argentina 3 places to visit

The Best Places to Visit in Argentina: A 3-Week Itinerary for Your First Trip

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This three-week Argentina itinerary takes in all of the country’s highlights, from the incredible Iguazú Falls to the mountains of Patagonia.

Argentina is one of those countries that has it all. A world class city, jungle waterfalls, desert landscapes, wine country, mountain lakes, and snow-capped peaks… and that’s really just the beginning. 

This itinerary will introduce you to the best of Argentina, but keep in mind that it’s a large country. Hitting every stop on this list in three weeks will require a relatively quick tempo. It will be a fantastic first visit, but the only way to do it is with a bunch of overnight buses or internal flights. The distances are just too great to see all of Argentina’s highlights without them. 

Some of the bus journeys required take a full 24 hours or more. If you plan to travel by bus (or rent a car), you’ll need to do some combination of skipping some places on this list or shortening your time in each one.

If you have more time, I definitely encourage you to take it! In the north of Argentina, you can break up the long journeys with stops in some of Argentina’s smaller cities. In Patagonia, you might want to weave in and out of Chile as you make your way south. 

With that said, let’s jump right into the best places to visit in Argentina for first timers! 

Buenos Aires: Argentina’s city that never sleeps (3-4 days)

Of course, no visit to Argentina would be complete without a visit to its largest metropolis. Buenos Aires has beautiful architecture, fantastic nightlife, amazing street art, and so many diverse neighborhoods to explore. 

Three days is really the absolute minimum amount of time I would recommend for your first trip to Buenos Aires. The classic must-see sights will take you at least two days, and that’s at a run. 

These include the colorful Caminito in La Boca, the cobblestone streets of San Telmo (try to visit for the Sunday fair if you can), Plaza de Mayo (site of some of Argentina’s most important historical events), and the famous Recoleta Cemetery. You’ll probably also want to spend some time exploring the leafy, trendy barrio of Palermo. There are museums, markets, and parks – not to mention the fantastic food scene. 

For suggestions on what to do and see, I’ve written a suggested 4-day itinerary that includes the main highlights plus a few extras. Have a read and choose the sights that interest you most for your time in the city. 

Iguazú Falls: One of the world’s natural wonders (1-2 days)

These waterfalls, situated on the border between Brazil and Argentina, are one of the most spectacular sights you’ll ever see, especially if you time your visit for the rainy season. (Yes, it’s uncomfortably hot and sticky, but you came for the waterfalls, right? Well the rainy season is, unsurprisingly, when they’re at their most impressive! Rainy season at Iguazú also coincides with the best season for hiking in Patagonia, so that’s convenient for trip planning.)

The area surrounding the waterfalls is a national park, and it has extensive walking paths with dozens of excellent lookout points over the falls. Some give you a panoramic perspective, while others lead you close enough to the rushing water to get completely drenched by its spray. (Bring a dry bag!) 

There is also a train to take you a bit further afield to arguably the most impressive viewpoint of all – the Devil’s Throat. From the train station, a 1-kilometer long platform over the river ends with an up-close view of a legitimately awe-inspiring (and deafening) torrent of water, as well as the numerous rainbows that form in the surrounding spray. 

You can also take short boat tours on the Iguazú River for a different perspective on the base of the falls. The speedboats don’t take you right under the water, but you still get much closer than you can by walking. It’s a bumpy, wet, fun ride and worth the money. (Again, you came all the way here!)

One full day is enough to see the Argentinian side of the falls pretty thoroughly. I know it can feel like a waste not to stay longer, seeing as you came all the way here to the middle of the jungle. If you want to explore the Brazilian side of the falls as well, I recommend spending another day here.

How to get to Iguazú Falls

To visit Iguazú Falls on the Argentinian side, most people stay in the little town of Puerto Iguazú. The town is about 20 kilometers away from the falls, and buses run there several times per hour. 

By far, the easiest way to reach Puerto Iguazú is to fly from Buenos Aires. There are many nonstop flights each day from both Jorge Newbery Airport (locally referred to as simply “Aeroparque”) and Ezeiza. The trip takes just under 2 hours and usually costs less than $100 USD if you purchase tickets a month or so in advance.

Unfortunately, the alternative is… not great. If you want to travel by bus, it will take 17-20 hours and might cost just as much as the flight. 

Northwest Argentina: Colorful mountains, salt flats, and wine tasting (3 days)

The northwest is probably not what most people picture when they think of Argentina. The desert landscape is completely different from the rest of the country. Here you can visit dramatic salt flats, go wine tasting, and explore the UNESCO-recognized Quebrada de Humahuaca. 

North of Jujuy: Quebrada de Humahuaca and the Salinas Grandes

If you’re coming all the way up here, you definitely shouldn’t miss the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a valley characterized by colorful rock formations, adobe houses, and Quechuan villages. In the small town of Purmamarca, you can do an easy one-hour walk to take in the red, orange, and purple hues of the Cerro de los Siete Colores. Half an hour away, the small town of Tilcara – set in the same beautiful valley – has a reconstructed 12 th  century settlement overlooking the mountains. 

There are also salt flats – perhaps not quite as impressive as those a bit further north in Bolivia, but still an interesting place to see and take some fun photos. 

You can visit these as part of a day trip from either Salta or San Salvador de Jujuy (usually referred to as simply Jujuy). You’ll cut down on your driving time to the Quebrada de Humahuaca and the salt flats considerably if you base yourself in the latter, but I’d argue Salta has a bit more to see and do. It also has more frequent direct flights to other parts of the country. If you don’t mind moving around, you could stay in both, or you could spend a night in one of the small towns. (This would require renting a car, as most tours will just take you out for the day.) 

Jujuy is about two hours north of Salta. From there, it’s about an hour north to Purmamarca, and another half an hour to Tilcara. The Salinas Grandes are about an hour west of Purmamarca. Many companies combine the salt flats and Purmamarca into one (long) day, which I think is a good option if you also want to visit Cafayate and/or Cachi. (See next section.) 

South of Salta: Cafayate and Cachi

Three hours in the other direction from Salta is Cafayate, a popular wine tasting destination. Since Mendoza, Argentina’s most famous wine region, is the next stop on this itinerary, I think you can sleep soundly saving Cafayate for another trip. If you’re up for it, though, Cafayate is set in a beautiful valley, and many winery tours will include opportunities to explore the stunning rocky gorges and canyons as well. (You’ll do the outdoor activities first, don’t worry!) 

If you’re renting a car, you could do a loop including Cachi, a small colonial town that is also about 3 hours from Salta. (Unfortunately, it’s not really on the way to Cafayate, but the drive itself is beautiful and part of the appeal.) 

And if you prefer being driven, you can also book a separate day tour to Cachi and Los Cardones National Park. 

(One last option is to stop in Cafayate on your way to Mendoza if you plan to travel by bus. You’d have an additional 20 hours or so with a transfer in San Miguel de Tucumán.)

How to get to Argentina’s northwest

Aerolíneas Argentinas usually has four direct flights per week from Puerto Iguazú to Salta and two per week from Puerto Iguazú to Jujuy. The flight takes two hours. 

Traveling by bus will take at least 24 hours, and there is no direct bus at the time of writing. You’ll likely need to transfer in Posadas, Corrientes, or Resistencia. 

Mendoza: Wine tasting at the foot of the Andes (2-3 days)

Mendoza is best known for its wineries and the ever-popular bicycle tours of its vineyards. 

Many people don’t realize that Mendoza is also a major hub for adventure sports. Looking at a map, it makes perfect sense – it’s right next to the Andes. However, with so many popular hiking and outdoor activities available further south, Mendoza’s can often get overshadowed. 

It’s true that a lot of the hikes aren’t quite as accessible as those in Patagonia. (You’re not going to walk out the door and up a mountain.) Still, there are a lot of great day tours that will get you out into nature – an especially nice counterbalance if you’ve spent the previous day drinking malbec from noon until night!

The most popular activities are riding horses , whitewater rafting , ziplining, paragliding , and of course, trekking . 

How to get to Mendoza

Once again, you’re faced with the choice between a few hours in the air and 20 hours on a bus. 

There are direct flights from Salta to Mendoza four days per week and from Jujuy to Mendoza twice per week. The other days, you’ll need to connect in Córdoba or Buenos Aires. 

Or grab some headphones and/or a good book, and settle in for that long overnight trip! 

Bariloche: Argentina’s capital of outdoor adventure, extreme sports… and chocolate (2-3 days)

The next stop on your itinerary is Argentina’s unbelievably, jaw-droppingly gorgeous lake district. There are a number of beautiful small towns in the region where you can base yourself to explore its genuinely magnificent mountains, rivers, and lakes. 

The best and easiest place, though, especially if this is your first visit to Argentina, is San Carlos de Bariloche. Sitting on the southern shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake, it is a major tourist center and transportation hub. Accommodation is plentiful, there are frequent connections to other parts of the country, and public transit is available to take you to trailheads, beaches, and other places of interest. 

The great outdoors in Bariloche

If you’re a hiker, I recommend tackling one or two of the phenomenal day hikes in the Bariloche area. (Since we’re trying to fit a lot into three weeks in Argentina, we’ll save the multi-day treks for your next trip.) If you have to pick just one, I highly recommend the ridgeline hike to Refugio Frey . 

And even if you’re not much of hiker, you can still reach some really lovely viewpoints by cable car. These include Cerro Campanario, Cerro Otto, and Cerro Viejo. 

Adventure sports enthusiasts can go river rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, kitesurfing, or paragliding. Fly fishing and horseback riding are great options for people looking to enjoy nature without the adrenaline rush.

Other popular activities in Bariloche

Even if you’re more about the indoor life (or if you’re just unlucky with the weather), there is a lot to love about Bariloche. In addition to the excellent wine you’ve probably come to expect in Argentina, Bariloche has a flourishing craft beer industry. It is something of a foodie destination, with a lot of renowned restaurants serving traditional Patagonian cuisine. 

If you’re a history buff, check out one of the excellent historical walking tours in Bariloche. One highly rated tour introduces visitors to the indigenous history of the region. Another focuses on the legacy of immigration from Germany to Argentina, and specifically the Lake District, after World War II.

Finally, don’t miss the dozens of excellent chocolate shops dotting the downtown streets. Bariloche’s long history of chocolate production (dating to the post-World War II era) has earned it a reputation as Argentina’s “capital of chocolate.” Save some room!

How to get to Bariloche

If you’re coming here by bus, be prepared – this is another long one. (Are you noticing a theme here?) Most buses leave Mendoza in the evening (around 6:30 p.m.) and arrive in Bariloche around lunchtime the following day. (The trip takes about 18-19 hours.) 

There are nonstop flights from Mendoza to Bariloche a few times per week. The flights take a little under 2 hours and, once again, are frequently cheaper than the bus. (I’ve often seen tickets for $60 USD.) 

El Chaltén: The highlight of any hiker’s Argentina itinerary (3 days)

Let’s start by establishing that El Chaltén is for hikers. It’s a hiker’s paradise. A mecca! The “Argentine capital of trekking” !

If you’re not a hiker? I’d probably skip it and add some extra days somewhere else in your itinerary. There isn’t all that much else to do!

Ok, so hikers: There are two very famous treks here, and for good reason. And then there is another one that doesn’t seem to be all that famous but is, in my opinion, even better. There are also shorter hikes to waterfalls and viewpoints as well as multi-day treks if you’re so inclined.

The number one trek on virtually everyone’s list is the hike to Laguna de los Tres. A close second is Laguna Torre. Of the two, Laguna de los Tres is longer, harder, and more impressive (that’s a close one though), so that is probably the one to prioritize. 

That said, if it were  me , and if it were a clear day, I would prioritize a completely different hike. It’s called the Loma del Pliegue Tumbado , and I am baffled by how completely and utterly underrated it is. In fact, I’m a little worried I’m breaking some kind of unspoken rule about this hike – are we keeping it a secret, or something? I hardly see it mentioned, and it’s alllll the way down at #7 on AllTrails, and… yeah, that just makes no sense to me.

Unfortunately, there is a decent chance the weather won’t cooperate with you for three full days. This is just the nature of Patagonia. If that’s the case, there are some easier hikes closer to town that only require a few hours. (Consider the Chorillo del Salto, for example.)

How to get to El Chaltén

Bariloche to El Chaltén takes a good 24 hours by bus – at best. You’ll travel along the famous Ruta 40, which runs the length of Argentina parallel to the Andes. (Unfortunately this stretch of it is not particularly interesting.) 

I’ve done it myself (and I should note that it took 33 hours), but this is another one of those times when I certainly understand the choice to fly. Aerolíneas Argentinas runs nonstop flights from Bariloche to El Calafate (see the next section) once a day in the summer months and a few times per week in the shoulder season. 

If that’s what you choose to do, you’ll just have to travel the roughly three hours from El Calafate to El Chaltén by bus. (And that route is, luckily, pretty spectacular!)

El Calafate: Gateway to the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier (2 days)

Next up on the itinerary is El Calafate. This little town is the gateway to one of the most magnificent sights on this big blue Earth: the Perito Moreno glacier. This is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world, and it is genuinely a sight to behold. Pictures often don’t do it justice, failing to effectively convey just how enormous it is, or how beautiful it is in the changing light.  

There are a number of ways to experience the Perito Moreno, from kayaking through its floating icebergs to ice trekking over the glacier itself . The most budget-friendly option is to just admire the glacier from the walkways and various viewing platforms on the other side of the lake. (I spent hours doing this when I visited the glacier, and it never once got old. I truly felt like I needed that time to fully appreciate it.) 

As you stand gaping in awe, there is a good chance a chunk of ice the size of 5-storey building will break off of and crash into the lake below. You’ll usually hear a loud crack before it does – a second or two of a heads up to see how fast you can get your camera out.  

El Calafate itself is a small town in a beautiful setting on the southern shore of Lago Argentino. You can go horseback riding, visit another glacier a bit further afield, or just take a stroll near Laguna Nimez to check out the resident flamingos.  

How to get to El Calafate and the Perito Moreno Glacier

As mentioned above, there are daily flights to El Calafate from Bariloche in the summer. If you’re just coming from El Chaltén, it’s a very manageable 3-hour trip by bus along a beautiful stretch of highway. 

Buses head to the Perito Moreno from El Calafate every morning. The trip takes about an hour and a half.

Ushuaia: Hiking and wildlife at the end of the world (2-3 days)

Our final stop on this three-week Argentina itinerary is Ushuaia, generally considered the southernmost city in the world. I’m including it on the list for anyone who has an extra couple of days (or who cut out some of the long, 24-hour bus trips with domestic flights). It’s a scenic place with some great treks and nice opportunities to spot wildlife, and it’s cool to stand at the so-called ends of the Earth.

Wandering around the harbor, you’ll see ships bound for Antarctica. With a bit of lucky timing, you might even spot one on its way there from one of the nearby hiking trails. 

That said, don’t lose sleep if you took some night buses to save the planet and have run out of time to visit Ushuaia. Bariloche, El Chaltén, and El Calafate are the real Patagonian must-sees on your first trip to Argentina. Ushuaia is a nice bonus. (If your heart is set on Antarctica someday, you’ll probably be back anyway.)

Ushuaia is a great place to hike, as you’ll find the trails much less crowded than the ones in El Chaltén or nearby Torres del Paine in Chile. The most recommended treks are Laguna Esmerelda, Cerro Guanaco in Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego , the Vinciguerra Glacier, and the Martial Glacier. 

For a chance to spot some incredible wildlife (potentially including whales, dolphins, and sea lions!), check out boat tours through the Beagle Channel. If you, like me, can’t get enough of adorable Patagonian penguins, look for tours that include Isla Martillo.

How to get to Ushuaia

If you’re combining your Argentina itinerary with some time in Chile, it makes the most sense to visit Torres del Paine National Park in between El Calafate and Ushuaia. 

*Note that if you want to hike the famous W trek (or the longer O that includes it), you have to either plan wellll in advance or get very lucky in order to secure accommodation along the route. 

Getting to Ushuaia from Puerto Natales in Chile

Buses between El Calafate and Puerto Natales typically take between five and six hours, including the border crossing. (Once in Puerto Natales, you can rent any gear you need and book transportation to Torres del Paine.)

After your trek, you can take a bus from Puerto Natales to Ushuaia, which takes about 13 hours. (You might think heading to Punta Arenas will shorten the trip, but in reality the trip from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia takes almost as long because of the way the Strait of Magellan is shaped. I loved my trip to Isla Magdalena from Punta Arenas, but you can see penguins in Ushuaia, too. My humble opinion is that it’s not worth going out of your way to Punta Arenas unless it’s time to go home and you need to fly to Santiago.) 

Getting to Ushuaia from El Calafate

If you’re not visiting Torres del Paine on this trip, you can fly directly from El Calafate to Ushuaia in about 75 minutes. Aerolíneas Argentinas has several direct flights per day, but they can be pretty pricey if you don’t grab them early. (Again, a lot of people are coming here to go to Antarctica, so they book many months in advance – and the price is kind of a drop in the bucket in comparison.) 

There is no direct bus, so you’ll have to transfer in Río Gallegos if you go that route. Again, I’ve done it, and honestly I just slept a lot and did a lot of processing of all of the amazing things I’d seen on my adventure. But I was time rich and money poor, and it did take a solid 18 hours. 

Getting back to Buenos Aires

As you’ve probably guessed by now, taking the bus back to Buenos Aires will take over 48 hours. If you’re going to do that, at least give yourself a break in the middle in Puerto Madryn. This small city on the east coast is best known for whale watching from June to December, but it has some nice rocky beaches and is a great place to see other wildlife throughout the year. 

Heading into Chile

As mentioned above, if you have more than three weeks for your trip, you might have already decided to zigzag between Argentinean and Chilean Patagonia. Chile is an absolutely amazing country , and I highly recommend spending some time there if you have it.

From Puerto Natales, consider taking the Navimag ferry (if it’s within your budget) through the Chilean fjords and up to Puerto Montt. From there, you can easily travel to beautiful Chiloé Island or the lovely lakeside town of Puerto Varas (kind of like Chile’s answer to Bariloche).

More on Argentina

How to hit all the Buenos Aires highlights in 4 days

Calle Lanín: A colorful street off the beaten path in Buenos Aires

The 5 best day hikes in Bariloche

Hiking to Refugio Frey from Cerro Catedral in Bariloche

3 days in El Chaltén: Where to hike (and where to eat afterward!)

The most underrated hike in El Chaltén: Loma del Pliegue Tumbado

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The 25 Best Places to Visit in Argentina: For Hikers, Sightseers and Wildlife-Lovers Alike

By Author Steph Dyson

Posted on Last updated: 24th January 2024

Argentina, one of the popular gateways to South America, plays host to some of the southern hemisphere’s most dramatic landscapes: think vast, millennial-old glaciers, historic bodies of water, and the weather-chiseled ridge of the Andes Mountains separating it from its neighbor, Chile. 

But Argentina isn’t just a place defined by its natural magnificence.

It’s also home to one of the most bewitching capital cities – an unmissable destination for foodies and football lovers alike – as well as curious Welsh settlements, chaotic colonies of animals, and sunkissed vineyards producing world-class wines.

I’ve had the fortune to explore practically the entire country, traveling slowly along the length and breadth of Argentina as part of multiple trips spanning a couple of months in total.

Off the back of that research, here are what I consider to be the best places to visit in Argentina. 

Click to navigate this article:

Northern Argentina

1. track rare wildlife in the world’s second-largest wetlands, the esteros del iberá .

Home to the world’s second-largest wetland in the world, the Esteros del Iberá (Iberá Wetlands), are a remote, pristine, and hugely important ecosystem in Argentina.

Comprising a 13,000-km 2 nature reserve in the north-central province of Corrientes, this protected area is one of the most important freshwater reservoirs in South America and houses an abundance of wildlife. 

Over 320 bird species are resident here, making it a top destination for birders, while capybara, maned wolves, giant anteaters and even a thriving population of jaguar – reintroduced in 2021 by conservationists – make the Esteros del Iberá one of the best places in Argentina to spot wildlife.

Situated a three-hour journey from the nearest airport, getting here is part of the adventure and explains why it remains such a remarkably untouched and unvisited part of Argentina. 

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2. Appreciate one of the world’s natural wonders, Iguazu Falls

Step aside, Niagara Falls: there’s a much more impressive set of waterfalls awaiting in Argentina. Comprising 275 cascades and spanning an area 2.7 kilometers wide, Iguazu Falls are a remarkable 195 meters high – dwarfing Niagara, which is a measly half the size. 

Though you cannot see all of the falls that make up this vast fury of water from the Argentine side – you’ll need to cross into the Brazilian side to tick off them all – visiting Parque Nacional Iguazú (Iguazu National Park) in Argentina will still grant you spellbinding views of these dramatic falls.

Hike through the dense jungle of the national park – where toucan and brown capuchin monkeys might be glimpsed – to the Garganta del Diablo (the Devil’s Throat), where a platform perched above this fall gives you utterly unforgettable views as the water cascades down with a deafening roar. 

3. Road trip to the land of “white gold”, Salinas Grandes

Neighboring Bolivia might take the crown for the world’s largest salt flats , but Salinas Grandes in the Argentina puna remains a dreamlike destination and a worthy place to visit in Argentina. 

Argentina economy update

The Argentine economy is a huge mess at the moment, with inflation expected to hit 200% this year. Using Argentine pesos can therefore be a nightmare – and mean you lose a lot of money. The blue dollar (an unofficial exchange rate that gives you a better conversion than the official rate) is around, but if you want to avoid carrying lots of cash, you can now pay using your credit card and get an exchange rate similar to the blue dollar rate. You must choose to pay in Argentine pesos (not USD!) to secure this rate.

Both Mastercard and Visa give you what is called the MEP rate, which is almost as good as the blue dollar rate. Mastercard will charge you the official rate but refund you the money a few days later; Visa will charge you the MEP rate from the beginning.

If you do want to have some Argentine pesos for paying in cash (which I highly recommend as you will need them for some restaurants and attractions), it’s best to use Western Union, whereby you send cash to yourself using the Western Union app and then withdraw it in Argentine pesos from one of their branches in Argentina. Bear in mind, those in El Calafate and Ushuaia can run dry of notes, so it can be easiest to do this in Buenos Aires.

Additionally, you can bring USD (unmarked and untorn hundred dollar bills), which you can exchange at “cuevas” (unofficial exchange houses). These will be able to give you the blue dollar rate and any hotel owner will be able to tell you where your nearest one is. Souvenir shops in most parts of the country will be able to give you pesos in exchange for dollar bills – although they might not give you the best rate.

Avoid cash machines. Currently, the maximum withdrawal is the equivalent of $15 USD in Argentine pesos and it will cost you $10 USD in fees.

Spanning more than 500 kilometers and with salt melting away into the distance as far as the eye can see, this curious, high-altitude landscape lends itself to comical perspective photography. Visit by hiring a vehicle or taking a tour from Purmamarca, Jujuy, or Salta; en route, you’ll catch dazzling views of splendid lagoons and walnut plantations. 

4. Photograph the rainbow hues of the Quebrada de Humahuaca

Argentina’s northwestern provinces are packed with otherworldly sights and the Quebrada de Humahuaca (Humahuaca Canyon) is no exception. This 155-kilometer-long mountain valley is famous for its vibrantly colored rock formations as well as for its historic, Quechua-speaking villages. 

To the south, the  Cerro de Los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colours) lives up to its name with a magical rainbow of hues caused by the mineral content of the soil and towers over the colonial village of Purmamarca.

Adobe houses rub shoulders with the centuries-old Iglesia de Santa Rosa, while a daily market on the town square makes this an excellent place to purchase sweaters and blankets wove from llama wool. 

5. Discover the enchanted village of Iruya

Still within Quebrada de Humahuaca, but miles away from the typical tourist trail, the enchanting village of Iruya lies within the sheer walls of the canyon, with many of its adobe houses built up into the valley sides.

The setting is dramatic; clamber up to the Mirador de la Cruz to appreciate the full magic of this village or head to Mirador del Condor to catch sight of Andean condors, which typically take to the sky around 3pm.

6. Appreciate colonial architecture in Córdoba

As the country’s second-largest city, Córdoba is an easy pick when it comes to choosing the best places to visit in Argentina. You can feel both the pre-Hispanic and colonial influences in much of this pretty city, which houses some of the best-preserved colonial buildings in the whole of Argentina. 

Crowned the Cultural Capital of the Americas in 2006, Córdoba thrives on its blend of old and new. With three universities in the city, it’s no wonder there’s plenty to do here.

Browse one of its four municipal galleries – covering everything from fine art to contemporary work – and spend an evening in the Güemes neighborhood, where independent craft stores and crowded bars attract students and visitors alike.

7. Tour Talampaya National Park in a 4WD

The dusty stone pillars of Parque Nacional Talampaya (Tamlampaya National Park), chiseled away by millennia of rain and wind count as some of the most surreal rock formations you’ll find in Argentina.

Lying in the eastern province of La Rioja, this desert landscape is best explored by 4WD and you must take a guide; visit Talampaya’s official website to arrange a tour.

Most head directly to the Cañón de Talampaya, where guanaco, rhea, and condors can be sighted, as well as its focal point, the Cajon de Shimpa, a deep gorge with towering, 80-meter-high walls that are only seven meters wide at its base.

8. Learn about Andean cultures in Salta

Much of Argentina’s northwestern regions have more in common with Bolivia than they do Argentina. Salta is a fine example. While its handsome buildings and ornate church, the Iglesia San Francisco, belie its colonial origins, this city is packed with museums dedicated to the pre-Columbian cultures that came before. 

One of the best is the Museo de Arequeología de Alta Montaña , which specializes in the Inca and their child sacrifices – with the bodies of three such children discovered on a nearby mountain peak now, controversially, on display in this museum. 

There’s so much to see and do in the city, and our comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Salta will see you adding it to your Argentinian itinerary in no time.

Northeastern Argentina

9. get familiar with argentine literature in san antonio de areco.

Located about an hour and a half northwest of Buenos Aires, the town of San Antonio de Areco is the perfect day trip from the capital. Known as the National Capital of Tradition, it’s rich in the history and culture of the Argentine countryside and blessed with a wealth of museums, including the Museo Gauchesco Ricardo Güiraldes .

Dedicated to the author Ricardo Güiraldes, it also covers the culture of the local gauchos, the name for the cowboys who are both a folk symbol and a typical feature of pampas life in Argentina.  

10. Drink, dance, and dine in Buenos Aires

Most visitors to Buenos Aires pass a few days in its dazzling capital, home to Parisian architecture and Latin passions.

Unsurprisingly, Buenos Aires is home to many of Argentina’s top and most well-known tourist attractions , and it’s remiss to spend time in this city without dancing in a tango hall ( milongas ), dining like a king in a local steak house ( asado ), or making a pilgrimage to the Cementerio de la Recoleta to track down Eva Perón’s grave . 

In the south, the working-class neighborhood of La Boca has transformed into a prime tourist destination.

Wander through the open-air museum of El Caminito, where tenement shacks have been transformed with a lick of brightly colored paint, before catching a beautiful game at La Bombonera, where legendary team Boca Juniors play. 

For a truly porteño experience, don’t miss the Feria de San Telmo, a weekly Sunday market hosted in one of the city’s prettiest neighborhoods. Craft stalls and tables groaning beneath the weight of countless antiques await, while you can even catch music performances and impromptu tango dancing, too. 

11. Surf the waves of Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata, a city 415 kilometers south of Buenos Aires, is a popular escape for porteños during the hot, summer months. With its beachside hotels and 47 kilometers of beaches, it’s got everything for a spot of relaxation – although, during summer, you’ll find it’s got too many other visitors, as well.

However, surfers have found their Mecca, particularly as the best surfing conditions are found between April and October.

Head to Playa Grande for the most consistent breaks and, if you’re new to surfing, sign up with one of the many surf schools to guide you in choosing the location and practicing your moves before you hit the water. 

Northwestern Argentina

12. summit the lofty peak of volcán aconcagua.

The highest mountain outside of the Himalayas, Aconcagua invites adventure seekers and adrenaline junkies looking to summit one of the “Seven Summits” – the highest mountains in each continent.

Just a few thousand people try to reach its 6,960-metre peak every year and even the easiest route – the route up the Northwest Ridge – isn’t technical but still poses a real challenge due to the altitude. 

All hikers must apply for a permit in nearby Mendoza and travel with experienced trekkers or, better still, a guide, is highly recommended. 

13. Go wine tasting in viticulture capital Mendoza

With its vine-slung valleys fed by a clever system of irrigation and backdrop of snowy Andean peaks, Mendoza is itself a remarkable place to visit in Argentina. However, oenophiles from across the globe head here in order to sample the region’s most famous export: malbec. 

Local wineries abound and those in nearby Maipú can be easily visited either on a wine tour directly from Mendoza or using public transport. Head further afield to the wineries of the Valle de Uco or Luján de Cuyo to encounter those at the forefront of Argentine wine production.

Southern Argentina (Patagonia)

14. conquer the summit of volcán lanín.

Lying in the far west along the ridged backbone of the Andes Mountains, Parque Nacional Lanín (Lanín National Park) is another of Argentina’s most spectacular protected areas .

If you’re keen to summit a volcano but don’t quite have the expertise – of the lungs – for Aconcagua in the north of the country, the perfectly conical Volcán Lanín might be the perfect alternative. 

Set within forests of southern beech typical to Patagonia and with other easier hikes available, the route to the 3,776-metre summit of Volcán Lanín normally follows the north face and takes two days.

While it remains a challenging activity and one for which it’s highly recommended to use the services of a local guide, hiking to the top of this mountain – and absorbing the incredible panoramic views of lakes and mountains from its peak – will be utterly unforgettable. 

15. Drive the Ruta de los Siete Lagos

Ruta 40, the highway that slices down through Argentina from the very northern tip of the country to the far south, is considered one of Patagonia’s finest road trips . But the section dubbed Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Route of the Seven Lakes) is perhaps the most picturesque of all. 

Connecting San Martín de los Andes in the north with Villa La Angostura 108 kilometers south, this drive takes you along the banks of seven shimmering lakes, with the scenery tied to the seasons.

Drive it in summer (December through February) for landscapes vibrant green or travel here in autumn (March and April) when the trees turn burnt umber. 

16. Go hiking and biking from Swiss-inspired Bariloche

Sitting at the heart of the Argentine Lakes Region and within the mountain and lake-scattered landscapes of Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi (Nahuel Huapi National Park), Bariloche (sometimes known as San Carlos de Bariloche) attracts visitors in their droves.

Summer is peak season for visitors, who head to this town on the banks of Lago Nahuel Huapi to enjoy everything this capital of adventure has to offer. 

Whether you’re keen to mountain bike on lakeside gravel paths or head up into the snow-dappled peaks of Cerro Catedral (which becomes the region’s most visited ski destination in winter), Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi has it all.

Best of all, Bariloche, with its Swiss-inspired architecture, surprisingly good craft beer, and even more surprisingly fantastic chocolate, make this a town where you won’t regret whiling away a good few days. Be aware that Bariloche can be packed in the summer months between December and February.

17. Go wildlife watching in Península Valdés

Considered one of the best places to see wildlife in Argentina (and South America), the Península Valdés has been recognized by UNESCO for its abundance of wildlife, which includes everything from sea lions and elephant seals to Magellanic penguins.

But it’s the fact that the waters off this peninsular are the habitat for the largest breeding population of southern right whales in the world is what makes this region so unique. 

Between June and mid-December is when these mammals arrive to reproduce and the best way to catch sight of them is as part of a boat tour , which can be arranged in nearby Puerto Madryn or on the peninsula itself at Puerto Pirámides. Between mid-February and mid-April, orcas can also be seen at high tide on the beaches snatching sea lions from the shore.

18. Meet Welsh settlers in Gaiman

You’ll likely be surprised to learn that Argentina has the highest number of Welsh speakers outside of the United Kingdom. It’s all down to the Welsh settlements found in the Patagonian steppe, where 153 hardy arrivals from Europe landed on the shores of the Chubert Province in 1865. 

Now over a hundred years later, these remain the epicentre of Welsh-Argentine culture. Tours from Trelew (itself an attractive but useful base) take you to quintessentially Welsh Gaiman where you can indulge in a very Welsh activity – afternoon tea – in one of the traditional teahouses dotted around the town.  

19. Discover the 10,000-year-old cave paintings at the Cueva de las Manos

Tucked into the recesses of a large cave lie one of Argentina’s most significant prehistoric discoveries. Now known as the Cueva de las Manos – the Cave of Hands – this site is covered by around 800 handprints, which are thoughts to have been marked on the wall around 7370 BCE. 

You can take a tour from Perito Moreno or Los Antiguos or drive yourself here with a hire car ; one-hour tours ($12 USD) depart from the entrance to the site. 

20. Stretch your legs in Los Glaciares National Park

Those who crave adventure should add Los Glaciares National Park to their Argentine itinerary. Situated deep into Argentine Patagonia near the Chilean border, this national park stretches north to south along the eastern edge of the incredible hielo sur , the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

In fact, a quarter of this national park sleeps beneath ice, with much of it high above ground level and caught in the granite spires of the mountains that dominate this terrain. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Patagonia and Argentina as a whole.

The most iconic is the 3,405-metre Monte Fitz Roy, beneath which sits the glacier-meltwaters of Laguna de los Tres – and to which hikers make their pilgrimage along a challenging one-day trek. This hike departs from the nearby town of El Chaltén, which is considered the national trekking capital.

Other paths abound for nature lovers and trekkers alike, including the 70-kilometre Huemul Circuit, while visitors will fall swiftly in love with the park’s glorious blend of high-altitude mountains and low-elevation steppe, that’s punctuated by freshwater lakes and rich in wildlife, including Andean condors, rare huemul deer and even pumas. 

21. Stay at a traditional Patagonian ranch

Sheep ranching in the late 19th century saw both Argentine and Chilean Patagonia become some of the most important sheep farming areas in the world. Ranches built to house the farmers are some of the only remaining relics of this boom and you can even stay in one of these historic, and often remote, homes. 

One of the best is Estancia La Estela , a family-run ranch that sits on the shores of Lago Viedma equidistant between El Calafate and El Chalten and offers horseback riding excursions, as well as traditional lamb barbecues. 

22. Catch calving icebergs at the Perito Moreno Glacier

Glacier El Perito Moreno is Argentina’s most famous glacier , sitting within the mountainous terrain of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (Los Glaciares National Park) in Patagonia and one of the reasons why Argentina is among the best countries in South America for dazzling natural landmarks .

Situated just a short bus journey from the town of El Calafate, this ice giant kneels in the grey-blue water of Lago Argentino – one of Argentina’s most stunning lakes – covers an incredible 25,000 hectares and calves egg-blue icebergs at a remarkable frequency from its frigid tongue. 

The best way to catch this remarkable phenomenon is from the boardwalks situated a few hundred metres from its snout; late afternoon after the ice has warmed during the day is the most likely time to see it happening.

23. Go to the ends of the earth in Ushuaia

Right at the very tip of the South American continent sits Argentina’s southernmost city: Ushuaia.

Described by many as at the very ends of the earth, Ushuaia has a magical quality, aided no end by its spellbinding scenery: situated at the edges of Tierra del Fuego island, it’s hemmed in by the Beagle Channel in the south and snow-heavy mountains in the north. 

Founded as a penal colony, Ushuaia has a curious history. There’s no better place to learn about it than at the vast and fascinating Museo Maritimo y Museo del Presidio , which is set in the city’s former prison. 

Alternatively, head for the White Continent from here to go to the true ends of the earth: expedition cruises to Antarctica leave from here, many of which visit Cape Horn along the way. 

Need some advice for choosing an Antarctica cruise? I highly recommend Swoop Antarctica, whose staff have extensive, first-hand experience of sailing to Antarctica and, because they sell cruises for all the well-known companies, can give you handy, impartial advice for choosing the one that best suits you.

Check out their cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula – for a chance to set foot on mainland Antarctica and explore some of the most beautiful parts of the continent – and to South Georgia and the Falklands – for a wildlife bonanza.

We’ve also explored when’s the best time to visit Antarctica – which I highly recommend reading before you start considering a trip. The Antarctica travel season is short and the experiences in different months vary wildly.

24. Hike in the superlative scenery of Tierra del Fuego National Park

West of Ushuaia lies another of Patagonia’s finest national parks. Packed with day hikes that take in stupendous views across dense forests of southern beech and onto the watery depths of the Beagle Channel, Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego National Park) is one of the must-visit destinations in Argentine Patagonia. 

You’ll find plenty of birdlife, including condors and albatrosses, as well as the Southern Fuegian Railway.

Better known as the Train to the End of the World , this 500 mm gauge steam railway was originally used to transport prisoners working to chop timber and now takes you deep into the national park on the final seven kilometers of track. It’s a bit of a tourist trap, but if you love your railways, then it’s a must-do activity. 

25. Visit Tierra del Fuego’s first estancia

Founded in 1886 by Anglican missionary Thomas Bridges, Estancia Harberton takes the title of the island’s first ranch. Now operated by Bridges’ descendants, and with the excellent Museo Acatushún that showcases the area’s marine mammals and bird species at its heart, it’s a worthwhile place for a day trip. 

Boat tours from Ushuaia take you via the Beagle Channel, the 240-km strait separating Tierra del Fuego from Chile, and where colonies of fur seals, Magellanic penguins, and cormorants can be spotted. Keep your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins in the water. 

FAQs about Argentina

What is the most beautiful part of argentina.

Patagonia is arguably the most beautiful part of Argentina. Some would not agree, as much of it is wild and barren, but it’s these qualities that equally make Patagonia so enchanting. In this vast region, you’ll find towering glaciers, vast, unspoiled lakes, and endemic wildlife, with renting a car and taking a road trip around Patagonia , as well as hiking in the region’s national parks , two of the best ways to dive into the region’s beauty. 

Is Argentina safe to visit?

Argentina is ranked 68th in the 2021 Global Peace index and third among the safest South American countries . With that said, it’s best to keep some safety considerations in mind. For instance, avoid dark alleys at night and don’t wear anything flashy when wandering the city’s streets. Read our guides on safety in Buenos Aires and staying safe in Argentina for more information.

Is Argentina expensive to visit?

On average, the cost of living in Argentina is lower than in the US or Western Europe, meaning Argentina is affordable for travelers. However, flights can be expensive (considerably more so than in neighboring Chile ), with long-distance bus travel often a much more affordable way to cover large distances. Staying on a budget is not impossible here; cooking your own meals, not dining out often, and using public transportation can help trim down your expenses. Learn more about traveling to Patagonia on a budget .

Is English widely spoken in Argentina?

Many people in Argentina speak English, although only a small percentage speak it fluently. In cities familiar with tourism, such as Buenos Aires and Mendoza, you can get by with English as most restaurants provide English menus and museums have English-speaking tour guides. This may not be the case in a small town deep in Patagonia. In that case, we recommend learning basic Spanish so you’ll be able to ask for directions and prices, hire a local guide, or join a group of experienced travelers.

Places to Visit in Argentina: 15 Can’t-Miss Destinations in 2024

Wondering where to go in Argentina? Here, I’m sharing my absolute favourite places to visit in Argentina, researched over two years of living there.

Argentina is a country of stunning diversity. Think cosmopolitan cities, snow-capped mountains, rushing waterfalls, moon-like landscapes, delicious wines and crystal-clear lakes.

While you’re inevitably going to end up in Buenos Aires – spoiler alert, it’s number one on this list of Argentina destinations to visit – you also have to get out of Buenos Aires and head to some of the other incredible places across the immense landscape of the world’s 8th largest country.

So, from cities to natural wonders, from Patagonia to the desert, here are 15 of my favourite places to visit in Argentina. This list has been curated after living in the country for two years and travelling extensively from top to bottom. I encourage you to have a look through and think about which places you’ll be adding to your Argentina itinerary .

This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

Map of the best places to visit in Argentina

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1. Buenos Aires

The seductive capital of the country and the most European of all the cities in South America, it’s easy to fall under Buenos Aires’ spell. Start your Argentina trip here to explore stunning architecture, eat juicy steak, drink full-bodied wines and watch an intimate tango show.

For a day-by-day  Bueno Aires itinerary , follow my checklist for  3 days in Buenos Aires .

The  architecture  in Buenos Aires is dazzling, and just walking along the streets will make you gasp in delight. Head inside historic buildings like  Palacio Barolo ,  Teatro Colón  and  El Ateneo Grand Splendid . Consider booking a guided tour  so you can squeeze in all the key sites.

Buenos Aires’ love of art and culture is on display in many of its museums, including the  Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes  and the  Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires .

Step back in time in the antique shops that line  San Telmo’s cobblestoned streets. Every Sunday the entire neighbourhood comes alive with a huge street market. Plan your visit so that you have a Sunday in Buenos Aires just so you can experience this market.

If you want a custom leather jacket made, stop in at one of the many tailors in Buenos Aires (check out my guide here to the  best shopping in Buenos Aires ). Do this at the start of your trip, as a leather jacket can usually be turned around in a rapid 48 hours.

No Argentina visit is complete without food, and the city is full of  restaurants for all budgets  as well as many secret bars. To learn about the culture of Argentina, sign up for a food experience with  The Argentine Experience . Or, take a  food tour  that explores the city’s famous parrillas .

End the night with a  tango show . I recommend Bar Sur for its intimate setting. The lavish Faena Hotel has a  raunchy Rojo Tango performance  – and the hotel itself is worth checking out for its eccentric design.

• Where to stay in Buenos Aires

The city has plenty of places to stay, including:

• BE Jardin Escondido by Coppola   was once Francis Ford Coppola’s house and is now a cosy boutique hotel in the trendy Palermo neighbourhood. | Check rates and book online with  Booking.com or Expedia
• The rooms at  Hotel Club Frances , in the heart of Recoleta, are spacious and some have a sauna and spa bath. |  Check out the latest rates at  Booking.com and Expedia

Here’s more Buenos Aires inspiration:

• Buenos Aires bucket list: 101+ things to do
• Where to eat in Buenos Aires

If you like wine, then one of the best places to visit in Argentina is Mendoza. Home to Argentina’s famous Malbec varietal, in a few days you can easily visit several wineries, many of them set against the beautiful backdrop of the Andes.

There are three different wine regions: Maipú , Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley . Maipú is the closest to Mendoza city and therefore easier to visit, but it’s well worth going out further to taste wine in the stunning Uco Valley.

To explore the wineries, you can rent a bike, hire a private driver ( this tour with driver includes a 3-course lunch! ) or your own car (drink responsibly!) or grab a ticket for the hop-on, hop-off Bus Vitivinicola . We had fun doing a guided winery tour by bike .

When wine gets too much (but does it ever?), Mendoza is also one of the top Argentina destinations for adventure, and there’s rafting, climbing, horseback riding and other outdoor adventures. Or you can explore the city’s museums, churches and plazas. Outside of the city, there’s the famous Puente del Inca (Incan bridge) and hot springs .

Foodies will delight in the many options available, including two restaurants owned by Francis Mallmann, South America’s most well-known chef.

Where to stay in Mendoza

Bohemia Hotel Boutique   is located in the quiet residential streets of Mendoza, yet still close to the main areas. | Book your stay on  Booking.com or Expedia

3. Bariloche

Located in northern Patagonia, Bariloche is popular year-round, with visitors flocking here for skiing, mountain biking, hiking and fishing.

If that all sounds a little too adventurous, Bariloche is also one of the best places in Argentina for chocolate, and it’s easy to spend hours tasting the various chocolates and ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the imaginative window displays. Rapa Nui , Argentina’s most popular chocolate brand, is a must, and I dare you not to bring home boxes of chocolate.

Base yourself here and rent a car to drive the Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Road of the Seven Lakes). The 110 kilometre route is a spectacular journey that winds through – you guessed it – seven lakes. Renting a car in Argentina is straightforward and a great way to see the country.

Just two hours by bus from Bariloche is El Bolsón , a hippy town where you can taste local craft beers and sample vegetarian and vegan food.

Where to stay in Bariloche

Design Suites Bariloche  has spacious rooms with views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. | Book a room online today with  Booking.com  or Expedia

4. San Martín de los Andes

You could be forgiven for thinking you’d somehow stumbled into a quaint Swiss ski village when you turn up in San Martín de los Andes. It’s one of the most unexpected places to visit in Argentina!

Wander around town, take a boat trip on Lago Lácar, go bike riding or head to Playa Catritre and spend the afternoon at the beach alongside Lago Lácar.

Where to stay in San Martín de los Andes

We had a comfy stay at Hosteria La Posta Del Cazador . It’s in a great location, just a hop, skip and jump from Lago Lácar. This Alpine-style hotel is family-owned and operated, and has a snack bar available all day. |  Check rates and availability at  Booking.com online now

5. Ruta de los Siete Lagos

One of the best road trips in Argentina is the Ruta de los Siete Lagos. Stretching a stunning 110 kilometres between Villa La Angostura (near Bariloche) and San Martín de los Andes, this scenic route winds through a series of lakes, each a shade of teal or turquoise that have to be seen to be believed.

Spend a day driving the route, take a guided tour or get a bit more adventurous like we did and bike the Ruta de los Siete Lagos in a couple of days!

Where to stay on the Ruta de los Siete Lagos

You can start the route in Villa La Angostura/Bariloche and end in San Martín de los Andes or vice versa. See suggested accommodation in those sections above.

Head on down to the end of the world – literally. Ushuaia is the southernmost populated city in the world and is the jumping off point for boats headed to Antarctica. Surrounded by natural beauty, it’s a great city for adventure with plenty of Argentina tourist attractions given the tourism appeal of this small city.

There are so many things to do in Ushuaia . Boats crisscross the Beagle Channel , where you’ll see birds and seals sun-baking on guano -covered islands of rocks. On land, you can go 4×4 adventuring into the forests and around the lakes, and visit penguin colonies. It’s a great place to visit in Argentina to get active and outdoors.

Don’t forget to try the enormous king crabs!

Where to stay in Ushuaia

The 5-star  Los Cauquenes Resort and Spa  will be hard to leave. With only 55 rooms it doesn’t have the feel of other large resorts. The resort has a Jacuzzi, indoor pool, sauna and Turkish steam bath. | Check the latest rates and book a room at  Booking.com  or  Expedia

7. Perito Moreno Glacier

One of the reasons to visit Argentina is to experience nature at its best.

And one of the most impressive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences in Argentina is the chance to walk on a glacier . Strap on some crampons and make your way across the thousands-of-years-old Perito Moreno Glacier . What’s unique about this glacier is that it is advancing up to 2 metres a day.

Trekking on the glacier is one of the coolest things to do in Argentina . It can only be done on an organised tour ( book online here ), but you can visit the national park on your own and wander through the well-maintained walkways with their impressive views of the glacier. There are also great boat tours that take you up close to the glacier.

At the glacier, you’ll witness the roaring crack of the ice “calving” (breaking off) and the subsequent boom as chunks of ice the size of small cars hit the icy waters below.  

Back in El Calafate, the town closest to the glacier, the city has a glaciarium that shows how glaciers are formed and an ice bar serving drinks in ice glasses to coat-swaddled guests. At certain times of the year, you can spot flamingos on Lake Argentina.

Where to stay in El Calafate

We loved staying at  Hostería La Estepa with its stunning sweeping views over Lago Argentina. |  Check rates for this and other hotels in El Calafate on  Booking.com

8. El Chaltén

El Chaltén, in Argentine Patagonia, is the base for hiking to the Fitz Roy and Torre mountains. There are a number of different hikes in the area, ranging from easy to strenuous to those that require technical skills to attempt.

Your hotel can provide a map of the various hiking routes in El Chaltén , but always check in with the park rangers for the latest conditions. The best (and busiest) time to visit is December to February; from May to September most places shutter up as icy winds and snow descend.

The small town may not have great wifi or telephone service, but what it lacks in technology it makes up for with a great food and craft beer scene. Both of which you’ll need after a long day of hiking!

Where to stay in El Chaltén

The spacious, padded dome tents at  Patagonia Eco Domes  have amazing views of the surrounding mountains. There’s no mobile phone coverage or internet, and each dome is powered by solar energy. | Book online at  Booking.com  or  Expedia

Known as Salta La Linda (the pretty one), Salta is a great city to visit in Argentina both for its own beauty and as a base for exploring Argentina’s vast northern region .

The Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña offers a fascinating insight into Incan culture. The highlight of the museum are the mummified bodies of three children who were sacrificed on a nearby mountaintop. Their features are eerily frozen in time. The three bodies are rotated every few months to ensure they are carefully preserved.

You can take a guided walking tour or wander the city by yourself, admiring its well-preserved colonial architecture and churches. Don’t forget to sample the region’s famous empanadas salteñas : pastries filled with vegetables and meat. Ask for them fried (rather than baked).

Where to stay in Salta

Design Suites Salta  (where we’ve stayed when we visit Salta) is a modern hotel with spacious bedrooms. It’s located within walking distance of the main area of the city. |  Book your stay today on  Booking.com  or  Expedia

10. Purmamarca

Way north, 160 kilometres from Salta, lies the stunning Cerro de Siete Colores , a layering of pinks and purples and oranges like you’ve never seen. It’s one of the most stunning Argentina sights. You can base yourself in this tiny town with a population of a few hundred people and explore the surrounding region.

It’s a popular town to pick up local crafts including colourful blankets and hand-sewn llama dolls.

Nearby day trips include visits to the equally tiny towns of Tilcara and Humahuaca or to the Salinas Grandes , the second largest salt pan in the world.

Where to stay in Purmamarca

At the foothills of the Cerro de los Siete Colores,  El Manantial del Silencio  is designed like an old  estancia . Rooms are decked out with wrought-iron beds and terracotta tiled-floors. It’s such a beautiful place to stay. |  Check the latest rates on  Booking.com or Expedia

11. Cafayate

While Mendoza may be most well-known for Argentina wine production, Cafayate offers a different wine experience. Here, you can try the region’s Torrontés variety, a dry white wine that is one of my favourites. It’s easy to spend a few days in Cafayate , driving or biking to the dozens of wineries around the area.

Wine tasting is inexpensive and at most places it’s not necessary to book in advance. San Pedro de Yacochuya , Piattelli and El Porvenir are wineries all close to the town centre.

Wine is in everything here. Try a scoop of Malbec or Torrontés-flavoured ice cream from one of the stores surrounding the town’s main plaza.

Where to stay in Cafayate

Just a few minutes outside the wine town of Cafayate, the rooms at  Grace Cafayate have huge bathtubs and great views over the vineyards. |  Check rates at Booking.com

Cachi is a charming village in the country’s north. It’s one of the best places in Argentina to visit to chill out, relax and wander the streets, but if you’re after something more adventurous, local companies offer hiking and biking trips; ask around.

Head out to Miraluna (7 kilometres from Cachi in the small village of La Aguada) for a tour of the bodega. It’s one of the highest wineries in the world. Take a bottle (or two) of their great Malbec back to your hotel to enjoy with a picada plate (Argentina’s version of charcuterie).

We spent a few days here on our North Argentina road trip, but I could have easily relaxed here for a week.

Where to stay in Cachi

La Merced del Alto  is a white-washed adobe building with ceramic-tiled floors. The service is detailed and attentive. | Book your stay online with Expedia

13. Iguazú Falls

Imagine three kilometres of waterfalls, some up to 80 metres high, some you can get right underneath, another one a wild, gushing spiral that’s so powerful you can’t see the bottom. That’s Iguazú Falls – the largest waterfall system in the world and one of the most beautiful places to see in Argentina.

Straddling the Argentina and Brazil borders, it’s possible to visit the waterfalls on both sides.

On the Argentina side, there’s a series of well-maintained catwalks that get you up close to the thunderous waterfalls. You can do it yourself or book a guided tour that includes a boat ride that zips right under the waterfalls – it’s wild fun and you will get drenched!

The biggest and most spectacular sight of the falls is the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat). Standing over this gaping hole, listening to the roar of the water, you will appreciate the power of Mother Nature. You can take the train to Garganta del Diablo or walk 2.5 kilometres along a flat dirt road.

Where to stay in Puerto Iguazú

If you want to be located only a stone’s throw from the falls, then choose  Gran Melia Iguazú . This is where my husband and I stayed when we visited Iguazú Falls. |  Book a stay online at Booking.com  or  Expedia

14. Córdoba

Córdoba is just a short flight from Buenos Aires, and is famous for its Spanish colonial architecture.

Explore the beautiful cabildo and cathedral in the city centre, or have a picnic in Sarmiento Park and watch local families spending time together on the weekend. One of the best things to do in Argentina is to spend an afternoon in a park people watching! Argentines love spending time with friends and family.

In the nearby village of Alta Gracia is the Che Guevara Museum , housed in his childhood home.

If you visit Córdoba around Oktoberfest , join in the celebrations in nearby Villa General Belgrano . It’s a really fun day out with plenty of beer (we still have our huge wooden stein) and entertainment.

Where to stay in Córdoba

The very hip Azur Real Hotel Boutique has a rooftop splash pool and deck and some seriously stylish interiors. It’s located right in the heart of the city. | Check prices and book a room on Booking.com or Expedia

15. San Antonio de Areco

One of the best day trips from Buenos Aires is a visit to the sleepy town of San Antonio de Areco .

Escape the city to gaucho territory, and you can learn more about these Argentine cowboys, go horse riding or shop for handcrafted leather goods. Chow down on an asado and then digest by wandering around the peaceful village square. This tour is a good day trip option .

Where to stay in San Antonio de Areco

Stay at one of the area’s beautiful  estancias  and experience the charms of rural life in Argentina. Estancia El Ombu  is a historic estancia  in Argentina. The huge property has plenty of outdoor activities, including horse riding, a swimming pool and asados (barbecues). | Check out the latest rates at Estancia El Ombu online

Final thoughts: Places of interest in Argentina

Argentina’s diversity is well-known, which is why this country is so exciting to visit. With so many different landscapes, cities and natural wonders, it’s a country that appeals to everyone. While Buenos Aires is a must-visit, get outside the city to explore more of Argentina’s incredible destinations. This guide has given you plenty of ideas for discovering why this country is so amazing!

Argentina destinations: FAQs

What are the most beautiful places to visit in argentina.

The beauty of Argentina is hard to contain in a few sentences! The most beautiful places in Argentina have to be Perito Moreno Glacier, Iguazu Falls and the north of the country – places like Salta and Purmamarca. For architecture lovers, Buenos Aires and Córdoba are must-visits. No matter where you go in Argentina, you’ll find something beautiful.

What are 5 things Argentina is known for?

Argentina is known for its delicious food , world-renowned wine, passionate tango dances, fanatic football fans and its stunning natural wonders like the Andes Mountains and Iguazu Falls. Each region of Argentina offers something different, from Buenos Aires’ historic architecture to the colourful hills of northern Argentina and the icy glaciers in Patagonia.

When is the best time to visit Argentina?

Argentina can be a year-round destination, depending on what you want to the do. The best time to visit Argentina is the spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) months for milder temperatures and fewer visitors.

Is Argentina expensive to visit?

Argentina can be both expensive and affordable, depending on the type of experience you’re looking for. Accommodation is quite affordable in smaller towns and cities, while food at local restaurants often costs around half of what you’d pay in other large Latin American countries. Budget travellers can expect to pay around $50-$75 per day, while those seeking something more luxurious should expect to pay around $150-$200.

• Is Argentina safe to visit?

Yes, Argentina is a safe and enjoyable destination to visit . Like any large country, travellers should exercise the typical precautions, however, most tourist destinations are considered safe, and you can explore the country’s beautiful natural landscapes or vibrant cities without worry.

Did you find this article helpful? Consider buying me a coffee as a way to say thanks!

How many of these amazing places to visit in Argentina have you been or want to go to?

Related posts

Before you go… you might like these other Argentina travel blogs:

• How to plan the perfect 2 weeks in Argentina
• 50 best things to do in Argentina

ARGENTINA TRIP ESSENTIALS

• Book your flight to Argentina online with Skyscanner . I like how this site allows you to find the cheapest days.
• Find a great hotel in Argentina. Check prices on Booking.com   and Expedia online.
• Check out the huge range of day tours throughout Argentina on GetYourGuide or Viator . There’s something for everyone.
• Keep those bottles of wine you’ll be buying safe in these wine bags .
• A copy of the  Lonely Planet guide to Argentina will be handy. Also pick up a Spanish language guidebook to help you navigate your visit.
• One thing I always purchase is  travel insurance ! Travel Insurance Master allows you to compare across multiple policy providers, while SafetyWing is great for long-term travellers and digital nomads.

PIN IT FOR LATER:

If you’ve ever wondered what to do in Argentina, then save this guide to the best places to visit in Argentina to Pinterest so you can plan your trip later!

About REBECCA

I'm a travel junkie who started dreaming about seeing the world from a very young age. I've visited more than 40 countries and have a Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management. A former expat, I've lived in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Argentina and the United States. I share travel resources, tips and stories based on my personal experiences, and my goal is to make travel planning just that bit easier.

2 thoughts on “Places to Visit in Argentina: 15 Can’t-Miss Destinations in 2024”

Hi! Great post! Couldn’t agree more with the places you have chosen for this list! There are so many interesting places to visit in Argentina. Hugs, Becci

Hi Becci, thanks for stopping by! My heart is certainly in many of these places still!

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17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Argentina

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Jul 26, 2022

Argentina's diverse geography is one of the country's main attractions. It encompasses everything from harsh deserts to humid jungles, and long ocean beaches to the soaring Andes. Stretching from the subtropical north to the subantarctic regions of beautiful Patagonia in the south, Argentina's cultural, artistic, and architectural heritage is just as diverse, drawing upon influences from around the world.

With its wonderful barrios , including colorful arts neighborhoods such as La Boca, old-world Recoleta, and trendy districts like Palermo, Buenos Aires sometimes feels more like Europe than Latin America. This lively capital city is the best place to begin sightseeing (it's also the best place to learn to tango, the most iconic of Argentinian dances).

In addition to its many cultural attractions, the other big draws – and for some tourists, its greatest appeal – are the country's natural wonders, including the breathtaking Iguazú Falls, the world's largest group of waterfalls.

To make sure you find all the best places to visit and things to do, use this handy list of the top tourist attractions in Argentina.

1. Iguazú Falls

2. perito moreno glacier, 3. recoleta, la boca, and tango in buenos aires, 4. tierra del fuego national park, 5. puerto madryn and the valdés peninsula, 6. ushuaia: the end of the world, 7. bariloche and the route of the seven lakes, 9. historic córdoba cathedral, 10. beaches of mar del plata, 11. cafayate, 12. southern fuegian railway, 13. san ignacio mini ruins, 14. quebrada de humahuaca, 15. teatro colón, 16. aconcagua mountain, 17. salinas grandes.

The stunning Iguazú Falls lie along Argentina's border with Brazil, with Iguazu National Park on the Argentinian side and Iguaçu National Park on the Brazilian side. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , these huge waterfalls are undoubtedly one of the most spectacular sights in South America.

Visitors can get quite close to these thundering falls thanks to a network of easily accessible walkways and viewing platforms designed to provide the best possible views, including some at the bottom of the falls, an area known as the Devil's Throat.

Iguazu is, in fact, made up of between 150 to 300 individual falls along its nearly three-kilometer edge, a number that changes depending on the season, varying in height between 60 to 82 meters and each as spectacular as the next. Served by an international airport in Argentina (and one in neighboring Brazil), it's relatively easy to visit, particularly if flying from Buenos Aires.

The main hub for tourists visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Patagonia's Los Glaciares National Park , the small town of El Calafate offers plenty of accommodation options and other amenities for visitors.

It's here that most visitors join excursions to see the park's popular glaciers, most notably the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier, a massive 30-kilometer-long ice formation (and the world's third-largest freshwater reserve) just 78 kilometers from the town center.

Named after a 19th-century explorer, it's just a two-hour trip from El Calafate to the glacier's large visitor center, and from here just a short walk to the glacier. For those wanting to climb the glacier, ice trekking tours are available that range from an hour's walk over the ice formation to longer five-hour excursions.

Another important feature of Los Glaciares National Park is the 3,359-meter-tall Monte Fitz Roy , a stunningly beautiful mountain straddling the border with Chile that is reputably harder to climb than Everest.

Official site: www.losglaciares.com/en/index.html

One of South America's most attractive cities (also one of the largest), Buenos Aires is often the first glimpse of Argentina most visitors will have before heading off to popular tourist destinations such as Patagonia.

But the smart ones will linger here and take in the many delightful museums and art galleries housed in the splendid old colonial buildings spread across the city's districts or barrios .

Be sure to visit La Boca , Buenos Aires' most colorful neighborhood and home to the quirky Caminito Street Museum , a splendid pedestrian zone and open-air museum popular for its brightly painted houses, amusing sculptures, cafés, music, and tango dancers in the streets.

Fashionable Recoleta is another must and is where you'll find the Recoleta Cemetery , with its elaborate mausoleums containing the remains of such famous Argentinians as Eva (Evita) Perón, along with numerous public gardens, museums, art galleries, cafés, and boutique shops.

Other districts to explore if time permits are Palermo and Belgrano with their wide boulevards and palatial mansions, and, in the downtown core, the delightful Plaza de Mayo .

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Buenos Aires

The 156,000-acre Tierra del Fuego National Park extends all the way from Beagle Channel to the Chilean Border and northwards to Lago Kami. It's a paradise for hikers, with trails for all experience levels.

Using the town of Ushuaia as a base, adventurers head out onto the park's hiking trails or along the coastline to explore its dramatic scenery, which includes everything from tall waterfalls, dense forests, and mountains, to beautiful glacier-fed lakes such as Roca and Fagnano.

One of the most popular routes is Senda Costera , a coastal path to Lake Roca from Ensenada Bay that offers a chance to see a rich diversity of wildlife including Andean condors.

Those who prefer to see the sights in comfort can take a ride on the superb Southern Fuegian Railway , an elegant antique steam train through the park to Cañadon de Toro.

The city of Puerto Madryn lies on the shores of Golfo Nuevo in one of the most sheltered places on the Patagonian coast. Founded by Welsh settlers in 1886, the city's deep-water port and abundant nature reserves make it one of the most popular cruise destinations in Argentina.

Its rugged coastline attracts water sports enthusiasts, particularly windsurfers who enjoy defying the strong Patagonian winds. Nature lovers find plenty of things to do on the Valdez Peninsula, an important nature reserve listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its diverse wildlife.

Guided tours of the reserve are a must, and visitors normally leave having seen everything from right whales (here to mate and calve), along with elephant seals, sea lions, and orcas. It's also an important breeding ground for migratory shorebirds, in particular Magellanic penguins.

Learn more about the environment of this beautiful coast at the Natural Science and Oceanographic Museum , set in a beautiful heritage building overlooking the harbor. The museum features displays of Patagonian flora and fauna, including a whale skeleton and a fascinating exhibit about giant squids.

At the southern end of Argentina, Patagonia is famous for its spectacular landscapes: a dramatic mix of the Andes and long stretches of plains and plateaus. Most adventures here start in Ushuaia , the world's southernmost city.

Established as a penal colony in the early 20th century and now a popular jumping-off point for trips to Antarctica or around Cape Horn, this town on Beagle Channel is surrounded by a unique landscape of mountains, sea, glaciers, and woods on the edge of the Tierra del Fuego National Park, with its spectacular scenery and diverse flora and fauna.

Popular places to visit include the San Juan de Salvamento Lighthouse - also known as the End of the World Lighthouse - built in 1884 on the Isla de los Estados, and the End of the World Museum . Here, you'll find exhibits relating to the region's natural history, aboriginal life, and early penal colonies.

The Maritime Museum of Ushuaia is housed in the town's notorious former military prison, is worth visiting for its many maritime artifacts and scale models of famous ships such as Darwin's Beagle .

Named for Darwin's ship, the Beagle Channel cuts through the heart of the national park, and you can board a boat in Ushuaia to cruise through this historic waterway.

Usually simply referred to as Bariloche, San Carlos de Bariloche is a lively city set in the midst of Nahuel Huapi National Park , and Patagonia's northern Lake District.

Skiers, especially those from the Northern Hemisphere seeking snow in the height of the northern summer, flock to Bariloche for nearby Cerro Catedral , the tallest of its peaks and a popular ski resort.

One of the largest ski resorts in South America, Cerro Catedral includes more than 100 kilometers of ski terrain and is particularly popular for its stunning views over Nahuel Huapi Lake, in the middle of the national park.

Bariloche is a center for active adventure and for exploring the park's mountains, lakes, waterfalls, forests, glaciers, and extinct volcanos. Although the region is rich in opportunities for hiking, rafting, cycling, and climbing, a driving circuit known as the Route of the Seven Lakes takes tourists to the alpine lakes of Nahuel Huapi, Espejo, Escondido, Falkner, Villarino, Correntoso, and Machónico .

Undoubtedly one of Argentina's most beautiful cities, filled with Art Deco architecture, Mendoza is as popular with outdoor enthusiasts in winter as it is in summer. When the snow flies, skiers from across South America experience some of the Andes' best ski slopes at the popular resorts of Las Leñas, renowned for its steep terrain, and Los Penitentes , just 25 kilometers from the border with Chile.

In the summer, these same areas are popular among hikers and climbers, many aiming for the top of the 6,960-meter-tall Aconcagua mountain. Other outdoor activities include whitewater rafting and trail riding, with some riding stables offering overnight adventures with camping under the stars.

Also famous for its olive oil production, Mendoza has many other attractions, including a number of museums and annual festivals, as well as a bustling Central Market (Mercado Central) where locals buy produce, meat, and fish, and where visitors can find food stalls and restaurants.

In central Argentina, a five-hour drive from Buenos Aires, Córdoba is the country's second-largest city and is often used as a stopover on trips into the Andes. Most of the city's finest old buildings date back to the early colonial period of the 16th century.

Explore the historical center of the city around Plaza San Martin , now a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Here, you'll find the beautiful Cathedral of Córdoba , a splendid mix of Baroque and Neoclassical styles that can trace its roots back to the original Roman Catholic church built here in 1580.

Highlights of the structure, much of which dates from the 18th century, include an ornate interior with exquisite 20th-century frescoes and murals painted by leading Argentinian artist Emilio Caraffa, a native of Córdoba.

Note also the unique silver altar and an important collection of gold votive offerings. Below, the crypts are the final resting place of a number of important Argentinians.

One of the favorite things to do in Argentina is learn to tango , and you can take classes at the Cabildo, a cultural center, and mix with locals who go there to dance.

Some of the best beaches in South America are in the relatively modern city of Mar del Plata, on the Atlantic coast 400 kilometers from Buenos Aires. Here, the beautiful beaches sprawl for more than eight kilometers of coast that's also marked by windswept dunes and dramatic cliffs.

Nearest Mar del Plata's modern cruise ship ports are the Chica and Grande beaches (they're also popular among sea lions, many of which hang out in the waters around the city's fishing wharves).

Once a playground for the rich, the city is a mix of fine old mansions, which mingle with newer resorts along the city's splendid waterfront with its numerous parks, squares, and gardens.

Mar del Plata is home to the excellent Juan Manuel Fangio Museum , dedicated to one of the world's greatest Formula One drivers and containing more than 100 cars and 500 trophies. A highlight is an exhibit dedicated to the first automobile, an 1886 Daimler.

One of the most popular things to do for families is a visit to the Mar del Plata Aquarium with its many marine attractions, including dolphin and seal shows, penguins, tortoises, and flamingos.

Located in the northwest of the country in the province of Salta, Cafayate is a small town of just over 12,000 residents. Although charming and with a few attractions worth visiting – including an archeological museum featuring objects from the local Indigenous people – most people arriving here are on their way to the Quebrada de Cafayate (or Quebrada de las Conchas).

An area known for its towering reddish rock formations, the quebrada offers one of the most stunning drives in South America on Route 68. More than 60 kilometers of paved roads cut through colorful sandstone, offering plenty of stops to discover narrow canyons, natural amphitheaters, towers of sandstone and clay, and the shores of the Rio de las Conchas.

Better known as the " Train of the End of the World ," this gauge steam railway is considered the southernmost railway in the world. Although it once provided a less happy service of connecting Ushuaia's penal colony with nearby cities, today it offers a beautiful tourist ride into the Tierra del Fuego National Park.

The train departs on new tracks (the original ones can still be seen nearby) from the End of the World station, riding alongside a thickly forested gorge and beautiful peaks all around. In winter, everything is covered in snow here; in other seasons, you'll appreciate the greens and reds that take over the valley throughout the season. The train makes one stop, so travelers can snap some photos at a local waterfall before continuing on into the national park.

First-class passengers will get a chance to taste some local specialties while onboard, including alfajores , biscuits filled with thick caramel, and empanadas , a fried or baked pastry filled with cheese or meat.

Back in the 1600s, during the Spanish colonial period, a number of Jesuit missions were founded in the northern province of Misiones, near the border with Brazil. At one point, over 3,000 Indigenous people lived in the mission, but as the Jesuits left the country, the buildings fell into ruins. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site , the San Ignacio Mini are the largest and still best-preserved mission ruins in the country.

The original mission – built in red-brown stone in a style known as Guaraní Baroque -– was massive and included a monastery, a cabildo (administrative office), a cemetery, and a number of living spaces. The mission's church, which measured 74 meters long by 24 meters wide, is the best-preserved part of the ruins.

A small on-site museum tells the story of the mission, and there's a scale model of the original San Ignacio Mini.

Quebrada (which literally translates to "broken") is a name used in Argentina to refer to deep ravines. And the 155-kilometer-long Quebrada de Humahuaca in the northwest of the country is a perfect example of a beautiful ravine with a wild river running through it in summer (the river dries up in winter).

A UNESCO World Heritage Site , this arid valley was once part of the Inca Empire and an important trade route. Today, most people arriving here come for its beauty – a mix of reds, pinks, and oranges that look almost painted on the hills around.

The tiny town of Iruya (only 1,000 people live here), not far from the quebrada, is a must-see as well. Built directly into the mountainside at an elevation of over 2,700 meters, it offers stunning views over the mountains and fertile valleys all around it. In town, the dirt streets, old houses, and colorful celebrations that incorporate Indigenous details offer great photo opportunities.

Buenos Aires' main opera house is considered one of the best opera theaters in the world because of its amazing acoustics. Built in 1908 to replace an earlier theater located in the same place, Teatro Colón was once a very popular destination for some of the biggest international opera companies and a favorite of Luciano Pavarotti. Rudolf Nureyev, Maria Callas, Plácido Domingo, and Julio Bocca have all performed here.

As beautiful as the building itself is on the outside, the inside of the theater is even more stunning. It offers just under 2,500 seats and it's completely decorated in reds and golds, with touches of both Italian and French architecture. Artist and production designer Raúl Soldi painted the theater's stunning cupola.

The theater is also famous for its outstanding costume and scenic departments.

As the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere , Aconcagua is certainly impressive. The peak has a summit elevation of 6,961 meters and is part of the Andes, close to the border with Chile. For climbers, Aconcagua has special meaning, as it's one of the Seven Summits , the ultimate climbing list that includes the highest mountains in each continent.

The mountain falls within the limits of the Aconcagua Provincial Park, a protected area that offers a number of activities for outdoor lovers, including hiking and skiing. For those who are up for something a bit more challenging, the Horcones-Confluencia trail takes hikers up to the basecamp on the route up to the summit. It's a 14-kilometer-long trail with an elevation of 538 meters.

Laguna Horcones, a stunning blue lake fed by glaciers, is another popular attraction within the park.

Sitting 180 meters above sea level, these stunning salt flats (the third largest in the world) cover an area of over 4,700 square kilometers, stretching over two provinces. This is a solitary and desolated, but stunningly beautiful area, past deserted routes, walnut tree plantations, lagoons, red sandstone mountains, and the odd herd of adorable vicuñas.

As this is an active salt flats, you'll likely find workers if you arrive during the daytime. If you can manage some Spanish, they'll happily show you around and explain how the salt is washed and scrapped. Otherwise, you can simply walk around to admire their beauty, which extends as far as the eye can see.

Most visitors start their trip at the nearby town of Purmamarca, where just over 2,000 residents make their living either working in the salt flats or selling handicrafts to tourists in the town market. Tours to the salt flats also leave from here, including trips to the nearby Cerro de los Siete Colores (The Hill of Seven Colors).

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Home » Travel Guides » Argentina » 15 Best Places to Visit in Argentina

15 Best Places to Visit in Argentina

A land at once vast and wild, bustling and serene, Argentina goes from dust-choked desert plateaus through rolling Pampas grassland to the icefields of the Patagonian reaches.

It’s a country that’s laced with fascinating Spanish conquistador history and elegant colonial treasures, enthralling native peoples and gorgeous backcountry aplenty. Check out this selection of the top spots that should be on every itinerary through Argentina.

Let’s explore the best places to visit in Argentina:

1. Buenos Aires

The sprawling, seething capital of Argentina rose on the banks of the Rio del Plata when Iberian seafarer Pedro de Mendoza first marked out the colonial streets of what is today San Telmo district; Buenos Aires’ gorgeous Spanish come Francophone-styled historic heart, where Baroque churches rub shoulders with Parisian cafes populated by artists and bohemian types.

The artsy district of La Boca, meanwhile, shimmering with multicolours, draws crowds to its galleries and boutiques, while Palermo pulses with dance shows and aromatic parrillas (casual roadside grills with perfect gaucho meat cuts). And then there’s the night time, ushering in one throbbing scene of tango and Latin jazz, sleepless dub bars and all-night steakhouses.

Yes sir, there’s plenty to fall in love with in uber-passionate BA!

Cordoba’s UNESCO-attested center is a gorgeous patchwork of 17th-century Spanish churches and convents, Jesuit sites and cobblestone alleys, all nestled between the rolling plains of the Argentine Pampas and the half-baked ridges of the Sierras Chicas.

But a fine historical heart is not Cordoba’s only draw.

No sir, students still flock here to the lecture rooms of the National University of Cordoba – the oldest and one of the most prestigious in the nation.

This erudite population breathes life into paleontological museums and the Caraffa Fine Arts Museum alike, theatre productions and public art displays, all whilst fuelling a particularly hedonistic nightlife in the Ex Abasto area.

3. San Antonio de Areco

Set on the cusp of the gaucho heartland, where the rolling plains of the grass-clad Pampas claim the horizon, San Antonio de Areco is one truly handsome Argentine town.

Elegant colonial builds from the 1700s line the streets; their red-tiled roofs slanting in an Andalusian fashion; their Baroque adornments mirroring the palazzos of Madrid.

Swaying palms and ombu trees pepper the squares, where earthy steakhouses mix with leather workshops and weavers’ homes.

This rustic outback town is a great place to get a taste of Argentina’s rich cowboy history, and perfect if you love the sleepy siesta routines of the Pampas hinterland!

Jack of all trades and master of one, Mendoza does nothing better than wine.

Tasters flock from all over the planet to sample the famed Criolla Grande and Malbecs betwixt the city’s cellar doors.

But that isn’t it.

This 100,000-strong cityscape is also one darn charming place to spend a week (or two), edged right up to the Argentine Andes.

Its streets are lined with blooming shade trees, parks ring their way around the bodegas, and Plaza Espana – as the name suggests – oozes Spanish charm.

And as if that’s still not enough, Mendoza has risen as one of Argentina’s prime outdoors bases, rivalling even Patagonia with its offering of soaring Aconcagua, the treeless plateaus of the high plains and ski fields to boot.

Icy and alone at the far reaches of the Argentine south, Ushuaia sits in the shadow of the snow-topped Martial ranges.

Here it can be found cascading down to the chilly waters of the Beagle Channel, its docksides awash with fishing vessels and hardy steel sloops bobbing about the waves.

Today, travelers flock to this remote town – considered the southernmost city in the world – on the meandering tracks of the so-called End of the World Train, which cuts right the way through the main attraction: Tierra del Fuego National Park.

After stocking up on boots and camping gear in the outfitters of Ushuaia, travelers can strike out into this Patagonian wilderness, spying the Martial Glacier, rugged Lapataia Bay and mirror-like Lago Roca on the border with Chile.

6. San Ignacio Mini

Close to the tristate join of Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina, amidst the red-hued fields and yerba plantations of Misiones Province, travelers will discover the fascinating ruins of San Ignacio Mini.

Tagged by UNESCO back in 1983, this collection of crumbling cloisters and church walls, living quarters and cemeteries is one of the prime examples of what’s come to be known as the Guarani Baroque style.

Fusing together elements of tribal art and craft and regal Spanish architecture, the remains belie the curious meeting of cultures that took place here during the decades of the Conquistadores, and are regular chart toppers on lists of Argentina’s must-see attractions.

7. El Calafate

Standing pearly-white like a peppermint against the deep blues and rugged rock granite ridges of the Los Glaciares National Park, the ice-carved bulwarks of the Perito Moreno Glacier are a real wonder to behold.

Almost singlehandedly have they thrust the far-flung backwater town of El Calafate into the limelight, and today thousands of intrepid travelers make their way to the Patagonian backcountry around the city, eager to seek out bobbing ice bergs and the crags of Onelli Bay alike.

The settlement has grown up in recent decades too, going from a wool trader outpost to a series of paved streets lined with outdoors outfitters, quaint timber homes and the cutting-edge exhibitions of the Glaciarium.

8. Puerto Iguazu

The last little taste of Argentina before crossing the border into Brazil or Paraguay is a friendly enough place, complete with oodles of well-honed hotels and guesthouses, more than its fair share of restaurants, and souvenir shops ten to the penny.

But that’s not why so many people come here.

No sir, they come in droves for the roaring cataracts of the Iguazu Falls, which cascade over the cliffs close by.

Trips to the bucket-list waterfalls are uber-easy to organise, with a tourist train weaving through the jungles and designated walking paths opening up onto the famous Devil’s Throat section of the site, where the waters crash a whopping 82 meters from top to bottom.

Remember the waterproofs!

9. El Chalten

Dramatic broadsides of the mighty Fitz Roy peaks delineate the horizon at El Chalten; a town of low-rise cottages and Austrian-esque guesthouses that’s perched right up on the edge of the Patagonian Andes and the northern icefields of Los Glaciares.

The de facto trekking capital of the nation, the spot is packed with walkers and hikers and mountaineers, all coming in search of trails like the Laguna de los Tres and Condor Mirador, which soar high above the town and close to the towering peaks that encase it.

A spa is at hand for any who want to sooth the muscles post-adventure, while a clutch of breweries and backpacker bars makes for an interesting evening complete with pilsners and black beers.

10. San Carlos de Bariloche

Argentina’s answer to New Zealand’s Queenstown, France’s Chamonix and all the world’s other alpine, outdoorsy gems comes in the form of San Carlos de Bariloche (that’s just Bariloche to the locals and regulars). Hugging the sparkling waters of Nahuel Huapi Lake, the town is encompassed by verdant swathes of lengas and Chilean cedar and bamboo.

Luxurious hotels looking plucked straight out of Geneva meet wooden snow cabins between the city streets, while Swiss chocolatiers belie the town’s long Germanic historical connection – as does the glorious Gothic cathedral! Skiing at Cerro Catedral causes the town to boom during the colder months, as riders come in search of one of the continent’s largest ski areas, complete with 120 kilometers of groomed piste.

11. Mar del Plata

Chock-a-block with sunbathers and fashionistas, volleyball hitters and Atlantic swell swimmers right throughout the summer, Mar del Plata is the Argentinian seaside resort extraordinaire.

The early decades of the 1900s was when the beaches here made their name, giving a golden age that’s still visible in the occasional Art Deco high-rise along the shore.

Today, del Plata pumps to the tune of electric tango each evening, the throbbing cocktail bars of Alem Street drawing the biggest crowds.

Fantastic fish eateries also abound, while Mirador Waikiki offers something a little more secluded than the major sand stretches that line the city.

12. Puerto Madryn

A town of sloping beaches and windswept Atlantic dunes, where the rugged, seal-spotted coves of Chubut Province meld together between the Valdes Peninsula and Punta Ninfas, Puerto Madryn is one part sunbather paradise (great if you fancy leaving behind the booming crowds of Mar del Plata!), one part whale watchers’ mecca.

The great mammals (southern right whales to be precise) flock to the shore during the colder months, and can be seen from the rocky headlands around town, while summertime draws Buenos Aires locals to its less-trodden inlets and the penguin-packed rocks of Punta Tombo alike.

Welsh heritage is very much alive here too, so don’t be shocked if you hear the odd diolch mixed in with the Spanish!

13. Antofagasta de la Sierra

A whopping 3,200 meters above sea level, amidst the coal-coloured cinder cones of the Puna and the colossal caldera tops of Galan, Antofagasta de la Sierra is a whole world away from the ice-caked Patagonian wilds and the grasslands of the Pampas.

Here, dust devils twirl in the air and the sweeping Andean plateaus are interrupted only by the occasional bump of an ancient volcano.

Llama calls are the backing track, and farmers squeeze a living from the wastelands and the high-altitude lakes.

Antofagasta itself is little more than a village, the prime gateway to this truly breathtaking region of Argentina, although increasing annual visitor numbers are slowly beginning to change things.

14. Trevelin

Trevelin rose in the wake of the fabled Welsh explorer and settler El Baqueano, who used this spot as a base for his intrepid excursions in the Pampas during the 1890s.

Today, this curious little backwater settlement still remembers its Celtic roots with pride, and the Welsh tongue still echoes amidst the pretty, tree-lined streets.

In fact, spots like the Dyffryn y Merthyron pay homage to the fallen heroes of the Welsh frontier caravans, while cakes straight out of Brecon feature heavily on the menus of the quaint tearooms in town.

The setting is beautiful too, as the rising peaks of the Andes dominate to the west and the Chubut lowlands roll out, undulating forever into the east.

Salta can be found spread out along the base of the dust-caked, ochre-hued Lerma Valley, a mass of square-cut blocks and traffic-choked streets that hides one magnificent colonial core at its heart.

Yes sir, expect palm-peppered plazas like Julio Square and Ninth of July Plaza, where al fresco cafes throb with Spanish chatter, curious tango-folk and the smells of yerba mate, theatres twinkle in lights and elegant Baroque frontispieces ooze with tales of the town’s 500 years of history.

Of course, the backcountry is another draw (it always is in Argentina), and after devouring all the empanadas possible, many travelers make a beeline for the wild Valles Calchaquies, or even across the Andes, to the saltpans of southern Bolivia!

15 Best Places to Visit in Argentina:

• Buenos Aires
• San Antonio de Areco
• San Ignacio Mini
• El Calafate
• Puerto Iguazu
• San Carlos de Bariloche
• Mar del Plata
• Puerto Madryn
• Antofagasta de la Sierra

Introducing 26 Best Places to Visit in Argentina That Will Shock You

Is Argentina on your bucket list? Plan your ideal itinerary with our selection of the best places to visit in Argentina. 

Argentina is a country rich in culture and diverse landscapes. There is plenty to enjoy for tourists from different parts of the world. Vibrant cities like Buenos Aires offer casual travelers great nightlife and local food experiences. At the same time, mountains and waterfalls in regions like Patagonia keep the adventurers and explorers satisfied. 

As the second-largest country in South America, Argentina can leave you hard-pressed to choose which areas to cover. This article will give an overview of the most desirable cities, regions, and landmarks that should be on your list.

Table of Contents

26 Best Places To Visit in Argentina 

1. iguazu falls .

Iguazu waterfalls are located in the Iguazu National Park in northern Argentina on the border with Brazil and Paraguay. It is a combination of 275 different waterfalls joining together to form an amazing sight. These are also one of the tallest waterfalls in South America . 

The overall height of the highest fall is around 262 feet (80 meters). The best way to experience these waterfalls is by hiking to the top of the falls. The viewpoint will allow you to see 200 falls at once, a bucket list item in and of itself. 

2. Buenos Aires

The city of Buenos Aires has historical landmarks, amazing restaurants, and electric nightlife. One thing that we would highly recommend is the steaks. Argentineans love BBQ, which is widely seen in most cuisines. 

Besides food, there are plenty of places to enjoy. Some popular spots include Plaza de Mayo , El Ateneo Bookstore, Parque Lezama, Museum of fine arts, Casa Rosada, and Boca Juniors football stadium. 

3. Perito Moreno Glacier 

You can find the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier in Santa Cruz province’s Los Glaciares National Park just outside El Calafate, in the southern Patagonia region of Argentina. 

When you visit the glacier , you can expect to see huge pieces of ice falling into Argentino Lake. You can have a great view from the boardwalk. 

4. Misiones 

Misiones is a province packed with amazing sites with numerous activities. Most people only visit this province for the Iguazu Falls, but there is much more for tourists to experience. You can visit tea and yerba mate plantations, the Mocona Falls , and Jesuit missions. 

5. Bariloche 

Bariloche is a city with a European vibe called the Switzerland of Argentina. The landscapes and wooden houses resemble the Swiss Alps. The atmosphere is quite peaceful. A nice walk through the streets to appreciate the stunning architecture and nearby mountains would be an ideal way of exploring the city. 

You can also enjoy skiing, hiking, rafting, mountain climbing, sailing, fishing, and much more. 

6. Rainbow Mountains and the Jujuy Villages 

San Salvador de Jujuy’s villages are located on the northern side of Salta. The area shares a border with Bolivia. You can land at Salta and take a scenic road trip to Jujuy. 

Once you arrive there, you will instantly get attracted to the stunning views of the Rainbow Mountains , also known as the Fourteen Colored Mountain or “’Hornacal.” The spectacular combination of colors attracts tourists worldwide, making the area crowded. The nearby villages of Purmamarca, Tilcara, Humahuaca, and Uquia also deserve a visit. 

7. Península Valdes 

Valdes Peninsula is a UNESCO World Heritage site located off the coast of Puerto Madryn. Most people stay in Puerto Madryn to experience this place , but we recommend staying in Puerto Piramides. Puerto Piramides is located within Peninsula Valdes, a dreamland for people who love marine life. 

You can spot many marine animals like penguins , whales, guanacos, and elephant seals.

8. El Chalten 

El Chalten is famous for its hiking activities . The trails are for beginners and experts. We recommend the Fitz Roy and Laguna de Los Tres hike. 

9. Salta 

Salta is a vibrant colonial city with amazing churches and museums. The colonial architecture is an add-on to this city’s amazing activities. 

The Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montana (MAAM) museum, Historical Center, and Plaza 9 de Julio are some of the most popular areas in the city. It is an ideal place for tourists who want to get closer to Argentine culture and traditions. 

10. Patagonia 

Patagonia is a must-visit if you want to experience the true beauty of nature. Patagonia has something for everyone–from deep blue lakes, glaciers, snow-covered mountains, and amazing wildlife. 

The best views in northern Patagonia are the Route of the Seven Lakes which starts from San Martin de los Andes and ends at Villa la Angostura. 

11. El Calafate 

El Calafate is often used as a base to visit the Perito Moreno glacier, but the city has many activities. We recommend Calafate berries and Patagonian lamb. You can taste berries in both ice cream and Alfajores form. 

12. Ibera Wetlands 

The Ibera wetlands are on a 5,019 square mile area (13,000 square kilometers). Many animals, such as capybaras, jaguars, armadillos, and monkeys, stroll around here. You can also spot various birds, such as Ibises, herons, parrots, flamingos, and hawks. 

The best way to explore the area is by taking a jeep tour or riding horseback. 

13. Cordoba 

Cordoba is the best place to experience central Argentina. The presence of the hills provides many hiking challenges. Cordoba is a real student city. It has a vibrant nightlife and wonderful architecture.

You can visit the nearby national park of El Morro to enjoy the views of incredible rivers, stunning waterfalls, and mesmerizing lakes. The park also offers kayaking and rappelling up and down the Sierras de Córdoba.

14. Ushuaia 

Ushuaia is located in the Southern region of Argentina on the archipelago called Tierra del Fuego . It is a great attraction for people who love snow-covered mountains and wildlife. You can spot a lot of sea lions and penguins near the coast. 

On top of that, there are some great activities you can do in Ushuaia, such as kayaking and trekking. 

15. Mar de la Plata Beach 

Mar de la Plata is famous for its beach called Punta Mogotes. It is located around 248 mi (400 km) from Buenos Aires, making it a popular summer vacation spot for people from the city. 

Stunning Atlantic Ocean views and water sports will keep you busy at the beach for quite a while. Once you finish all the activities, you can try nearby restaurants with delicious local dishes such as choripan. 

16. Valle de la Luna

Valle de la Luna , also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a great place for people who want to experience the moon on Earth. The area is naturally formed so that it seems as if you are walking on a moon. 

17. Mendoza 

The capital of the Homonymous province, Mendoza, is a city with a laid-back vibe. The city is located in the foothills of the Andes, so that you will be welcomed by some of the most impressive landscapes in Argentina. 

Another thing that makes this place unique is its delicious cuisine and famous wine regions just a bus ride from the city. Escorihuela Gascon Winery, Parque San Martin, and Plaza Independencia are some of the city’s main highlights.

18. Quebrada de Humahuaca 

Quebrada de Humahuaca is an amazing place to visit. It combines Patagonia’s best views and Argentina’s fascinating cultural history, offering one of the most unique experiences. You can start from the village of Tilcara, where you can do rock climbing, hiking, and many other activities.

19. Aconcagua

Aconcagua Mountain is in the main mountain range in the Andean Cordillera. At 22,838 ft (6,961 m), it is the highest peak in the Americas and the highest in the Southern Hemisphere, providing an excellent opportunity for professional climbers and hikers to show off their skills. The views from the top of the mountain are breathtaking.

20. Ischigualasto and Talampaya National Parks 

Ischigualasto and Talampaya National Parks are for adventurers who love deserted areas. Here, you can find a marvelous collection of plant and animal fossils, some more than 200 million years old. You can also learn how animals and plants evolved to reach their current form.

21. La Pampa

If you love cowboys, there is no better place to visit than La Pampa, where you can learn about the Gaucho culture. You can also head to the nearby hills to learn how local people live, dance and eat. La Pampa is an ideal place to try Argentinean barbeque.

22. Jesuit Missions in Argentina 

You can find the Jesuit Mission in Argentina in Santa Ana, Nuestra Senora de Loreta, San Ignacio, and Santa Maria La Mayor towns. Jesuits helped the Guarani communities build these towns, and now they have become a great place for tourists to learn about Argentina’s history.

23. El Bolson

You can reach the magnificent El Bolson town just a couple of hours from Bariloche. The town is quite popular among backpackers due to the hiking opportunities. Only 20 to 30 minutes from the town, you can also visit Lago Puelo Lake , which offers visitors rafting and fishing opportunities. 

24. Trevelin and Alerces National Park

If you move south from Bariloche, you will reach the national park of Alerces. The park was named after a rare tree called Alerce. The main highlight of the place is its tulips field. Visit here in October to see the beauty of the flowers with the Andes in the background. 

25. San Juan and La Rioja 

San Juan and La Rioja are perfect places to avoid large crowds. You can get memorable sightseeing and outdoor adventures at Valle de la Luna and Talampaya National Park in these adjoining provinces, but there is much more for explorers. Try the excellent local wines in both provinces’ numerous wine regions. 

26. Salinas Grandes Salt Flats

Salinas Grandes Salt Flats are between Jujuy and Salta. You can take a day trip from Salta to get here. While often overshadowed by the Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia , the views of this place are ideal for capturing some great pictures. 

How To Get Around Argentina

• Traveling by Plane 

Traveling by plane is the quickest way to move to Argentina, but it is expensive. There are a few airlines that dominate airplane service . Aerolineas Argentina, LAN, and LADE are the best services for traveling around Argentina. 

• Traveling by Bus 

Most tourists prefer to travel by bus, which is why it is believed to be the most convenient mode of travel. Many great private companies, such as TAC and Cruz del Sur, provide amazing bus services throughout Argentina. 

• Renting a Car

Renting a car isn’t necessary to explore many popular areas, but some, like Patagonia, Mendoza, and Tierra Del Fuego, will ask you to rent one. Renting a manual transmission sedan would cost 7,989 Argentine pesos (35 US dollars) to 10,272 ARS ($45) daily. 

• Traveling by Taxi

There are two types of taxis that you can book in Argentina: regular urban taxis and minicab radio taxis. Urban taxis can be found on the streets; however, minicab radio taxis must be booked through a central booking booth.

5 Expert Tips To Stay Safe During Your Trip to Argentina

Follow these five expert tips to get the most out of your Argentina visit. 

• Avoid bad neighborhoods like La Boca, Villa 31, San Vicente, etc. 
• Women should avoid walking on the streets alone at night. 
• Argentines prefer late nights to early mornings, so don’t expect restaurants to open early. 
• With the current dollar blue rate, wire yourself money through Western Union and avoid using ATMs at all. With the dollar blue rate, you’ll get almost double the regular exchange rate, making traveling in Argentina much cheaper.
• The best time to visit Argentina is between November and February. 

Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing , which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Best Places To Visit in Argentina

Is argentina a good tourist destination.

Argentina is a great place to enjoy your vacation. The country is equipped with amazing metropolitan cities like Buenos Aires and the stunning landscapes of Patagonia. Every other site offers a unique experience to its visitor.

What Is the Number One Tourist Attraction in Argentina?

Argentina has many tourist attractions, from natural wonders like Iguazu Falls and Perito Moreno Glacier to cultural landmarks like Buenos Aires’ Recoleta Cemetery and the historic town of Salta. However, according to many, Argentina’s number one tourist attraction is the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park.

What Is the Most Beautiful Part of Argentina?

The Patagonia region of Argentina is widely considered one of the country’s most beautiful parts, thanks to its breathtaking natural landscapes. Patagonia offers a diverse range of stunning scenery, from towering mountains to glacial lakes and windswept plains. Visitors to the region can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and skiing, all while taking in the incredible beauty of this remote and rugged area.

What Is the Best Month To Visit Argentina?

The best time to visit Argentina is from November to February, coinciding with the Northern Hemisphere’s winter months. Experience warm and sunny weather in the country during summer, with temperatures ranging from 72 to 75°F (22 to 24°C). 

Conclusion – Best Places To Visit in Argentina

While Buenos Aires may be Argentina’s most popular destination, there are many more areas and landmarks to explore, as you can see in this article.

Whether you’d head straight to Patagonia for some trekking adventure, go bar-hopping in Buenos Aires or sip Mate with fellow travelers, or bask in the sun on Mar de la Plata beach, Argentina, with its various tourist spots, will not disappoint.

May you have enjoyed considering this article to narrow your Argentinian travel choices.

Your Ultimate Travel Guide & Booking Resources

Skyscanner is my trusted ally for booking flights, guiding me to the perfect travel options while making the journey planning process a breeze with its user-friendly interface and extensive search capabilities.

12Go Asia is my ultimate travel companion in Asia, offering the best budget service platform for seamless booking of trains, buses, ferries, and flights, ensuring every adventure unfolds smoothly and effortlessly.

Booking.com is my ultimate lodging partner. It offers many accommodations worldwide and simplifies my travel experiences with its user-friendly platform and unbeatable deals.

Get Your Guide is my go-to for personalized travel experiences, enriching my journeys with unique tours and activities curated to my interests, making every adventure unforgettable and tailored to my preferences.

SafetyWing is my peace of mind on the go, offering comprehensive travel medical insurance with affordable plans and hassle-free claims, ensuring I can explore the world worry-free, knowing I’m protected wherever I roam.

LifeStraw Go Bottle is my trusted hydration companion for outdoor adventures, filtering water on-the-go to keep me safe and hydrated, ensuring every hike or travel experience is worry-free and enjoyable.

If you are up to an extended South American adventure, check out other articles:

• The Guide To Ecuador’s Exciting Swing at the End of the World ,
• The Best Travel Guide To The Amazing Rainbow Mountain Peru

Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter

Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents. Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University. Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.

Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.

Argentina Destinations: 22 Incredible Places to Visit in Argentina (You Didn’t Know Existed)

Posted on Last updated: March 16, 2023

If you’re planning a South America trip, it may be difficult to decide on which places to visit in Argentina . I know that I was actually unfamiliar with the pure scope and extensivity of Argentina destinations before my trip. But after ending up spending over two months there, I can attest that Argentina is one of the most incredible, varied, naturally gorgeous, culturally diverse, and culinarily incredible countries on earth.

I worked my way through all the things to do in Argentina from Patagonia in the south, to Buenos Aires in the east, to the Iguazu Falls in the north, to Salta and Jujuy in the west. I didn’t even plan on spending too much time in Argentina, but now I can happily say it’s my favorite country on Earth.

Argentina truly has everything – from cold and alpine rocky mountains, to barren wine country, to amazing European-esque cities, to thick jungle, to the most colorful highland desert landscapes you’ll ever see. With each new Argentina destination, my mind was blown more and more until I decided that it truly couldn’t get any better – this was one of the most amazing countries on earth.

Want to read more about Argentina? Make sure to check out the posts I have linked below and also my Complete Argentina Bucket List here.

Places to Visit in Argentina: Destinations in the South

Here are the best places to visit in Argentina’s south, a mostly mountainous, chilly, and scenic region including Patagonia.

Known as the “End of the World,” Ushuaia is the adventurous gateway to Antarctica and the southernmost city in the Americas. Flights and cruises to Antarctica will all leave from here, the closest point to it that you can get.

Ushuaia understandably gets very cold in the southern hemisphere winters, and is well-known for islands full of penguins, incredible mountainous scenery,  colorful houses, and Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Ushuaia Things to Do

• End of the World Train
• End of the World Museum – Learn Indigenous Culture
• Tierra del Fuego National Park Trekking
• Martillo Island Penguins
• Beagle Channel Cruise

Ushuaia Places to Stay:

• Compare prices on Ushuaia Hotels or Ushuaia Hostels .

El Calafate

El Calafate is another adventure hub of southern Patagonia, and is an important stop on any Argentina itinerary. It’s the best known for the Perito Moreno glacier, which is easily the most incredible glacier I’ve ever seen.

However, it’s also a great hub for day trips to other viewpoints, Torres del Paine National park in Chile , boat tours through different arms of glacier lakes, a few other glaciers, and some gaucho-run ‘estancias’ out in the remote mountain desert.

El Calafate Things to Do and Where to Stay

For info on all tours from El Calafate, what to do, and where to stay in town, check out my guide to El Calafate tours.

El Chalten is a smaller mountain town three hours north of El Calafate also known also for its adventurous activities. It is namely known for a world-famous and mind-blowing hike to Laguna de Los Tres with a view of Mount Fitz Roy , a dramatic and jagged almost-other-worldly view.

The town is small and quaint, with scenic landscapes all around, the possibility for river rafting and rappelling, and kayaking, too.

What to Do and Where to Stay in El Chalten

For all the info on what you can do and where you should stay in El Chalten, check out my classic Patagonia itinerary below, which outlines a two-week itinerary through Argentinian and Chilean southern Patagonia. Book transfers between Argentina destinations in advance on bookaway.

Bariloche is one of the most popular holiday places to visit in Argentina. It has options for both the backpacker and the traveler who has a bit more disposable income, if you know what I mean. There are luxury resorts all over the place, and nice restaurants to complement the high-end mountain and lake views.

Things to do + Where to Stay in Bariloche

I have included Bariloche and the 3 destinations below this in my “ Northern Patagonia Itinerary ,” in which I highlight the best things to do and places to stay in each destination.

In short, Bariloche is known for some other incredible hikes up to jagged and carnivorous peaks, a famous bike ride around a national park and mountain lakes (with stops at a few different breweries!), for its incredible chocolate, and skiing in the winter.

Villa La Angostura

Villa La Angostura is a hidden gem I discovered while backpacking through as many Argentina destinations as I could. It’s another tiny mountain town full of restaurants and souvenir shops, and has an absolute winner of a hike that was one of my favorites in South America.

Down near Puerto Angostura (just outside of the main town), there’s a huge peninsula with a hike along its backbone. It presents incredible views of the lakes and water on either side of it, and is surely a great spot in Patagonia.

Things to do + Where to Stay in Villa La Angostura

I also elaborated on Villa La Angostura in my Northern Patagonia Itinerary, with lots more details on the hike and where to stay. Check it out here.

El Bolson is like a mountain hippie town, full of eco-lodges, crystal-ridden craft markets, and nature lovers. Like many places in Patagonia, there are lots of incredible hikes to do here as well as markets and shops in town.

Things to do + Where to Stay in El Bolson

Check my Northern Patagonia itinerary, linked below, to read more in-depth about what to do and where to stay in El Bolson and the towns surrounding it.

San Martin de Los Andes

San Martin de Los Andes is a larger Patagonian town than all the rest described here, situated at the northern edge of Patagonia and on some beautiful lakes (surprise, surprise).

Up at this end of Patagonia there are more volcanoes, and there are quite a few in the region of San Martin that you can visit (or you can cross the border into Chile and check out the active V olcan Villarrica in Pucon).

Things to do + Where to Stay in San Martin de Los Andes

Other than that, it’s like a little skiing town with beautiful hikes surrounding it. As with the past 4 places to visit in Argentina, check my Northern Patagonia itinerary for more specifics on what to do and where to stay in each.

Places to Visit in Argentina: Destinations in the Center

Here are some places to visit in central Argentina that you should have on your radar.

Mendoza has to be one of your Argentina destinations if you are making a trip. That is, only if you love wine! Mendoza is known to be the home of Malbec, and actually also has some other incredible wine varietals made in its three different wine regions at the base of the Andes Mountains.

Things to do + Where to Stay in Mendoza

Other than wine tasting, which is a given, Mendoza is actually also a hub to many other adventures.

• River Rafting Adventures
• Visiting Geothermal Spas
• Andes High Mountain Tours
• And of course, wine tasting! There are many different tours.

Check out the wine tasing tour I did in Mendoza here for more information.

Cordoba is one of the most central places to visit in Argentina and a good stopover hub between Mendoza and Salta/Buenos Aires. It’s quite an industrial city, but that doesn’t mean that there’s not much to do! I stayed with a good friend in Cordoba for a weekend and really enjoyed myself. Check out this 2 day Cordoba itinerary if you aren’t sure what to do!

Things to do in Cordoba

• Explore the Town Center + Museums, or take a city tour
• On weekends, check out the street market and trendy bars downtown
• Visit La Cumbrecita
• Really though, there have been tons of conspiracy theories of aliens existing in these Sierras – specifically Capilla del Monte. There have been reported crop circles, mysterious beings, and more… check this article for more!

Where to Stay in Cordoba

Compare the best hotels in Cordoba and hostels in Cordoba here.

Rosario may not always be on the tourist trail, but as a happening student city and one of the most populous in the country, it cannot be left out when naming places to visit in Argentina.

Rosario has a happening bar, club, and food scene, rich history, plenty of museums and historical monuments, parks, markets, theaters, beaches, and a lovely waterfront along the Parana river.

Things to Do in Rosario

• Go kayaking in the Parana River
• Take a city bike and explore the city
• Visit some of the best clubs in the world

Where to Stay in Rosario

Compare Rates for Hotels in Rosario and Hostels in Rosario.

Catamarca (San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca)

It may not be the biggest tourist city, but Catamarca is an interesting Argentina destination just the same. Within the town of San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca (which is the capital of the province of Catamarca), you can find interesting religious monuments, parks, amazing food, and plenty of bars.

However, the biggest appeal in Catamarca may come from its mountains. The city is in a sort of valley surrounded by high mountains and volcanoes, some even exceeding 6,000 meters! This means that climbing and mountaineering are popular activities in this area.

Things to do in Catamarca

• Mountain climbing and hiking
• Many religious festivals throughout the year
• Fiambala Hot Springs

Where to Stay in Catamarca

Compare prices for the best hotels in Catamarca .

Places to Visit in Argentina: Destinations in the East

Here are some popular destinations in Argentina on the east side, from the capital to some smaller coastal cities.

Buenos Aires

Well… duh! Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina, the “Paris of Latin America,” one of the economic centers of South America, and one hell of a bustling city. I totally fell in love with its food, culture, nightlife, and pulse, and I can’t wait to go back.

This is the main of all Argentina destinations, and the place to come to try the classic Argentina foods- parilla steaks, incredible pizza, alfajores cookies, dulce de leche, and more recently, craft beer.

Buenos Aires has a tangible energy that is apparent in all who live there. Whether at bustling nightclubs, speakeasy bars, street art-covered alleyways, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and busy shopping malls, Buenos Aires really has it all – it’s a very livable city, and of course visit-able as well 😉

Tigre Delta

When in Buenos Aires, one of the coolest places to visit in Argentina is the Tigre Delta. You can sail here from Buenos Aires on a day tour and see another summer destination for Argentinians. Read more about it and more awesome Buenos Aires Tours here.

What to Do and Where to Stay in Buenos Aires

Since I wrote an entire 6000+ word guide to Buenos Aires, I’m going to go ahead and send you over to that my Buenos Aires guide to learn ALL about what to do, where to stay, what tours to take, and where to go, eat, and party in Buenos Aires. Enjoy!

Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata, or “la Plata,”  is where Porteños, as people from Buenos Aires are called, tend to vacation (that is, if they aren’t ferrying across to Uruguay!). There are massive expanses of beaches and great parties in the summertime, and oftentimes some of the best festivals in South America.

What to do in Mar del Plata

Mar de Plata is a great weekend destination to relax at the beach, visit museums or water parks, or take a day trip from Buenos Aires. 

Where to Stay in Mar del Plata

Compare prices for Mar del Plata Hotels here or Mar de Plata hostels here.

Puerto Madryn

Puerto Madryn is technically still in the Patagonia region although it’s on the complete opposite (east) coast of the country to other popular Patagonian destinations. It’s got beaches for the summertime, but the most appealing thing about it is its wildlife. There are many Puerto Madryn excursions that will take you to beautiful points of interest and wildlife.

You can whale watch here, and more excitingly actually scuba dive with playful, twisting and turning sea lions. I’ve seen some incredible videos of people paddling through a sea of hundreds of them flitting about through the water – it’s pretty incredible, really. The Peninsula Valdes is also an incredible place to visit.

Things to do in Puerto Madryn

• Whale watching tours 
• Visit nearby nature reserves and the Valdes Peninsula
• Scuba Dive with Sea Lions  
• Penguin Colony Visit 

Places to Visit in Argentina: Destinations in the North

Northern Argentina should now be forgotten as it has a truly different landscape than anywhere else in the country.

Puerto Iguazu + Iguazu Falls

In the northwest corner or Argentina, you’ll find a completely different vibe than anywhere else in the country: a humid, dense jungle! At that, it’s a jungle that borders the largest waterfall system in the world. How’s that for appealing?! I still remember when I got off the plane from freezing Buenos Aires to a pleasant 27 degrees C (about 80F) and was completely stunned.

Puerto Iguazu is a small town that borders two rivers – one that separates it from Brazil, and one that separates it from Paraguay. It’s got a much deeper indigenous culture than a lot of Argentina.

I personally think that the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls is the best, but I recommend visiting the Argentinian side (pictured) of course while you’re here so you can get the best of both worlds!

What to do + Where to Stay in Puerto Iguazu/Iguazu Falls

I also wrote another entire post detailing what to do in Puerto Iguazu, how to visit Iguazu Falls from both the Argentinian and Brazilain sides , and where to stay.

Places to Visit in Argentina: Destinations in the Northwest

Northern Argentina should now be forgotten as it has some of the truly most incredible places to visit in Argentina. Here are the places you need to know about.

This is a province in Argentina’s northwest with lots of treasures to be found. Jujuy city is the capital of Jujuy province, which along with Salta is rich in indigenous culture and incredible landscapes and highlands. The next few destinations below are all in Jujuy province.

Tilcara + Humahuaca Gorge

Humahuaca and Tilcara are small dusty desert towns inside the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Humahuaca Gorge. Tilcara is well known for having the best preserved Pucara, or fortress, used by the pre-hispanic peoples before the Incas. Humahuaca has incredible culture, shopping, and history.

There are many other points of interest along the Humahuaca Gorge that are detailed in my Quebrada de Humahuaca post , as well as a booking link for the tour I did if you are interested. It’s best known for the incredible mountain landscapes with yellow, pink, red, and green that look like they were painted!

Purmamarca is home to the ‘Cerro de Siete Colores,” or the Hill of 7 Colors. And let me tell you – it’s probably more than seven colors! It’s one of the most spectacular places to visit in Argentina and is a great place to find indigenous souvenirs, too. There are lots of places to stay in Purmamarca, or you can see it as part of tours I will link below.

Where to Stay in Jujuy

To read more about Jujuy province and different Argentina destinations in the north, see my Guide to Northern Argentina’s Salta + Jujuy Provinces .

Salta is the capital of the Salta province, which is directly next to its slightly greener counterpart, Jujuy. There are similarly colorful desert landscapes and incredible road trips here through gorges and salt flats.

Salinas Grandes

The Salinas Grandes are technically half in Salta and half in Jujuy, and are a massive expanse of salt flats that are still used for extractions to export salt. They’re one of the lesser-known Argentina destinations. But, they’re amazing just the same, and much easier to get to than Uyuni in Bolivia!

You can get to them via Purmamarca and some incredible mountain roads in the Jujuy region, or via a Highway 51 road trip through the El Toro Gorge.

San Antonio de Los Cobres – Tren a Las Nubes

The Tren a Las Nubes is definitely one of the most unique things to do/ places to visit in Argentina. It’s one of the highest altitude train rides in the world at over 4200m elevation, and goes through some watercolored highlands and a magical viaduct.

To get to the train you drive the same road trip linked above, and ride the train at the end. Read more about my experience here !

Although within the Salta province, Cafayate requires its own description because it’s by far one of the top places to visit in Argentina. Cafayate is Argentina’s ‘other’ wine region, producing high altitude (just over 1500m) wines and specializing in a white wine varietal called Torrontes.

The ‘Cafayate Wine route” is a trail of dozens of wineries in the region that you can link together into a big wine tour (over a while, of course!). But, the special part about Cafayate is that there are at least a dozen wineries within walking/biking distance of the main town. Lots of people rent bikes to ride between the closer ones (and there are 4 in town you can walk to!).

Not only is there tons of amazing wine, but there are hikes, cheese farms, and other incredible nature in Cafayate as well. Read my 3-day Cafayate Itinerary here.

Quebrada de los Conchas

The Quebrada de Las Conchas is an area of outstanding natural beauty that falls on the road between Salta and Cafayate. There are almost impossible-looking rock formations in unnaturally bright colors, and it’s all-in-all simply amazing. Read more about how to visit in my post above.

Well, there you have it! Which of these places to visit in Argentina have you been to? Are there more Argentina destinations I should add to the list? Let me know in the comments!

Don’t forget to pin these places to visit in Argentina! 

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Studded with outstanding natural wonders and endowed with one of the world’s most stylish capital cities, Argentina is a vast and varied land. Tapering from the Tropic of Capricorn towards the tip of Antarctica, it encompasses a staggering diversity of terrains. Here's our pick of the best things to do in Argentina.

1. Drive the Ruta de los Siete Lagos

• 2. Experience the energy and excitement of Gualeguaychú's carnival

3. Marvel at the Perito Moreno Glacier

4. watch birdlife at the esteros del iberá, 5. stroll through san telmo, buenos aires, 6. experience prehistoric art at cueva de las manos pintadas, 7. challenge yourself to climb aconcagua, 8. ride with argentine gauchos at an estancia, 9. go boating at tigre and the parana delta, 10. see gigantic dinosaur fossils in neuquén, 11. cuddle up with the fluffy andean camelids, 12. roam quebrada de humahuaca — one of the best things to do in argentina.

• 13. Ushuaia — the world's southernmost city

14. Watch a game of Football (Soccer) in Buenos Aires

• 15. Visit Mendoza vineyards and Argentina's wine regions

16. Eat your roast at Asados — one of the best things to do in Argentina

17. go trekking in the andes mountains, 18. get awed at iguazú falls, 19. watch elephant seals at valdés, 20. enjoy powder days for winter sports, 21. hike the pink sandstone cliffs of talampaya, 22. visit the famous dead at la recoleta cemetery, 23. get lost in the pampas — one of the best things to do in argentina, 24. climb volcán lanín, 25. watch tango show in la boca, buenos aires, 26. hike in quebrada de las conchas.

This article is inspired by our Rough Guide to Argentina — your essential guide for travelling in Argentina .

Travel ideas for Argentina, created by local experts

The Great Lakes and Glaciers of Argentina

Experience the great outdoors, Argentina-style! Marvel at jaw-droppingly beautiful Patagonian landscapes, walk the shores of deep-blue lakes guarded by snow-capped mountains at Bariloche, explore the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier – experience all of this, and much more, with this unique trip!

From Chile to Argentina, across the Andean Lakes

Travel from Chile to Argentina across the stunning Andean Lakes, also known as the Lakes District. Beginning in Santiago, you will travel to Puerto Varas, in Chile, and then across the lakes to Bariloche, Argentina, taking in the stunning mountain scenery, before ending your trip in Buenos Aires.

An adventure across three countries: Brazil, Argentina & Uruguay

A trip filled with history, culture and nature spread out over three beautiful and unique countries, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Visit some of the most stunning sites, like the Sugar Loaf Mountain, Iguazu Falls and UNESCO World Heritage site Colonia del Sacramento, during this 14-day trip.

Argentinean Patagonia: from the Coast to the Andes

Explore the region's most fascinating corners: sea life in Puerto Madryn awaits before you head to the most southern city in the world: Ushuaia. Discover Tierra del Fuego before heading out to El Calafate and Bariloche, really soaking in the Argentinean vibes.

Unforgettable Argentina

Argentina has a lot to offer travellers, in this itinerary you will explore the highlights in just two weeks. From busy Buenos Aires you will fly to Iguazu to marvel at the majestic waterfalls before heading south to Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia and El Calafate. Unforgettable Argentina awaits!

Magical Patagonia and Cultural Buenos Aires

Combine exploring the contemporary city of Buenos Aires, with all its luxuries and grand, historical buildings, together with the wild, rugged land of Patagonia. Take in the culture and observe the landscape and wildlife to gain a complete picture of the true Argentina.

Taking a road trip on the rugged beauty of Patagonia on the Seven Lakes Route is one of the best things to do in Argentina. This road, best explored in a 4WD, takes you past sparkling emerald, ultramarine, and indigo lakes and lush forests.

The route connects Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes, passing through forested valleys and giving access to more than just the 7 eponymous lakes. This area is known for stunning views and makes for a wonderful day trip.

One of the lakes of Seven Lakes Road © Felix Malte Dorn/Shutterstock

2. Experience the energy and excitement of Gualeguaychú's carnival

Like their neighbours across the river in Uruguay and Brazil, the people of the Northeast of Argentina do know how to party, not least in Gualeguaychú in the lead-up to Lent.

Gualeguaychú's carnival runs from January to March. Here 40,000 party-goers gather to watch Gualeguaychú's comparsas, or processions. Taking part in this celebration is one of the best things to do in Argentina. Witness the colourful costumes, lively music, and thematic floats.

Carnival is a popular tourist attraction in Argentina © Gabriela Bertolini/Shutterstock

Worth seeing are the impossible shades of blue at Perito Moreno Glacier, a natural wonder of Argentina. Listen to the symphony of cracks, thuds and whines while admiring the 60m high ice cliffs. This glacier is not the longest in Argentina, but it's the one with the most star quality.

Stand on the boardwalks and witness the jagged mass of crevasses and towering séracs. When it collides with the southern arm of Lago Argentino, the show begins as vast blocks of ice crash into the waters below. Seeing advancing glaciers is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The dramatic scenery of Perito Moreno Glacier © saiko3p/Shutterstock

While in Argentina, you will want to explore the sparkling lagoons of the Esteros del Iberá, a 13,000 sq km wetland teeming with diverse wildlife. From hummingbirds to herons, this vital ecosystem offers unparalleled opportunities for close observation.

Wander through swamps, lakes, ponds, streams, and floating islands formed by waterlilies. Immersing yourself in the magic of this Corrientes Province gem is one of the best things to do in Argentina.

Esteros del Iberá is a great place to birdwatch in South America © Aleksandra H. Kossowska/Shutterstock

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San Telmo is a small barrio in Buenos Aires, known for its charming, decaying facades and cobbled streets. The barrio was once home to grand mansions, but became a tenement neighbourhood after a yellow fever epidemic. The area's original features were preserved, making it a popular destination for tourists, bohemians, students, and artists.

San Telmo is famous for its Sunday antiques market and its association with tango. The Museo Histórico Nacional is located at the southern end of the barrio in Parque Lezama.

Discover San Telmo in Buenos Aires © Diego Grandi/Shutterstock

A prehistoric mural, an early finger-printing exercise or ancient graffiti? Whatever it is, this delicate tableau of many hands is one of the continent’s most enchanting archaeological sites.

Pre-Columbian cave paintings are found all over Santa Cruz, but those at Cueva de las Manos are the finest. The walls here are covered by paintings of hands and animals, principally guanacos (relatives of the llama).

Thought to be anything between 3,000 and 10,000 years old, you won't want to miss this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The infamous UNESCO world heritage site © buenaventura/Shutterstock

Cerro Aconcagua, the highest peak outside the Himalayas, stands at 6962m. Despite its extreme altitude, it can be climbed with the right preparation and a guide.

Climbing Aconcagua is a challenging experience, requiring fitness, patience, and acclimatization. It's not recommended for those without experience in high-altitude treks, as many climbers turn back.

Where to stay near Aconcagua National Park:

• For a stay with a mountain view: Hotel Pukarainca
• For a stay very close to the park: Huentala Hotel

The Rough Guides to Argentina and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Or browse other accommodations near Aconcagua National Park .

Seek guidance from experienced professionals before attempting this climb © sunsinger/Shutterstock

A Guacho is prominent figure in Argentine culture, gaucho typically refers to local nomadic horsemen, known for their bravery and ability to rope cattle. Take a day tour and try your hand at cattle-herding or sheep-shearing. Or try at a working estancia – one of the great Argentine institutions.

Ready to give it a try? See what happened when one of our travel experts tried being a gaucho for the day .

Dreaming of exploring Argentina? Our tailor-made trip service allows you to go on the trip of your dreams without the planning or hassle. Our tailor-made Unforgettable Argentina trip will take you through Argentina's best sites. Our trips are completely customisable and are crafted by local craft experts.

Spending a day at an Estancia is one of the best things to do in Argentina © Shutterstock

Explore the subtropical Venice of Buenos Aires Province, Tigre, by boat or kayak. The Paraná Delta, only 21km from the city, is a maze of lush green islands, waterways, and traditional houses on stilts.

Tigre's name comes from the jaguars that once roamed the area. Don't miss this unique suburban landscape on your visit to Argentina.

Prefer to leave planning and booking to experts? Our tailor made service allows you to travel without the hassle. Our tailor-made Tango and Glaciers trip will immerse you in Argentinian culture and natural sites. All tailor made trips can be modified together with your local expert.

Parana Delta: an incredible place © Christian Saez/Shutterstock

The world’s biggest dinosaurs once roamed Neuquén Province. Nothing will convey their immensity more than standing underneath their skeletons or seeing their giant footprints in the rock.

Discoveries in the area since 1988 have made it a hot spot for dinosaur enthusiasts. While here it's easy to imagine dinosaurs roaming the plains and pterodactyls flying from the cliffs as you travel to the sites. Public transport may be difficult, so consider going on a tour from Neuquén for easy access.

Where to stay in Neuquén:

• For a comfortable stay with an outdoor pool: Casino Magic Hotel
• For a stay downtown near great restaurants: Neuquen Tower Hotel

Or find your perfect accommodation in Neuquén .

Some of the best fossils of South America in Neuquén © Shutterstock

The animals most associated with the Andes are the four species of South American camelids, especially the domesticated llama. Local people use llamas as beasts of burden, as well as for meat and wool. The other domesticated camelid is the slightly smaller alpaca, which produces finer wool.

The two other South American camelids are both wild: the short-haired antelope-like guanaco and its diminutive cousin, the vicuña.

Looking for inspiration for your next big adventure? Don't miss our guide to the most exotic places to travel around the world.

Visiting Argentina means seeing camelids © Simon Mayer/Shutterstock

This stunning area, known as the Quebrada de Humahuaca, was once part of the Camino Inca and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From whitewashed villages nestled in colourful mountains to shimmering salt flats, this unique corner of Argentina is known for its polychrome landscapes. Most visitors come to explore the lush valleys, cactus forests, windswept steppe and deep gorges.

Where to stay near Quebrada de Humahuaca:

• For a beautiful hotel with a beautiful pool: Las Maria Hotel Boutique
• For a stay on the hillside with a view: Las Terrazas Hotel Boutique

Or browse other accommodations near Quebrada de Humahuaca .

Quebrada de Humahuaca and the colorful mountains, Salta - Argentina © Gonzalo Buzonni/Shutterstock

13. Ushuaia — the world's southernmost city

Ushuaia is the world's southernmost city and the gateway to the breathtaking landscapes of Tierra del Fuego. Nestled between majestic mountains and the crystal-clear waters of the Beagle Channel, this chaotic yet charming city offers the perfect base to explore the rugged beauty of the region.

A popular destination in Ushuaia is the Museo del Fin del Mundo or End of the World Museum. It features an impressive assortment of artefacts from the initial voyages and the native inhabitants of the coastlines.

S now capped peaks of Ushuaia — one of the top tourist attractions © mmtsales/Shutterstock

Football, also known as fútbol, is a vital part of Argentine culture. Many argue that experiencing a match, particularly at River Plate or Boca Juniors in Buenos Aires, is a must-do when visiting the country.

The intense passion of fans creates an unforgettable atmosphere, making it a highlight for many travellers. Argentina's top flight, the Superliga, includes 20 teams. This includes the "Big Five": River Plate, Boca Juniors, Independiente, San Lorenzo, and Racing Club.

Going to a football game is one of the most incredible things to do in Argentina © hecke61/Shutterstock

15. Visit Mendoza vineyards and Argentina's wine regions

What better to accompany a juicy grilled bife de chorizo than one of the Mendoza province’s award-winning malbecs or syrahs? Wine tasting is one of the best things to do in Argentina.

Argentina is a top wine producer and is home to many famous wineries. 75% of the country's production comes from Mendoza's Maipú and Luján de Cuyo regions. San Rafael, La Rioja and San Juan are also major wine-growing areas.

Many wine experts would agree that Argentina has some excellent vintages as a result of both a domestic market that’s fast becoming more discerning and the lure of exports.

Ready to take a trip to the Mendoza region? Don't miss our guide to the best outdoor activities in Mendoza.

Go wine tasting or take a wine tour in Argentina © Shutterstock

Asado, a traditional Argentine barbecue, is a staple in the country's national identity and culture. The term refers to slowly grilled or roasted meats, and is prepared with pride and devoured with carnivorous bliss.

It's important to know your way around the beef-eating vocabulary in Argentina, as cuts are sliced through bone and muscle rather than across them. Argentines typically like their meat well-done, but medium and rare options are available with some insistence.

Eating Asados is one of the best things to do in Argentina © Climber 1959/Shutterstock

Discover world-class trekking and hiking trails in the Fitz Roy sector of South America's Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. With breathtaking mountain peaks and convenient day hikes from El Chaltén, this trekking paradise offers a chance to explore some of the most beautiful mountains on Earth.

Climb the 3405m peak of Monte Fitz Roy, known as "The Mountain that Smokes" by the Tehuelche people, and witness the fiery pink colour it turns at dawn. Laguna de los Tres is a popular hike in the area.

Beautiful Patagonia, Los Glaciares National Park© sunsinger/Shutterstock

Nicknamed "Devil's Throat", the Iguazu Falls are some of the world's most awe-inspiring waterfalls. They are located right against the Brazilian border. With over 250 cascades, the falls offer a glimpse into the powerful forces of nature.

One of the best things to do in Argentina is to explore the hiking trails and walkways of the Iguazu National Park. You'll find here subtropical forests and view the region's vibrant wildlife.

Spectacular views from the Iguazu Falls © sharptoyou/Shutterstock

Península Valdés is a natural wonder and home to a staggering array of wildlife. Home to giant elephant seals, southern right whales, and more - this natural wonder is a must-see. The best time to visit? From late September to early November, when the bull elephant seals put on a show of bloodied bulk while fighting for females.

Or from June to mid-December, when you're almost guaranteed to come face-to-face with a southern right whale. Even if you're visiting outside of peak season, you'll still get to spot dolphins and sea lions on a boat tour.

Argentia is known for its marine life, including elephant seals © Kris Clifford/Shutterstock

Experience world-class skiing and après-ski in Argentina. Argentina offers a variety of ski resorts, with the most popular being Las Leñas, known for its challenging skiing and hosting of World Cup races.

The Bariloche resorts of Cerro Catedral and Cerro Otto, offer beautiful panoramic views and a wide range of ski options. For those looking to combine skiing with sightseeing, Ushuaia's Cerro Castor is fantastic. For après-ski, Bariloche and Las Leñas are the best destinations.

The ski resorts of Argentina a re worth visiting © Ericsmandes/Shutterstock

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of La Rioja's World Heritage Site, home to towering pink sandstone cliffs, once roamed by dinosaurs. This area is now a protected habitat for condors, guanacos, and foxes.

You will want to explore the wide-bottomed canyon flanked by 180m-high rust-coloured cliffs. Here you can see up close rock formations resembling surreal Gothic cathedrals. Or discover an array of bird species, rich flora, and ancient petroglyphs.

One of the best things to do in Argentina and even South America — La Rioja © Guillermo Caffarini/Shutterstock

Cementerio de la Recoleta is a prestigious cemetery in Argentina, home to the great and good, including Evita. It's one of the world's most exclusive patches of real estate. It is also one of the most remarkable burial grounds, featuring an array of architectural styles and fashions.

This s a great place to explore and wander around, with narrow streets and wide avenues of yews and cypress trees.

Want to experience Argentina, but without the hassle of booking and planning? This tailor-made Tango & Wines in Argentina trip takes you from the famous nightlife of Buenos Aires before heading to the vineyards of Mendoza.

This cemetery is one of the most popular tourist attractions © Jess Kraft/Shutterstock

Rugged gauchos, nodding pampas grass and herds of contented cattle are the famous inhabitants of Argentina’s most archetypal landscape. The pampa húmeda, located west and northwest of Buenos Aires, is Argentina's most fertile and valuable land known for its rugged gauchos, nodding pampas grass and herds of cattle.

The region includes sites of interest such as Luján, a religious site with a vast basilica and Mercedes, known for its authentic pulpería.

Horseback riding and more at the Pampas © A Jellema/Shutterstock

Despite the unappealing meaning of its native name – “he who choked himself to death” – this perfect symmetrical cone of a volcano is both a beauty to behold and a treat to climb.

Parque Nacional Lanín, established in 1937, encompasses 420 sq km of Andean and sub-Andean habitat and is home to the symmetrical cone of Volcán Lanín. The park also has a variety of landscapes, including the semiarid steppe and temperate Valdivian rainforest. The park's main attraction is the distinctive and beautiful monkey puzzle tree.

Lanin, Patagonia, Argentina © sunsinger/Shutterstock

A tango show in La Boca, Buenos Aires is a must-see experience for anyone interested in Argentine culture and history. La Boca is considered the birthplace of tango and is known for its vibrant and colourful streets, where tango halls and venues are plentiful.

Tango shows are often held in historic dance halls and feature live orchestras. It's a great way to see a different side of Buenos Aires and appreciate the city's historical and cultural significance.

• For a stay with modern decor: Fierro Hotel Buenos Aires
• For a boutique stay with an old-world feel: Magnolia Hotel Boutique

Or find your dream accommodation in Buenos Aires .

Tango dancers, Argentina © Shutterstock

Hiking in Quebrada de las Conchas is a must-do experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area offers a wide range of hiking trails that take you through a diverse range of landscapes, from rugged canyons to colourful rock formations.

The trails provide breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery and allow you to explore the natural beauty of the reserve. A journey through Quebrada de las conchas is one of the best things to do in Argentina.

Natural amphitheatre in the Quebrada de las Conchas, Cafayate, Argentina © Shutterstock

This list could truly go on. There are countless fantastic things to do in Argentina. Ready to start planning your trip? Check out the Rough Guide to Argentina . Read more about the best time to go , the best places to visit and the best things to do in Argentina . For inspiration, learn about getting there , getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Argentina without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Argentina for the trip of a lifetime

Are you planning a trip to Argentina? Here you have the best places to visit in Argentina for a trip of a lifetime!

There are lots of cool things to do in Argentina , and there’s no lack of natural and cultural wonders there.

Stretching from the Andean altiplano down to the icy lakes of Patagonia and the famous Perito Moreno , with exuberant jungles, unique wetlands, extensive pampas and cosmopolitan cities, Argentina is a once-in-a-lifetime destination.

It’s the perfect country for a road trip with extensive roads and outstanding views everywhere.

There are car rental agencies almost everywhere and you can always rely on complete insurance coverage for a stress-free trip. 

✏️ Post content

Feel The Power of Nature at the Iguazu Falls

Wade the wetlands at ibera, be a porteño in buenos aires, explore salta and the north west, admire the beautiful and peaceful córdoba, explore mendoza: wines, landscapes and plenty of things to do , fall in love with the patagonia region, visit the end of the world in ushuaia, relax on the beaches of mar del plata, learn about dinosaurs at talampaya national park & valle de la luna, don’t forget travel insurance if traveling to argentina, best places to visit in argentina.

If you’re planning a trip to Argentina any time soon, here are some bucket list Argentina destinations you can’t miss .

Located in the NE of the country within the Iguazu National Park and shared with Brazil and Paraguay, the impressive Iguazu Falls are one of the top things to do in Argentina .

Expect to spend two days there. There’s an entrance fee differentiated for residents and foreigners and you’ll pay half price if you stay for more than a day. If you just have a day in Iguazu, you can book here this half-day tour Argentina Iguazu Falls with Ticket .

Made up of over 275 waterfalls, the highlight is probably the Devil’s Throat . It’s the tallest of the falls and stretches across Brazil and Argentina; it’s 80 meters high and 2700 meters in diameter! The roaring sound of the water is almost deafening and the visual spectacle is simply otherworldly.

The Iguazu Falls offer great opportunities for hiking too . The Jungle Train, which departs right from the entrance, takes you both to the Upper and Lower Circuits.

The former is an hour-long hike that leads you to the top of the falls. The views from there are spectacular as you can see around 200 waterfalls!

The latter has multiple inviting paths and lookouts and takes longer to explore. The different views are absolutely worthy and Instagrammable so don’t leave your camera behind!

Adrenaline seekers interested in an up-close and personal experience can ride a speedboat and end up under one of the waterfalls. Book the boat tour here .

The natural scene is astounding. Apart from the mesmerizing waterfalls, you can expect to admire thousands of butterflies, spiders and other bugs, toucans, colorful parrots, monkeys, rare animals as jaguars and lush flora including begonias and orchids!

The Iguazu National Park is definitely one of the best places to visit in Argentina .

Located in the central NE part of Argentina and it’s surrounded by the rivers Parana, Iguazu and Uruguay, the Ibera Wetlands are some of the best places to see in Argentina.

They are one of the most important and largest freshwater reservoirs in South America , and one of the best wildlife holidays in Argentina. At the core, there’s a protected area almost 15 thousand square kilometers large.

The local Guarani people are warm and friendly and offer visitors plenty of activities and ways to explore this interesting area: longboat trips, horseback rides, walks along the raised boardwalk or through the forest, wildlife watching at night and so on.

Nature lovers can’t miss this attractive destination. It’s a great place to spot endangered or rare animal species such as the marsh deer, alligators or capybaras and various snake species unusual insects and plants. 

At water level, it’s easy to lose the ability to distinguish between solid ground and marshland and it is advisable to visit the area with an experienced guide.

Buenos Aires is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with iconic monuments, historic landmarks, lovely parks, great art and delicious steak dishes. It’s an European looking city with a famous Latin vibe.

Immense boulevards, fantastic shopping opportunities, state-of-the-art buildings next to examples of colonial architecture, gorgeous cafés and cobbled streets make Buenos Aires one of the best places to go in Argentina.

There are lots of things to do in Buenos Aires ! You can book one of the following tours and monument entrances to visit the most important tourist attractions in Buenos Aires :

Plaza de Mayo deserves special attention. The Cathedral of Buenos Aires, the iconic Casa Rosada or House of Government and the Cabildo can be found there. It’s the political heart of the city, together with the Congress that is only a few blocks away.

Puerto Madero is probably the trendiest neighborhood in Buenos Aires, and a magnet for tourists. It just looks onto the Río de la Plata and hosts luxury apartment buildings and trendy restaurants. It’s the place to see and be seen and home to the famous Calatrava’s Puente de la Mujer, a work of art.

San Telmo and La Boca are also must places to see in Buenos Aires .

San Telmo, with its cobbled streets and colonial buildings, is where the rich used to live until the late 1870s when an epidemic of yellow fever hit the neighborhood.

Many bohemians and artists live here and the San Telmo Market is a cozy place where to grab something to eat and run errands. There’s an interesting antiques fair as well in Plaza Dorrego.

La Boca is where you have to go if you want to experience the real football passion: La Bombonera, Boca Junior’s football stadium, can be found there.

The vibrant and colorful houses of Caminito, the Paseo de la Ribera, the Benito Quinquela Martín’s Museum or the Proa Museum are another interesting highlights.

Recoleta is an elegant and upscale neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Alvear avenue, with its beautiful villas and lovely shops or the Recoleta Cemetery (where Eva Perón is buried) and expansive green areas and ample boulevards contribute to the excitement of exploring this area of the city.

The Botanical Gardens, the Japanese Garden or the Bosques de Palermo offer the perfect opportunities to immerse in nature and have a great time.

The Reserva Ecológica in Costanera is probably the best place to admire local fauna and flora only a minutes away from the busiest areas in town.

Buenos Aires is also world-famous for its rich and varied cultural attractions. The Museum of Fine Arts, the MALBA, the Fortabat Collection and the Museum of Decorative Art are some of the cultural venues you can’t miss.

And to crown it all, attending a concert, opera or ballet at the magnificent Colon Theater or simply booking a guided visit to it will satisfy your thirst for cultural experiences.

The province of Salta is one of the most important ones in the North West Argentine region. Its capital city is also called Salta and it’s famous for its neoclassical cathedral and colonial buildings, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Argentina .

Winter is the best time of the year to visit it as summers are usually rainy and hot.

The city is pleasant to amble around with its pedestrian streets and a center with a distinctive Hispanic character. It lays on a beautiful valley surrounded by the fantastic Andean peaks.

The central plaza is a great place to hang out and there many interesting places in town to visit such as the Cathedral or the Church of San Francisco.

For one the best panoramic views in Argentina, take the cable car to Cerro San Bernardo. If you ride it right before sunset, your pictures will be just AMAZING!

Salta is a lively provincial town with an active cultural life and a busy night scene, assured to keep any traveler entertained.

One of the most remarkable cultural attractions in Argentina is Salta’s Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña (High Mountain Archaeological Museum), as it offers one of the best insights into the Inca civilization that lived in these lands centuries ago.

The most memorable part of your visit will be seeing the three Inca children who were left as a sacrifice on the Llullaillaco volcano.

At the chilly heights of almost 22 thousand feet their bodies were exceptionally preserved for more than 500 years; one of the mummies, a 6-year-old-girl, was struck by lightning while on the volcano leaving a scar down half of her face and upper body. 

Wine lovers can have a feast in Salta. It’s home of spectacular and extreme vineyards between the mountain and the desert around the town of Cafayate.

There are many wineries in the area that offer wine tasting experiences: Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat, Merlot, Chardonnay or Torrontes are some of the varieties that develop deliciously in the area.

Unlike in Mendoza (the other big name in Argentina’s wine regions), here most wineries are within walking or biking distance so it’s really easy to visit many of them and talk to the winemakers.

Salta and the NW region are absolutely Instagram-worthy so don’t forget your camera or your well-charged mobile phone as you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take stunning pictures. One of the best things to do in Argentina !

Besides, the region offers plenty of opportunities for exciting adventure: hiking, rafting, trekking or horseback riding are just some of the outdoor activities you can try, not to mention spotting interesting animal species such as vicuñas, pumas or hawks.

The Calchaquíes Valley, SW of Salta, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Argentina : a charming combination of pretty adobe villages, dry landscapes, traditional crafts markets and some of the best wines you can ever taste.

The Quebrada de las Conchas is an outstandingly beautiful area between Salta and Cafayate and there are interesting and intriguing rock formations.

The Tren a las Nubes is definitely one of the things you must do on any trip to Salta . It’s one of the highest altitude train rides in the world at over 4200 m elevation and goes through colorful highlands and a magical viaduct.

As you’re exploring the North West, why don’t you plan a road trip to the Quebrada de Humahuaca ? It’s famous for its breathtaking rocky landscapes, deep blue skies and small adobe villages scattered here and there.

Its unique color palette will inspire the artist within you and you’ll definitely fall in love with the local people.

Among the villages to visit in the Quebrada de Humahuaca there is the tiny yet lovely Purmamarca, which is just right at the foot of the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colours) and its nice market where you can purchase local crafts.

You shouldn’t miss Tilcara either; the Pucará de Tilcara, an Inca archaeological site just outside the village, is an interesting place to visit. Purmamarca and Tilcara are absolutely highlights in any trip to the NW of Argentina .

Located in the heart of Argentina, the province of Córdoba and its capital city, Córdoba are fascinating to explore; one of the less known tourist attractions in Argentina .

The city is known for its Spanish colonial architecture , which can be easily found in the Jesuitic Block _ a XVII century complex with cloisters, churches and the original campus of Cordoba National University. The Cathedral has a beautiful neoclassical and baroque architecture.

There are great shopping facilities as well and an active food and cultural scene to keep visitors entertained.

Staying in the city of Córdoba makes it really easy to reach by bus or rental car any of the beautiful locations nearby.

Surrounded by jaw-dropping hills, stunning lakes and the most peaceful atmosphere, there are plenty of towns that will definitely blow your mind.

Visit La Cumbrecita, Villa General Belgrano, Los Nonos o Villa Cura Brochero and Villa Carlos Paz.

Attend the musical festival of Cosquin, explore the Camino de las Altas Cumbres, Punilla Valley or the Calamuchita Hills.

Mendoza is the capital city of the homonymous province. It’s a lively place all day long and a fun place to visit in Argentina.

Bustling yet laid-back, it’s the kind of place that you find instantly appealing and keeps you for longer than expected.

Wide avenues lined with sycamore trees, beautiful parks and a cosmopolitan atmosphere ensure visitors that they’ll have a great time in Mendoza city capital, one of the best places to visit in Argentina .

But there’s much more to see in such a fantastic province. The Parque Provincial Cerro Aconcagua , home to the highest peak of the western hemisphere _ the Cerro Aconcagua_, and the fact of being the most important wine region in Argentina and South America make it easy to understand why Mendoza is one of the top tourist destinations in Argentina .

About 75% of the country’s wine production comes from this province so make sure you take some time to explore the local vineyards and wine cellars that are mostly located in Guaymallen, Maipu and Lujan de Cuyo.

Malbec is the top wine variety produced here and it’s really irresistible but there’s also Semillon, Tempranillo, Torrontes and Syrah!

There are bike tours organized and some wine cellars even have accommodation facilities or spas for the best wine experience ever. You can book here a half-day wine tour with tastings or a full-day wine tour with 3 course lunch .

All year round, Mendoza is a great place for adventurous spirits . Skiing, horse riding, rafting and mountain climbing or trekking are just some of the fun activities that adrenaline seekers can try. Las Leñas, Los Penitentes, Los Molles are top skiing resorts.

Diverse, fascinating and with an otherworldly natural scenery, the Argentine Patagonia region is one of the bucket list destinations in Argentina you can’t miss.

Glacier-covered mountains, deep blue lakes, extensive arid areas, and the most fantastic animal species are some of the reasons why you should visit it.

The small town of Puerto Madryn is close to Valdes Peninsula and Punta Tombo: two of the best locations in the world where you can spot whales and penguins and other arctic wildlife species.

Peninsula Valdes, best whale watching in Argentina

Whale watching is the main reason why anyone visits Peninsula Valdes .

From June to December, whales and orcas come to mate and give birth in its waters.

They can be easily spotted from the shore and there are also excursions organized by experts that give you an up close and personal encounter with these huge creatures. You can book here the whale watching full-day nature tour .

Since the Peninsula de Valdes is a natural reserve, there’s also an interesting population of sea lions, elephant seals and guanacos. If you enjoy whale watching, Peninsula Valdes is one of the best places in Argentina to visit.

Punta Pombo, best place to see penguins in Argentina

Equally interesting is Punta Tombo , a natural reserve that year after year receives thousands of penguins that come to these shores to mate and give birth.

Tourists are invited to walk around the reserve and take pictures but the penguins and their nests and eggs shouldn’t be touched or disturbed.

Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the best places to visit in Argentina

Perito Moreno Glacier , just outside the town of El Calafate and within Los Glaciares National Park, is another must-see destination in Argentina .

Did you know that Perito Moreno is one of the only glaciers in the world that it’s actually growing?

During the summer months it’s possible to see huge chunks of ice falling into waters of Lake Argentino.

There are boardwalks that allow tourists to have impressive views of the Glacier but the most adventurous ones can board a helicopter flight and enjoy trekking over it.

For a closer look, you  can also ride a boat! Whichever way you choose, it’s an experience you won’t easily forget.

Check out the following tours to discover Perito Moreno:

Bariloche, one of the best things to do in Argentina

Hungry? Would you like to taste some delicious chocolate ? Just as Mendoza or Salta are your go-to places for great wine, San Carlos de Bariloche or Bariloche is the destination for those who could live only on chocolate.

There are plenty of chocolate houses to choose from and if you visit the town in the freezing cold winter months you have no excuses at all to indulge in this tasty treat.

Fortunately, there are plenty of other things to do in Bariloche area : you can go skiing in Catedral Alta Patagonia ski resort with its 40 lifts and more than 100kmk of marked trails, rafting, sailing, mountain climbing, hiking and fantastic fishing opportunities in the nearby lake.

Road trippers can have an experience of a lifetime: the Road of the Seven Lakes .

It’s a popular name given to Route 234 that joins San Martin de los Andes and Villa La Angostura in Neuquen Province.

It’s a 107 km dirt road that crosses two national parks and offers beautiful views over several lakes. It’s easy to reach from Bariloche, in Rio Negro province and it’s simply astounding.

If you were looking for what to do in Argentina, Bariloche offers so much to choose from.

Known as the most southern city in the world and nicknamed “End of the world”, Ushuaia is one of the best tourist places in Argentina.

The city is most known for being an outdoor lover’s paradise due to its stunning and unique landscapes featuring mountains, glaciers, waterfalls and the sea.

Ushuaia has many places to visit from Tierra del Fuego National Park , San Juan de Salvamento Lighthouse, End of the world Museum, to Maritime Museum of Ushuaia which are great for history buffs.

Adventure seekers can participate in skiing, hiking, cruising the Beagle Channel or simply chill on the resort town and enjoy all that it offers.

And if you ever planned to travel to Antarctica, Ushuaia is a great getaway point! With a town so diverse yet remote, Ushuaia is one of the best Argentina tourist attractions not to miss.

Beaches, sand, the sea are what describe the beautiful city of Mar del Plata.

With beaches that stretch over 8 kilometers long, bustling hotels and restaurants, Mar del Plata is not only the most famous beach city but also one of the best vacation spots in Argentina.

Every summer thousands of tourists flock in to enjoy the spectacular beaches on the Atlantic coast, take in the cultural mix between the modern and historic buildings or simply have a relaxing vacation by sipping on cocktails in the various cocktail bars.

Some of the popular beaches to check out include Playa Iglesia, Playa Varese, and Playa Mogotes.

Beyond the beaches, there are other attractions to visit in Mar del Plata like the Juan Manuel Fangio Museum and Mar del Plata Aquarium.

If you were looking for where to go in Argentina to enjoy a mix of beaches and culture, Mar del Plata will not disappoint.

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Argentina is Talampaya National Park & Valle de La Luna. The two are just next to each other so it’s better to combine the visit.

Both enlisted as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000, Talampaya National Park will amaze you with its impressive red rock canyons and formations.

While the landscape is a sight to behold, the history it harbors is worth knowing too. Fossils dating back a million years ago were discovered here which shows that dinosaurs might have lived there plus there are petroglyphs of early settlers.

On the other hand, Valle de la Luna, or Valley of the Moon lives up to its name with its moon-like appearance. Just like its counterpart, the landscape is equally impressive and the oldest known dinosaur remains were discovered here.

For paleontologists and landscape lovers, visiting Talampaya National Park & Valle de La Luna is one of the best things to do in Argentina.

I always travel with insurance , even if I travel inside my own country. 

No matter how well you plan and research a trip, there are always things that happen beyond your control. I had to use it several times and it saved my trip! 

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Sara Rodríguez

A passionate traveler with a mission: Help you plan your next trip easily and enjoy it to the fullest.

In this travel blog you will find everything you need to get inspired and organize your next adventure. Read more about my story here.

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25 Best Places to Visit in Argentina (Chosen By Experts!)

Argentina: the land of wine, art and magnificent landscapes. From Patagonia to Buenos Aires, this beautiful country reaching to the tip of South America is one of the most inspiring in the world. Whether you’re looking for nature, culture, gastronomy or a crazy good vino (wine in Spanish), here are the top 25 places to visit in Argentina.

1. Buenos Aires

2. bariloche, 3. perito moreno glacier, insider tips:, 7. parque nacional los glaciares, 8. el calafate, 9. tierra del fuego national park, 10. el chalten, 11. nahuel huapi lake, 12. puerto madryn, 13. cordoba, 14. beagle channel, 15. iguazu national park, 16. san antonio de areco, 17. mar del plata, 18. antofagasta de la sierra, 19. trevelin, 20. humahuaca, 21. torres del paine national park, 22. valle de la luna, 23. talampaya national park, 24. valdes peninsula, 25. punta tombo national reserve.

The Buenos Aires tango scene. Photo by ArtTower on Pixabay

Ah, Buenos Aires. Sometimes referred to as “Paris of the South,” this is the capital of Argentina and an absolute cultural epicenter. It’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Argentina. Between the world-renowned European architecture, famous cuisine, fascinating museums , romantic boulevards, vibrant entertainment, historical sites, trendy shopping and overall “chill vibe,” this is a stop you don’t want to miss on your trip to Argentina. City lovers can easily spend a week here, but in three days you can get a nice overview of the city.

Insider tips :

Palermo neighborhood:  Monique Loayza, Director of Peru for Less, recommends this neighborhood. “Palermo is in my opinion the best for tourists who are most interested in small shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and more boutique-style hotels,” she shares. “It’s also very pedestrian-friendly. Many restaurants and cafes also have charming outdoor sidewalk/patio seating.”

San Telmo Market:  Travel Advisor Michelle Talsma shares, “The San Telmo Market on Sundays in the Recoleta neighborhood will have you wide-eyed all day with its interesting things for sale. Recoleta also has an interesting cemetery, great restaurants and the downtown area has architecture that transports you to Europe“

Argentina Tours :

Teatro Colon : Travel Advisor Jackie Becker loved her tour of the theater. “I highly recommend doing  the tour of Teatro Colon ,” she says. “I literally gasped when I walked into the auditorium because it was so beautiful! The tour also takes you through the underneath of the theater where costumes were/are made, explains the history of the theater, etc.”

Food : Since Argentina is famed for its beef, Loayaza highly recommends a visit to the traditional steakhouse Don Julio – a must-try for steak lovers. For a scenic meal, Becker recommends Puerto Madero, with river views and typical Argentinian dishes.

Day trip : Senior Travel Advisor Rylee Mcgowan suggests, “a day trip to Uruguay (Colonia or Montevideo), the La Tigre/Delta area and/or Estancia are great day trips from the city.”

The stunning views of Bariloche.

San Carlos de Bariloche, more commonly referred to simply as Bariloche, is a picturesque mountain town in Patagonia. The town borders the icy blue glacial lake Nahuel Huapi. Loayza shares, “This was a totally gorgeous region with lots of beautiful lakes, forests and mountains. Although I haven’t been to the mountains in Switzerland I definitely think it has that feel to it. There are many parks and spots for hiking so spending a few days here if you really enjoy the outdoors is highly recommended. The town itself is very small and walkable and right on the lakeside.”

Day hike and chill . Loayza shares, “It was super easy to do day hikes, even self-guided ones, in Llao Llao Park and Cerro Otto. The trails are pretty easy and you can spend up to a few hours on them or as long as you wish. After several hours of hiking we would head over to some of the local breweries, which are spread out on the road back to the center of town – they have pretty simple, hearty food that seems German-inspired as well as good beer of course, but I think it’s just perfect for the setting and a great way to wrap up a long day outdoors.”

Perito Merino Glacier. Photo by Acuatro.

Located in Los Glaciares National Park, Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most important attractions in all of Argentina’s Patagonia. The impressive glacier spans 97 square miles and is part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the world’s third largest reserve of freshwater. Located about 50 miles from the city of El Calafate, tourists enjoy walking circuits and boat rides to get different perspectives of this humongous natural structure. Despite glaciers worldwide losing mass due to climate change, Perito Moreno maintains its equilibrium because it accumulates mass at the same rate it loses it. Truly ones of the most jaw-dropping places to visit in Argentina.

Big Ice . Alexandra Aguinaga, Product and Accounts Manager for Peru for Less, suggests doing the Big Ice tour. “If you don’t just want to see the glaciers from far away and want to have a unique experience, I highly recommend doing Big Ice, which is a hiking experience around the glaciers, of Perito Moreno,” she says. “The bright blue and white ice colors will just pop in your lens view, and it’ll make a long lasting memory to say you have climbed a glacier.  At the end you have chocolate and whisky ice with glacier ice to give that last goodbye to Perito Moreno.”

The desert landscape of Salta la Linda .

Nicknamed  Salta la Linda,  or Salta the beautiful, this city at the foothills of the Andes is the most popular tourist destination in Northwest Argentina. Salta is known for its beautiful colonial architecture, mountainous surroundings and…. wait for it…. empanadas! This is an excellent place to get a glimpse into Andean and Quechuan culture. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, foodie, history lover or bar hopper you will find something to do.

Nature spots : Take a day trip to Las Salinas Grandes, where you can see amazing salt flats plus the Cerro de los Siete Colores, or Hill of Seven Colors. Also just 30 minutes away is  La Quebrada de San Lorenzo , a nature reserve bursting with greenery where you can hike, horseback ride, bike ride and birdwatch.

Great views . Get an amazing birds eye view of the city at  Cerro San Bernardo.  This hill provides awe-inspiring vistas of the city. Here you can sample some local bites from the vendors or take a ride on the cable car that goes up and down the hill.

The southern Patagonian town of Ushuaia.

This icy port town is the capital of the Tierra del Fuego province of Argentina. Known as “the gateway to Antarctica,” Ushuaia is actually the southernmost town in Argentina. It is situated on the Beagle Channel, 680 miles from Antarctica. The tourist town is replete with hotels, restaurants, bars and museums. Also, since it’s at the foothills of the Andes, there are many nice opportunities to hike and partake in winter sports.

Insider Tips: 

Main attractions:  The main attractions of Ushuaia are Tierra del Fuego National Park, Beagle Channel, Laguna Esmeralda and Martial Glacier.

Fresh catch : Mcgowan says she recommends indulging in some super fresh king crab at a local restaurant.

Hop aboard a train .  El Tren Del Fin Del Mundo , or End of the World Train, is the southernmost train in the world. It was a train for prisoners in the early twentieth century, so this is an eerily fascinating (and beautifully scenic) historic experience to round off your visit to Ushuaia.

Mendoza is a wine-lover’s paradise.

Known as “Napa of Argentina,” Mendoza is a wine-lovers paradise, with a backdrop of the Andes Mountains. Set beside two main wine valleys, Valle de Uco and Lujan de Cuyo, this is the ultimate access point to Argentina’s famous wineries and vineyards. The city itself has a colonial feel and there are five unique plazas to relax in. According to Talsma, “Mendoza for me was my favorite place to visit in Argentina during my trip! The weather was perfect and there were so many adorable cafes serving fantastic cups of coffee — perfect for travel journaling.”

Bike the Vineyards.  A unique way to experience the area is by bike. You can do a half or full day tour of biking and sampling delicious wines and cuisine. It’s an excellent way to take in the natural beauty of the area while savoring the local products. Loayza says, “The landscape in the region is super pretty and there was nothing nicer than taking the time to sip good wine with great views.”

Dining . Loayza also shares that a must-try in Mendoza is  Azafran restaurant , which is located on a main strip in the center of the city. “Sidewalk dining is available and I thought the food here was sophisticated and modern without being pretentious,” she says. “Since it’s Mendoza they had a very comprehensive wine list and have their own wine room where you can go to select a bottle to accompany your meal.” Also, if it’s in your budget, check out the restaurant  1884  of famous Argentine chef Francis Mallman, who was featured on  Chef’s Table .

Hike the glaciers and mountains of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares.

For nature lovers, Parque Nacional Los Glaciares is a must-see. This national park is home to Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most important sites in Argentinian Patagonia. Here you can also find Fitz Roy Peak, with trails that take you across the Southern Patagonian Ice Fields. As a plus, within the park is the largest freshwater lake in Argentina, Lago Argentino. The nearest towns to lodge in are the city of El Calafate and the small whimsical mountain village of El Chaltén.

Hike a glacier . While it’s amazing to see a gigantic glacier from the ground or a boat, there is nothing quite like hiking right on top of one! For the adventurous, there are tours that allow you to take a mini trek on Perito Moreno Glacier — so strap on your crampons and hit the ice.

“Gateway to the Glaciers” is a nickname for El Calafate.

El Calafate is a city in Argentinian Patagonia, with easy access to the famous Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. It borders the crystal blue Lago Argentino and is known as Argentina’s “gateway to the glaciers.” Visitors come far and wide to see the 48 glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Ice Fields, particularly the Perito Moreno Glacier. This tourist hub has ample lodging and dining options, making it an excellent resting point during your Patagonian experience. McGowan says, “I found the town very charming and would have loved an extra day to see one of the nearby Estancias (ranches).”

Souvenirs . Alexandra Aguinaga, Product and Accounts Manager for Peru for Less, says “I recommend getting some jam from the Calafate berry and some black tea as a nice souvenir.”

Visit the museum.  If you want to learn more about glaciers, ice and the Southern Patagonian Ice Fields, visit the Glaciarium. This gorgeous museum and interpretation center has informative exhibitions about how glaciers are formed and move, plus there is an ice bar constructed entirely of glacial ice where you can have a drink.

Penguins can be spotted at Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Tierra del Fuego National Park is located in southern Argentina, where the Andes Mountains plummet into the icy waters leading to Antarctica. The land beholds Patagonic forests, snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, rivers and waterfalls. The mystical beech tree forests are home to foxes, beavers, guanacos and more. Travelers can take to one of the many hiking trails and explore this area in all its natural wonder. The nearest town to lodge and dine is Ushuaia, one of the southernmost settlements in the world. Actually, many of the natural features of the park cross into Chile, such as Fagnano Lake. For hikers, this is one of the best places to visit in Argentina.

Full day tours . Mcgowan recommends delving into a full-day nature adventure. “I’ve had lots of travelers that loved a full day in Tierra del Fuego to do canoeing/kayaking, 4×4 or hiking,” she says.

El Chalten’s Rio de los Vueltas.

El Chalten is a tiny, remote mountain village regarded as the hiking capital of Argentina. Nearby the popular Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, this town is ideal for those hikers and climbers who prefer a rustic lodging experience while exploring the marvels of Argentinian Patagonia. This little spot is home to the famous Fitz Roy Mountain, and is set at the banks of the Rio de las Vueltas. There are a handful of restaurants, bars and supermarkets in town along with some basic backpacker hostels and campsites.

Company logo . The outdoor clothing company  Patagonia  got inspiration for its logo from the rocky slopes of the Fitz Roy Mountain located right by the little town of El Chalten.

Nahuel Huapi Lake. Photo by Bruno Camargo on Unsplash.

Located in northern Patagonia, Nahuel Huapi Lake looks like it’s from a fairytale. With greenery and rugged mountain expanses surrounding, it’s located in Nahuel Huapi National Park — the oldest national park in Argentina. Edging against the mountain town of Bariloche, visitors can sail across the glacial lake or hike one of the many surrounding trails. Alternatively, they can sit back relax and marvel at it from one of Bariloche’s many lakeview cafes or lodges.

Cerro Llao Llao . This 3.8 mile out-and-back trail provides amazing views of Nahuel Huapi Lake. It is less commercialized than Cerro Campanario, yet can provide incredible views after just an hour of hiking to the summit.  Pro tip : This is one of the best spots in the Bariloche area to catch the sunset.

Whale breaching off the coast of Puerto Madryn.

Though you wouldn’t guess by the looks of it, Puerto Madryn is still technically in Argentina’s Patagonia. Located on the east coast of the country on the Golfo Nuevo (New Gulf), this city is known for its sand beaches and amazing wildlife viewing opportunities. It is situated near the Valdes Peninsula, known for its abundance of penguins, elephant seals and even whales breaching right off the shoreline. In fact, whale watching is the main attraction in this city and really the only notable place to spot whales in the country. The town has plenty of lodging, shopping and dining for visitors.

Optimal whale watching . Visit during Argentina’s winter, between the months of June and December, for a chance to see whales — even from the shoreline! The main whale you’ll spot in this vicinity is the Southern Right Whale, which grows to be up to 65 feet (20 m) long.

Colonial cathedral in Cordoba. Photo by Vitoolariaga on Pixabay.

We had to include Cordoba in our top 25 places to visit in Argentina. This hip metropolis with gorgeous Spanish colonial architecture throughout is too often overlooked. Cordoba is a must-visit destination for fun nightlife and artistic daylife. There are lots of bars and clubs in the Nueva Cordoba area where you can party all night. By day, check out the impressive museums, galleries, theaters and parks (like Parque Sarmiento). Or, you can hippie out in the mountains, especially the mystical Cerro Uritorco. Here there are many ritualistic ceremonies, energy vortexes and apparently even some UFO sightings. Be sure to hop over to Cordoba to creatively complete your Argentinian adventure.

Visit a museum : Talsma says, “I really enjoyed visiting the  Evita Fine Arts Museum  — the collection is housed in a huge mansion so the architecture and detailing of the house was just as much a work of art as the paintings hung on the walls! I also enjoyed  Museo Emilio Caraffa . This had a lot more modern pieces than Evita. It’s a huge collection of varied works.”

The Beagle Channel is off the southern tip of Argentina. Photo by Pedro Ramos-Gonzalez on Unsplash.

Beagle Channel is a narrow, navigable waterway all the way at the southernmost tip of South America. It is located between Chile and Argentina, right off the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago. It’s about 150 miles long and three to eight miles wide. It separates the mainland from smaller islands at the end of the continent, and leads into the South Atlantic Ocean. Short boat tours provide the opportunity to see wildlife and the mountainous shorelines of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego National Park. Longer boat rides can take you through the icy blue Glacier Alley and mystical forested landscapes. You’ll have a chance to spot dolphins, sea lions and many sea birds on either of these tours.

Darwin . The Beagle Channel is named as such because of Charles Darwin’s journey down the strait in the 1830s aboard the HMS Beagle. He was spellbound by the magnificent scenery, and it was the first time he had seen a glacier.

The stunning Iguazu Falls crosses from Argentina into Brazil.

Iguazu National Park is famous for its long expanse of huge waterfalls bursting from the subtropical rainforest between Argentina and Brazil. As Becker vividly describes, “ Iguazu Falls is literally one of my favorite places on earth. I cried at the falls a few times because they were so beautiful! It felt like a literal paradise watching these enormous falls and the tropical birds flying in and out of the water spray while you’re walking through these luscious green trees.” If you’re looking for lush natural beauty, this is definitely one of the top places to visit in Argentina.

Helicopter tour : Talsma recommends taking your Iguazu experience to the next level. “I really recommend splurging on some adventure activities here like a helicopter ride over the falls. Iguazu is a wonder of the world and most people only see it once in their lives so I think this kind of experience levels up a trip from awesome to incredibly awesome!”

Boat tour.  Becker recommends taking a boat tour, “I really enjoyed the boat tour that takes you right up next to the falls. You just appreciate how powerful they are in a whole new way! However, you will get 100 percent soaked. Bring a change of clothes and maybe even a plastic bag to put your phone in, if you want to bring it to take pictures.”

San Antonio de Areco has a strong gaucho (cowboy) culture. Photo by Nicolas Taylor on Unsplash.

Located in the Pampas region just an hour and a half north of Buenos Aires you find the small colonial town of San Antonio de Areco. It’s a great place for tourists and Argentinians alike to relax and stroll the peaceful streets. Here there is a strong gaucho (cowboy) influence, with many estancias (ranches) surrounding the town. You can find a lot of beautiful handmade silver products and saddlery to take home as a souvenir. Try an organized day tour to the town from Buenos Aires, or spend a night at one of the estancias for a unique experience.

Fiesta de la Tradición . For the full experience of San Antonio de Areco, align your trip with Fiesta de la Tradicion. This cowboy-inspired holiday takes place in early to mid-November. It features an amazing display of horseback riding, folk dancing, artisan markets and regional foods.

The popular beach town of Mar del Plata. Image: Mar del Plata ” by Juan Enrique Gilardi , used under CC BY0SA 2.0 / Compressed from original.

Mar del Plata is the most popular beach destination in all of Argentina. This seaside resort town has tons of hotels, restaurants, clubs, museums and other attractions to accommodate the influx of tourists that come through every summer. The beach can get very crowded during peak season (December-February), so it is recommended to reserve your spot or even rent a private tent. The city is also one of the major fishing ports of the country and has a thriving fishing industry, which can be glimpsed with a visit to Puerto Mar del Plata.

Insider Tips :

Pick your beach . For popular beaches with dining and shopping nearby, hit Playa Varese or Playa Iglesia. If you’re interested in surf lessons, visit Playa Grande. Quieter beaches with less nearby tourist attractions can be found further south at Punta Mogotes or Playa Serena.

Alpaca at Antofagasta de la Sierra. Photo by javier dolfi on Unsplash.

Located in the Catamarca Province of northern Argentina you’ll find the volcanic field known as Antofagasta de la Sierra. The town is set in the Andes mountains 11,100 feet (3,400 meters) above sea level. The main feature of the area is the Antofagasta Volcano, a cinder cone volcano soaring to 13,100 feet (4,000 meters) above sea level. You can make the most of your visit by touring the volcano, along with the Coyparcito archaeological site and Lake Colorada, a red lake where you can spot groups of Andean flamingos.

Best view . For the best view, you can actually climb the Antofogasta Volcano. The 2.6 mile out and back trail is rated as moderate.

The town of Trevelin has a large Welsh population. Photo by Marcela Rogante on Unsplash.

Trevelin is a super unique town located in western Argentine Patagonia. The town has a heavy Welsh influence because it has been inhabited by Welsh people and their descendants since the mid-1800s. In fact,  trevelin  actually means mill town in Welsh, and the village is home to the first flour mill in the region. A fascinating blend of Welsh and native Mapuche cultures, you’ll notice the distinct blend of celtic and native names in the surrounding hills and streams. There are many peaceful lodges in the area that allow you to relax and take in the picturesque scenery on the banks of the Percy River (Rio Percy).

Visit the museum.  You can visit the Regional Historical Museum, located where the first flour mill of the area once was. Here you’ll learn about the arrival, history and culture of the Welsh in Trevelin and see various artifacts.

Humahuaca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photo by Jonas Wurster on Unsplash.

This small village in northwest Argentina was founded in the late 1500s and is a resting point for exploring the surrounding area. Bursting with things to do, the colonial town is most commonly known for the fascinating Quebrada de Humahuaca. Located in a narrow mountain valley along the Rio Grande, Quebrada de Humahuaca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colorful natural rock formations. Notable points of interest along the 100 mile valley include Serrania de Hornocal and  Cerro de los Siete Colores,  or hill of seven colors. When you’re not hiking the surrounding natural wonders, you can enjoy walking the cobblestone streets, viewing the church and clock tower, browsing artisan markets or sampling local cuisine in town.

DIY . This can be a really great spot to rent a car and explore the region just you and your group. While there are excellent organized tours available, the roads here are good and there are car rentals in the area. Cruise along and stop at any of the colonial cities and natural attractions that you want.

Torres del Paine National Park is in Chile, but so close to Argentina that it’s a popular stop on any Argentina itinerary.

Technically located in Chile, this National Park is so close to the border that many people visiting southern Argentina will hop the country line just to see this magnificent place. Located in Chilean Patagonia, the national park comprises winding rivers, lakes, glaciers and mountains. Here the Magellanic subpolar forests meet the Patagonian Steppes to create a natural landscape like nowhere else. There is so much hiking to do around the park that you may find your favorite trail ever here. Actually, National Geographic named this park the fifth most beautiful place in the world. And the best part is you don’t have to leave — you can stay at a hotel, lodge or refugio right within Torres del Paine National Park.

Extra days . Loayza points out, “Spend several days here if possible. Sometimes it’s added as a one or two day visit but that just seems way too short to fully appreciate this expansive park. It’s truly a great destination if you enjoy hiking — just such a wide variety of scenery and landscapes to take in.”

All-inclusive.  Loayza also suggests, “I do believe it’s totally worth splurging on an all-inclusive lodge so you can make the most of this destination via well organized tours and hikes, excellent guides, and luxury amenities (if that’s your thing).”

Valle de la Luna. Image: PB141166 ” by t_y_l , used under CC BY-SA 2.0 / Adjusted brightness and compressed from original.

Yes, the moon is on our list of top places to visit in Argentina. Well, not technically the moon but the landscape sure will make you feel like you’ve landed there. Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), also known as Provincial Ischigualasto Park, is located in northwest Argentina. The dry, grey desert landscape is accented by fascinating rock formations created by millenia of wind and rain. This otherworldly place was named a world heritage site by UNESCO in 2000. Here travelers come to be awe-struck by the sensation of walking the moon or some other distant planet. The nearest village, Valle Fertil, is 55 miles (90 km) away, but there are hotels and hostels just outside this lunar oasis where you can spend the night.

Dinosaurs ! This valley contains some of the earliest known dinosaur remains, from the late triassic period (approx. 230 million years ago). Fossils of rhynchosaurs and cynodonts are most prevalent.

Talampaya National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Image: Talampaya National Park ” by NH53 , used under CC BY 2.0 / Compressed from original.

This national park located in Argentina’s La Rioja district was also named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 (along with Valle de la Luna). Actually the two parks border each other, though Talampaya is more known for its stunning red rock canyons and formations. This is quite an archaeological and paleontological wonderland. It beholds fossils from millions of years ago (though not as many as neighboring Ischigualasto) plus petroglyphs of ancient indigenous settlements. In the present day, you won’t find dinosaurs or settlements, but you can spot guanacos, hares, maras, foxes and condors wandering about.

Name meaning . The most accepted meaning of the word  Talampaya  is “the dry river of Tala, which comes from the native and extinct Diaguita language. Tala is a local plant that exists to this day ( Celtis spinosissima ).

Valdes Peninsula wildlife viewing area. Image: Península Valdés ” by Qu1m , used under CC BY 2.0 / Compressed from original.

Jetting out into the Atlantic, the Valdes Peninsula is located at the northern edge of Argentina’s Patagonia region, in the Chubut Province. A crucial nature reserve, the peninsula is known for its abundance of wildlife — particularly sea lions, Magellanic penguins, elephant seals, southern right whales, orcas, dolphins and 181 bird species (66 migratory). It is one of the most spectacular places to see wildlife in all of Patagonia and it is one of the most revered animal conservation sites in the world. Some popular activities in the area include whale watching, shore cruise, nature walks to Valdes cove and more. You can truly spend a whole day exploring the peninsula, hitting destinations like Puerto Piramides, Caleta Valdes, Punta Delgada and more.

Insider Tip: 

Orcas . If you are very lucky, you may have a chance to see orcas do their intentional stranding at Caleta Valdes during the months of October and November. The Valdes Peninsula is one of the best places to visit in Argentina for wildlife viewing.

Punta Tombo National Reserve is a great place to see penguins. Photo by Sergio Martínez on Unsplash.

Another epicenter for wildlife, the Punta Tombo National Reserve is also located in the Chubut province. The wildlife sanctuary is known for its Magellanic penguin colony and has been protected since 1979. The peninsula itself is about 1.3 miles long and is a part of a marine national park at Golfo San Jorge. Seeing these penguins is a highlight during many animal lovers visit to Patagonia. In fact, you can even do a “walk with the penguins.” During this experience you hike by these waddling little cuties in their natural habitat. You would want to avoid visiting between May to August as this is when the penguins are out to sea.

Avoid crowds . To avoid crowds, you will want to visit Punta Tombo National Reserve on a day when there is not a cruise ship in Puerto Madryn. Most of those passengers make their way to the reserve to see the penguins so opt for a cruise-ship free day for a more peaceful visit.

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Exploring the Wonders of Argentina: 9 Must-See Places

Argentina travel destinations.

A rgentina is a country of breathtaking beauty and diverse landscapes. From the stunning mountains of the Andes to the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, there is something for everyone to explore in this South American gem. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or someone who simply enjoys immersing themselves in different cultures, Argentina has it all. In this article, we will take you on a journey to discover the wonders of Argentina and highlight nine must-see places that should be on your travel bucket list.

Best places to visit in Argentina

1. Buenos Aires

The capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis that offers a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern attractions. Known as the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires is home to stunning architecture, bustling markets, and a thriving arts and culture scene. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Plaza de Mayo, where you can witness the political history of Argentina unfold, or explore the colorful neighborhood of La Boca, famous for its tango performances and street art.

2. Iguazu Falls

Located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, the Iguazu Falls are a spectacular natural wonder that should not be missed. Consisting of 275 individual waterfalls spread over nearly two miles, the falls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer power and beauty of this breathtaking natural phenomenon as you walk along the network of trails that offer different viewpoints of the falls.

3. Perito Moreno Glacier

If you're a nature lover, a visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier is a must. Located in Los Glaciares National Park in the southern region of Patagonia, this awe-inspiring glacier is one of the few in the world that is still advancing. Witness massive chunks of ice calving off the glacier and plummeting into Lake Argentino, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Take a boat tour or hike on the glacier to get up close and personal with this majestic natural marvel.

Known as the “End of the World,” Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world and a gateway to Antarctica. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia offers a range of outdoor activities for adventurous travelers. Explore Tierra del Fuego National Park, go hiking or skiing in the nearby mountains, or embark on a boat tour to navigate the pristine waters of the Beagle Channel and spot penguins and sea lions.

5. El Calafate

Another gem in the Patagonia region, El Calafate is a small town that serves as a base for visiting the nearby glaciers, including the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Enjoy the stunning views of the turquoise ice formations and take a boat ride to explore the Upsala Glacier and the Spegazzini Glacier, both of which are part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

Located in the northwest of Argentina, Salta is a city known for its colonial architecture, rich history, and stunning landscapes. Take a stroll through the charming colonial center, visit the historic Cabildo and Salta Cathedral, or explore the nearby Humahuaca Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its colorful rock formations and indigenous culture.

If you are a wine lover, Mendoza should be on your itinerary. Located in the foothills of the Andes, this region is Argentina's premier wine-producing area and home to some of the world's best Malbec wines. Take a wine tour, visit the vineyards, and indulge in a tasting session while enjoying the beautiful mountain views.

8. Bariloche

Nestled in the Andes Mountains, Bariloche is a picturesque town famous for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. Surrounded by lakes, forests, and mountains, it is a paradise for hikers, skiers, and nature enthusiasts. Visit the Nahuel Huapi National Park, take a scenic drive along the famous Seven Lakes Route, or sample delicious Swiss chocolate in the town's charming alpine-style chalets.

9. El Chalten

If trekking and hiking are your passions, El Chalten is the place to be. Located at the base of Mount Fitz Roy in Los Glaciares National Park, this small mountain village offers access to some of the most spectacular hiking trails in Argentina. Embark on the challenging trek to Laguna de los Tres for the iconic view of Mount Fitz Roy or explore the stunning landscapes of Cerro Torre and Glacier Piedras Blancas.

Popular tourist attractions in Argentina

Argentina is a country with countless tourist attractions that cater to all interests and preferences. Whether you are interested in history and culture, outdoor adventures, or simply exploring picturesque landscapes, Argentina has something to offer for everyone. Here are some more popular tourist attractions worth visiting:

– The Andes Mountains: Argentina is home to a significant portion of the Andes, one of the world's longest mountain ranges. Explore the stunning landscapes, go skiing in the winter, or hike the famous Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas.

– Peninsula Valdes: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. It is renowned for its diverse marine life, including whales, seals, sea lions, and penguins. Take a boat tour or go whale watching to witness these majestic creatures up close.

– Quebrada de Humahuaca: Located in the Jujuy province, this stunning gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to Argentina's indigenous heritage. Explore the colorful rock formations, visit traditional villages, and learn about the ancient cultures that once thrived in this region.

– Talampaya National Park: Discover the otherworldly landscapes of Talampaya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the towering red cliffs, explore the ancient rock formations, and spot fossils of dinosaurs that once roamed this area.

– Tigre Delta: Just a short distance from Buenos Aires, the Tigre Delta is a unique ecosystem formed by the convergence of the Paraná River. Explore the waterways by boat, visit the charming islands, and experience a different side of Argentina's natural beauty.

Argentina is a country that never fails to captivate travelers with its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Whether you are exploring the bustling streets of Buenos Aires or venturing into the wilderness of Patagonia, each destination promises a unique and unforgettable experience. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on a journey to explore the wonders of Argentina!

Remember, the key to a successful trip is thorough planning and immersing yourself in the local culture. Do your research, learn about the customs and traditions, and be respectful of the places you visit. Argentina has a lot to offer, and by being a responsible traveler, you can ensure that these wonders will be preserved for generations to come.

The post Exploring the Wonders of Argentina: 9 Must-See Places appeared first on Things That Make People Go Aww .

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9 Breathtaking Argentine Landscapes You Need To See

Published: August 24, 2024

by Nikolia Valdovinos

Argentina offers some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. From the towering peaks of the Andes to the vast plains of the Pampas, this country has it all. Have you ever wondered what makes Argentine scenery so unique? Imagine standing at the edge of Iguazu Falls, feeling the mist on your face, or trekking through the rugged terrain of Patagonia. Each region boasts its own natural wonders, making Argentina a paradise for nature lovers. Whether you're an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys breathtaking views, Argentina's diverse landscapes will leave you in awe.

Discover Argentina's Natural Wonders

Argentina, a land of diverse landscapes, offers breathtaking views that captivate travelers. From towering mountains to expansive deserts, this South American gem has it all. Ready to explore? Here are nine must-see Argentine landscapes.

Majestic Mountains

Argentina's mountains are a sight to behold. Whether you're an avid hiker or just love scenic views, these peaks won't disappoint.

Mount Fitz Roy Located in Patagonia, Mount Fitz Roy is a climber's paradise. Its jagged peaks and stunning backdrop make it a must-visit.

Aconcagua The highest peak in the Americas, Aconcagua stands tall in the Andes. Adventurers flock here to conquer its summit.

Stunning Waterfalls

Waterfalls in Argentina offer a refreshing escape. Their beauty and power are simply mesmerizing.

Iguazu Falls Straddling the border with Brazil, Iguazu Falls is a series of massive waterfalls. The sheer volume of water and lush surroundings create a magical experience.

Salto del Agrio In Neuquén Province, Salto del Agrio is a hidden gem. Its vibrant colors and unique rock formations make it a photographer's dream.

Expansive Deserts

Argentina's deserts are vast and full of surprises. These arid landscapes hold a unique charm.

Puna de Atacama This high-altitude desert offers surreal landscapes. Salt flats, volcanoes, and lagoons create an otherworldly experience.

Valle de la Luna In San Juan Province, Valle de la Luna resembles the moon's surface. Erosion has sculpted fascinating rock formations here.

Lush Forests and Wetlands

Forests and wetlands in Argentina teem with life. These green havens are perfect for nature lovers.

Ibera Wetlands One of the largest wetlands in the world, Ibera Wetlands is a biodiversity hotspot. Spot capybaras, caimans, and countless bird species.

Los Arrayanes National Park Famous for its cinnamon-colored trees, Los Arrayanes National Park feels like a fairytale. The forest's unique flora and fauna enchant visitors.

Glacial Wonders

Argentina's glaciers are awe-inspiring. Their icy beauty is a testament to nature's power.

• Perito Moreno Glacier In Los Glaciares National Park, Perito Moreno Glacier is a must-see. Watch as massive ice chunks break off and crash into the water below.

Argentina's Natural Wonders Await

Argentina offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. From the towering Andes Mountains to the vast Patagonian plains , there's something for every nature lover. The Iguazu Falls will leave you in awe, while the Perito Moreno Glacier provides a glimpse into the power of nature. Tierra del Fuego and the Valdes Peninsula offer unique wildlife experiences you won't find anywhere else. The Quebrada de Humahuaca and Talampaya National Park showcase the country's rich geological history. Don't miss the Lake District with its stunning lakes and forests. Each of these locations offers a unique experience that will make your trip unforgettable. Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the natural beauty of Argentina. Your adventure awaits!

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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Argentina

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There are plenty of reasons to travel to Argentina . As the third most populous country in South America and the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world, Argentina has distinct and beautiful geography , interesting history and culture, thriving nightlife, and unique local cuisine. It's no wonder why Argentina attracts thousands of visitors every year. Here are a few reasons why tourists can't get enough of Argentina, and why you might want to plan a visit soon.

Argentine Wine

It is a special treat to drink a glass of wine in the same city in which its grape was grown. Argentina is the sixth largest wine producing country by volume, so these opportunities abound. You can enjoy an aromatic Torrontes in Salta, a classic Cabernet Sauvignon in the north, or a meaty Mendoza Malbec in the central region of the country. Many Argentine wineries offer wine tours and tastings.

Iguazú Falls

"Poor Niagara!" These were the words Eleanor Roosevelt reportedly said when she visited Iguazú Falls for the first time. The term "Iguazú" means "great waters" in the Guarani language. The falls were established in 1984 as a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Along with Nahuel Huapi National Park in Patagonia, Iguazú Falls is among the most frequented tourist sites in Argentina, and for good reason. Visitors can enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the falls along with tours, treks, and water sports at the falls' base.

Horses and Gauchos

Ponies have been a part of Argentine culture since gauchos (Argentine cowboys) roamed the expansive fields across the country. Whether they are watching polo, going for a gallop, or betting on these majestic animals, Argentines find great joy in all things equine. As a visitor, you can enjoy these same activities by enrolling in polo lessons, visiting the Hippodrome to watch races, or taking a day trip for a ride through the country.

Ushuaia Winter Sports

Ushuaia is located on the southern coast of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego and offers abundant opportunities to enjoy its rich culture, history, and natural beauty. Sports enthusiasts can play in the winter wonderlands of Glacier El Martial and Cerro Castor areas and go skiing, sledding, and snowboarding. Nature and wildlife lovers can catch a glimpse of local birds, penguins, seals, and orcas that colonize the islands in the Beagle Channel. Art lovers can take in the Biennial of Contemporary Art at the End of the World , which has been hosted in Ushuaia since 2007.​

Tigre Delta Summer Sports

When expats, portenos (one who lives in a port city), and tourists want to escape the hectic pace of Buenos Aires , many make the trip to Tigre Delta for a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by nature. The city of Tigre is located on the Parana Delta and is made up of hundreds of islands dotted with family homes and weekend houses. Some of the larger islands, like the Martin Garcia Island, have towns with small airports, museums, camping spots, and other tourist attractions. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and boating through Tigre’s maze of channels.

Shopping in Palermo Soho

Beautiful boutique shops line the streets of Palermo Soho, a hub of the relentlessly creative design district in Buenos Aires . Be prepared for long strolls interrupted by halting stops to gawk at window designs. The shops have everything from high-end shoes and belts, chic skirts, and dresses to glittery custom jewelry and stylish jeans. There also seems to be a custom shoe store around every corner in Palermo Soho, all filled with unique designs. Palermo also has dozens of cafes, bars, and restaurants catering to nearly every palate. You won’t go hungry in this part of Argentina.

A country that always takes an opportunity to celebrate, Argentina has many different kinds of festivals. Buenos Aires is a host to festivals throughout the year including the Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Film (BAFICI); Buenos Aires Fashion Week (BAFWEEK; La Rural, the nation's two-week farm fair and gaucho festival; and a gay pride parade. There are festivals celebrating art, music , and the tango as well. Jujuy celebrates the “Semana de Jujuy” when the usually quiet city comes alive for a week of partying to celebrate its founding. In Villa General Belgrano (near Córdoba), Oktoberfest is celebrated during the first two weeks of October with an enormous beer festival that celebrates German culture.

Glaciers National Park

In 1981, Los Glaciares National Park  was inducted as a UNESCO World Heritage Foundation site. The glacial activities in the park are mainly visible around two lakes, Argentino and Viedma. At these lakes, you can see spectacular shows of glaciers dumping chunks of ice into the chilly glacial waters below. The park is located in the area known as Austral Andes in Argentina, on the Chilean border. You can take horse rides through the natural beauty or relax at estancias (ranches) nearby.

Argentina has the world's second highest consumption rate of beef, at about 50 pounds a year per capita. What makes Argentine steaks so tasty? Many beef producers in Argentina still use the older methods of pasture and grass feeding their cows. This is a more expensive process, but the cows are healthier and, so it is said, the beef is tastier.

The Fantastic Geological Color and Gastronomic Pleasure of Salta

TripSavvy / Maria Ligaya

The city of Salta offers a wealth of experiences from the natural wonders of its geology to the delight of its local foods, to an interesting culture and history. Tourists can enjoy guided tours through the Calchaquí Valley or venture out to see the multi-colored rock formations and the quiet adobe villages. The Salta region is also known for its delicious wines and traditional fares such as humitas, locro, and empanadas .

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