Attractions and things to do in Argentina
Iguazu Falls
Probably Argentina's most prized natural attraction is the colossal Iguazu Falls situated in the far north of Argentina and bordering Brazil. This awesome site, surpassing the size of Niagara Falls, features 275 individual cataracts which plummet down a 4km slope towards a narrow gorge almost 80 m (240 ft) in height. Located within the Iguazu National Park and jungle, this exceptional attraction is equipped with quality catwalks known to be both highly comprehensive and well-maintained. Stroll along these pathways and get as close to the cataracts' edge as you can in total safety whilst you feel the sprays of water upon your face and take in the indescribable beauty of your surroundings. With over a million visitors a year, Iguazu Falls is a credited UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984 and a natural world wonder of the Southern American continent that cannot and should not be missed!
Los Glaciers National Park
Something you definitely won't get the opportunity to do every day is take a tour around some of the world's most spectacular and gigantic glaciers filled with towering icebergs, frozen fields and tranquil lakes much like the ones belonging to Los Glaciers National Park. See with your own eyes the whitest of whites and the bluest of blues and be marvelled at the majestic scenery surrounding you in this unique location many would not even associate with Argentina. Reserve your seat on an excursion boat and cross between the three major glaciers of the park known as Upsala Glacier, Spegazzini Glacier and finally the most popular, Perito Moreno Glacier, which is also reachable by land. On land or mountains found across various locations in the park you can also test your ice-hiking skills or enjoy a couple of hours trekking, climbing or capturing the moment on camera. Temperatures are cold and arid but once you reach Los Glaciers you certainly won't be in a hurry to leave such a natural paradise and indescribable beauty!
Cueva de las Manos
Perfect for history lovers or maybe just a day out in the middle of nowhere, Cueva de las Manos or Cave of Hands is an attraction located in the province of Santa Cruz and features colourful and intriguing spray-painted hands on the walls of a cave as well as forms of early artworks believed to date from 13,000 to 9,000 years ago. Lying isolated in the valley of the Pinturas River among the Pantagonian landscape, this world-famous cave which was inhabited by various tribes across different periods in history is relatively small being only 24m in depth and 15m wide at its entrance. Within the cave, the height is just enough for those measuring 2 m and under to walk through and explore. Besides handprints which are believed to have been stencilled, you will also find numerous depictions of human beings; animals such as felines and rheas; geometric shapes; interesting patterns; representations of the sun; and drawings which symbolise hunting techniques and hunting scenes.
San Carlos de Bariloche
San Carlos de Bariloche, nestled among the foothills of the Andes, is a haven for ski fanatics and adventure-seekers all year round and is located within the Nahuel Huapi National Park. Skiing during white winter months is the most popular of activities that attract thousands of Europeans, Brazilians and Argentines themselves each year to this elite region. Whilst winters are filled with snow, summers are hot and promote glorious beaches for sun-seekers such as Playa Bonita and Villa Tacul. You can also enjoy the wide open lakes of the region set amidst some of the most stunning scenery the country has to offer. During other seasons of the year trekking, mountaineering, and fishing are other fantastic pass times to be explored. Representing "the good life" and an opportunity to experience the great outdoors of Argentina, Bariloche will quickly become one of your most favourite destinations to travel to.
Plaza de Mayo
An indispensable tourist attraction, the Plaza de Mayo situated in the Montserrat Barrio in the city of Buenos Aires has been a major landmark since the revolution of 25th May 1810 which marked the beginnings of the nation's fight towards independency from Spain. Apart from this, the Plaza de Mayo is filled with vital landmarks and read more...
Ibera Wetlands
Adding to Argentina's selection of natural attractions and biodiversity are the Ibera Wetlands known in Spanish as Esteros del Iberá. Located in the province of Corrientes, venture round natural marshes, swamps, bogs, still lakes, and lagoons plus capture the unique opportunity to feast your eyes on species distinct only to these wetlands and declared as "provincial natural monuments". These include the neotropical river otter, the maned wolf, the pampas deer and marsh deer. You can be sure to come across alligators, caimans, capybaras and hundreds of stunning bird species on your visit too. Step out of your comfort zone and experience something entirely different during your trip to Argentina. You'll be surprised at how much you'll enjoy it!
La Recoleta Cemetery
A Cemetery may seem like a peculiar place to visit whilst on holiday but La Recoleta Cemetary in the Recoleta neighbourhood of Buenos Aires is a top attraction for its uniqueness and exquisiteness. Spread out over 14 acres are literally thousands of read more...
Nahuel Huapi National Park
Designed and created to become what would be Argentina's first national park, Nahuel Huapi is an inspiring ecological spectacle seeking to preserve flora and fauna, wildflowers, ancient glaciers, lush valleys, vigorous forests and tall jagged mountains. Utterly jaw-dropping vistas can be appreciated from just about anywhere too. A tranquil lake known as Lake Nahuel Huapi lies as the park's centrepiece whilst endearing deer and native birds grace the area too. Winter months are white and call out to ski enthusiasts whilst spring, summer and early autumn are times for boating, rafting, climbing, trekking, mountain-biking, horse-riding and even paragliding. If you love sports and being outdoors, Nahuel Huapi National Park is not to be ignored. A little bit of heaven on earth is the best way to characterise this truly magical location; a location that will speak to your inner core and have you never wanting to leave.
Mendoza Wine Region
The Mendoza Province is best known for its importance in Argentina's wine production and is without a doubt the place to go for a complete winemaking and wine-tasting experience if that's your kind of thing. Picture yourself based among the dry and sunny foothills of the picturesque Andes enjoying tremendously gorgeous views and visiting the finest bodegas or wineries and vineyards in Latin America. There is simply no better location than this! Enjoy a guided tour or even several tours through both large and small vineyards each one charming in their own way and many times resembling European vineyards. Several wineries in the region are world-famous.
The Archipelago of Tierra del Fuego
Divided between Argentina and Chile, "Land of Fire" or Tierra del Fuego as it is formally known in Spanish is an archipelago off the southernmost point of South America with splendid landscapes, mountains and breathtaking scenery. What was once a remote set of islands discovered over five centuries ago and inhabited by Native Americans is today a popular South American treasure that strongly promotes ecotourism. Belonging to Argentina are the cities of Ushuaia and Rio Grande on the main island of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. Encounter an extraordinary array of flora and fauna that is rarely seen so up close. Get to know and see different kinds of bird species like albatrosses, penguins, eagles, falcons and condors in addition to indigenous land mammals like beavers, the mink, muskrats, the Fuegian fox and armadillos. Admire the interesting results of severe winds on the island's fauna whilst trekking, hiking or enjoying an excursion. Other popular activities you can do whilst in Tierra del Fuego include hiking the Glacier Martial, catamaran trips along the Beagle Channel, kayaking in the Beagle Channel, visiting Tierra del Fuego National Park, snowboarding and skiing at Cerro Castor centre, Penguin watching at The Penguin Rookery, stolling, horseriding and fishing around Lakes Escondido and Fagnano. If you fancy a break from busy metropolises and want to get in touch with nature, Tierra del Fuego is the answer to your prayers.