Argentina's Main Activities

Because of the diverse cultural heritage and varied ecosystems there are a slew of main activities in Argentina to enjoy. Whether as a spectator or active participant, Argentina has something to do for everyone.

Football (soccer)

Also know as soccer in other countries football is one of the most popular main activities in Argentina to enjoy. A visit to this country is not complete with attending a live professional football match.

Pato

This is a sport that was developed in Argentina and first played by the Gauchos. It is now one of the main activities that spectators enjoy watching. This game was banned in 1182 as being too dangerous. It was re-worked in the 1930s and has now become a popular spectator sport. Two teams of four individuals riding horses try to get a modern pato (leather ball with handles) into a basket at the end of the field.

Snow Skiing and Snow Boarding

Ski season runs from June through September and there is no better place on earth to enjoy this activity but the Andes Mountains. There are 2 large downhill resorts and a few smaller ones located in the mountains of Argentina. Forest skiing is also available in Cerro Chapelco. Snowboarding has also become one of the main activities in Argentina during the winter.

Fishing

One of the main activities in Argentina to enjoy in the nicer weather is fishing. Deep sea, fly, and angling are all popular in Argentina. The best time of year for trolling is from the middle of November through the middle of April while lake fishing season is most productive in November and December and fly casting runs from January to April. Some of the best fishing areas are Patagonia, the Parana River Delta and the Ibera Marshes.

Trekking

Trekking or hiking, is one of the most popular main activities in Argentina for locals and tourists alike. The best places to hike are the Andean Lake District, Sierras de Cordoba, Dierra de la Ventana and Patagonia. Trekkers have the option of hiking the mountains, the steppes, deserts, or forests.

White Water Rafting

Needless to say, with the spring thaw and run off, white water rafting is one of the main activities in Argentina during the spring months. The favourite rivers are Rio Mendoza, Rio Diamante, Rio Limay, Rio Manso, Rio Hua Hum and Rio Meliquina. Due to the dangers of the rapids it is best to hire a professional guide.

Wildlife Tours

Argentina is a country teeming with wildlife from cougars to capybaras. Of all the main activities in Argentina, this is perhaps the favoured choice of the older tourists and families. Tours can be designed that are less strenuous but just as exciting. Many of these tours are eco-friendly and can be customized to individual tastes. Some of the favored tours are in Patagonia’s Deseado River Natural Reserve and Penguin Island Natural Reserve. Many of the national parks also conduct wildlife tours within their boundaries.

Horseback Riding

Argentina is known for its beef. Cattle ranches in this country are called estancias. Many estancias welcome visitors to spend a day horseback riding with the local gauchos amongst the cattle herds and enjoy a barbecue once the ride is over. There are also horseback riding treks through the many forests and pampas around the country.

Mountaineering

With the challenge of the Andes Mountains, mountain climbing is considered one of the main activities in Argentina especially among the young and adventurous. One of the major jumping off points to enjoy this activity is the town of El Calafate.

Biking and Mountain Biking

Tourists who like to go mountain biking have come to the perfect destination; Argentina. Biking is one of the main activites in Argentina that can be enjoyed throughout the country. Tours of all lengths and difficulties are provided in all the regions of the country. One of the more popular areas to mountain bike is the Lake District near Bariloche. Or for the urban biker, Buenos Aries offers city bike tours.

Canopy

While relatively new, this is fast becoming one of the main activities in Argentina. The tourist can travel through the tops of the trees in the Vadivian or Andean Patagonian forest. Using harnesses, pulleys and ropes, travellers glide from platform to platform over rivers, valleys and the forest floor.