The Pampas attractions

Set inside the palace of an aristocratic Argentinian family, designed by French architect René Sergent, the Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo showcases an impressive collection of tapestries, paintings, sculptures, porcelain and other art and design pieces, predominantly from Europe and Asia. Most of the collection spans the 16th to 19th centuries, and the interior is part of the draw.

This former post office turned cultural center is one of the largest in the world, and a beautiful example of French Second Empire architecture. The building itself covers an entire Buenos Aires city block, and inside it’s full of art galleries, events spaces, and the Ballena Azul concert hall, known for its exceptional acoustics.

Composing part of the border between Argentina and Uruguay, this 180-mile (290-km) long estuary is formed by the confluence of the Uruguay and Paraná Rivers. After multiple explorations by various Spanish navigators, the waterway came to be known as the Rio de la Plata (River of Silver) for the promise of riches thought to lie upstream.

While Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina, La Plata is the capital of the Buenos Aires province. Its crowning glory is the neo-Gothic Catedral de la Plata that reigns supreme over its central square, Plaza Moreno, and reflects the grandeur of a city whose name translates as “silver.” It’s also famous for its diagonal streets and being a miniature Buenos Aires.

A burgeoning foodie hot spot, the lively barrio of Villa Crespo has become a fashionable haunt for the city’s young and hip. The district is most notable for its array of bars and eateries—just as chic yet more affordable than those in neighboring Palermo to the northeast—which make it an atmospheric option for an evening out in Buenos Aires.

Also known as the Church of the Sacred Heart, Iglesia de Los Capuchinos impresses with its dramatic mix of neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic architectural styles. It was selected as the First Official Wonder of Córdoba, thanks to the splendor of its facade, which is covered in sculptures and carvings that explore humanity’s relationship with God.

During colonial times, Córdoba was an important center for Argentina’s Jesuit missionaries, and the Jesuit Block (Manzana Jesuítica) is an important part of its Jesuit history and heritage. Sitting at the heart of Córdoba’s Historic Center, the complex of buildings dates back to the 17th century and is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Camino de las Altas Cumbres (High Peaks Trail) is a 62-mile (100-kilometer) route that takes you through the heart of the Sierras de Córdoba mountains. The most famous section of the road connects the city of Córdoba with the Traslasierra Valley, renowned for its traditional villages and lovely natural landscapes.

The largest landscaped space in Córdoba, Parque Sarmiento is hailed as the Argentine city’s green lung. Recreational and cultural opportunities abound here, whether you want to row a boat on the artificial lake, go skating on the rink, visit the Greek theater, browse museums, or wander nature trails winding through flower beds and over streams.

The oldest church in continuous service in Argentina, the Cathedral of Córdoba is a National Historic Monument dating back to the 16th century. It’s notable for its blend of architectural styles, including baroque, classical, and Spanish colonial, and took more than 200 years to build. The interior is just as impressive as the exterior, with its gold vaulted ceilings and frescoes.

Specializing in traditional malbec grapes, Finca Vista Grande comprises 10 acres (4 hectares) of vineyards and an innovative processing room equipped with modern steel tanks and traditional oak barrels. The scenic estate looks out to the mountains of Córdoba, making it a wonderful place to sip wine and soak up the surroundings.

Every Monday, the percussion group La Bomba de Tiempo plays at Buenos Aires’ Ciudad Cultural Konex. It’s one of the more unusual attractions in the city, but more than five million people have seen the show over the past 12 years. Join the crowds dancing to the rhythms of the drummers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.