The tango and really good steak might be the first things that come to mind when you think about visiting Argentina, but this South American country has a lot of diverse things to offer adventurous travelers. Argentina produces some of the most delectable wines in the world, unique festivals are happening all throughout the year, and the natural sites here are nothing short of impressive.
If you’re not sure where your next travel destination should be, consider Argentina. It’s an ideal pick for foodies, wine enthusiasts, history buffs, and outdoor adventure seekers. Regardless of your travel style, these are of the top things to see and do in Argentina.
See Colonial Architecture in Salta
What Is It? A great place to visit for history and architecture buffs is Salta, which is full of colonial Spanish architecture that’s unique and beautiful.
Why Do It? Today, Salta is a university city with lots of activities going on. You should visit the ruins at Santa Rosa de Tastil and also the Quebrada de Humahuaca gorge.
Good to Know: This is another great place to go horseback riding to experience the area’s natural landscapes.
Experience Iguazu Falls
What Is It? One of the world’s best waterfalls, Iguazu Falls is one of the most visited tourist sites in Argentina because of the vast natural beauty and extreme views.
Why Do It? The falls are considered a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, and you can take guided tours and long-distance treks to experience the falls for yourself.
Good to Know: There are actually more than 200 individual waterfalls separated by small islands here, so consider taking a helicopter ride to see the expanse of the falls’ size and beauty.
Visit Glaciares National Park
What Is It? A can’t-miss natural site in Argentina, Glaciares National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Why Do It? Take some time to spend around Argentino and Viedma lakes to see the glaciers and go for a hike. Horseback rides are also a popular way to explore this area. Highlights of the area include the Perito Moreno glacier and the glacier museum called Glaciarium.
Good to Know: Make sure to check out the Glaciobar in the basement of the museum to sip a cocktail on a seat and bar made of ice!
Go Horseback Riding in the Countryside
What Is It? Horseback riding has been a staple of Argentinian culture for centuries, and Argentinian cowboys are known as gauchos.
Why Do It? You can embrace this wild and free spirit by going horseback riding across the wide-open fields when you plan your visit. The Pampas is a great place to have this experience. The sport of polo is also popular here, so you can even take a polo lesson to learn more about the sport.
Good to Know: If you can plan your visit for November, visit the Estancia El Ombu de Areco because a week-long festival devoted to cowboy culture takes place then.
Try Snow Sports in Ushuaia
What Is It? When it’s winter down south, head to Ushuaia to satisfy your thrill for winter sport adventures.
Why Do It? This is the southernmost city in the world and located along Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. It’s a stunningly beautiful place that’s a favorite of skiers, snowboarders, and wildlife watchers.
Good to Know: Tierra del Fuego is known for its craggy peaks and old-growth forests, and it’s also a top spot for fishing.
Shop in Buenos Aires
What Is It? Parts of Argentina are known around the world for beautiful fashion, and the ultimate place for fashion lovers to visit is Palermo Soho.
Why Do It? This is in the creative design district of Buenos Aires and a wonderful place to window shop. Argentine women love their shoes, so it’s easy to find designer shoe shops in this area that will have you drooling in no time.
Good to Know: Just beware the prices are fairly high-end here. Galerias Pacificos on Cordoba Avenue is worth visiting too.
Catch a Festival if You Can
What Is It? Argentine culture loves a good festival, and there are lots of them that you can join in on throughout the year.
Why Do It? Some festivals in Buenos Aires include the Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Film and Fashion Buenos Aires. You can find art, music, and dance festivals here, and festivals to celebrate gauchos and the LGBT community are common as well.
Good to Know: Check out a local festival calendar while planning your trip to see what’s going on then.
See Talampaya National Park
What Is It? Talampaya National Park may not be quite as well-known as some other natural sites in Argentina, but it’s certainly worth a visit as well.
Why Do It? It’s in the northwestern part of Argentina and full of towering rock formations, petroglyphs, and archeological wonders.
Good to Know: Book a trusted local guide to see this area on a hike or bicycle.
Try Some Local Beef
What Is It? Get a taste of the country’s vibrant food and wine scene at one of the local restaurants.
Why Do It? Argentinian steakhouses are located all around the world, so see what the true hype is all about and try some authentic Argentinian beef.
Good to Know: Beef producers in the country are known to use old methods of agriculture to endure healthy cows and tastier products.
Watch a Tango Performance in La Boca
What Is It? You can find street dances and live performances in the city to celebrating tango.
Why Do It? The tango is sensual, sultry, and beautifully romantic. This dance style originated in Argentina and is still a big part of the local culture here.
Good to Know: One of the best places to see a performance is in the La Boca neighborhood.
Watch a Local Soccer Game
What Is It? Soccer is the ultimate national sport in Argentina and locally known as football.
Why Do It? Argentina’s passion for the sport of soccer is truly amazing and it’s a great way to learn more about the local culture.
Good to Know: There are a few stadiums around Buenos Aires that are great for catching a game and getting into the spirt of competitive sport.
Sample the Local Wines
What Is It? Argentina has really boosted its reputation in the wine industry in recent years, and there are lots of wineries and vineyards here that are welcoming to tourists.
Why Do It? The region is most famous for its red wines, especially cabernet sauvignon and shiraz, but you can find white wines produced from the region too.
Good to Know: The wine region is called Mendoza and located at the foot of the Andes mountains.
Climb to the Top of Aconcagua
What Is It? Mountain climbers will definitely want to add Aconcagua to their bucket list.
Why Do It? Standing over 22,800 feet tall, this is the tallest mountain outside of Asia and the second-highest of the Seven Summits.
Good to Know: You’ll want to hire a local guide company for guidance and safety, but this route can be done by those with at least moderate climbing experience.
Stroll the Charming City of Bariloche
What Is It? Bariloche is an adorable town that is compared to a romantic European village.
Why Do It? Lots of tourists come here to ski, but you can also take a cable car ride to the top of the mountains to get a feel for this charming area. This is a well-established ski area and offers world-class slopes in the Andes mountains.
Good to Know: Water sports are popular here during the summer, and there are lots of local chocolate shops to indulge in while visiting.
