Where to go in Argentina

Located in the spectacular Lake District at the northwestern tip of Argentinian Patagonia, Bariloche lies along the shores of the vast blue Nahuel Huapi Lake. This region is filled with glacier-fed lakes, forests, and mountains as far as the eye can see, nestled between the Andes Mountains with Atlantic Patagonia to the east and Chilean Patagonia to the west. The alpine town makes an ideal base for hiking, horseback riding, wildlife watching, kayaking, and rafting. In the winter, some of the best ski resorts in the country can be enjoyed too. The city itself has a Swiss-like atmosphere and has become increasingly popular for its food scene, including chocolate. The artisanal gastronomic scene began here almost a half-century ago, thanks to the area’s access to practically an infinite range of fresh, locally grown, or caught foods. It’s a paradise for cocoa connoisseurs, with everything from your typical chocolate bar to fruit-stuffed chocolates.

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierras Chicas along the Suquía River in central Argentina, Cordoba is the capital of the province with the same name, renowned for its Spanish colonial architecture. A little over a decade ago it was crowned the Cultural Capital of the Americas and it’s no less intriguing today. It’s home to the Manzana Jesuítica (Jesuit Block), a complex dating back to the 17th-century with churches, active cloisters, and the original campus of the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, one of the oldest universities in South America. Its focal point is the imposing 16th-century neo-baroque Cathedral of Cordoba which dominates the west side of Plaza San Martin. The city also boasts a number of outstanding museums focused on everything from anthropology, science, and technology to fine arts, helping to preserve both Cordoba’s and Argentina’s heritage. There’s also a weekend crafts market, alternative film scene, and hip bars where DJs spin electro-tango tunes.

Widely regarded as one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls, Iguazu Falls is made up of 275 falls along the Iguazu River along the border of Argentina and Brazil, making Niagara seem like the drip of a faucet. They stretch as far as the eye can see, spread over nearly 1.7 miles of rainforest-covered cliffs. Some are massive and powerful while others are small and graceful. When former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt first viewed Iguazu, she exclaimed, “Poor Niagara!” While the falls can be viewed from either country, the Argentine side is considered the best side as you can get so close it’s possible to feel the mist on your skin. There’s a boat ride that will bring you even closer, but you’ll want to be prepared for a major drenching. This is also a great area to view parrots that can often be heard chattering in the trees nearby and soaring above in the skies.

The Argentine Pampas extends from the Atlantic coast near Buenos Aires to the Andean foothills in the country’s northwest corner. It covers 295,000 square miles, made up of two distinct zones, with wetlands to the east and its dry area to the west. The region is best known for its culture and history with the country’s folklore following the Spanish conquest focused around the gaucho, a South American cowboy. Gauchos still work the fertile plains, typically on private ranches, or estancias. There are attractions and activities for history buffs, culture vultures, foodies, nature lovers, and more. You can relax with stunning natural backdrops or take part in activities like hiking, horseback riding, and fishing. One of the best places to get to know gaucho life is San Antonio de Areco, which hosts some original estancias that have been converted into all-inclusive accommodation. You’ll find several museums highlighting gaucho culture and history as well.

The northwestern provinces of Salta and Jujuy are bounded by Chile to the west and Bolivia to the north, climbing from cloud forests to the highlands and some of the Andes’ most dramatic peaks. An inspiring place of traditional culture and natural beauty, Salta’s colonial capital, also Salta, is often referred to as “La Linda” for its beautiful valleys. It’s the most popular base for travelers who want to explore the jagged, colorful ravines of the Quebrada de Humahuaca and Quebrada de Cafayate. It has a strong Spanish tradition combined with a gaucho culture, resulting in a unique identity while boasting magnificent colonial architecture. Visitors can also find plenty of artisanal handcrafted items and high-altitude vineyards for tasting and touring. Alongside Salta, Jujuy is one of the best places in the country to experience time-honored Andean customs. The provincial capital of San Salvador de Jujuy is home to tranquil plazas and colonial-era monuments.

The capital of Tierra del Fuego, located at the tip of South America, Ushuaia is the world’s southernmost city. Known as the “End of the World,” it’s cut off from the north by the Strait of Magellan with the next stop south Antarctica. It sits on a steep hill bordered by the Andes’ rocky peaks, surrounded by glaciers, lakes, bays, and forests. Many arrive here to hop on an expedition cruise to Antarctica for an adventure of a lifetime that includes crossing the tumultuous waters of the Drake Passage, but there’s plenty to do right here, including activities like glacier treks, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and surprisingly, diving. In the winter, it draws plenty of skiers and snowboarders. Photographers enjoy it year-round for its powerful mystique, awe-inspiring scenery, and austral light. It has quite the storied if sober past, with plenty of shipwrecks and the extinction of its indigenous people.