12 Best Places to Visit in Argentina, with its vibrant cities, rich culture, and breathtaking natural wonders, is a captivating destination that never fails to impress. Beyond its reputation as the birthplace of the tango, Argentina offers so much more. In the bustling streets of Buenos Aires, a cosmopolitan atmosphere permeates the air, emanating from the charming cafes and lively hangouts. Cordoba showcases its Spanish architecture, while Mendoza beckons visitors to explore its renowned wine region.
When exploring Argentina, one is never too far from encountering its diverse wildlife and stunning natural attractions. The subtropical north of the country is home to the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls, surrounded by picturesque hiking trails that promise unforgettable adventures.
Discover the wonders of the Patagonia region by embarking on a journey to the Los Glaciares National Park, where you can witness the beauty of penguins and majestic glaciers. Don’t miss the chance to catch a glimpse of Southern Right Whales by visiting the Golfo Nuevo. Let our list of the top destinations in Argentina guide you in planning your trip to this enchanting and diverse travel spot.
Ibera Wetlands is one of the 12 Best Places to Visit in Argentina
The Ibera Wetlands, situated in the northeastern province of Corrientes, are a protected natural reserve renowned for their marshy swamps, moss-covered bogs, and shallow lagoons. Remarkably, they rank among the largest wetlands globally, second only in size to the Pantanal in Brazil.
Located approximately 400 miles away from the capital city of Buenos Aires, the Ibera Wetlands have managed to preserve their pristine state due to their remote location, remaining largely unaffected by the influx of mass tourism. This unique characteristic offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of nature.
For those seeking an encounter with exotic wildlife, the wetlands of Ibera are an absolute must-visit destination in Argentina. Alligators, giant otters, capybaras, monkeys, and anacondas can be spotted throughout the wetlands, adding to the sense of adventure and discovery. Moreover, the wetlands provide a habitat for more than 350 diverse bird species, including herons, eagles, magpies, and the magnificent great rheas, which resemble giant ostriches.
Cordoba
Cordoba, the second largest city in Argentina, is located at the geographical center of the country. Known as La Docta (the Learned), Cordoba is renowned for its numerous colleges and universities, making it a hub of education and knowledge.
Situated amidst three mountain ranges and along the banks of the Primero River, Cordoba showcases a captivating blend of old colonial architecture and contemporary buildings. Its 17th-century Jesuit churches are a must-see attraction, reflecting the city’s rich history.
With over 200,000 students calling Cordoba home, the city offers a vibrant nightlife scene and a bustling social calendar filled with cuarteto music and rally car racing events.
To truly immerse yourself in the essence of Cordoba, exploring its cultural offerings is highly recommended. The city boasts a variety of theaters, cultural complexes, and art bars, allowing you to choose an experience that resonates with your interests.
Puerto Madryn
Situated along the shores of Gulfo Nuevo, Puerto Madryn is renowned for being the main access point to Peninsula Valdes. In addition to its stunning beaches, the city attracts numerous visitors during the summer season, despite the chilly water temperatures. The surge in tourism has led to significant development in Madryn, with the town’s population expanding exponentially during the summer months. One of the main attractions is the opportunity to embark on Whale Watching tours, as the Southern Right Whale utilizes the waters of Gulfo Nuevo for breeding and calving. From July to September, these magnificent creatures can be observed from the mainland due to their close proximity.
Peninsula Valdes, a mushroom-shaped landmass extending into the South Atlantic, is linked to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. This headland is a breeding ground for a diverse range of captivating marine mammals, including seals, penguins, orcas, and sea lions. With over 180 bird species recorded here, bird watchers will find this place a paradise. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for the migratory Snowy Sheathbill, Patagonian Canastero, Rusty-backed Monjita, and many more.
The only settlements on the peninsula are the small village of Puerto Piramides and a few ranches. The village has two main roads, which offer a market, souvenir shops, and several excellent restaurants serving fresh seafood. There are also a few bars where you can enjoy drinks, music, and socializing.
It’s important to note that Peninsula Valdes is privately owned, and visitors are not allowed to explore on their own. All visits to the peninsula should be arranged with tour operators from the nearby city of Puerto Madryn. These operations include bus and boat tours.
Bariloche
Bariloche, also known as San Carlos de Bariloche, is situated on the slopes of Cerro Otto in Argentina’s captivating lake district. With its breathtaking views of the Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, featuring the stunning royal blue lake and lush avocado mountain slopes, Bariloche offers an enchanting setting.
While the town boasts a small beach of its own, it is not the main attraction. Instead, Bariloche is renowned as one of the top sporting destinations in the country. Tourists flock to this lakeside town to indulge in thrilling activities such as skiing, trekking, rock climbing, and various water sports. Its prime location along the lake’s shores adds to the allure of this remarkable destination.
In the winter season, San Carlos de Bariloche transforms into a picturesque Swiss ski resort, attracting skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts with its Cerro Catedral ski resort. The town also boasts of Argentinian chocolate boutiques and breweries, perfect for those looking to escape the cold. To the west of Bariloche, Pampa Lenda is home to stunning waterfalls and glaciers, while the Seven Lakes Road north of the city offers breathtaking views of the lakes and mountains. During the summer, the lakes are ideal for fishing, and the beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Ushuaia
Ushuaia, situated in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province, serves as a renowned starting point for Antarctica cruises. Nestled in the Beagle Strait, it holds the distinction of being one of the southernmost cities in the world, hence earning the moniker ‘End of the World’.
Despite its remote location, Ushuaia has transformed into a sought-after resort town. Its contemporary casinos and upscale hotels belie the city’s somber past, which involved serving as a prison for exiles and an Argentine naval base.
The city’s top tourist spots are divided into two sections: the End of the World Train and Tierra del Fuego National Park are located in the west, while Fagnano Lake and numerous picturesque hiking trails can be found in the east. A trip to the Beagle Channel provides an opportunity to see sea lions and penguins. Additionally, there are many attractions to explore in the city center, such as the Maritime and Old Prison Museum, which features haunting prison cells, and a hike to the stunningly snow-covered Martial Glacier for a panoramic view of the city.
Mendoza
Situated in the largest wine producing region of Latin America, Mendoza is a renowned tourist spot that captivates visitors not only with its exquisite wines but also with its close proximity to Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas. Moreover, Mendoza provides an opportunity to explore breathtaking landscapes and engage in thrilling outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, and river rafting, among others.
At the center of Mendoza lies its focal point, Independence Plaza, encompassed by charming restaurants, shops, and illuminated architectural marvels that come alive at night.
Mendoza’s exceptional wine-making reputation is attributed to its unique characteristics. Despite being a predominantly arid desert area, Mendoza benefits from an intriguing irrigation system that effectively keeps the region well-hydrated. Along the roads, you will come across these natural waterways, accompanied by bridges for both pedestrians and vehicles.
Numerous bodegas (wineries) in the Mendoza region offer regular vineyard tours and wine tasting experiences. Each winery provides its own distinct offerings for visitors to indulge in, ranging from exclusive tastings guided by the estate’s sommelier to wine tasting adventures on bicycles.
Regardless of the time of year you choose to visit, there are likely to be wine-related events on the social calendar. Many of these events offer walk-in tours, eliminating the need for advance bookings. However, if you plan to visit Mendoza during the harvesting season in March and April, it is important to note that wineries are often fully booked weeks in advance. Therefore, it is advisable to plan your visit accordingly.
El Chalten
© Paop / Dreamstime
El Chaltén, a charming frontier town, was originally established as a remote outpost in the late 1970s in the southern region of Patagonia, Argentina. Despite its small size, this picturesque village has gained recognition for its proximity to Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torres, two of Patagonia’s most remarkable peaks, making it a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, and trekking enthusiasts. During the summer months, the town becomes bustling with tourists who come to explore the numerous hiking trails that begin in El Chaltén and overlook the northern part of Los Glaciares National Park. The choice of trail depends on individual preferences and interests.
Well-known hiking routes encompass the relatively effortless journey to the secluded Lago del Desierto, the picturesque sunrise viewpoint at Laguna Capri, and the lengthier, more demanding hike to either Laguna de los Tres or Laguna Torre. Following a day spent traversing these trails, the local brewery, La Cerveceria, in the village becomes the ultimate destination for refreshing beverages to quench your thirst after a rewarding hike.
Los Glaciares[SEE MAP]
Los Glaciares National Park, a stunning natural wonder in Argentina, is the second-largest park in the country and boasts one of the most accessible ice fields in the world. Visitors can explore the park through a network of boardwalks and boat rides, allowing them to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the glaciers up close. These glaciers, constantly advancing and retreating, provide a mesmerizing spectacle of cracking ice and thunderous booms as massive blocks break away and plunge into the lakes with tremendous splashes. While the southern section of the park is home to these magnificent glaciers, the northern section offers the majestic Mount Fitz Roy, a paradise for hikers and mountain climbers.
Amidst the captivating scenery of turquoise lakes and lush forested slopes, Glaciers National Park is renowned for the Perito Moreno Glacier. This glacier attracts adventure enthusiasts from all corners of the globe, as its continuous movement causes massive sheets of ice to dramatically plunge into the waters below. Witnessing this breathtaking sight is truly an unforgettable experience.
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is a city that exudes energy and allure, with its vibrant European-style buildings and lively neighborhoods. It’s no surprise that this city is the birthplace of the captivating tango dance. As the capital of Argentina and one of the largest cities in Latin America, Buenos Aires offers a plethora of attractions for tourists. From theatrical performances and trendy bars to chic art galleries and a thrilling nightlife, there’s something for everyone. The city’s French and Italian-inspired architecture adds to its charm. However, be prepared to stay up late as everything happens late here, from dinner to late-night clubbing. A trip to Buenos Aires is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
The city of Buenos Aires is a bustling metropolis made up of various barrios or districts. Among the most frequented barrios are Microcentro, home to the iconic Obelisco, San Telmo, known for its lively flea markets, and La Boca, famous for its colorful architecture and tango performances. The city is also rich in cultural offerings, with numerous museums, art galleries, and theaters. Attending tango dances is a must-do activity in Buenos Aires, with performances taking place in various locations throughout the city.
Iguazu Falls
The Iguazu Falls, also known as ‘Big Water’, are an immense and forceful waterfall that ranks among the largest in the world. Spanning across the border of Brazil and Argentina, these colossal waterfalls consist of numerous cascades.
What’s fascinating is that the tallest waterfall, named Devil’s Throat, stands at nearly twice the height of Niagara Falls! The falls alone are a mesmerizing sight, but their magnificence is further amplified by the lush forest that envelops them, teeming with exotic wildlife.
The national park where the waterfall is situated, Parque Nacional Iguazú, boasts of a diverse range of flora and fauna, including some of the last remaining Atlantic rainforests on the planet. Visitors can explore the park through its numerous walkways or opt for a boat ride that takes them close enough to the falls to experience the spray. Apart from the magnificent Iguazu Falls, the park is also home to a fascinating variety of wildlife, such as howler monkeys, giant anteaters, jaguars, ocelots, caymans, and over 2,000 species of plants, making it an ideal destination for a jungle safari.
Mar del Plata
Mar del Plata, situated on the Atlantic Coast in the Buenos Aires Province, has transformed from a retreat for Argentina’s aristocracy into the nation’s premier beach resort city. With its sandy beaches and vibrant culture, Mar del Plata entices millions of tourists annually. While the city can become quite crowded during summer weekends, it adopts a more tranquil ambiance outside of the peak tourist season.
Mar del Plata boasts a captivating blend of historic and contemporary architecture, featuring charming Spanish chalets, Victorian homes, towering hotels, and bustling casinos. Alongside its diverse culinary scene, the city offers attractions such as an aquarium, zoo, five golf courses, and a prominent sports stadium.
Mar del Plata’s sandy beaches are undoubtedly the primary draw for visitors. Among the most sought-after beaches are Bristol, La Perla, and Popular, conveniently situated near the city center. Playa Grande and Playa Mogotes are also highly favored options.
While these beaches can get quite crowded during the summer months from December to March, they provide a plethora of amenities such as restaurants, shops, bars, and a wide range of water sports and activities. The Southern Beaches, in particular, are popular among the younger crowd, who often gather there for live music and parties.
Quebrada de Humahuaca
The Quebrada de Humahuaca, a mountain valley located in the Jujuy province of north-western Argentina, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It was once a significant part of an ancient trading route during the Inca Empire, thanks to its convenient caravan road. Despite being underrated, the valley boasts stunning landscapes, including cacti, lamas, rugged mountains, and colorful sandstone escarpments. The valley is also home to authentic little towns like Humahuaca, which has a population of just over 10,000, and smaller mountain villages like Iruya and Purmamarca, where visitors can enjoy a lovely market.
The Quebrada boasts an exceptional mountain scenery, surrounded by the Sub-Andean hills to the east, the Altiplano to the west, and the Valles Templados in the south. The Sierra de Siete Colores, with its unforgettable rainbow-colored hills, is a must-see for any nature lover. For history enthusiasts, the Quebrada de Humahuaca valley was the site of many bloody battles during the Argentine War of Independence. Additionally, the historical fortress in Tilcara, an ancient Incan site that has been restored to its former glory, is definitely worth a visit.
