Argentina

A wide range of climates can be found in Argentina, from the arid deserts of the north to the lush rainforests of the south. Cultural, artistic, and architectural influences from all over the world can be found in Argentina, from the subtropical north to the sub Antarctic regions of Patagonia in the south.

La Boca, the old-world Recoleta neighborhood, and trendy Palermo make Buenos Aires feel more like a European city than a Latin American one at times. As a starting point for exploring the country, the capital city of Buenos Aires is an excellent choice (as is the city’s best tango school).

To get to Iguazu Falls, which are located on Argentina’s and Brazil’s borders, you’ll need to cross the Iguazu River. One of the most breathtaking sights in all of South America can be found at these colossal waterfalls, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Accessible walkways and viewing platforms allow visitors to get right up close and personal with the thunderous falls, some of which are located near the Devil’s Throat.

El Calafate, a small town in Patagonia’s Los Glaciares National Park, serves as the primary hub for tourists visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

More than half of the park’s visitors take guided tours to the Perito Moreno Glacier, a 30-kilometer-long ice formation (and the world’s third largest freshwater reserve) located just 78 kilometers from town.

From El Calafate, it’s only a two-hour drive and a short walk to the glacier, which is named for a 19th-century explorer, to the glacier itself.

For many visitors, Buenos Aires is the first glimpse of Argentina before heading to the country’s most popular tourist destinations, such as Patagonia.

Those who are more inquisitive will extend their stay in order to take advantage of the city’s numerous museums and art galleries, which are scattered throughout the city’s districts and barrios.

It’s not hard to see why La Boca is Buenos Aires’ most vibrant neighborhood, home to the Caminito Street Museum, an open-air museum and pedestrian zone known for its brightly painted houses as well as the street tango dancers that populate the area.

Beagle Channel to the Chilean border, as well as north to Lago Kami, are all part of Tierra del Fuego National Park’s 156,000 acres. As a hiker’s paradise, there are paths for all abilities and interests.

To see the park’s breathtaking beauty, visitors travel from Ushuaia to one of the park’s hiking routes or along the coast, where they can see everything from towering waterfalls, lush forests and mountains to exquisite glacier-fed lakes like Roca and Fagnano.

In addition to Andean condors, Senda Costera, a coastal trail that runs from Ensenada Bay to Lake Roca, is one of the most popular routes.

The Patagonian city of Puerto Madryn is situated on the coast of Golfo Nuevo, in a secluded cove. One of Argentina’s most popular cruise destinations, the city was founded by Welsh settlers in 1886 and is known for its deep-water port and abundance of natural reserves.

On this rocky coastline, water enthusiasts congregate, particularly windsurfers who relish the challenge of the fierce Patagonian winds. There is a lot to see and do for nature lovers on the Valdez Peninsula, a significant nature reserve designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its diverse fauna.

Right whales, elephant seals, sea lions, and orcas are all common sightings on guided tours of the reserve, which attracts thousands of visitors each year.

The Andes and vast expanses of plains and plateaus make Patagonia one of the world’s most beautiful places. In the world’s southernmost city of Ushuaia, most of the adventures begin.

The Tierra del Fuego National Park is just a few miles away, and this town on the Beagle Channel is surrounded by a stunning landscape of mountains, sea, glaciers, and woods. As a former penal colony, it’s now a popular starting point for expeditions to Antarctica and the Horn of Africa.

A lighthouse known as the End of the World Lighthouse was built in San Juan de Salvamento on the island of the United States in 1884

Between the Nahuel Huapi National Park and Patagonia’s northern Lake District lies the bustling city of Bariloche, or San Carlos de Bariloche.

Skiers from the Northern Hemisphere seeking snow during the height of the northern summer flock to Bariloche’s neighboring Cerro Catedral, the highest of its summits and a major ski resort. Skiing at Cerro Catedral, one of South America’s most famous resorts, means taking in views of Nahuel Huapi, the park’s highest peak at more than 100 kilometers of slopes.

Mountain climbing, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and horseback riding are all popular activities in the nearby National Park of the Andes.

The Art Deco architecture of Mendoza, one of Argentina’s most attractive cities, makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts both in the summer and the winter. During the winter months, skiers from all over South America travel to the well-known resorts of Las Leas and Los Penitentes to take advantage of the steep terrain.

Climbers and hikers flock to these locations year-round, with many aiming for the 6,960-meter-high Aconcagua peak as their ultimate goal. These include whitewater rafting and horseback riding, both of which can be done overnight at some riding stables.

Argentina’s second-largest city and a 5-hour drive from Buenos Aires, Córdoba is often a stopover on treks to the Andes. Nearly all of the city’s most stunning historic buildings date from the city’s early colonial period in the 16th century.

Explore the city’s historic center, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, centered around Plaza San Martin, the city’s historic center. In 1580, the first Roman Catholic church in Córdoba was built, which is where the magnificent Cathedral of Córdoba can be found.

One of the most notable aspects of the building is its ornate exterior, which features exquisite 20th-century frescoes and murals painted by prominent Argentinian artist Emilio Caraffa. The interior of the building also features excellent paintings and murals from the 20th century.

Some of the best beaches in South America can be found in the coastal city of Mar del Plata, located about 400 kilometers from Buenos Aires. Over eight kilometers of stunning beaches are interspersed with wind-swept dunes and towering cliffs along the coast.

Aside from sea lions, who hang out near the city’s fishing piers, the closest beaches to the modern cruise ship port are Chica and Grande.

Formerly a haven for the wealthy, this city’s shoreline is now home to a mix of historic homes and more modern resorts, as well as a number of lovely green spaces and gardens.