Argentina attractions

In the Guarani tongue, güirá oga means “bird house,” and at this rescue center you'll find scores of extravagantly plumed residents—toucans, macaws, parrots, parakeets, owls, eagles, guans, tinamous, and many more—flitting about their spacious jungle enclosures. Birds are brought toGüirá Oga for rehabilitation and possible future release.

The perfect spot for adventurous travelers visiting Puerto Rico, Laguna del Condado is a lagoon used for a variety of watersports—including kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. This popular coastal spot between Laguna Beach and San Juan also attracts manatees (often nicknamed “sea cows”) who feast on the abundant seagrass.

The Fuegian Andes, which cross the entire Tierra Del Fuego Archipelago, are the southernmost chain of the Andes Mountains. Although rather small compared to other South American peaks, these mountains still look formidable as they rise straight out of the ocean to heights just over 8,200 feet (2,500 meters.

Bridging the gap between Plaza Italia and the sprawling Tres de Febrero Park, Buenos Aires Eco-Park forms a stretch of Palermo’s green lung. Once an urban zoo dating back to the late 19th century, the park has undergone an eco-friendly makeover, transforming into an enclosure-free eco-park with lush gardens, interactive exhibitions, and free-roaming animals.

Home to one of the only penguin rookeries in continental Argentina, Penguin Island (Isla Yecapasela) is a rocky islet in the Beagle Channel off the coast of Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica. While the waters of this Patagonian region are notoriously challenging to navigate, the bumpy ride is well worth it for the wildlife-watching opportunities—it’s home to thousands of Magellanic penguins, alongside Gentoo penguins and rock cormorants.

One of the most centrally located wineries in Cafayate, Bodega El Transito is a family-owned winery offering tours and tastings. Popular with visitors who don’t have a car or are short on time, this boutique winery provides quick and convenient tours and guided tastings. During a visit to this charming winery in Cafayate, sample malbec, cabernet sauvignon, torrontés, and other blends of these grapes.

Estancia Alice (Alice Ranch) offers visitors a glimpse into rural farm life in Patagonia. The huge property borders Argentino Lake and runs along the Centinela River, and opens its gates to visitors who wish to spend the day working the land and tending to sheep.

Less than an hour from Buenos Aires, Aquafan is one of the largest water parks in Argentina. With more than 17 different rides and activities, the park has something to keep the whole family entertained, from daring water slides to palm-fringed swimming pools.

The yellow-painted façade of Iglesia San José, with its simple cross and trio of church bells, stands at the heart of Cachi on Plaza 9 de Julio. The adobe church dates back to the late 18th century and is a national monument renowned for its cardon wood ceiling and richly decorated altar, the work of local artisans.

Discover the heart of Buenos Aires at Plaza de la Republica. Situated in the bustling San Nicolas neighborhood, this historic square holds a special place in the city's identity. This is most notably presented in the towering obelisk at the center of the square, commemorating the city's quadricentennial.

Located on the south shore of Lacár Lake in San Martin de los Andes, Quila Quina mixes holiday homes and culture. Here, on the string of sandy beaches looking out at Lanin National Park, modern lakefront vacation homes combine with the Mapuche village of Curruhuinca to form a unique Andean village. Daytrippers are drawn to Quila Quina for the lake views and natural attractions.

One of the first wineries in South America, dating from the 18th century, Navarro Correas is ingrained in Argentinian history and culture. Hosts to Polo Argentina, sponsors of the Argentinian Open, and boasting vibrant bottle labels designed by Argentinian artists, the winery exudes cool from every angle. Inside, you’ll find a wine room, reception room, art gallery, and two tasting rooms. Navarro Correas produces red and whites, though it’s particularly well-known for its sparkling wines—unusual in an area famed for Malbec.

Lake Steffen was named for geographer and explorer Hans Steffen, who was hired in the late 1800s to investigate the border dispute between Chile and Argentina. Covering an area of more than 1,450 acres (587 hectares), the glacial lake is a hidden gem fed by the Manso River and prized by fly fishers for its trout-filled waters.

One of the best places to pick up gifts and souvenirs in the quiet town of Puerto Iguazú, a base for exploring the Iguazú Falls UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the Puerto Iguazú Arts and Crafts Market. The market specializes in traditional Guaraní crafts, including yerba mate bombillas, woven baskets, ceramics,aho-poi (embroidered linen), and jewelry.

Plaza Independencia is San Miguel de Tucumán’s most important public square. It was named in celebration of Argentina’s declaration of independence, which took place at the Congress of Tucumán on July 9, 1816. Today, it remains a hub of activity and serves as a prime meeting point in the heart of downtown Tucumán.

At the heart of Cachi, a small town hidden in the mountains of the Calchaquí Valley, Plaza 9 de Julio is the epicenter of community life. The tree-lined plaza is also the first stop for visitors to Cachi and home to the town’s two most important landmarks―Iglesia San José and the Cachi Archeological Museum (Museo Arqueológico de Cachi “Pío Pablo Díaz”).

With its striking red-and-white facade that looks out over Plaza Independencia, the Museo Casa Padilla is one of San Miguel de Tucumán’s most notable 19th-century buildings. Inside, visitors can both admire a traditional colonial home and browse an impressive collection of European and Asian paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and antique furnishings.

Perched on the banks of the Suquía River in Córdoba, the Bicentennial Civic Center is unmissable thanks to its unique cement-and-glass architecture. Nicknamed El Panal (The Honeycomb), the structure is a modern contrast to the historical architecture of Córdoba’s center, which dates back hundreds of years.

Thrills await at Peñón del Águila Adventure Park, just outside of Córdoba, Argentina. The theme park offers an array of activities spread across 494 acres (200 hectares) of Argentinean wilderness. Ziplining, rock climbing, and hiking are just some of the choices the outdoor haven has to offer.

On the coast of San Clemente del Tuyú, amid the wooded headlands of Punta Rasa peninsula, the Termas Marinas Thermal Water Park offers an idyllic setting for relaxation. Fed by natural hot springs, the park features thermal baths and hydrotherapy pools, as well as slides, water play areas, and activities for the whole family.

Boasting the title of Códoba’s highest peak, Cerro Champaquí towers above the province from its perch 9,153 feet (2,790 meters) above sea level. Whichever of the several ascent options you choose—each cater to different abilities and difficulty levels—you’re guaranteed to encounter granite formations, mayten forests, panoramic views of valleys and mountains, and a lagoon shrouded in ancient legend.

Some of Argentina’s most striking landscapes can be found at La Payunia Provincial Reserve, one of the largest volcanic areas in South America. The 1,100-acre (445 hectare) nature reserve is home to hundreds of extinct volcanoes, as well as prairie lands, lakes, and lava fields. The Rio Grande courses through the reserve’s basalt and lava flows, volcanoes, and caves.

Running for some 715 miles (1,150 kilometers) from its source in Salta, the Salado River (Rio Juramento) is famous for its Class III rapids, which offer a medium level of intensity that’s ideal for white-water rafting and kayaking.

Renowned for its architectural fusion, the 17th-century Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Córdoba. Said to be the oldest church in the city, it is most notable for the shape of its vault, which was designed by its boat-builder architect to resemble an inverted ship’s hull.

Though some call Bariloche "Argentina's Switzerland," the area stands on its own. Bellavista Hill translates to "beautiful view," and it delivers on that promise. The top-down view is a panorama of mountains, lakes, and little islands in the lakes that seem to form a jigsaw puzzle. Most summit Bellavista in two and four hours.