Jimena Puente
I'm a travel designer at MacDermott's Argentina. I was born in Buenos Aires and as a child I was fascinated with travel. As soon as I was old enough, I got jobs to help me explore the world, first on a cruise ship and then, after returning to Argentina to complete a degree in travel, with Latam and Emirates airlines. After, a decade of chasing that wonderful feeling of discovering new places and their cultures, I returned to my home country, where my wanderlust was first ignited, to concentrate on my three great passions: theatre, food and travel in South America and to dedicate more time with my husband and beautiful daughter Lucia. At MacDermotts, I use my years of experience, with its focus on attention to detail, to carefully listen to our guests to create exactly the trips they are after.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Our trips are carefully tailored using our on-the-ground knowledge of Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay and the strong relationships that we have built with our partners. We specialize in unique and off-the-beaten-track experiences as well as the very personal attention we give to our guests while they are here. "
How did you get involved in travel?
"At 21 years old I work for a cruise company for three years that allowed me to get involved in travel. Then, after I graduated in tourism, I worked the airlines LATAM and Emirates for nine years before I arrived at MacDermotts to use my experience to help people create their own adventures around South America."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"I recently had the opportunity to go on my honeymoon to the beautiful Northwest of Argentina. One night, we stayed at a semi-permanent campsite that is situated on the Salinas Grandes (the largest salt flats of Argentina). While they were preparing our dinner, our guide took us out to look at the night sky. It was breathtakingly clear, it felt like we were looking at the whole galaxy. I couldn't even comprehend the number of stars we could see. The immensity of place made me feel like I was on another planet, it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life."
Jimena's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
From the subtropical waterfalls of Igauzú to the subpolar forests of Patagonia, experience all that Argentina has to offer on this 15-day itinerary. Begin with evenings of tango...
With 10 days to spend in Argentina, you have enough time to visit several destinations. Combine Buenos Aires with the wine region of Mendoza, the wildlife paradise of Patagonia,...
Immerse yourself in Argentina's rich culture and beautiful landscapes in this quick six-day itinerary. Begin by exploring the metropolitan capital of Buenos Aires. Next, visit...
Family itineraries
Experience Argentina's top sights—and wildlife—on this unforgettable family getaway. Kickoff in vibrant Buenos Aires, where you'll take guided excursions on foot and by bike....
This 14-day family excursion takes you from bustling urban streets to remote mountains and glaciers, starting in Argentina's capital of Buenos Aires. Tour the city's historic...
With 11 days, you'll have the time to see more of Argentina and explore several regions on a single trip. Opt for a classic itinerary that hits Argentina's scenic highlights,...
Luxury itineraries
If Argentina is the breadbasket of South America, then Mendoza is the accompanying wine bottle. The fertile lands around Mendoza produce the country's premier varietals,...
Discover the reason so many travelers head south to Chilean Patagonia on this 14-day itinerary. From the turquoise waters of the Lake District to the penguin colonies of Isla...
Perfect for seasoned hikers and outdoorsy types, this 13-day itinerary will take you through some of the most exciting natural sites in Patagonia. After a day of strolling...
Road trip itineraries
Northern Argentina is home to attractions that range from painted mountains and vast salt flats to colonial cities and rich Indigenous culture. You'll experience all of it over...
Introduce your intrepid little ones to three of Chile's standout destinations on this family-friendly two-week tour. Start in Santiago to stroll historic plazas and parks, ride...
Honeymoon itineraries
Celebrate your honeymoon with a romantic tour through the wine regions of Argentina and Chile. You'll start in Buenos Aires, considered one of the most beautiful cities in South...
Have an alternative honeymoon with this biking and hiking adventure trip through gorgeous Chile. Arrive at Santiago, Chile's lively and eclectic capital before beginning a bike...
Favorite experiences
Cafayate Full-Day Tour and Wine Tasting
The Calchaquí Valley, in northern Argentina's Salta Province, is known for its high-altitude deserts and stunning natural red rock formations. But it's also a prime grape-growing area. The growing conditions here are so optimal, in fact, that it is a wine region to rival even Mendoza, in central...
Penguin Colony at Punta Tombo
Far down the Atlantic coast in Argentine Patagonia exists one of the most incredible sites in the region: Punta Tombo. This tiny protected area (less than a square mile) is home to the largest colony of Magellanic penguins in Latin America. A boat tour of Punta Tombo embarks from the fishing...
Mendoza Wine Tour
No visit to Mendoza is complete without discovering its rich wine culture. This experience includes visits to the most famous wine destinations around Mendoza, from the area around the town of Luján de Cuyo to the fertile soil of the Maipú Valley. It's a fun-filled excursion that mixes equal...
El Calafate to Los Glaciares National Park - Perito Moreno Glacier Trek
Los Glaciares National Park, located in the Santa Cruz province of southern Argentina, covers nearly 1.5 million acres and is home to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. It's a Unesco World Heritage Site that draws hundreds of thousands of international visitors each year. They come to view some...
Hiking Bariloche
There's no better way to get to the heart of Argentina's famous Lake District than on a mountain hike around Llao Llao Municipal Park. Located just a few kilometers northwest of Bariloche, this protected area is situated on the lakeshore of Nahuel Huapi and takes up a relatively small area (just...
Atacama Desert: Tatio Geysers & Machuca Village
The Atacama Desert abounds with geologic wonders, and discovering them is why travelers visit this region of northern Chile. You'll find one such gem, the Tatio Geysers, located about 1.5 hours from the town of San Pedro de Atacama. At an altitude of 4,320 meters (14,173 feet), these are the...