7 Best Places to Visit in Argentina: The Ultimate Guide
Argentina Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit in Argentina
Are you looking for the best places to visit in Argentina? You’ve come to the right place, as they’re all listed here!
How do I know these are the best? In 2022 and 2023 I spent several months exploring Argentina and its neighbouring countries. I travelled through Argentina’s northern and southern regions, visiting some of the country’s most popular destinations.
Although, as such a big country, it was impossible to see it all. So, to fill in the gaps, I reached out to my fellow travel blogger, Kim Gervais from Explore Your Bucket List, who has also travelled Argentina extensively.
Together, Kim and I have been able to put together this guide of the best places to visit in Argentina. We’ve covered all the top destinations from north to south, including natural wonders, adventure destinations and bustling cities. So, read on to find out where you should travel to next in Argentina!
Travel in Argentina Overview
Argentina is a destination with so much to offer. As the second largest country in South America, with Chile as its largest border, it covers a significant amount of distance between the northern and southern regions. This means that the landscape, the geography, the culture and even the temperatures vary greatly.
But this is also what provides a variety of places to see and experience that are all quite different from each other. And that’s what makes this country so exciting!
From the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the serene beauty of Patagonia, Argentina has destinations to suit every type of traveller. In the north, you can experience a tropical climate with lush rainforests and the world’s largest system of waterfalls, Iguazu Falls. Meanwhile, the Mendoza wine region is the perfect place to relax with some of the world’s best Malbec amidst picturesque vineyards.
And further south the dramatic landscapes of Tierra del Fuego and Los Glaciares National Park beckon hikers, adventurers and nature lovers. In fact, across the entire country there are pristine landscapes, unique landmarks, and a rich history and culture to explore.
But with so much to see, it can be difficult to narrow down where exactly to go, which is why we’ve put together this guide on the best places to visit in Argentina.
Travel in Argentina Highlights
- Vibrant, energetic cities like Buenos Aires are filled with cultural events, beautiful architecture, fantastic nightlife and fabulous food.
- The country’s diverse geography includes forests, wetlands, deserts, mountains, ice fields, grasslands, beaches, lakes, salt flats, and more!
- The world-renowned Mendoza wine region produces robust and flavourful wines at the foot of the Andes mountains.
- Experience stunning landscapes, amazing hikes, and a variety of other outdoor adventures in Argentinian Patagonia and the Lake District.
- The city of Ushuaia is located at the end of the world, with historical significance and easy access to gorgeous National Parks.
- Spot fascinating wildlife throughout the country such as large penguin colonies, seals, whales, guanacos, capybaras, and the huge Andean Condor.
Best Places to Visit in Argentina
From natural wonders in the north to huge mountain ranges in the south, and everything in-between, here are the best places to visit in Argentina.
1. Buenos Aires
A bustling city with many fascinating neighbourhoods Buenos Aires is the country’s epicentre for food, nightlife, history and culture. As such, it has something for everyone!
Just wandering the streets of this beautiful city is a delight in itself.
The wide streets with expansive boulevards and open spaces will remind you of a major European capital. And it’s no wonder that the gardens and green spaces were originally designed by a French landscape designer.
Not only do the tree-lined streets add to the beauty of the city, but the green canopies also provide much appreciated shade during the hot summer summers. And you’ll often see locals making good use of the gardens to keep cool and enjoy plenty of time outside.
Historic Landmarks and Attractions
Buenos Aires is full of historic buildings and landmarks. You can even take guided tours of historic buildings like the Teatro Colon, which is one of the best opera houses in the world, and the Palacio Barolo – a palace built in the theme of Dante’s Inferno. Or, just gaze up in wonder at the impressive Obelisk that sits in the centre of one of the widest streets in the world. There is something interesting to see around every corner of the city.
Argentina’s beloved late first lady, Eva Peron, is very prevalent throughout the city. There is a museum in her memory that details her accomplishments in her short life, large murals on buildings that showcase her profile, the Pink Palace where she gave her final speech, and of course her burial plot within the famous Recoleta Cemetery.
The cemetery houses Eva’s family tomb along with many other important figures in Argentine history. With more than 10,000 people lay at rest here, it’s a fascinating place to visit. The large, elaborate tombs expand two levels down with many generations buried together.
This is a must-see site when visiting Buenos Aires. And, taking a tour of the cemetery is a wonderful way to learn more about Argentina’s history and hear the legends and stories of the city’s most notable residents.
Colourful Neighbourhoods
No visit to Buenos Aires is complete without a tour of La Boca. This historic neighbourhood is a former shipyard where European immigrants first landed in Argentina. Now, it’s famous for its colourful houses, the Caminito walkway, and for being the birthplace of tango!
The neighbourhood is also very passionate about football, with the huge yellow and blue La Bombonera stadium (home of La Boca Juniors football team) towering above the houses.
La Boca is a must-visit neighbourhood in Buenos Aires for art, music and football. It also has plenty of great souvenir shops and restaurants. Although, this is one of the city’s less-safe areas, so is a neighbourhood you want to avoid at night. And, during the day it’s best to stick to the tourist areas, or visit the neighbourhood as part of a tour.
BOOK: Immersive Buenos Aires City Tour (La Boca, San Telmo, Recoleta Cemetery & More!)
Shopping
There are many places to shop in Buenos Aires including upscale shopping centres like Galerias Pacífico Shopping Mall, and various covered and outdoor markets.
In particular, the San Telmo neighbourhood is home to the city’s best indoor market (the Mercado de San Telmo), where you can buy everything from fresh food, coffee and spices to antiques, crafts, toys and more.
And, on Sunday’s, the neighbourhood hosts it’s famous Feira de San Telmo (San Telmo Street Fair), which stretches for 13 blocks! This is a great place for souvenir shopping, to see live street performances, and to take in the vibe of the city.
Food and Entertainment
Most importantly, Buenos Aires is one of the best places to visit in Argentina for food and drink. The city has endless fantastic restaurants where you can indulge in local specialties like empanadas, dulce de leche, and of course Argentinian wine and beef!
And, at least once while in Buenos Aires you have to try asado – traditional Argentinian BBQ cooked over a parilla (an open fire grill). The star of the show in asado is of course beef, but lamb, pork and chicken will often also make an appearance.
Some of the best steakhouses in Buenos Aires include La Cabrera, Don Julio, and La Carniceria. And, after your meal, there’s no shortage of great spots to go for drinks and dancing in Buenos Aires, including hidden speakeasies, nightclubs and Tango bars.
Overall, Buenos Aires truly is an amazing city and should be included on every Argentinian itinerary.
2. Iguazu Falls
Located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls is a true bucket list destination. Not only is it one of the best places to visit in Argentina, but it’s also one of the most beautiful places in the world.
This spectacular waterfall system consists of 275 individual falls, spread out over nearly 3 kilometres (1.8 miles) along the Iguazu River, making it one of the largest and most impressive waterfalls on the planet. In fact, it’s the biggest system of waterfalls on earth!
While Iguazu Falls is shared with Brazil, around 80% of the waterfalls are actually on the Argentinian side, so this is where you will get the best views from. However, we would highly recommend spending 2 to 3 days at Iguazu Falls, so you can visit both sides, for the complete Iguazu experience.
Iguazu National Park
On the Argentine side, Iguazu Falls is part of Iguazu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The park has several trails and walkways with different vantage points to admire the different waterfalls from. The most famous of these is the trail which takes you to the top of the Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo) – the largest and most impressive of Iguazu’s waterfalls. The trail gets you as close as possible to the roaring water, so you can experience its incredible force and feel the mist as it rises from below.
And it’s not just the stunning waterfalls which you can expect to see along the various trails. You’ll get to wander through lush rainforest with dramatic clifftop views and spot various species of birds (including the occasional toucan!), fish, monkeys, and some overly confident coatis. Although always remember to keep a safe distance from wildlife, and never feed the animals!
Fortunately, the trails are mostly paved flat walkways and boardwalks. So they’re accessible to most travellers. And to get around more easily, the park also has an Ecological Train which goes to the entrance of the three main trails.
Boat Tour & Adventure
One of the best things to do at Iguazu Falls is to take a boat tour. This thrilling ride takes you speeding down the the Iguazu River and crashing over rapids, to see the cascading falls from a completely different vantage point.
Although, you should expect to get completely drenched. Not only does the boat get you close to the falls, it actually takes you underneath some of them! So we highly recommend wearing a swimsuit, or bringing a change of clothes.
It’s also worth noting that there are a lot of stairs you’ll be required to take to get down to the boats. So this tour isn’t the best option for those with mobility issues.
And if this isn’t enough excitement for you, another exhilarating adventure to do on the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls is ziplining and rappelling!
Iguazu Falls Brazil
If you have the time to head over to the Brazil side of Iguazu Falls you’ll be treated to some completely different views and experiences.
The Brazilian side only really has one trail and lookout. But it’s a spectacular one, as you get to to see a full panoramic view of the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls!
On top of this there are some great activities you can do on the Brazil side. In particular, you can take a helicopter ride over the falls, for the most spectacular views from above. And there’s a really cool bird park – Parque das Aves – which is home to 130 different species of birds and is definitely worth visiting.
Plus, the Brazil side also offers a boat tour. It’s very similar to the boat tour available on the Argentinian side, but is actually more accessible, as it doesn’t have many stairs to tackle. Instead you get to travel down to the boats on a funicular, which adds to the fun.
Fortunately, crossing into Brazil doesn’t take very long, so most visitors will just head over the border for a day trip. The best way to do this is by taking a day tour from Puerto Iguazu (Argentina) to Iguazu Falls Brazil. Although if you require a visa to travel to Brazil, make sure you already have this before attempting to cross the border.
Visiting Iguazu Falls truly is a once in a lifetime experience. So it’s no surprise that it’s one of the best places to visit in both Argentina and Brazil!
3. Mendoza
Nestled in the foothills of the Andes, Mendoza is South America’s premier wine region. Known for its robust and flavourful Malbec wine, Mendoza has around 150,000 hectares of vineyards!
But this isn’t the only reason Mendoza is one of the best places to visit in Argentina. Thanks to its vast natural landscapes and stunning mountain backdrop, Mendoza is also a fantastic destination for outdoor activities, making it an incredible destination for both relaxation and adventure.
Mendoza Wine Region
Mendoza is synonymous with wine, and a visit to this region wouldn’t be complete without touring its vineyards and wineries. The area boasts over more than a thousand wineries, ranging from small, family-run bodegas to large, internationally recognized estates.
For wine lovers, taking a wine tour is the best way to experience Mendoza’s wine region. Not only will you get to visit local wineries, but you’ll also learn about the winemaking process, stroll through picturesque vineyards, and, of course, sample some of Argentina’s best wines. And, some winery experiences even include lunch, so you can sample farm fresh food and enjoy the perfect wine pairings with your meal.
Some of the most renowned wineries we recommend visiting in Mendoza include Catena Zapata – Argentina’s oldest family-owned winery, Bodega Tierras Altas – one of the region’s first boutique wineries, and Bodega Renacer for a beautiful mix of modern and classic Tuscan-style architecture.
Outdoor Activities & Attractions
Mendoza’s stunning natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for a variety of outdoor activities. The Andes Mountains offer excellent opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. And for adventure seekers, there’s even ziplining and rappelling!
Plus, Mendoza is also a gateway to Aconcagua – the highest peak in the Americas, attracting climbers from around the world.
The Aconcagua Provincial Park is also one of the most beautiful places to go hiking in Argentina. Although you probably won’t be summiting Aconcagua without a lot of preparation, training and experience, you can still explore a lot of the park on foot in the summer. And one of the best ways to do so is by taking a guided hiking tour, which will ensure you get to see the park’s main highlights.
Another key attraction near the park which is worth a visit is the Puente del Inca (Inca Bridge). Although this isn’t actually a bridge built by the Incas. Instead it was naturally carved in the stone by melting glaciers. Fortunately, a stop here will usually be included in a day tour to Aconcagua Provincial Park.
There are also several water activities you can do in Mendoza. The Mendoza River has some thrilling rapids, ideal for white-water rafting and kayaking. And, the nearby Potrerillos Dam is a scenic reservoir where you can go sailing, fishing, and windsurfing.
Finally, for those looking to unwind, the Cacheuta Thermal Spa is a must-visit. The spa has a unique grotto sauna, as well as outdoor and indoor natural thermal pools to relax in, all while taking in the breathtaking mountain views.
Mendoza City
The beautiful vineyards and mountain ranges around Mendoza aren’t the only things worth experiencing here. There’s actually also a lot to do in the city itself.
Mendoza city is a vibrant hub of activity, with tree-lined streets, plazas, and outdoor cafes.
The central Plaza Independencia is a great starting point, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. It also has a beautiful central water fountain which puts on an entertaining light and sound show in the evenings throughout the summer.
The Parque General San Martín is another great place to explore in Mendoza. This 865-acre green space is even bigger than New York’s Central Park!
The park features elaborate Turkish entrance gates, 17 kilometres (11 miles) of pathways, a beautiful rose garden, a golf course and a soccer stadium. Plus, you can go boating, cycling, horseback riding, and even hang gliding here. So, even if you don’t have a chance to explore much of the surrounding region during your visit, you can still get your outdoor adventure fix, right in the heart of the city.
And, if you haven’t yet had your wine fix, Mendoza also has a wine museum! The Museo Nacional del Vino will give you a more traditional look into the world of winemaking, and how it has evolved to be what it is today.
Finally, in addition to its world-class wine, Mendoza is also a fantastic city for food. The region’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its Italian and Spanish heritage, so you’ll find everything from empanadas and grilled meats to fresh pastas. The city even has several Michelin star restaurants!
Or, for more informal food choices, check out the bustling Mercado Central, which is the perfect place to sample local produce and delicacies.
4. Ushuaia
Located in the far southern region of Argentina is the small city of Ushuaia.
Ushuaia sits at the very tip of Argentina and is the world’s most southernmost city. While it is not a big place, it does have some interesting things to see in and around the area, and is considered the gateway to the end of the world.
Tierra del Fuego National Park
Located on the outskirts of town, the Tierra del Fuego National Park is an incredible place spanning 68,000 hectares on the island of Tierra del Fuego. This protected area has some of the most spectacular scenery you will see in Argentina. With its mountains, lakes, flora, fauna and wildlife, this is a paradise for those who love nature.
Tours can be taken to venture into the park and visit the End of the World Lighthouse where you can send a postcard home or receive a special passport stamp to commemorate your visit. You can also visit the Lapataia Bay which is noted as the end of the Pan American Highway. The beginning is more than 17,000 kms away in Alaska!
The park is a wonderful place for hiking, canoeing, kayaking and generally enjoying the unspoiled beauty of the surroundings.
Explore the City
Ushuaia is also the jumping off point for the ships heading out to Antarctica and larger ships cruising around South America and Cape Horn. This means that this little city has grown to support the local tourists arriving for overnights and also on day trips during the cruising season.
The city has a cute little shopping street where you can purchase souvenirs, as well as some great restaurants serving King Crab – fresh from the local area. Be sure to try this as it is some of the best crab in the world.
Boat Tours
You can also take a boat trip out into the Beagle Channel to see the End of the World Lighthouse and colonies of sea lions and cormorants. From here you’ll get spectacular views of the snow peaked mountains surrounding the area.
Additionally, there are boat tours to Martillo Island to observe the Magellanic and Gentoo penguin colonies. Some offer viewings from the water while others (limited in numbers) allow you to set foot upon the island for an up close and personal visit. This is a very popular excursion while in the area and is something we highly recommend doing!
Prison Museum
And if you have extra time, be sure to stop by and see the Prison Museum. The site is the original prison that has been turned into several different museums.
Here, you can learn about prison history and the area’s maritime history and location (which includes the Drake Passage – the deadliest body of water in the world), as well as gaining interesting insights into the first Antarctic expeditions. This place is packed full of fascinating information.
5. Los Glaciares National Park
Los Glaciares National Park is one of the most breathtaking destinations in South America. So it’s no surprise that it’s also one of the best places to visit in Argentina.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is located in the Santa Cruz Province of Argentine Patagonia. The park spans over 7,200 square kilometres (2,780 mi2) and has some of the biggest glaciers and most spectacular landscapes in the world, as well as the two largest lakes in Argentina: Lago Argentino and Lago Viedma.
It also boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna. Thanks to its varied ecosystem – from the Patagonian steppes to the lush Magellanic subpolar forests, species such as guanacos, Andean condors, and the elusive puma call the park home.
Perito Moreno Glacier
The star attraction of Los Glaciares National Park is undoubtedly the Perito Moreno Glacier. This massive glacier stretches for over 250 square kilometres (97 mi2) and is one of the few glaciers in the world that is still advancing.
One of the great things about visiting Perito Moreno Glacier is that you don’t have to hike for days to get to it. It’s actually really accessible!
Located just a 1.5 hour drive from the town of El Calafate, you can reach the glacier by taking a tour or driving yourself. And once you get there, you can stroll through a network of viewing platforms and walkways, for close-up views from different vantage points.
It’s actually a really humbling experience to witness this 60-metre high wall of ice so close, especially if you’re lucky enough to see a huge block of ice collapse into the water below.
And for an even closer and more unique experience, you can actually explore the surface of the ice by taking a guided ice trekking tour!
El Chaltén
El Chaltén is known as the trekking capital of Argentina and serves as the gateway to the northern section of Los Glaciares National Park.
This small mountain town is the starting point for many of the park’s best trails, including those leading to the iconic Mount Fitz Roy (also known as Cerro Chaltén).
The Fitz Roy Mountain Range is famous for its otherworldly landscape, dramatic glacial peaks and bright blue lagoons. And you might recognize it as the mountain range featured on the Patagonia clothing brand logo!
The most popular day hikes to do from El Chaltén include Laguna de los Tres, which gets you close-up views of Mount Fitz Roy; Cerro Torre, which takes you to Laguna Torre – a small glacial lake with icebergs; and Loma del Pliegue Tumbado, for panoramic views of the whole mountain range.
But one of my favourite hikes from El Chaltén was actually the Huemul Circuit. This 67 kilometre (42 mile) multi-day hike takes you through picturesque valleys, over intense mountain passes, and past sprawling glaciers. Although the highlight of the hike is the final campsite which is located on the shore of a small bay full of glistening icebergs, where you can take the ultimate cold plunge!
While you can do these hikes on your own, you should only do so if you’re an experienced hiker, have done your research and have familiarized yourself with the area. Otherwise, it’s best to take a tour or hire a guide to help you navigate the terrain safely and get the most out of your hike.
And after a long day of hiking, El Chaltén is a really warm and welcoming town to return to, with plenty of cozy restaurants, lively bars and breweries where you can refuel and recharge.
6. The Valdes Peninsula
Heading over to the northeast of Argentina, you’ll find another UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Valdes Peninsula nature reserve.
The Valdes Peninsula is easily accessed via Puerto Madryn and is one of the best places to visit in Argentina for wildlife tours.
This immense area stretches for more than 4,000 square kilometres (1,544 mi2) of land and 3,500 square kilometres (1,351 mi2) of water. It’s made up of various landscapes which provides the perfect environment for many types of birds and animals and sea creatures. And, being privately owned, it’s in a unique location where ranchers and scientists work together on the preservation of species.
Whales
Starting with the marine life – the Southern Right Whale can be seen in this area. It prefers to use the protected area of the Peninsula for breeding purposes, making it the perfect place to sight these wonderful animals.
Sea Lions and Seals
Along specific areas of the Peninsula are also colonies of sea lions and elephant seals. They can be spotted lying along the beaches and frolicking at the water’s edge. The sea lions breed during the winter months of December to February so the families will be seen together during this time.
Magellanic Penguins
But perhaps one of the most impressive things to see on the Valdes Peninsula is the large Magellanic penguin colony located in the Estancia San Lorenzo Nature Reserve. It is thought that there are close to 1 million birds within this area!
This nature reserve is a completely natural environment with pathways running down to the ocean. So it’s possible to walk in and amongst the penguins that are literally everywhere. Of course, the penguins always have the right of way, but this is an amazing way to observe the life of these fascinating birds in a very intimate way.
It’s even more special if you can visit during the breeding season, especially in January and February. This is when the chicks hatch, so you’ll get to see babies in all different sizes, which are extra cute and fuzzy when they’re first born.
On a penguin cruise and shore excursion, it’s also interesting to learn more about the colony and their habits.
One fun fact is that the parent penguins share the responsibility of feeding their young. One penguin always stays with the baby and the other goes in search of food. You’ll also get to see penguins working their way down to the water to capture anchovies and squid and slowly bringing it back to the nests.
Seeing the colony of Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat is a true highlight of the area and one of our favourite activities in Argentina!
7. Bariloche
Located in the heart of Argentina’s lake district in the Rio Negro province, Bariloche is a charming mountain city known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities, and Swiss-like alpine architecture.
Officially known as San Carlos de Bariloche, this city offers something for every traveler, making it one of the best places to visit in Argentina.
It’s considered Argentina’s adventure capital, with fantastic hiking, water sports and skiing. But it’s also a great place to relax and indulge, thanks to its stunning scenery and beaches, excellent food (in particular chocolate), and local beer.
Nahuel Huapi National Park
Bariloche is situated on the shores of the beautiful Nahuel Huapi Lake which provides a beautiful backdrop for the city. The lake’s crystal-clear waters are perfect for water activities, including kayaking, sailing, and fishing.
And surrounding the lake are the towering peaks of the Andes, which makes Bariloche a hiker’s paradise, with endless trails right on your doorstep. The Nahuel Huapi National Park, which encompasses the lake and surrounding areas, has a huge variety of day hikes and multi-day trails that wind through lush forests, alongside waterfalls, and up to panoramic viewpoints.
Some of the most popular hikes include the trek to Refugio Frey and the challenging ascent of Cerro López.
There are also plenty of other activities you can do in the park, including mountain biking, climbing, kayaking, windsurfing, fishing, or simply just enjoying the lake’s sandy beaches.
Cerro Catedral
Bariloche is equally as popular in winter as it is in summer. One of the main attractions here is Cerro Catedral, one of South America’s premier ski resorts. With over 120 kilometres (75 miles) of runs, it caters to both beginners and experienced skiers.
And, just like the rest of the park, in summer Cerro Catedral also transforms into a popular spot for hiking and mountain biking, with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
The Bariloche Town
Although technically a city, Bariloche feels much more like a European mountain town, thanks to its Swiss, German and Austrian influence which is evident through its architecture and cultural events.
The city’s Alpine-style buildings, complete with wooden chalets and colourful flower boxes, create a charming and cozy atmosphere. And, in the colder months, the town turns into a winter wonderland. It even hosts the National Snow Festival every year, celebrating winter sports and culture with parades, music, and fireworks.
The food scene in Bariloche also reflects its alpine influence, with many restaurants offering fondue, smoked trout, and other hearty dishes.
Something else Bariloche is famous for is its chocolate. In fact, it’s often referred to as the Chocolate Capital of Argentina, and for good reason. The city has a long history with chocolate and is home to many artisanal chocolate shops where you can sample and purchase a variety of delicious locally made chocolates.
Finally, Bariloche also has a thriving craft beer scene and is home to several internationally-awarded breweries. In particular, we would recommend checking out Manush, Kunstmann, Berlina, and the Patagonia microbrewery.
Wrap Up – The Best Places to Visit in Argentina
So, there you have it, our best places to visit in Argentina!
With its bustling capital city, diverse landscapes, awesome wildlife, fabulous food and wine, and endless opportunities for outdoor activities, it’s easy to see why Argentina is such a wonderful country to visit.
We hope this guide has inspired you to start planning your Argentina adventure, or helped you to narrow down where to visit on your next trip, so you can experience this beautiful country for yourself.
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