Argentina, like all the great travel destinations, is fantastically rich in textures, colours, landscapes and wildlife. Jaw-dropping sceney in Iguazu, tango dancers in Buenos Aires, wine valleys near Mendoza and glaciers and mountains in Patagonia... Argentina is beautiful with a vibrancy and excitement to match. We've selected some of our favourite photos from our travels through this epic land to showcase just some of the wonders to be seen in Argentina...
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is probably the most exciting and vibrant capital city in South America. Discover its history in San Telmo, its culture at a tango show, its cuisine in one of the many fabulous steak and wine restaurants and much more beyond. Buenos Aires is also home to some iconic architecture including the iconic obelisk, the Casa Rosada, the colourful houses in La Boca and the parks and mansions in Palermo.
La Boca is famous for its colourful houses, arts and crafts stalls with some excellent souvenirs, tango dancing in the streets to entertain restaurant diners enjoying a spot of lunch, and the famous Boca Juniors football stadium.
Iguazu Falls
The Iguazu Falls are one of the most impressive, stunning and awe-inspiring natural marvels on earth. Around 275 individual falls cascade down the cliffs in a beautiful spectacle like nothing else on earth (Niagara is put to shame!).
It is worth visiting the national parks on both sides of the falls in both Brazil and Argentina. The Brazil side of the falls has more spectacular panoramic views while the Argentine side of the falls has more walkways allowing you to get up close to some of the more impressive waterfalls. This is the view of one of the walkways in Brazil:
From the Argentine side of the falls there are safari trips up river to the base of the falls. Not only does this offer the chance to admire the falls from a unique perspective it is also great fun!
The view from Boca del Diablo viewpoint in Argentina:
Perito Moreno Glacier
The iconic Perito Moreno glacier is the jewel in the crown of the Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina, one of the most visually impressive and unique glaciers in the world and a bucket-list destination in Argentina. The glacier is typically visited on day trips from the town of El Calafate nearby and excursion options include cruises, visits to the viewing platform and even mini-trekking over the glacier itself.
A view of the Perito Moreno from the viewing platforms on the northern side of the glacier:
A wonderful view of Perito Moreno glacier from the southern side. The boat visible to the right of the photo is the glacier cruise, taking you up close for more spectacular views of the ice face and the chance to see ice falls.
If you are feeling adventurous it is possible to embark on a "mini-trekking" excursion across the Perito Moreno glacier:
Upsala Glacier
The magnificent Glaciers National Park near El Calafate in Argentina's Patagonia region is home to the world famous Perito Moreno Glacier, however one of the hidden highlights is the huge Upsala Glacier, seen here on a view from the high-pass visited on a day excursion to Estancia Cristina.
Cafayate
Cafayate is a delightful small town in Argentina's northern region on the eastern slopes of the Andes and just a few hundred kilometres away from the border with Bolivia. Cafayate is a wine-producing region and the town contains some excellent vineyards and "wine hotels", however undoubtedly the highlight of this region is the uniquely multi-coloured valleys, salt flats and ancient ruins that form this region making it a beautiful and off-the-beaten-track highlight of Argentina.
Mendoza
Argentina's northern region is very popular due to its stunning landscapes with views of the Andes and the delicious malbec red wine produced in abundance and to a very high standard here. The city of Mendoza is the access point to this region and contains some fabulously luxurious "wine hotels" with stays including wine tours and fine cuisine.
Argentine Altiplano
This beautiful region of Argentina which includes the UNESCO Quebrada de Humahuaca valley is located near the towns of Cafayate and Salta in northern Argentina and contains some of the most unique landscapes in country - rolling valleys of multi-coloured rock, salt lakes, and fields of giant cactus.
Estancia Cristina (Patagonia)
This famous estancia sits within thousands of hectares of pristine Patagonian landscapes in a rural location that can only be reached by boat. It is possible to visit this estancia on day excursions from El Calafate (highly recommended to replace any free day) and excursions include cruises across Argentina Lake to reach the estancia, and walking and 4x4 tours through the rural landscape.
Patagonia
The Patagonia region in the south of Latin America stretches over the Andes covering Chile and Argentina, and the landscape throughout the region is epic, awe-inspiring and eye-watering in its beauty. The Patagonia region is huge covering a variety of different geographic regions, but the mountainous peaks around El Calafate, where this photo was taken, are among the most beautiful.
All photos Copyright Go Andes or used with permission.
