Argentina, famed for its passions for wine, dancing and soccer, is also a true pearl for rural explorers. The remote corners of this vast country are ridden with marvels of nature, whether it’s the mighty waterfalls of Iguassu, the awe of Perito Moreno Glacier or the lush vineyards of Mendoza. Here, we pick out some of the best small group tours in Argentina for exploring the country’s highlights. Small group experiences are a great way to travel and meet new people, while staying safe and having your own space.
This article contains links to tours we recommend, which we may make commission from at no extra cost to you.
Our recommended operator for small group tours in Argentina
Choosing the right tour company has never been more important than it is today. In addition to the typical considerations like quality, cost, safety, reputation and environmental impact, travellers also need to factor in personal space and hygiene when deciding who to go with.
We have travelled extensively in South America and taken small group tours with various companies. From our experiences, we believe that G Adventures provides the best balance of local knowledge, ethical values and safety standards.
Our first tour with G Adventures was the Inca Trail in Peru, which you can read about in our G Adventures Inca Trail review. A big takeaway of this experience was the focus of G’s guides on team spirit and confidence in our group. Those who felt nervous about the hike were given just the right amount of support and encouragement.
Group sizes on G Adventures tours are capped at 16, and average at 10–12. This size is perfect for creating a positive social dynamic while still allowing everyone their own space.
Furthermore, G Adventures introduced a whole raft of safety and hygiene measures as part of a ‘travel with confidence’ policy that was launched in swift response to the pandemic. The policy has been adapted but remains in place, and it includes increased sanitisation and special training for tour leaders, among other measures.
If you are planning to travel more widely in the region, we’ve also compiled the most popular G Adventures experiences in our guide to South America small group tours.
View all G Adventures tours in ArgentinaSmall group tours in Argentina: the top attractions
1. Iguassu Falls Independent Adventure
At a glance:
- Length: 4 days
- Starts and ends: Iguassu Falls
- Highlights: exploring one of the world’s most stunning waterfalls on both the Argentina and Brazil sides
- Physical difficulty level: light
- Prices: view and book
Iguassu Falls is undoubtedly one of the world’s most spectacular waterfall systems, comprising 275 cascades. Straddling the border with Brazil, two thirds of the falls stand on the Argentina side, which is where you can stand at the top of the Devil’s Throat. This immersive tour takes in every vantage point of the falls. Find out more and see the full itinerary.
2. Classic Buenos Aires Mini Adventure
At a glance:
- Length: 3 days
- Starts and ends: Buenos Aires
- Highlights: Palermo and La Boca neighbourhoods, San Telmo markets, dinner and tango show
- Physical difficulty level: light
- Prices: view and book
In just a two-night stay in Argentina’s exuberant capital, Buenos Aires, you will get to know its most characterful neighbourhoods such as colourful La Boca, trendy Palermo and street-market hotspot San Telmo. At night you will see how the city comes to life with dinner and a tango show, and there is also free time to explore. Find out more and see the full itinerary.
3. Patagonia Hiking
At a glance:
- Length: 9 days
- Starts and ends: Buenos Aires
- Highlights: trekking and rafting in Los Glaciares National Park from the base of mountain town El Chaltén
- Physical difficulty level: demanding
- Prices: view and book
Patagonia is a huge, wild region at the southernmost tip of Argentina and Chile. This tour incorporates some of the classic hikes on the Argentina side of the region, in Los Glaciares National Park. After trekking to the iconic Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, the tour culminates with a guided excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier. Find out more and see the full itinerary.
Small group tours in Argentina: combined with Chile
4. Highlights of Chile and Argentina
At a glance:
- Length: 10 days
- Starts and ends: Santiago / Buenos Aires
- Highlights: Santiago, Valparaíso, Pucón, the Argentina Lake District and a gaucho ranch visit
- Physical difficulty level: light
- Prices: view and book
This combined tour begins in Santiago before exploring the landscapes of the Chilean and Argentinian lake districts. After crossing the border into Argentina from Pucón, the route follows the famed seven lakes road from San Martin to Bariloche. To finish, there is time to explore the lakeside town and visit a gaucho ranch. Find out more and see the full itinerary.
5. Explore Chile and Argentina
At a glance:
- Length: 8 days
- Starts and ends: Santiago / Buenos Aires
- Highlights: Santiago, Valparaíso, wine discovery in Mendoza, estancia visit near Buenos Aires
- Physical difficulty level: light
- Prices: view and book
This tour also encompasses elements of both Chile and Argentina, with a focus on the major cultural cities and their surroundings. The Argentina section absorbs Mendoza, where two thirds of the country’s wine is produced, and finishes with a jam-packed day in Buenos Aires and a trip to a countryside ranch. Find out more and see the full itinerary.
For independent travel, our Argentina backpacking guide gives an introduction to the basics and essential tips for planning your trip. See also our guide to the best times to visit Argentina for insights into the climate and seasons.
Several of the small group tours in Argentina we have highlighted include some free time in the cities. Here are some ideas for things to do in Buenos Aires and Bariloche while you’re there.
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