Top Travel Destinations in Argentina: Cities, Nature, Wine

TL;DR:

• Buenos Aires, Iguazú, and Mendoza fit a first trip.
  
• Patagonia shines Nov–Mar, whales peak Jun–Dec at Valdés.
  
• Salta and Jujuy offer Andean culture and desert colors.
  
• Perito Moreno and Fitz Roy anchor hiking in the south.
  
• Fly long hops, use buses or rentals for scenic routes.

This is a practical, saveable list of Argentina’s top places. You will see what each area is known for, when to go, and how to link routes. The official Visit Argentina site frames the country into six travel regions, which helps plan by season and distance. 

Best city base: Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires mixes European-style avenues with lively barrios. Start with San Telmo, Recoleta, Palermo, La Boca, and Puerto Madero. The city lists 48 official neighborhoods, each with a clear vibe and sights. 

When to go: Spring and fall bring mild weather, blossoms, and fewer crowds. City guidance notes spring from 21 September to 20 December. Autumn runs 21 March to 20 June. 

Why base here: Biggest flight hub, rich food scene, and easy day trips into the Pampas.

Waterfall icon: Iguazú Falls

Iguazú is a vast complex of 275 or more falls along a 2.7 km rim shared with Brazil. UNESCO puts the main semicircular drop near 80 meters high, centered on the Devil’s Throat. The Argentine side gives boardwalks and boat rides close to the spray. 

When to go: Shoulder months, late March to May and August to early October, balance flow and comfort. Summer brings peak water and heat.

Getting there: Fly to Puerto Iguazú from Buenos Aires or Salta.

Wine and Andes views: Mendoza + Aconcagua

Mendoza is the world capital of Malbec with vineyard routes across Maipú, Luján, and the Uco Valley. The region also fronts Aconcagua Provincial Park, home to 6,962 meter Aconcagua, the highest peak outside Asia. 

When to go: Late February to early March for harvest events. The national Vendimia festival ran from 26 February to 9 March in 2025. Expect similar dates each year. 

Tip: Day hikers can do Horcones Lagoon year-round, weather permitting. Buy tickets in advance. 

When to go: Dry months, April to October, suit mountain roads and hikes.

Don’t miss: Salta’s MAAM museum for high mountain archaeology. 

Lake District road trip: Bariloche & the Seven Lakes

Bariloche sits inside Nahuel Huapi National Park, Argentina’s oldest park, with peaks, forests, and a chocolate and craft beer scene in town. The classic drive is the Seven Lakes Route between Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes, passing blue and green lakes and short trails. 

When to go:

• Snow: July to September for Cerro Catedral ski area.
  
• Hikes and lakes: November to March for long days. Official city pages outline the Seven Lakes route details.
  

El Calafate is the base for Los Glaciares National Park. Perito Moreno’s view balconies give safe, close looks at the calving front. UNESCO notes the glacier can dam a channel on Lake Argentino, which can lead to dramatic ruptures.

Two hours north, El Chaltén calls itself Argentina’s trekking capital, with day hikes to Laguna de los Tres and viewpoints of Mount Fitz Roy. Town and park sites provide trail lists and logistics. 

When to go: November to March for stable trails and services.

Note on change: Recent peer-reviewed work shows Perito Moreno is now retreating faster after years of balance. Plan boardwalk visits or boat trips, and check local updates on trail and lake access. 

The windswept Valdés Peninsula hosts southern right whales, penguins, elephant seals, and orcas. Whale season runs from early June to mid-December, with shore views near Puerto Madryn in early season, then boat trips from Puerto Pirámides later. UNESCO lists Valdés for its rich marine life. 

When to go: September and October are peak for whales and mild days.

Ushuaia claims the “End of the World” title and is the main jump point to Antarctica. Tierra del Fuego National Park protects marine, forest, and mountain zones along the Beagle Channel. Short trails and catamaran trips fill a 2 to 3 day stay. 

When to go: December to March for hiking and longer days.

Extra picks if you have time

• Córdoba & the Jesuit estancias: UNESCO lists the Jesuit Block and five estancias, reachable as day trips from Córdoba city. Good year-round.

• Iberá Wetlands, Corrientes: One of South America’s largest wetlands. Expect capybaras, caimans, and big-sky sunsets. Access via portals like Laguna Iberá and Galarza.
  

10-day sample routes

Classic highlights, 10 days
Buenos Aires 3 nights, fly to Iguazú 2 nights, fly to Mendoza 2 nights, finish in Buenos Aires 2 nights.

North + Falls, 10 days
Buenos Aires 2 nights, fly to Salta 3 nights with a Jujuy day loop, fly to Iguazú 2 nights, finish in Buenos Aires 3 nights.

Patagonia loop, 10 days
Buenos Aires 1 night, fly to El Calafate 3 nights for Perito Moreno, bus to El Chaltén 2 nights, fly to Bariloche 3 nights for Seven Lakes, fly out.

[Related: How to see Antarctica from Ushuaia → {URL}]
[Related: What to pack for Patagonia summer → {URL}]

Getting around smart

• Fly long hops. Distances are huge. Domestic routes link all major hubs.
  
• Use buses for scenic links. Bariloche to Seven Lakes towns is easy by bus or car.
  
• Rent a car for freedom. Seven Lakes, Calchaquí Valleys, and Valdés are ideal by car.
  
• Check park rules. National park sites post entry, safety, and trail updates.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Trying to do north and deep south in one week. Pick a region.
  
• Booking Patagonia at the last minute in January. Reserve beds and cars early.
  
• Underestimating weather swings. Pack layers in every season.
  
• Visiting Valdés in summer only, then missing whales. Aim for June to December.
  

Why it matters

Argentina rewards thoughtful routing. You can pair a world city with wild nature, add wine country, or head for glaciers and whales. Planning by season and region cuts travel time and cost, and increases your chance of clear skies, open trails, and wildlife views backed by official guidance.

Sources:

• Visit Argentina, “Tourist attractions in Argentina,” https://www.argentina.travel/en/news/tourist-attractions-in-argentina , 2025-01-09
  
• UNESCO World Heritage Centre, “Iguazu National Park,” https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/303/ , accessed 2025-09-15
  
• UNESCO World Heritage Centre, “Los Glaciares National Park,” https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/145/ , accessed 2025-09-15
  
• Visit Argentina, “Mendoza,” https://www.argentina.travel/en/pr/mendoza , accessed 2025-09-15
  
• Visit Argentina, “Grape Harvest National Festival,” https://www.argentina.travel/en/about-argentina/eventos/grape-harvest-national-festival , 2025-03-09
  
• El Chaltén tourism, “Visit El Chaltén, National Capital of Trekking,” https://elchalten.com/en/index.php , accessed 2025-09-15
  
• La Ruta Natural (Argentine Government), “Siete Lagos (RN 40),” https://larutanatural.gob.ar/en/scenic-route/1/siete-lagos-rn-40 , accessed 2025-09-15
  
• Buenos Aires Tourism, “Neighbourhoods” and “Spring in Buenos Aires,” https://turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar/en/article/neighbourhoods and https://turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar/en/article/spring-buenos-aires , accessed 2025-09-15
  
• Península Valdés info, “Whale Season,” https://peninsulavaldes.com/wildlife/whales , accessed 2025-09-15
  
• Tierra del Fuego Tourism, “National Park,” https://turismoushuaia.com/zonas/parque-nacional/?lang=en_US , accessed 2025-09-15
  
• La Ruta Natural, “Iberá Wetlands portals,” https://larutanatural.gob.ar/en/must-see/150/ibera-uguay-corriente-river-and-galarza , accessed 2025-09-15
  

Communications Earth & Environment via Nature, “The state and fate of Glaciar Perito Moreno,” https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02515-7 , 2025-08-07