Do you want to venture somewhere new but still with some familiar elements from home? If so, you should be booking an Argentina guided tour right now!
Deemed to be among the most culturally diverse countries in the world, the Land of Silver is a potpourri of cultures—with hints of native South American, European, and a few Asian cultures that offer a little something for everyone. In Argentina, it is quite easy to feel at home, no matter your country of origin.
Aside from its global charms, though, Argentina is a country that reels in tourists from all over the world for its immense beauty and eclectic culture. Argentina has a way of seducing visitors with its gaucho culture, streetside tango, wafting grills, love of fútbol, and the mighty Andes mountain that will surely satisfy your wanderlust.
You will also surely enjoy its contrasts—from lively cities to tranquil wildernesses, majestic waterfalls to soaring mountains, as well as wetlands abundant with biodiverse wildlife, magnificent architecture, and, of course, their world-renowned steakhouses. If you are unsure where to visit to get the whole Argentinian package, here’s a guide to help you out:
Iguazú Falls, Parque Nacional Iguazú
The marvelous falls of Iguazú lie along Argentina's border with Brazil, flanked by lush subtropical rainforests. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its stunning waterfalls, which are unarguably the most spectacular sight you will see in South America.
One of the most fascinating things about the Iguazú Falls is that it is made up of approximately 150 to 300 individual waterfalls—a number that changes depending on the season. With varying heights between 60 to 82 meters, each waterfall merges with the other to form an otherworld sight.
You would be delighted to know that when you visit the Iguazú Falls, you can get quite close to these thundering falls—which is all thanks to a network of walkways and vantage points designed to furnish the best possible views.
If you are feeling dauntless, you can even view the waterfalls right at its bottom—an area monikered as Garganta del Diablo or the Devil's Throat because of the seething mass of white water that produces a deafening roar and sends up great clouds of spray as it falls. It also offers beautiful trails, which are only 650 meters along the Sendero Verde path to the Cataratas station, and about 2300 meters to the Garganta del Diablo.
And if you’re lucky enough, you might even spot some rare capuchin monkeys along the way.
The best thing about this tourist spot is that you wouldn’t have to worry about convenience at all while enjoying nature at its purest form because the entrance complex offers various amenities, such as lockers for your things that can’t get wet, some ATMs, and even a restaurant that serves delicious local dishes. You can also visit their exhibition called Yvyrá-retã and Guaraní life, which features the life of indigenous people, their traditions, and culture.
Serranía de Hornocal, Jujuy Province
A landscape truly worth beholding one’s gaze, the Serranía de Hornocal in Jujuy Province is a mountain that showcases layers upon layers of different vibrant colors of limestone with varying compositions of minerals, creating a rainbow of colors. Serranía de Hornocal’s peaks reach up to 15,620 feet (4761 meters) above sea level. These peaks get their mesmerizing colors and patterns from limestone formations known as Yacoraite that were eroded as time went by.
This stunning landscape can be found 25 kilometers east of Humahuaca. The best time to visit Serranía de Hornocal is around 4:00 PM onwards until the sun sets and brings out its vivid hues. Upon crossing the bridge, turn left and follow the road leading to a 4000-meter pass uphill. From this point, turn right and continue driving for another 1700 meters, and you’ll reach the viewpoint offering the best panoramic view of this mountainous wonder.
Parque Nacional Talampaya, La Rioja Province
One might think that nature’s erosive force over time is something to be feared, but the spectacular rock formations and canyons of Parque Nacional Talampaya are proof that something beautiful can be born in the face of destruction.
The Talampaya is a national park nestled at the east center of La Rioja Province in Argentina. Owing to its magnificence, this park was designated a provincial reserve in 1975, later on granted the title of a national park in 1997, and finally, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The first thing that will catch your eye in this national park is its majestic sandstone cliffs standing tall, with distant mountainscapes as the backdrop.
From the visitor’s center, the trip takes about two and a half hours, where you will be ferried in mini busses, although there’s also a bit of walking involved, but we promise it’s not something you can’t handle. Before the trip in this dusty landscape, make sure you pack some water, sunscreen, or any protection from the fierce sun, as well as some extra clothes to change into.
Perito Moreno Glacier, Parque Nacional Los Glaciares
The world-famous Glaciar Perito Moreno makes for a stunning centerpiece of the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. Prepare to be in jaw-dropping awe of the Earth's most dynamic and accessible ice fields that measure about 30 kilometers long, 5 kilometers wide, and 60 meters high.
But what truly makes it an exceptional world wonder is the fact that it is constantly moving bit by bit, earning it the title of the “liveliest” glacier in Patagonia because it is continuously moving on Argentino Lake at a rate of 2 meters per day.
Watching the glaciers ever so slowly drifting off is such a tranquil and thrilling experience at the same time. The best views are at the 4000-meter-long steel catwalks that provide excellent vantage points for seeing, hearing, and taking pictures and videos of the glacier.