With over 12,400 acres (5,000 hectares of vineyards reaching altitudes of up to 5,500 feet (1676 meters; Bodegas Salentein is one of Mendoza’s largest wine estates. At the heart of the Uco Valley, the modern Bodega is known for its pioneering wine-growing methods and a range of fine Argentinian wines that are exported around the globe.
‘Bull Gorge’ is about as dramatic as the name suggests. Blazed into the red landscape, the canyon cuts through rock pillars so angular and varied in shape that they look like chess pieces. Located to the west of Salta, it’s great for road-tripping or exploring via the narrow-gauge railway.
The Evita Museum (Museo Evita) is devoted to Eva Perón, the subject of the stage and film musical of the same name and one of Argentina’s most polarizing historical figures. A series of exhibits, including personal effects and memorabilia, chronicle Evita’s life, from her childhood through her political career.
Only reachable via one of Patagonia’s most iconic treks, Laguna de los Tres is an ultra-marine lake with a backdrop of jagged mountains. The glacier lake sits in the shadow of Mt. Fitz Roy, a mountain that threatens one of the planet’s most-challenging ascents. The trek to the lake is 1 miles (25 kilometers long.
Victoria Island (Isla Victoria)—the largest island in Nahuel Huapi lake—lies at the heart of the eponymous national park. The island is characterized by rugged coastline, volcanic black-sand beaches, and pine forest, and features a backdrop of snow-capped peaks; all of which make it one of the most picturesque spots in Argentina’s Lakelands.
Established in 1996 to protect the high elevation vegetation of the colorful sierras and dry gorges of Salta Province, Los Cardones National Park gets its name from the column-like cactus plants that thrive in this high-altitude climate. Many animals live in the national park, including more than 100 species of birds.
What do you do when you’re in rural Argentina? Feast on churrasco and enjoy a lively dance show, of course. Just across the Brazilian border in Foz do Iguaçu, the Rafain Churrascaria dinner show gives a flamboyant introduction to Central and South American music, dress, and dance, alongside an all-you-can-eat churrasco buffet.
The glittering lakes of Nahuel Huapi, Espejo, Correntoso, Villarino, Falkner, Machónico, and Lácar are the star attractions of the aptly named Road of the Seven Lakes (Ruta de Siete Lagos). Running through the heart of the Patagonian lake district, the 65-mile (108-kilometer) drive is one of the most spectacular in Argentina.
In the heart of Mendoza’s Uco Valley, Fair Trade and organic winery Domaine Bousquet leads the way in ethical wine production. For the past 25 years, they’ve continually sought to improve on their methods, from recycling anything they’re not able to reuse to irrigating their vineyards in the most efficient way possible. With enough room for a whopping 2.5 million liters of wine—not to mention a backdrop of the often snow-capped Andes—the winery’s diverse tastings and on-site amenities are more than worth checking out.
Nestled in the heart of Buenos Aires, the Paz Palace is a testament to the city's architectural splendor. This magnificent neoclassical palace offers visitors a captivating journey through time and culture. With 140 illustrious rooms across 129,000 square feet (12,000 square meters), the former residence provides much to explore.
Perched on a hilltop just outside the village of Tilcara in Jujuy province, the Pucará de Tilcara is a pre-Inca fortification that affords views over the Humahuaca Ravine (Quebrada de Humahuaca). A National Monument and the only publicly accessible archaeological site within the Humahuaca Ravine, it’s estimated to date back to the 10th century AD.
In Argentina’s dry and rugged northwest, Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop’s Slope) is a winding unpaved road of multiple hairpin bends that offers a thrilling driving or mountain biking experience that is not for the faint of heart.
If you’re planning a road trip through Argentina’s Lake District, this 65-mile (108-kilometer) stretch is hands down the most scenic route. Following National Route 40 between San Martin de los Andes and Villa La Angostura, the easily accessible road takes you past mountains, beech forests, and waterfalls, along with two national parks and some of Patagonia’s most beautiful alpine lakes.
Buenos Aires ranks among South America’s most popular ports of call, featuring on expedition cruises to Patagonia and trips through the Panama Canal. The Buenos Aires Cruise Port sits near the heart of the city, with both plenty to do in the surrounds and farther afield.
Within the parameters of Nahuel Huapi National Park, you’ll find Belfry Hill (Cerro Campanario—a 3,442-foot (1,050-meter hill that reveals what are said to be the best views in Bariloche. From the hill summit, see San Pedro Peninsula, Lake Moreno, the Llao Llao Peninsula, and several snow-capped mountains.
The Wanda Mines(Minas de Wanda), located less than 40 miles (60 kilometers) from Puerto Iguazu in the rain forest along the Paraná River, are home to some of the best agate, amethyst, quartz, and topaz found in Argentina. The small-scale mines don’t use heavy explosives and are an excellent place to learn more about the geological processes that form gemstones.
Perched atop El Calafate’s nearest peak, with access to a vast stretch of snow-blanketed slopes and rugged mountain trails, Calafate Mountain Park offers a host of adventures. Skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling can be done in winter while hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking in summer.
Glacial Lake Moreno (Lago Moreno) lies in the Río Negro province of Argentina, near Bariloche. It covers more than 4,000 acres (1,618 hectares), and its waters are warmer than other lakes in the area, making it a popular destination for water sports and swimming. Along its shores are two small resort towns, Colonia Suiza and Villa Llao Llao.
The Kavanagh Building is one of the city's architectural masterpieces, situated on the edge of Buenos Aires' famous Plaza General San Martin. Once the tallest building in Latin America, its rich history and captivating design make it a must-visit stop on any sightseeing itinerary for architecture enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
Located in the moder Puerto Madero neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Madero Tango is a dance hall with many extras. The building offers panoramic views of the old port, and its nightly show guides guests through the evolution of tango, from its golden age to today, with a live orchestra, electronic music, and the fusion of genres.
This whitewashed colonial church, built by Franciscans in 1732, sits alongside the city’s famous Recoleta Cemetery. Buenos Aires’ elite often stage weddings here, and tourists come to see the church’s six baroque altars, including one overlaid with Incan ornamentation and engraved silver from Peru.
With a history dating back to 1883, Trapiche Winery(Bodega Trapiche) is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the Mendoza wine region. Along with its award-winning malbecs—exported to more than 40 countries around the world—the winery produces a wide variety of wines including sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, syrah, and chardonnay.
From the nomadic gauchos of the Pampas to the skilled champions of polo, Argentina’s illustrious equestrian history draws horse lovers from all over the world. One of Buenos Aires’ principal equestrian venues is the art nouveau–style Argentinean Palermo Hippodrome (Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo).
An atmospheric tango venue in the heart of tango legend Carlos Gardel’s neighborhood, Catulo Tango treats guests to an intimate tango experience. With 10 costumed dancers taking to the stage, accompanied by live musicians and tango singers—the performance is a fitting tribute to the city’s tango legacy.
The spectacular natural landscapes surrounding the small town of El Chaltén have earned it the accolade of Argentina’s hiking capital—and the trail leading to Laguna Torre makes it easy to see why. The name refers to the hiking route and the glacier lake, which forms part of Los Glaciares National Park.
With its tufa-brick façade, slate roof, and wooden balconies, the Bariloche Civic Center (Centro Cívico) pays homage to the town’s German and Swiss heritage. Dominating the central square, the complex is classified as a National Historic Monument and offers great views of Nahuel Huapi Lake.
The Garibaldi Pass, at just under 1,500 feet (450 meters) above sea level, is tame by mountain pass standards. The views, however, are anything but tame. A sweeping panorama takes in the 60-mile-long (97-kilometer-long) Lake Fagnano, the Magallanes-Fagnano fault between the Scotia and South American plates, and neighboring Chile.
Arrayanes Forest (Bosque de Arrayanes), named after the rare Arrayán trees that grow along the northern shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake, is Los Arrayanes National Park's star attraction. Covering more than 4,000 acres (1,600 hectares) along the Quetrihué Peninsula, it’s a picturesque spot for hiking and wildlife watching.
A poker-straight highway stretching for almost 11 miles (18 km through the Calchaquí Valleys and flanked by cacti-dotted plains; the Tin Tin Straight Line (Recta de Tin Tin is a highlight of any Salta road trip. Laid out by the Incas and now part of the Route 33 highway, it serves as the dramatic entryway to Los Cardones National Park.
Rising up from San Martin Park, the Hill of Glory (Cerro de la Gloria) is one of Mendoza’s most recognizable landmarks. Perched on a small hill, the 14-ton bronze monument was designed by Juan Manual Ferrari to honor the Army of the Andres, who fought during the 19th-century Battle of Independence.
