Argentina is one of those countries that seems to contain a whole continent of landscapes: explosive waterfalls, jagged glaciers, wind-swept steppe, high-altitude salt flats and lively cities. Below I share a curated list of the 12 most scenic places I visited during extended trips to Patagonia and Iguazú, with short tips on what to see and when to go. For a comparison with other bucket-list destinations, see the 10 best places to visit in Mexico to get ideas for combining varied Latin American highlights into one extended trip.
1. Buenos Aires — Color, tango and architecture
Why go: Elegant boulevards, neoclassical buildings in Recoleta, colorful houses of La Boca and an unbeatable café culture.
Highlights: Plaza de Mayo, Palermo parks, San Telmo markets, tango shows in the evening.
Best time: Spring (Sept–Nov) and autumn (Mar–May) for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Tip: Walk rather than drive—many gems show up between main plazas.
2. Iguazú Falls — Immense, thunderous waterfalls
Why go: One of the world’s most dramatic waterfall systems, where walkways bring you to the mist and roar of the falls.
Highlights: Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo) viewpoint, boat rides under the cascades.
Best time: Year-round, but high water from Dec–Mar increases spectacle; shoulder seasons are less humid.
Tip: Spend a full day on the Argentine side and a half-day on the Brazilian side for panoramic views.
3. Perito Moreno Glacier (El Calafate) — Ice up close
Why go: A massive, advancing glacier you can approach on walkways or by boat—and watch dramatic calving.
Highlights: Glacier trekking options and timed viewpoints for calving.
Best time: Oct–Mar for longer daylight and milder temps.
Tip: Book a guided mini-trek on the glacier if you want a hands-on ice experience.
4. El Chaltén & Mount Fitz Roy — Trekker’s paradise
Why go: Towering granite peaks, alpine lakes and some of Argentina’s best day hikes.
Highlights: Laguna de los Tres for Fitz Roy, Laguna Torre at sunrise.
Best time: Nov–Mar for hiking conditions; be prepared for rapidly changing weather.
Tip: Stay a few days and mix short hikes with a longer full-day route.
5. Ushuaia & Tierra del Fuego — The end of the world
Why go: Rugged fjords, subpolar forests and maritime wildlife where the Andes meet the Southern Ocean.
Highlights: Tierra del Fuego National Park, Beagle Channel boat trips, penguin colonies.
Best time: Nov–Mar for peak season and accessible trails.
Tip: Layer up—wind and sudden cold snaps are common even in summer.
6. Bariloche & the Lake District — Alpine lakes and forests
Why go: Glacier-fed lakes framed by mountains, chocolate shops and excellent hiking.
Highlights: Circuito Chico drive, Cerro Campanario viewpoint, summer kayaking or winter skiing.
Best time: Dec–Mar for hiking and water activities; Jun–Aug for skiing.
Tip: Rent a car to explore the scenic roads and hidden beaches around the lakes.
7. Península Valdés — Marine wildlife capital
Why go: Whale watching, sea lion colonies, elephant seals and orcas (in seasonal conditions).
Highlights: Whale-watching cruises from Puerto Pirámides, Punta Norte for sea lion watching.
Best time: Jun–Dec for Southern Right Whales; other species are seasonal.
Tip: Respect wildlife distances; guided tours give the best chance to spot animals safely.
8. Mendoza & Aconcagua foothills — Vineyards with mountain views
Why go: World-class Malbec, sun-soaked vineyards and close-up views of the Andes.
Highlights: Wine tastings, Aconcagua Provincial Park day trips, scenic cycling through vineyards.
Best time: Mar–May (harvest season) for wine festivals and warm days.
Tip: Combine tastings with a day hike or a hot-air balloon ride for panoramic views.
9. Quebrada de Humahuaca — Colorful canyon and Andean culture
Why go: A UNESCO-listed gorge with rainbow-hued hills, colonial villages and living indigenous traditions.
Highlights: Purmamarca’s Cerro de los Siete Colores, Tilcara’s ruins, colorful local markets.
Best time: Apr–Nov for dry, clear skies and comfortable daytime temperatures.
Tip: Acclimatize slowly if you’re coming from low altitudes—some towns sit above 2,500 m.
10. Salinas Grandes & Jujuy highlands — Surreal salt plains
Why go: Vast, reflective salt flats that make for otherworldly photos and high-altitude desert landscapes.
Highlights: The mirror-like expanse of Salinas Grandes and bright local textile markets in Jujuy.
Best time: Dry season (May–Nov) for accessibility and crisp skies.
Tip: Bring sun protection and warm layers; UV and temperature swings are extreme.
11. Esteros del Iberá — Birdwatcher and wildlife refuge
Why go: One of South America’s largest wetlands—ideal for spotting capybaras, caimans, marsh deer and many birds.
Highlights: Boat safaris through reed channels, guided nighttime wildlife spotting.
Best time: Apr–Oct for lower water and easier trails; wildlife-viewing is strong year-round.
Tip: Stay in eco-lodges to support conservation and for guided excursions that maximize sightings.
12. Ruta de los Siete Lagos — Scenic lakes route
Why go: A short but spectacular drive connecting Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes through forested mountains and turquoise lakes.
Highlights: Stop at viewpoints, swim in clear mountain lakes, picnic at hidden coves.
Best time: Dec–Mar for warm weather and forest blooms.
Tip: Start early to avoid peak tourist traffic and take your time—there are great viewpoints off the main road.
Practical tips for planning
- Getting around: Domestic flights connect hubs (Buenos Aires, Bariloche, El Calafate, Ushuaia, Iguazú), but renting a car gives flexibility in the Lake District and northern provinces.
- Packing: Layering is essential—Patagonia can be windy and cold even in summer, while the north is hot and dry.
- Time: If you have only two weeks, choose one region (Patagonia or the north/center); with 3–4 weeks you can combine Buenos Aires, Iguazú and a Patagonian circuit.
- Booking: Peak months vary by region—book accommodations and key tours (glacier treks, whale-watching) well in advance.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to stitch Buenos Aires, Patagonia and the rest of Argentina into a single plan, this Exploring Argentina: the perfect Buenos Aires to Patagonia itinerary offers a practical route to see many of the landscapes described above.