The best destinations to visit during Carnival

From February 27 to March 4, the entire province transforms into a vibrant festival celebrating local traditions. Carnival kicks off with "Comadres' Thursday," a day when women take center stage, gathering in groups of friends to celebrate. On Saturday, the "Unburying of the Carnival Devil" takes place, one of the most significant rituals that marks the beginning of two days of pure festivity.

The Carnival celebration in Jujuy takes place in the streets of its towns and cities. Parades fill the streets, groups of friends share drinks on every corner, and expect lots of foam, talcum powder, and water. The most colorful places to experience this event are Purmamarca, Tilcara, and Humahuaca.

Tip: Visit different towns throughout the weekend to experience their unique traditions. You can travel by bus, but be patient—Jujuy attracts thousands of tourists during this time.

When it comes to colorful Carnivals, Gualeguaychú undoubtedly takes the prize. Known as the Carnival of the Country, unlike Jujuy, the true stars here are the samba schools that parade every weekend in January and February at the city's Corsódromo.

The spectacle is worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime. Each samba school dazzles with feathered costumes, sparkling outfits, music, and monumental floats. During the Carnival weekend, from March 1 to 4, one samba school will be crowned as the winner.

Just like Jujuy, it's important to book well in advance because the city is often overwhelmed with visitors.

Tip: There are different seating options inside the Corsódromo, from seats in the stands to VIP passes. Tickets can be purchased online via this link.

Where: Maestra Piccini 1100, Gualeguaychú.

According to a survey by Booking, Mar del Plata is one of the most searched destinations by Argentinians for the Carnival weekend. With 47 kilometers of coastline, you can enjoy the last warm days, as well as activities like surf schools and beach sports. There are also after-beach parties, live DJ performances, and a vibrant theater scene.

In addition to its beaches, gastronomy, and year-round activities, the city will also bring color and rhythm with its Carnival parades, which will take to the streets on March 2 and 3, concentrating at Plaza España.

Tip: This weekend will feature several special shows, such as Fabiana Cantilo at Brew House. You can buy your ticket via this link.

Lincoln, a city in the northeastern part of the province, has been filling its streets with color, samba schools, and live shows for over 100 years. A standout feature of this celebration is the famous "cabezudos," giant papier-mâché puppets that roam the streets.

In addition, there will be floats, drum groups, and samba schools parading along Masse Avenue. This year, artists such as La Delio Valdés and Ángela Leiva will also perform. Tickets can be purchased via this link.

You might also be interested in: What to do in Tandil, a guide to enjoy this city

Tip: The Lincoln Subsecretariat of Tourism has created a map featuring hotels, restaurants, and other attractions, which you can find here.

Of all the destinations in Córdoba, Villa Carlos Paz is the most popular and recognized. Like Mar del Plata, many choose it for its theater scene and vibrant nightlife, making it a prime destination for groups of friends.

It also boasts a lake ideal for water activities, and is close to quieter towns with crystal-clear rivers like Villa Icho Cruz, Cuesta Blanca, and Tala Huasi. Another advantage is its proximity to Córdoba city, just a 40-minute drive.

Tip: This weekend will also feature special events like “Pride Dresses in Carnival,” with LGBT+ community representatives.

Alongside Gualeguaychú, the Carnival of Corrientes is one of the most colorful in the country. Known as the National Capital of Carnival, the city prepares all year for this event. Over 4,000 parade participants take part in the 10-night festival at the Nolo Alías Corsódromo. Tickets can be purchased via this link.

The city also offers many attractions, with one of the main ones being the Paraná River, with its beaches, rest stops, and recreational activities. A must-do is a boat tour to one of the nearly uninhabited islands along the river. If you have a few extra days, we recommend visiting the Iberá National Park, a place that you should visit at least once in your life.

Tip: Iberá spans over 700,000 hectares, making it one of Argentina's largest national parks. It offers various entry points with activities like horseback riding, boat tours, and stargazing.

Iguazú is one of the most sought-after destinations for long weekends due to its accessibility: it has direct flights from most major cities in the country.

The main reason to visit is the impressive Iguazú National Park. The tour usually takes at least a full day, possibly more if you want to experience other activities like the "Great Adventure" boat ride or the full-moon tour.

Other attractions worth checking out if you're staying for several days or are already familiar with the Falls include the Moconá Falls, the Salto Encantado Provincial Park, and the Tea Route in Oberá, among others.

Tip: Aside from its landscapes, Iguazú will host a competition of four samba schools, with the grand finale on March 3 at the Ramón Ayala Amphitheater.

Carnival marks the start of Vendimia, one of the best times to visit this province. A long weekend wouldn't be complete without a visit to some wineries, a scenic drive through the mountains, and perhaps a little party in the city.

On Sunday, March 2, the Chilean cumbia band Chico Trujillo will perform at the Julio Le Parc Cultural Space in Guaymallén. This event will feature local musicians, food trucks, beer gardens, and a fair of local entrepreneurs.

You might also be interested in: The 12 best towns near Buenos Aires for a weekend getaway

Tip: Don’t miss the chance to visit a Mendoza restaurant or stop by an olive oil factory for souvenirs. For others plans you can find more ideas in this article.

Bariloche is another popular destination for the Carnival weekend. It’s a perfect time to visit, as the weather remains pleasant and there aren't as many tourists as in January and February.

If you choose Bariloche, make sure to spend some days in the sun, whether at Playa Bonita or Villa Tacul. Another must-see is the ascent to Cerro Campanario.

You can complement this with a tour of the Circuito Chico and its stops. For adventure enthusiasts, kayaking in Lake Gutiérrez and hiking are great options. This article highlights all our favorite spots in this wonderful city.

Tip: Bariloche also offers a fantastic food scene. Nené, Maleza, and Cirse Club del Lago are some must-visit spots.

Córdoba is always a great escape, with many corners surrounded by mountains and rivers to discover while avoiding the usual tourist crowds. Although El Durazno, located in the Calamuchita Valley, has gained popularity in recent years, it still retains its small-town charm.

Its namesake river is its biggest treasure, with clear, calm waters. There are shallow areas perfect for the whole family, as well as deeper pools for a refreshing dip. The town also offers attractions like a lavender trail connecting four local producers, and a complex with heated outdoor pools.

Tip: The town has several hiking trails, tea houses, and restaurants to ensure a full and relaxing stay.