Choose from 191 Fun Things to Do in Argentina
ShowingFilter 61-80 of 191 listings.
Garibaldi Pass (Paso Garibaldi)
Garibaldi Pass, located on Tierra del Fuego, is the only paved route across the Fuegian Andes. Surprisingly enough, it’s also the highest point on Argentina’s Ruta Nacional 3. The views from the summit are stunning; to the north, the massive Lago Fagnano stretches 98 km west, across the Magallanes-Fagnano Fault and into Chile, and to the south, the often-missed Lago Escondido reveals its picture-perfect location surrounded by mountains.
The mountain pass also marks an abrupt transition in Tierra Del Fuego’s Geography. To the north, the island is mostly rolling steppe and sprawling sheep farms are the only things that interrupt the large distances between settlements. Heading south, the road snakes its way through the Fuegian Andes for the final 60km into Ushuaia before descending to the Beagle Channel.
The pass was built in 1956 to connect the island’s two major cities: Rio Grande and Ushuaia and it comes with a touch of interesting history. Three days after the route opened, a USA-licensed Jeep became just the third vehicle to successfully drive between the two cities, completing what at the time was the first successful Alaska-Ushuaia road trip.
Practical Info
Garibaldi Pass is located between Rio Grande and Ushuaia, along the main Ruta 3 Highway. It is open year round; however, snow and ice frequently covers the road in the winter.
Address: Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
From $ 61
Finca Decero
The area of Mendoza is well-known for wine, with production here having started as early as the 1500s. But it was not until the 1990s that Mendoza became world-renowned for its production, mainly of reds. The vineyard Finca Decero is a newcomer to the game, built with foreign (Swiss-American) funds, to plant and construct a sustainable, hand-made vineyard “from scratch,” (as the name de cero means). Decero makes mostly single vineyard wines, inspired by one of the founding family’s connection with Napa Valley in California.
Remolinos Vineyard, one of Decero’s most famous, is located in the highest reaches of Agrelo, in Mendoza, at 3500 feet. With the area’s warm days and cool nights, and small, naturally occurring circular gusts of wind provide perfect conditions for their wines, specifically Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, though they also make blends with Petit Verdot and other varieties, much of it by hand, and all of it aged in fine-grained French oak barrels. Decero’s first wines came out in 2004, and their wines are consistently high-scoring in competitions and magazines.
Practical Info
With its expansive views from the restaurant’s terrace, and well-regarded food, this is a perfect spot to stop for lunch on a multi-vineyard tour.
Address: Bajo Las Cumbres 9003, Agrelo, Mendoza 5509, Argentina
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm
Saturday-Sunday 10am-4pm
From $ 150
Estancia Cristina
Patagonia, Argentina, is a place that makes people want to pack up their bags and move to this natural paradise. Estancia Cristina, an old sheep ranch (estancia) dating back to 1918, makes that a possibility. In 2005, the site opened its doors as an inn, as well as an agro-tourism day trip destination.
A visit to the estancia provides background information about the history of how Argentine Patagonia was settled, in addition to explaining the functions of the farm. A Patagonian barbecue is a highlight of the region and to this site specifically, which normally features spit-roasted lamb, often accompanied by a glass of Argentina’s iconic Malbec wine.
Access to Estancia Cristina is on a boat from Puerto Bandera, itself only a 40-minute drive from El Calafate. It is easy to combine a trip to Estancia Cristina with a visit to the Upsala Glacier, one of the most active in the area.
Other activities from the estancia include horseback riding with local gauchos, hiking to waterfalls and a canyon hike with fossil spotting. Keep your eye out for Andean condors, a species of bird with a wingspan of up to 10.5 feet. They can often be seen coasting on thermal updrafts in the late afternoon.
Practical Info
Estancia Cristina is accessible via boat from Puerto Bandera, which itself is a 40-minute drive from El Calafate. The two-hour-long boat ride is on the milky blue waters of Lago Argentino, Argentina’s largest source of fresh water, whose color is influenced by glacial silt that calving icebergs and glaciers deposit into the lake.
Address: 9 de Julio 57, El Calafate, Argentina
From $ 160
La Boca
Few places in Buenos Aires are photographed as frequently as Caminito Street. The main artery of the waterfront La Boca neighborhood is a jumble of old buildings, brightly painted facades, and street-side market stalls, with hawkers, buskers, and tango dancers adding to the atmosphere.
The Basics
Most Buenos Aires city tours stop at Caminito Street, and the buildings make a colorful backdrop for travel photos; look out for statues of Argentine political figures like Eva Perón and Che Guevara, and soccer hero Diego Maradona peeking out from doorways and balconies. Visitors can browse the street market, where stalls sell souvenirs and handicrafts; drink a yerba mate (tea) at one of the terrace cafés; or watch the street tango dancers.
Things to Know Before You Go
- La Boca is known as one of Buenos Aires’ less safe neighborhoods; it’s advisable to stick to the main tourist areas and take a taxi if you’re traveling at night.
- Tours of Caminito Street are often combined with other La Boca attractions, such as La Bombonera stadium.
- There are a number of bars, cafés, and restaurants along Caminito Street
- Caminito Street is wheelchair accessible, though it is mostly cobblestoned and uneven in places.
How to Get There
Caminito Street is located in the neighborhood of La Boca, just south of downtown Buenos Aires. There is no subway service to La Boca, but several buses run from downtown, stopping along the waterfront at the eastern end of Caminito. Alternatively, it’s a short taxi ride.
When to Get There
Caminito Street can get busy, especially during peak season. For crowd-free photos, arrive before 11am, as most tour buses arrive in late morning or early afternoon. Due to safety concerns, it’s best to avoid visiting at night.
The History of Caminito
Caminito means “little path.” This pedestrian area was first settled by Italian immigrants, who worked at the neighboring port. Their haphazardly built homes—known as conventillos—were constructed from corrugated metal and wood, and painted in bright colors using leftover paint from the ships. By the 1950s, the street had become popular with artists and tango dancers, and local artist Benito Quinquela Martín transformed many of the buildings with street art.
Address: Avenida Suarez, Buenos Aires C1059ABC, Argentina
Admission: Free
From $ 15
Estancia Harberton
Overlooking the icy waters of the Beagle Channel, Estancia Harberton offers a glimpse into the history and wildlife of Argentina’s far-flung Tierra del Fuego.
The oldest estancia (farm) in this part of the world, the still-working property dates back to 1887 and was established by English missionary Thomas Bridges. Bridges founded the Anglican Mission at Ushuaia in 1870.
Today, the estancia remains in the hands of Bridges’ descendants, and it was declared an Argentine National Historical Monument in 1999.
A visit reveals the original buildings of wood and corrugated iron, and terraced gardens. The sheep have long gone but the cattle remain. While you’re here you can also walk amongst a penguin colony at the estancia’s Yecapasela Reserve.
Perhaps the best way to visit is by boat tour from Ushuaia. The cruises visit the Bridges Islands for wildlife viewing of sea lions, penguin colonies and cormorants, before sailing to the estancia for a tour of the homestead and its small marinelife museum.
Traveling here by road, the route winds past mountains, valleys and coastal vistas of the Beagle Channel and its wind-sculpted trees and marshland.
The oldest estancia (farm) in this part of the world, the still-working property dates back to 1887 and was established by English missionary Thomas Bridges. Bridges founded the Anglican Mission at Ushuaia in 1870.
Today, the estancia remains in the hands of Bridges’ descendants, and it was declared an Argentine National Historical Monument in 1999.
A visit reveals the original buildings of wood and corrugated iron, and terraced gardens. The sheep have long gone but the cattle remain. While you’re here you can also walk amongst a penguin colony at the estancia’s Yecapasela Reserve.
Perhaps the best way to visit is by boat tour from Ushuaia. The cruises visit the Bridges Islands for wildlife viewing of sea lions, penguin colonies and cormorants, before sailing to the estancia for a tour of the homestead and its small marinelife museum.
Traveling here by road, the route winds past mountains, valleys and coastal vistas of the Beagle Channel and its wind-sculpted trees and marshland.
Practical Info
Estancia Harberton is 85 km (52 miles) east of Ushuaia, 40 nautical miles by sea. You can visit by tour, taxi or hire car.
If you’re visiting independently, enjoy a meal in the tearooms or arrange accommodation in the estancia’s guesthouses.
If you’re visiting independently, enjoy a meal in the tearooms or arrange accommodation in the estancia’s guesthouses.
Address: Argentina
Hours: Open daily, Oct 15 - Apr 15
Admission: Adults: AR$15
From $ 23
Galileo Galilei Planetarium
The neighborhood of Palermo is not just fashion and shopping and tony places to drink wine. It is also home to the ñeafu park 3 de Febrero, and inside, is the Galileo Galilei Planetarium. At night the exterior is lit up with blue and purple lights, and during the day, you’ll recognize it by its distinctive dome.
The building’s dome is 66 feet in diameter and seats 260 people. Shows are put on display with 100 different projectors and the use of Dolby 5.1 audio, meaning that in addition to the sun, moon and visible planets, nearly 9,000 other astral features such as stars, constellations and nebulas can be seen. The seating is 4-D and interactive, for an immersive experience for guests, and while the shows, such as Colisiones Cósmicas, are narrated in Spanish, they are mostly visual in nature, which means you’ll still get a lot out of it, even if you don’t know the language. There is a special show for children, one that combines stars and tango, and there are programs for blind and deaf patrons as well.
In the small adjoining museum, there is a piece of lunar rock, and fossils of 100 million-year-old sea life, and at the entry there is a metallic meteorite from Argentina’s Chaco province, and on Saturdays and Sundays during the day there is free use of a telescope to observe the sun.
Practical Info
In the summer this space is used for a concert series called “Música Bajo Las Estrellas” or music under the stars, just in case combining music and the cosmos is your thing.
Address: Avenida Sarmiento s/n, Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina
From $ 16
General San Martin Park
Mendoza’s expansive General San Martin Park is a landscaped oasis in the formal European style in the city’s west.
With ornamental fountains and classical statues, a lake and monuments, the park was created in the 1890s following English and French landscaping traditions.
Grand entry gates lead to pathways winding through the park, passing 34 sculptures along the way. Boats play at regattas on the lake, and the rose garden is traced with walkways.
Take in views from atop Cerro de la Gloria with its statues to the Andean Army, and stroll past more than 300 species of exotic trees.
The park also has a zoo inside its 307-hectares (758 acres), home to lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes and monkeys.
With ornamental fountains and classical statues, a lake and monuments, the park was created in the 1890s following English and French landscaping traditions.
Grand entry gates lead to pathways winding through the park, passing 34 sculptures along the way. Boats play at regattas on the lake, and the rose garden is traced with walkways.
Take in views from atop Cerro de la Gloria with its statues to the Andean Army, and stroll past more than 300 species of exotic trees.
The park also has a zoo inside its 307-hectares (758 acres), home to lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes and monkeys.
Practical Info
General San Martin Park is 2km (1.5 miles) west of central Mendoza.
Address: Av Los Platanos, Mendoza, Argentina
Hours: Open daily 8am - 6pm, to 7pm in summer
From $ 16
Hill of Glory (Cerro de la Gloria)
A 14-ton bronze national monument atop the steps of the Hill of Glory pays tribute to the Army of the Andres battle for liberation, which freed Argentina, Chile and Peru from Spanish rule in the early 19th century. Travelers can wander the crooked path through San Martin Park, past a Greek theater and soccer stadium, to this historic monument, which was designed by a Uruguayan artist and is a recognized part of the urban skyline.
Stones for this iconic memorial were trekked in from the Uspallata area of the Mendoza Mountains. Life-like images depicting struggles, victories and historic moments are etched into the sides of the Hill of Glory, but it’s the massive statues of brave soldiers perched atop the towering rocks that make this piece of public art so noteworthy.
Practical Info
Travelers must enter through San Martin Park—one of the city’s most famous green areas—in order to access the Hill of Glory.
Address: Cerro de la Gloria, Mendoza, Argentina
Hours: Daily
From $ 16
Iglesia de San Francisco
The highlight of Mendoza’s Iglesia de San Francisco complex is the Renaissance-style pink stucco basilica dating from 1875.
The Franciscan church replaced the original Jesuit structure that was destroyed by the devastating earthquake of 1861. Venerated throughout Mendoza, the church is the hallowed home of the miraculous Virgen del Carmen de Cuyo, patron saint of the liberating Andean Army.
The basilica also houses the tomb of the daughter of General San Martin, and is celebrated for its elaborate altar, Virgin’s chapel and priceless religious artifacts.
The church is a National Historic Landmark and one of Mendoza’s most important features.
The Franciscan church replaced the original Jesuit structure that was destroyed by the devastating earthquake of 1861. Venerated throughout Mendoza, the church is the hallowed home of the miraculous Virgen del Carmen de Cuyo, patron saint of the liberating Andean Army.
The basilica also houses the tomb of the daughter of General San Martin, and is celebrated for its elaborate altar, Virgin’s chapel and priceless religious artifacts.
The church is a National Historic Landmark and one of Mendoza’s most important features.
Practical Info
The Iglesia and Basilica of San Francisco is in central Mendoza, a few blocks north of Plaza Independencia.
Address: Necochea 201, Mendoza 1324, Argentina
From $ 730
Hippodrome
From the nomadic gauchos of the Pampas to the skilled champions of polo, Argentina boasts an illustrious equestrian history that draws horse lovers from all over the world. One of Buenos Aires’ principal equestrian venues is the Hippodrome race ground, located in the central Palermo district off Libertador Avenue, where weekly races are held on the 2.4 km track.
Although inaugurated in 1876, the elegant Hippodrome was remodeled in the early 20th-century, with French architect Faure Dujarric refashioning the entrance hall and 2000-capacity grandstand in an ornate Art Nouveau style. The magnificent building is now a popular haunt for both locals and tourists, most notably during mid November, when the Grand National, or the Argentine Derby, draws in large crowds.
Around 10 races are held at the Hippodrome each month so there are plenty of opportunities to experience the excitement of a live event. Don’t fancy splashing some cash? The Hippodrome complex also features a lavish underground casino, an art exhibition space, shopping mall and an array of top restaurants and bistros to keep non-betting visitors entertained.
Although inaugurated in 1876, the elegant Hippodrome was remodeled in the early 20th-century, with French architect Faure Dujarric refashioning the entrance hall and 2000-capacity grandstand in an ornate Art Nouveau style. The magnificent building is now a popular haunt for both locals and tourists, most notably during mid November, when the Grand National, or the Argentine Derby, draws in large crowds.
Around 10 races are held at the Hippodrome each month so there are plenty of opportunities to experience the excitement of a live event. Don’t fancy splashing some cash? The Hippodrome complex also features a lavish underground casino, an art exhibition space, shopping mall and an array of top restaurants and bistros to keep non-betting visitors entertained.
Address: Avenida del Libertador 4101, Buenos Aires, Palermo, Argentina
From $ 35
Floralis Generica
The dramatic centerpiece of the Plaza de las Naciones Unidas, the Floralis Generica is a giant 18-ton aluminum flower sculpture that has become one of Buenos Aires’ most instantly recognizable landmarks. The quirky art installation was erected in 2002 in the parkland that bridges the city’s Palermo and Recoleta districts and features a striking mirrored finish that dazzles under the sun and glows red in the evening hours. Designed by Argentine architect Eduardo Catalano, the futuristic monument was envisioned in homage to his home city and was gifted to the public by him.
Most uniquely, the remote controlled sculpture is programmed to open and close its six petals with the sun, so that the flower is in bloom during daylight hours before closing up at sunset. Each morning (the petals open at 8am) and night crowds of locals and tourists gather in the park to watch the 20-minute spectacle, as the 66-foot-high flower changes color with the setting sun and slowly closes up its 43-foot-long petals as darkness sets in. The most remarkable of Buenos Aires’ many street art pieces, the Floralis Generica also pays tribute to the city’s most memorable dates. For 4 nights a year the flower remains open in celebration of the May Revolution on May 25th, the start of spring on September 21st, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Most uniquely, the remote controlled sculpture is programmed to open and close its six petals with the sun, so that the flower is in bloom during daylight hours before closing up at sunset. Each morning (the petals open at 8am) and night crowds of locals and tourists gather in the park to watch the 20-minute spectacle, as the 66-foot-high flower changes color with the setting sun and slowly closes up its 43-foot-long petals as darkness sets in. The most remarkable of Buenos Aires’ many street art pieces, the Floralis Generica also pays tribute to the city’s most memorable dates. For 4 nights a year the flower remains open in celebration of the May Revolution on May 25th, the start of spring on September 21st, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Address: Av. Figueroa Alcorta 2300, Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 15
Fuegian Andes
The Fuegian Andes, which cross the entire Tierra Del Fuego Archipelago, are the southernmost chain of the Andes Mountains. Although quite small compared to other areas of South America’s mountain chain, its tallest peaks still look quite formidable because they rise straight out of the ocean to heights just over 2,500 meters.
Lago Escondido and Lago Fagnano are two popular summer destinations in the region, especially for keen sport fishermen as both lakes support tremendous populations of Rainbow and brown trout. Endless hiking trails and several backcountry refugios make exploring much of the mountain range closer to Ushuaia possible throughout the summer months. Wildlife is quite limited, but there is an abundance of rabbits, guanacos, condors and non-native Canadian beavers throughout the mountains. Mountain lions – known locally as pumas – are rarely seen.
Because of their southern latitude, the Fuegian Andes have long cold winters comparable to other regions in South America. Cerro Castor holds the title as the world’s most southern ski field. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular near the lakes.
Practical Info
Ushuaia, Argentina, is the largest city in Tierra Del Fuego and the natural starting point to explore the Fuegian Andes. The hiking and climbing season lasts from December to March, while the ski season begins in late June and continues until September.
Address: Argentina
From $ 61
Kavanagh Building
On a corner of Plaza San Martin in the Retiro neighborhood of Buenos Aires stands one of its most iconic buildings. The Kavanagh Building was designed in 1934 and built in 1936, and at 394 feet (120 meters) it was for a time the tallest building in Latin America. The story surrounding the origins of the building is just as interested as its distinctive art deco facade.
According to local lore, a wealthy Irishwoman by the name of Corina Kavanagh commissioned the building as a form of revenge. Corina, who was not part of the Buenos Aires aristocracy, fell in love with the son of the prominent Anchorena family. The boy’s parents didn’t approve of their engagement and ended it. In response, Corina had the building put up to obstruct the view of the Anchorena church, at the time the private mausoleum of the Anchorena family, from the family’s mansion.
Practical Info
The nearest metro stop to the Kavanagh Building is General San Martin.
Address: Florida 1065, Buenos Aires 1005, Argentina
From $ 15
Guemes Gallery
Dazzling shoppers on Buenos Aires’ central Florida Street, the Guemes Gallery, or Galería Güemes, is one of the city’s finest gallerias, making headlines as the highest building in Argentina when it first opened in 1915. Designed by legendary Italian architect, Francesco Gianotti (the brains behind the landmark Confiteria del Molino building on Plaza Congresso), the domed atrium towers 87 meters over downtown Buenos Aires and still offers spectacular 360-degree panoramic views from its 14th floor observation deck.
A striking composition of Art Nouveau styles, the Gallery’s decadent interiors are a breathtaking college of ornamental archways, beautiful ironwork, sculpted granite walls and exquisite stained glass. The upper floor apartments are equally impressive, having hosted a smattering of famous names over the years, most notably writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of The Little Prince, to whom a photography collection is devoted to on the 2nd level. The undisputed highlight is the grand Astor Piazzolla Theatre in the basement, one of the city’s most celebrated tango venues, where tango icon Carlos Gardel once performed and the nightly dinner shows remain a popular pastime among tourists.
A striking composition of Art Nouveau styles, the Gallery’s decadent interiors are a breathtaking college of ornamental archways, beautiful ironwork, sculpted granite walls and exquisite stained glass. The upper floor apartments are equally impressive, having hosted a smattering of famous names over the years, most notably writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of The Little Prince, to whom a photography collection is devoted to on the 2nd level. The undisputed highlight is the grand Astor Piazzolla Theatre in the basement, one of the city’s most celebrated tango venues, where tango icon Carlos Gardel once performed and the nightly dinner shows remain a popular pastime among tourists.
Practical Info
Routes to take by transit: Subway: Line D, Line E, Line A, Line B, Line C.
Address: Florida 165, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hours: Open Mon-Fri 8am - 8pm, Saturdays 9am - 3pm. Closed Sundays and holidays.
From $ 37
Fortabat Art Collection (Coleccion de Arte Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat)
Located in the northern part of Puerto Madero, the Fortabat Art Collection (Coleccion de Arte Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat) houses and displays Argentine and international art from the collection of the late cement heiress and socialite Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat.
Argentina’s wealthiest woman was closely involved in the design of the largely concrete building, designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly and completed in 2003, and among the pieces on display are a colorful Warhol portrait of the woman herself, as well as several works my her granddaughter.
The museum is divided between Argentine art — with galleries devoted to Raúl Soldi and Antonio Berni — and international works. Highlights include pieces by Salvador Dalí, Auguste Rodin, Brueghel and Pablo Picasso.
The museum’s dockside cafe is a wonderful spot to watch the sunset in the evening.
Practical Info
Photography is not permitted within the museum and mobile phones should be turned off.
Address: Olga Cossettini 141, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hours: Open Tues-Sun Noon-8pm
Admission: AR$70
From $ 53
Galerias Pacifico
Located on the already shopping-centric Florida Street in Buenos Aires, Galerias Pacifico is one of the city’s most historic shopping centers. The Beaux Arts building — it was inspired by the Gallerias Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan — was built during the 1890s as the Argentine headquarters of Le Bon Marche, a Parisian department store. Soon other businesses began renting other parts of the building, including offices of the Buenos Aires and Pacific Railway, which lent the building its name.
A range of midrange and upscale international brands now make their home within Galerias Pacifico, including Adidas, Chanel, Swarovski and Tommy Hilfiger. But what sets it apart from similar malls in the capital is the architecture of the building itself. Of particular note are the huge murals painted across the interior dome of the mall, commissioned in 1947 and painted by Argentina’s best artists of the time.
Practical Info
Galerias Pacifico is located about halfway between metro stops General San Martin and Lavalle.
Address: Florida 753, Buenos Aires, Retiro, Argentina, Argentina
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat-Sun Noon-9pm
From $ 16
Isla Victoria
Isla Victoria is a small island located in Nahuel Huapi lake, which is part of the park by the same name. The lake is one of the main defining features of this part of Patagonia, with the city of Bariloche on the south shore, and smaller town of Villa La Angostura on the north side.
Victoria Island is located in the middle of the northernmost branch of the lake and is accessed from Puerto Pañuelo, a 30-minute drive from Bariloche. There are a couple of sailings daily, some of which continue to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, specificially, to the Quetrihué peninsula, which is home to the rare protected arrayán (Chilean myrtle) forest, with slender, cinnamon-barked trees which grow in a dense grove, and some examples of which are up to 650 years old.
Isla Victoria has varied foliage, including the arctic beech, and some easy hiking trails, and if you spend time wandering, you can find some solitary beaches on which to sit and contemplate the lake, or take a chillly dip. Many visitors do this trip as a half-day tour, though you could spend longer on the island. The weather can be cool, especially if you opt to sit outside on the boat, so plan accordingly.
Victoria Island is located in the middle of the northernmost branch of the lake and is accessed from Puerto Pañuelo, a 30-minute drive from Bariloche. There are a couple of sailings daily, some of which continue to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, specificially, to the Quetrihué peninsula, which is home to the rare protected arrayán (Chilean myrtle) forest, with slender, cinnamon-barked trees which grow in a dense grove, and some examples of which are up to 650 years old.
Isla Victoria has varied foliage, including the arctic beech, and some easy hiking trails, and if you spend time wandering, you can find some solitary beaches on which to sit and contemplate the lake, or take a chillly dip. Many visitors do this trip as a half-day tour, though you could spend longer on the island. The weather can be cool, especially if you opt to sit outside on the boat, so plan accordingly.
Practical Info:
There are a couple of trips daily, in the morning and early afternoon, and you can choose between taking your own transportation to Puerto Pañuelo, or taking a complete tour. If you go on your own, you can just go back and forth to Isla Victoria, but the tours generally go to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, which is a good way to see both places by boat, particularly if you are short of time.
Address: Isla Victoria, Neuquen Province, Argentina
From $ 52
Jewish Museum of Buenos Aires
In 1967 Dr. Salvador Kibrick, a prominent member of the Argentine Israeli Congregation, donated his personal collection of Torahs, paintings, coins, siddur, ceremonial items and religious art to start the Jewish Museum of Buenos Aires. This museum, known locally as the Museo Kibrick in honor of its founder, is housed beside Argentina’s largest and oldest synagogue.
Since its founding, many other works have been added to the collection, including manuscripts by Albert Gerchunoff and Samuel Eichelbaum and letters of Albert Einstein and Martin Buber. Special exhibits recount the history of Judaism in Argentina, including the role of Jewish agricultural colonies in the rural parts of the country.
Practical Info
You’ll need your passport or some form of ID to gain entry into the museum and neighboring temple.
Address: Libertad 769, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hours: Open Tues-Thurs 11am-6pm; Fri 11am-5pm
Admission: By Donation
From $ 53
Huechulafquen Lake
To the native Mapuche of Argentina’s Andes, the name Huechulafquen means “long lake.” It’s an apt title for this azure spectacle that stretches for 18 miles, and is officially the largest of the 24 lakes in Lanin National Park. Next to the lake, on the northern shore, the conical, snowcapped Lanin volcano rises 12,293 feet into the blue Andean sky. In spring, summer, and early fall, thousands of visitors flock to the lake for camping, hiking, and staging attempts on the dormant volcano’s summit. There are boats for hire at Puerto Canoa and scenic lakeshore cruises, and the fly-fishing in the neighboring Chimehuin River is among the best in the world. A mile and half past Puerto Canoa, visitors will find scenic Piedra Mala and a protected corner of the lake. Walking trails lead towards Lake Paimun and El Salitillo waterfall, and the epic, Andean, mountains vistas are a highlight of both Lanin National Park and San Martin de los Andes.
Practical Info
Following Route 234 and then 61, Huechulafquen Lake is located 37 miles from San Martin de los Andes and 18 miles from Junin de los Andes. There’s an official ranger station and visitor center when you reach the shore of the lake, where an entrance fee of approximately $9 usually applies for foreign visitors.
Address: Neuquén Province, Argentina
From $ 144
Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls, the largest waterfalls system in the world, are truly awe-inspiring to behold, spanning the border between Brazil and Argentina. Though Brazil boasts better views of the falls, Argentina is blessed with about 80 percent of this natural marvel’s 275 separate cascades. Paved trails and catwalks wind their way around the falls—sometimes reaching within an arm’s length of the water—and a free train connects the main trailheads.
The Basics
The best way to experience the Argentinean side of Iguazu Falls is by hiking the surrounding trails. The Upper Circuit Trail offers outstanding views over Mbigua Falls and the Iguazu River before dropping toward the Bernabe Mendez Falls. The Lower Circuit Trail has more viewpoints, as well as access to activities such as boat trips, white-water rafting, and a free ferry to Isla San Martin. A guided tour will help you find the best trails and can take you deeper into Iguazu National Park, or on ATV tours and hiking excursions in the area.
The park’s entry fee includes unlimited rides on the Jungle Train to different trailheads, as well as ferry service (depending on the water level) to Isla Martin. You can visit the park a second day for half price; be sure to get your ticket stamped after the first day.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plan to spend at least one full day exploring this side of the falls.
- Regardless of which trail you take, prepare to get soaked: Wear waterproof clothing, and protect your valuables and electronics with waterproof bags.
- The Argentinean side is known for its hiking and opportunities to get closer to the cascades.
- Don’t miss the spectacular vistas over Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo).
- Many guided tours take you to both the Argentinean and Brazilian sides of the falls.
- If crossing the border without joining a guided tour, be sure to check visa requirements for your country.
How to Get There
Iguazu National Park is located 10 miles (17 kilometers) from Puerto Iguazu. Buses run from Puerto Iguazu to the park every half hour during park hours. If you're coming from Buenos Aires, take a 90-minute flight or a 24-hour bus ride.
When to Get There
Iguazu Falls is accessible year-round. For the best weather and the smallest crowds, plan to go between July and October or February and April. Morning visits reward with rainbows in the ever-present mist of Devil’s Throat.
Experiencing Devil’s Throat
Devil’s Throat, whose 14 thundering cascades comprise the tallest and most famous part of Iguazu Falls, is best viewed from the Devil’s Throat Walk, which takes you right up to the brink of the water. If that’s not close enough, you can also take a boat ride that glides right under the falls.
Address: RA 12, KM17 Puerto Iguazu, Argentina
Hours: Daily 8am–5pm
Admission: US$23
From $ 15