Wondering where to go in Argentina? Here, I’m sharing my absolute favourite places to visit in Argentina, researched over two years of living and travelling in this amazing country.
Argentina is a country of stunning diversity. Think cosmopolitan cities, snow-capped mountains, rushing waterfalls, moon-like landscapes, delicious wines and crystal-clear lakes.
While you’re inevitably going to end up in Buenos Aires – spoiler alert, it’s number one on this list of Argentina destinations to visit – there are so many incredible places across the immense landscape of the world’s 8th largest country.
So, from cities to natural wonders, from Patagonia to the desert, here are 17 of my favourite places to visit in Argentina. This list has been curated after living in the country for two years and travelling extensively from top to bottom.
Which destinations will you be adding to your own Argentina itinerary?
This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).
Need help planning your Argentina trip? 🇦🇷
Feeling overwhelmed about planning your trip to Argentina? I get it. And I can help! I offer one-to-one travel consultation calls to help you plan your trip to Argentina. In an hour, we can map out a realistic itinerary or work through your specific questions so you can book an incredible trip. Save hours of your time with my local knowledge and expertise.
Map of the best places to visit in Argentina
Want to know how best to fit these places into an itinerary? Check out my Argentina itinerary ideas, which has inspiration for planning one to four weeks travelling through the country.
How to choose where to visit in Argentina
With so many places in Argentina, how do you choose where to go? This quick guide will help. Then, read on for more detailed overviews of each destination.
| If you love… | Go to… |
| Hiking | El Chaltén |
| Wine | Mendoza or Cafayate |
| Wildlife | Iberá Wetlands, Peninsula Valdés |
| Food and culture | Buenos Aires |
| Mountains and lakes | Bariloche |
| Remote landscapes | Salta, Purmamarca |
| Glaciers | El Calafate |
| End-of-the-world adventures | Ushuaia |
1. Buenos Aires
The seductive capital of the country and the most European of all the cities in South America, it’s easy to fall under Buenos Aires’ spell. Most Argentina trips will begin here, so you can explore stunning architecture, eat juicy steak, drink full-bodied wines and watch an intimate tango show.
For a day-by-day Bueno Aires itinerary, follow my checklist for 3 days in Buenos Aires.
The architecture in Buenos Aires is dazzling, and just walking along the streets will make you gasp in delight. Head inside historic buildings like Palacio Barolo, Teatro Colón and El Ateneo Grand Splendid (one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world). Consider taking a free walking tour so you can squeeze in all the key sites.
Buenos Aires’ love of art and culture is on display in many of its museums, including the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires.
Step back in time in the antique shops that line San Telmo’s cobblestoned streets. Every Sunday the entire neighbourhood comes alive with a huge street market. Plan your visit so that you have a Sunday in Buenos Aires just so you can experience this market.
If you want a custom leather jacket made, stop in at one of the many tailors in Buenos Aires (check out my guide here to the best shopping in Buenos Aires). Do this at the start of your trip, as a leather jacket can usually be turned around in a rapid 48 hours.
No Argentina visit is complete without food, and the city is full of restaurants for all budgets, plenty of steak restaurants (of course), as well as many secret bars. Take one of the many food tours in Buenos Aires to learn about the culinary culture of this country.
End the night with a tango show. I recommend Bar Sur for its intimate setting. The lavish Faena Hotel has a raunchy Rojo Tango performance – and the hotel itself is worth checking out for its eccentric design.
Where to stay in Buenos Aires
There are plenty of places to stay in Buenos Aires, and I highly recommend:
- BE Jardin Escondido by Coppola is a cosy boutique hotel in the trendy Palermo neighbourhood. | Check rates and book online with Booking.com or Expedia
- The rooms at Hotel Club Frances, in the heart of Recoleta, are spacious and some have a sauna and spa bath. | Check out the latest rates at Booking.com and Expedia
Here’s more Buenos Aires travel inspiration:
2. Mendoza
If you like wine, then one of the best places to visit in Argentina is Mendoza. Home to Argentina’s famous Malbec varietal, with 3 days in Mendoza you can easily visit several wineries, many of them set against the beautiful backdrop of the Andes.
There are three different wine regions: Maipú, Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley. Maipú is the closest to Mendoza city and therefore easier to visit, but it’s well worth going out further to taste wine in the stunning Uco Valley. There are hundreds of wineries in Mendoza, from small-scale, boutique operators to vineyards producing millions of litres a year.
To explore the wineries, you can rent a bike, hire a private driver, join a group tour, rent your own car (drink responsibly!) or grab a ticket for the hop-on, hop-off Bus Vitivinicola. You can even rent a bike to hop between wineries or take a guided winery tour by bike.
When wine gets too much (but does it ever?), Mendoza is also one of the top Argentina destinations for adventure, and there’s rafting, climbing, horseback riding and other outdoor adventures. Or you can explore the city’s museums, churches and plazas.
Outside of the city, there’s the famous Puente del Inca (Incan bridge) and hot springs, which can be combined into a stunning day-long road trip.
Foodies will delight in the many options available, including restaurants owned by Francis Mallmann, one of South America’s most well-known chefs, and dining that focuses on fresh Argentine meat and produce.
Where to stay in Mendoza
Wondering where to stay in Mendoza?
- In Mendoza City, Bohemia Hotel Boutique is located in the quiet residential streets of Mendoza, yet still close to the main areas. | Book your stay on Booking.com or Expedia
- I personally love staying in the Chacras de Coria region, just a short drive from Mendoza City. We stayed at the self-contained Lodwine Lodges on our most recent visit, and loved waking up with views of the vines. | Book your stay on Expedia
- For something truly luxe, head to the Valle de Uco to stay in one of the 33 villas at The Vines Resort & Spa. The rooms have huge bathrooms and decks overlooking the Andes. | Book your stay on Expedia
Here’s more Mendoza travel inspiration:
3. Iguazú Falls
Imagine three kilometres of waterfalls, some up to 80 metres high, some you can get right underneath, another one a wild, gushing spiral that’s so powerful you can’t see the bottom. That’s Iguazú Falls – the largest waterfall system in the world and one of the most beautiful places to see in Argentina.
Straddling the Argentina and Brazil borders, it’s possible to visit the waterfalls on both sides.
On the Argentina side, there’s a series of well-maintained catwalks that get you up close to the thunderous waterfalls. You can do it yourself or book a guided tour that includes a boat ride that zips right under the waterfalls – it’s wild fun and you will get drenched!
The biggest and most spectacular sight of the falls is the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat). Standing over this gaping hole, listening to the roar of the water, you will appreciate the power of Mother Nature. You can take the train to Garganta del Diablo or walk 2.5 kilometres along a flat dirt road. It’s an easy stroll, and we saw some stunning butterflies along the path.
Where to stay in Puerto Iguazú
- If you want to be located only a stone’s throw from the falls, then choose Gran Melia Iguazú. This is where my husband and I stayed when we visited Iguazú Falls. | Book a stay online at Booking.com or Expedia
- In downtown Puerto Iguazú, O2 Hotel Iguazú is a great option, with a pool and comfy rooms. | Book a stay online at Booking.com or Expedia
→ READ NEXT: How to visit Iguazú Falls
4. Bariloche
Located in northern Patagonia, Bariloche is popular year-round, with visitors flocking here for skiing, mountain biking, hiking and fishing.
If that all sounds a little too adventurous, Bariloche is also one of the best places in Argentina for chocolate, and it’s easy to spend hours tasting the various chocolates and ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the imaginative window displays. Rapa Nui, Argentina’s most popular chocolate brand, is a must, and I dare you not to bring home boxes of chocolates.
Base yourself here and rent a car to drive the Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes route). The 110-kilometre route is a spectacular journey that winds through – you guessed it – seven lakes. Renting a car in Argentina is straightforward and a great way to see the country, and my guide to visiting the Ruta de los Siete Lagos details where to stop along the way.
Just two hours by bus from Bariloche is El Bolsón, a hippy town where you can taste local craft beers and sample vegetarian and vegan food.
Where to stay in Bariloche
- Design Suites Bariloche has spacious rooms with views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. | Book a room online today with Booking.com or Expedia
- For something truly luxe, the 5-star Las Balsas Relais & Chateaux has huge rooms filled with natural light and views over Nahuel Huapi Lake. | Check prices and availability at Booking.com
5. San Martín de los Andes
You could be forgiven for thinking you’d somehow stumbled into a quaint Swiss ski village when you turn up in San Martín de los Andes.
Wander around town, take a boat trip on Lago Lácar, go bike riding or head to Playa Catritre and spend the afternoon at the beach alongside Lago Lácar.
We spent Christmas Day here after we finished biking the Ruta de los Siete Lagos and it was such a chill place to hang out.
Where to stay in San Martín de los Andes
- Hotel Antiguos is a solid mid-range option in San Martín de los Andes, with a convenient location close to the town centre and a more traditional hotel feel. | Check room rates and availability on Expedia
- Antares Patagonia Suites & Eventos is a great choice for those seeking a modern lodge with plenty of activities to keep you busy. The hotel has a pool, spa and games room, and can help arrange excursions to nearby attractions. | Check room rates and availability on Expedia or Booking.com
6. Ruta de los Siete Lagos
One of the best road trips in Argentina is the Ruta de los Siete Lagos. Stretching a stunning 110 kilometres between Villa La Angostura (near Bariloche) and San Martín de los Andes, this scenic route winds through a series of lakes, each a shade of teal or turquoise that have to be seen to be believed.
Spend a day driving the route, take a guided tour or get a bit more adventurous like we did and bike the Ruta de los Siete Lagos in a couple of days!
Where to stay on the Ruta de los Siete Lagos
You can start the route in Villa La Angostura/Bariloche and end in San Martín de los Andes or vice versa. See suggested accommodation in those sections above.
→ READ NEXT: How to visit the Ruta de los Siete Lagos
7. Ushuaia
Head on down to the end of the world – literally. Ushuaia is the southernmost populated city in the world and is the jumping off point for boats headed to Antarctica.
Surrounded by natural beauty, it’s a great city for adventure, with so many things to do in Ushuaia. Boats crisscross the Beagle Channel, where you’ll see birds and seals sun-baking on guano-covered islands of rocks.
On land, you can go 4×4 adventuring into the forests and around the lakes, and visit penguin colonies. It’s a great place to visit in Argentina to get active and outdoors.
Don’t forget to try the enormous king crabs!
Where to stay in Ushuaia
- The 5-star Los Cauquenes Resort and Spa is hard to leave. With only 55 rooms it doesn’t have the feel of other large resorts. The resort has a Jacuzzi, indoor pool, sauna and Turkish steam bath. | Check the latest rates and book a room at Booking.com or Expedia
- Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa has breathtaking views of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia Bay. | Check room rates and availability on Expedia
→ READ NEXT: The best things to do in Ushuaia
8. Perito Moreno Glacier
One of the reasons to visit Argentina is to experience nature at its best.
And one of the most impressive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences in Argentina is the chance to walk on a glacier. Strap on some crampons and make your way across the thousands-of-years-old Perito Moreno Glacier.
Trekking on the glacier is one of the coolest things to do in Argentina. It can only be done on an organised tour (book online here). But trekking on the glacier isn’t cheap, so if you’re on a budget, you can easily visit the national park on your own and wander through the well-maintained walkways with their impressive views of the glacier. There are also great boat tours that take you up close to the glacier.
At the glacier, you’ll witness the roaring crack of the ice “calving” (breaking off) and the subsequent boom as chunks of ice the size of small cars hit the icy waters below.
Back in El Calafate, the town closest to the glacier, the city has a glaciarium that shows how glaciers are formed and an ice bar serving drinks in ice glasses to coat-swaddled guests. At certain times of the year, you can spot flamingos on Lake Argentina.
Where to stay in El Calafate
- We loved staying at Hostería La Estepa with its sweeping views over Lago Argentina. | Check rates on Booking.com
- America del Sur Hostel is ideally located near downtown. The timber cabin-style hostel also has beautiful views. | Check availability on Booking.com
→ READ NEXT: How to visit Perito Moreno Glacier
9. El Chaltén
El Chaltén, in Argentine Patagonia, is the base for hiking to the Fitz Roy and Torre mountains. There are a number of different hikes in the area, ranging from easy to strenuous to those that require technical skills to attempt.
Your hotel can provide a map of the various hiking routes in El Chaltén, but always check in with the park rangers for the latest conditions. The best (and busiest) time to visit is December to February. From May to September most places shutter up as icy winds and snow descend.
The small town may not have great wifi or telephone service, but what it lacks in technology it makes up for with a great food and craft beer scene. Both of which you’ll need after a long day of hiking!
Where to stay in El Chaltén
- The spacious, padded dome tents at Patagonia Eco Domes have amazing views of the surrounding mountains. There’s no mobile phone coverage or internet, and each dome is powered by solar energy. | Book online at Booking.com or Expedia
- To beat the morning hiking crowds, book a room at Destino Sur Hotel de Montaña & Spa, which is located close to the trails. | Check prices and availability at Booking.com or Expedia
→ READ NEXT: The best hikes in El Chaltén
10. Salta
Known as Salta La Linda (the pretty one), Salta is a great city to visit in Argentina both for its own beauty and as a base for exploring Argentina’s vast northern region.
The Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña offers a fascinating insight into Incan culture. The highlight of the museum are the mummified bodies of three children who were sacrificed on a nearby mountaintop. Their features are eerily frozen in time. The three bodies are rotated every few months to ensure they are carefully preserved.
You can take a guided walking tour or wander the city by yourself, admiring its well-preserved colonial architecture and churches.
Don’t forget to sample the region’s famous empanadas salteñas: pastries filled with vegetables and meat. Ask for them fried (rather than baked).
Where to stay in Salta
- Design Suites Salta (where we’ve stayed when we visit Salta) is a modern hotel with spacious bedrooms. It’s located within walking distance of the main area of the city. | Book your stay today on Booking.com or Expedia
- Hotel Legado Mítico is a delightful townhouse filled with leather armchairs, cowhide rugs and antiques. | Check prices and room availability on Booking.com or Expedia
11. Purmamarca
Way north, 160 kilometres from Salta, lies the stunning Cerro de Siete Colores, a layering of pinks and purples and oranges like you’ve never seen. It’s one of the most stunning Argentina sights. You can base yourself in Purmamarca, where the hill is, a tiny town with a population of a few hundred people, and explore the surrounding region.
It’s a popular town to pick up local crafts including colourful blankets and hand-sewn llama dolls.
Nearby day trips include visits to the equally tiny towns of Tilcara and Humahuaca or to the Salinas Grandes, the second largest salt pan in the world.
Where to stay in Purmamarca
- At the foothills of the Cerro de los Siete Colores, El Manantial del Silencio is designed like an old estancia. Rooms are decked out with wrought-iron beds and terracotta tiled-floors. It’s such a beautiful place to stay. | Check the latest rates on Booking.com or Expedia
- The views of the surrounding mountains are the drawcard of Huaira Huasi, a collection of terracotta-coloured adobe buildings. | Check room availability at Booking.com
→ READ NEXT: How to take a road trip through North Argentina
12. Cafayate
While Mendoza may be most well-known for Argentina wine production, Cafayate offers a different wine experience. Here, you can try the region’s Torrontés variety, a dry white wine that is one of my favourites. It’s easy to spend a few days in Cafayate, driving or biking to the dozens of wineries around the area.
Wine tasting is inexpensive and at most places it’s not necessary to book in advance. San Pedro de Yacochuya, Piattelli and El Porvenir are wineries all close to the town centre.
Wine is in everything here. Try a scoop of Malbec or Torrontés-flavoured ice cream from one of the stores surrounding the town’s main plaza.
Where to stay in Cafayate
- Just a few minutes outside the wine town of Cafayate, the rooms at Grace Cafayate have huge bathtubs and great views over the vineyards. | Check rates at Booking.com
- Hotel Asturias is a country-style hotel with cute little balconies. Rooms are comfortable and it’s right in the heart of Cafayate. | Check rooms rates and availability at Booking.com
→ READ NEXT: The best wineries in Cafayate
13. Cachi
Cachi is a charming village in the country’s north. It’s one of the best places in Argentina to visit to chill out, relax and wander the streets, but if you’re after something more adventurous, local companies offer hiking and biking trips.
Head out to Miraluna (7 kilometres from Cachi in the small village of La Aguada) for a tour of the bodega. It’s one of the highest wineries in the world. Take a bottle (or two) of their great Malbec back to your hotel to enjoy with a picada plate (Argentina’s version of charcuterie, one of the most popular things to eat in Argentina).
We spent a few days here on our North Argentina road trip, but I could have easily relaxed here for a week.
Where to stay in Cachi
- La Merced del Alto is a white-washed adobe building with terracotta-tiled floors. The service is detailed and attentive. | Book your stay online with Expedia
14. Peninsula Valdés
For wildlife lovers, Peninsula Valdés is one of the best places to visit in Argentina. This remote Patagonian peninsula on the Atlantic coast is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed reserve and one of the country’s most important marine wildlife destinations.
Depending on the season, you can see southern right whales, elephant seals, sea lions, penguins, orcas, guanacos and armadillos. Puerto Madryn is the usual base for visiting, although staying in Puerto Pirámides puts you right on the peninsula and closer to the whale-watching action.
Whale season generally runs from around June to December, while penguins, seals and other wildlife have their own seasonal windows. If you plan your trip well, Peninsula Valdés can be one of the most memorable stops in Argentina, especially if you want to experience Patagonia beyond mountains and glaciers.
Where to stay
- Hosteria Las Piedras is family run and in a great location. The rooms are fairly basic but they have fridges – and the owners provide wonderful hospitality. | Check availability and room rates on Booking.com
- The Oceano Patagonia luxury condos are a great option in Puerto Piramides. Many of the rooms have ocean views. | Check availability on Booking.com
15. Córdoba
Córdoba is just a short flight from Buenos Aires and is famous for its Spanish colonial architecture.
Explore the beautiful cabildo and cathedral in the city centre, or have a picnic in Sarmiento Park and watch local families spending time together on the weekend. One of the best things to do in Argentina is to spend an afternoon in a park people watching! Argentines love spending time with friends and family.
In the nearby village of Alta Gracia is the Che Guevara Museum, housed in his childhood home.
If you visit Córdoba around Oktoberfest, join in the celebrations in nearby Villa General Belgrano. It’s a really fun day out with plenty of beer (we still have our huge wooden stein) and entertainment.
Where to stay in Córdoba
- The very hip Azur Real Hotel Boutique has a rooftop splash pool and deck and some seriously stylish interiors. It’s located right in the heart of the city. | Check prices and book a room on Booking.com or Expedia
16. San Antonio de Areco
One of the best day trips from Buenos Aires is a visit to the sleepy town of San Antonio de Areco. This small town is on the pampas, and it’s a great place to wander the charming streets and check out craft workshops.
Areco is famous for platería (gaucho silverwork) and the Museo y Taller de Platería Draghi showcases beautiful mate gear, knives and traditional silverwork. There are other shops that sell jewellery, handicrafts, alfajores and chocolates
San Antonio de Areco is gaucho territory, and you can learn more about these Argentine cowboys by visiting a working estancia (like a ranch). On a full day trip (this tour is a great option), you can enjoy a huge asado lunch, wander the estancia grounds and experience entertainment like folklore music or a horsemanship demonstration.
Where to stay in San Antonio de Areco
While San Antonio de Areco can be easily done as a day trip, it’s really lovely to stay at one of the area’s beautiful estancias and experience the charms of rural life in Argentina.
- Estancia El Ombu is a historic estancia in Argentina. The huge property has plenty of outdoor activities, including horse riding, a swimming pool and asados (barbecues). | Check out the latest rates at Estancia El Ombu online
→ READ NEXT: The best day trips from Buenos Aires
17. Iberá Wetlands
If you’re looking for one of Argentina’s most underrated wildlife experiences, add the Iberá Wetlands to your list. This vast network of marshes, lagoons and floating islands in Corrientes province is one of the largest wetland systems in the world, and it feels completely different from the rest of Argentina.
This is the place to come for capybaras, caiman, marsh deer, howler monkeys, an incredible variety of birdlife and, if you’re lucky, even a glimpse of the jaguars that have been reintroduced to the region. The main base for visiting is Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, a small, remote village on the edge of Laguna Iberá.
Days here are slow and nature-focused: boat trips through the wetlands, wildlife walks, horse riding and sunset drives along red-dirt roads.
It takes some effort to get here, but that’s part of the appeal. Iberá still feels wild, quiet and far removed from Argentina’s more obvious tourist trail.
Where to stay
- Rincon del Socorro is a rural lodge developed as part of a conservation project. Guests have access to expert nature guides who lead safaris during the day and night, bike rides, horse rides and nature walks. | Check availability and room rates at Booking.com
- Puerto Valle Hotel de Esteros is right on the edge of the Iberá wetlands. The recently renovated 19th-century estancia has just over a dozen rooms, all with views of the Paraná River. | Check room rates at Booking.com or Expedia
Final thoughts: Places of interest in Argentina
Argentina’s diversity is well-known, which is why this country is so exciting to visit. With so many different landscapes, cities and natural wonders, it’s a country that appeals to everyone.
While Buenos Aires is a must-visit, get outside the city to explore more of Argentina’s incredible destinations. This guide has given you plenty of ideas for discovering why this country is so amazing!
Argentina destinations: FAQs
When is the best time to visit Argentina?
Argentina can be a year-round destination, depending on what you want to do. The best time to visit Argentina is the spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) months for milder temperatures and fewer visitors.
Is Argentina expensive to visit?
Argentina can be both expensive and affordable, depending on the type of experience you’re looking for. Accommodation is quite affordable in smaller towns and cities, while food at local restaurants often costs around half of what you’d pay in other western countries. Budget travellers can expect to pay around $50-$75 per day, while those seeking something more luxurious should expect to pay around $200+ per person.
Is Argentina safe to visit?
Yes, Argentina is safe to visit. Like any large country, travellers should exercise the typical precautions, however, most tourist destinations in the country are considered safe.
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How many of these amazing places to visit in Argentina have you been or want to go to?
Need help planning your Argentina trip? 🇦🇷
Feeling overwhelmed about planning your trip to Argentina? I get it. And I can help! I offer one-to-one travel consultation calls to help you plan your trip to Argentina. In an hour, we can map out a realistic itinerary or work through your specific questions so you can book an incredible trip. Save hours of your time with my local knowledge and expertise.
Read next
Before you go… you might like these other Argentina travel blogs:
- How to Plan a Trip to Argentina in 9 Easy Steps
- How to Plan the Perfect 2 Weeks in Argentina
- Argentina Travel Tips: 17 Things to Know Before You Go
- 50 Best Things to Do in Argentina
- Is Argentina Safe to Visit?
ARGENTINA TRIP ESSENTIALS
- Book your flight to Argentina online with Skyscanner. I like how this site allows you to find the cheapest days.
- One thing I always purchase is travel insurance! Travel Insurance Master allows you to compare across multiple policy providers, while SafetyWing is great for long-term travellers and digital nomads.
- Wise is my choice for sending and receiving money and spending money overseas (you can get a digital and physical card).
- Find a great hotel in Argentina. Check prices on Booking.com and Expedia online.
- Check out the huge range of day tours throughout Argentina on GetYourGuide or Viator. I love a good food tour in particular!
- Saving money? Check out the range of free walking tours across Argentina with GuruWalk (don’t forget to tip!).
- How to get around? I use DiscoverCars for car hire, or Motorhome Republic and Jucy for campervan/RV rental. For buses, trains and ferries, I use 12GO, Busbud and Omio.
- Grab an e-sim to stay connected while on the road.
- A copy of the Lonely Planet guide to Argentina will be handy. Also pick up a Spanish language phrasebook to help you navigate your visit.
- Keep those bottles of wine you’ll be buying safe in these wine bags.
- Check out my Amazon shop for my fave travel items – everything from backpacks and suitcases to travel adapters and beauty products.
PIN IT FOR LATER: BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN ARGENTINA
Save this guide to the best places to visit in Argentina to Pinterest so you can plan your trip later!
Hi! Great post! Couldn’t agree more with the places you have chosen for this list! There are so many interesting places to visit in Argentina.
Hugs, Becci
Hi Becci, thanks for stopping by! My heart is certainly in many of these places still!