Ancient Paintings in the ‘Cave of Hands’ in Argentinean Patagonia. Photo Credit: Ksenia Ragozina, shutterstock.
History of Argentina – Ancient to Modern day
The history of Argentina dates back thousands of years, with the first human settlements beginning on the southern tip of Patagonia 13,000 years ago. The indigenous people here and in the Pampas were advanced hunters and gatherers and included the Yamana and the Tehuelches. The country’s history has been tumultuous over the years with political instability, military coups, exiled presidents, territorial disputes and dictatorships.
Spanish Settlers in Argentina. Photo credit: en.wikipedia.org
Europeans first arrived in 1502
Europeans first arrived in 1502, with the Spanish arriving in 1516 and discovering Rio de la Plata
In 1536 a small settlement was established at the present day location of Buenos Aires by Pedro de Mendoza. This was later abandoned in 1541
Buenos Aires was settled by the Spanish in 1580 and was part of the Viceroyalty of Peru
The Spanish established the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata in 1776 that included parts of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia
British invasion of the Río de la Plata. Photo credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina
British tried to invade in 1806
The British tried to invade Buenos Aires in 1806 and 1807 but were defeated both times
25 May 1810 saw the First Independent Government in Buenos Aires following the May Revolution
Independence declared on 9 July 1816
Independence from Spain was declared on 9 July 1816
Argentine independence was not recognized by the United Kingdom until 1825
The Argentine Constitution of1853 is still in force to this day, with some amendments
Between the 1870’s and 1920’s, Argentina prospered as a result of the booming cattle, sheep and agricultural industries, construction of the railway and the industrial revolution
In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, Argentina temporarily resolved its border disputes with Chile
1900s – Military Coups and Exiled Presidents
The Radicals under Hipólito Yrigoyen, won control of the government through the first national elections under universal male suffrage
1928 saw the start of the Great Depression
A military coup in 1930 resulted in a period in Argentine history known as the Infamous Decade
After 1930, political instability, economic difficulties and a series of military coups ensued
The 1930s was also the time when Argentina supposedly became a safe haven for Nazis, yet there is no solid evidence to prove this
The country returned to civilian rule in 1946, with Colonel Juan Domingo Peron being elected president and promising higher wages and social security
In 1955 Peron went into exile, returning and becoming president briefly again in 1973
Argentinian army soldiers read newspapers in Port Stanley, during the Falkland War. Photo Credit: https://www.reuters.com/news/picture/falklands-war-the-argentine-side
The Dirty War in 1976 and the Falklands War in 1982
In 1976, a military coup led to the beginning of the most oppressive regime in Argentina’s history and the start of the “Dirty War”
The territorial dispute between Argentina and Britain over the Falkland Islands led to the Falklands War of 1982
Argentina’s defeat by Britain resulted in the fall of the dictatorship and the end of the 7 year “Dirty War”, during which time thousands of Argentinians were killed or “disappeared”
Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner became Argentina’s First Female President in 2007. Photo credit: https://firstladies.international.com
First Female President in 2007
2007 saw the election of the first female President of Argentina, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.
Argentina travel offers not only the opportunity to discover the incredible diverse and stunning landscapes but also introduces you to the country’s cosmopolitan cities, fascinating culture, architecture and history. Take a look at our extensive collection of Argentina tours and come over to discover South America. Click here for more information about Chimu.
Responsive consultant in Jason who knew his stuff. Provided cruises that matched our requirements.
5 days ago
Allan C
Verified Customer
Arctic
Visually stunning
I recommend this product
Gold Coast, AU, 1 week ago
Anonymous
Verified Customer
South America
Interesting history and culture. Memorable scenery.,
I recommend this product
Sydney, AU, 2 weeks ago
Jennifer F
Verified Customer
South America
South America offers a hugely diverse range of experiences, sights, food, people and cultures. There is something for everyone no matter your age or interests. Highly recommend!
I recommend this product
Sydney, AU, 1 month ago
Sally A
Verified Customer
South America
Our adventure did not disappoint from Machu Picchu to the Amazon. South America is an experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
I recommend this product
Sydney, AU, 1 month ago
Karen B
Verified Customer
South America
Antarctica was amazing, enjoyed it very much. All very surreal.
I recommend this product
1 month ago
Susan L
Verified Customer
South America
South America has it all from beautiful old cities and regions to wonderfull landscape. So much history there. Being at a similar latitude to home made the climate situation easy for people from our area.
I recommend this product
Brisbane, AU, 1 month ago
Kate A
Verified Customer
The booking process was very easy and I was given all the relevant information. Doug got back to me very quickly.
1 month ago
Sonya S
Verified Customer
South America
Patagonia, Atacama and Easter Island have striking scenery and are well worth a visit.
I recommend this product
St Kilda, Australia, 1 month ago
Glen H
Verified Customer
South America
Chimu - review
Ushuaia - El Calafate - B.A. - Iguazu Falls - B.A
27 March - 6 April 2025
Hi Stephen - we thought you might like our review of our Argentina travels. Firstly we had a wonderful trip.
On arrival we received a very detailed PDF with hotels, transfers, flights, etc. We did not need to contact anyone over there. It was all seamless.
The taxi/shuttles from/to airports were all on time. The drivers were friendly and some did try their English on us. Corinne could respond in Spanish somewhat.
El Calafate: Xelena hotel - excellent, we got the large lakefront room. We happily walked into town. It was good for the hotel to also provide a shuttle service. The Moreno glacier day trip was very good - full marks to the guide for her dual language descriptions. The next day trip to the Estancia was informative - Corinne did get her horse trek. Anna the guide was full of information and quite funny. The lunch/bbq/asada was very nice.
B.A.: Loi Suites was well situated. Xavier took us for the first walking tour. He was excellent and included personal impressions about Argentinian society, politics, etc that were delivered well and elicited informative conversations The following day we had Gabby as our guide. We walked through to Retiro then bused to San Telmo. It was great to not only get her impressions but she told us a lot about herself. That night at FOGON was excellent. Nine courses, all described - brilliant, great service. I noted it was recently ranked #36 in the world's best steakhouses.
Iguazu Falls: Mercure Iru: Somewhat isolated to the town, (hotel does not have shuttle service) but in a great environment and great room/pool. We enjoyed the Argentine side of the falls, and the different perspective of the Brazilian side. Walks were easy. Guides didn't really have to do much as the Falls said it all. (We did arrive very early, 10AM, at the Mercure but the staff got us into a room asap - possibly in front of some others - which was appreciated).
Overall we really were impressed with Chimu and your recommendations. Thank you. Glen Mackie & Corinne Young
I recommend this product
Sydney, Australia, 1 month ago
Anonymous
Verified Customer
South America
Add it to your bucket list
I recommend this product
Ventura, United States, 1 month ago
Jason F
Verified Customer
South America
A very diverse and interesting continent. Wonderful people, unforgettable landscapes and natural history. A lot safer and more welcoming than I was led to believe. Will be back for sure.
I recommend this product
Concord, Australia, 1 month ago
Pierre A
Verified Customer
South America
I would spend all my life in South America!!!
I recommend this product
United States, 1 month ago
Robyn M
Verified Customer
South America
It was nothing like I expected. The scenery the people the food the experiences were exceptional Bobby our tour guide had over 20 years experience and loved his country. He made my trip a real success with his knowledge and suggestions.
I recommend this product
Springwood, Australia, 1 month ago
Judith T
Verified Customer
South America
Stunning scenery and fantastic experiences
I recommend this product
Melbourne, Australia, 2 months ago
Anonymous
Verified Customer
South America
Very rewarding experience, loved the Copacabana in Reo, the Iguzu Falls especially the boat ride into the falls. Then learning about the Inca period of history was very imformative, and the passion our indigenous guide felt for his ancestors was infectious!
I recommend this product
Shepparton, Australia, 2 months ago
Graham P
Verified Customer
South America
Great service and the best hotels and tours
I recommend this product
Sydney, Australia, 2 months ago
Neil l
Verified Customer
South America
We had a trip to Rio Iguazu Falls and Buenos Aires. Iguazu was the standout - tak the boat ride under the falls from the Argentinean side3 - an absolute hoot.
I recommend this product
2 months ago
Gair M
Verified Customer
South America
But we did not travel with Chimu through sout America
I recommend this product
Australia, 2 months ago
Anonymous
Verified Customer
South America
Full of everything to see and do. The colour, community, scenery and experience were amazing.
I recommend this product
Launceston, Australia, 2 months ago
Scroll to Top
Anonymous
Verified Customer
Responsive consultant in Jason who knew his stuff. Provided cruises that matched our requirements.
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
5 days ago
Allan C
Verified Customer
Arctic
Visually stunning
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Gold Coast, AU, 1 week ago
Anonymous
Verified Customer
South America
Interesting history and culture. Memorable scenery.,
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Sydney, AU, 2 weeks ago
Jennifer F
Verified Customer
South America
South America offers a hugely diverse range of experiences, sights, food, people and cultures. There is something for everyone no matter your age or interests. Highly recommend!
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Sydney, AU, 1 month ago
Sally A
Verified Customer
South America
Our adventure did not disappoint from Machu Picchu to the Amazon. South America is an experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Sydney, AU, 1 month ago
Karen B
Verified Customer
South America
Antarctica was amazing, enjoyed it very much. All very surreal.
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
1 month ago
Susan L
Verified Customer
South America
South America has it all from beautiful old cities and regions to wonderfull landscape. So much history there. Being at a similar latitude to home made the climate situation easy for people from our area.
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Brisbane, AU, 1 month ago
Kate A
Verified Customer
The booking process was very easy and I was given all the relevant information. Doug got back to me very quickly.
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
1 month ago
Sonya S
Verified Customer
South America
Patagonia, Atacama and Easter Island have striking scenery and are well worth a visit.
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
St Kilda, Australia, 1 month ago
Glen H
Verified Customer
South America
Chimu - review
Ushuaia - El Calafate - B.A. - Iguazu Falls - B.A
27 March - 6 April 2025
Hi Stephen - we thought you might like our review of our Argentina travels. Firstly we had a wonderful trip.
On arrival we received a very detailed PDF with hotels, transfers, flights, etc. We did not need to contact anyone over there. It was all seamless.
The taxi/shuttles from/to airports were all on time. The drivers were friendly and some did try their English on us. Corinne could respond in Spanish somewhat.
El Calafate: Xelena hotel - excellent, we got the large lakefront room. We happily walked into town. It was good for the hotel to also provide a shuttle service. The Moreno glacier day trip was very good - full marks to the guide for her dual language descriptions. The next day trip to the Estancia was informative - Corinne did get her horse trek. Anna the guide was full of information and quite funny. The lunch/bbq/asada was very nice.
B.A.: Loi Suites was well situated. Xavier took us for the first walking tour. He was excellent and included personal impressions about Argentinian society, politics, etc that were delivered well and elicited informative conversations The following day we had Gabby as our guide. We walked through to Retiro then bused to San Telmo. It was great to not only get her impressions but she told us a lot about herself. That night at FOGON was excellent. Nine courses, all described - brilliant, great service. I noted it was recently ranked #36 in the world's best steakhouses.
Iguazu Falls: Mercure Iru: Somewhat isolated to the town, (hotel does not have shuttle service) but in a great environment and great room/pool. We enjoyed the Argentine side of the falls, and the different perspective of the Brazilian side. Walks were easy. Guides didn't really have to do much as the Falls said it all. (We did arrive very early, 10AM, at the Mercure but the staff got us into a room asap - possibly in front of some others - which was appreciated).
Overall we really were impressed with Chimu and your recommendations. Thank you. Glen Mackie & Corinne Young
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Sydney, Australia, 1 month ago
Anonymous
Verified Customer
South America
Add it to your bucket list
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Ventura, United States, 1 month ago
Jason F
Verified Customer
South America
A very diverse and interesting continent. Wonderful people, unforgettable landscapes and natural history. A lot safer and more welcoming than I was led to believe. Will be back for sure.
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Concord, Australia, 1 month ago
Pierre A
Verified Customer
South America
I would spend all my life in South America!!!
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
United States, 1 month ago
Robyn M
Verified Customer
South America
It was nothing like I expected. The scenery the people the food the experiences were exceptional Bobby our tour guide had over 20 years experience and loved his country. He made my trip a real success with his knowledge and suggestions.
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Springwood, Australia, 1 month ago
Judith T
Verified Customer
South America
Stunning scenery and fantastic experiences
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Melbourne, Australia, 2 months ago
Anonymous
Verified Customer
South America
Very rewarding experience, loved the Copacabana in Reo, the Iguzu Falls especially the boat ride into the falls. Then learning about the Inca period of history was very imformative, and the passion our indigenous guide felt for his ancestors was infectious!
I recommend this product
1 person found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Shepparton, Australia, 2 months ago
Graham P
Verified Customer
South America
Great service and the best hotels and tours
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Sydney, Australia, 2 months ago
Neil l
Verified Customer
South America
We had a trip to Rio Iguazu Falls and Buenos Aires. Iguazu was the standout - tak the boat ride under the falls from the Argentinean side3 - an absolute hoot.
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
2 months ago
Gair M
Verified Customer
South America
But we did not travel with Chimu through sout America
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Australia, 2 months ago
Anonymous
Verified Customer
South America
Full of everything to see and do. The colour, community, scenery and experience were amazing.