In 2023, I spent three months exploring Argentina, the eighth largest country in the world. Located in the Southern Hemisphere and stretching to the southern tip of South America, this country in Latin America captivated me in full.
Let me share the 13 unforgettable places to visit when traveling to Argentina based on my firsthand experience in this country.
1. Patagonia
The Patagonia region tops my list of places to revisit in Argentina. It spans the southern tip of South America across Argentina and Chile and encompasses parts of both countries; the Andes serve as a natural divider between the two countries.
The glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and vast plains (called Pampas) with wild horses roaming made for unforgettable views but the friendly local people made the experience magical.
2. El Calafate
El Calafate is located in the southern Patagonia region of Argentina. While visiting the town, try local delicacies like Alfajores, a sweet cookie filled with dulce de leche and visit the Laguna Nimez, a popular bird watching area home to flamingos and other wildlife.
Flamingos at Laguna Nímez Reserve in El Calafate, Argentina.
3. Buenos Aires
You’re probably going to fly into Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. The city has world-class cultural attractions like Teatro Colón and the La Boca neighborhood (places to visit in Argentina #12.
Try visiting in November during your gap year program to see the jacaranda trees in bloom.
Jacaranda trees in bloom.
4. Los Glaciares National Park
I drove 48 miles from El Calafate to reach the Perito Moreno glacier in Los Glaciares National Park near El Calafate.
It is one of the world’s largest freshwater reserves. Unlike most glaciers worldwide, this is one of the few glaciers growing. I watched massive ice chunks crash into Lago Argentino on a glacier trek.
UNESCO designated the park as a World Heritage Site in 1981.
Los Glaciares National Park information for 2025:
Tickets:
- Foreigners over 6 years of age: 45,000 pesos (40 USD)
- Argentines over 6 years of age: 15,000 pesos (14 USD)
- Residents of Santa Cruz Province: 5,000 pesos (5 USD)
- Residents of El Calafate, Argentinean pensioners and retirees, children from 0 to 5 years old and disabled: free.
Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day (visitors can stay in the walkway area until 8:00 PM.)
5. Valdes Peninsula
The protected waters of the Valdes Peninsula in the Patagonia region are the best place to spy on sea lions, elephant seals, whales and adorable penguins. Inland, I encountered guanacos and massive penguin colonies in this nature reserve – 150,000 breeding pairs.
Magellanic penguin in Valdes Peninsula.