Late September, for those in the Northern Hemisphere, marks the first hints of autumn, and conversely for Southern Hemisphere dwellers September heralds the much anticipated springtime. If you were out and around in Buenos Aires yesterday you would have noticed many people walking around holding a single cut flower. September 21st is not, as you may have initially thought, Argentina’s Valentine’s Day, but the official first day of spring. Springtime is one of the best times to visit Argentina, when the colder climes of Patagonia begin to unthaw and the change in season makes everyone just that little bit more carefree. Here are our picks of some of the best springtime travel destinations in Argentina.
♦ Puerto Madryn
Located on the Atlantic coast, just at the start of Argentine Patagonia, Puerto Madryn comes alive in springtime with an array of aquatic wildlife. Most spectacular are the huge Southern Right Whales which visit every springtime to calf in the calm waters of the nearby Puerto Pyramides. Boat trips take you out into the sheltered bay and allow for close encounters with these incredible creatures, which will often swim close to the boat with their calves and can be seen breaching (jumping) right out of the water!
See some example tours taking in Puerto Madryn here
Southern Right Whale in Puerto Madryn, Patagonia
♦ Buenos Aires
After a long, cold winter, well not actually so long, as Buenos Aires’ winter only really lasts about two months. So, after a relatively cold and a reasonably long winter, springtime in the city is one of the best times to be in Buenos Aires. Everyone is a little more relaxed and friendly, flowers start to bloom and the parks fill at weekends with people enjoying the sun. Visit during springtime and you’ll be able to enjoy Buenos Aires at its best, with al fresco dining, walks through its parks and markets, and outdoor tango displays in San Telmo and La Boca.
See some example tours taking in Buenos Aires here
The Tango Capital of Buenos Aires
♦ El Calafate
The late spring and summer months are the best time to visit the Glacier National Park near El Calafate in Southern Patagonia. Springtime brings clear sunshine filled days, making the pristine ice walls of the glaciers glow even brighter. Of course you’ll still have to wrap up warm, but temperatures are crisp and bracing rather than sub-zero.
See some example tours taking in El Calafate here
Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia
♦ Bariloche
Bariloche sits on the edge of Lake Nahuel Huapi in Argentina’s Patagonia Lake District. A string of large and beautiful lakes are strung through the Andes mountain range and over the border into Chile, making for some incredible views. Visitors can swim in the lakes during summer and enjoy boat trips and hiking through stunning landscapes throughout spring and summer.
Lakes of Bariloche
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