AArgentina in November. I’m excited to share about my recent trip to Argentina. This was my first adventure to the southern hemisphere and let me tell you—it did not disappoint. We decided to spend 10 days over Thanksgiving exploring Argentina, which was perfect timing. While Chicago was just starting to freeze over, Buenos Aires and Mendoza greeted us with sunny skies and temperatures in the 80s. It was late spring there, but right before the tourist crowds hit their peak over the summer holidays.

We started by flying 10-11 hours directly south into Buenos Aires. First impressions? I completely understand why it’s called the “Paris of South America.” The city has a European vibe with its architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, and cosmopolitan energy. It’s massive but still feels clean for a big city, and the people are so friendly.

One thing to note—English isn’t widely spoken, even in Buenos Aires. My husband’s college Spanish saved us more than once but having a translation app like Google Translate is a must. Even our 12-year-old son, Porter, picked up on how rare English was compared to other places we’ve traveled.

Late spring in Buenos Aires is stunning, thanks to the blooming jacaranda trees. These gorgeous purple-lavender trees line the streets and parks, giving the city a magical vibe. It’s like being in DC or Japan during cherry blossom season—so beautiful and special to experience.

We stayed in the Marriott at the beginning of our trip and the Hilton at the end. They were solid choices—not spectacular, but reliable. If you’re traveling with kids or just want an easy intro to the city, we highly recommend starting with a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. Buenos Aires is huge, and this was the best way to get a feel for the layout. We stayed on for the full three-hour ride, which let us scope out the must-visit spots without wearing out Porter on the first day.

A standout experience in Buenos Aires was visiting Caminito, a vibrant neighborhood that feels like a living, breathing art gallery. It’s packed with brightly painted houses, tango dancers, and incredible energy. Caminito’s history is rooted in its immigrant community, where dockworkers used leftover paint from the shipyards to decorate their homes. It’s a must-see—so colorful and alive.

For dinner, we had one of our most memorable meals at Fogón Asado in the Palermo neighborhood. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an immersive, nine-course culinary experience. You sit in a square around a massive fire pit while chefs explain the cuts of meat, the grill process, and Argentine traditions. We opted for the wine pairing, which elevated every course. It’s intimate, unforgettable, and worth booking months in advance.

Another favorite was Pizzeria Güerrin—hands down the best pizza we’ve had outside of Italy. It’s comfort food done right, with a fun vibe. Definitely make a reservation because it’s packed 24/7. Oh, and don’t miss Avenida 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the world. Picture 16 lanes of traffic, 140 meters across, with the iconic Obelisk in the middle. It’s such a unique sight.

We also stopped by the newly reopened Confitería Ideal, a tearoom and patisserie that feels like stepping back into the early 1900s. The chandeliers, stained glass, and restored furniture are stunning. Whether you’re there for breakfast, a pastry, or just a coffee, it’s worth visiting to soak in the old-world elegance.

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After a few days in Buenos Aires, we flew two hours southwest to Mendoza, Argentina’s wine capital nestled against the Andes Mountains. We stayed in an Airbnb in Chacras de Coria, a charming little town just outside the city. It was the perfect spot to unwind, with a quieter vibe, a pool, and plenty of outdoor space. The town itself has a lovely main square, Plaza General Espejo, where a weekly market sells crafts and antiques—exactly the kind of place where you could spend an afternoon wandering and discovering treasures.

Our first day, we rented bikes from Maipú Bike Rentals for a self-guided vineyard tour. A word of advice: get there when they open at 10 a.m. We arrived late and ended up with the leftover, slightly wonky bikes. But once we hit the road, the experience turned magical. The ride starts on a busy, industrial street that doesn’t scream “paradise,” but as soon as you turn into the vineyards, it’s like entering another world. Shaded paths, cozy food trucks, incredible wine—it felt surreal. Even Porter was blown away, saying it felt like we’d been transported somewhere completely different.

But let me tell you about my unplanned Mendoza adventure. On our second-to-last day—the only one without scheduled activities—I woke up and decided to wash the dishes. Seems harmless, right? Well, that simple task turned into a full-blown international escapade when a wine glass broke in my hand (long story!) and left me with a pretty gnarly cut. This is where speaking a little more Spanish—or having a car—would’ve come in handy. Lol.

Seventy-five minutes, one Uber ride, and a lot of hand pressure later, I found myself at the Mendoza ER. The doctor was incredible—so kind, so efficient—and to top it off, she didn’t even charge me! I was cleaned, glued up, and back on my way, a little sore but seriously impressed. Moral of the story? It’s never a bad idea to know where the local ER or urgent care is when you’re traveling, even if you think you’ll never need it.

The highlight of Mendoza, though, was horseback riding and an asado roast in the Andes. Imagine riding up rugged mountain trails, climbing 2,000 feet to breathtaking views, and living your Yellowstone dreams. The Gauchos guiding us were amazing, and while the steep, narrow trails tested our nerves, the experience was unforgettable. Afterward, we gathered at the ranch for a traditional Argentine barbecue with wine, grilled meats, and great conversation with fellow travelers from around the world. It was a long day (we didn’t get back until 11 p.m.), but absolutely worth it.

On our last day in Mendoza, we explored General San Martín Park. It’s a gorgeous spot with trails, a lake, food trucks, and even yoga classes. It felt more local than touristy—like a glimpse into everyday life in Mendoza. We played cards, drank Patagonian cider from a food truck, and soaked in the relaxed atmosphere.

Argentina was a dream—a perfect blend of vibrant city life and serene, nature-filled moments. If you’re looking for a unique adventure with incredible food, warm people, and unforgettable experiences, this is it.
Until next time, Argentina. You were unforgettable.