There are good reasons why Argentina is the most popular tourist destination in all of South America. A land of supreme sights, fine wine, gauchos, and wildlife, travelers are constantly captivated by any visit to this Latin hotspot. It’s not just the taste of exquisite steak that’ll make you want to linger, but also evocative tango shows – Argentina’s signature, sultry dance – the rolling pampas and estancia lifestyle, offering a true immersion into this intoxicating country. While it’s challenging to narrow down the top 10 of anything in such a diverse country, here’s a list that covers what we have found to be the best experiences and destinations across Argentina – that formidable cocktail of wanderlust.
1. Visiting Buenos Aires, the “Paris of South America”
Most travelers to Argentina begin their journey navigating the leafy boulevards of Buenos Aires. Often referred to as the “Paris of South America” due to its strong Old-world influence, Buenos Aires combines faded colonial architecture with Latin passion, dynamite dining, and a robust nightlife. The city is synonymous with tango, the passionate and dramatic dance style that originated in its working-class neighborhoods in ages past. However, still today you can enjoy tango shows in a host of city venues all night long, and indulge in all the malbec you’d like.
This lively capital is awash with European-influenced architecture, exuding unmistakable South American charisma. The city’s diverse architectural landscape is a mix of architectural styles ranging from the bawdy colors of the unique Boca District to the stately elegance of the Recoleta area to stylish boutique hotels of the hip Palermo district. At the same time, BA’s historic center, Microcentro, is home to grand old buildings and landmarks such as the iconic Obelisco.
But don’t forget the mouth-watering cuisine. Known for its deliciously delectable beef, Buenos Aires is a paradise for meat lovers. This is why parrillas (steakhouses) abound, serving prized Argentine beef sizzling on open flames. Absorbing the culinary delights of Italy, architecture inspired by Parisian streets, and a firm dedication to late-night revelry and good times, akin to continental Europe, few places can compare with the subtle undertones and fascinating atmosphere that Buenos Aires is known for. Sexy and alive, this exhilarating city promises to get under your skin.
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2. Witnessing Iguazu Falls
There are waterfalls and then there’s Iguazu. Taller than Canada’s Niagara Falls and wider than Africa’s Victoria Falls, the Iguazu waterfalls is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. Located on Argentina’s border with Brazil and Paraguay, a visit here is a visceral experience, as you bear witness to the power and thunder of these commanding cascades – a chain of no less than 275 waterfalls extending nearly 2 miles (2.7km).
Fed by the peaceful Iguazu River, these waters meander through a series of narrow ravines and then dissolve in fury and power as they plunge as much as 269 feet (82 meters) over forested cliff edges to create this massive, absolutely jaw-dropping display. This is Mother Nature at her most powerful, as dozens of tributaries from the main Iguazu River converge in unforgettably spectacular fashion at the ominously named “Devil’s Throat,” a genuine once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness.
All of this takes place in one of the most biodiverse regions of Brazil; so aside from the main event, why not strap on your walking boots for a birdwatching tour or nature hike, maybe even a 4×4 off-road drive through the surrounding jungle, for anyone looking to get fully off-the-beaten-track. Or, if your time is limited and the falls must (understandably) take center stage, then you will not be disappointed with either a boat ride up to and even behind Iguazu, or a jungle hike, quietly observing its power from one of the many elevated walkways and platforms; you simply cannot lose. With tours available to both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the Iguazu River, wildlife and birdwatching walks, and off-road explorations, as well as a handful of superb boutique hotels, these awe-inspiring waterfalls are simply not to be missed.
3. Exploring El Calafate and the indomitable Perito Moreno Glacier
Nestled in the heart of southern Patagonia, the area around the small town of El Calafate is a world away from the big-city bustle of Buenos Aires. Prepare to be awe-struck by the barren beauty of its wild, untouched landscapes, which make for the perfect playground for outdoor activities. A jumble of icy glaciers, silent lakes, and the windswept steppe, El Calafate and the surroundings make up some of Patagonia’s most dramatic and unforgiving scenery.
For adventurers, it’s an absolute must on any trip to Argentina, what with all the endless opportunities for hiking and horseback riding over timeless lands, kayaking over chilly lakes and sweeping rivers, and glacier trekking through the Los Glaciares National Park. But there is at least one sight that you simply can’t miss: The indomitable Perito Moreno Glacier.
This imposing glacier is more than a hunk of ice; it is a huge mass that sprawls for almost 100 square miles (250sq km) and towers at a height of over 80 yards (74 meters). What makes Perito Moreno particularly special is that it is one of three glaciers in the world to be growing rather than shrinking, up to two meters a day, in fact. Absorbing the majesty of this natural phenomenon will no doubt take your breath away, watching as the chunks of ice crash into the waters of Lake Argentino – a spellbinding sight to behold.
4. Wine tasting in Mendoza
Lying in the shadow of the Andes, the bustling city of Mendoza — with its wide, leafy avenues, atmospheric plazas, and cosmopolitan cafes — is a sure-fire way to get a decadent dose of arguably Argentina’s most sought-after product: wine. It’s no exaggeration that Mendoza is the heart of Latin America’s most revered wine region, boasting some 1,500 wineries and 350,000 acres of vineyards – and counting.
Sprawled at the foot of the Andes mountain range, it’s a delightfully picturesque spot, too, with soaring, snow-dusted peaks forming the perfect backdrop to the endless vines that stretch out for mile upon mile before you. In the Mendoza region, three main wine regions cradle some of the country’s finest wineries: The Uco Valley, Lujan de Cuyo, and Maipu, each with a unique feel and offering wine tours that will introduce you to the dazzling oenological world here.
It’s not all about the wine though; should you seek a change, then take your pick from exhilarating bike rides, horseback adventures, and trekking trips into the Andes, wherein lies the tallest peak in the Western Hemisphere: Mount Aconcagua. For a slice of culture, Mendoza city is a great place to start, with a clutch of museums and art galleries to dip into, between languid strolls along the town’s verdant boulevards. And note that while the city is lively during the day, it really comes into its own at night, when the bars and restaurants along Aristides Avenue overflow onto the sidewalks. In Mendoza, some of the nation’s best restaurants can be found; this means you’ll be indulging in the world’s finest steak paired with just the right Malbec in no time. So, for travelers, foodies, and wine enthusiasts looking to sip, dine, sit back and enjoy gourmet dining, European-style cafes, and boutique hotels — all with awe-inspiring mountain backdrops — Mendoza makes for the perfect South American destination.
5. Trekking in the Andes from El Chalten
Sitting firmly in the shadow of nearby summits, the mountain village of El Chalten is very much the gateway to these two hiking hotspots and the wider region. All manner of walking
trails and trekking routes surround this largely purpose-built town, with a solid selection of hotels, restaurants, and quaint bars offering a well-earned meal and evening of leisure, following daytimes spent exploring some of the highlights of northern Los Glaciares National Park.
Known for its abundance of sweeping panoramic viewpoints, varied hikes, and high-altitude lagoons, El Chaltén throws up some of the best outdoor activities in Patagonia. Day walks to Laguna Torre, Laguna Capri, and Laguna Los Tres provide a range of difficulty levels and scenic lookouts, with the latter offering unrivaled views of the spectacular and ever-popular Mount Ritz Roy. The beauty of El Chaltén lies in its simple dedication to outdoor exploration, hiking, and biking during the summer (the town… [CONTENT TRUNCATED]
