Best things to do in Argentina

Studded with outstanding natural wonders and endowed with one of the world’s most stylish capital cities, Argentina is a vast and varied land. Tapering from the Tropic of Capricorn towards the tip of Antarctica, it encompasses a staggering diversity of terrains. Here's our pick of the best things to do in Argentina.

This article is inspired by our Rough Guide to Argentina — your essential guide for travelling in Argentina.

1. Drive the Ruta de los Siete Lagos

Taking a road trip on the rugged beauty of Patagonia on the Seven Lakes Route is one of the best things to do in Argentina. This road, best explored in a 4WD, takes you past sparkling emerald, ultramarine, and indigo lakes and lush forests.

The route connects Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes, passing through forested valleys and giving access to more than just the 7 eponymous lakes. This area is known for stunning views and makes for a wonderful day trip.

2. Experience the energy and excitement of Gualeguaychú's carnival

Like their neighbours across the river in Uruguay and Brazil, the people of the Northeast of Argentina do know how to party, not least in Gualeguaychú in the lead-up to Lent.

Gualeguaychú's carnival runs from January to March. Here 40,000 party-goers gather to watch Gualeguaychú's comparsas, or processions. Taking part in this celebration is one of the best things to do in Argentina. Witness the colourful costumes, lively music, and thematic floats.

3. Marvel at the Perito Moreno Glacier

Worth seeing are the impossible shades of blue at Perito Moreno Glacier, a natural wonder of Argentina. Listen to the symphony of cracks, thuds and whines while admiring the 60m high ice cliffs. This glacier is not the longest in Argentina, but it's the one with the most star quality.

Stand on the boardwalks and witness the jagged mass of crevasses and towering séracs. When it collides with the southern arm of Lago Argentino, the show begins as vast blocks of ice crash into the waters below. Seeing advancing glaciers is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

4. Watch Birdlife at the Esteros del Iberá

While in Argentina, you will want to explore the sparkling lagoons of the Esteros del Iberá, a 13,000 sq km wetland teeming with diverse wildlife. From hummingbirds to herons, this vital ecosystem offers unparalleled opportunities for close observation.

Wander through swamps, lakes, ponds, streams, and floating islands formed by waterlilies. Immersing yourself in the magic of this Corrientes Province gem is one of the best things to do in Argentina.

5. Stroll through San Telmo, Buenos Aires

San Telmo is a small barrio in Buenos Aires, known for its charming, decaying facades and cobbled streets. The barrio was once home to grand mansions, but became a tenement neighbourhood after a yellow fever epidemic. The area's original features were preserved, making it a popular destination for tourists, bohemians, students, and artists.

San Telmo is famous for its Sunday antiques market and its association with tango. The Museo Histórico Nacional is located at the southern end of the barrio in Parque Lezama.

6. Experience prehistoric art at Cueva de las Manos Pintadas

A prehistoric mural, an early finger-printing exercise or ancient graffiti? Whatever it is, this delicate tableau of many hands is one of the continent’s most enchanting archaeological sites.

Pre-Columbian cave paintings are found all over Santa Cruz, but those at Cueva de las Manos are the finest. The walls here are covered by paintings of hands and animals, principally guanacos (relatives of the llama).

Thought to be anything between 3,000 and 10,000 years old, you won't want to miss this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

7. Challenge yourself to climb Aconcagua

Cerro Aconcagua, the highest peak outside the Himalayas, stands at 6962m. Despite its extreme altitude, it can be climbed with the right preparation and a guide.

Climbing Aconcagua is a challenging experience, requiring fitness, patience, and acclimatization. It's not recommended for those without experience in high-altitude treks, as many climbers turn back.

Where to stay near Aconcagua National Park:

• For a stay with a mountain view: Hotel Pukarainca
• For a stay very close to the park: Huentala Hotel

Or browse other accommodations near Aconcagua National Park.

8. Ride with Argentine Gauchos at an Estancia

A Guacho is prominent figure in Argentine culture, gaucho typically refers to local nomadic horsemen, known for their bravery and ability to rope cattle. Take a day tour and try your hand at cattle-herding or sheep-shearing. Or try at a working estancia – one of the great Argentine institutions.

Ready to give it a try? See what happened when one of our travel experts tried being a gaucho for the day.

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9. Go boating at Tigre and the Parana Delta

Explore the subtropical Venice of Buenos Aires Province, Tigre, by boat or kayak. The Paraná Delta, only 21km from the city, is a maze of lush green islands, waterways, and traditional houses on stilts.

Tigre's name comes from the jaguars that once roamed the area. Don't miss this unique suburban landscape on your visit to Argentina.

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10. See gigantic Dinosaur fossils in Neuquén

The world’s biggest dinosaurs once roamed Neuquén Province. Nothing will convey their immensity more than standing underneath their skeletons or seeing their giant footprints in the rock.

Discoveries in the area since 1988 have made it a hot spot for dinosaur enthusiasts. While here it's easy to imagine dinosaurs roaming the plains and pterodactyls flying from the cliffs as you travel to the sites. Public transport may be difficult, so consider going on a tour from Neuquén for easy access.

Where to stay in Neuquén:

• For a comfortable stay with an outdoor pool: Casino Magic Hotel
• For a stay downtown near great restaurants: Neuquen Tower Hotel

Or find your perfect accommodation in Neuquén.

11. Cuddle up with the fluffy Andean camelids

The animals most associated with the Andes are the four species of South American camelids, especially the domesticated llama. Local people use llamas as beasts of burden, as well as for meat and wool. The other domesticated camelid is the slightly smaller alpaca, which produces finer wool.

The two other South American camelids are both wild: the short-haired antelope-like guanaco and its diminutive cousin, the vicuña.

Looking for inspiration for your next big adventure? Don't miss our guide to the most exotic places to travel around the world.

12. Roam Quebrada de Humahuaca — one of the best things to do in Argentina

This stunning area, known as the Quebrada de Humahuaca, was once part of the Camino Inca and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From whitewashed villages nestled in colourful mountains to shimmering salt flats, this unique corner of Argentina is known for its polychrome landscapes. Most visitors come to explore the lush valleys, cactus forests, windswept steppe and deep gorges.

Where to stay near Quebrada de Humahuaca:

• For a beautiful hotel with a beautiful pool: Las Maria Hotel Boutique
• For a stay on the hillside with a view: Las Terrazas Hotel Boutique

Or browse other accommodations near Quebrada de Humahuaca.

13. Ushuaia — the world's southernmost city

Ushuaia is the world's southernmost city and the gateway to the breathtaking landscapes of Tierra del Fuego. Nestled between majestic mountains and the crystal-clear waters of the Beagle Channel, this chaotic yet charming city offers the perfect base to explore the rugged beauty of the region.

A popular destination in Ushuaia is the Museo del Fin del Mundo or End of the World Museum. It features an impressive assortment of artefacts from the initial voyages and the native inhabitants of the coastlines.

14. Watch a game of Football (Soccer) in Buenos Aires

Football, also known as fútbol, is a vital part of Argentine culture. Many argue that experiencing a match, particularly at River Plate or Boca Juniors in Buenos Aires, is a must-do when visiting the country.

The intense passion of fans creates an unforgettable atmosphere, making it a highlight for many travellers. Argentina's top flight, the Superliga, includes 20 teams. This includes the "Big Five": River Plate, Boca Juniors, Independiente, San Lorenzo, and Racing Club.

15. Visit Mendoza vineyards and Argentina's wine regions

What better to accompany a juicy grilled bife de chorizo than one of the Mendoza province’s award-winning malbecs or syrahs? Wine tasting is one of the best things to do in Argentina.

Argentina is a top wine producer and is home to many famous wineries. 75% of the country's production comes from Mendoza's Maipú and Luján de Cuyo regions. San Rafael, La Rioja and San Juan are also major wine-growing areas.

Many wine experts would agree that Argentina has some excellent vintages as a result of both a domestic market that’s fast becoming more discerning and the lure of exports.

Ready to take a trip to the Mendoza region? Don't miss our guide to the best outdoor activities in Mendoza.

16. Eat your roast at Asados — one of the best things to do in Argentina

Asado, a traditional Argentine barbecue, is a staple in the country's national identity and culture. The term refers to slowly grilled or roasted meats, and is prepared with pride and devoured with carnivorous bliss.

It's important to know your way around the beef-eating vocabulary in Argentina, as cuts are sliced through bone and muscle rather than across them. Argentines typically like their meat well-done, but medium and rare options are available with some insistence.

17. Go Trekking in the Andes Mountains

Discover world-class trekking and hiking trails in the Fitz Roy sector of South America's Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. With breathtaking mountain peaks and convenient day hikes from El Chaltén, this trekking paradise offers a chance to explore some of the most beautiful mountains on Earth.

Climb the 3405m peak of Monte Fitz Roy, known as "The Mountain that Smokes" by the Tehuelche people, and witness the fiery pink colour it turns at dawn. Laguna de los Tres is a popular hike in the area.

18. Get awed at Iguazú Falls

Nicknamed "Devil's Throat", the Iguazu Falls are some of the world's most awe-inspiring waterfalls. They are located right against the Brazilian border. With over 250 cascades, the falls offer a glimpse into the powerful forces of nature.

One of the best things to do in Argentina is to explore the hiking trails and walkways of the Iguazu National Park. You'll find here subtropical forests and view the region's vibrant wildlife.

19. Watch Elephant seals at Valdés

Península Valdés is a natural wonder and home to a staggering array of wildlife. Home to giant elephant seals, southern right whales, and more - this natural wonder is a must-see. The best time to visit? From late September to early November, when the bull elephant seals put on a show of bloodied bulk while fighting for females.

Or from June to mid-December, when you're almost guaranteed to come face-to-face with a southern right whale. Even if you're visiting outside of peak season, you'll still get to spot dolphins and sea lions on a boat tour.

20. Enjoy powder days for winter sports

Experience world-class skiing and après-ski in Argentina. Argentina offers a variety of ski resorts, with the most popular being Las Leñas, known for its challenging skiing and hosting of World Cup races.

The Bariloche resorts of Cerro Catedral and Cerro Otto, offer beautiful panoramic views and a wide range of ski options. For those looking to combine skiing with sightseeing, Ushuaia's Cerro Castor is fantastic. For après-ski, Bariloche and Las Leñas are the best destinations.

21. Hike the pink sandstone cliffs of Talampaya

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of La Rioja's World Heritage Site, home to towering pink sandstone cliffs, once roamed by dinosaurs. This area is now a protected habitat for condors, guanacos, and foxes.

You will want to explore the wide-bottomed canyon flanked by 180m-high rust-coloured cliffs. Here you can see up close rock formations resembling surreal Gothic cathedrals. Or discover an array of bird species, rich flora, and ancient petroglyphs.

22. Visit the famous dead at La Recoleta Cemetery

Cementerio de la Recoleta is a prestigious cemetery in Argentina, home to the great and good, including Evita. It's one of the world's most exclusive patches of real estate. It is also one of the most remarkable burial grounds, featuring an array of architectural styles and fashions.

This s a great place to explore and wander around, with narrow streets and wide avenues of yews and cypress trees.

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23. Get lost in the Pampas — one of the best things to do in Argentina

Rugged gauchos, nodding pampas grass and herds of contented cattle are the famous inhabitants of Argentina’s most archetypal landscape. The pampa húmeda, located west and northwest of Buenos Aires, is Argentina's most fertile and valuable land known for its rugged gauchos, nodding pampas grass and herds of cattle.

The region includes sites of interest such as Luján, a religious site with a vast basilica and Mercedes, known for its authentic pulpería.

24. Climb Volcán Lanín

Despite the unappealing meaning of its native name – “he who choked himself to death” – this perfect symmetrical cone of a volcano is both a beauty to behold and a treat to climb.

Parque Nacional Lanín, established in 1937, encompasses 420 sq km of Andean and sub-Andean habitat and is home to the symmetrical cone of Volcán Lanín. The park also has a variety of landscapes, including the semiarid steppe and temperate Valdivian rainforest. The park's main attraction is the distinctive and beautiful monkey puzzle tree.

25. Watch tango show in La Boca, Buenos Aires

A tango show in La Boca, Buenos Aires is a must-see experience for anyone interested in Argentine culture and history. La Boca is considered the birthplace of tango and is known for its vibrant and colourful streets, where tango halls and venues are plentiful.

Tango shows are often held in historic dance halls and feature live orchestras. It's a great way to see a different side of Buenos Aires and appreciate the city's historical and cultural significance.

• For a stay with modern decor: Fierro Hotel Buenos Aires
• For a boutique stay with an old-world feel: Magnolia Hotel Boutique

Or find your dream accommodation in Buenos Aires.

26. Hike in Quebrada de las Conchas

Hiking in Quebrada de las Conchas is a must-do experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area offers a wide range of hiking trails that take you through a diverse range of landscapes, from rugged canyons to colourful rock formations.

The trails provide breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery and allow you to explore the natural beauty of the reserve. A journey through Quebrada de las conchas is one of the best things to do in Argentina.

This list could truly go on. There are countless fantastic things to do in Argentina. Ready to start planning your trip? Check out the Rough Guide to Argentina. Read more about the best time to go, the best places to visit and the best things to do in Argentina. For inspiration, learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Argentina without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

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