Located in the southern region of South Americain a large, elongated shape, Argentina was sparsely inhabited by a few indigenous tribesbefore Spain’s colonized it in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Today, the country is an independent republicfeaturing varied landscapes from rich plains to thick jungle, majestic mountains, pastoralsteppes and impressive glaciers.
Here’s a look at the best places to visitin Argentina.
Number 10.
Mar del Plata Once a retreat for Argentina’s aristocracy, Mar del Plata today is the country’s top beach resort city.
Located on the Atlantic Coast in the BuenosAires Province, Mar del Plata attracts millions of tourists every year to its sandy beachesand lively culture.
During the summer weekends it can get verycrowded here but outside the summer months, the city takes on a much more relaxed feel.
Number 9.
Cordoba At the geographical center of Argentina isCordoba, the country’s second largest city.
Surrounded by picturesque valleys and mountains, Cordoba is best known for its concentration of Spanish colonial buildings.
Most of these historic palaces, churches andmonuments are found in the city center within an area known as the Jesuit Block.
Cordoba is also home to more than 200, 000students, providing the city with a youthful and lively atmosphere.
Number 8.
Puerto Madryn Located on the shores of Gulfo Nuevo, thecity of Puerto Madryn is best known as the gateway to Peninsula Valdes.
It is also a popular summer destination becauseof its beautiful beaches although the water can be very cold.
With the explosion of tourism in recent years, Madryn has undergone rapid growth, and the town’s small permanent population swellsexponentially during the summer months.
Whale Watching tours are also popular as theSouthern Right Whale uses the waters of Gulfo Nuevo for breeding and giving birth.
From July to September the whales are so closethey can be viewed from the mainland.
Number 7.
Bariloche With its chocolate shops, Swiss-style architectureand picturesque setting of pristine lakes and snow-capped mountains, San Carlos de Barilocheappears more like a village in Switzerland.
Instead, it is an enchanting city in the RíoNegro Province of Argentina.
Commonly referred to as simply Bariloche, the town also serves as a gateway to spectacular landscapes and outdoor adventures.
The nearby mountains are a hot spot for snowskiing, containing one of South America’s largest ski stations at Cerro Catedral.
Number 6.
Ushuaia Formerly used as a penal colony because ofits isolated location, Ushuaia’s remote beauty is now what makes it one of the mostpopular places to visit in Argentina.
Regarded as the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia is located on the Beagle Channel, serving as a popular base for Antarctica cruises, winter sports and wildlife viewing.
The nearby mountains provide hiking in thesummer and snow sports in the winter.
Number 5.
Mendoza Located in Latin America’s largest wineproducing region, Mendoza is a popular tourist destination not only for its wine but alsofor its proximity to Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas.
Furthermore, Mendoza offers access to beautifulscenery and outdoor adventures such as hiking and river rafting.
At the heart of Mendoza is its main square, Independence Plaza, which is surrounded by restaurants, shops and beautiful buildingsthat are illuminated at night.
Number 4.
El Calafate Formerly a sleepy town in a remote regionof Patagonia, El Calafate is now a booming tourist town thanks to the establishment ofthe nearby Los Glaciares National Park.
The town serves as a starting point for manytourist excursions of which the Perito Moreno Glacier is the most popular due to its spectaculardisplay of cracking and thundering ice breaks.
El Calafate itself is a charming town wheretourists can stroll down the main street and visit souvenir shops and museums like theGlaciarium to learn about all about the region’s glaciers.
Number 3.
Los Glaciares Los Glaciares or Glaciers National Park ishome to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Located in the Santa Cruz Province of thevast Patagonia region, the national park features the largest ice cap outside of Greenland andAntarctica.
The repeated advancing and retreating cycleof the glaciers presents a never ending show of cracking ice and thunderous booms as giantblocks break away and crash into the lakes with enormous splashes.
While the glaciers are located in the southernsection of the park, the northern section features majestic mountains such as MountFitz Roy, offering hiking and mountain climbing.
Number 2.
Buenos Aires Pulsating with vitality and seductive charmfrom colorful European architecture to animated neighborhoods and sizzling nightlife, it isno wonder that Buenos Aires gave birth to the captivating tango dance.
Located off the southeastern coast of SouthAmerica, Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina and one of Latin America’slargest cities.
This vibrant cosmopolitan city is composedof several districts called barrios.
Some of the most visited of these barriosinclude the Microcentro where The Obelisco is located.
San Telmo is popular for its flea marketswhile La Boca’s multicolored architecture and tango street dancing make it a world famousdistrict.
Number 1.
Iguazu Falls One of the world’s most stunning naturalwonders, Iguazu Falls is a series of magnificent waterfalls located on the Iguazu River, straddlingthe border between Brazil and Argentina.
The falls in and of themselves are a breathtakingspectacle, but their beauty is all the more enhanced by the surrounding lush forest teemingin exotic wildlife.
The falls area and wildlife are protectedby the Iguazu National Park.
The park features many excellent walkwayswhile boat rides take people close enough to the falls to get wet from the spray.
The town on the Argentine side is called PuertoIguazu and offers some of the best top-end hotels and spas in Argentina.
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