The Most Beautiful Things to do in Argentina

Do you know you want to visit Argentina but aren’t sure where to start?

This South American power house is culturally and geographically diverse.

In a matter of days you can explore the jungle, go wine tasting, and trek across a glacier.

Argentina, however, is also huge. It is the 8th largest country and deciding where to go while you’re here can be lead overwhelming decision paralysis.

Out of all the most beautiful places to go in Argentina, you have to take into account the best time of year for each destination and how to get from point A to point B (direct flights aren’t always an option here).

This post is a comprehensive list of the most beautiful places to visit in Argentina with practical tips to make your trip possible.

18 Beautiful Places to Visit in Argentina

There are a few iconic, world famous places to visit in Argentina: Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Mendoza, the Perito Moreno Glacier…

These are the destinations people fly half-way around the world for.

Itineraries are designed around them.

And it’s easy to see why!

However, along with these well-known destinations, there are off the beaten path jungle tree-house lodges, rainbow mountains, scenic drives, wildlife, and natural wonders.

This post includes it all. I hope it inspires your travels in Argentina from world famous Iguazu to the hidden moon landscapes of San Juan!

Note as to this post’s organization: I’ve chosen these destinations based on how I’d plan a trip.

Each one may have multiple towns or national parks or landmarks that would all be visited together.

I hope this makes your trip planning less overwhelming.

Ok, let’s get to it!

Here are the best places to visit in Argentina, from the top tourist attractions in Argentina to the undiscovered.

Buenos Aires

Whether it’s the reason for your trip or simply your point of entry into Argentina, you will very likely be spending some time in Buenos Aires.

This massive city is home to a third of the entire country’s population.

This is where the action is: tango, colorful La Boca, a nightlife that truly never sleeps, European and colonial architecture blending with the modern, and some of the world’s best steak.

Buenos Aires deserves time. It’s not a city with a list of landmarks to check off like in most European cities.

You need to wander its streets and experience its different neighborhoods to get a feel for it.

Sit in the cafes with a cafe con leche and people watch.

Amble aimlessly through the chaotic streets.

You’ll quickly fall in love with it, whether you expected to or not.

Buenos Aires posts & resources:

• Spend at least three days here, here is my personal 3 days in Buenos Aires itinerary to plan. Ideally, I recommend a week (or more, if you love cities).
• For more planning help, read my post on things to do in Buenos Aires.
• If you have more than 3 days, dedicate one or two days to these best day trips from Buenos Aires. Spending a day on a ranch like a gaucho or boating down the Tigre river delta will give you a more complete picture of Argentine culture than if you only see the city center.
• Food in Argentina will either be the best you have ever tasted or the worst. Because dishes here are simple, it really matters what quality ingredients are used and knowing where to go helps a lot. I recommend going on one of these Buenos Aires food tours at the start of your trip to start off on the right foot.
• Where to stay? Read my guide on barrios and hotels – Where to stay in Buenos Aires

Iguazu Falls

You may not be immediately intrigued at the idea of traveling for a waterfall, but Iguazu Falls is easily one of the most popular things to see Argentina among locals and visitors alike!

With hundreds of waterfalls run along the border of Argentina and Brazil, it is one of those experiences that will leave you standing jaw agape and awestruck.

Iguazu is a 2 hour flight northeast of Buenos Aires in the jungle province of Misiones.

Spend 2-3 days in Iguazu minimum. Argentina’s side of the park needs at least one full day to see everything.

Cross the border into Brazil for a second day to see the falls from their perspective.

Why both sides? In Argentina, you are ON the falls.

Literally, there are catwalks built spanning across the water as it roars under your feet.

In Brazil, you’ll have a panoramic view of the falls in front of you. This is where you really understand how massive this waterfall system truly is.

A day trip into Brazil is more than enough time to see the falls and plenty of organized tours, like this one, will take care of everything.

Iguazu Guides & Tips:

• A Practical Guide to Iguazu Falls, Argentina Side
• A Practical Guide to Iguazu Falls, Brazil Side
• Argentina vs. Brazil: Which side of Iguazu Falls is Better?
• Where to Stay in Iguazu Falls
• Things to do in Iguazu Falls (Besides the Falls)

Misiones: The Jesuit Missions & The Jungle

Most people’s only interaction with the province of Misiones is Iguazu.

After a quick visit to the falls they’re jetting off to the other exciting Argentina tourist attractions.

BUT WAIT, listen to me, Misiones is worth more time if you have it.

This province is Argentina’s rainforest and it’s officially one of Argentina’s 7 Natural Wonders.

And its small size and short distances combined with well maintained highways make it ideal for a road trip.

You can see the entire province in a week if you plan it well (including Iguazu).

Things to see in Misiones include the ruins of the Jesuit missions, tea and yerba mate plantations, countless waterfalls, Mocona Falls (the province’s other impressive waterfall system), and sleeping in jungle treehouse lodges.

Read more about Misiones:

• Things to know before going to Misiones
• Our Northeast Argentina Road Trip: How we spent 5 days driving across Misiones.
• Los Saltos de Mocona: 3 kilometers of waterfalls running parallel to a river are unlike anything you’ll see.

The Esteros del Ibera Wetlands

Did you know that there are wetlands in Argentina?

The Esteros del Ibera are actually the second largest wetlands in the Americas (second only to the Pantanal in Brazil).

Ibera is in the northeastern province of Corrientes. Along with Peninsula Valdes, Ibera is one of the best places to visit in Argentina to see wildlife.

You’ll see capybara, caiman, marsh deer, anaconda and countless species of birds.

Our favorite experience was hiring a private boat excursion at sunrise.

We were the only ones on the water and saw the most wildlife in that tour than the rest of the trip combined.

Risking cliche, it was magical.

Ibera is off the beaten path because it is hard to reach. But I promise it’s worth it.

The easiest (relatively speaking) way is by overnight bus to the city of Mercedes. From here, arrange private transportation to Colonia Carlos Pelligrini with your accommodation (do this beforehand!).

Read my complete guide to the Estero del Ibera Wetlands in Argentina.

Perito Moreno Glacier & El Calafate

Patagonia is without a doubt one of the best places to go in Argentina.

And within Patagonia, Perito Moreno shines brightest.

This glacier is of the busiest and most popular attractions in Patagonia and ranks high with Iguazu in terms of sheer number of visitors.

Read my complete guide to visiting Perito Moreno for more information.

Use the small city (using the term “city” very loosely here) of El Calafate as your base.

Glacier National Park and Perito Moreno are about a twenty minute drive from here.

You don’t need too much time to see the glacier, whether you trek across the glacier on the iconic Big Ice Trek or simply admire it from afar, it can easily be done in one day.

If you have more time, there is plenty to do in El Calafate, from expansive ranches to horseback riding.

El Calafate Resources & Tips:

• Things to do in El Calafate – What to do beyond Perito Moreno.
• How to spend 3 days in El Calafate
• Nibepo Aike Estancia in El Calafate – One of the most beautiful estancias in Patagonia.
• How to see the Spegazzini & Upsala Glaciers
• Continuing on in Patagonia from here? The two most common destinations to combine with El Calafate are Ushuaia (further south with direct flights) and/or El Chalten (next up on this list).

Go Hiking in El Chalten

El Chalten is Patagonia’s hiking capital and if you fancy yourself an outdoors enthusiast, it is something you absolutely must see in Argentina.

To get to El Chalten, fly into El Calafate and take a bus or hire a private transfer for the three hour drive north.

There’s no need to rent a car. Once you’re there you’ll be on foot enjoying the country’s most stunning hikes!

What to do here? Hike, hike, and hike.

The best hikes in Argentina are here in El Chalten. It’s considered Argentina’s trekking capital.

Spend at least 4 days here (minimum). You need to allow extra time for the possibility of poor weather.

Not a strong hiker? Don’t be intimidated. There are trails for all skill levels from beginners and families with children to strenuous hikes for the experienced outdoorsmen.

Read my complete guide to hiking El Chalten to plan your trip there.

Visit the Wineries of Mendoza

Mendoza is Argentina’s largest wine region.

It is my personal paradise and is definitely one of the top must see places in Argentina for wine aficionados.

Vineyards surround the city at the foot of the Andes Mountains.

Weather is idyllic year round. Winters are cold and summers are hot but the nearly constant sun and dry climate make it enjoyable always.

For the best experience, I recommend staying in a resort on the vineyards in the Uco Valley or Lujan de Cuyo.

For top luxury, go with the Uco Valley. This region is closest to the mountains, furthest from the city, and produces the country’s best wines.

Read my ultimate guide to Mendoza’s wineries to plan your visit.

When you need a break from wine tasting, head into the Andes for horseback riding, white water rafting and more.

The town of Potrerillos is just an hour outside of Mendoza and a popular day trip for those seeking a bit of nature and adventure.

Mendoza Resources:

• The Best Things to do in Mendoza
• Best Mendoza Wineries & Wine Tours
• Where to Stay in Mendoza from City Luxury to Winery Resorts

Jujuy’s Villages and Rainbow Mountains

Foreign visitors usually only get a tiny taste of Jujuy, visiting its villages and colorful mountains as a day trip from Salta.

So much so that I see fellow bloggers refer to it as part of Salta all the time!

And when I read this, I die a little inside (to be dramatic).

Jujuy is its own province bordering Salta to the north and it is just as beautiful (if not more so).

This region is the northwest of Argentina and shares a border with Bolivia (and, of course, Salta).

You can get here by flying into Salta and combining the two into an epic road trip of the Northwest or fly directly into Jujuy. But as Salta has more options re: tourism infrastructure, rental car availability, and hotels – I recommend starting there.

When in Jujuy, visit the small villages of Purmamarca, Tilcara, Uquia, and Humahuaca and their rainbow mountains.

Want to avoid the crowds at Peru’s world-famous rainbow mountain? Visit Humahuaca’s Hornocal.

The culture in Jujuy is much more like its northern neighbor, Bolivia, than the rest of Argentina. A visit here is unique and unforgettable.

We spent 3 days in Jujuy and I desperately wanted more time.

The Salinas Grandes Salt Flats

Argentina’s salt flats straddle the border between Salta and Jujuy.

They aren’t as expansive as Bolivia’s more famous salinas but they’re still extremely impressive.

In the rainy summer months (January and February) it’s like walking across the sky itself when the rainwater pools along the surface.

When they’re dry (for most of the year), be sure to bring tiny props to take photos while playing with perspective.

It’s most common and easy to visit the Salinas Grandes on a day trip from Salta, like this one. It combines the salt flats with a stop in Jujuy’s most charming village, Purmamarca.

We went on our own while we were on a road trip in the region.

Read more: A detailed guide to visiting the Salinas Grandes Salt Flats

Salta’s Wine Region in Cafayate

Salta is one of the most beautiful places in Argentina.

Just south of the aforementioned Jujuy, Salta is aptly nicknamed “Salta la Linda” or Salta the Beautiful.

And while the city is beautiful, I recommend renting a car and heading south to Cafayate, Argentina’s second most important wine region.

It’s a three hour drive from the city and is an Argentina tourist destination in its own right.

The highway from Salta to Cafayate weaves through the Quebrada de las Conchas. Its valleys and deep red canyons are reminiscent of Nevada’s Valley of Fire.

Once in Cafayate, settle in for the country’s best white wine.

The crisp Torrontes varietal is the only grape native to Argentina, making it even more Argentine than Malbec.

We’ve been to Cafayate twice for a few days each time, visiting the wineries and hiking in the hills.

It’s cheaper than Mendoza and easier to visit with the vineyards within walking or biking distance from town. Some are even located right in town.

Cafayate & Region Resources:

• The 12 Best Wineries in Cafayate
• Things to do in Cafayate
• The Perfect Salta Road Trip – Our proven itinerary to see the highlights of Salta
• 6 Wineries in Cachi to Visit – While in Salta, if you love wine you should also head up Ruta 40 to Cachi’s beautiful vineyards
• Things to Do In Cachi, Salta

Salta: The City

A popular way to visit this region is by using the city of Salta as a base and taking day trips out to Jujuy and Cafayate.

If you’d rather not rent a car for a road trip, this is a great alternative.

Just know that the day trips are very long. You will leave before sunrise and return after dark.

So while this is possible, I would pace myself.

Allow yourself time to rest between these excursions with a day of downtime in the city in the middle.

How would I visit Salta and Jujuy? The city of Salta is small and doesn’t need much time to see everything. I would (and did) spend only one full day and night there.

This was enough time to see the sites and go to a peña at night and not feel rushed. And for reference, I am typically a very slow traveler.

Then rent a car and embark on a road trip through Salta and/or Jujuy.

If you’re comfortable behind the wheel this is absolutely the best way to see this part of Argentina.

Salta Resources:

• Salta City Guide – What to see and the best excursions
• Salta & Jujuy in 9 Days Itinerary
• Salta Road Trip Itinerary

The 7 Lakes Route & Northern Patagonia

Patagonia’s lake district in Northern Patagonia is one of the top places to visit in Argentina.

It begins in the mountain town of San Martin de los Andes and extends south to the cities of Villa la Angostura and Bariloche.

The stretch of road that weaves through the mountains here is known as the 7 Lakes Route.

Despite there being 7 official lakes there are many more and unsurprisingly, this is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the country.

You can easily do the drive in a day with a guided tour but it is best enjoyed with your own car. Check rental car rates to best enjoy the region at your own pace.

I mention the 7 Lakes Route as a destination because it really is one of the most beautiful places in Argentina but it is in reality made up of a number of small cities and villages.

Explore it on a day trip from Bariloche OR spend a week (or two) staying in the different towns.

San Martin de los Andes is the small city to the north, Villa La Angostura is to the south. Along the route you can stay in tiny villages Villa Traful or Villa Meliquina.

Patagonia’s Lake District posts & resources:

• A Complete Guide to the Ruta de los 7 Lagos: Read my post filled with everything you need to know to plan this drive.
• Things to do in San Martin de los Andes: The beautiful mountain town at the northern end of the 7 Lakes Route.
• Things to do in Villa La Angostura: The village at the southern edge of the route.
• Argentina’s Best National Parks: This region contains two national parks!

Bariloche

Bariloche is one of the most important cities in Patagonia.

Its airport receives daily flights from most of the top tourist attractions in Argentina, making it an easy place to dive into the region.

I recommend spending a lot of time in Bariloche because there is so much to do here.

Bariloche is also easier to navigate than a lot of Argentina.

You can reach everything with public transportation, affordable taxis, and guided tours.

Cerro Campanario offers the best views just outside of town (photo above) at the start of the Circuito Chico scenic drive.

Cerro Otto is the city’s other summit that’s more geared towards families with mazes and other games.

Other popular family activities include tours of the Arrayan Forest and Colonia Suiza.

Want to treat yourself? Have tea in the alpine luxury Hotel Llao Llao.

Want to get outdoors? Go hiking, kayaking, or fly fishing.

In Winter Bariloche is South America’s premier ski resort. Read about winter in Bariloche here.

Bariloche Resources:

• Things to do in Bariloche: A Complete Travel Guide
• Where to stay in Bariloche
• Circuito Grande Bariloche – A Scenic Drive of the Steppe & The Mountains
• A Complete Guide to The Circuito Chico – What to see in this attraction packed part of the area.

El Bolson

El Bolson is just over two hours south of Bariloche.

This small city was forever changed when hippies from Buenos Aires came here in the 1970s.

Its unique location in the valley has blessed it with mild weather and stunning vistas.

El Bolson is home to the largest interconnected network of mountain huts in South America. It is a hiker’s paradise.

In town there is a popular artisan market that takes place 4 days a week (thank to aforementioned hippies) and a large number of craft breweries.

The fertile land in the valley produces fine berries, hops, and vineyards.

Make sure to also visit nearby Lago Puelo, name of both the beautiful town and lake just a short 20 minute drive away.

El Bolson Resources:

• Things to do in El Bolson: A Travel Guide – Patagonia’s Hippie Mountain Paradise
• Trekking in El Bolson – A Practical Guide to the Trails & Refugios
• How to hike to Cajon del Azul in El Bolson

Trevelin & Los Alerces National Park

As I write this list we continue to move south from Bariloche and its surrounding lakes into the province of Chubut.

Alerces National Park is off of most foreign visitors’ radar but is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Argentina’s Patagonia.

The park is dedicated to and named after the alerce tree, a conifer tree that looks similar to North America’s sequoia.

Get here by either flying into nearby Esquel or from Bariloche then going on a road trip through northern Patagonia.

Use Esquel or Trevelin as your base for the park.

Fly fishing is another major attraction in this region and a number of lodges dedicated to it surround Trevelin (the season kicks off in November).

Another major highlight is Trevelin’s tulip field. The tulips bloom in October, making this tiny town a hot destination. If you want to visit that month, plan well in advance.

Along with the tulips, Trevelin is home to three excellent wineries, berry farms, and more.

Finally, don’t miss the Welsh Tea houses. Chubut was mainly settled by the Welsh and you’ll see their influence everywhere here.

Trevelin Resources:

• Things to do in Trevelin, A Travel Guide
• Things to do in Esquel, Argentina

Peninsula Valdes: Wildlife Paradise

The Peninsula Valdes is on the Atlantic Coast in Chubut. It is without a doubt the best place to see wildlife in Argentina.

Puerto Madryn is the closest city and most tourists use that as their base.

Don’t do that.

The best way to see the Peninsula Valdes is by staying on the peninsula itself in Puerto Piramides.

We actually spent four days there in 2018 and were never bored. In fact, we came back for another four days in 2023.

Valdes is most popular for its whale watching. Southern Right Whales come here to have their young every year, along with penguins, sea lions, elephant seals, and orcas.

The best time to visit is from September through November to see penguins and whales.

Fly into Puerto Madryn or Trelew (compare both flight and rental car costs from each airport). Rent a car and head directly to Puerto Piramides.

Puerto Piramides & Region Resources:

• A Detailed Guide to the Peninsula Valdes
• 12 Unforgettable Things to do in Puerto Madryn
• Punta Tombo, Puerto Madryn’s Penguin Hub – 3 hours south of Puerto Madryn is a massive penguin colony.

Go to the End of the World in Ushuaia

Go to the literal end of the world in Ushuaia, Argentina’s most southern point in Tierra del Fuego.

Ushuaia is bordered by the Beagle Channel to the south and the Martial Mountains to the north.

It’s overflowing with natural beauty and you’d be grateful for at least a week here. But if you’re on a tight schedule carve out at least four days.

Wildlife is a major attraction in Ushuaia. Bring your best travel binoculars to see the penguins, orcas, seals, and bird life.

Boat tours through the Beagle Channel are one the most popular activities in Ushuaia and the best way to see the penguins.

Other attractions include Tierra del Fuego National Park, the historic End of the World Train, the Eclaireurs Lighthouse (photo above), and estancias (traditional ranches).

There are countless hikes within the national park and along RN 3 like Laguna Esmeralda to keep outdoors’ enthusiasts busy for a couple of weeks.

🐋 BONUS – Go to ANTARCTICA – Ushuaia is the gateway to Antarctica. If you want to book a cruise to the Great White Continent, reach out to Wayfinders here. I trust them as they are Argentine owned by three Patagonia natives who love this part of the country, it’s their home. They’ll get you the best deal out there, let them you I (Sol Salute) sent you.

Ushuaia Resources:

• Things to do in Ushuaia
• Best Hikes in Ushuaia: Trekking Guide
• A Guide to Tierra del Fuego National Park
• Eating King Crab in Ushuaia: A Foodie’s Guide to Centolla in Ushuaia
• An Antarctica FAQ: How to plan your epic trip

Cordoba

Cordoba is in the center of the country and one of the most popular Argentina tourist places for getting outdoors.

Cordoba’s close proximity to Buenos Aires makes is an easy alternative to Patagonia if you need a quick weekend getaway.

Patagonia’s distance and size requires time. But you can easily take a long weekend in Cordoba.

Take the short flight into Cordoba city or an easy 9 hour overnight bus. Lay flat seating gives you a full night’s sleep and you’ll wake up rested and in your destination without the hassle of airport security.

Focus your sights on the small towns in the mountains.

This region was settled by German immigrants and you’d be forgiven for thinking for a second that you’re in Europe.

Villa General Belgrano is one of the most popular. It hosts the country’s yearly massive Oktoberfest (a must do for beer lovers!).

The tiny village of La Cumbrecita is another popular spot and ideal for families.

It’s also conveniently located near Cordoba’s small but budding wine region.

La Rioja and San Juan’s Otherworldly Landscapes

While La Rioja and San Juan are fairly popular places to visit in Argentina among locals, they are largely untapped by foreign tourism.

If you’re looking to get away from the crowds, this is the place to go.

These two provinces are just north of Mendoza and each has their own small wine regions as well.

But the star of the show are their natural landscapes.

The red canyons and formations in Talampaya National Park in La Rioja look like the red planet.

And just fifteen minutes across the provincial border is the Valle de la Luna in San Juan (in Parque Provincial Ichigualasto), which translates literally to Valley of the Moon.

In one day you can visit Mars and the Moon, take that Elon Musk.

The best time to visit this dry, desert region is in the cooler winter months from June through August.

Try to avoid the sweltering summer from December through February.

Travel Argentina – Places to Visit & Discover

I hope this list has helped you narrow down your options when planning your Argentina travels.

If you’re anything like me, it may have made the decision harder.

There are so many beautiful places to visit in Argentina and it’s almost impossible to choose!

Even after over a decade of living here I still have so much left to explore.

Luckily, I can think of worse problems to have.

What’s your favorite Argentina destination? Let me know in the comments!

Read More About Argentina

• What to Pack for Argentina: A Helpful Argentina Packing List
• The Best Time to Visit Argentina
• The Best Trails to Hike in Argentina
• Where to See Wildlife in Argentina