From sipping Malbec in a leafy Palermo wine bar to exploring the city's rich architectural heritage. Whether you're a culture lover, foodie, or night owl, Buenos Aires provides a variety of excursions to suit your interests.
On this page, we’ll take you through the activities available while based in the city, all recommended by our on-the-ground experts to help you make the most of your stay.
Sightseeing & Culture
Tango shows
No visit to Buenos Aires is complete without witnessing the city’s most iconic dance. For a classic night out, La Ventana in San Telmo delivers an authentic tango show with two live orchestras, traditional dance and a touch of Argentine folklore. The folkloric dancer is a real highlight. Transfer and dinner/drinks can be included.
If you're after something more glamorous, Rojo Tango at the Faena Hotel in Puerto Madero offers a cabaret-style show full of passion, style and drama. The deep red setting adds to the atmosphere.
Half-day | Easy
Extended Highlights of Buenos Aires City Tour
Spend five hours exploring the highlights of Argentina’s capital in comfort and style. This small-group tour (max 15 guests) covers the city’s most iconic spots, from the historic Plaza de Mayo and colourful La Boca to the elegance of Recoleta and Puerto Madero.
Along the way, visit cultural landmarks like Teatro Colón, the famous El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookshop, and Floralis Generica. You’ll also see the University of Buenos Aires’ impressive Law School and get a taste of local life in San Telmo.
Led by an expert guide, this is a relaxed, insightful way to dive into Buenos Aires’ history, architecture and culture.
Half-day (5 hours) | Easy
Colonia de Sacramento Day Trip
Hop across the river to Uruguay on this escape to Colonia del Sacramento, the prettiest little town you’ve never heard of. Your day begins with hotel pick-up and, after clearing customs (passport required), it’s all aboard for a smooth 90-minute crossing of the mighty Río de la Plata (the widest river in the world).
On arrival, meet your guide and head straight into Colonia’s UNESCO-listed old town. A relaxed walking tour winds through cobbled streets, vine-draped plazas and colonial landmarks, brought to life by a knowledgeable local expert. Afterwards, there’s time to explore at your own pace, pop into galleries, linger over lunch at a quaint café or simply soak up the laid-back charm. You'll return to Buenos Aires in time for dinner.
Full-day | Easy
Gastronomy
Palermo Evening Food Tour
Discover the flavours of Buenos Aires on a guided walk through Palermo. You'll visit four standout restaurants, each serving their top dishes and drinks, over 10 in total, including excellent Argentine wine. Between stops, your guide will bring the neighbourhood to life with stories of its history, street art and rich food culture. It’s a relaxed, social event that offers a real taste of the city.
Led by knowledgeable, passionate food guides, the tour also caters for vegetarians and most dietary needs with advance notice.
Evening only (5:30pm or 6:30pm start) | Easy
Fogon Asado Experience
Fogón offers a fresh, theatrical take on Argentina’s beloved asado, crafted by the team behind The Argentine Experience and top chefs from Uco and Butterfly. Set in an intimate, closed-door space, the experience unfolds around a central grill where guests sit at the bar and watch the chefs at work.
Expect sizzling steaks, fire-roasted vegetables and inventive twists on classic recipes, all served as part of a finely tuned tasting menu. It’s immersive, sociable and full of flavour, with the smoky drama of the grill taking centre stage from start to finish.
Evening only | Easy
The Argentine Experience Dinner
A fun, hands-on evening that brings together great food, local culture and good company. You’ll join other travellers around communal tables, led by engaging hosts and an international team.
Kick off by learning how to make empanadas, then take part in Argentina’s first novelty empanada competition. While they bake, tuck into grilled provoleta, chorizo, fresh bread and homemade chimichurri. Next up: what some call one of the best steaks in Argentina, prepared over 24 hours and cooked to order, served with mash and roasted veg. Vegetarian and pescatarian options are available. For dessert, you’ll make your own alfajores and get a relaxed intro to maté, Argentina’s national drink. Throughout the night, enjoy free-flowing boutique wines.
Evening only | Easy
Active
Cycling Tours
Explore the city on two wheels with a local guide and one of our recommended routes. Cruise through green spaces and grand boulevards on the Parks & Plazas ride, uncover bold street art and local stories on the Hidden Graffiti tour, or dive into the city's iconic landmarks and layered history on the Heart of the City route.
Each ride offers a different perspective of Buenos Aires, combining gentle cycling with rich insights and plenty of local flavour.
Half-day (approx 4-5 hours) | Moderate
Estancia Day at La Bamba de Areco
Step into the peace and quiet of the Pampas at La Bamba, one of Argentina’s oldest and most elegant estancias. Just over two hours from Buenos Aires, this private day visit includes a traditional asado lunch with wine and soft drinks, followed by time to relax by the pool, ride horses, cycle or simply enjoy the grounds. Afternoon tea is served before you return to the city.
We recommend arriving early to explore nearby San Antonio de Areco, birthplace of gaucho culture and home to master leather and silver artisans. Transfers are included and the last stretch of road may require a 4x4 pick-up if it’s been raining.
Full-day | Easy
Estancia Day at La Bandada
Escape to a peaceful corner of the Pampas for a laid-back, nature-filled day at La Bandada. This charming estancia welcomes just 20 guests each day, ensuring a quiet and personal experience. Arrive mid-morning for homemade empanadas and drinks, then ride or stroll through the countryside before sitting down to a full Creole roast with fresh salads and vegetables.
In the afternoon, enjoy a display of rural traditions and end the day with mate, tea and pastries under the trees before heading back to the city. Includes reception snacks, lunch, drinks, horse riding, and afternoon tea; transfers are not included.
Full-day | Easy
Estancia La Bandada
Swoop says
We always tell our customers to give themselves some time in Buenos Aires before (or after) their big Patagonia adventure. It's exciting, brimming with culture and has a variety of options. One evening, you might be learning to make empanadas at The Argentine Experience, the next cruising past murals on a graffiti bike tour or enjoying a peaceful afternoon tea at an estancia in the Pampas.
Holly James Senior Product Manager
Day Excursion FAQs
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How do I book one of these excursions?
Swoop's Patagonia Experts will combine these excursions into a tailor-made itinerary for you that includes hotels and transfers. We can arrange anything from public buses and camping to private vans and luxury spa lodges. Give us a call on the number at the top of the page and we will talk you through your options.
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Can you explain the difficulty scale in more detail?
Due to the sheer range of excursions available in Patagonia and this region, it is hard to have an exact scale so we recommend speaking to your Sales or CX Representative in the first instance.
However, the following is a general guide for the levels of activity which you will see referenced on the individual excursions:
Easy - Vehicle/boat-based tours and a wide range of activities that at their max involve 1-2 hours of walking or gentle exercise.
Moderate - Involves 2-5 hours of hiking or more physical activities such as kayaking, horse riding, rafting etc.
Hard - You need to be able to be active for a full day and previous experience or carrying a day pack may be required.
Advanced - Challenging full days of activity, experience is necessary and trekkers will need to carry an 18kg pack.
Extreme - Must be highly experienced at this activity and prepared for extreme weather, heavy loads and Type 2 fun.
Most of the excursions advertised will fall into the Easy and Moderate categories. Some will straddle between two categories and will be marked if so.
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What if the weather intervenes?
There is of course a good chance the weather may play a part in any Patagonian excursion but we will work with our local partners to assess things and communicate other options if required.
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Can I just book the excursions and take care of the hotel myself?
Swoop puts together the entire package and is not able to book the excursions by themselves.