Choose from 191 Fun Things to Do in Argentina
ShowingFilter 161-180 of 191 listings.
Temaiken Biopark
Temaiken Biopark, located just outside Buenos Aires, is more of a wild animal park than a traditional zoo. More than 7,400 animals representing 300 different species of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish live in large enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitats. Barriers between the animals and human observers are also natural — no bars or cages obstructing the view. About 60 percent of the species living in the park are native, and many of them are endangered.
The biopark also features an aquarium, divided into three environments representing three different Argentine ecosystems: coastal habitat, freshwater rivers and the ocean. At the farm, visitors learn more about the agricultural species of the Argentine countryside through interactive activities like milking cows, feeding poultry or brushing down a goat. Guests of the park also enjoy a 360-degree movie theater, the largest bird house in South America and several animal shows and interactions scheduled throughout the day.
Practical Info
Temaiken Biopark is located 30 minutes outside of Buenos Aires in the district of Belén de Escobar.
Address: Ruta 25 Km 1, B 1625 Belén de Escobar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hours: Summer: Tue-Sun 10am-7pm, Winter Tue-Sun 10am-6pm, Closed Dec 24, 25 & 31 and Jan 1.
Admission: $148.50-$184.50, Children Under 3 Free
From $ 16
Walichu Caves
Despite its being toward the ends of the earth, Patagonia has been settled by humans for 15,000 years. Though scant remnants of this era remain, on a tour of the stunning Walichu Caves outside of El Calafate, it’s still possible to find primitive drawings emblazoned on walls of the caves. Believed to represent stories of creation and tales of life in these hills, the drawings sat here forgotten for centuries until Perito Moreno discovered the caves in 1877. Today, while some of the drawings have been defaced, and others are modern replicas, they still tell a tale of primitive peoples who wandered this rugged landscape, where hunting, foraging—and even art—were staples of daily life. Aside from the actual drawings themselves, the setting surrounding Walichu Caves is arguably just as impressive, where rock formations line the shores of crystalline Lake Argentino.
Practical Info
The Walichu caves are set 5 miles from the city of El Calafate. Most tours will bundle the caves with a tour of El Calafate, and since reaching the caves means hiking across some rocky, rugged terrain, be sure to wear closed-toed shoes for making the short stroll out to the caves.
Did You Know? In addition to the drawings, it’s common to find fossils and ancient arrowheads when making the walk to the caves.
Address: El Calafate, Argentina
From $ 51
Train to the Clouds
One of the world’s greatest train rides, the Train to the Clouds (Tren a las Nubes), takes visitors on a scenic 269-mile (434-kilometer) journey, ascending 13,842 feet (4,220 meters), passing through 21 tunnels and crossing over 29 bridges and 13 viaducts. The climax of the trip comes as the train crosses La Polvorilla viaduct, which pans a massive desert canyon.
Departing from the city of Salta, the train makes its way through the Cordillera de los Andes, passes through the Valle de Lerma and Quebrada del Toro and finishes in La Puna. Bilingual guides in each car offer insight into the surrounding topography and help with any altitude
sickness.
Along the way, the train makes a stop at the small town of San Antonio de los Cobres, where you can get out, stretch your legs and purchase handicrafts and souvenirs from the indigenous locals.
Practical Info
The round-trip journey on the Train to the Clouds takes 15 hours and departs early, so be prepared for a very long day.
Address: Balcarce 1105, Salta, Argentina
Hours: Departs every Thursday and Saturday from April to November
Admission: Varies
From $ 69
Tigre
With its scenic waterways, riverside fun fair, and lively handicrafts market, the charming provincial town of Tigre offers a welcome change of pace from nearby Buenos Aires. Located on the Tigre Delta at the meeting point of the Paraná River and the Río de la Plata estuary, it’s a popular choice for a day trip from the capital.
The Basics
The highlight of a visit to Tigre is a boat cruise around the Tigre Delta, a scenic expanse of marshlands dotted with islands, traditional stilt houses, and floating markets. The town itself is easy to explore on a walking tour, taking in the harborside market and colonial architecture, or visiting the Parque de la Costa theme park.
Day tours from Buenos Aires often combine a visit to Tigre with the nearby colonial town of San Isidro. For the best value, combine a half-day tour of Tigre with a Buenos Aires city tour, an evening tango show, or a sightseeing cruise along the Rio de la Plata.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The town has a few notable museums, including the Tigre Art Museum and the Mate Museum, devoted to Argentina’s famous tea.
- Water sports like kayaking and wakeboarding are enjoyed along the river during the summer months.
- There are a number of cafés and restaurants located around the marketplace.
How to Get to There
The Argentine town of Tigre lies in the Tigre Delta, about 20 miles (50 kilometers) north of Buenos Aires. It is connected to the capital by regular trains (45 minutes from Buenos Aires’ central station) or by boat from the Puerto Madero docks (summer only).
When to Get There
Weekends can get busy in Tigre, especially during the summer months, but the crowds also add to the atmosphere, particularly at the daily market. Boat cruises run year-round, but activities like kayaking are only available during the summer and the Parque de la Costa theme park is only open on weekends. Sunset cruises around the Delta make for stunning photos.
Cruising the Tigre Delta
The Tigre Delta is one of the world’s largest natural deltas, stretching over 5,400 square miles (14,000 square kilometers), and takes its name from the wild tigers and jaguars that once roamed the area. The islands, forests, and villages of the delta are reachable only by boat, and the canal banks are lined with stilted houses, yacht clubs, and luxury villas, including the house of former Argentina president Sarmiento.
Address: Tigre, Argentina
From $ 23
Ushuaia Cruise Port
Founded as a penal colony, Ushuaia is the southernmost town in the world. This rustic town is also the jumping off point for cruising to Antarctica or exploring the Tierra del Fuego (“Land of Fire”). As such, it is a major tourist destination for Argentinians and foreigners alike.
How to Get to Ushuaia
When you dock, you will already be in the heart of Ushuaia – and just a block from the main shopping street, San Martin. Taxis are available to take you further afield, but they are not metered, so you will need to negotiate your price.
One Day in Ushuaia
Chances are, you will be visiting Ushuaia to explore the surrounding mountains, forests or lakes. Cruise ships typically offer several possible excursions or you can arrange something independently through a travel agency, or by simply hiring a taxi when you arrive in port.
Tierra del Fuego National Park, about 10 miles outside of Ushuaia, is one of the largest nature reserves in the world. You can go horseback riding, bird-watching, hiking or mountain biking or visit the end of the Pan-American Highway at Lapataia Bay - almost literally the “end of the world.” You might also ride the “Train at the End of the World,” a steam-driven train that follows the River Pipo into the park.
Those who haven’t yet had a chance to see penguins on their journey may want to visit the Hammer Island Penguin Rookery, which provides an up close look at Magellanic penguins. Discover some of the region’s wildlife on a catamaran trip through the Beagle Channel, or take a chair lift to the top of the Martial Glacier for a magnificent view of the channel.
If you want to explore the town, start with a stroll along Malvina Argentinas Street, passing a reconstruction of the old town. Then head down San Martin to Yaganes, where you will find the Ushuaia Prison Museum. The museum is a combination prison museum and maritime museum and includes exhibits detailing the history of Usuhuaia from the time it was first settled. Retrace your steps to San Martin to do a little shopping and then take the ski lift up above the city. Enjoy an amazing view while indulging in an Argentinian steak or some of the area’s superb seafood.
Port Information
The official language is Spanish, but it is common to hear English, German and Portuguese as well. The currency is the Argentinian peso. ATM's are widely available and credit cards should be accepted in most places. There is a visitor information center at the dock with maps and information about the area, as well as an internet kiosk and handicraft vendors.
How to Get to Ushuaia
When you dock, you will already be in the heart of Ushuaia – and just a block from the main shopping street, San Martin. Taxis are available to take you further afield, but they are not metered, so you will need to negotiate your price.
One Day in Ushuaia
Chances are, you will be visiting Ushuaia to explore the surrounding mountains, forests or lakes. Cruise ships typically offer several possible excursions or you can arrange something independently through a travel agency, or by simply hiring a taxi when you arrive in port.
Tierra del Fuego National Park, about 10 miles outside of Ushuaia, is one of the largest nature reserves in the world. You can go horseback riding, bird-watching, hiking or mountain biking or visit the end of the Pan-American Highway at Lapataia Bay - almost literally the “end of the world.” You might also ride the “Train at the End of the World,” a steam-driven train that follows the River Pipo into the park.
Those who haven’t yet had a chance to see penguins on their journey may want to visit the Hammer Island Penguin Rookery, which provides an up close look at Magellanic penguins. Discover some of the region’s wildlife on a catamaran trip through the Beagle Channel, or take a chair lift to the top of the Martial Glacier for a magnificent view of the channel.
If you want to explore the town, start with a stroll along Malvina Argentinas Street, passing a reconstruction of the old town. Then head down San Martin to Yaganes, where you will find the Ushuaia Prison Museum. The museum is a combination prison museum and maritime museum and includes exhibits detailing the history of Usuhuaia from the time it was first settled. Retrace your steps to San Martin to do a little shopping and then take the ski lift up above the city. Enjoy an amazing view while indulging in an Argentinian steak or some of the area’s superb seafood.
Port Information
The official language is Spanish, but it is common to hear English, German and Portuguese as well. The currency is the Argentinian peso. ATM's are widely available and credit cards should be accepted in most places. There is a visitor information center at the dock with maps and information about the area, as well as an internet kiosk and handicraft vendors.
Address: Ushuaia, Argentina
From $ 143
Trapiche Winery
Unlike some of the smaller wineries in the Mendoza area, Trapiche is very well known in the international wine scene, and in fact, the winery traces its history to 1883, and began sending wines to international competitions in Paris as early as 1920. Since the 1970s, Trapiche has been exporting its wines to the international market and has won the Argentine Wine Producer of the Year award twice. Their wines are imported by businesses in 40 countries.
But that doesn’t mean that they have sacrificed quality, and some of their best-scoring wines are a line of single vineyard Malbec, which is made from grapes from high altitude near the Mendoza River valley. Other wines they produce include Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, Torrontés, Rosé, Viognier and a Pinot Grigio. Visits to the winery include a multimedia presentation, walks through the cellars and tastings.
Practical Info
Some of the land managed by Trapiche is used for olive trees and vineyards raised biodynamically, which is a system of practices that use traditional calendars based on the phases of the moon and solstices, as well as organic plant and animal products used to enrich the soil.
Address: Trapiche, Argentina
From $ 22
Ushuaia Maritime Museum
The Ushuaia Maritime museum shows off much of Tierra Del Fuego’s impressive maritime history with few original artifacts. The majority of the displays include scale models of tall ships and merchant vessels that first plied these waters, maps and charts used by early explorers, including Ferdinand Magellan, Francis Drake, Thomas Cavendish and Oliver van Noort, and the first voyage of the HMS Beagle.
Outside, a replica of the San Juan de Salvamento lighthouse stands alongside a decaying example of canoes used by the island’s American Indian populations.
The Maritime Museum is one of four museums housed in Ushuaia’s Old Prison Building, so it’s fitting that the final exhibit tells the story of the Argentinean navy vessel 1 de Mayo, which carried the first prisoners to Tierra Del Fuego in 1896. It’s a natural transition, as the next exhibit marks the entrance to the Old Prison Museum.
Practical Info
The Ushuaia Maritime Museum is located at the intersection of Yaganes y Gobernador Paz in Ushuaia. From April to October, it’s open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. From November to March, it’s open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission currently costs $120 pesos for an individual or $250 pesos for a family, but includes access to the Maritime, Antarctic and Old Prison museums, as well as an art gallery.
Address: Yaganes y Gobernador Paz, Ushuaia, Argentina
Hours: April-Oct 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Nov-March 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission: $120 pesos
From $ 18
The Obelisk
Buenos Aires’ most iconic landmark, the Obelisk, or El Obelisco, towers over the intersection of the city’s two main thoroughfares, Corrientes Avenue and the ‘widest avenue in the world’ -9 de Julio. Erected in 1936 to commemorate the nation’s 400th anniversary, the pencil-like column marks the spot where the nation’s flag was first flown – a striking 220-foot tall monument that has become a memorable feature on the city skyline. Fashioned from 1,360 square meters of Cordoba white stone, the Obelisk was designed by Tucaman architect Alberto Prebisch and features poignant inscriptions on each of its 4 faces, referencing key moments in the city’s history.
Not only an important navigational landmark, the Obelisk also finds itself at the center of city celebrations and rallies, a common backdrop for sporting celebrations, political demonstrations, candlelit vigils and religious congregations. The ever-faithful landmark has even been known to make its own statement - famously donning a giant condom during World AIDS Awareness Day and draped in Argentine and German flags to mark the 150th anniversary of the countries’ bilateral relations.
Unfortunately, the only thing visitors can’t enjoy is the view from the top. The Obelisk features four windows at its pinnacle accessible by 206 interior steps, but sadly the stairwell has never been opened to the public.
Not only an important navigational landmark, the Obelisk also finds itself at the center of city celebrations and rallies, a common backdrop for sporting celebrations, political demonstrations, candlelit vigils and religious congregations. The ever-faithful landmark has even been known to make its own statement - famously donning a giant condom during World AIDS Awareness Day and draped in Argentine and German flags to mark the 150th anniversary of the countries’ bilateral relations.
Unfortunately, the only thing visitors can’t enjoy is the view from the top. The Obelisk features four windows at its pinnacle accessible by 206 interior steps, but sadly the stairwell has never been opened to the public.
Address: Avenida Corrientes 1066, Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 15
Uco Valley
Known as the Napa Valley of Argentina, Mendoza is Latin America’s largest wine-making region with more than 800 wineries. Uco Valley in particular is known for its malbecs, cabernet sauvignons, syrahs and ruby red tempranillos, which benefit from 250 sunny days a year, very little rain, fertile soil and a cool micro-climate where the average temperature is 57 degrees F.
An hour’s drive southwest of the city of Mendoza, Uco Valley is a popular destination for travelers on the Argentina Wine Route. As well as producing the highest altitude (900-1,200 meters) wines in the province, the valley is renowned for its beauty. Covering 45 miles by 15 miles on the eastern slopes of the Andes, Uco Valley follows the northern course of the Tunuyan river as it flows down from the surrounding snow-capped peaks. As you visit the valley’s vineyards, looks out for almond trees and orchards too.
Practical Info
If you’d like to stay overnight, the main town in Uco Valley is Tunuyan. To get to the valley, you can either drive from the city of Mendoza (one hour), or alternatively, many Argentina Wine Route tours include stops at Uco Valley’s renowned vineyards.
Address: Mendoza, Argentina
From $ 95
Villa La Angostura
Villa La Angostura is a small town nearby well-touristed Bariloche, which also has the closest airport. Villa La Angostura is built on the north shores of lake Nahuel Huapi, and is the preferred Patagonian destination of wealthy Argentines as well as international travelers.
The area is great for cycling, fishing, horseback riding and hikes, such as the one to emerald-green Laguna Verde, around which there is a walking trail. The best views from near the town are from Mirador Belvedere, which is about 4 km away. From here, you can get a good view of lakes Correntoso and Nahuel Huapi. The road to the mirador (look out point) is also the starting point for walks to two waterfalls, 50-meter high Cascada Inacayal, and 35-meter high Cascada Río Bonito. Visit one or both on the same day.
Villa La Angostura is also the perfect jumping-off point to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, which is home to an undisturbed arrayán (Chilean myrtle) forest, and some of the trees are estimated to be 650 years old. Arrayanes have a reddish, peeling bark, grow close to water, and their trunks are cool to the touch.
Catamaran rides on the lake give the great views of the trees, which bloom white in the summer (January and February) You can walk or cycle the 12 km to the end of the trail as well.
Villa La Angostura is also the traditional starting point of the Seven Lakes (Siete Lagos) drive, which can take from one to three days, depending on park visits and lingering walks by the lakes. In the winter (June through September), the winter sports center and ski fields at nearby Cerro Bayo brings skiiers and other snow lovers to Villa la Angostura as well, for its 12 km of ski runs, including one uninterrupted descent of 6 km (more than 3 miles).
The area is great for cycling, fishing, horseback riding and hikes, such as the one to emerald-green Laguna Verde, around which there is a walking trail. The best views from near the town are from Mirador Belvedere, which is about 4 km away. From here, you can get a good view of lakes Correntoso and Nahuel Huapi. The road to the mirador (look out point) is also the starting point for walks to two waterfalls, 50-meter high Cascada Inacayal, and 35-meter high Cascada Río Bonito. Visit one or both on the same day.
Villa La Angostura is also the perfect jumping-off point to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, which is home to an undisturbed arrayán (Chilean myrtle) forest, and some of the trees are estimated to be 650 years old. Arrayanes have a reddish, peeling bark, grow close to water, and their trunks are cool to the touch.
Catamaran rides on the lake give the great views of the trees, which bloom white in the summer (January and February) You can walk or cycle the 12 km to the end of the trail as well.
Villa La Angostura is also the traditional starting point of the Seven Lakes (Siete Lagos) drive, which can take from one to three days, depending on park visits and lingering walks by the lakes. In the winter (June through September), the winter sports center and ski fields at nearby Cerro Bayo brings skiiers and other snow lovers to Villa la Angostura as well, for its 12 km of ski runs, including one uninterrupted descent of 6 km (more than 3 miles).
Practical Info:
Most visitors come to Villa La Angostura in the summer (January and February), when the southern cone is on summer vacation, but shoulder season (November to December or March to April) or ski-season (June to September) are great times to come as well. The town is easily accessed from Bariloche (1 hour 15 minutes, flights from Buenos Aires) with several daily buses, or from San Martín de Los Andes, which has daily buses in summer, though the frequency drops to three times a week in the low season. From Villa La Angostura you can also take the winding bus ride through beautiful beech forests across the border to Chile, finishing up in the city of Osorno.
Address: Villa La Angostura, Neuquen Province, Argentina
From $ 32
Tierra del Fuego National Park
When travelers make their way to the far southern reaches of Argentina, chances are they’re heading into Tierra del Fuego National Park. The country’s only coastal national park protects the Andean-Patagonian forest, a land of peat bogs, beech forests, glistening lakes, remote beaches, and snow-capped peaks ideal for outdoor adventures.
The Basics
Sitting close to Ushuaia, the park is a popular destination for a day trip. A typical guided tour of the park might include a ride on the End of the World train, guided hike through the forest, canoe trip on Lapataia Bay, or a 4WD tour of the park’s natural wonders. Multi-day itineraries in the area often include Tierra del Fuego, and a Beagle Channel sightseeing cruise and time to explore the town of Ushuaia.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tierra del Fuego is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure travelers, and photographers.
- Dress in warm layers, as the park can be chilly, even during the South American summer.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, especially if you plan to hike.
- Guided tours from Ushuaia to the national park can last a few to several hours, depending on activities selected.
How to Get There
Most visitors get to the park from the Argentine side, 7 miles (11 kilometers) west of Ushuaia on National Route 3. Buses depart regularly to the park, and most guided tours include round-trip transportation from hotels in Ushuaia.
When to Get There
The Patagonian summer (December to February) brings with it the best weather for exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park, but also the biggest crowds. This is also the best season to observe local wildlife.
Tierra del Fuego Hiking Trails
Despite what the dramatic scenery would have you believe, this national park offers trails suitable for hikers of just about every ability level. There’s a short path from the park entrance to the peat-colored Black Lagoon, and another easy trail, called the Island, that follows the Lapataia and Ovando rivers. For the best views of Lapataia Bay, hike to Lookout Point.
Address: Argentina
Admission: Varies
From $ 32
Villa Crespo
A burgeoning hotspot for gourmet cuisine, Buenos Aires’ lively barrio of Villa Crespo lies just southwest of Palermo and has become a fashionable haunt for the city’s young and hip. The district is most notable for its array of bars and eateries, just as chic yet more affordable than many of those in neighboring Palermo and makes an atmospheric place to spend the evening hours.
The variety of cuisine on offer is the biggest draw, with popular restaurants including the Middle Eastern themed Sarkis, a favorite among locals; Almacén Purista, one of Buenos Aires oldest and most celebrated vegetarian restaurants; and Scannapieco, specializing in delicious homemade Italian gelato. Other dining options include Italian, Argentine, Jewish, African and Chinese cuisine, and the area also boasts two of the city’s most exclusive nightclubs, Ocho7Ocho and Club Silencio, both hidden behind unsigned doors.
Villa Crespo is also a popular area for shopping with a number of brand stores opening up around Aguirre and Gurruchaga streets and some of the city’s best leather stores lining Murillo street.
The variety of cuisine on offer is the biggest draw, with popular restaurants including the Middle Eastern themed Sarkis, a favorite among locals; Almacén Purista, one of Buenos Aires oldest and most celebrated vegetarian restaurants; and Scannapieco, specializing in delicious homemade Italian gelato. Other dining options include Italian, Argentine, Jewish, African and Chinese cuisine, and the area also boasts two of the city’s most exclusive nightclubs, Ocho7Ocho and Club Silencio, both hidden behind unsigned doors.
Villa Crespo is also a popular area for shopping with a number of brand stores opening up around Aguirre and Gurruchaga streets and some of the city’s best leather stores lining Murillo street.
Address: Villa Crespo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 35
Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
The white bell tower and baroque pediment of the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar sits at the heart of the affluent residential enclave of Recoleta.
The baroque interior features a golden statue of the Madonna, ornate altars, lovely cloisters and a small museum of religious artifacts.
The basilica overlooks the Recoleta Cemetery, one of Buenos Aires' more unusual attractions. Follow the crowds to the grave of Eva Peron (Evita).
On weekends, Plaza Francia in front of the basilica comes alive with a large arts and crafts fair.
Practical Info
The Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar is in Recoleta, overlooking Plaza Francia and next door to the Recoleta Cemetery.
The nearest stations are Retiro and Callao, several blocks away.
Address: Junin 1904, Plaza Francia, Buenos Aires CP 1113, Argentina
Hours: Historical Cloisters open daily 10:30am - 6:15pm. Masses held every day
Admission: Free
From $ 35
Vasija Secreta Winery
Some 150 years ago, European immigrants discovered the excellent high altitude wine growing conditions of Salta. In 1857 a pair of Spanish families joined forces to found La Banda Winery, the oldest winery in the Calchaquí Valley.
The name has since changed to Vasija Secreta, and today visitors can learn about wine production — both traditional and modern — in the winery’s small museum. Vasija Secreta also organizes wine tastings; as with many wineries in this part of Argentina, Vasija Secreta Winery is known for its Torrontés, but also produces notable Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec.
Practical Info
Vasija Secreta Winery is located at the edge of Catayate Town on the way toward Salta.
Address: Ruta 40 S/N, Cafayate, Salta, Argentina CP4427, Argentina
Hours: Open daily 9am-1pm and 2:30pm-7pm
From $ 43
Upsala Glacier
South America’s largest glacier, in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Los Glaciares National Park near El Calafate, measures 35 miles (56 kilometers) long and 6 miles (10 kilometers) wide. Upsala Glacier is among seven glaciers feeding Lake Argentino, where boats dodge icebergs the size of small islands en route to the wall of ice.
The Basics
Upsala Glacier is only accessible by taking a boat trip on the milky blue waters of Lake Argentino. Most glacier cruises allow visitors firsthand views of both Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, and countless icebergs. Those with more time to spare can see the glacier as part of a multi-day tour of Los Glaciares National Park (along with Huyliche Hill and Perito Moreno Glacier) or greater Patagonia.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Upsala Glacier is a must-see for adventure travelers and photographers.
- Dress in layers: The wind blowing off the ice can be chilly, even during summer.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
How to Get There
Cruises to view Upsala Glacier depart from Puerto Bandera on Lake Argentino, 28 miles (45 kilometers) west of El Calafate. The easiest way to get there is by joining a guided day trip with round-trip transportation.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Los Glaciares National Park and the Upsala Glacier is between October and March, as many tourist facilities in the region are closed during the winter season in the Southern Hemisphere.
Los Glaciares National Park
As a national park that’s home to 47 glaciers, ice covers 40 percent of this UNESCO-listed site in southwestern Argentina. While Upsala is the largest, Perito Moreno is the most famous, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The Southern Patagonian Ice Field feeds all the glaciers in the park, including Upsala and Perito Moreno.
Address: Argentina
From $ 129
Tigre Art Museum (Museo de Arte Tigre)
Housed in an ornate building on the banks of the Luján River in Tigre, the Tigre Art Museum (Museo de Arte Tigre) is known for its stunning architecture and impressive collection of Argentine paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum was declared a National Historic Monument in 1979.
The Basics
Most visitors to Tigre come on a half- or full-day trip from Buenos Aires, and the Tigre Art Museum is a popular stop on sightseeing tours. Visitors can explore the museum independently or join one of the regular guided tours.
Highlights include works from Juan Carlos Castagnino, Raúl Soldi, Cesáreo Bernaldo de Quirós, and Benito Quinquela Martín, as well as works by less-known local artists depicting life along the river delta. The riverfront museum can also be seen from water and boat cruises around the Tigre Delta.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an entrance fee to visit the museum, and guided tours are available.
- Exhibition information and tours are available in Spanish only.
- Most areas of the museum and grounds are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The museum is located at the northern end of Victoria Avenue in Tigre, along the banks of the Luján River. Trains from Buenos Aires arrive at Tigre station, and it’s a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride to the museum from there.
When to Get There
The museum is open all day, Wednesday to Friday, as well as weekend afternoons. The museum is less crowded during weekends.
Architecture of the Tigre Art Museum
The museum was originally built in 1912 by French architects Dubois and Pater as the Tiger Club, a social club for the Buenos Aires elite. A fine example of French neoclassical architecture from the belle epoch, the building is adorned with stained glass, marble staircases, gilt-inlaid columns, red oak floors, and bronze chandeliers. The surrounding park and sculpture garden provide an idyllic setting.
Address: Argentina
Admission: Varies
From $ 34
Wanda Mines
The Wanda Mines, home to some of the best agate, amethyst, quartz and topaz found in Argentina, make for a fascinating visit in the north of Argentina. Located less than 40 miles (60 km) from Puerto Iguazu in the rain forest along the Paraná River, this open pit mine is a delight for the eyes. Wanda, the town where the mines are located, was founded mainly by Polish settlers, and in fact, it was named after a Polish princess who had a fondness for gemstones.
The family-owned mine, where minerals are found near the surface, is especially interesting to enthusiasts of gemstones and collectors. Visitors to the mines learn about the formation of the gemstones, when lava coming from the core of the earth cooled and the trapped gas bubbles formed into crystals with amethysts, agates, topazes and quartz.
Mining companies, which have been operating since the 1950s, have guided tours to show tourists the variety of gemstones found in the area, the different parts of the mines, as well as workshops and showrooms where cut and polished stones are on display.
Practical Info
The Wanda Mines are located on National Route 12 in the Misiones Province, 40 miles (62 kilometers) from Puerto Iguazu.
Address: Ruta Nacional 12, Puerto Iguazu, Argentina
From $ 36
Volcano Lanin
With a summit at 12,388 feet (3,776 meters) Volcano Lanin ranks among the highest peaks in Patagonia. The volcano straddles the border between Argentina and Chile, where three quarters of it sits within Argentina’s Lanin National Park. Surrounded by plains and low hills, the snow-covered conical peak is visible from towns well over 100 miles away.
A trek to the summit of Lanin takes two to three days and requires crampons and other climbing gear. During the spring and summer months (November to April), it’s possible to take a sightseeing flight over the volcano. Softer trekking opportunities abound throughout the park for visitors who want views of Volcano Lanin but don’t necessarily want to summit it.
Practical Info
The closest access point to the volcano on the Argentine side is Junín.
Address: Neuquen, Patagonia, Argentina
From $ 108
Uspallata
This small town of less than 3,500 inhabitants mainly receives visitors who are on their way between Chile and Argentina, as it is either the first or the last population center between the countries, which are separated by the nearly 4,000-meter mountain pass at Los Libertadores. Uspallata had a flash of fame as Seven Years of Tibet was filmed here, due to the similarity of the area to parts of the Himalayas. But that was years ago, and Uspallata has since turned back into the quiet, oasis town that it once was, with access to both Santiago several hours to the west, and Mendoza, 60 miles to the east.
From Uspallata, there are a few main attractions, and these include Bóvedas Históricas Uspallata, an area containing egg-shaped kilns that were used for metallurgy (gold, silver, zinc, copper, etc) in the 17th century. Another human intervention is the presence of the disused railroad station, which was in operation as part of a TransAndean line until 1984. At nearby Cerro Tunduqueral there are pre-Columbian petroglyphs. Uspallata is also a good point from which to take a trip to the Cerro de Siete Colores, a very colorful spot in the Andes, at which you can see seven different colors in the rock, though most visitors report seeing more.
Practical Info
Uspallata is a smaller, quieter alternative to a stay over in Mendoza when crossing the Andes from Chile to Argentina or vice-versa. It is also the closest town to Los Penitentes, a medium-sized ski resort that runs most years from July to early October.
Address: Argentina
From $ 57
Villavicencio Natural Reserve
Villavicencio Natural Reserve is a great alternative or addition to the wine tourism that is the backbone of Mendoza’s tourist attractions. It is easily visited in a half-day tour, though at nearly 175,000 acres, if you have more time, you’d find much more to explore. A visit to the reserve usually starts with about an hour’s drive from Mendoza to the springs for which the reserve are named, and in fact, this is the source of much of Argentina’s bottled mineral water.
The reserve itself has a varied topography, with mountains ranging from 900 to 3200 meters in height and deep ravines between them. Wildlife spotting is likely here, including eagles, condors, rheas (relative to the ostrich), as well as herds of the llama-like guanaco. Lucky viewers may glimpse a puma. One of the highlights of the trip is the view over the Los Caracoles viewpoint, so named for the winding road seen below (caracol means snail), which is said to have 365 twists and turns.
There is also time to visit a nearby monument called Canota, which marks General San Martín’s crossing of the Andes along with 5,000 troops to Chile to liberate Argentina from Spain.
Practical Info
Bring a bottle to fill up with the natural spring water at the now-defunct old resort spa at Villavicencio.
Address: Ruta Provincial 52, Mendoza, Argentina
From $ 42