The holiday calendar 2026 is the first thing you need to have at hand if you’re already planning a year full of adventures, trips, and experiences. If discovering new landscapes, tasting regional flavors, and exploring unique destinations are part of your plans for next year, this article is for you.
Argentina offers countless travel options even for short trips. Keeping the holiday calendar 2026 in mind allows you to plan strategic getaways, avoid crowds, and make better use of your budget. All you have to do is take note of the dates, rent a car, and build an itinerary tailored to you.
In this Rentennials guide, we tell you which are the holidays in the first half of the year and share travel ideas based on weather, events, and the experiences each destination offers depending on the season. Ready? Take note and start planning!
How to make the most of each holiday in 2026
With summer already underway and several long weekends ahead, holidays are the perfect excuse to hit the road. February invites you to water and relaxation, March opens the door to shoulder season travel, and April and May are ideal for nature, gastronomy, and rest-focused getaways. Traveling by car gives you the freedom to add stops, change plans on the go, and discover less crowded spots.
How to rent a car with Rentennials
Nothing compares to traveling by car. Freedom and flexibility are key allies to make your long weekend truly different.
It’s simple: you enter Rentennials, choose the car from your departure city or at your travel destination, and coordinate the handoff with the local host. After your trip, you return it in the same city where you rented the car. Easy, fast, and safe. Without the hassle of traditional car rental companies.
Which national holidays fall between February and May according to the holiday calendar 2026?
These are the key dates to plan trips during the first half of the year: in February, Monday the 16th and Tuesday the 17th, Carnival takes over with all its rhythm and variety during an extra-long weekend. In March, Tuesday the 24th is a public holiday commemorating the National Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice. And there’s good news: Monday the 23rd is also a non-working day.
In April, Easter Week brings another four-day weekend with holidays on Thursday the 2nd and Friday the 3rd. May starts strong, with a three-day weekend thanks to the holiday on Friday, May 1st. Toward the end of the month, the holiday on Monday, May 25th gives you a chance to pause and recharge before mid-year. This combination makes February, March, April, and May key months for both short getaways and longer trips. And if you’re still eager to travel, June welcomes you with the weekend from Saturday the 13th to Monday the 15th.
So, for the first half of the year, the holiday calendar 2026 looks like this:
- February: Monday 16 and Tuesday 17
- March: Monday 23 and Tuesday 24
- April: Thursday 2 and Friday 3
- May: Friday 1st and Monday 25
- June: Monday 15
Carnival holidays 2026: the best destinations to travel in February
Heat, music, and popular celebrations set the tourism pace in February, making it ideal for destinations with parties, water, and nightlife. Here are some must-see options for Carnival lovers, plus a few alternatives if you prefer a different kind of getaway.
Gualeguaychú
Less than three hours from Buenos Aires, Gualeguaychú hosts the most famous Carnival in the country and is one of February’s top tourist attractions. The city pulses to the rhythm of comparsas in its corsódromo with high-level artistic parades.
You’ll also find beautiful beaches along the Uruguay River, hot springs, a lively waterfront, and a wide gastronomic offering. During Carnival dates, accommodations—hotels, cabins, and campsites—are in high demand and prices rise, so booking in advance is highly recommended.
Tilcara
Northern Carnival is a completely different experience: ancestral rituals, community celebrations, and a strong connection to Andean culture. February is the only time to experience the devil’s unearthing ritual and the popular festivities in the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Accommodations are limited and mostly family-run, so booking early and traveling by car to visit nearby towns is key.
A seaside escape
If you’re not into parades or crowds, the Atlantic Coast is an excellent February alternative. Destinations like Necochea or Monte Hermoso still enjoy great weather, wide beaches, and a calmer pace than January. They also offer good short-term rentals and active dining scenes. Ideal for road trips—and with Rentennials, you can rent your car in Buenos Aires before leaving and travel at your own rhythm.
March 24th holiday: traveling during shoulder season
March is one of experienced travelers’ favorite months. Fewer crowds, better prices, and milder temperatures make this holiday a great opportunity to travel.
Salta
If you want to explore Salta and its surroundings without extreme summer heat, March is ideal. The city offers history, colonial architecture, and outstanding regional cuisine. You can visit the Cabildo or the Güemes Museum, or enjoy a traditional peña with folklore music while tasting empanadas, humita, or tamal.
From Salta, you can also take scenic road trips to Cafayate, Cachi, and the Quebrada de las Conchas. With accommodations for all budgets and affordable excursions, it’s an excellent choice for this holiday.
San Martín de los Andes
With summer fading, March brings mild days and peaceful landscapes in the south. Visiting San Martín de los Andes is perfect for enjoying Lake Lácar or walking along trails, viewpoints, and beaches with fewer tourists.
You can also drive the stunning Seven Lakes Route connecting the town to Villa La Angostura, offering breathtaking views. Prices drop compared to January and February, making it ideal for a restful nature getaway.
Easter Week: nature, tradition, and classic getaways
Easter Week is one of the highlights of the holiday calendar 2026: an extra-long weekend where autumn weather allows you to enjoy both natural and cultural destinations.
Iguazú Falls
April is one of the best months to visit the Iguazú Falls: water flow is high, vegetation is lush, and temperatures are milder. Beyond Iguazú National Park, you can visit the Three Borders Landmark, enjoy boat rides, or take excursions to Paraguay or Brazil.
Hotel options are plentiful, ranging from jungle lodges to budget accommodations. Easter is high season, so booking early is essential. Traveling by car lets you discover countless options and lesser-known experiences around Misiones and Puerto Iguazú.
Tandil
Surrounded by gentle hills, Tandil is ideal for a short getaway. Alongside classic attractions like Cerro El Mate and Cerro La Movediza, Easter features processions and walks that blend religious tradition and history with natural settings.
Its gastronomy—famous cheeses and salamis—is perfect for enjoying sunsets over the hills. If you’re looking to slow down and truly rest, this is the perfect destination for an easy road trip.
Getting there is simple: rent a car with Rentennials in Buenos Aires and return it after enjoying the entire weekend.
Merlo
Known for its microclimate, Merlo offers peace, trails, viewpoints, and mountain excursions. You can fully immerse yourself in nature through trekking, horseback riding, or more adventurous options like zip-lining and paragliding. Another great plan is its astrotourism experiences with the Planetarium Foundation, Mirador del Cielo, and Planetario Ojo del Tiempo.
April is ideal to avoid extreme heat and large crowds. Plus, Merlo offers a wide range of cabins and hotels, making it great for couples or family trips.
An ideal destination when traveling from Córdoba or Mendoza—simply rent a car with Rentennials in either city and return it there a few days later.
May and June: autumn getaways with fewer tourists
May and June add two more chances in the holiday calendar 2026 to travel calmly and enjoy autumn landscapes before diving into the fast-paced second half of the year.
Mendoza
May is perfect for visiting Mendoza. Vineyards begin to turn reddish hues, and it’s an excellent time for winery tours and local gastronomy. Zuccardi, Catena Zapata, Salentein, and Bianchi are must-visits, with ideal weather for outdoor activities. Bonus tip: prices are usually lower than during harvest season.
Mountain excursions and scenic drives are also incredible options. Along National Route 7, for example, you can travel from Uspallata to Puente del Inca and Aconcagua Provintial Park. And of course, don’t miss discovering the hidden gems of Mendoza.
Córdoba
Córdoba is a classic destination year-round, and the holiday calendar 2026 provides plenty of excuses to explore new corners of its mountain landscapes. There are options for every taste: from lively Villa Carlos Paz to super-quiet towns like San Marcos Sierras, Nono, or La Cumbrecita, where time slows down among rivers and hills.
Traveling by car lets you discover new roads, unexpected detours, and unmissable experiences like paragliding, climbing Mount Uritorco at sunrise, or sleeping under the stars at a mountain estancia.
Key tips to make the most of holidays in 2026
To get the most out of the holiday calendar 2026, keep these tips in mind:
- Book accommodation and your car in advance for key dates.
- Choose destinations based on the month’s climate.
- Combine holidays with workdays whenever possible to extend your rest and enjoy less crowded roads.
- Travel by car for greater flexibility.
- Avoid peak departure and return times.
- Analyze all your options, and consider alternative destinations during high-demand dates.
A calendar designed for better travel
The holiday calendar 2026 is an invitation to enjoy a different year, with space to breathe and recharge. You can plan smarter trips, visit each destination at its best time, and turn every long weekend into a true experience of rest and discovery.
At Rentennials, we want more people to enjoy the pleasure and freedom of traveling safely and responsibly. With good planning, a car as your ally, and the right dates, traveling more throughout the year is much easier than it seems.
