From the snow-capped mountains of the Andes to the lush-green vineyards and immense waterfalls, Argentina is a country that offers adventure to the max. It reaches all the way to the southernmost point of South America and its diverse landscapes make it an excellent vacation spot for anyone.
Below is a list of the 7 best places to visit in Argentina:
1. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina’s capital city of, Buenos Aires, is a multicultural metropolis that has been referred to as the “Paris” of South America.
While the European influence has no doubt had an effect on the country’s culture, Argentineans haven’t lost touch with their Spanish and Native American roots.
They take great pride in their cultural traditions, while also embracing new ones. Today, Buenos Aires has eclectic architecture, world-class cuisine, diverse entertainment, and mucho mas (much more).
The Tango ( a traditional Argentinian dance) is an integral part of Buenos Aires’s charm. While in the capital, get tickets to a Tango show and prepare to be mesmerized by professional tango dancers performing the most sensual dance in the world.
La Boca is one of the most famous neighborhoods in Buenos Aires – so don’t miss it. El Caminito or “Little path” is famous for its bright-colored houses and street art. It’s basically an outdoor street museum where visitors can explore exhibits and go inside the old-style houses.
If you’re a soccer fan, you might have also heard the name “La Boca” before – that’s because the Boca Juniors soccer team is one of the most popular soccer teams in Argentina. The blue and yellow stadium is just a stone’s throw away from the colorful house of La Boca.
Buenos Aires also has nightlife like no other. If you like to go out and party, be prepared to stay out all night and then plan and catch up on sleep the next day because the locals don’t even go out until about midnight. Bars and clubs are open all night, and you might just catch the sunrise as you head back to your hotel
2. Mendoza
Mendoza is more laid-back than Buenas Aires and it’s where you will find some of the best wine in the world. There are over 1,000 different wineries or “bodegas” in Argentinas wine country.
With the majestic Andes mountain range serving as a backdrop, visitors can tour vineyards, sample wines, and learn about the winemaking process.
Outdoor dining is a must in Mendoza, and there are quite a few parks that are worth a visit – especially the General San Martin Park. It has been around for 123 years and it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the greenery.
When I visited Mendoza, I went paragliding, horseback riding, and went on a bike tour through a few vineyards and sampled all the wines. I highly recommend all of the above.
3. Iguazú Falls, Argentina
Iguazú Falls sits right on the border between Brazil and Argentina. You can visit the falls on either side, but we are going to focus on the Argentinian side.
The Argentine side has more vantage points so you can get really close to the falls and feel the mist on your face. It’s the second-largest waterfall in the world, and it’s one of the seven natural wonders of the world, so it’s something you just cannot miss.
Word on the street is that when Eleanor Roosevelt ( the former first lady of the United States) visited Iguazú, she said, ” Poor Niagra.” So, if any of you reading this have visited Niagra Falls, you can imagine just how massive the falls really are.
There are multiple ways to see the breathtaking falls. One way is by motorboat, but be prepared to get soaked! If you prefer more of an adrenaline rush, you can also zip line through the jungle or go the more expensive route and go on a helicopter ride for an areal view.
4. El Calafate, Argentina
Does the name Patagonia ring a bell? That’s probably because you have worn rainjackets or sweaters with the famous mountain logo on them, but did you know that Patagonia is named after a mountain range in Argentina and Chile?
El Calafate is a town located in the Patagonia region of Argentina and it’s on the southern shore of Lake Argentino. It’s got some of the most beautiful glaciers in the world and it’s ideal for those who love hiking, climbing, and all mountain things. Visitors go glacier trekking, and kayaking before unwinding with at a local brewery.
5. Ushuaia, Argentina
In Ushuaia, Argentina you will find an archipelago that’s at the southernmost tip of South America. It’s a relatively isolated little town that’s found where the Andes mountains meet Beagle Channel.
So what makes people want to wander so far south? That would be because of it’s home to an incredible national park called Tierra del Fuego that offers all kinds of outdoor activities to do.
Common tours include offroading, boat rides, and penguin-watching. You can even waddle alongside the penguins if you want to! It’s an experience you will never forget, but just remember that although they may be cute, you can’t take one home with you.
These days, It’s a common pitstop for cruise ships that are heading to Antarctica so it has become less of a hidden gem and a little more of a tourist-friendly port city. As you can see in the photo above, the views are breathtaking, so I highly recommend braving the cold for a chance to explore Ushuaia.
6. Cordoba, Argentina
Cordoba is Argentina’s second-largest city, and it’s got a large concentration of colleges and universities. With so many students, there is no shortage of fun events to attend in Cordoba.
It’s surrounded by three different mountain ranges and it sits right on the banks of the Primero River. Cordoba is known for its incredible colonial architecture and 17th-century Jesuit churches that can be found at the famous Jesuit block. There are quite a few museums, and the Old City area is very picturesque – especially at night when it’s all lit up.
Gastronomy in Cordoba is also noteworthy. Locals recommend a visit to the Paseo del Buen Pastor. What was once a woman’s prison, has been converted into a market complex where you can sample all the different local cuisines. There are countless stalls selling choripanes (sausage in a baguette), native cheeses, and last but not least – vino.
7. Bariloche, Argentina
Bariloche is in Argentina’s magical lake district. It overlooks the royal blue lake and mountain slopes of Nahuel Huapi National Park. It’s got its own beach on the lake and ski slopes in the winter.
During the winter it transforms into a winter wonderland, and it draws in tourists from all over the world. Many come to enjoy skiing or snowboarding in winter and water sports during the summer.
Think of it as the Aspen, Colorado of Argentina. For me personally, the best part is the chocolate shops around town where you can warm up with Argentinian hot chocolate.
To Sum Up
Argentina has energetic cities and a vast selection of natural wonders. It’s the birthplace of the tango and Leo Messi. From Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, there is so much to appreciate about the country of Argentina.
