As one of South America’s most diverse countries, Argentina is home to rugged mountain ranges, lush wine regions, and glacial lakes. Add to this are the charming cities, mouth-watering food, stunning scenery, and friendly locals, and you’ll see why it’s a country many would dream of visiting.
If you have long been planning a trip to Argentina, now is the perfect time to visit. And if you need ideas about where to go, here’s our list of the most beautiful places to visit in Argentina.
Bariloche & The Lake District
Nestled along the shores of the scenic Nahuel Huapi Lake, San Carlos de Bariloche, more popularly known as Bariloche, is one of Argentina’s most picturesque alpine towns. While most of the Patagonia region is a popular winter destination, Bariloche is a place you can visit all year round.
Bariloche is a popular tourist destination, as it’s a gateway to the Lake District region. The town features rustic alpine buildings of European-Patagonian architecture, delighting visitors who want to enjoy the best of the Lake District. During summer, Bariloche offers fun outdoor activities like kayaking, cycling, white water rafting, and trekking. If you’re looking for a more relaxed way to enjoy your holiday, stroll through the Centro Civico Plaza to soak up its rustic charms and indulge your sweet tooth cravings at one of the town’s many chocolaterias.
The best way to take in the Bariloche’s spectacular beauty is to take day hikes. Some trails take you to the summit of Mount Bella Vista, from where you can marvel at the Lake District’s panoramic views. If you’re more into mountain biking, you’ll find many scenic tracks near Bariloche to explore the Lake District. Some tracks require crossing hanging bridges, offering a more incredible experience.
Torres del Paine National Park
When visiting the Patagonia Region on your trip to Argentina, don’t miss the chance to explore the Torres del Paine National Park. It’s one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Many excellent vacations in Patagonia will take you to Torres del Paine National Park, which is more convenient, especially for those planning to take hikes and other excursions. With a guided tour, you don’t have to worry about your itinerary and how to get there.
Torres del Paine is in an area near Argentina’s border with Chile. It’s an excellent destination for avid trekkers and those who want to soak up the stunning beauty of the Patagonia region. However, the main trekking routes tend to get crowded during the peak season. You can avoid the crowd by exploring off-the-beaten-track routes or visiting during the shoulder season.
The most famous hiking trail in Torres del Paine is the W Trek, which boasts dramatic views of the towering granite peaks. It’s a four to five-day hike, and you can sleep in refugios or campsites. A more convenient way of hiking the trail is to break it up into day hikes from your base at a luxury hotel within the Patagonia region.
Tierra Del Fuego
The Tierra del Fuego National Park is another popular destination for scenic hikes in the Patagonia Region. It’s close to the Argentinian city of Ushuaia, renowned for its pristine nature, lush forests, splendid lakes, and charming mountain villages home to local indigenous people. The best way to explore this part of Argentina is by hiking. Getting to Tierra del Fuego National Park from Ushuaia is easy, and you can choose many walking paths and hiking trails, depending on your level of physical fitness.
Expert hikers can conquer the Cerro Guanaco Hike, one of the best hikes in Tierra del Fuego National Park. The trail starts around Roca Lake before reaching a dense forest and climbing a steep hill. You will pass by a viewpoint to marvel at some stunning views. Some sections of the hike are quite challenging since they ascend steeply. But if you do it slow and steady, you will reach the top in about an hour. From here, you can witness the panoramic views of the Beagle Channel, the mountains of Patagonia, and the sea.
Those who prefer easy trails can try the Pampa Alta Trail. It’s about five kilometres long, taking you through lush forests alongside Rio Pipo and into several waterfalls. The trail offers stunning views of the Patagonia Region but is not as difficult as the other trails.
Mendoza
As one of South America’s premier wine regions, Mendoza is renowned for its delectable wine. And while many would come here for the wine, there’s more to discover in the city. You can visit Mendoza by booking luxury holidays in Argentina, a great way to explore everything this beautiful place offers.
Nestled at the foothills of the Andes Mountain, Mendoza’s scenic landscapes allow for enjoying fun outdoor activities. But before you head out for your adventures, take the time to explore Plaza Independencia at the heart of the city. It’s an open outdoor space with a beautifully landscaped square full of shady trees and lush green lawns.
No visit to Mendoza would be complete without joining one of the wine-tasting tours. The city’s best wineries are in Maipu, a lovely village close to the city centre. Another is Lujan de Cuyo, just beyond the Mendoza River. Book the guided wine tour that includes a gourmet lunch with a complimentary taste of the local wine.
El Chalten & Fitz Roy
Located within the Los Glaciares National Park, El Chalten is Argentina’s trekking capital, where most of the treks to the Patagonia Region would start, including the trail that goes to Mount Fitz Roy. The Fitz Roy trek is a very scenic hike taking about 2.5 hours. Most of the trail is in a stunning forest with a flowing river.
Most people doing the Fitz Roy Trek would stay in El Chalten. The village has many excellent accommodations, suitable for all budgets and preferences. The starting point of the Fitz Roy trek is in the north-west of El Chalten. It has signs, so it’s hard to miss, although having a guide is recommended. From there, you will reach the viewpoint of Mirador Fitz Roy after about an hour. After a short break, continue your trek, following the signs to Camp Poincenot.
