Top 10 Things To Do In Argentina For An Amazing Trip

There are so many ways to explore Argentina, from vibrant cities to Argentinian UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Namely, the cosmopolitan capital will blow you away with how much it offers, from high-quality food and wine to dance shows. On the other hand, nature in Argentina is truly worth visiting. Its natural phenomena are for a reason highly ranked in South America, but also globally. Most importantly, Argentina preserves its history while still imposing tourist value. 

Here are the top 10 things to do in Argentina during a vacation to help you have the best trip possible!

1. Go wine tasting in Mendoza province

An interesting fact about Argentina is that it’s one of the leading wine producers globally. Therefore, one of the most famous places in Argentina is its largest wine region – Mendoza. Mendoza is primarily home to the Malbec grape variety but Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir can be found, as well. Mendoza is known for many restaurants, bars, and many wineries offering wine tasting. 

Nevertheless, wine tasting is huge on the outskirts of Mendoza, in Uco Valley, Maipu and Lujan de Cuyo towns.

Cycling to the wineries might be a fun experience, too. Not only for the view of the mountains, but also a view of mansions, and cottages while driving through tree-shaded vineries called bodegas. 

2. Explore Salta’s architecture

One of the most picturesque cities in Argentina made it to our list of the best cities to visit in Argentina. “Salta, La Linda” – beautiful Salta, as they call it, preserved its colonial architecture in the city centre and has many museums, both public and private.

In addition, the main square is buzzing with restaurants and shops, but also a park for a relaxing afternoon. It is called 9th of July Square and the landmark of Argentina, the main pink Baroque Cathedral, is situated there. What’s more, the MAAM museum is not far away either. Namely, the museum keeps extremely well-preserved mummies from the Inca period. And for a view of the whole city, don’t forget The San Bernardo Funicular.

3. Explore the colours of Buenos Aires

With 48 neighbourhoods (barrios), the beautiful capital is certainly one of the best tourist places in Argentina. For example, the widest boulevard in the world, Avenida 9 de Julio, is situated in San Nicolas, while Colonial Casa Rosada on Plaza de Mayo is situated in Montserrat. Moreover, Palermo is filled with restaurants, bars and boutique hotels while historic fancy buildings can be found in Recoleta.

Last but not least, La Boca is where you will find the colourful Caminito Street, filled with tango dancers and street vendors. Interestingly, unable to afford building materials, people used wood from old ships and paint to get what’s today the most colourful attraction in Buenos Aires. 

4. Visit the Iguazu Waterfalls

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Argentina. Namely, a wide U-shaped cliff creates numerous cascades on the Iguazu River. This World Heritage Site and national park has its smaller counterpart in Brazil and can be easily reached just a day after exploring the Argentine side. However, a viewpoint at the biggest waterfall, Devil’s Throat is set here!

The famous Argentine waterfall causes a lot of mist so be ready to get soaked while listening to water surging down the cliff. Furthermore, the park has several very accessible trails, and a train, and is not far away from either Puerto Iguazu or the Brazilian Foc de Iguazu.

5. Try out Argentinian barbecue

What Argentina is known for is its barbecue – asado. This heaven for meat eaters offers so many various cuts of the highest-quality beef in the world. While asado means both this special event of getting together and barbecuing, it is also a way of roasting meat next to an open fire.

Furthermore, parilla is both a grill and a type of restaurant. They are all over the country and serve this delicious meat that is standardly well-done. Start off with chorizo or morcillas (blood sausages), and continue with the star of the show – beef. Steaks, ribeye, short ribs, skirt steak, and so on, but remember, all parts of the cow are being used. Just add condiments like salsa criolla or chimichurri, and a glass of Malbec and enjoy!

6. Go horseback riding in the Pampas

If you’re up for a more relaxed vacation in Argentina, don’t worry! You can learn a lot about Argentine culture by staying on a ranch and exploring the traditions of the Argentine cowboys – gauchos.

As you already know, estancias or cattle ranches are deeply rooted in Argentine culture and one of the staples of Argentina’s tourism. Therefore, many guided tours include visiting local villages and enjoying slow-paced gaucho life in the countryside. Organized tours can be found anywhere, even a few hours from the capital. That’s because the area surrounding Buenos Aires is Pampas, the birthplace of the gaucho.

Other areas dotted with estancias are Córdoba Province and the Lake District region which offers some breathtaking trails. 

7. Hike the Perito Moreno Glacier 

Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Argentina. Namely, the most visited of the Patagonian glaciers is also one of the rare advancing ones. Alongside other 47 glaciers, it is set in Los Glaciares National Park, protected by UNESCO.

So, the ultimate way to visit the glacier on Lake Argentino is by booking a shorter or longer boat excursion. It includes hiking on the glacier with spiky shoe equipment and a whisky with glacial water!

Another way to visit the glacier is by admiring it from the boardwalk. There are some amazing panoramic views, just an hour and a half from the city of El Calafate.

8. Go whale watching in Peninsula Valdes

Valdes Peninsula opening into the Atlantic Ocean is one of the best wildlife destinations in Patagonia. Not just that, it’s one of the best tourist attractions in Argentina!

Namely, it is a breeding ground for endangered Southern Right Whales. And September and October are ideal times to spot the beautiful creatures. But the peninsula is also a great location to spot orcas – a pod of 25 can at times be seen sliding up the beach.

Moreover, whale-watching tours embark from the small and quiet town of Puerto Piramides. On the other hand, El Doradillo Beach is the best for coastal sightings of whales in the early season. The beach is only 15 km away from Puerto Madryn where it’s easy to find accommodation.

9. Don’t miss the football derby

Naming cool places in Argentina and not mentioning the stadiums is just not it. Because for portenos – residents of Buenos Aires, football is a way of life. Therefore, seeing a football match in Buenos Aires either for tourists or locals is a special experience. Especially when Boca Juniors play against River Plate and everyone flocks to the city centre. Namely, they are two of the big five football clubs, including also Independiente, Racing Club and San Lorenzo.

Therefore a visit to Boca Juniors’ stadium La Bombonera and River Plates Monumental should be on top of your list. Another stop can be the River Plate Museum – showcasing the history of one of the most successful Argentine football clubs. 

10. Dance tango on the streets

Tango, a dance that originated on the streets of Buenos Aires, is one of the best tourist attractions in Argentina, too! Besides the city streets, there are so many dance halls to choose from in Buenos Aires.

Professional dancers hold dance lessons and after midnight, they take the spotlight while the rest can take a drink and enjoy watching the show. So, very often visitors decide to take on this challenge and learn a few moves.

Some dance halls, or milongas to choose from, are La Viruta, Bar Los Laureles and Salón Canning. In Café de Los Angelitos dancers put on a proper show showcasing how tango changed through the years, while La Faena Hotel has an exclusive tango show.