The Best Places to Visit in Argentina for Your First Trip
Argentina packs more variety into one country than almost anywhere else in the world, which is why it’s perfect for all different travelers out there. If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Argentina for your first trip, then you’ve come to the right place! This guide was built by a born-and-raised Argentinian and full-time traveler.
From cosmopolitan cities to raw, untamed landscapes, every stop feels completely different from the last. So no matter what you’re looking for, we’ve got the place for you.
This guide covers the Argentina destinations that genuinely deserve a place on your itinerary – not those random ones Chat GPT gathered from generic guides. These are the highlights that show just how diverse, dramatic, and magical this country can be.
Visiting the Best Places in Argentina: Basic Info for Your Trip
Before diving into all of the best places to visit in Argentina, let’s talk about a bit what makes this country so special, and the different areas you’ll want to add to your Argentina itinerary.
⭐️ What Makes Argentina Special?
What makes Argentina special is the sheer diversity packed into a single destination. You can explore glaciers, deserts, waterfalls, wine regions, and buzzing cities all on one trip, without ever crossing a border. Add in incredible food, friendly locals, and a strong cultural identity, and Argentina quickly stands out as being one of the most desirable countries to visit in South America.
❣️ What is the Most Beautiful Part of Argentina?
The most beautiful part of Argentina really depends on what kind of traveler you are. Patagonia often steals the spotlight with its glaciers, turquoise lakes, and dramatic mountains, while the north surprises photographers with colorful landscapes and desert scenery. Many travelers fall in love with multiple regions, because each one feels completely different.
🤔 What Part of Argentina Should I Visit?
Choosing where to go in Argentina comes down to your interests and travel style. If it is your first time, combining Buenos Aires with either Patagonia or Iguazu Falls is a great place to start. For repeat visitors, regions like Salta, Jujuy, and the Argentinian Coast offer a deeper look at the country beyond the main highlights.
This guide is here to share all of the best places to visit in Argentina, so you can choose which destinations to add to your Argentina itinerary.
The Best Places to Visit in Argentina
Now that you know a bit about visiting, let’s dive into all of the incredible places to visit in Argentina!
1. Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina and one of the best places to visit in Argentina if you want to understand the country’s culture. With its European-style architecture, café-lined streets, and late-night lifestyle, it feels more like Paris or Madrid than a typical South American city. The city is massive and spread out, so plan to spend several days exploring different neighborhoods, from historic San Telmo to trendy Palermo.
Almost every flight to Argentina passes through Buenos Aires, so having it as a part of your itinerary is almost a non-negotiable. It’s the perfect place to spend a couple days at the beginning or end of your trip, and is also a paradise for digital nomads. If you are working while traveling, we suggest spending some extra time in this fantastic city.
2. Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world and easily one of Argentina’s biggest highlights. Made up of hundreds of powerful waterfalls, it completely dwarfs places like Niagara Falls in both size and drama. While the falls are shared with Brazil, the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls offers longer walkways, closer viewpoints, and a more immersive experience overall.
Don’t miss out on the Devil’s throat – the most powerful viewpoint of the falls! Also, there is a boat ride that takes you up close and personal to these powerful cascades. It’s truly one of the most epic things to add to your bucket list.
3. Mendoza
Mendoza is Argentina’s wine capital and a must-visit for anyone who loves food, wine, and mountain scenery. The region is famous for its Malbec, but there is much more to do than wine tasting, including hot springs, cycling through vineyards, and day trips into the Andes. With its sunny weather and relaxed pace, Mendoza is perfect for slowing down your Argentina itinerary.
4. Calafate
El Calafate is the main base for exploring southern Patagonia and one of the most popular stops in the region. Its biggest draw is the Perito Moreno Glacier, where you can watch massive chunks of ice break off and crash into the water below, along with bucket list activities like walking on top on Perito Moreno, or kayaking next to it.
Many travelers spend several days here, using the town as a hub for glacier tours, boat trips, and excursions to nearby El Chaltén.
5. El Chalten
El Chaltén is Argentina’s hiking capital and one of the best places to visit in Argentina for outdoor lovers. Set at the edge of Los Glaciares National Park, this tiny mountain town is all about epic trails, jagged peaks, and nonstop views of Mount Fitz Roy.
Hiking here is incredibly accessible, with well-marked trails that start right from town and range from easy walks to full-day treks. Even if you are not a hardcore hiker, the scenery alone makes El Chaltén worth the journey.
The town itself is small, casual, and built around adventure, with cozy cafés, craft beer spots, and a relaxed backpacker vibe. It is the perfect contrast to the nearby destination of El Calafate and a must-stop when exploring Patagonia.
6. Bariloche
Bariloche is one of the most famous towns in Patagonia and a destination that looks straight out of the Swiss Alps. In winter, it transforms into Argentina’s top ski resort, while summer brings hiking, kayaking, and lake swims. Add in its famous chocolate shops and panoramic viewpoints, and it is easy to see why Bariloche is one of the best places to visit in Argentina.
7. San Martin de los Andes
San Martín de los Andes is a quieter alternative to Bariloche, located in northwest Patagonia and surrounded by pristine lakes and forests. It is less touristy, more relaxed, and full of small hidden spots that slow travelers fall in love with. Many people visit as part of a road trip along the Route of the Seven Lakes, which is one of the most scenic drives in Argentina connecting San Martin de los Andes and Bariloche.
8. Ushuaia
Ushuaia is often called the end of the world, and it truly feels like it. As the southernmost city in the Americas, it sits between rugged mountains and icy waters, just a short distance from Antarctica. Visitors come for wildlife like penguins and whales, glacier views, and the famous Train of the End of the World, making it one of the most unique places to visit in Argentina, and the perfect addition to an Antarctica cruise.
9. The Argentinian Coast
The Argentinian Coast is often overlooked, especially compared to Brazil’s beaches, but it still has its own charm, and is a ton of fun for those wanting to experience a true local Porteño’s summer vacation.
During the months of December to March, locals flock to places like Mar del Plata and Mar de las Pampas for weekend getaways from Buenos Aires, with surfing, lively nightlife, and relaxed seaside vibes. While the beaches are not world-class, they are worth visiting if you want to see a different side of Argentina travel.
10. Salta
Salta is located in the far north of Argentina and is surrounded by some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country. From giant salt flats and colorful mountains to desert valleys and thermal baths, the scenery here feels almost unreal. It is also an excellent base for road trips and easy to reach by flight or from the neighboring country of Bolivia.
11. Jujuy
Jujuy is one of Argentina’s most visually striking regions, known for its bold colors and Andean culture. If you’re a photographer, then this is one of the best places to visit in Argentina for you! The Quebrada de Humahuaca is the main highlight, with rainbow mountains, tiny villages, and high-altitude viewpoints. Traveling here feels completely different from the rest of the country, especially compared to Patagonia and Buenos Aires.
12. Cordoba
Córdoba is Argentina’s second-largest city and has a very different energy from Buenos Aires. Thanks to its large student population, the city has a lively nightlife, cultural scene, and plenty of historic architecture to explore. Outside the city though, you’ll find rolling hills, rivers, and mountain towns. It’s the perfect escape into Argentina’s peaceful nature, and one of the most underrated places to visit in Argentina.
If you’re planning on visiting Argentina in October, you can also enjoy Cordoba’s Oktoberfest, which is a massive beer festival in the German town of Villa General Belgrano.
13. Puerto Madryn
Puerto Madryn is one of the best places to visit in Argentina for marine wildlife experiences, and is one of the top places to travel to in October. Visiting in the Spring, and you can see whales breaching close to shore, colonies of penguins, and sea lions lounging along the coast. It is one of the best places in the country to combine nature, wildlife, and easy travel.
The Best Places to Visit in Argentina: Final Thoughts
Argentina is a country that is exciting for all different types of travelers, whether you are exploring it for the first time or coming back for more. From vibrant cities and roaring waterfalls to quiet mountain towns and remote Patagonian landscapes, these incredible places to visit in Argentina offer something for every type of traveler.
No two regions feel the same, and that is exactly what makes planning an Argentina itinerary so exciting. You can shape your trip around food, nature, adventure, or culture, and still feel like you are only scratching the surface.
No matter where you go, Argentina has a way of making you fall in love, and making you want to stay longer. It is not just a destination you visit once, but a country that will keep calling you back again and again.
