Argentina is a beautiful country that offers visitors both culture and nature. The country’s big cities offer an eclectic mix of architecture, stunning Andes landscape and wine culture.
The best places to visit in Argentina include Buenos Aires and the Patagonia region. These two provinces are known for their stunning landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
1. Buenos Aires
A lovechild of old-world European grandeur and sexy, hot, smoldering Latin passion, Buenos Aires is a city of food, fun and fleet-footed dancers. Whether you’re looking to explore the best museums in Argentina or soak up the culture at an estancia (ranch), Buenos Aires is an experience not to be missed.
Known as the ‘Paris of South America’, Buenos Aires is home to some of the world’s most impressive art museums. Those with an eye for modern art should check out the Quinquela Martin museum and the Proa museum, while history buffs can enjoy the many preserved homes of Argentinian writers and composers.
The city is also famous for its nightlife, which is a fusion of old-world neighborhood taverns and cutting-edge cocktail bars. Depending on your interests, you can find everything from big clubs to hidden gig venues and underground nightspots that cater to every niche.
2. Mendoza
The Argentine wine industry has made Mendoza one of South America's premier wine regions. It also makes an excellent vacation spot for those who want to get outdoors in the Andes Mountains.
For food, there are many restaurants to choose from in Mendoza. These can be found in the city center, as well as out in the countryside.
It is a good idea to try the local cuisine when visiting Mendoza, which has a lot of Spanish and Italian influences. You can find parilla (barbeque) and other country-style dishes, which pair perfectly with the local wines.
If you're a bit more adventurous, there are plenty of other things to do in Mendoza. A paragliding tandem flight, for example, gives you a new perspective on the area.
The National Museum of Wine is also a great way to learn about the history of the region and its wine production. It's not huge, but it's a fun place to spend an afternoon.
3. Mal del Plata
Mal del Plata is Argentina’s top beach resort city and draws millions of visitors each year. It’s a vibrant town with lots of fun activities, including a great choice of beaches, as well as lively nightlife and restaurants.
The city is also home to a number of museums, such as the Museo Municipal de Arte Juan Carlos Castagnino and the Museum Archivo Historico Municipal. The former is a beautiful mansion that was once the summer residence of an Argentine family, and the latter holds a fine collection of photographs from the 19th century.
Mar del Plata is also known for its gastronomy, especially in neighborhoods like Chacarita. This is where you’ll find some of the city’s hottest new eateries, as creative cooks continue to push the boundaries of Argentine cuisine.
4. Iguazu Falls
Located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, Iguazu Falls are among the world's most stunning natural wonders. Consisting of a network of 275 waterfalls spanning an area of nearly three kilometers, incredible vistas across the roaring Iguazu River take your breath away.
Visiting the falls is an experience like no other and can be a real adventure. With options to get up close to the mighty falls and enjoy spray-drenched speedboat rides beneath the thundering waters, it's no surprise that this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Argentina's most popular attractions.
The Argentinian side is home to the majority of the falls, and visitors will find a range of easy travel trails and vantage points to suit all abilities. Highlights include the Upper Circuit, which extends along a two-kilometer pathway right up to the Mbigua Waterfall and the Lower Circuit, which takes you down into the lower ravine where the biggest of the falls is found. There are also opportunities to reach the Devil's Throat - a narrow gap in the edge of the waterfall that cascades nearly 2,000 cubic meters of water every second.
