A Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Argentina

A Selection of Highlights from Argentina’s Diverse Landscape

Feb 19, 2009 Amy Goldstein

Inside its immense borders, Argentina, the eighth largest country in the world, contains a wealth of natural and urban treasures.

Argentina has far more to offer than its capital, Buenos Aires. From sparkling salt flats to slow-moving glaciers, from llamas to penguins, from roaring waterfalls to sprawling grasslands, vast and varied Argentina has something for everyone.

The Picturesque Northwest

Between Tucumán and Bolivia is a string of humble yet romantic villages situated in mountain valleys. The area’s larger cities serve as transportation centers, but are not worth visiting otherwise. Buses connect the towns, but for maximum flexibility and freedom, consider renting a car.

Far from cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, there is little else to do in the Northwest than marvel at the scenery, observe the indigenous culture, listen to traditional folk music, and sample regional delicacies such as humitas and tamales. Go for a hike in Tafí del Valle, taste the local wine in Cafayate, and shop for arts and crafts in Tilcara. Check out the rock formations of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, the bold palate of the Cerro de Los Siete Colores (Mountain of Seven Colors) in Purmamarca, and the salt flats of the Salinas Grandes.

Mendoza – Great Wine in the Great Outdoors

Located at the foot of the Andes, Mendoza is easily one of Argentina’s most beautiful cities. Spectacular views of the mountains, short buildings and wide streets, and plazas lined with trees and adorned with fountains contribute to the city’s tranquil vibe. Perfect as a final destination or a stopover on the way to Chile (Santiago, Viña del Mar, and Valparaíso are just a six to seven hour bus ride away).

The capital of Argentina’ wine country, Mendoza is best known for its collection of vineyards. Rent a bike and leisurely drift between local bodegas, where staff lead informative tours and wine tastings. Surrounded by gorges, grasslands, and natural bridges, Mendoza is also a hub for outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and skiing.

Bariloche and the Lake District

On either side of the Argentina-Chile border is the Lake District – a series of large, pristine lakes surrounded by the Andes. The area is a paradise for active nature lovers, who can fish, sail, and windsurf in the summer (Dec-Mar), and ski and snowboard in the winter (Jul-Aug).

With a heavy Swiss and German influence and an abundance of chocolate shops, Bariloche is the quintessential mountain town. Due to its enviable location at the foot of the Cerro Otto, along the shore of the District’s biggest lake, Lago Nahuel Huapi, and within the Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche is the ideal base for a tour of the region. Other towns of interest are San Martín de los Andes, Villa La Angostura, and El Bolsón.

The Atlantic Coast

From New Year’s Eve until March, city dwellers fill the beaches of Argentina’s Atlantic Coast. Balnearios and paradores offer sunbathers personal tents, restaurants, concerts, and fashion shows. For white sand or turquoise water, a trip to Brazil or Uruguay’s Punta del Este is necessary. Argentina’s beaches can be windy and dirty, and the water cold and violent. But they are certainly sufficient to satisfy an ocean craving.

Each beach town has it’s own unique personality, catering to different budgets, styles, and ages. Mar del Plata is a big, crowded city famous for its international film festival, casino, and theater, with shows featuring tabloid celebrities. Pretty and clean Pinamar and Cariló are regarded as the most desirable and exclusive of the options, while Villa Gesell provides a laid-back, backpacker friendly alternative.

Other places in Argentina worth visiting include Iguazú Falls and National Park, Córdoba, Puerto Madryn and Península Valdés, and El Calafate and Perito Moreno, and Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia.

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Bariloche, Argentina