For two weeks in July, Argentine schools close and families travel. Visitors from the northern hemisphere, who think of July as low season in the south, are often surprised by full flights and busy resorts. Each province sets its own dates, so the peak moves around the country through the month.
How the dates work
The break lasts two weeks. Because provinces choose different weeks, tourist destinations see high demand for longer than that. The 9 July public holiday usually falls close to or inside the break and adds to the movement.
Check the official school calendar for the year you travel, both for Buenos Aires and for the province you are visiting.
Where families go
- The snow. Bariloche and the other ski areas are the most requested and fill first. See our guide to the ski season.
- Iguazú Falls. Mild weather and busy parks.
- The north-west. Salta and Jujuy.
- Córdoba, Mendoza and the thermal towns. Mostly reached by road.
- Buenos Aires. Families from the provinces come for children’s theatre and shows on Avenida Corrientes, so family attractions have queues.
Airports and roads
Aeroparque handles most domestic flights and works at full stretch in those weeks. Bag drop and security take longer, so leave for the airport earlier than you normally would. Winter fog in Buenos Aires and snow in Patagonia can delay flights. Give us your flight number so the driver knows of any change.
On the roads, the heavy days are the first and last weekends of each province’s break.
Travelling with children
- Ask for child seats when you book and state the ages.
- Count the luggage honestly. Winter coats, pushchairs and snow gear take space.
- On long drives, ask for stops. They are made on request.
- For two families together, a minivan takes 6–7 passengers and a van 8.
Your transport choices
Taxis, apps and buses all keep running, with longer waits than usual. A booked transfer differs in that the vehicle, the child seats and the price are settled beforehand. Demand is high in those two weeks, so write early.