Argentina, the eighth-largest country on the planet, is a hidden gem. With stunning landscapes, rich culture, and mouth-watering food, it’s surprising how often it flies under the radar of international travelers. After spending four months living in Argentina, I’m excited to share my top five favorite places in this amazing country that you’ve probably never heard of. Whether you're chasing the thrill of the remotest places or simply seeking beauty, here’s why Argentina deserves a spot on your travel list.
Let’s start our journey at the edge of the world: Ushuaia. Known as the gateway to Antarctica, Ushuaia is often overlooked beyond its icy expeditions to the great south. But it’s so much more than just a pit stop.The city itself is full of charm. It has unique German-inspired architecture, giving it a quaint yet rugged vibe. Honestly, being there, it feels like you really are standing at the last point on earth. Despite being remote, Ushuaia surprises with its range of high-quality hotels and restaurants. The food scene is solid, and the views? Breathtaking. From the jagged mountains surrounding the city to the ships docked in the harbor, the scenery sets the tone for pure adventure.But it’s what lies outside the city that truly makes Ushuaia special.From the frigid south to the arid north, our next stop is the stunning Quebrada region, further up near the Bolivian border.This region couldn’t be more different from the rest of Argentina. The landscape here is drier, more desert-like, with towering rock formations, and the culture is rich with indigenous influences. In contrast to the European feel that dominates cities like Buenos Aires, you'll find vivid traces of Argentina's indigenous past here.Next, we head toward the Chilean border to San Carlos de Bariloche, often touted as Argentina’s skiing capital and a must-visit if you’re here during the winter months.Off-season? No worries. Bariloche is still an incredible destination worth visiting in spring, summer, or fall. Interestingly, Bariloche feels like you’ve stepped into a European village. The area was settled by large groups of German, Swiss, and Austrian immigrants whose presence influenced the local architecture and cuisine. It almost feels like you’ve been transported to a small German Alps village—but in Argentina.For outdoor enthusiasts, El Chaltén is the ultimate destination. Located in the northern part of Argentine Patagonia, this town is a hub for hiking and jaw-dropping vistas.It’s a warm community, with travelers coming and going—making it a bustling and energetic town. Getting to El Chaltén involves either a rental car or bus from El Calafate, another scenic drive through rugged, unspoiled terrain.Finally, we move to the edge of Argentina’s border with Brazil at Iguazu Falls. Though it’s more well-known than some other spots, Iguazu still deserves so much more attention than it gets. These waterfalls are among the most stunning in the world.
Ushuaia: The Southernmost City on Earth
Let’s start our journey at the edge of the world: Ushuaia. Known as the gateway to Antarctica, Ushuaia is often overlooked beyond its icy expeditions to the great south. But it’s so much more than just a pit stop.The city itself is full of charm. It has unique German-inspired architecture, giving it a quaint yet rugged vibe. Honestly, being there, it feels like you really are standing at the last point on earth. Despite being remote, Ushuaia surprises with its range of high-quality hotels and restaurants. The food scene is solid, and the views? Breathtaking. From the jagged mountains surrounding the city to the ships docked in the harbor, the scenery sets the tone for pure adventure.But it’s what lies outside the city that truly makes Ushuaia special.Esmeralda Lagoon
Take a short 20-minute taxi ride, and you’ll find yourself on a hiking trail to Esmeralda Lagoon. This hike is moderately easy, but don't let that fool you— the landscapes are unbelievable. As you make your way through Patagonia’s wild beauty, you’ll end at a glistening lagoon that feels otherworldly. Its peaceful serenity makes the short trip totally worth it.Train at the End of the World
Another must-do activity is the Train at the End of the World. Once used by prisoners to transport timber, this train has been converted into a popular ride that takes you through Tierra del Fuego National Park (Land of Fire). Majestic snowy mountain peaks, wild horses running alongside the train, and sprawling forests make this one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Plus, you can even mail a postcard from the end-of-the-world Post Office, literally stamping your passport at one of the southernmost stops on the planet.Penguin Tour to Martillo Island
If you’re a fan of wildlife, then you can’t leave Ushuaia without visiting Martillo Island, home to thousands of penguins. You can take a boat ride with Piratour and walk side by side with these hilarious little creatures. They’re so curious that some might even tug on your shoelaces! I promise, there’s nothing like getting up close with these tiny penguins. From the panoramic views to the wildlife, Ushuaia is more than just an Antarctic jump-off point—it’s a must-see destination within Argentina.Quebrada: A Journey to the Northern Borders
From the frigid south to the arid north, our next stop is the stunning Quebrada region, further up near the Bolivian border.This region couldn’t be more different from the rest of Argentina. The landscape here is drier, more desert-like, with towering rock formations, and the culture is rich with indigenous influences. In contrast to the European feel that dominates cities like Buenos Aires, you'll find vivid traces of Argentina's indigenous past here.A Culinary Experience Like No Other
Quebrada’s food isn’t just good—it’s unforgettable. We savored unique local dishes like peanut soup and llama meat (yes, llama!), and I still dream about the tortilla regenes—crispy, thin tortillas that are just pure delight. The food here, blended with culture, makes it one of my favorite spots in Argentina.The Rainbow Mountain of Argentina
One of Quebrada’s natural wonders is the multicolored Cerro Hornocal, sometimes referred to as Argentina’s Rainbow Mountain. If you want to visit a place that feels like it’s straight out of another world, this is it. Be sure to visit during golden hour—the way the sunlight sets off the mountain’s natural colors is nothing short of jaw-dropping.Where to Stay
If you’re heading to Quebrada, you’ll likely fly into Salta and take a scenic drive up north. I recommend staying in Tilcara—a beautiful little town with a charm that’s hard to beat. However, Humahuaca is another great option. Both offer quaint accommodations with that small-town vibe, but Tilcara was a personal favorite for me.San Carlos de Bariloche: Argentina’s Skiing Capital
Next, we head toward the Chilean border to San Carlos de Bariloche, often touted as Argentina’s skiing capital and a must-visit if you’re here during the winter months.Off-season? No worries. Bariloche is still an incredible destination worth visiting in spring, summer, or fall. Interestingly, Bariloche feels like you’ve stepped into a European village. The area was settled by large groups of German, Swiss, and Austrian immigrants whose presence influenced the local architecture and cuisine. It almost feels like you’ve been transported to a small German Alps village—but in Argentina.Must-Do Activities
Bariloche’s natural beauty prevails in all seasons. You can enjoy kayaking on pristine lakes, hike some incredible mountain trails, or sip local craft beer at some of the area’s best breweries. With its unique mix of cultures and picturesque views, you’ll find no shortage of things to do.Llao Llao Hotel
You also have to check out Llao Llao Hotel, which is arguably the most iconic hotel in Argentina. Beyond the luxury, this hotel is steeped in history and surrounded by Patagonia’s stunning landscape. There are even rumors (unverified, of course) that Hitler may have spent time here after World War II, which just adds an extra layer of intrigue.El Chaltén: The Heart of Patagonia
For outdoor enthusiasts, El Chaltén is the ultimate destination. Located in the northern part of Argentine Patagonia, this town is a hub for hiking and jaw-dropping vistas.It’s a warm community, with travelers coming and going—making it a bustling and energetic town. Getting to El Chaltén involves either a rental car or bus from El Calafate, another scenic drive through rugged, unspoiled terrain.Hiking in El Chaltén: Fitz Roy
The real call to El Chaltén is Fitz Roy, one of Patagonia’s iconic mountains. Whether you’re doing a short trek or the more intense Laguna de los Tres hike, you’ll get incredible views the whole way. To experience Fitz Roy at its best, aim to hike at sunrise. Nothing beats the sun glowing over the mountain’s jagged peaks as the first light of day hits.I won’t forget the feeling—it was absolutely awe-inspiring. Look out, too, for the wildlife. Condors soaring above, llamas, and rheas (a type of South American ostrich) grazing on the plains. This place is magic.Iguazu Falls: Natural Wonder at the Border
Finally, we move to the edge of Argentina’s border with Brazil at Iguazu Falls. Though it’s more well-known than some other spots, Iguazu still deserves so much more attention than it gets. These waterfalls are among the most stunning in the world.
