Argentina is one of the most popular gateways to South America, with lively cities and tranquil wildernesses, majestic waterfalls and soaring mountains. The entire South American package is what it is.

There's some serious ground to cover in Argentina, which is a country of over 3000 km from start to finish. From national parks carved by glaciers to vineyards in the shadow of the Andes, these are the places that should be seen.

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1. Buenos Aires

Best for eating out

Buenos Aires has everything you need for a big city experience, from tango clubs and cacophonous football matches to beautiful barrios and world class museums.

The Argentine capital is a great place to eat. The best restaurant in Latin America by 50 Best in 2020 is Don Julio, which serves the best beef in the world. You'll find an ice cream parlor on almost every block, as well as a number of international joints that serve food from all over the world.

It's a good idea to base yourself close to the areas you want to visit. The neighborhoods of Recoleta, Retiro, Palermo and San Telmo have a lot to offer.

Argentine gaucho family enjoying outdoor midday meal
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2. The Pampas

Best for experiencing cowboy life

The plains of central Argentina are known as the Pampas and are dominated by the cattle industry. The town of San Antonio de Areco has a museum where you can learn about rural life.

Staying a few nights at one of the many estancias scattered across the region will give you the best of both worlds.

3. Buenos Aires province

Best for beaches

The Atlantic coast of Argentina is well known for its seaside resorts. There are several smaller, quieter and more appealing stretches of sand in Mar del Plata that draw a bigger crowd. The forest-fringed beaches of Caril and Mar de las Pampas are great for sunbathing and surfing. Renting a car makes it easier to visit the beaches of Buenos Aires province.

Visitors on a boardwalk at Foz do Iguazu Waterfalls
Epic views abound at Iguazú Falls on the border between Brazil and Argentina © Werner Büchel / Getty Images

4. Iguazú Falls

Best for epic waterfalls

One of the greatest natural wonders on Earth is a string of waterfalls that spans between Argentina and Brazil. The surrounding national park is home to a network of trails, walkways and bridges. A seething mass of white water that produces a deafening roar and sends up clouds of spray is the centerpiece of the event.

5. Parque Nacional Iberá

Best for birdwatching

The hot, humid wetlands of this recently created national park in northeastern Argentina are home to a number of bird species. Red-shouldered macaws are one of the rare creatures that are being introduced into the reserve. The best way to explore its channels and lagoons is by boat, as you can expect to see a lot of mammals and reptiles.

Parque Nacional Iber is best explored on the water. The main gateway to the park is the village of the same name.

Train in Santa Province, Argentina
Getting to Salta is half the adventure © jopstock / Getty Images

6. Salta

Best for historic architecture

The city of Salta la Linda is located in the far northwest of Argentina. Salta is located on the edge of the Lerma valley and contains historic mansions, churches, municipal buildings and plazas. The Museo de Arqueologa de Alta Montaa explores the practice of human sacrifice and is one of the best museums in the world.

7. Mendoza province

Best for wine tasting

The world's fifth biggest wine producer is Argentina. Many of the vineyards and wineries in the midwest of the country offer tours, tastings, and even the chance to help out with the harvest. Reds, whites, and rosés are also produced in the province, which is known for its Malbec.

It's a good idea to coincide your visit with the grape harvest. There will be a lot of demand for lodging during the fiesta de la vendimia wine festival.

Fisherman
Fishing is just one way to soak up the natural beauty of the Argentinian Lake District © Michael Svoboda / Getty Images

8. The Argentinian Lake District

Best for stunning landscapes

It's not hard to understand why Argentina's Lake District is a great place to visit. The city of Bariloche is located in the northwestern part of the region. Here you can find a lot of outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking to fishing and kayaking.

Bariloche becomes Argentina's premier ski hub during the winter season. The powder at the resorts is some of the best in the world.

9. Cueva de los Manos Pintados

Best for ancient art

There is an enigmatic collection of rock art created between 13,000 and 9,500 years ago in the cave of the painted hands. The UNESCO World Heritage site is named after the stenciled outlines of human hands that cover the walls. There is a mystery to their purpose. There are also pictures of pumas, guanacos, and rheas. There are guided tours from the two towns.

10. Península Valdés

Best for whale watching

The waters off Pennsula Valdés are cold and have life. A breeding ground for southern right whales, who arrive in their hundreds between mid-June and mid-December, are also home to elephant seals, sea lions and orcas.

A variety of boat, kayaking and diving trips can be found at this Unesco World Heritage site, which can be accessed from the town of Puerto Madryn. There is a large colony of penguins south of Puerto Madryn.

People hiking on the Perito Moreno glacier, Argentina
Everyone should experience the power of ice and Parque Nacional Los Glaciares is a great place to do it © Marco Bottigelli / Getty Images

11. Parque Nacional Los Glaciares

Best for awesome glaciers

One of Argentina's signature tourist attractions is the park in southern Patagonia, which spans more than 2300 sq miles. The southern section is best accessed from the town of El Calafate, while the northern section is best accessed from the village of El Chaltén.

From day hikes to multi-day adventures, and many routes can be attempted without a guide, there are planning tips that can be found here.

12. Ushuaia

Best for uplifting isolation

The sign in Ushuaia tells you that it's the end of the world. The capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego is located on the shore of the Beagle Channel. It is the gateway to Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, the world's most rugged railway line, and several winter sports centers, as well as the embarkation point for cruises toAntarctica, just 1000 km to the south.

The article was first published in October of 2011.