Summary
A land simultaneously expansive and untamed, vibrant and tranquil, Argentina transitions from dusty desert plateaus through undulating Pampas grasslands to the glacial expanses of Patagonia. This nation is interwoven with intriguing Spanish colonial history and exquisite heritage, captivating indigenous peoples and natural beauty across its landscapes. Below is a curated selection of the most essential locations to include in any Argentine itinerary.
Let us delve into the premier sites to explore in Argentina:
1. Buenos Aires
The expansive and dynamic capital of Argentina emerged along the banks of the Rio del Plata, first charted by Iberian navigator Pedro de Mendoza, leading to the establishment of colonial-styled streets in the current San Telmo district. Buenos Aires showcases its exquisite Spanish and French-inspired historic core, where Baroque churches harmonize with Parisian cafés frequented by artists and free-spirited individuals.
The colorful neighborhood of La Boca captivates visitors with its vibrant galleries and boutiques, while Palermo thrives with lively dance performances and enticing parrillas (informal roadside grills serving premium gaucho cuts). Moreover, as night falls, the city transforms into a vibrant scene of tango music and Latin jazz, featuring energetic dub bars and all-night steakhouses.
2. Cordoba
Cordoba’s UNESCO-listed center presents a stunning collage of 17th-century Spanish churches, monasteries, Jesuit landmarks, and cobblestone streets, nestled between the gently rolling plains of the Argentine Pampas and the rugged Sierras Chicas.
However, Cordoba’s greatest allure extends beyond its historical significance. It is home to the National University of Cordoba, the oldest and one of the most esteemed institutions in the country, attracting numerous students.
This scholarly community invigorates paleontological museums and the Caraffa Fine Arts Museum, fosters theatrical performances, and promotes public art exhibitions, whilst simultaneously fostering a particularly lively nightlife in the Ex Abasto neighborhood.
3. San Antonio de Areco
Located at the threshold of the gaucho heartland, where the grass-covered Pampas stretch to the horizon, San Antonio de Areco is an exceptionally attractive Argentine town.
Elegant colonial structures from the 1700s adorn the streets, featuring sloping red-tiled roofs in the Andalusian style, with Baroque details reminiscent of Madrid’s palazzos.
Swaying palm trees and ombu trees punctuate the squares, where traditional steakhouses coexist with leathercraft workshops and artisan homes.
This quaint town provides a perfect opportunity to immerse oneself in Argentina’s rich cowboy heritage and relish the laid-back siesta lifestyle of the Pampas!
4. Mendoza
Mendoza excels primarily in its wine production, drawing enthusiasts from around the globe who seek to indulge in renowned Criolla Grande and Malbec varietals produced at the city’s various wineries.
Beyond its oenological charm, this city, with a population of 100,000, offers an enchanting environment ideal for an extended stay, seamlessly nestled against the Argentine Andes.
Its streets, shaded by blossoming trees, encircle numerous parks and bodegas, while Plaza Espana radiates a distinctly Spanish ambiance.
Furthermore, Mendoza has emerged as one of Argentina’s premier outdoor adventure hubs, rivaling even Patagonia with its majestic Aconcagua, expansive high plains, and ski resorts.
5. Ushuaia
Situated in the far reaches of southern Argentina, Ushuaia rests beneath the snow-capped Martial Mountains, cascading down to the frigid waters of the Beagle Channel, where fishing boats and robust steel vessels bob along the waves.
Today, explorers are drawn to this remote locality – recognized as the southernmost city globally – via the scenic route of the so-called End of the World Train, traversing through the primary highlight: Tierra del Fuego National Park.
After acquiring appropriate gear in Ushuaia, adventurers can venture into this Patagonian wilderness, encountering the Martial Glacier, rugged Lapataia Bay, and stunning Lago Roca along the Chilean border.
6. San Ignacio Mini
Situated near the tri-state junction of Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina amidst the red-soil fields and yerba mate plantations of Misiones Province, travelers can discover the remarkable ruins of San Ignacio Mini.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, this site features crumbling cloisters, church walls, residential areas, and cemeteries that exemplify the Guarani Baroque style.
The architectural remnants embody the unique confluence of tribal artistry and Spanish grandeur that prevailed during the era of the Conquistadores, consistently ranking among Argentina’s essential attractions.
7. El Calafate
The Perito Moreno Glacier is a breathtaking sight, gleaming like peppermint against the deep blues and rugged granite formations of Los Glaciares National Park.
This natural wonder has propelled the once-remote town of El Calafate into the spotlight, resulting in thousands of adventurous souls journeying to this Patagonian region to witness the floating icebergs and the cliffs of Onelli Bay.
The town has also evolved in recent decades, transforming from a wool trading post into a vibrant settlement with paved streets lined with outdoor retailers, charming wooden homes, and cutting-edge exhibits at the Glaciarium.
8. Puerto Iguazu
This welcoming locale serves as the last stop in Argentina before crossing into either Brazil or Paraguay, featuring an abundance of refined hotels, guesthouses, numerous dining establishments, and souvenir shops aplenty.
However, visitors primarily come to witness the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls, which cascade dramatically over nearby cliffs.
Organizing trips to these remarkable waterfalls is straightforward, with a tourist train traversing the lush jungles and established walking paths leading to the iconic Devil’s Throat, where the waters plunge an impressive 82 meters.
Don’t forget your waterproof gear!
9. El Chalten
The imposing Fitz Roy peaks dominate the skyline at El Chalten, a quaint town featuring low-rise cottages and guesthouses with an Alpine aesthetic, positioned at the edge of the Patagonian Andes and the northern icefields of Los Glaciares.
Recognized as the trekking capital of Argentina, the area attracts trekkers, hikers, and mountaineers seeking trails such as Laguna de los Tres and Condor Mirador, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
A local spa caters to those looking to rejuvenate after adventures, while a selection of breweries and backpacker bars ensures an enjoyable evening complete with beer options ranging from pilsners to stouts.
10. San Carlos de Bariloche
Argentina’s counterpart to New Zealand’s Queenstown and France’s Chamonix is San Carlos de Bariloche (typically referred to simply as Bariloche by locals). Nestled by the sparkling Nahuel Huapi Lake, the town is enveloped by lush stretches of lenga trees, Chilean cedar, and bamboo.
Stylish hotels reminiscent of those in Geneva blend seamlessly with cozy wooden lodges lining the streets, while Swiss chocolatiers celebrate the town’s rich Germanic heritage, as highlighted by the magnificent Gothic cathedral. During winter, skiing at Cerro Catedral causes a surge of visitors as adventurers flock to enjoy one of the continent’s largest ski resorts, featuring 120 kilometers of groomed slopes.
11. Mar del Plata
Filled with sunbathers, fashion enthusiasts, volleyball players, and Atlantic swimmers, Mar del Plata exemplifies the quintessential Argentine beach resort experience.
The area gained prominence during the early 1900s, marking a golden age that is still reflected in the occasional Art Deco high-rise along the coastline.
Today, Mar del Plata comes alive with electric tango performances each evening, with the bustling cocktail bars on Alem Street attracting large crowds.
Abundant seafood restaurants add to the charm, while Mirador Waikiki offers a more tranquil alternative to the main beach stretches that grace the city.
12. Puerto Madryn
Boasting sloping beaches and windswept Atlantic dunes, Puerto Madryn lies in a region where rugged, seal-populated coves merge between the Valdes Peninsula and Punta Ninfas. It serves as both a sunbather’s paradise (a perfect escape from the bustling crowds of Mar del Plata) and a whale-watching hotspot.
The majestic southern right whales congregate along the shores in the colder months, visible from the rocky cliffs surrounding the town, while summertime lures residents from Buenos Aires to the less-traveled beaches and the penguin-colonized shores of Punta Tombo.
This area also retains a rich Welsh heritage, so expect occasional Welsh phrases peppered throughout the local Spanish!
13. Antofagasta de la Sierra
Located a staggering 3,200 meters above sea level, amidst the dark volcanic cones of the Puna and the expansive caldera of Galan, Antofagasta de la Sierra offers a distinctly different experience from the ice-clad Patagonian wilderness and the grasslands of the Pampas.
Here, swirling dust devils dance through the air, and the vast Andean plateaus feature ancient volcanic remnants. The area resonates with the sounds of llamas, and the locals continue to cultivate their livelihoods from these arid landscapes and high-altitude lakes.
Antofagasta itself is a compact village, serving as the crucial access point to this region of remarkable beauty in Argentina, with increasing visitor numbers gradually transforming the area.
14. Trevelin
Trevelin was established in the 1890s by the renowned Welsh explorer and settler El Baqueano, who utilized this location as a base for his daring expeditions across the Pampas.
Today, this charming little settlement retains a proud connection to its Celtic origins, with the Welsh language still echoing along its picturesque, tree-lined streets.
Landmarks such as Dyffryn y Merthyron pay tribute to the brave Welsh settlers, while traditional Welsh cakes frequently grace the menus of the cozy tearooms.
The town is beautifully situated, flanked by the impressive Andes to the west and the Chubut lowlands stretching endlessly to the east.
15. Salta
Salta is situated at the base of the ochre-hued Lerma Valley, characterized by its grid-like blocks and congested streets, which conceal a stunning colonial core.
Visitors can expect to find palm-fringed plazas, such as Julio Square and Ninth of July Plaza, featuring bustling cafes alive with Spanish conversation, captivating tango performances, and delightful scents of yerba mate. Theatres twinkle with lights, and elegant Baroque facades narrate tales of the city’s 500-year history.
Additionally, the surrounding countryside is a significant draw (as is often the case in Argentina), and after indulging in the local empanadas, many travelers seek out the wild Valles Calchaquies or venture across the Andes to the salt flats in southern Bolivia!
