Tango, empanadas, glaciers, the Andes, and spectacular wineries – those are just some of the many things that will tempt you to come to Argentina.
And on top of that, the country’s diverse landscape and varied climate make it a great place to visit at almost any time of the year.
Head to some of the more tropical areas in the winter, or roll the dice with the weather in the spectacular Patagonia region.
You can’t lose no matter which you choose!
So, if you’re planning a trip to this epic country any time soon, here’s 5 awesome places to visit in Argentina you can’t miss.
Oh, and if you’re on a short timeframe for your travels, then check out this 10 day Argentina itinerary, which may be helpful in your trip planning 🙂
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#1 Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls are one of the absolute must-see places to visit in Argentina.
Located in the north-east of the country, on the border with Brazil, the falls sit inside the aptly named Iguazu National Park.
They are actually one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World and the park is open 7 days a week and 365 days a year, meaning you can visit whenever you like.
I suggest allowing 2 full days to visit this spectacle – the first to stroll the Brazil side and the second to explore the Argentinian side.
And make sure you have your camera at the ready – there’s going to be a lot of snapping!
Here’s how to travel from Buenos Aires to these amazing falls.
Tickets
Tickets for both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of the park are available at the respective entrances.
For the Argentina side, there are different price tickets for foreigners and Argentina residents, but both are clearly displayed and you can pay with cash or card. There’s also an ATM machine here.
You’ll need an ID or a passport to purchase the tickets and, if you choose to spend two days at this lovely location, the second day will be 50% off.
The ticket includes entrance to a water-filled spectacle called the Devil’s Throat – the tallest of all Iguazu’s waterfalls that stretches across the borders of both Brazil and Argentina – save visiting this part of the park until last.
You can also see the Arrechea Waterfall, which is a bit more secluded than the others. It is a fairly thin waterfall, but it is over 30m tall.
And if it’s warm outside and you feel comfortable, you can even go for a dip here!
Hiking
There’s also several hiking trails that you can explore in the park.
From the entrance, you can take the Jungle Train to both the Upper and the Lower Circuits.
The Upper Circuit is about an hour-long hike, which takes you to the top of the falls. The views from here are spectacular – you can see about 200 waterfalls.
And if you go early in the morning, there’s a good chance you’ll see the rainbow over the waterfalls.
The Lower Circuit has multiple path and lookouts and takes longer to explore, but the views from the lookouts are worth every minute you spend on this trail.
You can also catch a speedboat from this circuit, which will take you on a ride under one of the waterfalls.
Whatever you choose to do and see in Iguazu, make sure to come earlier.
It’s way quieter, you will avoid the crowds and even see a toucan if you are lucky!
#2 Buenos Aires
The best way to really get an understanding of a country’s culture is by spending some time in its capital.
That’s why Buenos Aires is another one of the places to visit in Argentina that you simply can’t overlook.
This vibrant and colourful city has lots to offer – from iconic monuments to lovely parks, great street art to delicious steak dinners for the carnivores among you.
Buenos Aires is also the transport hub of the country, so a great place to base yourself for side trips to Argentina’s many different areas.
I used the online travel site Bookaway a lot during my time here to help plan and buy domestic flights and buses quickly and simply… and in English!
Check out this ideal itinerary for 3 days in Buenos Aires if you want to see the best of this city in a short amount of time.
Sightseeing
Jardín Japonés is certainly an interesting sight – it’s a dash of Japan in the Palermo area.
Being one of the largest Japanese gardens outside of Japan, and it’s certainly something you should check out.
Don’t miss the Botanic Gardens in the Palermo area either.
But to go back to Argentinian culture – you should definitely go check out the Puente De La Mujer.
This is an iconic rotating footbridge in Puerto Madero – the one you see in most photos of Buenos Aires!
You should also go see the Obelisco de Buenos Aires – the iconic 67-meter tall obelisk in the San Nicolas area.
It was originally erected in the 1930s, to celebrate the quadricentennial of the city’s first foundations.
And when you get tired of sightseeing, the best thing to do is hit one of the amazing steakhouses in this lovely city.
There’s lots of them in La Boca, a working-class neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, which is also full of street art and street artists and a lot of fun.
And finally, heading to the grave of Eva Peron in the Recoleta Cemetery, and learning about her part in this country’s history, is a must during your time in Buenos Aires.
Tango
But can you really say you’ve been to Buenos Aires if you haven’t tried to tango?
And it is the perfect way to burn off those calories you gained eating steak and drinking wine!
There’s lots of places throughout the city where you can tango, both for amateurs and those a bit more experienced.
Rojo Tango is a popular one to observe, and La Catedral Club is one of the places where you can hit the dancefloor yourself.
Personally, I tried both lessons and watching the locals dance in some of the smaller venues, but no matter how you do it, it’s a sight to behold!
#3 Salta Province
The Salta Province is the sixth largest province in Argentina.
The capital city of this region is also called Salta – and is most famous for its neoclassical cathedral and sea of colonial buildings.
The area has a tropical climate, so it’s best to visit in winter, especially if you want to escape the cold for a bit, because the summers here are usually really rainy and hot.
North of Salta, don’t miss the amazing landscapes and traditional towns of Pumamarca, Humahuaca and Tilcara – one of the most culturally fascinating parts of Argentina, the desert landscapes around here are also mindblowing, with the UNESCO-listed 14 colour mountain being a real highlight.
And then west of the Salta city, lies the beautiful town of Cafayate which, every February, plays host to the Serenata a Cafayate – a 3-day festival of folk music and dance.
This is a great time to visit this charming location and to sample the famous delicious empanadas and local wine.
Here’s how I travelled from Uyuni in Bolivia to Salta in Argentina.
Wine
Salta is, in fact, a wine region, and it is home to some of the most spectacular, maybe even a little extreme, vineyards which are sandwiched between the mountain and the desert around the town of Cafayate.
If you do visit the area, you must go for a wine tasting or two – I’m sure you like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat?
Or in case you prefer white wine, Chardonnay and Torrontes are also prominent varieties in the region.
Personally, I loved the Torrentes… so much so that I even order it at home now to remind me of my time in Argentina!
Outside of Town
If you’re looking for some stunning photo opps, the Salta region is definitely one of the best places to head in Argentina.
Indeed, the red rocks of Quebrada de las Conchas, near the town of Cafayate, are a stunning sight that attracts thousands of tourists each year… most of the local.
Maybe the best way to get to see as much as you can is to ride the Train to the Clouds.
This is one of the highest railroads in the world, and it reaches over 4000 meters above sea level.
The scenery is breathtaking, and the train will often slow down to allow you to take photos, however it is very pricey.
If, like me, you’re travelling on a budget therefore, then one of the half day tours that run to Quebrada de las Conchas from Cafayate are the perfect alternative.
Try to take an afternoon tour, so that you get to experience the golden afternoon sun bouncing off all those red canyon walls.
#4 Mendoza
The Mendoza region is actually the most important wine region in Argentina, so your visit here should be a little hedonistic, and include as many wine tastings as you can!
The vineyards there often offer clear views of the Andes, and even of the Aconcagua mountain, a combination that definitely makes this one of the places to visit in Argentina you can’t miss.
Aconcagua
This means that is you are an avid mountaineer, you must make your way to Parque Provincial Aconcagua!
Aconcagua is the highest mountain in both the southern and the western hemispheres.
It is actually one of the Seven Summits, and second only to Mount Everest.
Vineyards
But back to the wineries – there are several different ways you can explore these.
You can go on a bike tour of several vineyards in one part of Mendoza, or you can choose to spend the night at a particular winery.
Lots of them offer accommodation for guests, and some even have private villas and spas.
The most prominent grape and wine in the area are Malbec – this is something you can taste in every Mendoza winery.
And if you’re a lover of wine, you’ll want to pick up a more expensive bottle – those often include hand-harvested grapes, and their depth of flavour is exquisite.
The cheaper bottles are decent introductory wines, but their quality can’t be compared to premium Malbec.
#5 Patagonia
If you are a nature lover, then Patagonia is the most perfect of all the places to visit in Argentina.
The region is actually shared by Chile and Argentina, but the Argentinian side is significantly larger and features grasslands, deserts and arid steppes, as well as the glacier-covered mountains and fjords we all know and love.
Hiking
The Los Glaciares National Park, in particular, is one of the highlights.
It includes some stunning mountain scenery, huge glaciers, ice-filled lakes and more.
You can take quite a lot of it in without being a fitness fanatic, but there are options for longer hikes too.
The town of El Chatel is one of the most popular hiking destinations, just like Salento is a great place for hiking in Colombia.
Trails are very close to town, and you can explore them and come back in time for dinner in one of the restaurants.
Laguna Torre and Laguna de Los Tres are the most famous hiking trails, but there are lots of hidden ones that are less crowded and that sprawl across the mountains.
I have done a few smaller ones to viewpoints, as well as an overnight to the base of Monte Fitzroy, which is spectacular at sunset.
The return trail passes by another stunning lake where you can spot Cerro Torre, another iconic peak that has probably killed more mountaineers than I care to think about.
Glaciers
The Perito Moreno Glacier is another one of the top places to visit in Argentina you absolutely have to get to.
It’s one of the largest and most accessible glaciers in the area, and you can even take a walk on it if you like.
You can easily drive there from El Calafate, which is where you should base yourself in this area.
That is also where you can do stunning day boat tours to the iceberg-filled waters nearby. Two great trips worth doing in this area!
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Mini Argentina Travel Guide
When to Visit?
I highly recommend visiting Argentina during the country’s summer months, which run from November to February.
How Long to Spend There?
Argentina is a huge country and you really need at least 1 month to do this destination justice.
If you do not have that much time, then choose one section of the country only and enjoy that!
More ideas can be found in my ideal 10 day Argentina itinerary post here.
Travel Insurance for Argentina
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.
Recommended Argentina Tours
One of the best ways to discover the marvel of Argentina if you’re short on time, is to take a day trip there with a local.
You can find a list of guided tours (including costs and reviews) here at GetYourGuide.
Otherwise if you’re looking for multi-day tours of Argentina, check out these great picks.
5 Key Packing Items for Argentina
#1 Good Camera – You will be pretty much snapping non-stop in Argentina and will need a good camera to do this gorgeous country justice. I highly recommend the Sony A6000, which I use for all my travels and love, not least because it’s light, compact and robust!
#2 Good Walking Shoes – There will be a lot of walking in Argentina – from cities to national park! Make sure your feet are comfortable therefore with a pair of New Balance Trainers. Perfect for stylish strolling, I love mine.
#3 Good Guidebook – I’m still a massive fan of the Lonely Planet Guidebooks and do think their Argentina edition is well put together.
#4 Good Water Bottle – Travelling in huge, hot Argentina can be thirsty work, so make sure you have a metal water bottle that you can refill as you go.
#5 Good Sun Hat – And there’s no denying you’ll need a good sun hat for protection in Argentina too. In my opinion, you can’t go past this Hello Sunshine one, which is both gorgeous and ideal for keeping the rays off your face and neck.
For more details about what to wear and pack for your travels in Argentina, check out this article I wrote.
Travel Money in Argentina
When it comes to paying for things in Argentina, you can’t get better than a Wise card.
The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, you can use your Wise card just like a debit card here… and it links easily with Google and Apple pay – sold! Grab yours here.
PIN IT TO PINTEREST!
In many ways, there’s just too many stunning places to visit in Argentina in just one trip!
I actually spent quite a few weeks there as part of a longer visit.
However, if you plan your adventure well you can see most of what’s on this list and come home with some stunning memories and photos to make all your friends jealous!
Anna was born to travel the world having studied languages all her life.
Although she has travelled the world, she now calls Switzerland home and spends her time writing about her experiences on her travel blog – Expert World Travel – with her husband.
