WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN ARGENTINA?
On this page, you will be able to discover in pictures the main experiences not to be missed in Argentina, its must-see tourist sites and the less known but worth a visit attractions (cities, national parks…).
A short description will give you the information you need to make the most of each experience.
Although it is impossible to see everything at once, this selection may be useful for you to plan a travel itinerary if you are going to visit Argentina for the first time by giving you a taste of the best things to do and places to visit.
The points are not in a precise order. Hoping that this selection is useful to you, do not hesitate to leave a comment if you think there are points to add.
Here are 16 things to do and see during a trip to Argentina:
1. Buenos Aires
There are many things to visit in the Argentine capital, starting with the charming San Telmo district, the Cementerio de la Recoleta and the Puerto Madero district. For food lovers, try the capital’s restaurants to taste Argentinean beef, one of the best in the world.
© flickr.com/photos/hernanpc/17285153656/
2. Cruise on the Paraná Delta
To get away from the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires, go to the city of Tigre where you can take a boat trip on the Paraná delta, a vast network of canals and rivers covered with small islets amid dense vegetation and rich in birds (watch out for mosquitoes).
© flickr.com/photos/tigremunicipio/8403207406/
3. Iguazú Falls
One of the wonders of the natural world, the spectacular Iguazú Falls are located on the border with Brazil. The surrounding jungle is home to more than 2000 species of plants and a unique fauna in the region: caimans, tapirs, howler monkeys…
© flickr.com/photos/cadampol/2318742634/
4. The Cerro Aconcagua
The highest peak in the Southern Hemisphere (6960 m), Aconcagua offers an incredible panorama, and can still be enjoyed if you do not plan to climb it. It’s located in the province of Mendoza, famous for its wine.
© flickr.com/photos/srossi_it/5055051131/
5. The Perito Moreno Glacier
The Perito Moreno Glacier is located in the Los Glaciares National Park (near the city of El Calafate). It can be admired thanks to a network of trails that allow you to get very close to it. It’s located 220 km south of El Chaltén.
© flickr.com/photos/ru_boff/8754152916/
6. The National road 40 towards Fitz Roy/ El Chaltén
Called “Ruta 40” in Spanish, it is the longest road in the country (and one of the longest in the world), and runs from the border with Bolivia to Patagonia. It’s 5000 km long and passes through a wide variety of landscapes and climates. It provides access to many of the country’s national parks. The photo below is taken from Routa Provincial 23 which leads to El Chalten from Route 40.
© flickr.com/photos/catrinaustin/5494169389/
7. The northwest of the country: Salta and the Calchaquies valleys
The colonial city of Salta is located in a fertile valley and serves as a gateway to the Andes mountain range. There are majestic colonial buildings there. A little further north, you can visit the Calchaquies valleys.
© flickr.com/photos/kj-an/2457210203/
8. The Esteros del Ibera Provincial Nature Reserve
The Esteros del Iberá are a vast network of swamps and ponds that extend over nearly 20,000 km² in northeastern Argentina. Its geographical location and difficult access make the area rich and varied in fauna: caimans, birds, monkeys, deer and capybaras.
© flickr.com/photos/empty007/8839390889/
9. Tasting wine in Mendoza
For wine lovers, Mendoza is the wine region to visit in Argentina. Located at the foot of the Andes, tours are organized to visit estates (bodegas) or to explore the region by bike, horseback or hiking.
10. The cueva de las manos pintadas
The “Cave of Painted Hands” is an archaeological site where you can admire one of the most beautiful examples of rock paintings in South America, accessible through the impressive Cañón de Río Pinturas.
© wikimedia.org
11. The Quebrada of Humahuaca
An ancient trade route used by the Incas for 10,000 years, the Quebrada de Humahuaca is an arid mountain valley known for its splendid landscapes as well as its pre-Columbian and colonial remains.
© flickr.com/photos/miguelvieira/6299059314/
12. Ushuaïa, the end of the world
The southernmost city in the world, in the Tierra del Fuego region. It’s the last place of civilization before reaching Antarctica. Its isolated geographical location attracts many tourists.
© flickr.com/photos/105105658@N03/18112077609/
13. The Peninsula Valdés nature reserve
From Puerto Madryn, the Valdes Peninsula Wildlife Reserve is the best place in Argentina to see whales, orcs, penguins and sea elephants.
© flickr.com/photos/43423301@N07/10283177426/
14. Hiking the Fitz Roy Mountains
With its wild beauty, the Fitz Roy massif is a must for hiking enthusiasts in Argentina. Surprisingly accessible thanks to numerous marked trails, you can reach it from the city of El Chaltén.
© Wikimedia.org
15. San carlos de Bariloche
Surrounded by the Andes mountain range, San Carlos de Bariloche (or simply Bariloche) looks like a Swiss village. It’s possible to ski in winter and hike or kayak in Nahuel Huapi National Park.
© flickr.com/photos/galeria_miradas/5303690874/
16. The Seven Lakes Road
A 107 km road-trip not to be missed that connects Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes, and passes through several superb lakes. The route is part of Route 40 (formerly RN 231 and RN 234).
