Argentina: Jacaranda Skies, Gaucho Trails, and One Unexpected ER Visit
Let’s talk about Argentina—a trip that blended sunshine, steak, and a few surprises (looking at you, broken wine glass). We spent ten days exploring Buenos Aires and Mendoza over Thanksgiving, and it couldn’t have been better timed. While Chicago was starting to frost over, Argentina greeted us with sunshine and 80-degree days.
Buenos Aires is often called the Paris of South America, and after about ten minutes, I got it. It’s sprawling, stylish, and full of life—but still warm and approachable. We stayed at the Marriott on the front end of the trip and the Hilton on the back—nothing fancy, but solid and reliable. The jacaranda trees were in full bloom—lavender-blue canopies lining the streets. It felt like being dropped into a dream. Some of our favorite stops in Buenos Aires? Let’s start with Caminito, a vibrant neighborhood that feels like a living art exhibit—brightly painted houses, tango dancers in the street, and an energy that buzzes through every corner.
Fogón Asado was an absolute highlight—more than just a dinner, it was a full-on culinary experience. Picture this: you’re welcomed with a yerba mate-infused cocktail and a quick education on the traditional Argentine grill, then seated around a massive open fire with just 30 or so other lucky guests. The nine-course tasting menu is entirely curated by the chef, and if you spring for the wine pairing (you should), your glass is never empty. Every cut of meat is cooked in front of you, each plate somehow better than the last. We were there for nearly three hours, completely in awe. It was cozy, intimate, smoky, and magical in the best possible way.
Pizzería Güerrin also won our hearts, serving up what might be the best pizza I’ve had outside of Italy—chaotic, lively, and pure comfort. We also loved wandering Avenida 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the world—sixteen lanes of traffic wide and totally wild to experience in person. And Confitería Ideal, a historic tearoom dripping in chandeliers and stained glass, made us feel like we’d stepped back in time. We had breakfast there, but it’s the kind of place where you could easily linger with a pastry and a glass of champagne for hours.
Mendoza: Wine, Horses, and One Minor Emergency
After a few city days, we flew west to Mendoza, Argentina’s wine region cradled by the Andes. We stayed in a peaceful Airbnb in Chacras de Coria with a pool, outdoor space, and a local square perfect for antique markets and slow wandering. We kicked things off with a bike tour of the vineyards through Maipu Bikes. Pro tip: arrive early or risk the “character bikes” no one else wanted. The start of the ride is… questionable (hello, narrow industrial streets without real sidewalks), but the second you turn into the vineyards? Pure magic. Food trucks, wine under the trees, shaded picnic tables—it was like stumbling into a movie set. Just gorgeous. Even our 12-year-old was amazed.
Then there was the unplanned adventure. I cut my hand on a wine glass while doing dishes (romantic, right?). One Uber and 75 minutes of blood pressure later, I ended up in a Mendoza ER. The doctor? Lovely. The service? Free. And yes, I’m fine—just with a new appreciation for travel-ready first-aid kits and Google Translate.
The absolute highlight? A day riding horses into the Andes followed by a traditional asado (Argentine BBQ) through Viator. We climbed 2,000 feet on steep, winding trails, living out every gaucho-meets-Yellowstone fantasy imaginable. After the ride, we gathered at a rustic ranch where local cooks had spent the day grilling meats over an open fire. We sipped wine, swapped stories with travelers from all over the world, and soaked in the golden light of the mountains.
We ended the trip at General San Martín Park—lush, local, and full of life. We played cards, drank beer from a food truck, and just exhaled. Argentina was a dream—part old-world elegance, part wild adventure. It was steak and wine, cobblestones and lavender trees, mountain air and city buzz. And yes… it was unforgettable.
Been to Argentina? Dreaming about it? Tell us everything—your favorite bites, best sips, unforgettable moments (or near-misses—we see you, travel chaos). Drop a comment below—we’re always here for a good story, a hot tip, or just to obsess over steak and sunshine with you.
