Argentina is a country of incredible landscapes and many climatic zones. These are the severely beautiful Patagonia in the south, the powerful Iguazu Falls in the northeast, the vibrant vibrant Buenos Aires, the sunny vineyard Mendoza and the moonlit valley of Ischigualasto. We tell you what places you should definitely visit in Argentina on your next vacation.
How to get around
Distances in Argentina are huge. You can travel between cities by land transport (buses or trains), it is better to fly to remote parts of the country (for example, Patagonia or Iguazu Falls) by plane – this way you can save a day and more. Renting a car in Buenos Aires will cost from $120* per day.
What to see in Argentina
Buenos Aires
Elegant but always bustling, Buenos Aires embodies the very essence of Argentina: in every quarter of the city, someone is either dancing, or singing, or painting. Its compact green center, where neat high-rise buildings alternate with 19th-century buildings, is reminiscent of the secluded corners of Paris, and each block has its own character and charm.
In the vibrant port area of La Boca, you can watch tango dancers and street artists. At the Recoleta cemetery, which looks like a mini-city, look at the mausoleums where Argentine celebrities are buried. In the fashionable office district of Puerto Madero, converted buildings house upscale steakhouses, where you should try the main Argentine dish – asado (charcoal grilled meat). Behind this quarter, the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve begins – a place for secluded walks and relaxation from the bustle of the city. And people come to the fashionable district of Palermo to sit in the best restaurants, bars and go shopping.
You can move around the city by metro, buses, metrobus or taxi. Pay with a conveniently rechargeable Sube card.
Where to stay in Buenos Aires
- Circus Hostel – from $15* per night per person;
- Hotel Frossard — from $20* per night per person;
- Sarmiento Palace Hotel – from $45* per night per person.
Cordova
This trendy Argentine metropolis with Spanish colonial architecture is often overlooked. But if you want to enjoy the nightlife and cultural life, then Cordoba is worth adding to your list. It is home to the country’s oldest universities, several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and contemporary art galleries.
Admire the heritage of the Jesuits during the day as you walk around the neighborhood of the same name. Visit the Evita Museum of Fine Arts and Sarmiento Park, and in the Nueva Cordova area, check out the bars and clubs that party all night. You can also climb the mystical mountain Uritorko, where ritual ceremonies were held and, according to rumors, UFOs were observed.
Where to stay in Cordoba
- HA! Hostel y Residencia — from $20* per night per person;
- NH Córdoba Urbano – from $55* per night per person;
- Kube Apartments Express – from $45* per night per person.
Iguazu Falls
To admire the Argentine part of the famous giant Iguazu Falls, you need to get to the city of Puerto Iguazu. We recommend flying here, as already upon landing a truly breathtaking view opens up.
Entrance ticket to Iguazu National Park costs 2000 rubles*. There are several viewing platforms where you can see the waterfalls from all sides. Thrill-seekers ride a speedboat right under the falling water. In addition, the waterfalls are surrounded by picturesque jungles, through which hiking trails are laid – book a day for a walk in the park.
Where to stay in Puerto Iguazu
- Posada Los Tajibos — from $35* per person per night;
- Hostel Iguazu Falls — from $20* per night per person;
- Jasy Hotel – from $60* per night per person.
Region of Mendoza
The Mendoza region is the cradle of Argentinean winemaking, with some of the best vineyards in the country. This is a mecca for all Malbec lovers. Come to the eponymous city of Mendoza, it is just located between two valleys of vineyards, Valle de Uco and Lujan de Cuyo, and go on a tour of the surrounding wineries and city wineries. This can be done even by bike, rent is available in the city.
Mendoza was also chosen by gauchos – Argentine cowboys. Many people here have ranches to which they call tourists and organize horse rides and traditional dinners for them.
Where to stay in Mendoza
- Mora International Hostel – from $15* per night per person;
- Bari – from $30* per night per person;
- Apartamentos Mendoza – from $95* per night per person.
Los Glaciares National Park
Los Glaciares National Park in the southern Andes attracts nature and trekking lovers. This is the territory of Southern Patagonia and here is the grandiose Perito Moreno glacier (the third largest freshwater reserve on the planet), the largest freshwater lake in Argentina – Lago Argentino, and the Fitzroy mountain range.
To see the main attractions of the park, you need to plan overnight stays in the city of El Calafate and the town of El Chalten. It is better to fly to El Calafate. This is the “gateway to the Argentine glaciers”, from here they go on trekking or on a boat trip to Perito Moreno. You can look at the glacier for free from observation platforms, and for a fee you can go on a water excursion or climb right on it. Then, by rented car or bus, you can drive along the scenic road to El Chalten, from where routes to the rest of the park begin.
Where to stay
El Calafate
- America Del Sur Calafate Hostel – from $40* per night per person;
- Bla Guest House — from $20* per night per person;
- Hotel Picos Del Sur — from $75* per night per person.
El Chalten
- Hosteria Don Atilio — from $35* per night per person;
- Hostería Punta Sur en Lago del Desierto – from $55* per night per person;
- Inlandsis — from $85* per night per person.
Ushuaia
Harsh Ushuaia on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago on the shores of the Beagle Channel was a missionary stronghold, a penal colony and a naval base. Now it is known as the “End of the World” and “Gateway to Antarctica” – cruises to the southernmost continent and tours to Tierra del Fuego Park start from here.
Of the attractions in the city itself, there are several museums, including the prison museum. Tourists also go on excursions to Martillo Island, where colonies of Magellanic penguins live (from 7,500 rubles *), go on a trek to Esmeralda Lagoon and cruise along the Beagle Channel to the southernmost lighthouse Les Eclaireurs (Les Eclaireurs; from 7,000 rubles *).
Regular flights fly to Ushuaia, including from Buenos Aires and El Calafate.
Where to stay
- Hotel Austral Ushuaia — from $85* per night per person;
- Mirador del Beagle Hosteria — from $50 per night per person;
- YAGHAN HOSTEL – from $35* per night per person.
Tierra del Fuego National Park (Tierra del Fuego)
Tierra del Fuego National Park is located in southern Argentina, where the Andes drop abruptly into icy waters leading to Antarctica. It is a windy and cold region where Patagonian forests coexist with snow-capped mountains, rivers, waterfalls and glacial lakes.
The National Park is so big that it will take two or three days to see all its corners. The total length of hiking trails of varying difficulty is more than 40 km. On the territory of the park there are campsites where you can spend the night with your tent for free.
You can get to the park on your own by car, transfers from Ushuaia hotels or with a full-day excursion (from 10,000 rubles *). An entrance ticket for a day for foreigners costs 1600 rubles *, on the second day they give a 50% discount.
Also, the tourist train Tren Fin del Mundo runs through the park with a steam locomotive on a narrow gauge railway built by prisoners at the beginning of the 20th century. Ticket — from 3650 rubles*, entrance to the park is not included.
*Prices are valid at the time of publication