Best Places to Visit in Argentina

Located in the southern region of South America in a large, elongated shape, Argentina was sparsely inhabited by a few indigenous tribes before Spain’s colonized it in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the country is an independent republic featuring varied landscapes from rich plains to thick jungle, majestic mountains, pastoral steppes, and impressive glaciers. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Argentina.

Number 10. Ibera Wetlands.

Located in the northeast of the country just south of Paraguay, the Ibera Wetlands cover a huge swathe of land. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will revel in exploring all that it has to offer. Encompassing rivers, lakes, swamps, and wetlands, the watery world is fascinating to hike, horseback ride, or kayak through. The ecological preserve is home to many iconic South American animals, including anacondas, armadillos, caimans, capybaras, howler monkeys, ostrich-like rhea, and more than 350 rare and endangered birds species.

Number 9. Mount Fitz Roy.

Located in southern Patagonia near the Chilean border, Mount 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.

Number 8. Puerto Madryn

Located on the shores of Gulfo Nuevo, the city of Puerto Madryn is best known as the gateway to Peninsula Valdes. It is also a popular summer destination because of its beautiful beaches although the water can be very cold. With the explosion of tourism in recent years, Madryn has undergone rapid growth, and the town’s small permanent population swells exponentially during the summer months. Whale Watching tours are also popular as the Southern Right Whale uses the waters of Gulfo Nuevo for breeding and giving birth. From July to September the whales are so close they can be viewed from the mainland.

Number 7. Cordoba

At the geographical center of Argentina is Cordoba, the country’s second-largest city. Surrounded by picturesque valleys and mountains, Cordoba is best known for its concentration of Spanish colonial buildings. Most of these historic palaces, churches, and monuments are found in the city center within an area known as the Jesuit Block. Cordoba is also home to more than 200,000 students, providing the city with a youthful and lively atmosphere.

Number 6. Ushuaia

Formerly used as a penal colony because of its isolated location, Ushuaia’s remote beauty is now what makes it one of the most popular places to visit in Argentina. Regarded as the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia is located on the Beagle Channel, serving as a popular base for Antarctica cruises, winter sports, and wildlife viewing. The nearby mountains provide hiking in the summer and snow sports in the winter.

Number 5. Mendoza

Located in Latin America’s largest wine-producing region, Mendoza is a popular tourist destination not only for its wine but also for its proximity to Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas. Furthermore, Mendoza offers access to beautiful scenery and outdoor adventures such as hiking and river rafting. At the heart of Mendoza is its main square, Independence Plaza, which is surrounded by restaurants, shops, and beautiful buildings that are illuminated at night.

Number 4. Bariloche

With its chocolate shops, Swiss-style architecture, and picturesque setting of pristine lakes and snow-capped mountains, San Carlos de Bariloche appears more like a village in Switzerland. Instead, it is an enchanting city in the Río Negro Province of Argentina. Commonly referred to as simply Bariloche, the town also serves as a gateway to spectacular landscapes and outdoor adventures. The nearby mountains are a hot spot for snow skiing, containing one of South America’s largest ski stations at Cerro Catedral.

Number 3. Los Glaciares

Los Glaciares or Glaciers National Park is home to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Located in the Santa Cruz Province of the vast Patagonia region, the national park features the largest ice cap outside of Greenland and Antarctica. The repeated advancing and retreating cycle of the glaciers present a never-ending show of cracking ice and thunderous booms as giant blocks break away and crash into the lakes with enormous splashes. While the glaciers are located in the southern section of the park, the northern section features majestic mountains such as Mount Fitz Roy, offering hiking and mountain climbing.

Number 2. Buenos Aires

Pulsating with vitality and seductive charm from colorful European architecture to animated neighborhoods and sizzling nightlife, it is no wonder that Buenos Aires gave birth to the captivating tango dance. Located off the southeastern coast of South America, Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina and one of Latin America’s largest cities. This vibrant cosmopolitan city is composed of several districts called barrios. Some of the most visited of these barrios include the Microcentro where The Obelisco is located. San Telmo is popular for its flea markets while La Boca’s multicolored architecture and tango street dancing make it a world-famous district.

Number 1. Iguazu Falls

One of the world’s most stunning natural wonders, Iguazu Falls is a series of magnificent waterfalls located on the Iguazu River, straddling the border between Brazil and Argentina. The falls in and of themselves are a breathtaking spectacle, but their beauty is all the more enhanced by the surrounding lush forest teeming in exotic wildlife. The fall area and wildlife are protected by the Iguazu National Park. The park features many excellent walkways while boat rides take people close enough to the falls to get wet from the spray. The town on the Argentine side is called Puerto Iguazu and offers some of the best top-end hotels and spas in Argentina.