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

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

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

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

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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