15 essential sites: what to see and visit in Argentina

Argentina It is an immense country, the eighth largest in the world, but it is also one of the most varied from the point of view of nature.

By going through it we can go from the Misiones subtropical jungle al Perito Moreno glacier, and from the heights of the andean ravines patagonian channels near Ushuaia.

The attractions They are equally varied, from Iguazú Falls al whale watching in Peninsula Valdés, and from the jesuit missions Bariloche lakes or the vision of Aconcagua, the highest mountain in all of America and in all of the southern hemisphere.

Of course, to all these places and many more we should add the cosmopolitan vitality of Buenos Aires, in addition to countless other capitals and small towns scattered throughout the country.

It is evident that one cannot know everything. Argentina in a single trip due to the number of places to visit and the distance between them.

As an example we can say that the distance between Humahuaca and Ushuaia is slightly greater than that between Madrid and Moscow.

15 essential places to see and visit in Argentina

We selected 15 essential places to meet in a tourism trip to Argentina. Or, rather, on several trips.

The good thing is that there are also many more destinations to discover on subsequent trips.

Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina

La Argentine capital It is the essential destination in any travel to Argentina.

The most common thing is that we arrive at the country through its airport, so it will probably always be the beginning of any tour.

Buenos Aires It is a large, elegant and cosmopolitan capital, which sometimes looks like a European city and other times shows a completely different character.

Their attractive neighborhoods, full of monuments, museums y singular buildings, are the backdrop to an intense social, cultural and commercial life. The gastronomy and night life They are the complement to a stay of several days.

The large avenues of the center, full of shops and cafes; the narrow streets of San Telmo, with its antique shops and its Sunday market; the famous Little path in La Boca, restaurants in Puerto Madero or the elegance of Recoleta and Palermo These are just some of the ideas that must be taken into account when scheduling a visit of Buenos Aires, which is much more than tango and steakhouses.

Iguazú Falls, wonder of nature in Argentina

The Iguazú River Falls They are one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the entire world. They meet just on the border between Argentina and Brazil.

The numerous waterfalls They are the main attraction of the place, but you should not miss the subtropical forest that surrounds them, which is one of the few remaining remains of the so-called interior Atlantic forest.

Being located on the border, the waterfalls are divided into two national parks, one in each country.

The ecological importance and scenic beauty of the entire area makes both the Argentine Iguazú National Park, As the Brazilian Iguaçu National Park are registered by the Unesco on the list of Heritage.

The area to explore is quite extensive, so it is a good idea to dedicate at least one day to each national park and enjoy the tours on foot, by boat and even by helicopter.

The night excursion on full moon days is a unique experience in the world.

Quebrada de Humahuaca, colorful landscapes in Argentina

La Quebrada de Humahuaca It is located in the extreme north of the country, in the province of Jujuy, which borders the neighboring countries of Bolivia and Chile.

It is a valley about 150 kilometers long, narrow and with steep slopes, carved by the Rio Grande.

This valley is the most direct communication route between the Andean highlands and the pampas.

Its historical importance and its scenic beauty mean that it is considered by the Unesco between the goods Heritage.

However, the main tourist attraction for the Quebrada de Humahuaca focuses on very peculiar beauty of its landscapes.

The erosion of the slopes by the river has exposed different sedimentary strata of materials of different colors.

All of this has created, in many places, spectacular superimposed structures of bright colors.

In this peculiar landscape there are several towns with traditional adobe architecture y small colonial churches which are very attractive.

Jump in Argentina

Salta, nicknamed “The cute", is one of the most attractive cities in Argentina.

Su monumental center It is well worth a quiet tour. He Museum of High Mountain Anthropology (MAAM) It is one of the most interesting in the country.

The good of Salta is that it is the base for numerous tours through this part of The Andes.

Quebrada del Toro and Salinas Grandes in Argentina

An excursion through the Quebrada del Toro and Salinas Grandes allows you to discover some of the most impressive landscapes in Argentina.

Part of this area can be visited in the famous Train to the Clouds.

Quebrada de las Conchas and Calchaquíes Valleys in Argentina

Another memorable excursion is the one that takes us through the Quebrada de las Conchas towards the Calchaquíes valleys.

Tucumán in Argentina

From Salta it is very easy to continue towards Tucuman.

This is a province not well known, but full of treasures to discover. A trip allows you to discover a Argentina relatively far from the most conventional circuits.

San Miguel de Tucuman It is one of the main cities in the country due to its population and the role played in its history, since the city was declared here. Argentine independence.

Tafi del Valle in Argentina

The most interesting excursion is the one that leads to Valley Tafi.

This area is known for its crafts, excursions in the surrounding area and the curious Menhirs reserve.

Beyond that you enter the Calchaquíes valleys, where you visit towns like Amaícha del Valle and Quilmes archaeological site.

Mendoza, winery area and the Andes in Argentina

At the feet of The Andes, Mendoza It is a good base for touring the surrounding region.

This entire region is famous for wines, and in fact it is the largest producer in Argentina.

A series of routes allow you to explore some of the most interesting wineries. Maipú and the Uco Valley They are some of the most visited areas.

Mendoza It is also the access door to one of the most interesting areas of the Andes; Uspallata, Penitentes y Inca Bridge They are places worth visiting.

From Inca Bridge, a true natural wonder, you can walk to the Horcones Lagoon. From this area you can see the summit of Aconcagua.

Ushuaia, southernmost city in the world in Argentina

Being located in the extreme south of Argentina and South America, Ushuaia is presented as the southernmost city in the world.

It rises on the banks of the beagle channel, In the Tierra del Fuego island, so it always stimulates the desire to travel.

In addition to a destination in itself, Ushuaia It is the gateway to a distant and fascinating territory.

There are few buildings that convey a sense of history, but two fascinating museums, the End of the World Museum and Maritime and Prison Museum They encourage you to travel through the area.

An obvious destination is Tierra del Fuego National Park, which can also be accessed by traveling on the southernmost railway in the world.

Another excursion not to be missed is a Beagle Channel cruise, even if it's just a few hours.

From Ushuaia can also be undertaken multi-day trips, with destinations as suggestive as the Cape Horn and even the antartida.

Bariloche, skiing and nature activities in Argentina

El Nahuel Huapi National Park, around the lake of the same name, perfectly responds to the model of beautiful landscape with mountains, forests and lakes.

The city of San Carlos de Bariloche It is a good base for touring the area. Apart from its hotel and restaurant offering, it stands out for its fun atmosphere and its famous chocolate shops.

In the national park you can carry out activities for all tastes, from hiking and cycling, to fishing and horseback riding.

In winter Bariloche becomes one of the Argentine capitals of the skiing and snowboarding.

Perito Moreno, the most famous glacier in the world in Argentina

El Perito Moreno Glacier is probably the most famous glacier in the world.

It is beautiful, it is one of the few that does not recede on the entire planet and, furthermore, it is easily accessible.

Although its movement is not perceptible to the naked eye, its consequences are, when large blocks break off and fall on the waters of the Argentine lake.

The observation point is located on the other side of the Iceberg Channel, where there are safe walkways that allow access to a series of viewpoints. There are also boat trips on the lake.

Some of these boats reach the glacier itself, where it is possible to walk on the ice.

Every so often, a variable number of years, the glacier advances and creates a dam that closes one of the arms of the lake.

When that dam collapses, an explosion of ice and water is formed that is an incomparable spectacle.

Valdes Peninsula. wildlife sighting in Argentina

La peninsula Valdes offers one of the best options for observe wildlife from all of South America.

The peculiar shape of the peninsula creates two very closed gulfs, the San Jose y the newo, and some coves in whose calm and relatively warm waters many species of animals find refuge.

Of all of them, the one that attracts the majority of visitors is the Southern Right Whale. These animals, in danger of extinction, find the best possible breeding grounds in this protected area.

The area is also perfect for spot sea lions, elephant seals, penguins, guanacos y rheas, in addition to numerous species of sea ​​birds.

Part of the interior of the peninsula is occupied by salt mines. The area known as big salt pan It is about 40 meters below sea level.

La peninsula Valdes is registered on the list of World Heritage for the Unesco because of its importance in marine mammal conservation.

Route of the Jesuit Missions in Argentina

La visit to Iguazú Falls can be combined with a tour of the Jesuit missions that are relatively close.

These missions, which are also located in what is now the territory of Brazil and Paraguay, date back to the 17th century, but were abandoned after the expulsion of the Jesuits.

The best preserved of all is that of Saint Ignatius Mini and is one of the best examples of the so-called guaraní baroque.

The large square, overlooking the church and other buildings, is the center of the visit.

Very close are the missions of Loreto and Santa Ana and Santa María la Mayor.

These four missions, plus the Brazilian one San Miguel, form a declared set World Heritage awarded by the Unesco.