Argentina prepares to party

Chris Moss suggests 10 tours that highlight the drama and diversity of a country celebrating 200 years of independence

Today, Argentina celebrates the bicentennial of independence from Spain, an event that will be marked with parades in Buenos Aires and Tucumán (where a congress ratified independence in 1816). First-time visitors may want to tick off the trio of must-see sites: the edgy capital Buenos Aires; wondrous Iguazú Falls; and the Andean peaks, ice fields and lakes of southern Patagonia – most notably the Perito Moreno Glacier. More seasonal attractions include Mendoza (great during vendimia or harvest months of December to March), Salta (best in the dry southern “winter” of JulyOctober) and the whale-watching spectacle off Valdés Peninsula (September and October are best).

As well as the itineraries here, it’s easy to book local tours, visits to the Pope’s neighbourhood, food and wine tastings and tango circuits via turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar/en.

Wetlands and wildlife

Last Frontiers’ 16-day Northern Argentina itinerary starts in Buenos Aires before heading to one of the country’s less-visited regions: the Iberá wetlands, where a huge array of wildlife can be seen.

The next leg takes in the Jesuit missions of the north-east – with a stay on a traditional estancia en route – and the Iguazú Falls, before flying to Salta and the Andean highlands and pretty Purmamarca, known for its multicoloured rocky backdrop.

From £4,605, covering flights and b & b in high-end hotels and inns. Last Frontiers (01296 653000; lastfrontiers.com).

Walking and wine

Adventure specialist Exodus’s new 14-day Walking in the High Andes tour visits the north-west provinces of Salta and Jujuy, an area of multi-hued rocky ravines (including the beautiful Quebrada de Humahuaca), salt flats, cloud forests and high-altitude dust roads. The tour starts in Buenos Aires, and includes a winery visit and an evening of folk music. The hike, two full-day and four shorter walks, are rated “moderate”.

From £3,369, b & b and some meals. Exodus (020 8772 3879; exodus.co.uk).

Over the Andes

Journey Latin America’s 13-day Gaucho: Vintage Argentina group tour starts in Santiago, Chile and continues overland across the Andes to Mendoza, travels north-west to Salta and on to the Iguazú Falls and finishes in Buenos Aires. Wine tastings have been added to the city-hopping itinerary, as has a food tour of San Telmo in Buenos Aires.

The next departure is October 13 and costs £3,318, which includes flights, transfers, mid-range hotels, excursions and breakfast. Journey Latin America (020 8600 1881; journeylatinamerica.co.uk).

Jungle retreat

Real World’s 10-day Tropical Argentina itinerary starts in Buenos Aires, then heads up to the Iguazú Falls (with walks on both the Argentine and Brazilian side of the waterfalls) by plane followed by a short road trip south into Misiones province. The last three days provides the original element, with a stay in a private cabin at the Don Enrique boutique lodge, and time to explore the Saltos del Mocona provincial park – good for birding, with a chance of seeing small felines, capuchin monkeys and wild boar. Guests can book other activities such as waterfall trips and horse-riding for an extra cost.

From £2,400 b & b including some meals and flights. Real World (0113 262 5329; realworldholidays.co.uk).

Ranch ride

In the Saddle’s six-day Bellstone Trail horse-riding tour – for experienced riders, with four to six hours of riding each day – sets out from the Estancia Los Potreros in the lake region and visits cattle-raising areas, beech forests, mountainous areas and dramatic canyons, staying in bunkrooms and guesthouses en route. The ride is named after an unusual rock formation which, when struck with a stone, rings like a bell.

The next ride is on October 29, from £2,301 full-board including riding and guides and return transfers. Flights are extra – budget around £1,000 for these in high season. In the Saddle (01299 272997; inthesaddle.com).

Lake region by bike

Saddle Skedaddle’s 15day Chile and Argentina Lake District cycling holiday starts on the shores of one of the