The 11 most beautiful places to visit in Argentina

Are you planning to visit Argentina? The striking beauty of the landscapes and the generosity of the inhabitants have not finished seduced you! Discover our selection of 11 must-see places!

The simple word, Argentina, creates images as grand as contrasted. Tango, Patagonia, Andean Cordillera, wine and football are all evocations that amaze and envy to travel this giant of Latin America. Visiting Argentina is falling under the charm of a rich and dynamic culture, which the inhabitants have been able to live at the will of the times – tense or dark – of their history. Rising cities where art meets every corner of the street, vertiginous summits, desert areas, lakes and glaciers with blue reflections... The country is full of unforgettable places!

Do you dream of going to Argentina? This article takes you to discover places not to be missed!

1. Buenos Aires

Starting point of your trip, the Argentine capital is as attractive as it is interesting. Flip through the streets of Buenos Aires in search of puertas cerradas ! These unique places – restaurants, bars or milongas – hide behind large passing arteries.

To San Telmo , historical heart of the megalopolis, taste empañadas the old market and fall under the charm of tango dancers Plaza Dorrego one of the oldest places in the city. Enjoy the deliciously over-year atmosphere of the embracing that settles in the streets on Sundays.

A few steps away, admire the Obelisk and the Casa Rosada , government seat. This is where the mothers of Mai Square , whose sons disappeared during the military dictatorship (1976-1983), manifest every Thursday since 30 April 1977! In the evening, sit in one of the many trendy restaurants in Palermo.

Enjoy the warm atmosphere of the city that never sleeps !

2. Les Chutes d’Iguazú

Visiting Argentina is a paradise for nature lovers. Among the essential things to do in Argentina, Chutes d’Iguazú will leave you an indelible memory. In this region of the north-east characterized by its powerful rivers, the peaceful Rio Iguazú winds in the middle of the wet forest to fall into 275 frantic waterfalls. The beauty of the falls and their roaring are breathtaking. 1,800 cubic meters of water in the second pour out in front of your bahish eyes!

A tip: take the time to explore the two national parks – Brazil and Argentina – to contemplate the Iguazú Falls from different points of view. Get away from the crowd to discover the 2,000 species of plants and have the chance to see toucans and parrots along the forest trails.

3. Jesuit missions of Guaraní

In the north-east of Argentina, the province of Misiones holds its name from the Jesuit missions built between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Four of them have been listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site: San Ignacio , Nuestra Señora de Loreto , Santa Maria la Mayor and Santa Ana . In these tropical forests originally inhabited by Guaraní indigenous communities, Jesuits built churches, schools, prisons, workshops and homes. The ruins of these immense villages testify to the rich cultural past of Argentina. If you lack time, focus on San Ignacio, the most beautiful and best-preserved mission.

4. The region Salta

The landscapes around the beautiful city Salta will fill those who come to visit Argentina to taste its immensity. Here, the Ruta 40 , the longest and most mythical of the country, crosses the magnificent Calchaquies valleys, sprinkled with giant cactus. On the way, you will meet typical towns.

Make a stop in the small village of Cachi ! With its central place, its paved alleys and its colorful atmosphere, it is a real blow of heart! A little further north, National Road 68 reveals impressive rocky flaws in the Quebrada de las Conchas. Have fun getting into the ocre-red natural sculptures, like the Anfiteatro (amphitheatre) or Garganta del Diablo (Devil's throat)

5. The Cerro Hornocal

From the village of Humahuaca, in the northwest of Argentina, a little bumpy road leads you to Cerro Hornocal , the mountain with fourteen colors. A true ravishing for the eyes, the landscape is composed of sedimentary strata with a palette ranging from ochre to green, with touches of yellow and violet.

Take your time to walk to the edge of the precipice (the greatest place) because the altitude literally cuts your breath, especially during the final climb. To get there, if you don’t find a driver at the bus station, go to the bridge at the entrance to the village: it’s often there that cars await visitors.

6. Mendoza

At the gates of Chile , the narrow region of Mendoza brings together two essential attractions of Argentina: the wine and the Andes Cordillera. It is indeed the best bodegas (wine tanks) of the country. It is easy to discover, by car or by bike, the secrets of the vineyard and the manufacture of the precious liquid.

Sleeping in a winery property is an excellent way to see the path that has come from the first vine feet, planted by the Jesuits five centuries ago. For the athletes who wonder what to do in Argentina, be quite reassured: the Aconcagua summit await the hikers from the top of its 6,962 meters high!

7. The road to the seven lakes

North Bariloche , at the entrance of Patagonia, the road of the seven lakes – a portion of the famous Ruta 40 – covers nearly 107 kilometres. Set with forests, mountains and rivers, this road trip will make you discover beautiful lakes scintillating symbols of this region that is surnamed Argentine Switzerland .

Don't miss out on your way to Villa Traful ! Renting a hut by the lake of this small village is a magical experience. Sports enthusiasts will not be left behind: the region is one of the best spots for skiing, fishing, hiking or climbing!

8. The Perito Moreno glacier

In the register of natural splendors to visit in Argentina, is the majestic glacier Perito Moreno near El Calafate, in Patagonia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the forty-eight glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park. Among the most mobile of the planet, it runs not far from two meters a day and forms icebergs of building size!

The spectacle of the blue ice blocks that detache themselves from their walls in a frantic noise is fascinating. It is easy to hypnotize by magic – visual and auditory – places. To get to the foot of the glacier, it is very simple: you can opt for an organized trip or go by your own means from El Calafate (the most economical solution).

9. Ushuaia

How not to approach the mythical city of Ushuaia When are we talking about visiting Argentina? Capital of the Earth of Fire, swept by the winds and located in the southernmost part of South America, Ushuaïa has nourished the imagination of generations of adventurers. A unique atmosphere of the end of the world reigns in this port from which the ships leave to the Antarctic. Beyond its past filled with legends, the city captivates by the history of its first inhabitants, the Yahgan Indians (or Yámana).

Here, no question of getting bored: hiking in the Terre de Feu National Park , sailing, kayaking and diving are part of the many activities taken by travellers.

10. The Valdés Peninsula

Sea lions and elephants, guanacos, mangoes and marine birds have elected residence in the nature reserve Valdés peninsula one of the world’s leading marine wildlife sanctuaries. The place concentrates an exceptional variety of animals. But the stars here are the southern free whales! They come to reproduce and fall each year, from June to December. If it is easy to find a boat to observe them, the threat to their reproduction imposes the utmost caution.

Make sure you choose a provider who respects the legislation in force (engine cut to a hundred metres from the cetaceans, bans them from continuing). Let yourself be carried away by the emotion that this magical experience provides!

11. Córdoba

Second city of the country, Córdoba must his nickname Athens of the Americas to its rich architectural and cultural heritage. With its seven universities, its amazing nightlife and four excellent museums, it subtly combines the old and modern. You will find both the best electro-tango DJs in the country, contemporary or classical art exhibitions, historic churches built by the Jesuits from the 17th century. Córdoba is located in the Argentine Pampa, the cradle of the Gauchos, these men of the earth and horses who cultivate a unique art of living in the world.

Sleep in one estancia (farm) is an excellent opportunity to discover the customs and legends of the country, its succulent meats and equestrian games. Finally, if you want to experience strong sensations, you should know that the surrounding area has famous paragliding sites throughout Latin America.

To organize your trip to this wonderful country, find our comprehensive guide on Argentina!