Best Things to do in Argentina

Experience the Passion of Buenos Aires

Often called the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires is a city of captivating contrasts. Its grand European architecture provides a backdrop for the fiery passion of tango, the roar of fútbol crowds, and a rich culinary scene. The capital is the perfect entry point to Argentina, offering a deep dive into the nation’s soul through its distinct and vibrant neighborhoods.

Wander Through the Colorful La Boca Neighborhood

A stroll through La Boca feels like stepping onto a painter’s palette. This working-class port district is famous for Caminito, a small street that functions as an open-air museum. Here, brightly painted corrugated iron houses create a kaleidoscopic backdrop for local artists selling their work and tango dancers performing for passersby. The area buzzes with a raw, creative energy that is irresistibly photogenic. Just a few blocks away, the iconic blue and yellow facade of La Bombonera stadium, home to the legendary Boca Juniors football club, stands as a testament to the neighborhood’s profound passion for the sport.

Hunt for Antiques at the San Telmo Market

Every Sunday, the historic, cobbled streets of San Telmo transform into a sprawling open-air market known as the Feria de San Telmo. This is far more than just a place to shop; it’s a cultural spectacle. Vendors line the streets selling everything from antique silver and vintage leather goods to quirky souvenirs. The air is filled with the sounds of street performers, and spontaneous tango performances often erupt in the main square, Plaza Dorrego. Even on other days of the week, San Telmo’s colonial charm, hidden patios, and traditional cafes make it a delightful area to explore on foot.

Admire the Grandeur of Recoleta Cemetery

Recoleta Cemetery is less a burial ground and more an astonishing city of the dead. This labyrinth of wide avenues and narrow passages is lined with thousands of elaborate, ornate mausoleums built in a variety of architectural styles, from Art Nouveau to Neoclassical. It serves as the final resting place for many of Argentina’s most influential figures, including presidents, military heroes, and artists. The most visited tomb belongs to Eva Perón (Evita), which remains a site of pilgrimage for many. The atmosphere is one of profound peace and awe, inviting quiet contemplation of the history and artistry contained within its walls.

Explore the Trendy Parks and Cafes of Palermo

Palermo is Buenos Aires’ largest and most fashionable neighborhood, a sprawling area perfect for a day of leisure. For a dose of nature, head to the Bosques de Palermo, the city’s expansive green lung, where you can stroll through the rose garden, rent a paddleboat on the lake, or simply relax under the trees. The neighborhood is also a hub for style and gastronomy, particularly in the sub-district of Palermo Soho. Its streets are a delight to explore, filled with designer boutiques, independent shops, and some of the city’s best restaurants, cafes, and bars. As you wander, keep an eye out for the impressive street art that adorns many of the area’s walls, adding to its creative and modern vibe.

Witness the Power of Iguazu Falls

Straddling the border between Argentina and Brazil, the Iguazu Falls are a breathtaking spectacle of nature’s force. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a collection of hundreds of individual waterfalls, creating a thundering roar that reverberates through the surrounding subtropical rainforest. While both countries offer unique perspectives, experiencing the falls is an essential part of any Argentine journey. You can find more information on our Iguazu Falls guide and consider it as part of your overall Argentinian adventure.

Feel the Mist on the Argentine Side

The Argentine side of Iguazu National Park offers an incredibly intimate and immersive experience. A network of well-maintained trails and catwalks allows you to get up close to the cascades, feeling the spray on your face and the raw power under your feet. The park is primarily explored via three main circuits:

• The Upper Circuit (Paseo Superior) provides stunning views from above, allowing you to walk along the precipice of several waterfalls and appreciate their breadth.
• The Lower Circuit (Paseo Inferior) winds through the jungle at the base of the falls, bringing you closer to the pools and offering a different, more grounded perspective.
• The journey to the Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo) is the dramatic highlight. A small train takes you to a long catwalk extending over a kilometer across the river, leading to a viewpoint directly above the largest and most powerful cascade. Here, you are enveloped by billowing clouds of mist and an awe-inspiring, deafening roar.

As you wander these paths, keep an eye out for the local wildlife. It’s common to spot families of curious coatis, vibrant toucans perched in the trees, and playful monkeys swinging through the canopy. For a deeper understanding of the region, check out our Patagonia guide.

Get the Panoramic View from the Brazilian Side

While the Argentine side puts you in the middle of the action, the Brazilian side provides the definitive panoramic postcard view. It is well worth crossing the border for a half-day to appreciate the sheer scale of the falls complex. A single, well-placed walkway offers sweeping vistas of the entire system, including a full-frontal view of the Devil’s Throat that is impossible to see from the Argentine park. This perspective helps you grasp the immense size and scope of what you experienced up close, making it the perfect complement to your visit.

Take a Thrilling Boat Ride Under the Falls

For a truly unforgettable sensory experience, the “Gran Aventura” boat tour takes you directly into the maelstrom. After a truck ride through the jungle, you board a powerful speedboat that navigates the rapids of the Iguazu River Canyon. The climax of the trip involves the captain steering the boat directly under the torrential spray of some of the smaller, yet still immense, waterfalls. You will be completely soaked, so waterproof gear is essential. This is a high-intensity, adrenaline-fueled experience that combines speed, sound, and the overwhelming force of water. It is an exhilarating adventure, but it may not be suitable for those who prefer calmer excursions.

Explore the Epic Landscapes of Patagonia

Stretching across the southern tip of South America, Patagonia is a land of mythic proportions. Its name conjures images of jagged peaks, immense glaciers, and windswept plains. This is a region that calls to adventurers, photographers, and anyone seeking to witness the raw, untamed power of nature. From calving ice fields to the world’s southernmost city, Patagonia offers a journey unlike any other. For a comprehensive overview of the different areas within this vast territory, consult our guide to Argentina and Chile Regions at glance.

Marvel at the Perito Moreno Glacier

Located in Los Glaciares National Park near the town of El Calafate, the Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the few glaciers in the world that is still advancing. This colossal river of ice is a truly humbling sight. A network of well-maintained boardwalks allows you to view the glacier’s massive 70-meter-high face from various angles and distances. The experience is auditory as much as it is visual; listen for the deep groans of the ice shifting and the thunderous crack as enormous chunks calve and crash into the milky blue waters of Lago Argentino below.

For a more intimate encounter, consider one of the optional excursions. You can take a boat tour to get a water-level perspective of the glacier’s immense scale or, for the more adventurous, don a pair of crampons for a guided trek across the ice itself—an unforgettable way to experience this dynamic landscape.

Hike the Fitz Roy Massif in El Chaltén

Nestled within Los Glaciares National Park is the small mountain village of El Chaltén, widely regarded as Argentina’s national hiking capital. The town sits at the base of the iconic Cerro Fitz Roy and its granite spires, offering direct access to a world-class network of trails. The area is a paradise for trekkers, with paths winding through forests, alongside glacial rivers, and up to brilliant turquoise lakes.

Among the most rewarding day hikes are the treks to Laguna de los Tres, which offers a classic, breathtaking view of the Fitz Roy massif, and Laguna Torre, a stunning glacial lake at the foot of the dramatic Cerro Torre. While these are challenging full-day hikes, El Chaltén provides numerous shorter trails and gentler walks, ensuring that visitors of all fitness levels can experience the region’s spectacular scenery. For detailed information on planning your visit, check out our Practical Guide to visit El Chaltén.

Journey to the “End of the World” in Ushuaia

There is a unique sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. Perched on the shores of the Beagle Channel and surrounded by the Martial Mountains, this remote outpost serves as the gateway to Antarctica and a destination in its own right. The city’s dramatic setting is best explored in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, where coastal paths meet subpolar forests and wildlife roams freely.

A quintessential Ushuaia experience is a boat trip on the historic Beagle Channel. These excursions navigate the same waters as Charles Darwin, leading you to small islands inhabited by bustling colonies of sea lions and Magellanic penguins. Gazing out at the vast, open sea from this vantage point, you truly feel you are at the edge of the continent.

Go Whale Watching in Península Valdés

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Península Valdés on the Atlantic coast is one of South America’s most important marine life reserves. While its rugged coastline is home to elephant seals, sea lions, and orcas, the main attraction is the magnificent Southern Right Whale. It’s important to note that this is a seasonal activity; the best time to see the whales is from June to early December, when they migrate to the peninsula’s sheltered gulfs to breed and give birth.

Boat tours from towns like Puerto Pirámides offer respectful, close-up encounters with these gentle giants as they breach, tail-slap, and tend to their calves. The sheer concentration of diverse wildlife makes Península Valdés a vital stop for any nature enthusiast visiting Patagonia. For more on the do’s and don’ts of visiting this wild region, see our Peninsula Valdés: The ultimate Travel Guide.

Discover the Otherworldly Scenery of Northwest Argentina

Venturing into Northwest Argentina feels like stepping onto a different planet. This region, with its high-altitude deserts, vibrant multi-hued mountains, and deep-rooted Andean culture, offers a stark and beautiful contrast to the rest of the country. Here, colonial history and ancient traditions coexist against a backdrop of some of South America’s most dramatic landscapes. For a comprehensive look at this captivating area, explore our guide to the Northwest Argentina.

Drive the Quebrada de Humahuaca

A journey through the Quebrada de Humahuaca is an unforgettable road trip. This narrow mountain valley, designated a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, follows the course of the Río Grande and showcases a spectacular palette of rock formations sculpted by wind and water over millennia. The drive itself is the main attraction, revealing a new vista around every bend.

Key stops along the route are essential for grasping the area’s charm. In Purmamarca, you’ll find the iconic Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors), a geological marvel whose mineral deposits create stripes of green, pink, yellow, and purple. Further north, the town of Tilcara is home to the Pucará, a partially restored pre-Inca fortress that offers insight into the region’s ancient civilizations and provides panoramic views of the valley. Throughout the Quebrada, small villages with adobe houses and historic churches offer a glimpse into a resilient Andean culture that has thrived here for centuries.

Explore the Colonial City of Salta

Known affectionately as “Salta la Linda” (Salta the Beautiful), this city is the region’s cultural and logistical hub. It boasts some of the best-preserved colonial architecture in Argentina, with ornate churches, grand municipal buildings, and covered arcades surrounding its vibrant central square, the Plaza 9 de Julio. The plaza is the heart of the city, a perfect place to enjoy a coffee and observe local life beneath the shade of its jacaranda trees.

For a remarkable feat of engineering and a unique perspective on the Andes, consider a trip on the Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds). This famous high-altitude railway journey ascends into the mountains, crossing deep canyons and vast plateaus, culminating at the dizzying La Polvorilla viaduct, which stands 63 meters high at an altitude of 4,220 meters.

Cross the Salinas Grandes Salt Flats

Stretching across the high Puna plateau is the Salinas Grandes, a vast expanse of white salt that creates a surreal and dazzling landscape. At over 3,400 meters above sea level, this immense salt desert is a photographer’s dream. The cracked, hexagonal patterns of the salt crust extend to the horizon, meeting the deep blue of the Andean sky.

Walking out onto the flats is a unique sensory experience. The sheer scale of the area allows for creative photo opportunities, where the lack of reference points can be used to play with perspective and create amusing optical illusions. While it may not be as expansive as Bolivia’s famous Salar de Uyuni, the Salinas Grandes offers a similarly otherworldly spectacle and is an accessible highlight for any trip through Northwest Argentina.

Sip Your Way Through the Mendoza Wine Region

Nestled against the dramatic backdrop of the Andes mountains, Mendoza is the undisputed heart of Argentina’s wine country. This sun-drenched region is responsible for the majority of the nation’s wine production and is globally celebrated for its signature grape, the bold and luscious Malbec. A visit here is an immersion into a culture where wine is not just a drink, but a way of life, best enjoyed with exceptional food and breathtaking scenery.

Tour World-Class Malbec Vineyards

Mendoza’s wine-producing areas, or bodegas, are spread across several distinct regions, each with its own character. The Luján de Cuyo region is considered the traditional cradle of Malbec, home to some of the country’s oldest and most prestigious wineries. Further south, the high-altitude Uco Valley has gained international acclaim for its modern, architecturally stunning wineries and elegant wines that express a unique sense of place. Exploring these areas offers a fascinating contrast between historic estates and cutting-edge viticulture.

You can explore the wineries in a few different ways. Guided tours offer convenience, handling all transportation and often providing access to premium tastings and private cellars. For those who prefer more flexibility, hiring a private driver or renting a car (with a designated driver) allows you to create your own itinerary. A highlight of any visit is the winery lunch, a multi-course gastronomic affair where each dish is thoughtfully paired with a different wine, often served on a terrace overlooking the vines and the snow-capped Andes.

Cycle Between Bodegas

For a more active and intimate way to experience the vineyards, consider exploring by bicycle. This popular option allows you to connect with the landscape at a relaxed pace, feeling the sun and smelling the earth as you pedal from one tasting to the next. The town of Maipú, just outside Mendoza city, is the primary hub for this activity.

Numerous shops in Maipú rent comfortable cruiser bikes and provide a simple map of the local “Ruta del Vino.” The terrain is mostly flat, making it an accessible adventure for most fitness levels. Cycling along quiet, tree-lined roads, you can stop spontaneously at a mix of large-scale producers and small, family-run establishments, enjoying a more personal and unhurried approach to wine tasting against a backdrop of endless vines and distant peaks.

Immerse Yourself in Authentic Argentine Culture

Learn to Dance at a Tango Milonga

While polished tango shows are popular, for an authentic experience, step into a local milonga. Unlike a performance designed for tourists, a milonga is a neighborhood dance hall where Porteños (residents of Buenos Aires) gather to dance tango. It’s a window into the soul of the city, where the dance is a living, breathing social tradition, not just a spectacle.

To fully appreciate the experience, consider taking a beginner’s tango class beforehand. Many milongas offer lessons before the main event begins. Learning the basic steps and fundamental etiquette will give you the confidence to understand the flow of the evening, even if you just plan to watch from the sidelines.

The atmosphere inside a milonga is governed by tradition and subtle codes of conduct. From the way dancers invite partners with a nod (the cabeceo) to the specific flow of movement on the dance floor, it is an evening of profound connection and unspoken communication. Observing or participating in this dance is to feel the true passion of Argentina.

Experience Gaucho Life on an Estancia

Escape the city and delve into Argentina’s rural heartland by visiting an estancia, a traditional countryside ranch. Here, you can experience the culture of the legendary gauchos, the skilled and noble horsemen of the Argentine pampas. Many estancias near Buenos Aires offer a día de campo (a day in the country), while others provide lodging for an immersive overnight stay.

A typical day on an estancia is filled with authentic activities that connect you to the land and its traditions. Common experiences include:

• Horseback riding through open fields, guided by local gauchos who might share stories of their way of life.
• Watching displays of incredible horsemanship and traditional folk music and dance performances.
• Feasting on a magnificent asado, the quintessential Argentine barbecue, where various cuts of meat are slow-cooked to perfection over an open fire.

Catch a Passionate Fútbol (Soccer) Match

In Argentina, fútbol is far more than a game—it’s a way of life. The atmosphere at a live match is a powerful spectacle of collective passion, with stadiums filled with non-stop singing, chanting, and drumming from dedicated fans. The energy is palpable and provides a unique insight into the national character.

The country is home to world-famous clubs, and the rivalry between Buenos Aires’ giants, Boca Juniors and River Plate, is one of the most intense in the world. Attending any match is an experience, but witnessing the Superclásico between these two teams is an unforgettable immersion into Argentine fervor.

Getting tickets for major matches can be difficult and navigating the process can be complex for visitors. For a safe and straightforward experience, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets through a reputable tour agency or inquire with your hotel concierge. They often offer packages that include transportation and a local guide, ensuring you can focus solely on the incredible atmosphere.

Savor the Flavors of Argentina

To truly understand Argentina, you must experience its cuisine, which is a rich tapestry of indigenous ingredients and European influences. Food here is more than sustenance; it’s a centerpiece of social life, from slow-cooked weekend barbecues to the simple ritual of sharing a national drink. Exploring Argentina’s culinary landscape is an essential part of any journey.

Indulge in a Traditional Asado

In Argentina, a barbecue is never just a barbecue; it’s an asado. This slow-cooked feast is a cherished cultural event, a Sunday ritual that brings family and friends together for hours of conversation and exceptional food. The entire process is presided over by the asador, or grill master, who takes immense pride in skillfully cooking various cuts of meat over hot coals.

The experience is a parade of flavors, often starting with sausages like chorizo and morcilla (blood sausage) before moving on to the main cuts. Expect to find a variety of celebrated beef selections, including:

• Bife de chorizo: A thick, juicy sirloin steak, the undisputed king of the Argentine parrilla (grill).
• Lomo: A supremely tender tenderloin, often cooked to perfection.
• Vacío: A flavorful flank steak with a unique texture.
• Costillas: Tender, slow-cooked ribs that fall off the bone.

Paired with a simple salad and a glass of Malbec, the asado is the heart and soul of Argentine hospitality.

Sample Every Flavor of Empanada

The humble empanada is Argentina’s perfect handheld meal. These savory pastries are a staple found everywhere, from street-side stalls to elegant restaurants. While they serve as a popular appetizer, a few empanadas can easily make for a satisfying lunch. Each province boasts its own unique style, but some classic fillings are universal.

Common varieties include carne (minced or chopped beef, often with onion, egg, and olives), pollo (shredded chicken), humita (a creamy sweetcorn filling), and jamón y queso (ham and cheese). The crimped edge, known as the repulgue, is not just decorative; its pattern often serves as a code to identify the filling inside. Trying the different regional variations is a delicious way to taste your way across the country.

Learn the Ritual of Drinking Yerba Mate

You cannot walk far in Argentina without seeing someone clutching a distinctive gourd and straw. This is yerba mate, a caffeinated herbal infusion that holds the title of the national drink. More than just a beverage, mate is a deeply ingrained social ritual that symbolizes friendship and community.

The drink is prepared by steeping dried yerba mate leaves in hot water inside a hollow gourd (the mate) and sipped through a filtered metal straw (the bombilla). It is traditionally shared among a group, where one person, the cebador, prepares the mate and passes it to each person in turn. While the slightly bitter, earthy taste can be an acquired one, participating in or even just observing this shared ritual offers a genuine glimpse into the fabric of daily Argentine life.

Practical Tips for Your Argentine Adventure

Argentina is a vast and varied country, and a little planning goes a long way. Understanding the regional climates, transport options, and local customs around money will ensure your journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Here are a few essential tips to keep in mind.

Best Time to Visit Each Region

Given its immense size, there is no single “best” time to visit Argentina. The ideal season depends entirely on which part of the country you plan to explore. It’s often best to plan your itinerary around the climate of your priority destinations.

• Patagonia: The southern reaches, including El Calafate and El Chaltén, are most accessible during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from December to February. During these months, you’ll find warmer temperatures, less wind, and open hiking trails.
• Buenos Aires: The capital city is most pleasant during the shoulder seasons. Spring (September to November) offers mild weather and the famous jacaranda trees in full purple bloom, while fall (March to May) provides comfortable temperatures for exploring the city’s many neighborhoods on foot.
• Iguazu Falls: To avoid the peak heat, humidity, and rainfall of the summer, consider visiting during the drier months of April-May or September-October. The water levels are still impressive, and the weather is far more comfortable for walking the park’s extensive circuits.

Navigating the Country: Flights vs. Buses

The sheer scale of Argentina means you will need to think strategically about how to get from one region to another. The distance from Salta in the north to Ushuaia in the south is comparable to traveling from Moscow to Madrid.

• Domestic Flights: For covering long distances, such as from Buenos Aires to Patagonia or Iguazu, flying is the most practical and time-efficient option. Airlines like Aerolíneas Argentinas and other budget carriers connect the country’s main hubs. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
• Long-Distance Buses: For those on a tighter budget or with more time, Argentina’s long-distance bus network is an excellent alternative. The buses are surprisingly comfortable, often featuring fully reclining seats (cama) and meal service, making them a viable option for overnight journeys.

A Note on Currency and Payments

Navigating Argentina’s financial landscape requires a bit of flexibility. The official currency is the Argentine Peso (ARS), and its value can be subject to fluctuation.

• Carry Cash: While credit cards are accepted in many hotels, upscale restaurants, and large stores in major cities, Argentina is still very much a cash-based society. You will need pesos for taxis, small shops, local cafes, and markets, especially when traveling outside of Buenos Aires.
• Credit Card Use: Inform your bank of your travel plans before you leave. When using a credit card, you may be asked for identification, so it’s a good idea to have a copy of your passport with you.
• Currency Exchange: It is wise to arrive with some US dollars or Euros, as they are the easiest to exchange. You will find official exchange houses (casas de cambio) in most cities. Be cautious when exchanging money on the street.