Best Places to visit in Argentina

Argentina’s Unforgettable Landscapes: From Tango Halls to Glacial Peaks

Why Argentina Captivates Every Traveler

Argentina is a country defined by its magnificent scale and dramatic contrasts. It is a place where different worlds converge within a single border: the steamy, subtropical jungles of the north give way to the vast, fertile plains of the Pampas; the rugged, sun-drenched Andes mountains cast long shadows over world-class vineyards; and in the far south, colossal glaciers grind their way through a landscape at the very edge of the world. This geographical diversity is the canvas upon which a rich and complex culture is painted.

The nation’s identity is a compelling fusion of Old World elegance and untamed Latin American spirit. You can feel it in the Parisian-style boulevards of Buenos Aires, which moments later lead to a neighborhood bursting with the passionate, melancholic notes of a tango melody. This duality ensures that Argentina offers a profound experience for any visitor. Whether you are a culinary enthusiast eager to explore the nuances of Malbec and savor a perfect asado, an adventurer ready to trek across Patagonian ice fields, a culture aficionado drawn to colonial history and vibrant street art, or a nature lover seeking the sheer power of a thundering waterfall, you will find your journey here.

Buenos Aires: The Passionate Heart of Argentina

Often called the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires is a city of captivating contrasts. It’s a place where grand European architecture stands beside gritty, colorful street art, and the melancholic notes of a tango melody drift from open doorways. Each of its distinct neighborhoods, or barrios, offers a unique window into the city’s soul, inviting visitors to explore its history, art, and vibrant daily life.

San Telmo: Cobblestones and Tango

To walk through San Telmo is to step back in time. As the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires, its narrow cobblestone streets are lined with beautifully preserved colonial buildings, antique shops, and traditional cafes. The area exudes a bohemian charm that feels both authentic and romantic. The true heart of the barrio is Plaza Dorrego, where impromptu tango dancers often perform for captivated crowds, especially as dusk settles.

The neighborhood truly comes alive on Sundays with the sprawling Feria de San Telmo. This famous street market stretches for blocks, offering a treasure trove of antiques, vintage clothing, local crafts, and delicious street food. It’s a bustling, sensory experience and the perfect place to find a unique souvenir. After exploring, settle into one of San Telmo’s classic parrillas (steakhouses) for an unforgettable Argentinian steak dinner.

La Boca: A Riot of Color

Prepare your camera for La Boca, a neighborhood that pulses with an energy as vibrant as its color palette. Its world-famous street, the Caminito, is an open-air museum of brightly painted tenement houses. These corrugated zinc shacks were originally built by Genoese immigrants in the 19th century and painted with leftover marine paint from the shipyards, creating a dazzling, kaleidoscopic effect. Every corner of Caminito is a photograph waiting to be taken, with local artists selling their work and tango dancers performing against the brilliant backdrop.

While steeped in immigrant history and its role as a cradle of the tango, La Boca is also home to a modern temple of worship: La Bombonera stadium. The home ground of the legendary Boca Juniors football club, the stadium is an icon of Argentinian passion. The electric blue and yellow colors dominate the neighborhood, and the palpable energy of the fans is a core part of La Boca’s identity.

Palermo: Trendy and Green

Palermo is the largest and most fashionable barrio in Buenos Aires, a sprawling area that is itself divided into smaller, distinct districts. Palermo Soho is the epicenter of chic, with tree-lined streets filled with designer boutiques, independent art galleries, and some of the city’s best cafes and brunch spots. In contrast, Palermo Hollywood, named for the concentration of television and film studios, is a culinary hotspot known for its innovative restaurants and sophisticated cocktail bars that fuel a vibrant nightlife.

For a break from the urban buzz, the Bosques de Palermo (Palermo Woods) offers a vast green sanctuary. This expansive park is the city’s lung, featuring serene lakes, a beautiful rose garden (El Rosedal), and plenty of space for a picnic, a bike ride, or a leisurely stroll. The neighborhood is also a cultural hub, home to the excellent MALBA (Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires), which houses a world-class collection of modern art from across the continent.

Recoleta: Parisian Elegance

With its stately French-style apartment buildings, grand avenues, and upscale boutiques, Recoleta is the city’s most elegant and affluent neighborhood. The atmosphere is one of refined grace, inviting leisurely exploration of its art galleries, luxury shops, and classic cafes. However, its most famous attraction is a true city within a city: the Recoleta Cemetery.

This is no ordinary cemetery. It is an astonishing labyrinth of ornate, elaborate mausoleums designed in a multitude of architectural styles, from Art Deco to Neo-Gothic. It serves as the final resting place for Argentina’s most influential figures, including presidents, scientists, and, most famously, Eva “Evita” Perón, whose tomb remains a site of pilgrimage. Another cultural jewel is El Ateneo Grand Splendid, a magnificent former theater that has been converted into what is widely considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Reading a book in one of the old theater boxes is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Iguazú Falls: The Thundering Power of Nature

Nestled on the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazú Falls is not a single cascade but a breathtaking collection of 275 individual waterfalls that stretch for nearly three kilometers. The sound is a constant, deep-throated roar, and the mist rises so high it creates its own ecosystem. To witness this spectacle is to feel the raw, unbridled power of the natural world. For a comprehensive understanding of this natural wonder, consult our Iguazu Falls guide.

Experiencing the Argentinian Side

The Argentinian side of Iguazú National Park offers an intimate and multi-faceted experience, allowing you to walk above, below, and alongside the cascades. An extensive network of sturdy metal catwalks and jungle trails immerses you in the action. The Paseo Superior (Upper Circuit) provides stunning overhead views of the water plunging over the precipice, while the Paseo Inferior (Lower Circuit) winds its way to the base of several falls, enveloping you in cool spray.

The undisputed highlight is the journey to the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat). A small train takes you deep into the park, followed by a one-kilometer walk across a catwalk suspended over the tranquil upper Iguazú River. The calm is deceptive; it builds anticipation for the final reveal. You arrive at a platform overlooking a colossal U-shaped chasm where nearly half the river’s volume crashes down with unimaginable force, creating a permanent, swirling cloud of mist and a thunderous roar that vibrates through your entire body.

The Gran Aventura Boat Trip

For those who wish to move from observer to participant, the Gran Aventura boat trip is an essential experience. This is not a gentle sightseeing cruise; it is a thrilling, high-speed journey into the heart of the falls. After a truck ride through the jungle, you board a powerful inflatable boat that skillfully navigates the rapids of the lower river canyon. The pilot then steers the vessel directly into the base of the mighty cascades. The roar becomes deafening as you are completely drenched by the deluge, a moment of pure, adrenaline-fueled exhilaration. It’s an unforgettable, full-sensory baptism that connects you to the falls’ immense power in the most direct way possible.

A Glimpse from the Brazilian Side

While the Argentinian side provides immersion, the Brazilian side offers perspective. It is well worth crossing the border for a day to witness the magnificent panoramic views that are only possible from Brazil. The experience is often summarized this way: in Argentina you are in the falls, while in Brazil you are viewing the falls. A single, well-designed walkway on the Brazilian side leads you to a viewing platform that presents a sweeping vista of the entire waterfall system, including a dramatic, head-on look into the Garganta del Diablo. Seeing the falls from this vantage point helps you grasp the sheer scale and majestic beauty of the entire complex, perfectly complementing the close-up encounters on the Argentinian side.

Patagonia: The Wild Edge of the World

Stretching across the southern tip of South America, Patagonia is a land of mythic proportions. It’s a vast, sparsely populated region of dramatic landscapes, where jagged Andean peaks meet colossal glaciers, and windswept steppes roll down to pristine coastlines. For those seeking raw, untamed nature, our guide to visiting Argentinian Patagonia is essential.

El Calafate: Gateway to the Glaciers

The town of El Calafate serves as the primary base for exploring the southern section of Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that protects an immense continental ice field. The park’s main attraction is the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier. A network of walkways provides stunning vantage points to watch and listen as enormous chunks of ice calve from its face, crashing into Lago Argentino with a thunderous roar. For a more intimate encounter, you can join a guided trek on the glacier’s surface or take a boat tour to appreciate its towering scale from the water. Learn more in our guide to Perito Moreno.

Beyond Perito Moreno, boat expeditions navigate the lake’s icy waters to reveal other frozen giants, such as the vast Upsala Glacier and the tall, imposing Spegazzini Glacier, offering a profound sense of the region’s raw power.

Bariloche and the Lake District

Nestled on the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, San Carlos de Bariloche feels like a village plucked from the Swiss Alps. Its alpine-style architecture, deep blue lakes, and dense forests have earned it the nickname “the Switzerland of South America.” The area is renowned for its artisan chocolate shops, which line the main streets and provide a welcome treat after a day of exploration. Our guide to Bariloche can help you plan your visit.

The best way to experience the scenery is by driving the Circuito Chico, a spectacular loop that winds past shimmering lakes, through native forests, and up to panoramic viewpoints like Cerro Campanario. The region is a year-round playground: summer offers endless opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and fishing, while winter transforms the surrounding mountains into one of South America’s premier ski destinations.

Ushuaia: The City at the End of the World

Proudly holding the title of the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia is a port town with a captivating end-of-the-earth atmosphere. It is cradled between the Martial mountain range and the Beagle Channel, offering a unique blend of alpine and maritime scenery. The nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park protects a stunning landscape of subpolar forests, coastal bays, and peat bogs, all accessible via a network of well-marked trails. Plan your trip with our Ushuaia travel guide.

A boat tour on the Beagle Channel is an essential Ushuaia experience. These excursions navigate past islands teeming with sea lions and imperial cormorants, offering a close-up view of the region’s rich marine wildlife. The journey culminates with a view of the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, often called the “Lighthouse at the End of the World.” For many travelers, Ushuaia is also the final port of call before embarking on the ultimate expedition: a cruise to Antarctica.

The Northwest: High-Altitude Deserts and Colonial Charm

A world away from the icy blues of Patagonia and the European pulse of Buenos Aires, Argentina’s Northwest (Noroeste) offers a journey into a different soul of the country. This is a land of high-altitude deserts, rust-colored canyons, and a deeply rooted Andean culture that predates colonial times. Here, the landscapes are vast and surreal, and the cities are treasure troves of history and tradition. Read our guide to Northwest Argentina to learn more about this fascinating region.

Salta “La Linda” (The Beautiful)

The region’s main hub, Salta, lives up to its nickname, “The Beautiful.” Its heart is the impeccably preserved Plaza 9 de Julio, a leafy square flanked by the pastel-pink Salta Cathedral and the historic Cabildo. The city’s colonial architecture, with its ornate balconies and grand archways, invites leisurely exploration. Beyond its aesthetics, Salta holds profound history. The MAAM (High Altitude Archaeological Museum) offers a powerful and moving look into Incan culture through the discovery of the Children of Llullaillaco—three child mummies found perfectly preserved on a volcanic peak. In the evenings, the city comes alive in its peñas, intimate folk music clubs where locals and visitors gather for traditional food, regional wine, and the heartfelt sounds of guitars and bombos.

The Road to Cafayate

The drive south from Salta to Cafayate is a destination in itself. The route winds through the Quebrada de las Conchas (Gorge of the Shells), a natural gallery of wind-and-water-sculpted rock formations. The palette shifts from deep red to ochre and green as the road carves through the canyon. Key stops include the Amphitheater, a natural acoustic chamber carved into the rock, and the Devil’s Throat, a dramatic, narrow canyon. The journey culminates in Cafayate, the center of Argentina’s second-most important wine region. While Malbec reigns elsewhere, here the star is Torrontés, a crisp, aromatic white grape that produces a uniquely floral and refreshing wine, perfect for the high-desert climate.

Jujuy and the Quebrada de Humahuaca

Stretching north of Salta into the province of Jujuy, the Quebrada de Humahuaca is a spectacular valley designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This narrow mountain valley has been a crucial trade and cultural route for 10,000 years, and its landscapes are nothing short of breathtaking. The journey begins in Purmamarca, a small village nestled at the base of the famous Hill of Seven Colors (Cerro de los Siete Colores), a geological masterpiece painted with mineral stripes best viewed in the early morning light. Further up the valley lies the town of Humahuaca, a high-altitude settlement with cobblestone streets, a historic church, and a bustling market where artisans sell colorful textiles, pottery, and local crafts. This region offers a profound connection to the land and its ancient history.

Mendoza: The World-Famous Wine Country

Nestled in the foothills of the Andes, Mendoza is the undisputed heart of Argentina’s wine production, a sun-drenched landscape of leafy vineyards and world-class bodegas. This is where the country’s signature grape, Malbec, reaches its full, glorious potential, creating a destination that is as much about epicurean delights as it is about stunning mountain scenery. Plan your trip with our Mendoza travel guide.

The Malbec Experience

The region’s identity is shaped by its distinct wine-producing areas. Luján de Cuyo is considered the cradle of Malbec, home to historic, prestigious wineries that first established Argentina’s reputation. Nearby Maipú offers a glimpse into more traditional, family-run operations, often accessible by bicycle. Further south, the high-altitude Uco Valley represents the new frontier, with architecturally striking modern wineries producing crisp, elegant wines against a dramatic mountain backdrop.

Exploring the bodegas is a highlight of any trip to Mendoza, and there are several ways to approach it:

• Bike Tours: A popular and relaxed way to explore, especially around Maipú, allowing you to pedal between tastings at your own pace.
• Guided Bus Tours: An efficient and informative option that typically includes visits to two or three pre-selected wineries, often with lunch included.
• Private Drivers: For a completely customized experience, hiring a driver allows you to choose your own itinerary, linger where you wish, and discover smaller, boutique producers.

The quintessential Mendoza experience culminates in a leisurely, multi-course lunch at a winery restaurant. Imagine sitting on a sun-drenched terrace, a glass of Torrontés in hand, with the snow-capped Andes dominating the horizon. Each course, crafted from local ingredients, arrives as a work of art, thoughtfully paired with a different wine from the estate’s collection. It is a slow, sensory journey—a true celebration of place, where the food, the wine, and the landscape combine into a perfect, unforgettable symphony.

Beyond the Vineyards

While wine is the main draw, Mendoza’s Andean setting provides a spectacular playground for adventure. The same mountains that create the ideal climate for grape-growing offer thrilling outdoor pursuits. You can go white-water rafting on the rushing Mendoza River, go hiking through high-altitude trails, or experience the landscape like a local gaucho on a guided horseback ride through the Andean foothills.

The region is also the gateway to Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas. While summiting this colossal mountain is a serious undertaking reserved for experienced mountaineers, visitors can enter Aconcagua Provincial Park to admire its immense scale from various viewpoints and enjoy shorter treks that offer a taste of the high Andes’ raw, powerful beauty.

Planning Your Argentinian Adventure

Argentina is a vast country with dramatically different climates from north to south. A little forward planning will ensure you experience each region at its best. Timing and transportation are the two key elements to consider for a seamless journey through this diverse landscape. For a general overview, check out our Argentina and Chile Keyfacts.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time for your trip depends entirely on which parts of the country you wish to explore. Argentina’s large size means that while one region is enjoying perfect summer weather, another might be in the depths of winter. For a deeper understanding of the country’s varied terrain, consult our guide to the Geography of Argentina.

• Patagonia: The southern summer, from December to February, is the prime season for visiting El Calafate, Bariloche, and Ushuaia. You’ll find warmer temperatures, long daylight hours for hiking, and most trails and attractions will be fully accessible. This is also the busiest season, so booking in advance is recommended. For those interested in capturing the stunning landscapes, our Patagonia for photographers guide is essential. Packing appropriately is also key, so review our advice on what to pack for hiking in Patagonia.
• Buenos Aires: The capital city is most pleasant during the spring (September to November) and fall (March to May). The temperatures are mild, perfect for walking through the city’s neighborhoods, and the parks are at their most beautiful—especially in spring when the jacaranda trees are in bloom.
• Iguazú Falls: While the falls are a magnificent sight year-round, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer a good balance. You can avoid the intense heat and humidity of the summer months (December to February) and the larger crowds that come with it.

Getting Around Argentina

The distances between Argentina’s main attractions are significant, making transportation a crucial part of your itinerary. Fortunately, there are several reliable options to suit different budgets and travel styles.

• Domestic Flights: For traveling between distinct regions like Buenos Aires, Iguazú, Patagonia, and Salta, flying is by far the most efficient method. Airlines like Aerolíneas Argentinas and several low-cost carriers connect the major cities, saving you days of travel time.
• Long-Distance Buses: Argentina has an excellent network of long-distance buses that are a comfortable and budget-friendly choice for shorter inter-city journeys (for example, from Salta to Cafayate or Córdoba to Mendoza). Opt for cama (bed) or semi-cama (reclining) seats for overnight trips.
• Rental Cars: Renting a car offers unparalleled freedom, particularly in regions that are best explored at your own pace. It is the ideal choice for scenic drives through the Lake District around Bariloche or for navigating the stunning rock formations and wineries of the Northwest. For travel advice in this region, consider our guide to Northwest Argentina.