I still remember the moment I first looked at a map and realized just how massive this country really is. I found myself asking, where is Argentina exactly in relation to everything else? It sits right at the bottom of South America, stretching all the way down towards Antarctica. It feels like the very edge of the world.
When I finally arrived, the reality was even bigger than the map. This country is a place of extreme contrasts. You can be sweating in a tropical jungle one day and watching ice crash off a massive glacier the next.
If you are asking what is Argentina known for, the easy answers are steak, football, and tango. But during my travels, I found so much more. I found silence in the desert, thunder in the waterfalls, and a warmth in the people that made me feel instantly at home.
Planning a trip here can be overwhelming because there is simply so much ground to cover. To help you navigate this incredible land, I have put together my personal list of the top 10 things to do in Argentina. These are the experiences that defined my journey and I hope they will define yours too.
1. Get Lost in the Streets of Buenos Aires
My trip began in the capital, and it is the perfect place to start. Buenos Aires is not just another Argentina city. It is a living, breathing creature with a European soul and a Latin American heart.
I spent my first few days just walking. I wandered through the neighborhood of San Telmo. The cobblestone streets here are lined with old colonial buildings that are peeling in the most beautiful way. On Sundays, the streets fill with a massive antiques market. I saw dancers performing the tango right on the sidewalk. It wasn’t a show for tourists. It felt like a genuine expression of the city’s passion.
You have to visit La Boca as well. You have probably seen photos of the colorful tin houses on Caminito street. It is vibrant and loud, but do not just stay for the photos. Sit down at a cafe and watch the world go by.
Make sure to visit the Recoleta Cemetery. It sounds strange to recommend a cemetery, but it is essentially a city within a city. The mausoleums are grand and intricate. I spent hours reading the names and wondering about the stories behind them, including the famous grave of Eva Perón.
2. Feel the Power of Iguazu Falls
After the city, I flew north to the border with Brazil. I had seen waterfalls before, or at least I thought I had. Iguazu Falls completely redefined the word for me.
The park is a jungle environment. It is humid and green, full of butterflies and coatis scurrying around the paths. As I walked the trails, I could hear the roar of the water long before I saw it.
The highlight is the Devil’s Throat. You take a train and then walk along a metal catwalk over the river. When you reach the edge, the earth seems to open up. The water crashes down with such force that the spray creates permanent clouds. I stood there soaking wet, unable to hear my own thoughts. It is a visceral reminder of nature’s power.
If you are wondering what to do in Argentina for a true adrenaline rush, take the boat ride that goes under the falls. You will get drenched, but the feeling of being that close to the cascading water is something I will never forget.
3. Trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier
I then headed south, deep into Patagonia Argentina. This region is legendary for a reason. My destination was El Calafate, the gateway to the glaciers.
Seeing the Perito Moreno Glacier for the first time is a shock to the system. It is not just a patch of ice. It is a wall of blue ice that stretches as far as the eye can see. It is one of the few glaciers in the world that is still advancing.
I decided to do the “mini trekking” excursion. We strapped crampons onto our boots and walked right onto the ice surface. It felt like walking on another planet. The ice creates deep blue crevasses and small lagoons.
Every few minutes, you hear a sound like a gunshot or thunder. It is the sound of the ice cracking and shifting. If you are lucky, you will see a massive chunk of ice calve off the face of the glacier and crash into the lake below. It is easily one of the best places to visit in Argentina if you love nature.
4. Hiking Mount Fitz Roy in El Chaltén
From El Calafate, I took a bus to El Chaltén. This small town is known as the hiking capital of the country. The vibe here is totally different. Everyone walks around in hiking boots and technical gear.
The main attraction is Mount Fitz Roy. The jagged granite peaks look like shark teeth piercing the sky. I woke up before dawn to start the hike to Laguna de los Tres. The trail is long and the final kilometer is a steep, punishing climb.
But the reward is worth every step. When I crested the final ridge, the view took my breath away. The turquoise lake sits right at the base of the granite wall. I sat on a rock, ate my sandwich, and just stared at the mountains.
Even if you are not a hardcore hiker, there are easier trails that offer stunning views. The energy of the town is all about adventure, and you can feel the excitement in the air every morning as people set out.
5. Taste the High Altitude Wines of Mendoza
After all that hiking, I needed to relax. I flew west to Mendoza, the heart of wine country. This area is located right at the foot of the Andes mountains. The backdrop of snow capped peaks behind the green vineyards is spectacular.
I rented a bicycle to explore the wineries in the Maipú region. It is a fun way to get around. You cycle down tree lined roads, stopping at different vineyards to taste their Malbec.
Argentine Malbec is famous worldwide, but tasting it here is different. The high altitude and the sun give the wine a unique flavor profile. I learned so much about the production process from the local winemakers.
Lunch at a winery is a must. I had a multi course meal paired with different wines, sitting outside in the sun. It was a day of pure indulgence. If you enjoy food and drink, this is one of the essential things to do in Argentina.
6. Explore the Colors of Salta and the Northwest
I wanted to see a different side of the country, so I headed to the northwest region, specifically Salta Argentina. The landscape here changes completely. It turns into a high altitude desert filled with giant cacti and red rock formations.
The city of Salta itself is beautiful, with well preserved colonial architecture and a relaxed pace. But the real adventure is the road trip through the Quebrada de Humahuaca.
I drove through villages that felt timeless. The highlight was the Hill of Seven Colors in Purmamarca. The layers of sediment in the mountain create a rainbow effect that looks painted on.
Further north, I visited the Salinas Grandes. These are massive salt flats that stretch to the horizon. Standing on the white salt crust with the blue sky above messes with your perspective. It is a surreal landscape that feels completely isolated from the rest of the world.
7. Journey to the End of the World in Ushuaia
I couldn’t leave without going to the very end. Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. It sits on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago.
The slogan here is “End of the World, Beginning of Everything.” It feels appropriate. The weather is wild and unpredictable. The mountains rise straight out of the sea.
I took a boat tour through the Beagle Channel. We sailed past islands covered in sea lions and cormorants. Seeing the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, often called the lighthouse at the end of the world, was a bucket list moment for me.
I also visited Tierra del Fuego National Park. The hiking here is different from the north. You walk through peat bogs and forests of gnarled beech trees. It feels ancient and untouched.
8. Eat Chocolate and See Lakes in Bariloche
Bariloche feels like a piece of Switzerland dropped into South America. The architecture is alpine style, with wood and stone buildings. And yes, there is chocolate everywhere.
The main street is lined with chocolate shops. I admit I spent a good amount of time sampling truffles and hot chocolate. But the real draw is the scenery.
This is the Lake District. The water in the lakes is a deep, clear blue. I drove the Seven Lakes Route, which connects Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes. It is one of the most scenic drives I have ever taken. Every turn reveals a new lake, a new mountain, or a new forest.
In the summer, you can kayak and hike. In the winter, it is a major ski destination. It is a year round paradise that offers a perfect mix of comfort and wilderness.
9. Whales and Wildlife at Peninsula Valdes
If you love animals, you have to go to the Atlantic coast. Peninsula Valdes is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a sanctuary for marine wildlife.
I visited Puerto Madryn, the main town in the area. From there, I went to the peninsula. Depending on the season, you can see different animals. I was there during whale season.
Southern Right Whales come here to breed. I took a boat tour and the whales were incredibly curious. One swam right under our boat. Seeing an animal that size so close up is a humbling experience.
But it is not just whales. I saw elephant seals lounging on the beach, penguins waddling around, and guanacos running through the scrub. It is basically a safari by the sea.
10. Experience the Gaucho Culture
Throughout my trip, I kept hearing about the gauchos. These are the Argentine cowboys, symbols of the country’s rural traditions. I decided to spend a day at an estancia, or a ranch, just outside of Buenos Aires in a town called San Antonio de Areco.
This was the perfect way to wrap up my understanding of the culture. I watched gauchos demonstrate their horse riding skills. It was impressive to see the bond between the rider and the horse.
We had a traditional asado lunch. Asado is not just a barbecue. It is a ritual. Large cuts of meat are cooked slowly over a wood fire. The flavor is smoky and delicious.
Sitting there, sharing a meal and listening to folk music, I realized that while the landscapes of Argentina are stunning, it is the culture and the spirit of the people that make it truly special.
Final Thoughts on My Argentine Adventure
My time in Argentina changed me. It taught me to appreciate the scale of nature and the joy of a slow meal. Whether you are hiking in Patagonia Argentina or sipping wine in Mendoza, the country demands that you be present.
So, if you are still wondering what to do in Argentina, my advice is to pick a few of these regions and dive deep. Do not try to rush. The distances are long and the magic happens in the moments between the destinations.
From the northern deserts of Salta Argentina to the southern tips of the world, this country is an adventure waiting to happen. Pack your bags, bring your appetite, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.
