Top 5 Things To Do In Argentina: Explore The Biodiversity North To South

Camila
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 5 min read
argentina's regions (glaciers mountains tropical)

If your idea of travel is exploring different ecosystems, to get an idea of the extent of nature in the world, you are in for a treat. Argentina with a surface area of 2,780,400 square kilometers (1,073,518 square miles), is the eighth-largest country in the world and hosts one of the greatest varieties of ecosystems. Here you’ll find mountains, deserts, tropical regions, beaches, forests, national parks and UNESCO sites and one of the “New 7 Wonders of Nature”. The country includes everything from rural country fields, to big cities and small ancient towns, with a variety of climates and experiences. If you are looking for an adventure, check some of these options.

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1. 1. The northwest path - Salta, Jujuy and Tucumán

The Argentinian north can be divided into two parts: a subtropical region with forest and jungle vegetation to the east, and the Puna region to the west, where you’ll find an arid climate that is mostly hot during the day and cold at night. The landscape features short mountains, with many colours, because of the earth’s pigmentation.

Salta, Jujuy and Tucumán are a very popular tour when visiting the northwest. Tafí del Valle, San Miguel de Tucumán, Salta (the capital city), Cafayate, Iruya, San Salvador de Jujuy, Tilcara, Purmamarca and Humahuaca are just a few of the many places to visit, in this region. This is where the Argentinian culture was born and for nature lovers or photography enthusiasts, this could be a one of a kind experience.

Let yourself be amazed by everything from the beautiful peaks to the plains, saltpans, roads, and ancient, preserved sites. Rent a bicycle and discover small towns with colonial houses, or visit wild cities like Tilcara, with its unique nightlife and beer available for you, at any time. Don’t miss out on the natural wonders like the “Quebrada de Humahuaca” or the Seven Colors Mountain. Cheap, interesting and ideal for cultural tours, trekking, hiking and submerging yourself in a culture.

You’ll be sure to see colours you’ll never forget.

2. 2. Northeast and Litoral - Cascading waterfalls

All around the world, Argentina is known for its football, meat, a few celebrities, and for a while now, also for the Iguazú Falls, in the province of Misiones. This is Argentina’s most famous landmark, shared with Brazil and in 2011, it was elected as one of the “New 7 Wonders of Nature.” And it truly is. Many travellers visit Argentina just to get to this natural park and explore its waterfalls, as well as the different circuits of the park where you’ll find jungle vegetation and all kinds of creatures, from giant ants and butterflies to cheerful monkeys hanging from the trees.

Besides, staying in the city of Iguazú, is a very enjoyable experience. With its nice bars, restaurants, shops and delicious river fish to try, it’s one of the main tourist spots of the country and it’s prepared to make you feel comfortable and show you a good time.

And if you want to see more of the east, you can go down from Misiones to provinces like Corrientes or Entre Rios, where you can spend a relaxing holiday going to different thermal bath complexes, with a picnic by the Uruguay River, and again, don’t miss out on the river fish, specially the Surubí.

Iguazú Falls

Address: Misiones, Argentina

Website: Iguazú Falls

3. 3. The mountain region - Hiking and wine tasting

In the central-eastern part of the country, you’ll find the region of Cuyo, famous for its mountains and especially its wine. The most delicious wine from Argentina comes from the provinces of Mendoza, San Juan and San Luis.

Here you can spend days walking different paths through the mountains and practicing adventure sports. Cuyo has some of the most popular tourist attractions in Argentina and the highest mountain massifs in the Andes, including Aconcagua itself. The weather during spring and summer is usually beautiful, especially in places like the city of Merlo, in San Luis, with a micro climate due to being surrounded by low mountains. You can visit all year long and have a good time.

It’s also a very popular destination for skiing during the winter and places like Las Leñas, in Mendoza, are usually fully booked during the winter season.

4. 4. The Pampas region - So much to see

You can spend your entire holiday in only one province, in this region, but because each one has so much to offer, you’ll want to see them all. Especially in Córdoba, framed by a mountain system from the west and north, because in this region, it’s all about nature. Mountains, rivers, valleys and countryside - Córdoba is very popular among backpackers that enjoy adrenaline experiences, in the mountains or wish to get away from modern conveniences. A famous stop is the Cerro Uritorco, known for its alien sightings, during the night, if you can climb that high.

In Córdoba, it is mandatory that you try the famous Fernet Branca, a digestif that is best enjoyed by mixing this bitter beverage with Coke. A big attraction in Santa Fe is the city of Rosario, one of the biggest in Argentina. Try the river fish and the traditional “alfajores santafesinos.” La Pampa is more about the countryside. Experience rural life, by spending a few days in this province. You can do that too, in Buenos Aires province, and if you go to the west coast, you’ll have beaches to enjoy, in cities like Mar del Plata, Villa Gessel, Pinamar or Miramar.

5. 5. Patagonia - The deep deep south

One of the most popular destinations for tourists, in Argentina, is the south of the country and depending on when you go, you’ll have a completely different experience. During the winter, you’ll find yourself covered in snow. It’s perfect for skiing and a good destination is the city of Bariloche, in the province of Río Negro. You can also visit the glaciers in Santa Cruz, way to the south, and try a whale watching tour. And don’t miss a chance to visit the amazing Perito Moreno Glacier, also located in this province.

If you go during the summer, it’s the same mountain scenery, but all green, with blue rivers where you can swim, a lot of hiking possibilities and many locals who choose the south as a holiday destination. A very famous and trendy spot is El Bolsón, a town in Río Negro - very touristic and very well-known for its hippie community, that lives here, all year long.

The Argentinian Patagonia is a paradise, where you’ll live adventures beyond your dreams. And don’t forget to try the Patagonian lamb.

Perito Moreno Glacier

Address: El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina

Website: Perito Moreno Glacier

Explore all the nature of the world in one country

Just by taking a look at the pictures, you can see that every possible climate and ecosystem are all together, in Argentina. Such a big country can take a long time to see, but if you are looking for specifics, this guide will come handy, for your planning.

Whether you are in the mood for green or snowy mountains, beaches of the ocean or river, eating fish or lamb, tasting chocolate or wine - there’s nothing you won’t find in Argentina. Have the adventure of your life and get in touch with nature.

You won’t regret your visit.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Roel, a journalist hailing from Argentina, is a passionate traveler and writer, fortunate to merge both of his deepest interests. He embarked on a journey, leaving his homeland with a one-way...Read more

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