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If you’re visiting Buenos Aires, you have to try all the food – and the best way to do that is on a food tour!
I heard good things about the Sherpa Food Tour in Buenos Aires, so I decided to try it myself. And after wining and dining across several different restaurants, I’m ready to give my full review.
So if you’re debating whether to book the Sherpa Food Tour, you’ve come to the right place. I’m here to share my experience and exactly what to expect. And if you’re wondering if the Sherpa Food Tour in Buenos Aires is worth it, keep reading to hear the final verdict and decide for yourself!
About the Sherpa Food Tour in Buenos Aires
On the Sherpa Food Tour, we explored the colorful neighborhood of Palermo Soho. Our group walked to four restaurants, stopping to sample local dishes and drinks at each. The food options were different at each, so we were able to try almost all the Argentine staples on one tour.
I met our tour group at the restaurant Picsa, where we had brief introductions before diving right in. I love the outside of this restaurant which plays homage to the Argentine flag. If you love street art like me, you’ll see plenty on this tour!
There were only 8 people on my tour, and they keep the groups small for a more personal feel. Our guide, Nahuel, immediately poured us some espumante (sparkling wine) and shortly after, the restaurant served us a few small plates to whet our appetite.
Aside from Picsa, the other restaurants change depending on the day and time. You can also choose between the Local Foodie Adventure or the Premium option when you book online here. I opted for the Premium since it was only $10 USD more. Our group stopped at Lo de Jesus and El Preferido, two well-known restaurants where it can be tricky to get reservations (another bonus of taking a guided tour!).
Throughout the tour, the wine is flowing and you can pretty much eat as much as you’d like. However, I recommend pacing yourself so you have room to try it all! Some of my favorite foods on the menu included really flavorful empanadas and skirt steak with chimichurri sauce. Personally, I love the local meat, but there were yummy vegetarian options as well!
In between stops, Nahuel guided us down artsy alleyways that looked straight out of an Instagram post. We took photos as he told us the significance behind several locations and murals. Even though it’s a food-based tour, I got a feel for the local culture.
If you take the tour on Friday or Saturday, you’ll also pass by the Palermo Soho outdoor market, with vendors selling jewelry and other handicrafts. You won’t get much of a chance to shop though, so if markets are your thing, I’d head here before your scheduled tour time.
Finally, the tour ends with dessert at an ice cream shop. Your guide can help you make your way home – or you can go out for drinks in the neighborhood like I did. This area is brimming with bars, and if you take the evening tour, it’ll be prime bar-hopping time.
Overall, the tour was extremely well-organized and paced. The food comes out as soon as you sit down, so you’re never waiting around, but you also don’t feel rushed.
If you can, I’d book this tour early in your Buenos Aires trip. It can be daunting to navigate a new city when you first arrive, and this is a great way to explore Palermo and try a bunch of local cuisine. This way, you can see which foods you like and which restaurants you want to return to.
Book your Buenos Aires Sherpa Food Tour here to access FREE cancellation!
Is the Sherpa Food Tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely! I did the tour on my own and had a great time. My group had one other solo traveler, along with some couples. Everyone was excited to be there and happy to chat, so it was easy to meet people. Plus, it’s hard NOT to bond over food and wine in Buenos Aires.
Can the Sherpa Food Tour accommodate dietary restrictions?
The answer to this is – probably. Although Argentina is known as a steak and wine country, there were plenty of other items on the menu.
For example, one person in our tour group was a vegetarian, and the guide did a great job of accommodating her needs and making sure she had plenty to eat. When the group tried different steaks, she got buñuelos (fried spinach fritters) instead, which looked really good and actually gave me some FOMO. And if you don’t like wine, you can opt for beer or soda, so don’t be afraid to ask!
However, I’m not so sure vegans would enjoy this tour since there was a decent amount of egg, cheese, and cream in several of the dishes. Regardless of what your restrictions are, you should let your tour guide know both at the time of booking AND when you start your tour.
How much does the Sherpa Food Tour in Buenos Aires cost?
The price of the Palermo Sherpa Food Tour depends on whether you opt for the Local Foodie Adventure or the Premium Tour. The Local option is $85 USD and the Premium Tour is $95 USD, and both prices cover all the food and drinks. You won’t need to tip any of the restaurants. However, you should tip your guide at the end. I tipped roughly 10%, which is pretty standard in Buenos Aires.
What time does the Sherpa Food Tour start and finish?
The Sherpa Food Tour in Buenos Aires lasts about 3.5 hours. It’s available Monday through Saturday and there are options to start either at lunchtime (11:35 am) or the early evening (between 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm). You can check the full list of available days and times online here. Despite being Latin America, this tour is very punctual, so show up on time and bring your appetite!
Locals, or Porteños as they’re called, tend to eat super late dinners. So I love that this tour starts early by their standards. This way, you’ll miss the big crowds and will finish at a reasonable time. It’s perfect if you want to schedule something for the next morning – like one of these day trips from Buenos Aires.
What types of food will you try on the Sherpa Food Tour?
Argentine food, of course! More specifically, you’ll try some of the most popular local dishes in Buenos Aires.
On my tour, our group tried about 10 different dishes. We started off with sparkling wine, empanadas, and picadas (appetizers). At the next restaurant, we moved on to salads, steak, and other traditional items. Lastly, we got to taste faina (a chickpea flour bread) as well as some milanesas (thinly cut and breaded meat strips).
I won’t name every single dish since it’s nice to have some surprises! Plus, the food changes depending on the season and the restaurants you visit. But overall, It’s a great way to try dishes you might not have heard of otherwise.
To finish things off, we visited an ice cream parlor for dessert, and I learned that Buenos Aires is actually known for its ice cream (must be the Italian influence!).
As far as drinks go, the red wine was flowing throughout the evening, although some people opted to drink local beer instead. We also grabbed to-go cocktails from a bar and enjoyed them as we walked. The cocktail was a local specialty and a bit of an acquired taste, but I loved it!
If you don’t drink alcohol, you can request some sodas or stick to water. There were always bottles of still and sparkling water on the table, which I encourage you to drink between glasses of wine – that Malbec kinda creeps up on you!
Related Read: For another great way to get your bearings in the city, check out the best tours in Buenos Aires.
Where do you go on the Sherpa Food Tour?
Okay, so technically, there are two Sherpa Food Tours in Buenos Aires. I went on this one in Palermo Soho, which is the trendiest neighborhood in the city and full of cute cafes, restaurants, and colorful streets. Both locals and foreigners often come here to eat, shop, and socialize. If you love shopping or nightlife, you’ll have plenty of options before or after your tour.
The Sherpa Food Tour in Palermo visits different restaurants depending on the day and time you choose. However, most tours will begin at Picsa and end at the ice cream shop Antiche Tentazione.
There is also this Sherpa Food Tour in San Telmo. It’s quite similar and organized by the same company. However, the big difference is that it only runs from Tuesday to Friday at lunchtime and it takes you through San Telmo, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. The area is known for its historic architecture, antique shops, tango, and old-school boho vibes. San Telmo is located on the other side of the city, so it really depends on what’s more convenient for you.
We’ve actually included the San Telmo Sherpa Food Tour on our 3-day Buenos Aires itinerary. If you’re only visiting for a short time and want to outsource your planning, check it out!
Who is the Sherpa Food Tour in Buenos Aires for?
Anyone who likes food and walking tours! Solo travelers, friends, and couples would all enjoy this tour. My tour also had a wide age range, from people in their 20s to 70s. That being said, there’s a minimum age requirement of 14 years old.
However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and does require a basic fitness level. The walks between stops were very leisurely and lasted about 10-15 minutes, covering about 5 city blocks.
If you don’t feel comfortable walking from place to place, I’d recommend trying The Argentine Experience instead. You’ll still get to sample local cuisine (and even make some yourself!), but there’s no moving around as it takes place in one location.
Why did I book the Sherpa Food Tour on Viator?
Mainly because it was super easy! Booking the Sherpa Food Tour Buenos Aires took less than 2 minutes from start to finish. Once booked, I immediately received an email with all of the necessary information.
One thing I also really like about booking with Viator is that you can communicate with the host using their platform, so it’s great if you have any questions.
I noticed you can book the Sherpa Food Tour via their website for the same price. However, I’ve come to trust Viator and a big advantage of booking with them is that it’s easy to cancel or reschedule. You can cancel your experience up to 24 hours beforehand and receive a full refund. You can also reschedule free of charge, too. I find this helpful as I often like to plan my outdoor activities around the weather.
Viator also offers an option to “reserve now, pay later.” This is ideal if you haven’t solidified your itinerary, but don’t want to miss out. After all, the Sherpa Food Tour often sells out.
Lastly, you can read unbiased reviews on Viator. In fact, the Sherpa Food Tour Buenos Aires has 2,000+ 5-star reviews you can check out on Viator here! Check this one out:
“The Sherpa Food Tour was fantastic – an experience I’ll never forget! Our guide, Kiara, was incredible, making us feel right at home with her warmth and friendliness. She took us to several culinary gems in Palermo, where we sampled everything from Malbec to delicious empanadas. This tour perfectly married culture with cuisine, making it a must-do for anyone looking to dive into Argentina’s culinary traditions. Plus, I met some wonderful people!”
Book the Sherpa Food Tour on Viator here!
What I loved about the Sherpa Food Tour
Our guide
Our guide, Nahuel, did a great job of making everyone feel comfortable right off the bat. He also checked in with everyone to make sure we all got enough food and drinks throughout the evening. Argentines naturally have a gift for gab, and they make conversation easily – and he lived up to this stereotype! Aside from tableside chats, he shared lots of interesting info about the neighborhood and culture on our walks.
The small group atmosphere
The Sherpa Food Tour in Buenos Aires is limited to 8 guests. This is the perfect amount to fill a table, but still feel intimate. Plus, you’re never seated too far from the tour guide, so you can hear everything and ask questions super easily. It felt like going out to eat with a group of friends.
Trying a variety of local dishes
I love food tours because it’s a low-pressure way to try new things. If you’re not a huge fan, you can taste a bite and move on. But if you love something, have at it! On this tour, we sampled so many different Argentine staples in one go. The portion sizes were decent and I was always asked if I wanted more of each item.
Well-organized
The entire tour from start to finish is super organized and feels like a well-oiled machine. The tour guides have strong relationships with the staff at each restaurant, so when our group walked in, they knew exactly who we were and where to seat us. We didn’t have to wait for a single table, and the drinks and food came out almost immediately – yet the dishes were still fresh and hot.
The tour was also well-paced. I never felt rushed or bored and had just the right amount of time to enjoy the food and restaurant before moving to the next location.
Takes the stress out of planning
I love that food tours do all the legwork for you. You don’t have to worry about choosing the restaurants, making reservations, or what to order. When I first arrive in a city, it’s hard to know where to begin, especially in a city like Buenos Aires which is bursting with awesome restaurants. However, the Sherpa Food Tour takes you to some of the best places, including top restaurants as well as lesser-known gems.
Exploring the neighborhood
Taking a tour is one of the best ways to get your bearings in a new city. And since Palermo is one of the best neighborhoods to visit in Buenos Aires, it makes sense to take a walking food tour here. As I mentioned earlier, I suggest taking this tour early in your trip. You’re bound to pass other restaurants, bars, and shops you’d like to return to. Who knows, you may even want to go back to one of the places you visited on the tour itself.
What I didn’t like about the Sherpa Food Tour
Food can be starch-heavy
Argentine food can be quite meat and starch-heavy. The Sherpa Food Tour actually did a good job of incorporating salads and veggies into the mix – but just be ready to eat a decent amount of bread, potatoes, and the like. This is more an observation about the local cuisine than the tour itself, but it is something to bear in mind. Come prepared with a big appetite!
Would like to know more about each dish
Our guide did a great job introducing the name of each food and keeping us satiated. However – maybe I’m a bit of foodie nerd – but I would have liked to learn more about each dish. For example, where it came from, if it was influenced by other cuisines, or how locals usually eat it. Basically, some food history and more fun facts! That being said, the guide was super approachable and happy to answer any questions. So if you’re a curious soul like me, don’t be shy to ask for more info!
Is the Sherpa Food Tour in Buenos Aires worth it?
Yes, it’s definitely worth it!
The Sherpa Food Tour offers a well-rounded introduction to local cuisine and Palermo Soho. You also get a little walking tour included, so it’s kind of a two-for-one. Plus, prices at Buenos Aires restaurants have been increasing significantly lately. The cost of this tour is very reasonable considering all the food and beverages you get combined with the quality of the restaurants.
We enjoyed this tour so much that we even listed it as our favorite food tour in Buenos Aires (see what the other unique food tours are here!)
I’ve spent significant time in Buenos Aires and tried my fair share of food here. I can honestly say, it was one of my favorite dining experiences in the city. We visited two restaurants that were on my bucket list, and another that I really enjoyed but hadn’t even heard of. Overall, I left the tour feeling happy, with a little buzz and a full belly.
Click here to book the Sherpa Food Tour with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before!
Related Read: Another must-see destination in Argentina is Iguazu Falls, and you can learn about the best Iguazu Falls tours from Buenos Aires here.
Other Activities to do While You’re in Buenos Aires
The Sherpa Food Tour is just one of many fun things you can do in Buenos Aires. So if you’re looking for even more activities, check out some of my favorites below!
- Wander around La Boca – This is our favorite neighborhood in Buenos Aires! La Boca is famous for being colorful and you’ll often hear tango music while you’re walking around here. There are some great bars and art museums or just walk around on a sightseeing tour or on your own and see what you find!
- See a tango show – Since Buenos Aires is the tango’s birthplace, you just know the tango shows in Buenos Aires are next level. But seriously we were blown away by the dancers and the incredible meal as part of this House of Tango Show.
- Gran Café Tortoni – Gran Café Tortoni is an iconic Buenos Aires coffeehouse. It’s one of the oldest cafes in the city and has even been named one of the most beautiful cafes in the world! This is the perfect place to grab a late-morning coffee or medialunas (Argentina’s mini croissants). You can also buy tickets to their evening tango show here!
- Shop at the San Telmo Market – Located in one of the most historic and atmospheric neighborhoods, the San Telmo Market is a huge indoor market with fresh produce, amazing street food stalls, and antique stores. The market is open daily from roughly 9 am – 8 pm, although some restaurants close earlier.
- Experience the Gaucho lifestyle – Gauchos are Argentina’s cowboys and an integral part of the culture. To experience this firsthand, book a gaucho tour in Buenos Aires! You can head to the countryside on this Estancia Tour, which includes horseback riding, a barbecue feast, and stories from the gauchos themselves.
Where to Stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina
If you’re heading to Buenos Aires soon, you might want to figure out where you’re staying! Luckily, there are many great options in the city. As you’re narrowing it down, you can take a peek at our guide to the best areas to stay in Buenos Aires.
You don’t need to break the bank to stay here, but if you are searching for a luxurious getaway, you can find that too. Here are my top picks for various price ranges!
Hilton Buenos Aires – $$$
You can’t beat the location with the riverside Hilton Buenos Aires. You’ll be within walking distance of downtown and about a 30-minute drive from the Palermo Sherpa Food Tour (without traffic). There’s a rooftop pool to relax in or sit down for a meal or drink at the hotel’s restaurant or bar.
The service is exceptional, and the rooms are spacious. It’s a more expensive place to stay at $250-$350 USD per night, but worth it if you’re looking for a five-star experience. So for the ultimate luxury in Buenos Aires, book your stay at the Hilton online here.
Broadway Hotel & Suites – $$
Located in the heart of Buenos Aires, the Broadway Hotel & Suites offers really spacious rooms at a great price. The swimming pool on the roof has amazing panoramic city views and a sun deck to soak up some rays. The rooms feature large windows, minimalistic art deco-type décor, and bathrooms with marble fittings. You’ll also have plenty of choices for shopping and restaurants nearby, and the Palermo Sherpa Food Tour is a 30-minute drive.
Plus, a junior suite here can be under $70 USD! To snag this awesome deal, I highly recommend you check availability and book online in advance.
Selina Palermo – $
Stay in one of the trendiest neighborhoods of Buenos Aires on a budget! Selina Palermo puts you close to the best bars and nightclubs – and walking distance from the Sherpa Food Tour. The place feels really modern, and there are nice extras like a rooftop bar, breakfast, and bike rentals available.
Shared dorm rooms with bunk beds are around $20 USD per night. If sharing isn’t your style, there are affordable private rooms with nice balconies overlooking the city starting at around $90 USD. You can book your stay on Booking.com or HostelWorld.com to secure your room!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Hopefully, my review gave you a solid idea of what to expect on the Sherpa Food Tour. I definitely think it was worth it and had a fabulous time from start to finish! If you decide to book, make sure to wear some comfy shoes and loose pants and come hungry. And as they say in Argentina, buen aprovecho!
If you enjoyed this blog, you can check out other articles about Argentina here. We’ve also written loads about other South American destinations as well. To get started, just click on one of the links below.
How to Spend ONE DAY in Buenos Aires: 1-Day Itinerary
La Ventana Tango Show Review – Is It Worth It?