Argentina, a place that has it all for visiting!

Tourism in Argentina is an experience as vast and diverse as its geography. From the tropical rainforest to the southern glaciers, through beaches, ancient forests, vibrant cities, and towns frozen in time, the country offers a range of options for every type of traveler. Below, I present a detailed guide on the must-see places, the least recommended destinations, the best beaches and forests, and the sites most visited by foreigners.

Buenos Aires
 

The Argentine capital is the gateway to the country and a destination in its own right. Neighborhoods like La Boca, San Telmo, Recoleta, Palermo, and Puerto Madero offer a mix of history, culture, gastronomy, and nightlife.

Most visited places by tourists

• Obelisco and 9 de Julio Avenue: Porteño icons for photos and strolls.
• Chinatown (Belgrano): A small but vibrant area with authentic Asian shops, supermarkets, and restaurants.
• La Bombonera Stadium (Boca Juniors): One of the world’s most famous football stadiums, known for its passionate atmosphere and the Xeneize fans. Visiting it is a classic for football fans and tourists wanting to feel Porteño passion.
• Monumental Stadium (River Plate): Home of River Plate, another temple of Argentine football. Guided tours allow you to learn the club’s history and tour its facilities.

Iguazú Falls

Iguazú Falls, located in Iguazú National Park in Misiones, are one of Argentina’s and the world’s most emblematic destinations, declared a Natural World Heritage site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders. The park has 275 waterfalls, with the Devil’s Throat being the most impressive and visited.

Typical places to see at Iguazú Falls

• Devil’s Throat: the most famous waterfall, with a walkway leading to a lookout over the abyss.
• Green Trail: a short, easy path connecting the park entrance with the main circuits.
• Jungle Ecological Train: internal transport that facilitates access to the different circuits and Devil’s Throat.
• Bird Park: a place with incredible species, right next to the falls, not to be missed.
• Ice Bar: one of the most iconic and unique spots, where you sit and drink from objects made entirely of ice.

How to buy tickets for Iguazú Falls

Tickets are sold exclusively online via the National Parks website (https://ventaweb.apn.gob.ar/reserva/parques), selecting the day and time slot, as daily capacity is limited. Payment is made by debit or credit card.

Available excursion types

• Traditional excursion: includes tours of the upper and lower circuits, Devil’s Throat, and use of the Ecological Train. Ideal for seeing the main attractions in one day.
• Iguazú Boat Trip: a family-friendly boat ride on the Iguazú River, with bilingual guides.
• Nocturnal excursions: special nighttime tours during full moon nights, a unique way to see the falls in a different light.
• Brazilian side: tour of Iguaçu National Park, with panoramic views and optional activities like helicopter rides or visits to the Bird Park.

El Calafate and Perito Moreno Glacier

El Calafate is the gateway to Perito Moreno Glacier, located in Los Glaciares National Park, about 80 km from town. This glacier is one of the most impressive and accessible in the world, with walkways and viewpoints that allow you to appreciate it from different angles.

Main tours and excursions

• Walkways tour: the most common and accessible excursion. Includes hotel transfer in El Calafate, park entry, and free time to explore the walkways and balconies spanning about 5 km, with spectacular glacier views. The route is low difficulty, suitable for all ages and physical conditions, even those with reduced mobility (with companion). Can be complemented with an optional 1-hour boat ride to get closer to the glacier walls from the water.
• Mini trekking on the ice: for those seeking a more intense experience, includes glacier trekking, boat navigation along the south wall, forest and lakeshore trekking, and walkway visits.
• Exclusive cruises: cruises like the “Glaciares Gourmet” sail on Lake Argentino visiting several glaciers (Upsala, Spegazzini, and Perito Moreno), with landings and walks in forested areas, ideal for a personalized service.

How to get park tickets

National Park entry is not included in most tours and must be purchased separately, either at the park entrance (cash) or in advance on the official National Parks website.

Bariloche and the Lake District

San Carlos de Bariloche, in Río Negro Province, is famous for its lakes, forests, and mountains. It’s ideal in winter for skiing and in summer for outdoor activities. The Circuito Chico, Cerro Catedral, and the Seven Lakes Route are must-sees.

Must-see spots in Bariloche:

• Cerro Catedral: main ski resort in winter with over 60 km of slopes; in summer offers hiking and mountain biking.
• Cerro Otto: cable car to a rotating viewpoint with 360° views of the region, plus hikes and a suspension bridge.
• Circuito Chico: scenic route including Hotel Llao Llao, beaches, forests, and lake and mountain views.
• Nahuel Huapi National Park: ideal for hiking, climbing, adventure sports, and boat trips on Lake Nahuel Huapi.
• Victoria Island and Arrayanes Forest: reachable by boat, walk among century-old myrtles with orange bark.
• Colonia Suiza: village with Patagonian traditions and cuisine.
• Havanna Chocolate Museum and various chocolate shops in town to taste Bariloche’s famous chocolates.

Popular activities for tourists include:

• Skiing and snowboarding at Cerro Catedral in winter, with beginner lessons.
• Hiking and trekking in Nahuel Huapi National Park and Arrayanes Forest.
• Boat trips on Lake Nahuel Huapi to Victoria Island and other points.
• Mountain biking in summer, with trails like the Cerro Catedral Bike Park.
• Cultural and gastronomic visits in the Civic Center, Colonia Suiza, and chocolate shops.
• Cable car to Cerro Otto for panoramic views and high-altitude activities.
• Nightlife with clubs, craft breweries, and themed bars like the Ice Bar.

To book these activities, you can:
Arrange guided tours with agencies on Mitre Street and in the Civic Center, or buy lift tickets and lessons directly at ski centers like Cerro Catedral.

Ushuaia

Known as the southernmost city in the world, in Tierra del Fuego, it’s the starting point for exploring the Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego National Park, and, for the adventurous, cruises to Antarctica.

Top attractions

• Tierra del Fuego National Park: about 70,000 ha of Patagonian forest, ideal for hikes, wildlife watching, and pure nature.
• Beagle Channel: boat tours to see sea lions, seabirds, and the iconic Les Éclaireurs lighthouse.
• Laguna Esmeralda: a stunning natural site with turquoise waters from glacial sediments, reachable by a moderate-difficulty hike.
• Martial Glacier: a popular trekking spot with panoramic views of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel, accessible by foot or taxi.
• Museums: highlights include the Maritime and Prison Museum, the José María Sobral Antarctic Museum, and the Marine Art Museum, offering rich historical and cultural perspectives.

Activities and excursions

• Hiking: trails in the Cerro Alarkén Nature Reserve and routes up Cerro Guanaco for more challenging adventures.
• Beagle Channel navigation: boat trips to spot marine wildlife and enjoy the southernmost sea landscape.
• Adventure tourism: diving, horseback riding, canopy tours, sport fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and scenic flights over the mountains.

Mendoza

The wine capital of Argentina, Mendoza is ideal for enotourism and Andean adventures such as climbing Aconcagua.
Mendoza lies west of Argentina, on the plain east of the Andes.
It is known for its temperate, semi-arid climate with low rainfall and natural protection from the mountains, offering a pleasant environment.

Top tourist sites

• Cerro Aconcagua: the highest peak in the Andes and the Americas at 6,960 m, west of the province. A must for mountaineers and tourists.
• Wine Routes: Mendoza is world-famous for its wineries offering tours and tastings, mainly in Luján de Cuyo and Maipú.
• General San Martín Park: a vast urban park with green spaces, lakes, and historic monuments.
• Hot springs and nature reserves: areas for nature tourism and relaxation.

Salta and Jujuy

Salta and Jujuy in northwest Argentina offer a unique blend of natural landscapes, history, culture, and millennia-old traditions, perfect for tourism.
The northwest is a mosaic of colorful landscapes and Andean culture. The Train to the Clouds, the Humahuaca Gorge, the Hill of Seven Colors in Purmamarca, and Iruya are top attractions.

Some of the most chosen tourist spots

• Train to the Clouds excursion.
• Visits to Humahuaca Gorge towns: Purmamarca, Tilcara, Humahuaca.
• Hiking the Paseo de los Colorados in Purmamarca.
• Exploring the Salinas Grandes salt flats of Jujuy.
• Gastronomic experiences and folk peñas in Salta city.
• Adventure activities at Cabra Corral Dam.

Most popular beaches in Argentina

The most important beaches stand out for their geographic diversity, natural beauty, and unique attractions:

• Playa Varese (Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires): voted best beach for summer 2025, with central location, modern infrastructure, and full services.
• Pinamar Beach (Buenos Aires): known for its relaxed, chic atmosphere and excellent gastronomy.
• Las Grutas (Río Negro): famous for warm, crystal-clear waters and cliffs, ideal for nature lovers and water sports.
• El Doradillo (Puerto Madryn, Chubut): one of the best whale-watching spots from July to December.
• Piedras Coloradas Beach (Las Grutas, Río Negro): warm waters and rock formations perfect for swimming and water sports.
• Villa Gesell and Miramar (Buenos Aires): family-friendly and tranquil coastal towns.
• Monte Hermoso (Buenos Aires): expansive beaches for long sunset walks.

Least recommended places to visit in Argentina:

Some destinations are less recommended due to access difficulties, limited tourist infrastructure, or extreme climate conditions, such as:

• Remote areas like the Antofalla Salt Flat in Catamarca, at 3,900 m, which complicates access and stay.
• High-altitude Puna or desert areas that may be too harsh for comfort-seeking tourists.
• Hot springs or trails in Jujuy or Santa Cruz with limited facilities, not ideal for inexperienced trekkers or extreme adventurers.