about 75% of Argentina’s wine and is home to the one and only Aconcagua.
Seven Lakes Route: Bariloche, Villa La Angostura and San Martin de Los Andes
The Lake District is perfect for any kind of traveler, but even more for families. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy such as trekking, canopy through forests, kayaking, and more. Also, this region is famous for its gastronomy, in Bariloche you can enjoy the Chocolate Museum. Bariloche is the main hub of this region, but in just 190 km you reach San Martin de Los Andes, diving through Villa La Angostura and 7 different Lakes to enjoy.
Bariloche, El Bolson, Los Alerces National Park
If camping in nature and visiting hippy towns is what you like, this is the best family road trip for you! After visiting Bariloche, if we continue south through NR 40 you will reach El Bolson. A particular microclimate makes every season unique. In the winter, you can ski in Mount Perito Moreno; in spring and fall, the cypresses, coihues and lengas growing in its forests explode with colors.
In the summer, the watercourses are ideal for fishing, lake rides, and other nautical sports such as surfing and river rafting. Visitors may also enjoy hikes, horseback rides, mountain biking, and climbing, or spending a day on the beach by some lake or creek. Another beautiful place near el Bolson is Lago Puelo.
Between El Bolson and Esquel, Los Alernces National Park awaits with more than 200 thousand hectares of nature. Also, some restaurants, camping, fishing areas, and lodges can be found nearby.
Bariloche to Puerto Madryn
This road trip combines the Andes with the Atlantic. You’ll start from Puerto Madryn and Peninsula Valdés, which is home to incredible species such as the Southern Right Whale, penguins, Killer Whales, sea elephants, and more. You can even snorkel with sea lions! Nearby you can also visit the largest penguin rookery in South America, Punta Tombo. Sea wildlife is just one of the reasons why this road deserves its place on the list of Best Family Road Trips in Argentina.
Will then continue through Gaiman and the welsh route, crossing from the sea to the Andes through the mythical steppe. Right at the feet of the Andes, the first attractions will be Esquel, and Trevelin (in October have beautiful Tulipan plantations).
The idea is to continue up north driving along the route 40, passing by Los Alerces National Park, El Bolson, Lago Puelo, and then reach Bariloche.
The remote Southern Patagonia
If your family likes the adventure, immersing yourselves in the roads that go around Santa Cruz and Tierra del Fuego could be a perfect match. A nice itinerary is the one that starts in El Calafate and finishes in Ushuaia. You start visiting El Chalten with its iconic “Fitz Roy” and “Torre” mounts, ideal to go for trekking. Then, you continue your ride visiting El Calafate and the impressive Glacier Perito Moreno. Afterward, you cross to Chile and pass by Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, and Punta Arenas, right after crossing the Magellan Strait toward Tierra del Fuego island. Already at the island -shared between Argentina and Chile-, you drive down south to Ushuaia (Argentina), the southernmost city in the world. An epic trip!
Combining Chile…
There are plenty of options to cross the Andes Range and enjoy not only Argentina but to combine it with Chile. For more information about our Top 10 Chile-Argentina border crossings click here.
By Morena Domsch – Beyond BA LATAM team
There are plenty of options that, although we didn’t include, are available. Is important to take into account that all of the itineraries can be modified to each family needs. Don’t doubt on writing to us for more information.
Beyond BA LATAM offers tours and experiences for all these alternatives, where we stand out in tailor-made vacations, designed around your interests and travel style. Contact us, learn about more things to do in Argentina, and let’s plan your next beautiful journey together!
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