Located in the southern region of South America in a large, elongated shape,
Argentina was sparsely inhabited by a few indigenous tribes before Spain’s colonized
it in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the country is an independent republic featuring
varied landscapes from rich plains to thick jungle, majestic mountains, pastoral steppes
and impressive glaciers. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Argentina.
Number 10. Ibera Wetlands.
Located in the northeast of the country just south of Paraguay, the Ibera Wetlands cover a
huge swathe of land. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will revel in exploring all that it
has to offer. Encompassing rivers, lakes, swamps, and wetlands, the watery world is
fascinating to hike, horseback ride, or kayak through. The ecological preserve is home to
many iconic South American animals, including anacondas, armadillos, caimans, capybaras,
howler monkeys, the ostrich-like rhea and more than 350 rare and endangered bird species.
Number 9. Mount Fitz Roy.
Located in southern Patagonia near the Chilean border, Mount Fitz Roy is one of the most iconic
points in the Andes. This granite mountain is surrounded by glacial lakes and dramatic ice
fields. The rugged terrain and sheer rock faces are beloved by mountain climbers for
the extreme challenge and by photographers for the extreme beauty. Those who don’t know
the name may recognize its sharp silhouette from the logo of the clothing brand Patagonia.
Number 8. Puerto Madryn
Located on the shores of Gulfo Nuevo, the city of Puerto Madryn is best known as the gateway to
Peninsula Valdes. It is also a popular summer destination because of its beautiful beaches
although the water can be very cold. With the explosion of tourism in recent years,
Madryn has undergone rapid growth, and the town’s small permanent population swells
exponentially during the summer months. Whale Watching tours are also popular as
the Southern Right Whale uses the waters of Gulfo Nuevo for breeding and giving birth.
From July to September the whales are so close they can be viewed from the mainland.
Number 7. Cordoba
At the geographical center of Argentina is Cordoba, the country’s second largest city.
Surrounded by picturesque valleys and mountains, Cordoba is best known for its concentration of
Spanish colonial buildings. Most of these historic palaces, churches and monuments
are found in the city center within an area known as the Jesuit Block. Cordoba is also
home to more than 200,000 students, providing the city with a youthful and lively atmosphere.
Number 6. Ushuaia
Formerly used as a penal colony because of its isolated location,
Ushuaia’s remote beauty is now what makes it one of the most popular places to visit in Argentina.
Regarded as the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia is located on the Beagle Channel,
serving as a popular base for Antarctica cruises, winter sports and wildlife
viewing. The nearby mountains provide hiking in the summer and snow sports in the winter.
Number 5. Mendoza
Located in Latin America’s largest wine producing region, Mendoza is a popular tourist destination
not only for its wine but also for its proximity to Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the
Americas. Furthermore, Mendoza offers access to beautiful scenery and outdoor adventures
such as hiking and river rafting. At the heart of Mendoza is its main square, Independence Plaza,
which is surrounded by restaurants, shops and beautiful buildings that are illuminated at night.
Number 4. Bariloche
With its chocolate shops, Swiss-style architecture and picturesque setting of pristine lakes and
snow-capped mountains, San Carlos de Bariloche appears more like a village in Switzerland.
Instead, it is an enchanting city in the Río Negro Province of Argentina.
Commonly referred to as simply Bariloche, the town also serves as a gateway to spectacular
landscapes and outdoor adventures. The nearby mountains are a hot spot for snow skiing,
containing one of South America’s largest ski stations at Cerro Catedral.
Number 3. Los Glaciares
Los Glaciares or Glaciers National Park is home to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring
natural wonders. Located in the Santa Cruz Province of the vast Patagonia region,
the national park features the largest ice cap outside of Greenland and Antarctica.
The repeated advancing and retreating cycle of the glaciers presents a never ending show
of cracking ice and thunderous booms as giant blocks break away and crash into the lakes with
enormous splashes. While the glaciers are located in the southern section of the park, the northern
section features majestic mountains such as Mount Fitz Roy, offering hiking and mountain climbing.
Number 2. Buenos Aires
Pulsating with vitality and seductive charm from colorful European architecture
to animated neighborhoods and sizzling nightlife, it is no wonder that Buenos Aires gave birth to
the captivating tango dance. Located off the southeastern coast of South America,
Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina and one of Latin America’s largest cities. This
vibrant cosmopolitan city is composed of several districts called barrios. Some
of the most visited of these barrios include the Microcentro where The Obelisco is located.
San Telmo is popular for its flea markets while La Boca’s
multicolored architecture and tango street dancing make it a world famous district.
Number 1. Iguazu Falls
One of the world’s most stunning natural wonders, Iguazu Falls is a series of magnificent waterfalls
located on the Iguazu River, straddling the border between Brazil and Argentina.
The falls in and of themselves are a breathtaking spectacle, but their beauty is all the more
enhanced by the surrounding lush forest teeming in exotic wildlife. The falls area and wildlife
are protected by the Iguazu National Park. The park features many excellent walkways while boat
rides take people close enough to the falls to get wet from the spray. The town on the Argentine
side is called Puerto Iguazu and offers some of the best top-end hotels and spas in Argentina.