7 Best Places to Visit in Argentina
Published on: May 23rd, 2023
Last modified: February 21st, 2024
From the dramatic Iguazu Falls and vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, to cruises from Ushuaia and trains to Tierra del Fuego National Park, the end of the world, Argentina is an incredible destination. Our experts have compiled this list of the best places to visit in Argentina to help you get the most out of your trip.
Enjoy exclusive wine tours in Mendoza, go hiking near El Chalten and go back in time at the San Ignacio Mini Ruins. Argentina is full of interesting places and activities for all kinds of traveller, from the history buff or foodie, to the adrenaline rush seeker and cultural aficionado. Whether you’re keen to spend time with the gauchos in The Pampas, explore the rugged coastline of Bahia Bustamante, party into the night with locals in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires or visit a remote penguin colony near Peninsula Valdes - there’s a place just waiting for your arrival.
1. Iguazú Falls
Spanning both Argentina and Brazil, the Iguazú Falls are spectacular. Visiting from the Argentinian side gives you the chance to get very close to the falls themselves as well as explore the area on many kilometres of walkway that we’ve through the lush vegetation here. Teaming up with a private guide provides outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities in the rainforests of Iguazú National Park and the Bird Park. You can also take heli trips and get truly memorable view of the falls, or take a jet boat safari to their base.
To see the falls at their most impressive, aim to visit between late March and May, or August and early October. Just a short drive along the river, Awasi Iguazu offers spacious stilted villas surrounded by beautiful jungle.
2. Buenos Aires
Colourful houses, busy street markets and dazzling tango shows, Buenos Aires beckons to the traveller looking for the perfect mix of city life and culture. No visit is complete without a city tour to Recoleta, the Evita mausoleum and the Boca Juniors’ stadium. Round out a day with Rojo Tango and dinner. Get a proper taste for life in one of the best cities to visit in Argentina with street food tours, access to closed door restaurants and even private culinary classes. One of our favourites is the El Federal empanada masterclass. Come hungry!
While in the city, consider staying at Legado Mitico which is located in the trendy Palermo neighbourhood close to great shopping and restaurants. The historic Hub Porteño in Recoleta is also a good boutique hotel choice. Buenos Aires is perfectly positioned for exciting day trips out to the Pampas region and Tigre Delta.
3. Ushuaia: The End of the World
If you’re looking for a unique destination, then Ushuaia should be at the top of your list. This city is known as the last outpost of civilisation before the icy sweeps of the Antarctic. In fact, a variety of cruises set sail from here, some of which pass Cape Horn. Timing is important when visiting Ushuaia and we recommend avoiding June to August as it’s far too cold for most activities, and the cruises only start departing in October and November.
Pop into the Maritime Museum if you have a few days in Ushuaia, and consider heading out on a tour to the Isla Martillo Rookery to see Papuas and Magaellanic penguins. Just a few minutes from downtown Ushuaia, Arakur is spectacularly situated overlooking the Beagle Channel. Another hotel with an excellent location is Los Cauquenes.
4. Tierra del Fuego National Park
Arakur and Los Cauquenes are also the perfect places to call home when you’re exploring the stunning Tierra del Fuego National Park. With its breathtaking waterfalls, forests, glaciers and mountain peaks, the park was officially established in 1960 and expanded just a few years later. There are several ways to explore the park, one of the favourites being the Train to the End of the World. Once used to ferry prisoners into the national park to clear trees, the narrow-gauge track begins in Ushuaia and ends in the park.
If you’re feeling energetic, then a hike through the Tierra Mayo Valley to Laguna Esmeralda is a rewarding experience. The scenery and wildlife along the way are impressive. The hike itself is easy to moderate, but the terrain can be a bit rough at times. For a more leisurely experience, board a comfortable catamara in Ushuaia and take a cruise along the Beagle Channel. Watch historic estancias, towering mountain ranges, lighthouses and noisy communities of seals slip past.
5. Mendoza
The heart of Argentina‘s wine industry, Mendoza is a picturesque region blanketed in sweeping vineyards and dotted with inviting wineries and bodegas. Wine tours here can be completely tailored to your preferences, whether you’re keen on reds, whites or bubbles, and tours include a private, exclusive lunch. If you’re on a romantic getaway, then Cavas Wine Lodge is a private boutique hotel set in its own vineyard.
Head into the Andes for days filled with horse riding, biking, rafting and hiking. Many of these activities can be enjoyed at rustic private ranch Quebrada del Condor. You might even choose to make your way from vineyard to vineyard by bike. Make time for a sightseeing tour into Parque Provincial Aconcagua where you’ll find Latin America’s largest mountain Aconcagua. While visits to this part of the country are great year round, the seasons can shape your trip dramatically, with snow being possible in the higher altitudes from June to August, and February being the hottest month.
6. El Chalten
Less known than its famous neighbour El Calafate and the Perito Moreno Glacier, El Chalten is perfect for hikers and those looking for a less touristy experience in more rustic surroundings. Visiting from June to August when it is very cold isn’t recommended because the snow makes hiking very difficult.
El Chalten is the gateway to the epic Los Glaciares National Park, where the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier calves into Lake Argentino. Besides this memorable landmark, the park is home to a wide array of birds like black-chested buzzard eagles and condors. Head out on a self-led hike, or we can pair you up with a knowledgeable guide. El Chalten is also a great starting point for tours to Mount Fitzroy and Lago del Desierto where you can go kayaking and boating.
7. San Ignacio Mini Ruins
Founded by the Jesuits in 1610 San Ignacio Mini are among the best preserved ruins in the region. You’ll find them near present-day San Ignacio Valley, and they boast a variety of highly-detailed carvings. The ruins include the priest’s home, the central square, a church and cemetery. A visit is a good way for history enthusiasts to learn more about the history of the Guarani people’s introduction to religion. It’s also a good addition for anyone who has been to Argentina a couple of times and is looking to take a deeper dive.
Trips to the ruins leave from Igazú Falls, so Awasi Iguazu is a good base accommodation. The 4×4 journey to reach them takes you through changing scenery, making for a wonderful excursion from start to finish. You can also take guided tours from Misiones Rainforest, as well as en route to the Ibera Wetlands. For the latter, which is an hour and a half away by road, we suggest staying at Puerto Valle Hotel de Esteros.
Our Team's Favourite Trips to Argentina
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