The Most Beautiful Towns In Argentina

From the sophistication of Mendoza to the charm and history of small towns set in panoramic, rugged scenery, there are many captivating destinations to visit in Argentina. Here’s our pick of the most beautiful places in this diverse South American country you should put on your must-see list.

1. Villa La Angostura

Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark

Elk199-1150 Argentina, Villa La Angostura, Lago Nahuel Huapi, lakeside landscape with hotels

Villa La Angostura is known as the sophisticated heart of Argentina’s rugged Patagonia region. The town sits on the coast of Nahuel Huapi Lake, a popular summer spot for sunning, swimming, sailing and fishing. However, if winter sports are more your thing, travel the short distance to Cerro Bayo – a skier’s dream.

2. Puerto Iguazú

Natural Feature

Puerto Iguazú is a short drive from one of the most incredible natural wonders in the world, Iguazú Falls. Located along the Iguazú River, the falls straddle both Brazil and Argentina. The city offers excellent hostels and spas, alongside the awe-inspiring might of the falls.

3. Mar del Plata

Architectural Landmark

Crowded Beach Aerial View in Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata is the top beach resort in the country and the holiday destination of choice for the Argentinian aristocracy and other high rollers. In the summer, millions of tourists flock here; however, during the low season, the city takes on a much slower pace and becomes far more relaxed.

5. Bariloche

Natural Feature, Ski Resort

Bariloche offers chalet architecture, bright-blue lakes and snow-capped mountains

Chalet-style architecture, bright-blue lakes and snow-capped mountains are just a few of the things that attract tourists to Bariloche. More akin to a Swiss village than what you might expect from the Río Negro province of Argentina, this spectacular town offers some of the most talked-about ski slopes around, as well as an abundance of other outdoor activities.

6. Ushuaia

Natural Feature

Ushuaia’s isolated location made it the perfect place for a penal colony, which is what it used to be. However, today, the remote beauty is what makes this place one of the most sought-after destinations in Argentina. The southernmost city in the world sits on the shore of the Beagle Channel, serving as a popular base for winter sports, wildlife viewing and Antarctica cruises.

7. Mendoza

Natural Feature

As the largest wine-producing region in South America, Mendoza is often compared to Napa Valley in California. The area’s a popular tourist destination for wine connoisseurs and mountain climbers, as it’s close to the highest mountain in the Americas, Aconcagua. Mendoza is surrounded by beautiful scenery, lending itself to outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding and river rafting.

8. El Calafate

Natural Feature

El Calafate used to be a sleepy town in an isolated region of Patagonia, but its proximity to Los Glaciares National Park has made it a bustling tourist destination. In the province of Santa Cruz, this town is the starting point for tourist excursions to the popular Perito Moreno Glacier.

9. Salta

Natural Feature

Cityscape with Cathedral and Iglesia San Francisco, Salta, Salta province, Argentina

In Lerma Valley in northwestern Argentina, Salta is surrounded by fertile land, canyons and the desolate plateau of La Puna. It’s also home to the best-preserved colonial architecture in the country.

10. Rosario

Architectural Landmark

Rosario is an up-and-coming city along the banks of the Río Paraná. Alongside the tea-colored river, there are boardwalks, bars and restaurants serving a plethora of seafood dishes. Rosario is famous for being the birthplace of both Che Guevara and Lionel Messi.

Kieran Morris contributed additional reporting to this article.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.