Argentina, a vast and diverse country in the southern region of South America, is famous for its tango, pampas, and cattle. The tallest mountain in the Americas, Aconcagua, is located on its western border, and Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, sits on its southern coast. But there’s much more to discover beyond these well-known facts. Before Spain colonized the area in the 16th and 17th centuries, Argentina was home to a few indigenous tribes. Today, it is a republic with a variety of ecosystems, from lush plains to dense rainforests, from majestic mountains to pastoral steppes, and from stunning glaciers to imposing ice fields.
Buenos Aires, the capital city, is one of the liveliest places on Earth, with its tango scene, vibrant barrios, exciting nightlife, and world-class arts and culture. The town of Mendoza showcases the undulating landscape of Latin America’s greatest wine region, while the vast Patagonia region is home to breathtaking glaciers, icebergs, and mountains. The Swiss-like settlement of San Carlos de Bariloche, the beautiful beaches of Mar del Plata, and the historic architecture of Cordoba are all major tourist draws in Argentina.
The Peninsula Valdes is the best place to get up close and personal with whales, seals, penguins, and sea lions and experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. And from Ushuaia, the southernmost city on Earth, visitors can embark on a trip to Antarctica.
Argentina offers an array of amazing natural and man-made sights to explore. From the glaciers and towering peaks of the Andes to the wineries of Mendoza and the hustle of Buenos Aires, there’s something for everyone. The country is a popular vacation spot for many people, thanks to its incredible diversity of experiences.
Argentina is home to the world’s tallest waterfall and the Americas’ highest mountain, among other breathtaking natural wonders. But the exceptional quality is just part of the story. Visitors to Argentina keep returning because of the incredible diversity of sights to see.
23. Volcan Lanin
Volcan Lanin, located on the border between Argentina and Chile, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Those feeling very daring may apply for and get permission to hike the frequently snow-covered path to the top from the Lann national park office. On the other hand, the Volcán Lann’s Cara Norte, or north face, can be reached by foot in less than an hour, and from there, sightseers may take in Lago Tromen and the surrounding forest.
22. Quebrada de Cafayate
The canyon of Quebrada de Cafayate in Valles Calchaques is a sight to see. Sandstone, peculiar rock formations, and vibrant hues combine to give this a once-in-a-lifetime experience for tourists. Group excursions let you explore the gorge and the canyon’s interior by trekking or driving down the Ro de las Conchas. The Sierras de Carahuasi provide a striking contrast in the distance, framing the scene well. Check out the famous monolith El Obelisco, the colourful Los Castillos rock formations, and the odd El Fraile, or monk rock formation, in the chalk quarry.
21. Tigre Delta
The city of Tigre, located north of Buenos Aires, is a transportation centre for the delta region. Tigre has a large museum, excellent stores, and a lively open-air market, but the true draw is getting out of the city and into the surrounding river delta by boat. You may take a guided tour or simply a ride on one of the water taxis to view the houses that line the canals, the many floating modes of transportation, and even the sellers who set up shop in the river.
20. Recoleta Cemetery
The Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires is a must-see for every visitor. The cemetery has over 5,000 vaults and was established in the early 18th century. It is impossible to count the number of sculptures, Doric columns, and mausoleums that may be found at Recoleta Cemetery. However, the gravesite’s true appeal lies in the remarkable individuals who have been put to rest there. The tombs at Recoleta include those of Eva Peron, Armando Bo, José Figueroa Alcorta, and many more prominent Argentines from the previous two centuries.
19. Talampaya National Park
Talampaya National Park, located in the province of La Rioja, is a huge preserve that guards some of the most significant archaeological and paleontological sites in the nation. Dinosaur fossils discovered in the park attest to the fact that these areas were occupied by these creatures around 250 years ago. Even if you aren’t very interested in archaeology, you should still visit this fantastic tourist attraction in Argentina to take in the riverbed that has dried up, the canyon that is a deep red, the rocks that are oddly carved, and the gorgeous surroundings.
18. Iglesia San Francisco
The Iglesia San Francisco is one of the oldest and most remarkable colonial buildings in the lovely city of Salta, dating back to the 17th century. The beautiful white pillars and multi-tiered tower of this Italianate church are well-known landmarks. The inside of the church is just as impressive, with features like the library and the dome. The provincial capital of Salta is well worth a visit just to see this spectacular piece of architecture.
17. Cerro Catedral
Cerro Catedral, in the Lake District next to San Carlos de Bariloche, is the largest and most developed ski resort in all of South America. It is a popular location for winter sports enthusiasts and ski festivals because of its challenging terrain, off-piste access, and snowboarding amenities. Hikers, climbers, and bikers who wish to conquer the terrain and soak in the stunning scenery are welcome at the resort throughout the offseason.
16. Mar del Plata Beaches
Mar del Plata, Argentina is a popular tourist destination and was formerly frequented by the country’s upper class. The city’s location on the Atlantic coast, with its sandy beaches and vibrant culture, brings in millions of visitors annually. The city takes on a considerably more laid-back vibe during the off-season compared to the packed summer weekends.
15. Cueva de las Manos
Anyone with even a passing interest in art or history should make the trip to see this archaeological site. Ancestors of the Tehuelche people of Patagonia and the Pinturas River Canyon created a stunning collection of ancient cave paintings at the Cueva de las Manos around nine thousand years ago. Not only does this cave have painted hunting scenes and meaningful pictographs, but it is also famous for its stencilled outlines of overlapping hands.
14. Aconcagua
Only the most daring and courageous should attempt to scale Aconcagua. As one of the Seven Summits, Aconcagua stands as the tallest peak in the Andes. Given its enormous height and relatively easy ascent, it makes for a very alluring vacation spot. Certain routes allow climbers to bypass the need for ropes and other technical equipment altogether. Mendoza’s Aconcagua Provincial Park is home to a variety of natural attractions, including the glaciers and forests that surround it.
13. Quebrada de Humahuaca
Quebrada de Humahuaca is a desert-like valley in northwest Argentina, sandwiched between the Andes and the lush Valles Templados, and is characterised by cactus, lamas, rough slopes, and colourful sandstone escarpments. Today’s tourists use the same pathways that the Incas used to trade thousands of years ago. The most impressive landscape may be seen at Humahuaca, although the towns of Purmamarca, Tilcara, and Iruya are not far behind.
12. Street Tango
Tango street performances may be seen almost everywhere in Buenos Aires. People flock to see the dancers, who are dressed in elaborate costumes and perform to live music. There are a lot of tango dancers. Some of them are really skilled, while others are more flash than substance. Whatever the case, it makes for an interesting focal point for visitors.
11. Ushuaia
Ushuaia, Argentina, in the Beagle Channel, is widely accepted as the southernmost city on Earth. Ushuaia, Argentina, was formerly a missionary outpost, a prison colony, and a naval outpost, but is today a bustling tourist hub with several hotels, casinos, and restaurants. Those going on expeditions to Antarctica, whether by foot, skis, or ship, often use this town as a home base.
10. Ibera Wetlands
After Brazil’s Pantanal, the Ibera Wetlands are the world’s biggest wetlands. More than 350 rare and endangered bird species, as well as South American icons like anacondas, armadillos, caimans, capybaras, howler monkeys, and the rhea (which is related to the ostrich), call this ecological preserve home. You may either walk, ride a horse, or paddle a kayak to get about in this swampy region of northern Argentina.
9. Mendoza Wine Regions
In Argentina, the Mendoza area is the epicentre of the winemaking industry. Some of the highest vineyards in the world may be found in the eastern Andean foothills. If you want to see the vineyards, Mendoza is where you should stay. Rafting, skiing, and other outdoor activities in the neighbouring Andes may be easily organised from this city thanks to the abundance of tour providers available.
8. Monte Fitz Roy
Monte Fitz Roy, one of the most recognisable peaks in the Andes, can be found in southern Patagonia, not far from the Chilean border. There are stunning ice fields and glacial lakes all around this granite peak. Mountaineers like the area for the high difficulty of the climbs, while photographers adore it for the incredible beauty of the landscape. Its angular profile is used prominently in the Patagonia emblem, so even those who aren’t familiar with the term may identify it. In 1952, French mountaineers Lionel Terray and Guido Magnone ascended it for the first time.
7. Staying on an Estancia
Estancias, or rural estates, that were previously the exclusive playgrounds of the well-to-do are now welcoming visitors. The rural setting of many of these hotels makes them perfect for day trips, known as das de campo (days in the country). Guests at an estancia often go for a morning horse ride with the local gaucho after breakfast. After that, you may relax in a hammock and have some BBQ at the farmhouse before hitting the trails again.
6. Beagle Channel
In the Strait of the Beagle, you may be found in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago, far south of Argentina. The other two crossings around South America are the Straits of Magellan in the north and the open ocean Drake Passage in the south, but this one is the shortest and most direct. The greatest way to see the Beagle Channel’s sights, such as the sea lion colony on Isla de los Lobos and the flamingos on Isla de Pájaros, is from the water on a boat tour.
5. Valdes Peninsula
The incredible diversity of marine animal species may be seen in great numbers off the coast of this isolated Patagonian peninsula. A large number of penguins, sea lions, seals, and even orcas may be seen on the peninsula at any given time of year. Between the months of May and December, whales may be seen in the seas between the Valdes Peninsula and the Patagonian mainland. Foxes, guanacos, rheas, maras, shorebirds, and other indigenous species are among the animals that tourists may see on the sparsely populated land mass. Numerous protected wildlife populations thrive in the peninsula’s diversified landscape. One of the finest places to see native South American species is here, thanks to its rich biodiversity.
4. Caminito
One of the most photographed locations in Buenos Aires is Caminito, which is located in the La Boca district. This museum of a bohemian street is a kaleidoscope of brightly painted homes, unique stores, cosy cafés, and odd monuments. The neighbourhood is named after the Italians who settled there in the nineteenth century. In this bustling neighbourhood, immigrants from ages past can still be seen reflected in the artwork for sale, the music playing in the background, and the tango being performed by locals.
3. Route of the Seven Lakes
The Route of the Seven Lakes is an excellent way to see the hilly area of Bariloche, which is famous for its breathtaking landscape. Just over 105 kilometres (150 miles) in length, this driving route takes tourists to some of the region’s alpine lakes, such as Lagos, Nahuel Huapi, Espejo, Correntoso, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, and Machónico. Short treks may be taken to see waterfalls or to explore the foothills of the Andes.
2. Perito Moreno Glacier
The massive Perito Moreno Glacier is home to the massive Los Glaciares National Park. Due to its size and convenient location, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Argentina. It’s less than two hours on the bus from El Calafate, and the accessibility of viewing platforms and paths makes the experience worthwhile. The Perito Moreno Glacier, as well as many other glaciers and locations in Los Glaciares National Park, may be seen from the water on a boat excursion.
1. Iguazu Falls
The spectacular Iguaz Falls may be found in Iguaz National Park, which is situated in northeastern Argentina, close to the international border with Brazil. There are few sights more magnificent than this waterfall. It towers higher than the falls at Niagara and spans almost twice as far. The falls and the woods around them are accessible on foot, and there are many lookout points from which photographers may capture the gushing waters of the Devil’s Throat.
