11 of the best places to visit in Argentina

Argentina may be famous for its colourful capital city Buenos Aires – often compared to Paris or New York City – but this diverse nation is much more than one stylish spot. Formidable natural wonders, culinary delights and cultural experiences are waiting for you in this South American dream destination. Here, we’ve picked some of the best places to visit in Argentina to help you sort out your travel list…

11. Quebrada de Humahuaca

This mountain valley in Northern Argentina is known for rainbow hills along the range, including Serranía de Hornocal (the Fourteen-Coloured Mountain) and Cerro de los Siete Colores (the Hill of Seven Colors).

10. Puerto Deseado

A fishing village in the Santa Cruz region, Puerto Deseado attracts wildlife lovers from across the globe, due to the native dolphins and rockhopper penguins. The port has become an action-packed destination, too, with kayaking and wildlife expeditions popular among tourists.

9. Mendoza Wine Region

Fans of Malbec will be familiar with the appeal of taking an Argentinian wine tour. In this picturesque province, vibrant green vineyards sit against the backdrop of the Andes mountain range. Some popular spots to kick back with a glass of wine and a bite to eat are Bodega Carmelo Patti, Vines of Mendoza, Familia Zuccardi and Ruca Malen.

8. Puna de Atacama

The Puna de Atacama desert sits along the border of Chile, in Northern Argentina. With active volcanoes, salt flats and arid desert it’s certainly a “wild” region to check out.

7. San Carlos de Bariloche

In stark contrast to Atacama, Bariloche is a lush landscape surrounded by deep green forest, glacial lakes and mountain peaks. The Patagonian village could easily be mistaken for a town in Switzerland – especially considering the local penchant for chocolates. It’s one of the best places to visit in Argentina in winter, when the mountains transform into ski fields with amazing views of the Nahuel Huapi lake.

6. Salinas Grandes

With white sandy plains and pristine pools of water, it’s not hard to see how this tourist hot spot scored its name, which translates to ‘Great Salt Flats’. It’s the perfect site to see when staying in the town of Salta.

5. Salta

Though this provincial capital is known as a gateway to adventures in the Andes and Argentinian Patagonia, there’s a lot to love about the town of Salta itself. History buffs will keep busy at sites like the Museum of High Altitude Archaeology, Cathedral of Salta and the Basílica y Convento de San Francisco. There’s a thriving wine region, artisanal markets, you can take a ‘Train to the Clouds’ and there’s an amazing nearby nature reserve Villa San Lorenzo.

4. Buenos Aires

Ah yes, the Paris of South America! The city is known for grand European-style buildings in neighbourhoods like Recoleta, the buzzing nightlife in areas like Palermo Hollywood and the charm of barrios like La Boca and San Telmo.

3. Ushuaia

Known as ‘the end of the world’, this southern town is the gateway to Antarctic cruises and the local islands in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. A short drive out of town and you’ll be in the Tierra del Fuego National Park, with vibrant deep blue waters and Andean-Patagonian forest.

2. Igazú Falls

Hands down one of the BEST places to visit in Argentina, and the world, is the Igazú Falls. The UNESCO World Heritage protected waterfall runs across Brazil and Argentina, with the unique shape of the falls said to be steeped in ancient legend. The views are jaw-dropping.

1. Los Glaciares National Park

This national park in Argentinian Patagonia is a must-visit for nature lovers. Check out the jaw-dropping Perito Moreno Glacier, the peaks of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre and the local charm of the park’s village El Chaltén.