What to do in Argentina: Top 12 must-sees and must-dos
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Argentina is one of those destinations that make nature lovers and hikers dream. We’ll start our must-see tour with some of Argentina’s natural wonders, and then take you to 3 must-visit cities. Many of the sites in this magnificent country are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Quebrada de Humahuaca Valley
This long mountain valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (yes, yes, we’re off to a great start!) is one of Argentina’s little jewels! It lies in the northwest of the country, a more arid region characterized by orange-colored mountains, herds of llamas and charming villages such as Purmamarca, Uquia, Tilcara and Humahuaca.
One of the main attractions of the Quebrada de Humahuaca is the Hornocal, a mountain range nicknamed “the mountain of 14 colors” (although there are some 30 shades in all!). Color brilliance varies according to the time of day and light conditions. A natural splendor not to be missed during your stay in Argentina!
Iguazú Falls
These impressive waterfalls, among the most beautiful in the world, straddle the border between Argentina and Brazil, in the middle of the rainforest. Most of the site is located in Argentina. Prepare to be amazed… and amazed! Imagine the beauty of such a sight, but also the noise made by these 275 waterfalls! They stretch over 2.7 kilometers, some reaching 80 metres in height.
Iguazú Falls are part of the Iguazú National Park, a nature reserve that has been (unsurprisingly) designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hiking trails allow you to discover the park’s impressive tropical flora, as well as its fauna, although it’s not always easy to spot the animals, as the site is quite busy.
Ischigualasto and Talampaya natural parks
These two superb natural parks are located right next to each other. Ischigualasto (bless you!) is part of the province of San Juan, Talampaya of the province of La Rioja. You’re going to think I’m rambling, but I’ve got to tell you anyway… And yes, they are both CAPMU (UNESCO World Heritage Site – I’m using the abbreviation I used in my article on the PeruYou see, Argentina really is a must-see destination!
Lovers of paleontology will have a field day in these spectacular settings. An incredible collection of fossils dating back to the Triassic period has been discovered here, and is invaluable in the scientific world.
Talampaya Park is characterized by orange-colored rock sculptures. Ischigualasto is also nicknamed “the Valley of the Moon” for its landscapes that seem to have stepped out of another world.
Mount Aconcagua
The highest peak on the American continent (nicknamed “the roof of the Americas”) and in the southern hemisphere, it rises to 6,962 metres in the heart of Aconcagua Provincial Park. This nature reserve stretches over 71,000 hectares, with sublime flora and fauna.
Mount Aconcagua is part of the Andes mountain range and is one of the 7 Summits, which explains its popularity with experienced mountaineers and hikers. I’ll leave you to imagine the view from its summit… But don’t panic! It’s also possible to observe this little wonder and its eternal snows from several vantage points, along hikes of varying levels.
The La Pampa region
The Pampa, which means “plain” in Quechua, is a region that covers around 20% of Argentina! Set out to conquer these endless meadows and you’ll be sure to discover some stunning scenery and untamed nature.
This vast countryside is home to the “gauchos”, Argentina’s cowboys. You can visit some of our estancias and immerse yourself in their traditions. If you’re a meat lover, you probably know that Argentina’s famous beef comes from this region.
Bariloche and the 7 lakes route
San Carlo de Bariloche is a rather unusual town, since its architecture is more reminiscent of a Swiss village than an Argentine one. To add insult to injury, its speciality is… chocolate! Bariloche is located in the Andes, on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Once again, the beauty of the scenery is guaranteed, and there are numerous hikes and activities available from the town. It is also a starting point for the 7 Lakes Route. This 107-kilometre route will take you (as its name suggests) to discover 7 superb lakes, all of glacial origin. But that’s not all! You’ll also pass through the Nahuel Huapi and Lanin national parks.
Peninsula Valdés
Peninsula Valdés is undoubtedly one of Argentina’s must-sees for nature and animal lovers. This incredible nature reserve is, of course, CAPMU. It is located near the town of Puerto Madryn and can be reached by an isthmus, which seems to hold it back with its fingertips.
The wildlife here is simply exceptional, and people come from all over the world for the chance to see whales, seals, elephant seals, penguins, guanacos, armadillos and many other small wonders. Numerous boat trips are organized, but you can also observe this little world from a kayak or even go scuba diving! (A tête-à-tête with Madame la Baleine?)
A particular microclimate would explain this exceptional fauna. The meeting of warm and cold marine currents produces ideal conditions for the reproduction of all these animals.
The Perito Moreno glacier
CAPMU alerts! This famous glacier is located in Los Glaciares National Park, a natural wonder that UNESCO has duly recognized. First, let me give you some impressive figures about the Perito Moreno: the surface area of this incredible glacier reaches 250 km2, with a length of 30 kilometers. It is up to 180 metres high (with around 60 metres visible).
This Argentinean must-see is located in Patagonia, on Lago Argentino, and is part of the 3rd largest ice cap in the world, between Argentina and Chile.
One of the peculiarities of the Perito Moreno (and not the least!) is that it advances by up to 3 metres a day! The fact that it touches the top of the lake makes it more stable. What’s more, the amount of ice created on the mountain is equivalent to that detached from the front of the glacier. Why is it moving? Simply because of gravity.
El Chalten village and Fitz Roy
El Chalten is a charming village ideally located in Patagonia, not far from Los Glaciares National Park. As well as glaciers, this park is home to a star in the hiking world, the Fitz Roy. This splendid massif culminates at an altitude of 3,441 m. Several treks of varying levels and duration are organized from El Chalten. One of the best-known hikes is to the Laguna de los Tres, where you’ll discover a magnificent turquoise lake, and Cerro Torre, also located in the park and rising to 3,138 metres, is one of the stars of the Andes.
The city’s must-sees
the city of Buenos Aires
Argentina’s capital should definitely be on your list of things to see in Argentina! This cosmopolitan city has a touch of Europe, from Madrid to Paris, depending on the neighborhood. This is hardly surprising, given that most of the city’s inhabitants are descended from settlers who came mainly from Spain and Italy.
Buenos Aires is also the capital of Tango. It’s the birthplace of this torrid dance! So you’re in the perfect place to party in the streets and in the many bars and clubs.
Some neighborhoods will take you back to the city’s historic past, while others are more upscale and will undoubtedly remind you of Paris. Here are a few sights not to be missed during your visit to Buenos Aires: Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada (the city’s historic square and presidential palace), the Recoleta district (a more upscale neighborhood) and its cemetery, the La Boca district, the San Telmo district (a lively neighborhood where you can dance the Tango until the wee hours!).
The city of Salta
Located in north-west Argentina, at an altitude of 1,200 metres at the foot of the Andes, Salta was founded in 1,582 by the Spanish. There are many buildings from this colonial past. She’s nicknamed “la Linda”, the beautiful one, and not for nothing! It’s a colorful city where life is good. Take time to stroll the streets and admire the different buildings.
The city comes alive at night, and you can enjoy the warm atmosphere of the bars and streets.
Don’t hesitate to visit the region’s mountain villages, which have managed to preserve the traditions of the local population.
The city of Cordoba
Cordoba is the country’s second largest city. This charming town is certainly worth a visit. It is best known for the Manzana Jesuita, the Jesuit quarter (CAPMU! It’s been a long time…). The area is magnificent: cloisters and churches, as well as the architecturally splendid Universidad Nacional de Córdoba.
Don’t hesitate to wander around the city to discover other beautiful monuments.
And so ends our “best of” dedicated to Argentina. Don’t hesitate to share your favorites and photos with us on the YUPWEGO Facebook group!
Find out here about the top 8 favorite destinations of French globetrotters, including Argentina! And, of course, don’t forget to take out YUPWEGO travel insurance for real peace of mind.
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