natural places to visit in argentina

9 of the best places to visit in Argentina

Jun 10, 2024 • 8 min read

Plan your trip to Argentina with this guide to the very best places to visit © sunsinger / Shutterstock

A can’t-miss destination in South America,  Argentina will not disappoint even the most demanding traveler. 

There is so much to see – from the southernmost city in the world to a desert plateau, from ski slopes to rainforests – and you must spend time in the glamorous and bustling metropolis of Buenos Aires.

Unless you have a couple months to spare, we suggest you pick out a couple destinations from our list, making sure that it’s the right season , and head out to discover the eighth-largest country in the world. There’s always something wonderful to do in Argentina.

1. Buenos Aires

Best city in Argentina

Whatever you want, the city of Buenos Aires has it in droves. From Anchoita restaurant, serving the best ingredients (and wines) from across the country, to raucous football matches almost every day, glamour and fun are never far. 

The capital boasts the most bookstores per capita in the world: Eterna Cadencia and Notanpuán are just two of dozens peppered throughout the city, while Plaza Italia and Parque Rivadavia host booksellers every day. 

If you're looking for English-language titles, Walrus Books , in the old formerly aristocratic neighborhood of San Telmo, will not disappoint, though most bookstores have at least a small section in English, French and German. 

There’s world-class opera, ballet and symphonic music at the Teatro Colón , and Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA), Museo de Arte Moderno de Buenos Aires (MAMBA) and the Museo de Bellas Artes hold some of the very best art from Latin America and the world. Avenida Corrientes, with its pizzerias, late-night bookstores, and Broadway-caliber theaters, will never fail to entertain.

Local tip: Though Buenos Aires is lovely year-round , springtime – with purple jacaranda blossoms lining the streets – is particularly unforgettable, and the weather is usually perfect. Palermo and San Telmo are the best neighborhoods to stay for their convenience and density of restaurants and other attractions.

Heading to Buenos Aires? Plan where you'll go with our neighborhood guide

Best place for wine

The Andean province of Mendoza , with its hundreds of bodegas (winemakers) and delicious malbecs, cabernet sauvignons and syrahs measures up against just about any wine hot spot around the world. 

Combine excursions to vineyards that offer daily tastings and workshops with some of the best cuisine in Argentina – the city of Mendoza received half of the country’s Michelin stars after the guide arrived in the country in 2023 – and some excellent outdoors activities like rafting and hiking, and you have the recipe for an excellent trip.

Planning tip: Bodegas and hotels fill up quickly, especially in the summer when Argentines travel, so be sure to book your slots at least a month in advance.

Deciding when to visit Argentina? Our seasonal guide is here to help

3. El Chaltén

Best place for hiking

The small Patagonia town of El Chaltén , in the province of Santa Cruz, is one of the premier trekking destinations of the world. Close to the imposing Fitz Roy mountain and the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares , those who want to give their journey South an exploratory twist cannot miss its truly unrivaled vistas and hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails. 

Inside the same massive national park, accessible through the nearby city of El Calafate , is the 30km-long, 5km-wide and 60m-high (18-miles-long, 3-miles-wide, 197ft-high)  Glaciar Perito Moreno , famous for the massive sheets of ice that break off in the summer near the viewing platform and into the water below.

Planning tip: Avoid going in the wintertime if at all possible as a lot of trails will be closed and the weather conditions can be truly inhospitable. No matter the season, pack a windbreaker – you won’t regret it.

4. Mar del Plata, the Atlantic Coast

Best place for a summer escape

Though Argentina is not famous for its beaches, Mar del Plata  is Argentina’s favorite summer holiday destination, its central hotel-casino a symbol of Argentina’s modernization in the 1930s and '40s.

The city hosts an iconic film festival  and is the beloved birthplace of the alfajores (cookie-type sandwiches usually stuffed with dulce de leche).

Most Argentines will have beloved childhood memories in the city’s center, surrounded by shops, panqueques (like a dulce de leche crepe), and churros filled with dulce de leche.

Planning tip:  If the city is a little too much, smaller towns like Cariló are more intimate and no less beautiful, and only a few hours’ drive from the city of Buenos Aires.

5. Iguazú Falls

Best place for waterfalls

Located at the “triple border” between Argentina, Brazil , and Paraguay , the Iguazú region has the most impressive network of waterfalls in the world. 

Accessible from both Argentina and Brazil and in the middle of a dense, luxuriant rainforest, there’s a reason the falls were selected as one of seven “Natural Wonders of the World” in 2011 and UNESCO declared them a World Heritage Site in 1984. 

Be ready to move across the Argentina–Brazil border, and don’t miss the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s throat), the Falls’ gargantuan centerpiece. Though the central chute of the falls falls technically on the Brazilian side, the Argentina viewing platform is better located.

Planning tip: Many of the attractions are on the Brazilian side. The land border between Brazil and Argentina is breezy to cross, though there’s often a line, especially around 6pm – tourists sometimes cross it multiple times a day. Do not forget your passport! 

6. Bariloche

Best place to spend time by the lake

Located on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, and nested in an Andean valley, the city of Bariloche is the premier tourist destination in the Argentine Patagonia .

Trust us, there’s no dreamier sight than temperate forests and pristine lakesides hidden in between the mountains.

Camping in the Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes) district, organized around a road headed from neighboring hippie hot spot Villa la Angostura to San Martín de los Andes, is a rite of passage for Argentines, and with the world’s best chocolate to boot, a trip to Bariloche is well worth your time. 

Bariloche is next to to Cerro Catedral, the largest winter sports resort in South America and the legendary home of winter sports in Argentina. Endless trails, abundance of food options and scenic landscapes – overlooking the many lakes in the area – make it a destination not to be missed.

Planning tip: Drive the Seven Lakes Scenic Road, or take the bus, for an unforgettable excursion into some jaw-droppingly beautiful mountainous lakes in the middle of the Andes, between Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes. The drive only takes a few hours.

Planning a road trip in Argentina? Here's our guide to the best driving routes

7. Quebrada de Humahuaca and Salinas Grandes, Jujuy

Best place for unforgettable mountains and salt flats

Though less famous than their Patagonian counterparts, the Andes in Northwestern Argentina are just as breathtaking. Quebrada de Humahuaca in the province of Jujuy, near the border with Bolivia , has a plethora of unforgettable sights to behold, from grazing guanacos to striped mountains that range in color from almost white to deep purple. 

From the Hornocal mountain range’s almost psychedelic hues to the Salinas Grandes salt flats, one of the largest in the world, Jujuy will challenge your sense of nature’s possibilities. 

And it has the history to match, with some of the earliest evidence of human habitation in the Southern Cone and a rich indigenous cultural influence to this day.

Having been near the Southern edge of the Inca empire, the Kolla, Atacama, Quechua, and Omaguaca people carry on their traditions despite centuries of colonialism.

The cuisine is not to be missed. The town of Tilcara hosts El Nuevo Progreso , an award-winning restaurant that elevates ancestral dishes like Humita en Chala –  a mix of cheese and corn wrapped in a corn husk and steamed – and tamales to gourmet exquisiteness with avant-garde techniques. Llama meat is a unique delicacy of the region, often made into salami.

Planning tip: The Humahuaca Valley is over 3000m (9843ft) above sea level, and some attractions are up to 4350m (14,272ft) above sea level. Make sure you’re prepared for the low oxygen. Locals chew coca leaves, a natural energetic, for help with the height, but candies made with coca flour are on sale everywhere in Jujuy. Painkillers can help with headaches. 

Best place for reaching Antarctica

The city of Ushuaia (population: 82,000) is the southernmost city in the world. Underneath the Andes and just 1000km (620 miles) from Antarctica  to the south, Ushuaia’s austere and often stormy beauty cannot be understated. 

The city is a major global nexus for hiking in the summer and draws snow sports enthusiasts to Cerro Castor Ski Resort in the winter. There’s excellent local cuisine like world-famous cordero patagónico – lamb cooked low and slow over an open fire – and crab, caught nearby and always as fresh as can be.

Planning tip: Make sure you pack a winter jacket – even in summer, the temperature rarely breaks 15°C (59°F).

9. Parque Nacional Iberá

Best place for bird-watching

The Iberá Estuary in the northeastern province of Corrientes, has some of the most extraordinary bird populations in the world. 

Arrange a kayak or boat trip from the small town of Carlos Pellegrini to see the over 360 bird species, such as the majestic southern screamer, various types of heron, and the grumpy-looking guira cuckoo, as well as monkeys and unique reptiles that thrive in the area.

The Iberá also bears the marks of centuries of colonization and ruins of Jesuit “missions” – where Guaranís and other indigenous groups were taught Spanish and Catholic doctrine – that were abandoned in the 18th century following the order’s expulsion from the region.

This article was first published Oct 22, 2021 and updated Jun 10, 2024.

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• South America
• 9 Astounding Landscapes In Argentina

9 Astounding Landscapes in Argentina

Adventure seekers will find Argentina caters for all of your desires, offering everything from roaring waterfalls to jaw-dropping glaciers. Don’t miss these nine amazing places to see across the country.

Iguazu falls.

It is hard to imagine the extreme drama of Iguazu : 275 roaring waterfalls tumbling down the side of a colossal bulk of rock as high as the Statue of Liberty that straddles two countries amid 2,250 square meters of parkland. See for yourself from the platform overlooking the Devil’s Throat – the most ferocious of all of the waterfalls – where visitors can get a compelling view of the falling waters as they churn up a cloud of sound and spray . Access the waterfalls on the Argentine side from the town of Puerto Iguazu for a pleasant stopover on the way to one of the world’s most extraordinary natural phenomena.

Many may recognize the name Mendoza from the bottle of your favorite Malbec. It’s Argentina’s legendary wine country where countless rows of twisted vines are backed by snow-capped peaks of the Andean cordillera. Drinkers here usually start in the capital of the province to hire bikes and cycle around the various vineyards and bodegas taste-testing the local offerings, but adventure enthusiasts have plenty to entertain them too, from climbing the 22,841-foot Cerro de Aconcagua, the continent’s highest mountain, to rafting the rushes of the Rio Mendoza.

Salinas Grandes

Don’t forget your sunglasses for the dazzling Salinas Grandes – Argentina’s vast salt desert spread across 525 square kilometers to the northwest of the country. The remnants of a prehistoric lake, these otherworldly plains today are used mainly for mining – look out for little mounds of salt staggered along the vast crusty expanse of white. Otherwise, you’ll come across little more than a couple of artisans selling llama ornaments carved out of salt on the side-lines and the odd tourist taking proportion-distorted photographs.

Argentina’s Lake District

Lovers of empty spaces will find Argentina’s Lake District – the northwest chunk of Patagonia – an awe-inspiring natural wonderland. Covering 400,000 square miles (roughly one and a half times the size of the UK), the immense wilderness that seems to stretch into infinity dips and soars between jagged mountaintop glaciers and crystalline lakes, arid plains and emerald forest to offer a thriving playground to outdoor adventurers. Head first for the pretty Alpine town of Bariloche which is the gateway to Argentina’s first national park, Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, and the legendary Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lake Route).

Quebrada de Humahuaca

In the northerly province of Jujuy, the Unesco-listed gorge of Humahuaca snakes down from the Bolivian border along the ancient Camino Inca that begins in a high desert plateau and ends 150 kilometers north in the valley of Rio Grande. This natural corridor cuts through sun-scorched, cactus-dappled scenery where eroded crags and multi-colored mountains take on an otherworldly allure. Various day tours from Salta or Jujuy follow hiking trails past the photogenic Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors), that looms majestically over the hamlet of Purmamarca where you’ll find local life of the indigenous people little touched by modern times.

Valle de la Luna

The official name of this mysterious protected parkland in the northeast of the San Juan Province is Ischigualasto which is believed to be of Quechua origin to mean ‘place where the moon sets.’ It certainly deserves its extraterrestrial epithet as a land where arid and eerie plateaux are guarded by scavenging birds and paleontologists come in search of dinosaur fossils. Visitors can explore the plains in four-wheel drives, stopping off to soak up the silence and gawp at the bizarre rock formations carved over ages by the searing desert winds .

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Los Glaciares National Park

The exalted glaciers in the southern sector of Los Glaciares National Park draw awe-stuck nature lovers from far and wide. The centerpiece is the breathtaking Glacier Perito Moreno – one of the world’s most accessible ice fields. From a series of vantage points you can watch and photograph enormous icebergs on the glacier’s face cave and crash into the Canal de los Tempanos – the Iceberg Canal. Tour companies mainly based in El Calafate run trekking and boat trips within the park.

Esteros del Iberà

Still one of Argentina’s secret natural gems, Esteros del Iberà is the second-largest wetlands in the world and one Argentina’s finest wildlife-spotting areas. Criss-crossed by a series of lagoons, marshes, floating islands and hidden creeks, the wetlands are best explored by longboat from where you can watch caiman sidling out of reeds, otters paddling in the shallows and listen to the chorus of an astonishing array of birds soaring in the trees. It’s also a great spot for seeking out the elusive capybara – the giant semi-aquatic rodent only found in South America.

Tierra del Fuego

Travel to the end of the earth and you’ll reach Tierra del Fuego, or ‘Land of Fire’ – venture further and the next step is the Antarctic. The remote archipelago is cut off from the world by the Strait of Magellan, and steeped in a colorful history full of pirate adventures and failed religious missions that only adds more mystique to the remarkable landscape. Most head to Ushaia, one of two of the important towns in the area, which is used as a base for Antarctic expeditions as well as various outdoor activities including kayaking and hiking.

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13 Coolest Argentine National Parks & How to Visit Them

By Author Arakita Rimbayana

Posted on Last updated: 17th March 2024

Argentina ranks as the eighth largest country in the world, measuring up at about a third of the USA in size.

It’s no wonder that this country is an absolute hotbed of natural diversity, which ranges from the rugged coastline of Tierra del Fuego National Park on its southern tip, to the mountain peaks of the Andes in the west and the thunderous waters of the Iguazu Falls in the far north. 

Argentina’s national park system was established in the early 20th century, with the creation of the oldest national park, Nahuel Huapi, in 1934. Since then, the network has grown to include over 30 parks, covering millions of hectares of land and sea.

If you plan to visit Argentina’s national parks, there are three main things to remember. Firstly, weather conditions may vary from one park to another, so it’s essential to pack appropriate gear. 

Secondly, some parks can be difficult to reach, so consider hiring a guide or joining an organized tour to make exploring easier. 

Lastly, these parks require officially purchased entrance tickets from the national parks administration. The updated fees are included below, but please refer to the Argentine Government’s official page in case of changes.

So let us dive into the best national parks in Argentina. 

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1. Nahuel Huapi National Park

• When to visit: Summer, from December through March, is the best time to go. It’s when the landscapes return to an abundance of green mountains and crystal-clear lakes. Avoid winter at all cost, since roads and hiking treks are closed as they are covered in snow.
• Must-have gear: Moisture-wicking clothing for the hot and humid weather (20 o C (68 o F) on average) and a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the intense sun.
• Do I need a guide? No. You may explore the park’s network of trails and paths on your own. However, certain areas, such as Cerro Tronador of San Carlos de Bariloche, require permits.
• Entrance cost: $3,500 ARS ($17.5 USD)

Nahuel Huapi National Park (Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi) lies right on the border with Chile, which explains its appeal to the hiking set.

Within what is one of Argentina’s most visited national parks you’ll find stunning scenery, which incorporates a chain of dazzling lakes and the snow-laden peaks of the Andes Mountains.

Best of all, it’s a mere stone’s throw from adventure capital, Bariloche.

Visit Argentina’s oldest and largest national park when the snow melts, creating a stunning landscape as spring takes hold. Bariloche is famous for its Alpine-style wooden buildings, which have been transformed into vacation rentals and hotels and serve as an excellent base for those who want to explore the surrounding area. 

Activities abound. Hiking is one of the most popular attractions of Nahuel Huapi National Park, with a range of easy day and hikes and more challenging multi-day treks.

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.

One of the most accessible hikes that offers unequaled views of the surrounding area is the route to Refugio Frey, a mostly flat, 9.5-kilometer (5.9-mile) hike that grants views of the towering peak of nearby Cerro Catedral and can be turned into a two-day trek if you’re feeling adventurous. 

Alternatively, if you’re better on two wheels, consider hiring a bike and cycling the Cerro Circuito, a 27-kilometer (17-mile) loop that follows Route 77 around the Llao Llao peninsula for dazzling lake and forest views.

2. Los Arrayanes National Park

• When to visit: Spring to autumn (September to May), and summer as an alternative. Although the park can be crowded during the summer months, there’s a daily visitor limit in place to protect the fragile ecosystem. To ensure entry into the park, booking your visit in advance by purchasing your ticket online at the official park website is important.
• Must-have gear: With an average 14°C (57.2°F) temperature – cooler than its surrounding area – it’s best to wear light layers for warmth and cover your arms and legs to protect yourself from the intense sun. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential additions.
• Do I need a guide? No, it’s easy to access the park, and you can explore Bosque de Arrayanes on your own since the trails are well-marked.

Los Arrayanes National Park (Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes) lies just north of Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi and was created to protect rare arrayán trees. Access the site by boat from the small town of Villa La Angostura to admire these flowering trees that range between 300 and 650 years old. 

As an alternative to the boat ride, you can take the scenic forest trail that begins at the port of Villa La Angostura. This hiking path – that can also be explored on a mountain bike – takes you through a unique and beautiful forest of Arrayanes trees.

The hike is approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) one way and can take around three to four hours to complete, depending on your pace.

3. Los Glaciares National Park

• When to visit: Even though the park is open all year round, the summer months, from October through April, are perfect for trekking. That said, since it’s a popular destination – the closest town El Chaltén is considered the national trekking capital – aim for the shoulder months of November, December, and March to avoid crowds.
• Must-have gear: Warm clothes are necessary; we recommend a light fleece and a Gore-Tex waterproof jacket to survive the unpredictable weather of Patagonia while keeping yourself warm, and a lightweight headband to protect your head from the sun or your neck from the wind. See our complete Patagonia packing list for a more extensive guide.
• Do I need a guide? Self-guided hiking and trekking are only allowed during summer. If you plan to visit in other seasons, you must sign up with a tour provider.
• Entrance cost: $3,500 ARS ($17.5 USD) – cash only; usually not included in the tour fee

When it comes to Patagonian national parks, few are as famous as Los Glaciares (Parque Nacional Los Glaciares). Situated deep into Argentine Patagonia near the Chilean border, this park stretches north to south along the eastern edge of the Hielo Sur, which is one of the earth’s largest glacial ice fields and covers a whopping quarter of the national park.

One of the most popular attractions in the southern section of Los Glaciares National Park is the Perito Moreno Glacier. This ice giant spans 30 kilometers (19 miles) and covers a total area of 250 sq-km  (97 sq-mi).

Not only is it a sight to see, but it plays an important part in the earth’s sustainability as the third largest freshwater reserve in the world.

Soak in the spectacular views of the Perito Moreno Glacier from the boardwalks at its snout, take a boat ride up to the ice, or experience a challenging ice trek on the glacier itself. You can read our visitor’s guide to the Perito Moreno Glacier to learn more.

A three-hour drive north to the town of El Chaltén lies the northern section of Los Glaciares. Here, trailheads lead off into the park, with the most popular the steep, 23-kilometer (14-mile) clamber up to Laguna de los Tres, a beautiful lake that sits at the feet of the toothy, 3,405-meter (11,171-foot) Monte Fitz Roy.

4. Tierra Del Fuego National Park

• When to visit: Summer months, from October to April, are best for their long hours of daylight (up to 17 hours), warmer temperatures, less rainfall, and full availability of bus routes. Early April is best to avoid crowds.
• Must-have gear: A waterproof fleece jacket is a must to keep yourself dry and warm with temperatures around 0 o -10 o C (32 o -50 o F) year-round. Other things you’ll need are sunglasses, sunblock, a warm hat, a good pair of hiking shoes , and walking poles .
• Do I need a guide? Technically, no. However, considering how vast and remote this area is, novice trekkers should hire a guide or join an organized tour. You can reach the park by car, on board the El Tren del Fin del Mundo ‘s train to Austral Fueguino Station, or by bus from Fadul and Maipú intersection in downtown Ushuaia.
• Entrance cost: $5,500 ARS ($28 USD) – tickets are sold at the visitor center in Ushuaia.

Tierra Del Fuego, which literally means “Land of Fire”, is often described as the “very ends of the earth”. Situated off the southernmost tip of South America, the archipelago attracts adventurers in their droves, keen to explore a variety of hiking trails around the city of Ushuaia or to take boat trips along the Beagle Channel.

With spectacular coastlines, forests, glaciers, lakes, mountains, and waterfalls, it’s undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Argentina .

Its national park, Tierra del Fuego National Park (Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego) covers an area of over 600 sq-km (230 sq-mi). In the park’s southwestern part lies Lake Roca (now known as Acigami), one of the most stunning glacial lakes thanks to its backdrop of the Andes Mountains.

Wander along the shores of the lake on the three-hour Hito XXIV trail for a relaxed approach to the park. 

Alternatively, the more challenging, eight-hour Cerro Guanaco is worth the steep ascent to the top of this hill, where you’ll find breathtaking 180-degree views of the Beagle Channel and the surrounding mountains. 

5. Talampaya National Park

• When to visit: In the spring (March to May), when the temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) and the landscape is blooming with colorful wildflowers.
• Must-have gear: Lightweight and breathable clothing that covers your arms and legs to protect from the sun and insects, layers that you can easily remove or add, and sturdy hiking boots or sneakers.
• Do I need a guide? Yes. Visitors are not allowed to explore the park without a guide or tour.

Talampaya National Park (Parque Nacional Talampaya), a five-hour drive north of Mendoza, covers appeals to visitors thanks to its pink-hued monolithic rock formations and desert landscapes. 

Its main attraction is the Shimpa Canyon, a narrow, sandstone gorge between enormous 80-meter-high (262-feet) walls that measures just seven meters (23 feet) wide at its tightest point. 

You can explore the canyon by driving through it on a 4WD vehicle. The park offers guided tours, which you can book through Talampaya’s official website .

6. Ischigualasto Provincial Park

• When to visit: Dry season from May to October. Avoid the rainy season, as some parts of the park may be closed due to safety concerns. 
• Must-have gear: Protect yourself from sunburn with a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen; carry a daypack with a water bottle or a hydration pack.
• Do I need a guide? Not required. But since the park is remote, no public transportation is available to reach it. This guide on driving in Patagonia may be helpful if you wish to arrive without the assistance of a tour guide.
• Entrance cost: $2,500 ARS ($12.5 USD) and an additional $1,000-2,000 ARS ($5-10 USD) for alternative circuits (Bicycle Circuit, Morado Hill, Salado River or Quebrada de la Peña, and Night with Full Moon)

Ischigualasto Provincial Park (Parque Provincial Ischigualasto), also known as Valle de la Luna, is not far from Talampaya National Park. While it’s not officially a national park, it’s worthy of mention for its moon-like desert landscape that feature striking geological formations.

The Painted Valley is famed for the way rich minerals within the rock have given the valley a rainbow of colors ranging from deep reds and oranges to greens and grays. Another, known as the Bowling Field or Cancha de Bochas , is filled with almost perfectly spherical stones, resembling bowling or bocce balls.

This park is renowned for its late Triassic Period sedimentary deposits, which date to 245-208 million years ago and contain fossilized remains of a slew of animals and plants.

These include dinosaur remains that have been invaluable in helping paleontologists understand evolution. You can view some of these fossils in the park’s on-site museum.

Trace the dinosaur tracks through the dry riverbed to an emerald-colored lagoon, or take in the panoramic view of the region from 1,800 meters above sea level at the highest peak of the park, Cerro Morado.

Only visitors with reservations through the Ischigualasto website or WhatsApp to +54 264 457 0879/+54 264 418 6119,  may enter.

7. Iguazu National Park

• When to visit: For the best views of the waterfalls, aim for the second half of October as precipitation increases. However, early September is best for a safer and easier trekking experience. Alternatively, you can consider visiting between April and May.
• Must-have gear: Insect repellent and breathable clothing are essential to protect your skin from insect bites; a light rain jacket or poncho is a must, as you should always anticipate at least a little bit of rain even in the “dry” season.
• Do I need a guide? No. Iguazú National Park can be accessed without a guide. In fact, you can explore the park by taking a slow train that stops at the entrances of the Lower Walk, Upper Walk, and Devil’s Throat. However, longer treks in the park are more enjoyable or safer to do with a guide.
• Entrance cost: $5,500 ARS ($28 USD) – 15% discount if purchased online here .

The UNESCO World Heritage Iguazú National Park (Parque Nacional Iguazú) is home to the stunning Iguazú Falls. Covering a vast 677-km 2 tropical Atlantic rainforest, the park boasts an array of natural wonders. 

Although you cannot see all 275 cascades that make up this thundering torrent of water from the Argentine side, you can hike the three main paths around the park (Upper, Lower, and Devil’s Throat trails) and catch glimpses of indigenous wildlife, such as toucans and South American coatis. 

The most popular trail, which arguably offers the best view of the waterfall, is the Devil’s Throat Trail. A viewpoint perched above the waterfall offers unforgettable views of the cascading water as it roars down with a deafening sound.

8. El Palmar National Park

• When to visit: Fall (March to May) or spring (September to November) months when the weather is mild (temperatures averaging around 20-25°C (68-77°F)) and the park’s flora is in full bloom. That said, winter months are best for bird watching.
• Must-have gear: A waterproof tent and sleeping ba g if you plan on camping; a camera and binoculars to capture the beautiful scenery and species of birds.
• Do I need a guide? Not required, but a guide can assist you in navigating the park’s trails and ensure your safety. Furthermore, the most convenient way to reach the park is from the closest city, Colón, where you’ll find tours that usually include a charter and a guide.

Located in the province of Entre Rios in northeast Argentina along the border with Uruguay, El Palmar National Park (Parque Nacional El Palmar) is known for its grasslands dotted with palm groves and wetlands – plus the accolade of being one of the country’s smallest national parks. 

El Palmar is named after the yatay palm tree, a native tree that rises high above the otherwise flat grasslands of the park to reach up to 20 meters (65 feet) tall, creating a landscape that has real similarities with Colombia’s Cocora Valley . 

Mountain biking and hiking are the top things to do here. One of the best is the 13-kilometer (eight-mile) Yatay trail, which takes you through palm groves and past lagoons.

If you’re more interested in wildlife, especially woodpeckers, take the short, 10-minute Los Loros Trail for a chance to spot them. You might also have luck and spot foxes, viscachas, and the world’s largest rodent – the capybara – here.

9. Los Alerces National Park

• When to visit: Spring months (September to November) are perfect to see the park’s natural beauty at its best. The lakes and rivers are also at their highest levels, providing ample opportunities for water activities.
• Must-have gear: Insect repellent and a lightweight , w a t e r p r o o f jacket are a must. Since the park offers many activities, from kayaking to horseback riding, it’s best to have a versatile, water-resistant backpack that’s easy to carry but still big enough to store your gear.
• Do I need a guide? No, since there are bus routes to the park from Esquel and other nearby towns, and the park is quite accessible, as shown in this service map . Direct flights to Esquel from Buenos Aires are available for around $10,000 ARS ($50 USD) one way.

Los Alerces National Park (Parque Nacional Los Alerces) in Argentina’s Chubut province is named after its native flora, the Alerce tree, a  towering conifer tree species that can live for thousands of years.

This vast Patagonian national park contains huge lakes and the foothills of the Andes covered in swathes of temperate rainforest. This gives refuge to endemic species such as the pudú – one of the world’s smallest deer – and the huemul, another type of deer.

The best way to explore the park and absorb the incredible height of the alerces, which can reach up to fifty meters (164 feet) in height, is through its numerous hiking trails, while many of the park’s lakes, such as Lake Menéndez and Lake Futalaufquen, offer opportunities for boating and kayaking.

What’s more, with a license, visitors may pick up their hooks and lines for sport fishing.

10. Lago Puelo National Park

• When to visit: Spring (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the park comes alive with new growth and blooming flowers. This is an ideal time for hiking and birdwatching, as the crowds are typically smaller than in summer.
• Must-have gear: Comfortable and sturdy shoes that can handle uneven terrain, a warm jacket or sweater for cooler mornings and evenings, and lighter clothing for warmer days.
• Do I need a guide? No, but it is advisable to acquaint yourself with the area before embarking on a hiking journey. 
• Entrance cost: Normally $2,500 ARS ($12.5 USD). Currently, there is no admission fee being charged for the park. However, visitors are provided with tickets that grant 72-hour access to the park.

Encompassing 2,674 sq-km (1,032 sq-mi), Lago Puelo National Park (Parque Nacional Lago Puelo) is another mountain-dominated protected area, which sits on the border with Chile in Argentina’s southern Cubut Province. 

This park centers around the crystal clear glacial lake of Lago Puelo, which is encircled by thick forests and the snow-covered Andes mountains from which its waters flow. Explore this dramatic Patagonian scenery through the park’s many trails.

Popular ones include easy day hikes, as well as the challenging 33-kilometer (21-mile) path, Los Hitos, which clambers up into the mountains surrounding the lake to reach the Río Puelo just on the Chilean border.

Additionally, the park is renowned for its stunning native species of flora, which includes the arrayán tree, with its striking cinnamon-colored bark. 

11. Lanín National Park

• When to visit: Summer’s shoulder months (November and March), when the weather is pleasant (temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F)), and the park is less crowded.
• Must-have gear: Waterproof clothing to protect you from rain and snow, insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes (which can be prevalent near waterways), and a map for those who plan to explore the area independently.
• Do I need a guide? Only if you plan to climb Volcán Lanín (which requires a guide) or go backcountry camping, both of which also require a permit. A guide is not necessary for other main activities within the park, such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Moreover, getting to the park on a bus from nearby towns is easy. Check out MoovitApp for a detailed schedule.

Nestled in the westernmost region of Argentina in Neuquén Province along the rugged ridge of the Andes Mountains, is Lanín National Park (Parque Nacional Lanín).

Its main highlight is Volcán Lanín, a 3,776-metre volcano from the summit of which you can see 24 surrounding lakes. While hiking to the top can be challenging, the reward is well worth it. For a sneak peek, check out this 360-degree view of Lanín .

Another key feature of the park is its groves of araucaria or monkey puzzle trees, which are unique to this part of Patagonia.

Hiking and mountain biking are some of the most popular activities here, although gorgeous views across its ample lakes and inviting hot springs should tempt those seeking a calmer approach. The pretty town of San Martín de los Andes is nearby and makes a great place to stay. 

12. Los Cardones National Park

• When to visit: Anytime outside of the summer months (which can be very hot and crowded). The shoulder seasons, from March to May and September to November, offer the best weather conditions. However, during the winter months of June to August, you can experience clear, crisp nights with excellent visibility for stargazing.
• Must-have gear: Personal medication to help cope with altitude sickness; a winter tent , sleeping bag , and small telescope to camp out under the stars; and plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
• Do I need a guide? No. The park is easy to access and explore independently.
• Entrance cost: Free

One of the favorite national parks in Northern Argentina among nature lovers, Los Cardones (Parque Nacional Los Cardones) offers a unique, beautiful landscape like no other. This desert region is situated over 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) above sea level, forming a breathtaking blend of cactus groves and velvety mountains.

Embark on one of the numerous trails to Quebrada del Toro, a narrow canyon adorned with colorful rock formations, or enjoy a scenic drive through some of the park’s most beautiful areas. You can use this official map of Los Cardones to plan your visit.

13. El Impenetrable National Park

• When to visit: Dry season from May to September, when exploring the park’s trails and observing wildlife is easier. Due to frequent heavy rains and flooding, steer clear of the wet season (October to April).
• Must-have gear: Lightweight, breathable clothing as the temperature can reach 30 ° C (86 ° F) and strong insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other insects.
• Do I need a guide? Yes. Access to the park is limited, and visitors must obtain permits and be accompanied by authorized guides.
• Entrance cost: Free.

El Impenetrable National Park (Parque Nacional El Impenetrable), the latest addition to the best national parks in Argentina, is one of the world’s most significant nature reserves.

The park is situated in the Gran Chaco region, which is characterized by its flat topography, hot, dry climate, and dense, practically impassable vegetation. Here you’ll find dry forests and savannas with a diverse range of plant species that have adapted to these harsh conditions.

The park spans over 1,279 sq-kilometers (494 sq-miles) and is inhabited by numerous species, such as tapirs, jaguars, and anteaters. As the name implies, a substantial portion of the park consists of an impenetrable forest.

In addition to promoting eco-tourism, El Impenetrable serves as a crucial hub for scientific research and education.

Explore the park with its unique flora and fauna with an authorized guide as is required by the park administration. Although access is still limited, this national park is home to a remarkable tract of wilderness unlike any other in Argentina. 

Seeking more travel inspiration for Argentina? Read our guide to the places you must visit in Argentina and these itineraries for heading into Argentine and Chilean Patagonia .

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! 

Classic Patagonia Itinerary: 2 Weeks of Hiking and Adventure

Wednesday 24th of October 2018

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Guide to Visiting Northern Argentina: What to See in Salta and Jujuy

Cafayate Argentina: 3 Day Itinerary with Adventures + Lots of Wine

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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).

More on Argentina

26 Best Places to Visit in Argentina – Your Ultimate Argentina Travel Guide

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.

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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.

The 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Argentina

Argentina has long been one of the most captivating countries in South America, charming everyone with its unique blend of culture, art, cuisine, nature, and easy living. In cosmopolitan towns and cities, you’ll encounter multicultural influences from around the world thanks to a long history of immigration. In the countryside, you can come face-to-face with painted deserts, crawling glaciers, and unbelievable peaks sculpted by wind, ice, and time.

From the mountainous northern plateaus to the storm-battered southern coast and everywhere in between, these are the ten most beautiful places you need to visit and discover in Argentina.

Los Glaciares National Park

Arguably the most famous of Argentina’s natural treasures, Los Glaciares National Park is located in the south of the country in Argentine Patagonia, a rugged region of mountains, glaciers, and wind-swept steppe. Within the boundaries of its nearly 3,000 square mile perimeter are some of Patagonia’s most iconic sites: the epic Perito Moreno Glacier, the spires of Cerro Torre, and the instantly-recognizable outline of Mount Fitz Roy.

The park is also home to Argentina’s biggest freshwater lake, Lago Argentina, as well as tens of other spectacular mountains, lakes, and glaciers.

Iguazú Falls

Straddling the border of Argentina and Brazil, together the 275 individual cascades of Iguazú Falls combine to form the largest waterfall in the world, stretching over 1.7 miles along a horseshoe-shaped cliff. Meaning “big water” in the native Guaraní language, the falls are created by the Iguazú River, which, during the rainy season, can pour 450,000 cubic feet of water over the cliffs.

The falls are accessible from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the border. Still, most tourists visit the Argentine side, where the majority are located, and can be admired from aerial viewing platforms.

Surrounded by multi-colored mountains, red-rock canyons, and sprawling deserts, the regional capital city of Salta in the northern Salta province is rarely on foreign tourists’ radar, but that’s their loss. Here, you’ll find some of Argentina’s most picturesque historic architecture, easily seen around the city center in Neo-classical and colonial-style gems like the Catedral de Salta and Iglesia San Francisco.

Home to several excellent museums, another popular attraction in town is San Bernardo Hill, whose cable car and hilltop park provide unbeatable city views. But part of Salta’s charm also lies out of town, where visitors can taste local Torrontes wine at vineyards near the wine town of Cafayate, visit the Salinas Grandes salt flats, and hike the Quebrada de Humahuaca mountain valley.

La Recoleta, Buenos Aires

Lined with stately mansions and classical European-style buildings, this upscale barrio of central Buenos Aires is one of the most elegant neighborhoods in the entire capital. Full of stylish boutiques and trendy stores, restaurants, cafés, and bars, you can spend hours shopping and partaking in local cuisine.

One must-visit spot is the El Ateneo Grand Splendid , a magnificent theater that’s been repurposed as a gorgeous bookstore. The area is also home to the famous Recoleta Cemetery, a mini-walled city of tombs and mausoleums that is perhaps best known for being the resting place of Eva Perón.

If you’re at all familiar with the Argentine wine scene, you’ll have heard of the city that is the heart and soul of central Argentine wine country: Mendoza.

Best known for its many top-notch vineyards that produce inky Malbecs and other luscious red wines, the natural splendor of Mendoza is unmatched, with miles of vineyards flowing toward the towering Andes mountains on the horizon. But the city itself is also a wonder, full of classical architecture, sprawling city parks, and broad boulevards lined with shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars.

Perched on the bottom tip of the continent, the town of Ushuaia is Argentina’s southernmost city and the gateway to exploring the surrounding landscapes of Tierra del Fuego and heading across the stormy Drake Passage to Antarctica. With the back of the city dominated by the snowcapped peaks of the Martial mountain range, the town itself is a charming hodge-podge of multi-colored buildings, housing museums, galleries, stores, bars, and restaurants.

Around town, you can soak up the unique cultural history of the region, as well as try local delicacies like centolla king crab. But Ushuaia’s scenic environs also make it a prime place for outdoor adventure: you can go hiking around Tierra del Fuego National Park, go for a boat tour of the Beagle Channel to look for marine life like whales and pinnipeds, go skiing at Cerro Castor, and much more.

Bariloche and the Lakes District

If the title track from The Sound of Music starts playing in your head when you arrive in the German-esque town of San Carlos de Bariloche , don’t worry; Argentina’s Lakes District is like a slice of Switzerland, full of spectacular mountains, dense forests, pristine lakes, and charming towns.

The mountain town of Bariloche is the base camp for exploring the surrounding Nahuel Huapi National Park, which is ripe for outdoor adventures like mountaineering, hiking, skiing, fishing, and boating. But the town itself is also a real draw thanks to its Swiss-inspired alpine architecture style and can’t-miss foodie scene specializing in Argentine cuisine and locally-made chocolates.

Valdés Peninsula

Set against the stark contrast of white sandstone cliffs and turquoise waters, the Valdés Peninsula on the Atlantic coast is a scenic marvel and a world-class destination for spotting marine life.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site and important nature reserve is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna but is perhaps best known for its whale watching; orcas and southern right whales are frequently spotted. The area is also home to elephant seals, sea lions, Magellanic penguins, and many more different species of animals. Further inland, you’ll find Patagonian steppe lands: endless grassy plains, some parts of which are now used as estancias , or sheep farms.

Iberá Wetlands

One of Argentina’s most off-the-beaten-path natural gems, the Iberá Wetlands – a portion of which are protected as the Iberá Provincial Reserve and Iberá National Park, together making up Argentina’s largest protected national area – spans 1.3 million hectares of lakes, lagoons, swamps, rivers, bogs, and waterways in the Corrientes province of northeastern Argentina, making it the second biggest wetlands in the world after the Pantanal in Brazil.

In addition to its scenic vistas of sprawling swamps, marshes, and wooded islands, the area is home to a phenomenal array of biodiversity, boasting some 4,000 species of plant and wildlife, including neotropical otters, capybaras, maned wolves, caiman, and alligators.

Rising out of the Principal Cordillera of the Andes mountains between central Argentina and Chile, Aconcagua ’s magnificent peaks and glaciated slopes are indeed a sight to behold. It is the highest mountain in Argentina and the tallest mountain in the Americas, making it one of the Seven Summits with a summit elevation of 22,838 feet.

Easily seen from Mendoza, you can explore the base of the mountain and its surroundings in the Aconcagua Provincial Park, which offers hiking, skiing, and climbing. Aconcagua is also a relatively easy mountain to climb, as the main route up is not very technical. Still, it does require being in good shape and having some mountaineering experience.

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10 Best Countries To Retire In Europe, According To The Global Pension Index

10 charming small towns near tucson, arizona, these 10 underrated florida beach towns are a great alternative to the keys.

South America is filled with beautiful spring break destinations , as well as spots worth exploring any time of year. Reasons to visit South American countries include the generally affordable prices and the diverse nature. One country with particularly beautiful natural landscapes and wildlife is Argentina.

Argentina, located in the southern portion of South America, is the second-largest country on the continent. Many vacationers travel to Argentina to explore Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital. From delicious Buenos Aires restaurants to colorful city streets to the famous Teatro Colón opera house, there is plenty to see and do in Buenos Aires .

However, Argentina is home to much more than just this popular city. Argentina features some of the best wildlife and natural wonders. From powerful waterfalls to majestic mountains to wildlife sanctuaries, there are plenty of outdoor experiences in Argentina to be had.

Related: Hiking Argentina's Top Treks, With 10 Options For All Athletic Levels

10 Tierra Del Fuego

Tierra del Fuego is a breathtakingly beautiful archipelago located at the southernmost point of South America. This area is known for its incredible scenic views, including mountains, forests, glaciers, and waterfalls. Tierra del Fuego is sometimes referred to as the "End of the World" due to its location, and Tierra del Fuego National Park is one of 10 must-see destinations in Argentina . A popular trail in the area is Senda Costera, offering wonderful views of the mountains, trees, Bahía Lapataia, and Canal Beagle.

• Address: Trailhead Senda Costera, Unnamed Road, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
• Distance: 5.2 miles
• Duration: 3 hours 47 minutes
• Level: Easy

9 Aconcagua

While Aconcagua is not one of the highest mountains in the world , it is the highest mountain in the Americas and worth a visit. Part of the Andean Mountain Range, this majestic mountain is easily accessible. Climbing to the top, of course, is a grueling task that requires immense training, embarking on the expedition with a team, and plenty of prior knowledge. A great and easy way to enjoy Aconcagua is by taking a tour of the area, such as the Full-Day Aconcagua Experience . This all-day tour includes a guided hike through Aconcagua Park, a stop at Potrerillos Dam, and a trip to Puente del Inca.

8 Salinas Grandes

Another natural wonder found in Argentina is Salinas Grandes, a series of beautiful salt flats. The pale ground contrasting with the bright blue sky creates a unique photo op. The salt flats also feature vibrant turquoise pools and miles of open space.

Purmamarca is the nearest town to Salinas Grandes, so consider booking a hotel there.

The best way to see Salinas Grandes is via a guided tour. Guests choose from full-day trips and multiple-day excursions .

7 Monte Fitz Roy

Another mountain to visit while in Argentina is Monte Fitz Roy. Located between Chile and Argentina, this unique mountain is constantly surrounded by clouds. This layer of clouds causes Fitz Roy to look like a smoking volcano.

There are several hiking trails in the area offering stellar views of Fitz Roy. Piedra del Fraile is a moderately challenging trail in the area, perfect for hiking as well as backpacking and camping.

• Distance: 8.7 miles
• Level: Moderate

6 Selva Misionera

Located inside Iguazú National Park, Selva Misionera is an expansive subtropical jungle. This wet and dense rainforest is known for its lush vegetation and incredible wildlife. Several endangered species call Selva Misionera home, including jaguars, ocelots, and harpy eagles. This thick jungle also features breathtaking waterfalls. Visitors love watching the rushing water and searching for rainbows in the mist.

The best way to travel around the park is on the Rainforest Ecological Train. The train line stretches 4.35 miles into Iguazú National Park, offering easy transportation and incredible views.

• Address: Ruta 101 Km 142, N3370 Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina

Related: Captivating Destinations: 10 Most Underrated Argentina Small Towns

5 Parque Nacional Talampaya

The US national parks contain destinations that are a photographer’s dream , but Argentina’s amazing national parks should not be overlooked. One of Argentina’s national parks featuring some of the best nature in the country is Parque Nacional Talampaya. The rusty, orange-colored rock formations, gorges, and calm grasslands create a cool natural landscape. This area has come to be known as “Valle de la Luna,” or “Valley of the Moon.”

Dinosaur fossils from the Triassic Period were discovered in Parque Nacional Talampaya.

4 Bañado La Estrella

One of the largest wetlands in South America is Bañado la Estrella, which is worth a visit. Located in Northern Argentina, this enormous wetland is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Foxes, herons, anteaters, wolves, alligators, and anacondas have all been spotted in the area.

Some travelers visit Bañado la Estrella to take photographs, while others engage in outdoor adventures like kayaking, canoeing, and birdwatching. Visiting during sunset for out-of-this-world views.

Visit Bañado la Estrella in July or August when the paths are at their driest.

3 Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi

Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. This national park made up of sparkling bodies of water, magnificent mountains, towering trees, and volcanic rock is a great spot to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. In summer, travelers enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, rock climbing, and rafting. The winter months are marked by skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.

Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi is the oldest park in Argentina, containing ancient rock formations and an enormous glacial lake.

2 Perito Moreno Glacier

A popular Argentina tourist attraction and must-visit natural wonder is Perito Moreno Glacier. This massive glacier is surrounded by striking mountains, glossy blue water, and green trees. Los Glaciares National Park features numerous wooden viewpoints and walkways at which to view the glacier.

Want to see Perito Moreno Glacier up close? Book a boat tour that takes guests to the glacier’s front wall.

• Address: Los Glaciares National Park, Santa Cruz, Argentina
• Cost: 22 USD per person (must pay in pesos)

1 Iguazu Falls

One of several amazing Argentina hikes is the hike to Iguazu Falls. The roaring Iguazu Falls consists of over 250 waterfalls, creating a unique natural landscape complete with misty and foaming turquoise waters. The surrounding rainforest and green landscape add to this image of paradise.

To avoid crowds, visit the falls early, at 8 am.

There are numerous ways to explore these spectacular falls. Some visitors choose to hike, while others prefer a guided boat ride.

For those interested in a boat ride, prepare to get wet! The intense spray emitted from the falls often soaks guests.

• Address: Misiones Province, Argentina (25° 41' 42.8280'' S and 54° 26' 12.1848'' W)
• Hours: 8 am-6 pm
• Cost: Adult- 18 USD, child (12 and under)- 5 USD
• Destinations

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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7 Best Places to Visit in Northern Argentina & What to Know Before You Visit

Posted on May 12, 2023 | Julie J. |

Last Updated on October 9, 2023

When planning a trip to Argentina , the first things you probably think of are the mountains of Patagonia . But there is much more to Argentina than the glaciers, penguins, and icebergs of the southern regions!

The northern part of Argentina has just as much (if not more) to explore than its southern counterpart. With historic cities , natural wonders , vibrant towns , varied landscapes, and some of the world’s best wine regions, northern Argentina is a must-visit destination.

In this post, we’ll highlight the best places to visit in northern Argentina and things you need to know before you visit, so you can take in the best of Argentina’s culture, natural beauty, and activities.

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Best Places to Visit in North Argentina

Here are our 7 must-visit places which should be included in your North Argentina itinerary!

Iguazú Falls

At the top of the list is the breathtaking natural landmark, Iguazú Falls. Located on the border between Argentina’s Misiones Province and Brazil’s Parana State, Iguazú Falls is undeniably one of South America’s most spectacular natural wonders . It has even been named one of the 7 wonders of nature and is a bucket-list-worthy place that is definitely worth visiting at least once.

Iguazú Falls is the world’s largest waterfall system , spanning 1.6 miles in width, and 80 meters up at the highest point. This waterfall system is part of the Iguazú River, which is split between Argentina and Brazil , although 80% of the falls are located in Iguazú National Park on the Argentinian side.

In Iguazú National Park there are several walking trails you can do for stunning views of Iguazú Falls. Along the trails, there are lots of different viewing platforms , including one directly over Devil’s Throat – the largest of Iguazú’s waterfalls. Viewing the falls from this point is particularly breathtaking and you can even feel the water as the spray and mist rises around you.

There is a lot of debate about which side of Iguazú Falls is better . Considering most of the falls are in Argentina, it’s definitely a site worth seeing from the Argentinian side.

However, the best way to see the falls is actually by visiting both sides . On the Argentinian side, you will get closer to the falls and see them from a lot more viewpoints. Whereas on the Brazilian side, there is only one main vantage point, but you will get a full panoramic view of the Argentinian side of the falls, which is quite spectacular to see!

Luckily, no matter which side of the falls you’re staying on, it’s an easy day trip over the border to get the full Iguazú Falls experience by visiting the other side.

RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCE – From Puerto Iguazu: Argentinian Iguazu Falls with Ticket

If you’re a wine lover, then you’re probably familiar with Argentina’s Mendoza province. But Mendoza is not the only fabulous wine region in Argentina. If you travel a little further north, you will find Cafayate, located in the beautiful Calchaqui Valleys, in the Salta province of Northwest Argentina.

Cafayate is a charming town known for its breathtaking mountain views, eco-tourism, colonial architecture and, most importantly, its vineyards . It’s also Argentina’s largest pre-Columbian settlemen t.

Cafayate is a true hidden gem for wine lovers . It’s particularly well known for its Torrontés wine and is recognized for producing some of the best white wine in the country, thanks to its dry and sunny climate.

The best way to experience the Cafayate wine region is to take a guided tour of the vineyards , where you can indulge in different wine tastings.

Although if wine isn’t your thing, fortunately, Cafayate has a lot more to offer. The town is also surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in Argentina , with stunning canyons, deep ravines, and interesting rock formations.

Cafayate is a great place to base yourself for day trips to explore and hike the dramatic red rocks of the surrounding Calchaquí Valleys. Close by you will find some stunning and unique landscapes, including the Rio Colorado waterfalls , Los Médanos sand dunes , and the red rock formations of the Quebrada de las Conchas (also known as Shell’s Ravine).

So, whether you’re looking to indulge in some of Argentina’s best wine or not, there will be plenty of activities to keep you busy here!

Salta La Linda

The historic city of Salta (commonly called Salta La Linda , meaning ‘Salta the Pretty’), is about 115 miles north of Cafayate and is the gateway to the stunning Calchaquí Valleys . If you didn’t get a chance to explore the unique red landscapes of the valleys while in Cafayate, then luckily, it’s also easy to do from Salta.

This beautiful colonial city is renowned for its narrow cobbled streets, ornate architecture, and beautiful churches . The city’s pink and yellow-colored houses, along with bustling plazas, make for a beautiful atmosphere with lots to explore.

In addition to wandering Salta’s intriguing streets, another great way to see the city is from above. You can take the cable car to the top of San Bernardo’s hill for a panoramic view of the city and Lerma Valley below.

As well as enjoying the beauty of the city, Salta is an excellent place to learn more about Incan and colonial history . Originally part of the Incan Empire, the city was taken over by the Spanish in the early 1500s.

Now, Salta is home to several museums sharing this history, including the High Altitude Archeology Museum where you can see the world’s best-preserved Inca mummies, deemed to be one of the most important archaeological discoveries of our time.

One of the most popular activities to do from Salta is to ride one of the world’s highest railways , the Tren a las Nubes (meaning the ‘train to the clouds’). This is a full-day trip as you will first need to get to San Antonia de los Cobres (a town about 100 miles away) by car or bus.

From there, you can board the train which drives slowly for about an hour through the beautiful landscape until it reaches the high point – the Viaducto La Polvorilla – at 4,220 meters, where you will get some of the best views in the region.

Quebrada de Humahuaca

Heading further north from Salta, in the northwest province of Jujuy, you will find the mountain valley of Quebrada de Humahuaca. This narrow valley is 96 miles long and holds evidence of settlement dating back to the first hunter-gatherers 10,000 years ago, as well as the Inca Empire .

As such, this area is home to some of Argentina’s most captivating archeological sites and Incan ruins . The most famous of which is the Pucara de Tilcara Pre-Incan ruins , which loom over the town of Tilcara.

There is also a lot of natural beauty to see in the Quebdrada de Humahuaca Valley. Most notably, Argentina’s rainbow mountain, El Hornocal or Cerro de Los 14 Colores (meaning the ‘14 Colored Mountain’), is a must-visit attraction.

El Hornocal is just a 30-minute drive from the laidback town of Humahuaca and is an easy half-day trip. Although the viewpoint is at a high altitude (4,200 meters), you can drive to the top , making it a bit easier if you’re prone to altitude sickness.

Be warned, the road to El Hornocal can be a little difficult to navigate and is along gravel roads. If this is not something you’re comfortable with there are plenty of options for tours which you can book instead. And once you get there, the breathtaking views are worth it, and are arguably even better than Peru ’s famous Rainbow Mountain!

Another natural attraction in the region, which is also worth exploring, is the Salinas Grandes salt flats , which are the third largest salt flats in the world . The Salinas Grandes are so big that they stretch 1,800 square miles across both the Jujuy and Salta provinces.

What makes these particular salt flats so impressive are the turquoise-colored salt extraction pools , and the contrast with the red Mars-like mountains in the background.

If you have time, there are also several other interesting towns to visit in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, including the merchant village of Iruya and the town of Purmamarca , which is home to a second rainbow mountain (known as the ‘hill of 7 colors’).

Buenos Aires

Next on the list is Argentina’s capital city, and cultural hub, the beautiful city of Buenos Aires.

Although not the furthest north, Buenos Aires is located in the north of Argentina’s most eastern region, just south of Uruguay, and is definitely worth a mention. As one of South America’s most significant ports, and the largest city in Argentina, Buenos Aires is an excellent start or end point for your trip to northern Argentina and is a practical city to transit through.

But its convenience is not the only thing that makes Buenos Aires worth visiting! The city is a bustling metropolis and tourist destination, with a strong history and culture. From beautiful tree-lined streets and European architecture to football and tango , Buenos Aires has something for everyone.

There are so many interesting barrios (neighborhoods) to visit and historic sites to see in Buenos Aires, such as the city’s iconic landmark – the Obelisk of Buenos Aires – in the city’s center. Some other popular sites include San Telmo – Buenos Aires’ oldest barrio, the colorful harbor neighborhood of La Boca , and the Parisian-like streets of Recoleta .

While in Recoleta, a visit to the Recoleta Cemetery is a must. Although this sounds a bit creepy, it is actually one of the world’s most beautiful cemeteries , full of intricate marble statues and grand mausoleums. Recoleta Cemetery is also the final resting place of many high-profile Argentines, making this a great place to learn more about Argentina’s history and politics.

Something else you must do while in Buenos Aires is see a tango show , which is a quintessential Buenos Aires experience. Most of the shows will have a live band and tell a story through the dances, making it a very spectacular performance.

Finally, if Buenos Aires is known for anything, it is its food scene . This city has some of the best food in the world, from iconic Parillas (grill restaurants) and Argentinian-style pizza to typical desayuno ( traditional Argentinian Breakfast ), and ice cream on every corner. You won’t go hungry in Buenos Aires!

Mar del Plata

Although Argentina isn’t thought of as a beach destination, it does have 2,900 miles of coastline. While southern Argentina’s beaches might be too cold to enjoy, the central and northern parts of the country have some beautiful beach resorts . In particular, the beachside city of Mar del Plata, which is actually the most popular tourist destination in Argentina!

Although technically not located in Argentina’s northern region, Mar del Plata is in the northern half of the country, located towards the top of Argentina’s east coast, 260 miles from Buenos Aires. So, we feel it still deserves to make the list.

What makes this beach destination so popular is its nearly 30 miles of coastline, wide bays, beautiful sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and green natural landscapes . It’s an easy place to get lost in nature and make the most of the sunny summer weather.

However, Mar del Plata also has plenty of activities, nightlife, and attractions for more urban travelers. The city itself is full of entertainment venues with theatres, world-class restaurants, bars, and dance clubs. In fact, one of Mar del Plata’s biggest draws is its nightlife .

In the summer months, this is where Buenos Aires locals go to let their hair down, so you won’t struggle to find beach parties, live music, and dancing here!

Ibera National Park

Amidst the wetlands of the Corrientes province in Argentina’s Northeast, you will find Ibera National Park , and the adjacent Ibera Provincial Park . The newly named national park was created in 2018 in an effort to restore the land and reintroduce endangered wildlife following years of cattle farming. There is also a big push for more eco-tourism in the area, to further support the conservation efforts and boost the local economy.

Both the national park and provincial park belong to a protected area which is the world’s second-largest wetlands and is home to over 360 different species of birds , as well as 4,000 species of plants. Because of this diversity, and the ongoing restoration efforts, Ibera National Park has become one of Argentina’s best places for wildlife watching and is quickly becoming a must-visit destination.

The best way to see Ibera National Park is by doing a safari through the wetlands , where you will be able to see native animals and birds in their natural habitat. You can expect to see capybaras (the world’s largest rodent), howler monkeys, rheas, and kingfishers, among many other animals.

Things to Know Before Visiting Northern Argentina

Argentina is a big country and given how varied and spread out the different attractions in the north are, planning a trip to northern Argentina requires a lot of logistics and organization.

To make this as easy for you as possible, here are some useful things to know when planning your trip.

Climate and Weather

The weather in northern Argentina is a blend of mild, Mediterranean, and subtropical. The climate varies from one region to another.

During the summer months between November and February, some areas can be very hot and humid, whereas in the mountain regions, the weather can vary and gets cold in winter.

You should always research the weather in each of your destinations for the time of year before you go, to make sure you pack accordingly.

Transportation

To explore northern Argentina, you will have to travel quite far distances, including to more isolated areas where there may not be public transport options available. The roads are generally well maintained, but access to some attractions might involve unpaved roads and rougher conditions. Keep this in mind when you’re planning how to get around and deciding between hiring a car or joining a tour.

Spanish is the official language of Argentina, and, in more remote areas, English isn’t widely spoken. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to brush up on some basic Spanish and download a translation app before your trip.

Local Cuisine

Although Argentina is known for its steak, red wine, and empanadas, northern Argentina has a lot more to offer than just this, including some delicious vegetarian options. Some of the dishes unique to this region include locro , a hearty stew made with squash, beans, corn, potatoes, and humita, a traditional tamale-like dish made with corn, onions, and pumpkin. You shouldn’t struggle to find options which suit your dietary requirements in northern Argentina!

The economy in Argentina is extremely volatile and prices will vary in different destinations. Although generally Argentina is considered a cheaper country to travel to, prices in popular tourist destinations can be quite high, so don’t let this surprise you.

To get the most out of your money, it’s recommended to exchange funds using the blue dollar rate through Western Union. Luckily, credit card payments are now also being processed through the blue rate. But cards aren’t always accepted, so it’s also important to have cash on you. This is especially true when visiting more remote destinations where internet connections are less reliable, as this can make it more difficult to pay by card.

Safety and Crime

Most of northern Argentina is a safe place to travel, with relatively low crime rates compared to other parts of the country. However, scams and theft are relatively common in larger cities, in particular Buenos Aires, so make sure to exercise caution here and always apply common sense.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Northern Argentina

Northern Argentina is a stunning region that captures the true essence of South America. There is so much to see and do here, which could easily keep you occupied for several weeks or months.

Given northern Argentina’s diverse and unique landscapes, beautiful cities, natural wonders, and historical and archaeological sites, it truly has something for every type of traveler, and is an absolute must-visit destination.

Written by Chanelle Rosenbaum

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Argentina: Five Natural Wonders that will Steal Your Breath Away

Argentina is the second largest country in South America, but it is a place blessed by nature's tender touch. It is, in fact, famous for not just being an economic powerhouse but for its bounty of natural wonders. As home to such a collection of eclectic landscapes likes grassy plateaus, glaciers, snow-capped mountains and massive waterfalls, visitors who don't get lost in the diverse towns will most certainly get lost amongst these five natural wonders that are sure to steal their breath away.

Iguazu Falls

As perhaps the most famous natural landmark in Argentina, the Iguazu Falls paints a magnificent landscape similar to Niagara Falls on the border of Canada and the United States or the Victoria Falls on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Iguazu Falls sits on the border of Argentina and Brazil, hosting 275 different falls in a 2.7 kilometer stretch of land. The tallest falls drop 81 meters while the shortest only fall around 15 meters into a massive canyon creating a wonderful rainbow spray in the subtropical area. It is said that to fully appreciate the falls, ten days must be allotted to explore them fully, which includes crossing the border to Brazil. However, most visitors don't often have that much time to spend, but the general splendor still leaves a lasting impression.

Esteros del Ibera

The wetlands reserve of Esteros del Ibera in northern Argentina is one of the less visited, but still stunning natural wonders in Argentina. The marshland displays just how flexible the landscape in Argentina can be. The temperature constantly teeters between sub-tropical and temperate making for a vast variety of weather and some pretty intense storms. The main draw of Esteros del Ibera is the wildlife. The marshes are home to caimans, marsh deer, coypu, otters, howler monkeys and the rare maned wolf, as well as over 350 species of migratory and native birds. The lakes and wetlands are punctuated by floating islands and an abundance of water vegetation that present endless ways to explore the area.

Tierra del Fuego

Have you ever wanted to visit the end of the world? Tierra del Fuego, or the Land of Fire, is the most southern point in not just Argentina, but South America. It received its ominous name by explorers who could spot the campfires of native Yamana tribesmen from the sea. Isolated and difficult to reach, it is no small wonder why explorers like Magellan and Darwin thought this archipelago was the very end of the world. Today, Tierra del Fuego continues to be a land of mystery and adventure for the outdoors person. Visitors can spend one day sailing amongst glaciers and icebergs, while the next they are hiking through mountains and forests. One of the favourite ways to spend time in Tierra del Fuego is to tour the many shipwrecks in the area. Some are hidden among the shores while others are visible just beneath the waters. Although the sub-polar climate is harsh, Tierra del Fuego is home to several booming cities, the biggest of which, Ushuaia, is the southernmost city in the world and a hub of activity. Due to the high wages in Ushuaia, this former penal colony has steadily been attracting a large population. It is also a hot spot for expeditions and tours of Antarctica and its coast.

Patagonia is easily Argentina's most beautiful region. Nestled on a stretch of Andes Mountains, the cobalt lakes, azure glaciers, emerald trees and snow-capped mountains in the back drop make it nothing short of enchanting. Among the plateaus, visitors will find houses and hotels with enviable views of the mountains as well as overlooking Argentina's Lake District. To the east, visitors can watch whales gliding through the marine sanctuary on the Valdes Peninsula. In Southern Patagonia, the landscape takes a dramatic turn. With the still snow-capped Andes Mountains in the backdrop, the whole landscape turns to vast deserts edged by rugged cattle land and melting glaciers. Although vast and diverse in its landscape, Argentina has begun rapidly developing the infrastructure in the area to allow visitors easier access to this magical land and an all around better stay.

Glaciers National Park

Glaciers National Park is the second largest national park in Argentina as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. Like its name suggests, it is named after the giant glacial ice cap in the Andes Mountain range that runs along the border of Argentina and Chile . The ice cap is so large it rivals those found in Antarctica and Greenland, albeit it seems out of place in a land that can go from tropical to freezing. Tourists that are ready to soak in the scenery can travel the park along a four-hour driving route that spans gravel and dirt roads. Hikers can climb the smaller mountains and walk over glaciers. The biggest draw of Glacier National Park is the two lakes - Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma. The lakes feed the Santa Cruz River that flows into the Atlantic, but the visitors can frequently spot icebergs in the lake waters, making for a magnificent view.

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The Top 15 Places to Visit in Argentina

Buenos Aires is home to cobblestone boulevards, sensual tango halls, century-old cafes, and designer boutiques. If you venture to the east, the Atlantic Ocean offers surfing and the chance to see whales, and penguins. To the north, explore mountains, cactus forests, and lunar landscapes that give way to subtropical jungle, wetlands, and waterfalls. And in the south, Patagonia is filled with the adventure of snow-capped peaks and turquoise glacial lakes. Including both city and countryside, these are the top 15 places to experience Argentina in all of its richness.  

Buenos Aires

A cosmopolitan hub that’s both gritty and glamorous, Buenos Aires is a huge city the size of four Chicagos and is composed of many manageable barrios (neighborhoods). San Telmo is the bohemian historical district filled with cobblestone streets, picturesque old bars such as El Federal, and a tango scene with clubs like El Viejo Almacen. Palermo is filled with cute cafes, some lovely vegetarian restaurants (not easily found elsewhere in this red-meat-loving country), shopping, and an abundance of charming boutique hotels such as Fierro and Home Hotel. Recoleta is a refined old-money neighborhood with upscale shops and the ultra-luxury hotels Alvear Palace, Palacio Duhau, and the Four Seasons. 

Museums in Buenos Aires are inexpensive or free—art lovers should not miss MALBA, the contemporary art museum. Buenos Aires comes alive at night, with dinners beginning around 9 p.m. and drinks lasting until the early hours of morning. Hit up iLatina restaurant in Chacarita for an exquisite Latin American food experience and follow it up at a speakeasy such as The Harrison or Floreria Altantico. 

At the very southern tip of Argentina, Ushuaia is a starting point for most Antarctica trips. A rugged land filled with glaciers and towering mountains, the best of this destination lies outside of the city center. Tierra Turismo is the most reputable guiding company for trips into the National Park, to kayak or to off-road, and for visiting nearby Harberton to see the penguins. Foodies should make a reservation at Kalma , where chef Jorge Monopoli celebrates the native wild foods of the region, or stop into the casual and quirky Volver for local king crab or other fresh seafoods. For even more perspective, travelers can scuba dive the chilly Beagle Channel with Ushuaia Divers or get an aerial view with Heli Ushuaia. 

Peninsula Valdes

In what feels like another world from nearby bustling cruise-hub Puerto Madryn, wildlife lovers will appreciate this tranquil haven set on a jutting peninsula where southern right whales, orcas, and penguins can be seen in abundance.  Oceano is the go-to hotel in Puerto Piramides, set right on the beach so at certain times of the year guests can laze in bed with coffee and watch whales breaching in the morning. There is a small sandboarding hill, incredible mountain biking through the dunes and along the beach, and scuba diving with sea lions (this is the scuba diving capital of Argentina, after all). 

Giving Napa Valley and the wine regions of Italy and France a run for their money, Mendoza is known for its sunny skies, highly Instagrammable vineyards right at the foot of the Andes, and Malbec, Argentina’s national varietal. Horseback ride with Nino Masi from El Viejo Manzano, fly fish with Trout and Wine, or raft the nearby Mendoza River. There’s even hot springs nearby en-route to Aconcagua, South America’s highest peak. 

Vineyard tasting rooms range from tiny and cute (Carinae), eclectic and poetic (El Enemigo), homey (Matervini), to large and modern (anything in the Clos de los Siete complex). If budget permits, a stay in a villa at the Vines of Mendoza with dinner at Francis Mallmann’s onsite open-fire restaurant Siete Fuegos is the ultimate Mendoza experience.

Looking more like the Swiss Alps than Latin America, Bariloche is a town in northern Patagonia set on the coast of Lago Nahuel Huapi and bordered by the Andes that are dotted with wildflowers. It is known for its chocolate (here’s looking at you, Mamushka and Rapa Nui!) and its microbreweries (Blest is a local favorite). It’s an outdoor paradise with some great day hikes and multi-day treks, kitesurfing, and Cerro Cathedral for skiing in the winter months of July to September. Bariloche gets crowded with tourism in the middle of summer and winter, so a visit in spring when the wildflowers bloom or in autumn when the leaf colors begin to change is recommended. 

Piedra Parada

Still relatively unknown outside of serious rock-climbing circles, Piedra Parada is about an hour and a half from Esquel and a few hours south of El Bolson. It’s Argentina’s sport climbing paradise in the desert of rural Chubut Province and has some of the continent’s best single pitch sport routes going all the way up to 5.14d (very difficult). Nearby climbing hotspots include Cochamo in Chile or Frey in Bariloche, but Piedra Parada has much easier access. There’s a campground, or for more comfort, there is Hosteria Mirador Huancanche in the nearby town of Gualjaina run by a wonderful couple who can not only recommend routes, but can teach about the history, wildlife, indigenous culture, and unique geology that makes this place so special.

El Bolson has one of the most spectacular artist markets in South America (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and around half-capacity on Sundays). Drink the local microbrew (the raspberry beer from Cerveceria El Bolson is delicious), or devour Argentina’s most revered gelato at Jauja, where everything is organic and all-natural, with no artificial flavors or colors. Hike the Cajon de Azul, ski the super relaxed and family-friendly Cerro Perito Moreno, or grab a bus or hitch to nearby Lago Puelo where locals flock in the summer to swim in the gorgeous yet chilly lake.

Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata is a modern and developed resort city on Argentina’s Atlantic coast. It is the second most visited city in the country after Buenos Aires, due mostly to its 10 miles of sandy beaches like the wide Punta Mogotes and the popular Playa Grande with its surf breaks. It is a cross between a seaside escape and a bustling city, with museums, an aquarium, and a vibrant nightlife. While Argentina is famous for its red meat, seafood fresh from the ocean rules here. Right around the port there are a ton of reasonably priced restaurants to try the day’s catch. Mar del Plata is family-friendly but also home to a raucous party vibe that enjoys clubbing and drinking until the wee hours of morning, so it definitely has a little something for everyone.

Just an hour by train from the center of Buenos Aires, Tigre is the ideal day trip to get out of the city. This town is home to its delta of hundreds of islands and waterways. There is even a museum of yerba mate, the herbal drink that Argentines are crazy about. The best way to experience Tigre is by small boat or kayak (recommended is Sudeste Paseos), as these can go down the smaller, less traveled waterways where there is a better chance to spot wildlife.  

Villa La Angostura

In the picturesque Lakes Region, this is a main town along the Siete Lagos drive. Most activities revolve around the lake, as Lago Nahuel Huapi is a center point here. There’s sunset sailing, fly fishing in Correntoso (the world’s shortest river), and gorgeous hiking in myrtle (arrayan) forests. It is local legend that Walt Disney was so inspired by the magic of the forests in the region that he based the scenery of Bambi on them.

This place is like Avatar, if only the land in the movie Avatar was overrun by tourists with cameras. But no matter how many tourists crowd the walkways, it’s still worth a visit. Iguazu National Park has some of the most stunning waterfalls on this planet, and these are accessible from both the Argentine side and the Brazilian side of the border. There are around 275 falls in total, ranging from gentle trickles to full-on powerhouses like Devil’s Throat. Walk the trails, explore up close and personal from a boat tour, or if there is cash to spare, do a fly-over in a helicopter.

If Argentina has some of the world’s best waterfalls, mountains, and deserts, why shouldn’t it also get a huge glacier that puts on a show every time it calves in thunderous breaks?  While the town of El Calafate is overpriced and not that interesting (nearby El Chalten is much more charming), it happens to have the draw of the National Park that has one of the country’s most visited attractions, Perito Moreno glacier. For those really into that sort of thing, there are multi-day boat tours that get to lesser-known and even more stunning glaciers.  But for those with the time or budget to just see one, an adventurous trek atop Perito Moreno with crampons is the way to go.

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In the northwest of the country, this is the place to unwind and experience live folkloric music, some of the best empanadas in the country, and local varietals of wine, such as Torrontes, in droves. Salta city is colonial and cultured—take time to see the world’s most well-preserved mummies, the Children of Llullaillaco, on exhibit at the Museum of High Altitude Archaeology. Heading just north of town are laid-back pueblos such as Tilcara and Purmamarca, where the famous seven-colored mountains can be hiked and photographed in all their glory.

Bahia Bustamante

Bahia Bustamante is a private sheep farm in Patagonia sprawling over about 210,000 acres. It welcomes up to 18 guests at a time from August through May, who mostly come for the unique wildlife experience. It's a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and an IBA (Important Bird and Biodiversity Area) due to its diversity of both seabirds and marine mammals.

In full transparency, the town itself is congested and leaves much to be desired. But it makes the list for one strong reason: dinosaurs. The Ernesto Bachmann Municipal Museum exhibits the remains of Giganotosaurus carolinii (the name means “great lizard of the south”), considered to be the largest carnivorous dinosaur of all times. And the Argentino Urquiza Palaeontological Museum has the most complete Titanosaur in the world. In San Patricio del Chañar, an Aeolosaurus (wind lizard) was discovered during the building of Familia Schroeder Winery. It's currently on display in one of its rooms.

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23 Top Tourist Attractions in Argentina

By Kaeylen McCrea · Last updated on May 4, 2024

With glorious landscapes featuring mountain peaks, jungle forests, tropical beaches, thriving vineyards, and alpine lakes, Argentina is more widely known for its rich culture, history, competitive football, and as the birthplace of tango.

Argentina’s capital city, Buenos Aires, is a popping tourist destination brimming with social activities like nightclubs and restaurants. It’s also rich with important historical sites and museums, founded in 1536 by Pedro de Mendoza, a Spanish explorer. And that’s just Buenos Aires!

Argentina boasts centuries of impactful history and prevalent culture waiting to be seen in person, like the stunning Iglesia San Francisco in Salta. And that’s not including all the natural marvels that draw in millions of visitors to Argentina, like Iguazu Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

From trekking across glaciers to witnessing the sensuality and skill of tango dancing up close and personal, there are so much things to do to in Argentina! It’s not just the overall excellence. It’s the extreme variety of tourist attractions in Argentina that keeps visitors coming back for more.

23. Volcan Lanin

On the border region between Argentina and Chile is Volcan Lanin, a volcano that is wildly popular with hikers and rock climbers.

The truly adventurous can seek permission at the Lanín national park office, show proof of supplies, and then trek to the summit on an often snow-capped route.

Alternatively, a short walk of under an hour can take visitors to the Volcán Lanín’s Cara Norte, or north face, which also offers views of the lake called Lago Tromen and the surrounding forest.

22. Quebrada de Cafayate

Quebrada de Cafayate is a spectacular canyon in the Valles Calchaquíes region. Sandstone, unusual rock formations and bold colors make this is a true bucket-list item for travelers.

Organized tours allow for hiking or driving along the Río de las Conchas, traveling into the gorge and the heart of the canyon. In the background, the Sierras de Carahuasi are a bold contrast, creating picture-perfect vistas.

Look for landmarks like the iconic monolith known as El Obelisco, the vivid rock formation castles known as Los Castillos and the chalk quarry, which is home to a unusual rock formation called El Fraile, or the monk.

21. Tigre Delta

Just north of Buenos Aires is the city of Tigre, a destination that serves as a hub for the surrounding delta. While the city offers an extensive museum, great shops and a bustling outdoor market, the real appeal is escaping Tigre and exploring the river delta by boat.

Book a spot on a guided tour, or just hop on one of the local water taxis, and see the local homes along the canals, the many floating means of transport used in the area and even purchase goods from the floating vendors who ply their trade right in the river.

20. Recoleta Cemetery

One of the most popular attractions in Buenos Aires is Recoleta Cemetery. The cemetery dates back to the early 18th century, and it contains nearly 5,000 vaults.

Architectural features abound at the Recoleta Cemetery, including countless statues, Doric columns and mausoleums. What makes the cemetery so fascinating, however, is who is laid to rest there.

Some of the tombs in Recoleta belong to people like Eva Peron, Armando Bo, José Figueroa Alcorta and virtually every Argentinian of political or cultural note from the past two centuries.

19. Talampaya National Park

In La Rioja Province is Talampaya National Park, a large preserve that protects some of the country’s most important archeological and paleontological sites

Approximately 250 years ago, dinosaurs roamed in this region, and fossil remains found in the park confirm that fact.

For those without an interest in archeology, the dry bed of the Talampaya River, the rich red of the gorge, the unusually shaped rocks and the magnificent scenery are enough reason to visit this amazing tourist attractions in Argentina.

18. Iglesia San Francisco, Salta

The historically significant and architecturally exquisite Iglesia San Francisco is located in Salta, which borders Bolivia and Paraguay.

One of the biggest tourist attractions in Salta, the Iglesia San Francisco, is a Catholic temple and convent filled with breathtaking displays and designs, like the marble altar made in Cadiz in 1789.

It features the tallest bell tower in South America, a church library preserving more than 40,000 documents and editions of historical importance and value, and a church museum with paintings dating back to the 17th century.

A National Historic Monument, the Iglesia San Francisco dates back to 1625. It houses many valuable works to peer over, including the image of Our Lady of the Snows and a sculpture by Felipe de Rivera, San Francisco.

17. Cerro Catedral

A mountain found in Nahuel Huapi National Park in Patagonia, Cerro Catedral is known for its world-class skiing opportunities and the breathtaking scenery of Nahuel Huapi Lake.

It is home to the largest ski center in South America, where people travel from all over to experience the winter wonderland of Cerro Catedral. The mountain is perfect for camping, rock climbing, and hiking during the summer, though more people visit Cerro Catedral during the winter, despite the chill.

The mountain achieved its namesake thanks to the granite spires that rest at its peaks, resembling a gothic church. A magical essence is exuded from Cerro Catedral, where snow covers its mystical forests and sprawling terrain, drawing in visitors who return year after year.

16. Mar del Plata Beaches

South of Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata is famous as a premier beach resort destination. After Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata is Argentina’s most visited city, thanks to its refreshing Atlantic coastline and favorable beaches.

La Perla beach is one of the best beaches in Mar del Plata. It caters to a lively crowd during peak months, with plenty of space to have fun. There are nearby rental options to snag an umbrella or beach chair, with easy access to restaurants and bars along the strip of beach.

To find the party, and the best waves, head to Playa Grande. This beach in Mar del Plata is excellent for beginners to learn how to surf and ride fast waves or watch local surfers ride the waves.

As a party beach, it does get crowded during the summer at Playa Grande, where locals and tourists join together to have a great time and hit up the many beach clubs nearby.

15. Cueva de las Manos

This archeological site is an essential destination for anyone who appreciates art or history. The Cueva de las Manos includes a magnificent collection of prehistoric cave paintings that were completed 9,000 years ago by ancestors of the Tehuelche people who inhabit Patagonia and the Pinturas River Canyon.

The cave is known for its iconic stenciled outlines of overlapping hands, but it also includes painted hunting scenes and symbolic pictographs.

14. Aconcagua

The highest mountain in the Americas, Cerro Aconcagua, is situated in the Andes mountain range in Mendoza Province.

Aconcagua is the second highest mountain (after Everest) in the list of the Seven Summits; the highest peaks on the seven continents. It’s where people go to do the near-impossible made possible – climb the highest peak in South America.

There’s a very short climbing season for Aconcagua, and this challenging feat is not one to take lightly. Climbing Aconcagua is one of the most difficult things to do in Argentina. Yet, the adventure to the top of Aconcagua is one you’ll never forget, and the views are undeniably rewarding!

13. Quebrada de Humahuaca

Found north of Buenos Aires in Jujuy, colorful Quebrada de Humahuaca is one of the must-visit places in Argentina that you shouldn’t miss!

Dug by the Rio Grande, the Quebrada de Humahuaca was a route for the Incas, a passage point for colonizers, and a commercial passageway during the viceroyalty period.

With more than 10,000 years of history paired with unique multicolored mountains, people come from around the world to hike Quebrada de Humahuaca’s trails and visit its colonial villages.

One of the most well-known of these is the colonial town of Humahuaca. Founded in the late 1500s, the town acted as a popular trading post. It features cobblestone streets, a striking clock tower, archaeological ruins, local craft stalls, and the Monumento de la Independencia, memorializing the heroes of the War of Independence.

12. Street Tango

The best place to experience street tango is in Buenos Aires!

Embodying the sensuality and vigor of Buenos Aires, tango is a unique dance style that requires years of practice, skill, physical prowess, and great improvisational talent to make it flow seamlessly. Having originated in Argentina in the 18th century, in the streets of Buenos Aires, tango has ties to African-Argentine heritage.

Milongas, places where Argentine tango is danced, decorate Buenos Aires, some of which go from night until dawn breaks the sky. A milonga can take place on the streets, in a bar, or at a neighborhood club, each offering its unique feel and experience.

For example, the neighborhood of La Boca is known to have street tango and Caiminito, a vibrant street museum, frequently hosts street performers, many of which encourage spectators to join.

11. Tierra del Fuego National Park

Tierra del Fuego National Park, found on the island of Tierra del Fuego, is famed for its stunning landscapes of mountains, glaciers, forests, coastline, and lakes.

Nearly 90 species of bird, including the Andean Condor and Patagonian woodpecker, call Tierra del Fuego National Park home, along with other eye-catching animal species, like the South American sea lions and albatrosses.

Various trails travel through the park, allowing for outstanding wildlife watching and scenic hiking opportunities of cascading waterfalls and glacial landscapes.

From Ushuaia , a resort town on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago nicknamed the “End of the World”, is prime access to day hikes and cruises to some of the best parts of Tierra del Fuego National Park.

For example, on a short boat trip from Ushuaia, you can get up close and personal with penguins and see the only colony of King Penguins found outside the Antarctic subcontinent.

10. Ibera Wetlands

The largest protected area of Argentina, the Ibera Wetlands, expanded southwest of Ituzaingo to Chavarria.

Home to an abundantly thriving ecosystem, the wetlands are prevalently full of marshes, swamps, lagoons, and streams to feed and provide for the many plants and animals that call it home.

In the Ibera Wetlands, visitors can look for boisterous howler monkeys, playful giant otters, and the largest living rodent, the capybara.

Exploring the Ibera Wetlands and Ibera National Park can be done in different ways, from horseback riding to kayaking. Or, for more thrilling adventures, reserve a flight over the wetlands or a nocturnal safari drive powered by 4WD vehicles to experience the Ibera Wetlands at night.

Either way, you’re guaranteed to have a blast traveling through the Ibera Wetlands, a paradise for over 4,000 species of plants and animals!

9. Mendoza Wine Regions

In the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, in the northern-central region of Argentina, the Mendoza Wine Regions boasts more than a thousand wineries waiting to be visited for a tasting or two!

Three main wine regions are located in Mendoza: Uco Valley, Maipu Valley, and Lujan de Cuyo. Accounting for nearly two-thirds of Argentina’s wine production, the Mendoza wine region is the heart of Argentina’s wine-making endeavors. The vineyards are planted at impressively high altitudes, with mountain rivers, and an intricate irrigation system dating back to the 16th century, acting as sources of irrigation.

The region’s boom in the 19th century transformed the Mendoza Wine Region into one of the largest wine-growing producers in the world.

If you’re in Mendoza, it would be remiss not to try the wine it’s known for! Experience the numerous family-owned wineries, tour the vineyards, and take your time traveling around the Mendoza Wine Regions for a wine-tasting time!

8. Monte Fitz Roy

Located in southern Patagonia near the Chilean border, Monte Fitz Roy is one of the most iconic points in the Andes. This granite mountain is surrounded by glacial lakes and dramatic ice fields.

The rugged terrain and sheer rock faces are beloved by mountain climbers for the extreme challenge and by photographers for the extreme beauty.

Those who don’t know the name may recognize its sharp silhouette from the logo of the clothing brand Patagonia. It was first climbed in 1952 by French alpinists Lionel Terray and Guido Magnone.

7. Staying on an Estancia

Dozens of estancias, or rural estates that were once the private getaways of wealthy families have opened their doors to the public. Many of these country hotels offer a día de campo (country day) that’s ideal for day-trippers.

After breakfast visitors typically follow the estancia’s resident gaucho into the fields for a morning horse ride. Then it’s back to the farmhouse for a barbecue and a quick hammock siesta before hitting the trails again.

6. Beagle Channel

Located in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago between Chile and Argentina, the Beagle Channel connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. It is one of the most important waterways and one of three navigable routes that link the two oceans. Other navigable routes are the Drake Passage to the south and the Straits of Magellan to the north.

The Beagle Channel was named after the ship HMS Beagle, which took its first hydrographic survey from 1826-1830 of the coasts of southern South America. The channel forms part of the border between Argentina and Chile, separating the large island of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego from other islands, like Hoste and Londonderry.

One of the most popular things to do in Beagle Channel is wildlife watching with opportunities for rare endemic dolphins and pygmy right whales. On a cruise on the Beagle Channel, visitors are taken around Glacier Alley, Cape Horn, by Isla de Pajaros and Isla de Lobos for sightings of sea lions, and past the Faro Les Eclaireurs, a landmark favorite red-and-white lighthouse that is still in operation.

5. Valdes Peninsula

This remote Patagonian peninsula is an excellent place to see a phenomenal variety of marine mammals. Depending on the time of year, the peninsula attracts a great number of penguins, sea lions, seals and orcas.

Whales can be found in the waters located between the Valdes Peninsula and the Patagonian mainland between May and December. Visitors may also spot foxes, guanacos, rheas, maras, shorebirds and other endemic species on the sparsely populated landmass.

The peninsula’s varied geography supports many colonies of protected animals. This diversity makes it one of the best destinations in South America for viewing endemic wildlife.

4. Caminito, Buenos Aires

The Caminito, or little path, is a famous colorful street museum in Buenos Aires. It is known for its cultural significance and ties to the renowned tango composed by Juan de Dios Filiberto, “Caminito.”

The open-air street museum is found in La Boca, brimming with immigrant dwellings. In the 1950s, local artist Benito Quinquela Martin used abandoned homes as his canvas. This act rejuvenated the area, inspiring the tango of its namesake and attracting visitors from all over the world to stroll its streets, now filled with artists, performers, and tango dancers showing off their crafts.

Stroll through Caminito to see tango dancers show off their hard work and talent. Buy unique trinkets and souvenirs at bustling stalls. Then, sit back and people watch or observe the numerous performers of the culturally rich Caminito.

See also: Where to Stay in Buenos Aires

3. Route of the Seven Lakes

The name for the scenic section of national route 40 is the Route of the Seven Lakes. It lies between Villa La Angostura in the Neuquen Province and San Martin de Los Andes. This famously picturesque road winds through awe-inspiring landscapes of tranquil lakes, colorful forests, and imposing mountain peaks.

When vacation time is short, the Route of the Seven Lakes is the perfect opportunity to peek into the refreshing landscapes along this heavenly route. For a one-day road trip, head out from San Carlos de Bariloche . Take Ruta 40, one of the longest roads in the world that begins in the south of Argentina and travels up to the border of Bolivia to the north.

There are enough activities, including national parks and charming alpine villages, to spend weeks exploring the Route of the Seven Lakes. But for this route specifically, you’ll only need a day to see all seven of the lakes, paired with breathtaking mountain and forest backdrops, without hopping out of the car!

2. Perito Moreno Glacier

One of the most favored attractions of Argentina, the Perito Moreno Glacier is an ice glacier found in Los Glaciares National Park in Santa Cruz Province. It is the longest glacier in the continental movement of the world, the third largest in Argentina and it’s still growing!

Perito Moreno Glacier was named after a 19th-century explorer and pioneer. The glacier towers over blue glacial waters with accessible viewing platforms for visitors to overlook the glacier and Lake Argentino, fed by Perito Moreno Glacier, at a safe distance. However, wait long enough, and you’ll see a chunk of ice fracture and crash into the water below.

For an exciting and up-close thrill, boat tours take visitors up the Perito Moreno Glacier’s wall, while glacier hikes appeal for an experience many can’t say they’ve ever done. The crack of the ice as you trek along its sheer length, with crampons on to walk along the glacier for slip-free travel, makes for a bucket list check-off.

1. Iguazu Falls

Producing the largest waterfall system and broken waterfall in the world, the Iguazu Falls are found on the border of Misiones and the Brazilian state of Parana.

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Iguazu Falls consists of a collection of waterfalls fed by the Iguazu River. Drawing in millions of visitors annually, the falls are a stunning natural attraction that inspires awe, whether seen in pictures, videos, or in person.

There are numerous boardwalks, bridges, and pathways presenting optimal scenic viewpoints of Iguazu Falls for visitors.

For an exhilarating adventure, book a jet boat tour over the rushing water of Iguazu Falls, into the Devil’s Throat, and through tiers of Iguazu Falls. Or, reserve a helicopter ride for a bird’s eye view of Iguazu Falls and Iguazu National Park for captivating perspectives of the natural wonder.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Argentina

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Reader interactions.

September 18, 2018 at 11:30 am

A very good list of things to do in Argentina. It really gave me a sneak peak of what all to see.

May 10, 2017 at 11:11 am

Such a wonderful country

October 24, 2016 at 11:26 am

Visited Argentina for a month, seen these places but I wouldn’t go there a second time because of the difficulty and the harassment you face in getting an Argentinian Visa from India. Would go to Chile (for the second time) for my Antarctica Tour.

August 4, 2014 at 5:18 pm

Oh dude, is really complex to decide which place is better than another.

There’s so many magical places i’ve known here traveling. Take a look for example at “La Cumbrecita” in Córdoba, it’s amazing.

Or “El cerro de 7 colores” in purmamarca, or the Salinas!

It’s hard, but i really love those places you said as well…

July 22, 2014 at 3:04 am

It’s difficult to “resume” the tourist attractions in Argentina. Like Roger and Corina said, Argentina has beautiful landscapes and incredible cultural practices in the northern provinces: in Jujuy there are colorful mountains in many places like Humahuaca or Purmamarca. Also, Córdoba and San Luis provinces are perfect for travelers.

March 4, 2014 at 8:07 pm

By joining the two previous comments, I would add a beautiful place in Argentina that was not named. I think it’s inevitable the valley of the moon.

February 27, 2014 at 10:04 pm

What is missing in both your listings about Argentina, is the whole region around the city of Salta. Be it for the beautiful canyons such as Quebrada de Cafayate or (especially!) The altiplano (highlands) towards the border with Chile, it’s a most spectacular region (check out the Ojos del Mar for example).

March 15, 2012 at 11:12 am

Very good list. I would personally add two places: The Pampa region in the province of Buenos Aires, a huge open country space where crop fields and cattle are the main but not sole landscape. Tourism here is best done by visiting and staying at the “estancias” -local countryhouses which can give a real taste of the country life there. And the Salta and Jujuy region in nothern Argentina. This is a place of colorful stone moutains and extremely picturesque little towns scattered over the landscape. A very beautiful region as well. Anyway, great selection of places!

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The value of a trip is not the time it lasts, but the intensity with which it occurs

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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12 Best Places to Visit in Argentina

Updated on: December 3, 2023

Argentina is a country that offers a combination of excitement, boldness, and intelligence. It captures attention through its vibrant cities, rich culture, and abundant natural beauty. Beyond its reputation for the tango, Argentina has much more to offer than meets the eye.

In the bustling streets of Buenos Aires, one can feel a captivating and cosmopolitan energy as they explore the numerous cafes and hangouts. Cordoba boasts beautiful Spanish architecture, while Mendoza is nestled deeply within the country’s renowned wine region.

When visiting Argentina, one can always find opportunities to immerse oneself in nature and encounter wildlife. The northern region, with its subtropical atmosphere, is home to the magnificent Iguazú Falls, surrounded by an area perfect for hiking and exploration.

12. Puerto Madryn

Puerto Madryn is a city located on the shores of Gulfo Nuevo and is mostly known as the entrance to Peninsula Valdes. It is a popular place to visit during summer because of its beautiful beaches, even though the water can be quite cold.

The city has seen significant growth in tourism lately and its population drastically increases during the summer months. One of the main attractions is whale watching, as the Southern Right Whale comes to the waters of Gulfo Nuevo to breed and give birth.

It is possible to see the whales from the mainland between July and September. Peninsula Valdes, which sticks out into the South Atlantic, is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land.

The peninsula is a breeding place for various intriguing marine animals like seals, penguins, orcas, and sea lions. It is also a great spot for bird enthusiasts, as there are over 180 bird species that have been observed there.

The only settlements on the peninsula are the small village of Puerto Piramides and a few ranches. In Puerto Piramides, there are two main roads with markets, souvenir shops, and good seafood restaurants. There are also a few bars for enjoying drinks, music, and socializing.

It’s important to note that Peninsula Valdes is privately owned, and visitors are not permitted to explore it on their own. All visits to the peninsula need to be arranged through tour operators in Puerto Madryn, who offer bus and boat tours.

11. El Chalten

El Chaltén is a small and charming town located in the Patagonian region of southern Argentina. It was originally established as an outpost in the late 70s.

The town has become famous for its incredible peaks, Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torres, making it a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, and trekking adventures. During the summer, the town gets crowded with tourists.

El Chaltén overlooks the northern part of Los Glaciares National Park and serves as the starting point for numerous hiking trails. The choice of trail depends on your personal preference.

Some popular options include the easy trek to Lago del Desierto, the beautiful sunrise spot at Laguna Capri, and the more challenging hikes to Laguna de los Tres or Laguna Torre.

After a day of hiking, many visitors head to the local brewery called La Cerveceria, which is a popular place to quench your thirst and relax.

10. Ibera Wetlands

The Ibera Wetlands is a protected area filled with marshy swamps, moss-covered bogs, and shallow lagoons. It is one of the largest wetlands globally, second only to the Pantanal in Brazil.

You can find these wetlands in the northeastern province of Corrientes, about 400 miles away from the capital city of Buenos Aires. Being far from popular tourist spots, the Ibera Wetlands have remained untouched and offer visitors the chance to witness breathtaking nature.

Argentina’s wetlands are famous for their diverse wildlife, including alligators, giant otters, capybaras, monkeys, and anacondas.

Moreover, there are over 350 bird species inhabiting the wetlands, including herons, eagles, magpies, and even the enormous great rheas, resembling ostriches.

Ushuaia, located in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province, is a popular starting point for Antarctic cruises. It is the largest city in the province and is situated in the Beagle Strait, making it one of the southernmost cities in the world.

This is why it is often referred to as the ‘End of the World’. Despite its remote location, Ushuaia has transformed into a sought-after resort town with modern casinos and luxurious hotels.

However, if you look deeper into its history, you’ll find that it served as an exile prison and an Argentinian naval base in the past. Nowadays, Ushuaia’s main tourist attractions are divided between the east and west.

To the west, you can find the End of the World Train and Tierra del Fuego National Park, while to the east, there are Fagnano Lake and various scenic hiking trails. If you visit the Beagle Channel, you can witness sea lions and penguins.

Additionally, there are plenty of interesting things to explore in the city center. Highlights include the Maritime and Old Prison Museum, where you can see prison cells with a haunting atmosphere, and hiking to the picturesque Martial Glacier for a panoramic view of the city.

Mendoza, located in the largest wine producing region of Latin America, is a popular tourist destination because of its wine and its close proximity to Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas.

In addition, Mendoza offers the opportunity to enjoy beautiful scenery and outdoor activities like hiking, horse riding, and river rafting.

The main square in Mendoza, called Independence Plaza, is the heart of the city and is surrounded by restaurants, shops, and illuminated buildings at night.

Mendoza’s unique irrigation system keeps the arid desert region well-watered, with natural waterways and bridges on both sides of the road.

Many wineries in the Mendoza region offer vineyard tours and wine tasting sessions, each with their own unique offerings such as private tastings with a sommelier or wine tasting by bike.

Throughout the year, there are wine events on the social calendar that often have walk-in tours, but if you visit during the harvesting season in March and April, it’s important to plan ahead as wineries are often fully booked weeks in advance.

7. Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a lively city with vibrant culture and charming European architecture. It is known for its lively neighborhoods, fantastic shopping, and exciting nightlife. The city is proud to be the birthplace of the captivating tango dance.

Located in Argentina, it is one of the largest cities in Latin America.Buenos Aires offers a variety of attractions for tourists, such as beautiful theater shows, trendy bars, and sophisticated art galleries.

The city is always bustling, with late-night dining and clubbing being the norm. If you want to experience everything Buenos Aires has to offer, be prepared for limited sleep.The city is divided into neighborhoods called barrios.

The Microcentro, where The Obelisco is located, is a popular district to visit. San Telmo is known for its flea markets, and La Boca is famous for its colorful architecture and tango street performances.

Buenos Aires is also rich in cultural experiences, with numerous museums, art galleries, and theaters.One of the highlights of visiting Buenos Aires is attending tango dances, which are regularly performed on the streets and in various venues.

Cordoba, located at the center of Argentina, is the country’s second largest city. It is called “La Docta” because it has many colleges and universities. The city is surrounded by three mountain ranges and is situated along the Primero River.

You can see a mix of beautiful old colonial buildings and modern ones in Cordoba. Don’t miss the 17th-century Jesuit churches when you visit.

Cordoba has a vibrant nightlife and hosts various events like cuarteto music and rally car racing because it is home to over 200,000 students.

To truly experience Cordoba, immerse yourself in its culture by visiting theaters, cultural complexes, and art bars that cater to different preferences.

5. Bariloche

Bariloche, a town located on the slopes of Cerro Otto in Argentina’s beautiful lake district, provides breathtaking views of the royal blue lake and avocado mountain slopes of Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi.

Despite having a small beach, the town’s real attraction lies in its popularity as a sports destination. Visitors flock to Bariloche for skiing, trekking, rock climbing, and water sports.

In winter, it resembles a Swiss ski resort with its Cerro Catedral ski resort and enticing options such as chocolate boutiques and breweries.

West of Bariloche, you can find stunning waterfalls and glaciers near Pampa Lenda, while the Seven Lakes Road to the north offers breathtaking vistas of lakes and mountains.

During summer, the lakes are ideal for fishing and the beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

4. Iguazu Falls

The Iguazu Falls is a very large and powerful waterfall located between Brazil and Argentina. It is made up of many smaller waterfalls. The tallest one, called Devil’s Throat, is almost twice as tall as Niagara Falls.

The surrounding forest is also very beautiful and full of different kinds of animals. The waterfall has its own national park called Parque Nacional Iguazú, which has a lot of unique plants and animals, including rainforests.

There are walking paths in the park and you can also take a boat ride near the falls. Besides the waterfall, there are also many interesting animals to see in the park, such as monkeys, anteaters, jaguars, and more than 2,000 types of plants.

3. Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata used to be a place where wealthy people from Argentina went to relax, but now it is a popular beach resort city. It is located on the Atlantic Coast in the Buenos Aires Province and attracts many tourists every year.

The city has sandy beaches and a vibrant culture. It can get very busy here on summer weekends, but outside of summer, it is more peaceful.

In Mar del Plata, you can see beautiful buildings with both historical and modern architecture, such as Spanish chalets, Victorian homes, high-rise hotels, and casinos.

There are also many restaurants to choose from, as well as an aquarium, zoo, golf courses, and a sports stadium. The main attraction in Mar del Plata is its sandy beaches. The most popular ones, like Bristol, La Perla, and Popular, are conveniently located near the city center.

There are also other great beaches like Playa Grande and Playa Mogotes. These beaches can get crowded between December and March, but they have restaurants, shops, bars, and many water sports and activities.

The Southern Beaches are especially popular among young people, who often gather there for live music and parties.

2. Quebrada de Humahuaca

The Quebrada de Humahuaca is a mountain valley in north-western Argentina that has a long history dating back thousands of years. It used to be an important trading route during the Inca Empire and had a convenient caravan road.

The valley is characterized by its dry climate, cacti, llamas, rugged mountains, and colorful sandstone hills. There are several small towns to explore, including the main town of Humahuaca with a population of over 10,000 people.

Other lesser-known mountain villages like Iruya and Purmamarca also offer unique experiences, such as a lovely market. The valley is surrounded by different types of hills and mountains, and the scenery is truly exceptional.

One must-visit spot is the Sierra de Siete Colores, known for its hills with rainbow colors. In addition to its natural beauty, the Quebrada de Humahuaca valley has historical significance as it witnessed many battles during the Argentine War of Independence.

For history enthusiasts, the Tilcara fortress, an ancient Incan site, has been restored and is worth exploring.

1. Los Glaciares

Los Glaciares National Park, also known as Glaciers National Park, is the second-largest park in Argentina and has one of the largest ice fields in the world.

There are many boardwalks and boat rides that allow visitors to get close views of the beautiful ice bergs in various colors and shapes.

The glaciers in the park constantly advance and retreat, creating a mesmerizing display of cracking ice and loud booms as huge blocks break away and fall into the lakes with enormous splashes.

In the southern part of the park, you can find the glaciers, while the northern section offers breathtaking mountains like Mount Fitz Roy, perfect for hiking and mountain climbing.

However, the most famous feature of Glaciers National Park is the Perito Moreno Glacier, which attracts adventurers who enjoy trekking and rock climbing.

The glacier’s continuous movement causes massive sheets of ice to dramatically plunge into the water below, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight.

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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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